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 because circular letters are mass communication tools addressed to a large group of recipients, such as all employees or customers, rather than a single individual.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because circular letters contain standard, uniform content for all recipients; non-standard or customized content is characteristic of personal letters, not circulars.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because appraisals and increments are confidential, individual matters requiring personalized communication, whereas circulars are for general information like policy changes or office hours.
• Statement 4 is incorrect because circular letters are more cost-effective than personalized letters due to the economies of scale in printing and distributing a single document to many people.
• Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making option (d) the right answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Statement 2 is incorrect because circular letters use standard, uniform content, not non-standard or customized content.
- (b) 2 and 4
- Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect because circular letters use standard content and are more cost-effective than personalized letters.
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect because appraisals are confidential individual matters, and circulars are more cost-effective than personalized letters.
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.