Passage

Directions for the next 2 (two) items : Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage. Passage Sport is not just about winning medals or getting jobs through a sports quota. Today's generation is struggling with issues like depression and anxiety. Parents often say that their children are inactive and rarely leave the house. Sport can help tackle these problems. From sport you can learn time management, fitness, teamwork, coordination, and so much more. We need to develop a culture in which sport is seen as a way of life—a path to building a healthier, happier society.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Parents are not encouraging enough when it comes to children playing sport. 2. Participation in sporting activities can help develop life skills. 3. Sport as a way of life can help evolve the very nature of society itself. Select the answer using the code given below.

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

Why the answer is (b)

• Statement 1 is not correct: the passage says parents complain that their children are inactive; it does not say parents fail to encourage them to play.

• Statement 2 is correct: time management, fitness, teamwork and coordination are life skills the passage says sport teaches.

• Statement 3 is correct: the passage sees sport as a way of life building "a healthier, happier society", i.e. changing society itself.

• Hence 2 and 3: (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 3: Statement 1 is not supported: parents complain of inactivity, they are not blamed for it.
(c) 2 only: Statement 3 is also correct.
(d) 3 only: Statement 2 is also correct.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.