Eight persons P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W sit around a round table in eight different seats placed with equal distance between any two consecutive seats. Both P and R are adjacent to Q. Both T and R are adjacent to S. Both U and W are adjacent to V. S and W are on opposite chairs. If while going in the clockwise direction around the table from P, one meets R before T, then how many persons shall Q cross while moving in the clockwise direction around the table before meeting W?
- (a) 5 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 4
- (c) 2
- (d) 1
Why the answer is (a)
• P and R are both next to Q, and R and T are both next to S, so P, Q, R, S, T sit in a row of five consecutive seats.
• U and W are both next to V, so U, V, W fill the other three seats as a block, and S must be opposite W. Numbering seats 0 to 7 with P = 0, Q = 1, R = 2, S = 3, T = 4, the seat opposite S is 7, so W = 7, V = 6, U = 5.
• Going clockwise from P one meets R before T, so clockwise runs P → Q → R → S → T → U → V → W.
• Moving clockwise from Q, one passes R, S, T, U and V before reaching W: 5 persons, (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 4
- Q passes R, S, T, U and V, which is five persons, not four.
- (c) 2
- 2 matches neither direction; clockwise Q passes five persons before W.
- (d) 1
- 1 is the count going anticlockwise (Q passes only P before W); the question asks clockwise.
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.