Candidates in a competitive examination consisted of 60% men and 40% women. 70% men and 75% women cleared the qualifying test and entered the final test where 80% men and 70% women were successful. Which of the following statements is correct ?
- (a) Success rate is higher for women.
- (b) Overall success rate is below 50%.
- (c) More men cleared the examination than women. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Both (a) and (b) above are correct.
Why the answer is (c)
• Assume a total of 100 candidates: 60 men and 40 women.
• Men who cleared the final test: 60 * 70% * 80% = 33.6 men.
• Women who cleared the final test: 40 * 75% * 70% = 21 women.
• Comparing the final successful candidates, 33.6 men is greater than 21 women.
• Therefore, more men cleared the examination than women, making option (c) correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Success rate is higher for women.
- The success rate for men (56%) is higher than for women (52.5%).
- (b) Overall success rate is below 50%.
- The overall success rate is 54.6%, which is above 50%.
- (d) Both (a) and (b) above are correct.
- Since statement (a) is incorrect, the combined option (d) is also incorrect.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.