With reference to 'circular letters', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Circular letters are usually addressed to a group of people. 2. Non-standard and customized content is typical of circular letters. 3. Circular letters are used to intimate appraisals and increments of employees within organisations. 4. Circular letters are less cost-effective than personalised and specific recipient-directed letters. Select the answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 4
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 is correct: a circular letter carries the same message to a group of people.
• Statement 2 is not correct: circulars use standard content, not customised content.
• Statement 3 is not correct: appraisals and increments are individual and confidential, so they go in personal letters, not circulars.
• Statement 4 is not correct: one standard text for many recipients makes circulars MORE cost-effective. Hence 1 only: (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Circulars have standard, not customised, content.
- (b) 2 and 4
- Circulars are standard and more cost-effective.
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- Appraisals are communicated individually, and circulars are cheaper, not costlier.
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.