Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Barrier to communication) A. Semantic B. Cognitive C. Organisational D. Affective List-II (Example) 1. Lack of feedback 2. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word 3. Fear of social stigma 4. Information overload Code :

(a) A - 3, B - 1, C - 4, D - 2
(b) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
(c) A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3
(d) A - 2, B - 4, C - 1, D - 3 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Semantic barriers arise from the interpretation of words and symbols, so 'Misunderstanding the meaning of a word' (2) matches A.

• Cognitive barriers relate to mental processing capacity, making 'Information overload' (4) the correct match for B.

• Organisational barriers stem from structural or procedural issues within an entity, such as 'Lack of feedback' (1), which matches C.

• Affective barriers are emotional or psychological, so 'Fear of social stigma' (3) matches D.

• Therefore, the correct combination is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3, which corresponds to option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) A - 3, B - 1, C - 4, D - 2: It incorrectly matches Semantic with Fear of social stigma and Cognitive with Lack of feedback.
(b) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2: It incorrectly matches Semantic with Fear of social stigma and Organisational with Lack of feedback while misaligning Affective.
(c) A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3: It incorrectly matches Cognitive with Lack of feedback and Organisational with Information overload.

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.