A joint family consists of seven members A, B, C, D, E, F and G with three females. G is a widow and sister-in-law of D's father F. B and D are siblings and A is daughter of B. C is cousin of B. Who is E ? 1. Wife of F 2. Grandmother of A 3. Aunt of C Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• G is the sister-in-law of F (D's father), implying G is married to F's brother, making G a female and F's brother's wife.

• Since G is a widow, her husband (F's brother) is deceased, and G is the mother of C (B's cousin), making G a female.

• The family has three females: G, A (B's daughter), and E. Thus, E must be the third female.

• F is D's father and B's uncle (since B and D are siblings). For E to be the wife of F, she would be the mother of B and D, making her a female.

• If E is the wife of F, she is the grandmother of A (B's daughter) and the aunt of C (cousin of B, child of F's brother).

• Therefore, E satisfies all three descriptions: Wife of F, Grandmother of A, and Aunt of C.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only: Option 1 and 2 only is incorrect because E is also the aunt of C, as C is the child of F's brother (G's husband).
(b) 2 and 3 only: Option 2 and 3 only is incorrect because E is the wife of F, as she is the mother of B and D.
(c) 1 and 3 only: Option 1 and 3 only is incorrect because E is the grandmother of A, as A is the daughter of B, who is E's son.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.