CUET 2026 General Aptitude Test May 25 Shift 1 Question Paper- Download Answer Key and Solution PDF

Concept:
Successive percentage increase and decrease are not directly cancelled because each percentage is calculated on a different base value. Whenever a quantity is increased and then decreased by the same percentage, there is always a net decrease.

The formula for successive percentage change is: \[ Net Percentage Change = a + b + \frac{ab}{100} \]
where \(a\) and \(b\) are percentage changes with signs.

Step 1: Assume an initial value.

Let the original number be: \[ 100 \]

Step 2: Increase the number by 20%.

Increase: \[ 20% of 100 = 20 \]

New value becomes: \[ 100 + 20 = 120 \]

Step 3: Decrease the new value by 20%.

Now decrease 120 by 20%: \[ 20% of 120 = 24 \]

Therefore: \[ 120 - 24 = 96 \]

Step 4: Compare final value with original value.

Original value: \[ 100 \]

Final value: \[ 96 \]

Decrease: \[ 100 - 96 = 4 \]

Percentage decrease: \[ \frac{4}{100}\times100 = 4% \]

Step 5: Write the final conclusion.

Hence, the overall result is: 4% decreaseQuick Tip: Increasing and decreasing a number by the same percentage never gives the original value back. Equal percentage increase and decrease always result in a net decrease.

Concept:
When a train crosses a pole, the distance travelled by the train is equal to the length of the train itself because the pole is treated as a point object.

The formula for speed is: \[ Speed = \frac{Distance}{Time} \]

Step 1: Identify the given values.

Length of train: \[ 180 m \]

Time taken: \[ 9 seconds \]

Step 2: Understand the actual distance travelled.

Since the train crosses a pole, the train must completely pass the pole.

Thus, distance travelled: \[ 180 m \]

Step 3: Apply the speed formula.
\[ Speed = \frac{180}{9} \]
\[ = 20 m/s \]

Step 4: Write the final answer.

Hence, the speed of the train is: \[ \boxed{20 m/s} \] Quick Tip: For train crossing pole problems: \[ Distance travelled = Length of train \]

Concept:
Work problems are solved using efficiency or work rates.

If a person completes work in \(n\) days, then: \[ One day's work = \frac{1}{n} \]

Combined work rates are added together.

Step 1: Find the work rate of A and B together.

A and B together complete work in 12 days.

Thus: \[ (A+B)'s one day's work = \frac{1}{12} \]

Step 2: Find A's individual work rate.

A alone completes work in 20 days.

Therefore: \[ A's one day's work = \frac{1}{20} \]

Step 3: Calculate B's work rate.
\[ B's work rate = \frac{1}{12} - \frac{1}{20} \]

Taking LCM: \[ = \frac{5-3}{60} \]
\[ = \frac{2}{60} \]
\[ = \frac{1}{30} \]

Step 4: Determine time taken by B alone.

If B completes: \[ \frac{1}{30} \]
of work in one day, then B alone completes full work in: \[ 30 days \]

Step 5: Write the final conclusion.

Hence, B alone can complete the work in: \[ \boxed{30 days} \] Quick Tip: In work problems: \[ Combined efficiency = Sum of individual efficiencies \]

Concept:
Simple Interest (S.I.) is calculated only on the original principal amount.

Formula: \[ S.I. = \frac{P \times R \times T}{100} \]

where:

\(P\) = Principal
\(R\) = Rate of interest
\(T\) = Time


Step 1: Write the given values.

Principal: \[ P = 5000 \]

Rate: \[ R = 8% \]

Time: \[ T = 3 years \]

Step 2: Substitute values into formula.
\[ S.I. = \frac{5000 \times 8 \times 3}{100} \]

Step 3: Perform calculations carefully.
\[ 5000 \times 8 = 40000 \]
\[ 40000 \times 3 = 120000 \]
\[ \frac{120000}{100} = 1200 \]

Step 4: Write the final answer.

Therefore, the Simple Interest is: \[ \boxed{₹1200} \] Quick Tip: Simple Interest is always calculated on the original principal amount only.

Concept:
Chronological order means arranging events according to the sequence in which they occurred historically. To solve such questions correctly, we must know the exact years of important events of the Indian National Movement.

Step 1: Identify the year of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on: \[ 13 April 1919 \]

General Dyer ordered firing on a peaceful gathering at Amritsar, leading to the death of hundreds of innocent people.

Thus, this is the earliest event among the given options.

Step 2: Identify the year of Non-Cooperation Movement.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in: \[ 1920 \]

The movement encouraged Indians to boycott British institutions, schools, courts, and foreign goods.

Thus, this event occurred after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Step 3: Identify the year of Civil Disobedience Movement.

The Civil Disobedience Movement began in: \[ 1930 \]

It started with Gandhi's famous Dandi March against the British salt laws.

Hence, this event occurred after the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Step 4: Identify the year of Quit India Movement.

The Quit India Movement was launched in: \[ 1942 \]

This movement demanded immediate independence from British rule and gave the slogan: \[ ``Do or Die'' \]

Thus, this is the latest event among the given options.

Step 5: Arrange all events in proper chronological order.

Therefore, the correct chronological sequence is: \[ 1919 \rightarrow 1920 \rightarrow 1930 \rightarrow 1942 \]

Hence: \[ 4 \rightarrow 2 \rightarrow 3 \rightarrow 1 \]

Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(A)\ 4,2,3,1} \] Quick Tip: Important sequence: \[ Jallianwala Bagh \rightarrow Non-Cooperation \rightarrow Civil Disobedience \rightarrow Quit India \]

Concept:
West Bengal is an eastern state of India having international boundaries with multiple neighboring countries. Understanding the geographical location and border-sharing states is important in Indian geography.

Step 1: Analyze the border with Nepal.

West Bengal shares a small border with Nepal in its northern region near the Darjeeling area.

Therefore, Nepal shares a border with West Bengal.

Step 2: Analyze the border with Bhutan.

The northern part of West Bengal also shares an international boundary with Bhutan.

Districts near the Himalayan foothills are connected with Bhutan.

Hence, Bhutan also shares a border with West Bengal.

Step 3: Analyze the border with Bangladesh.

West Bengal shares the longest international border with Bangladesh among all neighboring countries.

The eastern side of the state is extensively connected with Bangladesh.

Therefore, Bangladesh also shares a border with West Bengal.

Step 4: Determine the correct option.

Since Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh all share borders with West Bengal, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{All of these} \] Quick Tip: West Bengal shares international borders with: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Concept:
Different naturally occurring substances contain different organic acids responsible for their taste and chemical properties. Vinegar is a commonly used acidic liquid in cooking and food preservation.

Step 1: Understand the composition of vinegar.

Vinegar mainly contains dilute acetic acid dissolved in water.

Chemically: \[ Acetic Acid = CH_3COOH \]

It gives vinegar its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell.

Step 2: Analyze option (A) Citric Acid.

Citric acid is mainly found in citrus fruits such as:

Lemon
Orange
Mosambi


Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Step 3: Analyze option (B) Acetic Acid.

Acetic acid is the principal acid present in vinegar.

Hence, this option is correct.

Step 4: Analyze option (C) Tartaric Acid.

Tartaric acid is commonly found in tamarind and grapes.

Thus, this option is incorrect.

Step 5: Analyze option (D) Oxalic Acid.

Oxalic acid is found in spinach and tomato.

Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

Step 6: Write the final conclusion.

Thus, the acid commonly found in vinegar is: \[ \boxed{Acetic Acid} \] Quick Tip: Remember common natural acids: Vinegar --- Acetic Acid Citrus fruits --- Citric Acid Tamarind --- Tartaric Acid

Concept:
Fundamental Rights are basic rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution of India. These rights protect individual liberty, equality, and dignity, and are enforceable by courts.

Fundamental Rights are inspired partly by the American Bill of Rights.

Step 1: Understand the location of Fundamental Rights in Constitution.

Fundamental Rights are included in: \[ Part III of the Indian Constitution \]

They extend from: \[ Article 12 to Article 35 \]

Step 2: Understand the importance of Fundamental Rights.

These rights protect citizens against arbitrary actions of the state and ensure democratic freedom.

Major Fundamental Rights include:

Right to Equality
Right to Freedom
Right against Exploitation
Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies


Step 3: Analyze incorrect options.

- Articles 36--51 belong to Directive Principles of State Policy.

- Articles 52--78 deal with Union Executive.

- Articles 79--123 relate mainly to Parliament and legislative matters.

Hence, these options are incorrect.

Step 4: Write the final answer.

Therefore, Fundamental Rights are included in: \[ \boxed{Articles 12--35} \] Quick Tip: Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Indian Constitution from Articles 12 to 35.

Concept:
Dhuandhar Waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls of India. It is formed by the Narmada River and is known for its spectacular appearance, roaring sound, and mist-like water spray. The name ``Dhuandhar'' comes from two Hindi words: \[ Dhuan = Smoke \] \[ Dhar = Flow \]

The waterfall appears smoky due to the formation of mist created by the powerful flow of water.

Step 1: Understand the geographical location of Dhuandhar Waterfall.

Dhuandhar Waterfall is situated near Jabalpur city on the Narmada River.

It is located close to the famous Marble Rocks region of Bhedaghat.

Step 2: Identify the state in which Jabalpur is located.

Jabalpur is a major city in the Indian state of: \[ Madhya Pradesh \]

Therefore, Dhuandhar Waterfall is also located in Madhya Pradesh.

Step 3: Analyze the incorrect options.

- Rajasthan is mainly known for deserts and forts, not Dhuandhar Falls.

- Uttarakhand contains many Himalayan waterfalls, but not Dhuandhar.

- Chhattisgarh has several waterfalls, but Dhuandhar is not among them.

Hence, these options are incorrect.

Step 4: Write the final conclusion.

Therefore, Dhuandhar Waterfall is located in: \[ \boxed{Madhya Pradesh} \] Quick Tip: Dhuandhar Waterfall is formed by the Narmada River near Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh.

Concept:
Different food items and natural substances contain characteristic acids responsible for their taste, sourness, and chemical behavior. Questions related to naturally occurring acids are common in chemistry and general science.

Step 1: Analyze option (A) Tomato --- Oxalic Acid.

Tomatoes contain small amounts of oxalic acid, but they are not commonly identified with oxalic acid in standard matching questions.

Hence, this pair is not considered the best correct match in this context.

Step 2: Analyze option (B) Orange --- Citric Acid.

Oranges are citrus fruits and contain large amounts of citric acid.

Citric acid gives oranges their characteristic sour taste.

Therefore, this pair is correctly matched.

Step 3: Analyze option (C) Vinegar --- Lactic Acid.

Vinegar mainly contains acetic acid, not lactic acid.

Lactic acid is commonly found in curd and sour milk products.

Hence, this pair is incorrect.

Step 4: Analyze option (D) Tamarind --- Acetic Acid.

Tamarind mainly contains tartaric acid.

Acetic acid is associated with vinegar.

Therefore, this pair is also incorrect.

Step 5: Determine the correct answer.

Among all the given options, the correctly matched pair is: \[ \boxed{Orange --- Citric Acid} \] Quick Tip: Important natural acids: Orange/Lemon --- Citric Acid Vinegar --- Acetic Acid Tamarind --- Tartaric Acid Curd --- Lactic Acid