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HSSC CET study materials
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HSSC CET practice questions

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Question 1General Awareness and Reasoning

Under the Haryana Common Eligibility Test scheme, the CET score is used for shortlisting candidates for which of the following?

  1. Only Group B and C posts of the state government Correct answer.
  2. Only teaching posts in private schools
  3. Only central government posts
  4. Only Group A gazetted posts

Explanation

The Haryana CET was introduced to create a common screening score for recruitment to Group B and Group C posts in Haryana government departments, boards and corporations. Group A posts are filled through separate processes such as HPSC examinations. Candidates should remember that the CET score is a screening eligibility, not a guarantee of appointment.

Question 2General Awareness and Reasoning

In the Haryana CET pattern, the paper is set in which language medium?

  1. Hindi only
  2. Both English and Hindi Correct answer.
  3. English, Hindi and Punjabi
  4. English only

Explanation

The Haryana CET question paper is printed bilingually in English and Hindi so that candidates from both language backgrounds can attempt it. Punjabi is not a medium of the CET paper. This bilingual format is a standard feature of most Haryana state recruitment tests.

Question 3General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is the highest peak in the state of Haryana?

  1. Dhosi Hill
  2. Morni Hill
  3. Karoh Peak Correct answer.
  4. Narnaul Hill

Explanation

Karoh Peak, located in the Morni Hills area of Panchkula district, is regarded as the highest point in Haryana. It lies in the Shivalik range and rises to roughly 1,400 metres. Dhosi Hill is famous for herbal heritage rather than height.

Question 4General Awareness and Reasoning

The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is held annually in which district of Haryana?

  1. Hisar
  2. Faridabad Correct answer.
  3. Gurugram
  4. Karnal

Explanation

The Surajkund Mela is organised every year at Surajkund in Faridabad district, near the Delhi border. It showcases handicrafts and handlooms from India and partner countries. The venue is associated with the ancient Suraj Kund reservoir.

Question 5General Awareness and Reasoning

Which crop is the largest contributor to Haryana's agricultural output by area under cultivation during the rabi season?

  1. Wheat Correct answer.
  2. Cotton
  3. Sugarcane
  4. Rice

Explanation

Wheat dominates the rabi season in Haryana, with the state being a major contributor to the central pool. Rice and cotton are largely kharif crops, while sugarcane has a longer duration. Wheat's share of rabi cropped area is the highest.

Question 6General Awareness and Reasoning

If the day before yesterday was Sunday, what day will it be the day after tomorrow?

  1. Tuesday
  2. Thursday Correct answer.
  3. Wednesday
  4. Friday

Explanation

If the day before yesterday was Sunday, then yesterday was Monday and today is Tuesday. The day after tomorrow is two days after Tuesday, which is Thursday. Counting forward day by day avoids off-by-one errors.

Question 7General Awareness and Reasoning

Pointing to a photograph, Ravi said, 'She is the daughter of my grandfather's only son.' How is the girl in the photograph related to Ravi?

  1. Cousin
  2. Sister Correct answer.
  3. Aunt
  4. Niece

Explanation

The grandfather's only son must be Ravi's father, since Ravi refers to him as his grandfather's son. The daughter of Ravi's father is therefore Ravi's sister. The word 'only' rules out the possibility of an uncle.

Question 8General Awareness and Reasoning

Complete the series: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ?

  1. 40
  2. 42
  3. 38 Correct answer.
  4. 36

Explanation

The differences between consecutive terms are 3, 5, 7 and 9, which are consecutive odd numbers. The next difference should be 11, so 27 + 11 = 38. Checking the pattern of second differences confirms a constant increase of 2.

Question 9General Awareness and Reasoning

Which article of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability?

  1. Article 15
  2. Article 17 Correct answer.
  3. Article 14
  4. Article 21

Explanation

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, making it a fundamental right enforceable against the state and individuals. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds. Article 17 is the specific provision on untouchability.

Question 10General Awareness and Reasoning

The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?

  1. Nine
  2. Eight Correct answer.
  3. Seven
  4. Six

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Remembering the states from west to east in order helps avoid omissions. It does not pass through Odisha or Bihar.

Question 11General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following Indian rivers flows westward into the Arabian Sea?

  1. Kaveri
  2. Krishna
  3. Godavari
  4. Narmada Correct answer.

Explanation

The Narmada flows westward through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and drains into the Arabian Sea. The Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri all flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. The Narmada and Tapi are the two major westward-flowing peninsular rivers.

Question 12General Awareness and Reasoning

Which fundamental duty was added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?

  1. To send children to school
  2. To pay taxes honestly
  3. To vote in elections
  4. To protect and improve the natural environment Correct answer.

Explanation

The 42nd Amendment inserted Part IVA on fundamental duties, including the duty to protect and improve the natural environment, forests and wildlife. The duty to send children to school was added later by the 86th Amendment. Paying taxes and voting are not listed fundamental duties.

Question 13General Awareness and Reasoning

A man buys an article for ₹800 and sells it at a profit of 25%. What is the selling price?

  1. ₹1000 Correct answer.
  2. ₹900
  3. ₹950
  4. ₹1050

Explanation

Profit is calculated on the cost price, so 25% of ₹800 is ₹200. Adding this to the cost price gives a selling price of ₹1000. The formula is SP = CP × (1 + profit percent/100).

Question 14General Awareness and Reasoning

In a certain code, if CAT is written as DBU, how is DOG written in the same code?

  1. EPI
  2. FPH
  3. EQH
  4. EPH Correct answer.

Explanation

Each letter in the code is shifted one step forward in the alphabet: C→D, A→B, T→U. Applying the same rule to DOG gives E, P and H. The pattern is a uniform +1 shift for every letter.

Question 15General Awareness and Reasoning

Five friends P, Q, R, S and T sit in a row facing north. R is to the immediate right of P, and T is at the extreme left end. If Q is between R and S, who sits at the extreme right end?

  1. P
  2. Q
  3. R
  4. S Correct answer.

Explanation

With T at the extreme left, the remaining four seats hold P, R, Q and S in that order, since R is immediately right of P and Q is between R and S. The full arrangement is T, P, R, Q, S. Therefore S occupies the extreme right end.

Question 16General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is the largest gland in the human body?

  1. Pancreas
  2. Thyroid
  3. Pituitary
  4. Liver Correct answer.

Explanation

The liver is the largest gland and the largest internal organ in the human body, weighing roughly 1.5 kilograms in adults. It performs metabolic, detoxifying and bile-secreting functions. The pancreas is a mixed gland but much smaller.

Question 17General Awareness and Reasoning

Which vitamin deficiency causes night blindness?

  1. Vitamin D
  2. Vitamin B1
  3. Vitamin C
  4. Vitamin A Correct answer.

Explanation

Vitamin A is essential for the formation of rhodopsin in the retina, and its deficiency impairs vision in dim light, causing night blindness. Prolonged deficiency can also cause xerophthalmia. Vitamin A is found in carrots, liver and leafy vegetables.

Question 18General Awareness and Reasoning

In the context of Haryana's administration, which body conducts the Common Eligibility Test for state posts?

  1. Haryana Board of School Education
  2. Haryana Public Service Commission
  3. Haryana State Election Commission
  4. Haryana Staff Selection Commission Correct answer.

Explanation

The Haryana Staff Selection Commission is the nodal agency for conducting the CET and subsequent recruitment to Group B and C posts. The HPSC handles Group A and other gazetted posts. The State Election Commission conducts panchayat and municipal elections.

Question 19General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following pairs of Haryana district and its well-known industry is correctly matched?

  1. Hisar - shipbuilding
  2. Karnal - diamond cutting
  3. Panipat - handloom and textile products Correct answer.
  4. Gurugram - coal mining

Explanation

Panipat is known as the 'city of weavers' and is a major hub for handloom and textile products, including blankets and carpets. Its textile cluster is among the largest in India. The other pairings do not reflect the recognised industries of those districts.

Question 20General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following statements about the Harappan site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana is correct?

  1. It is located in Sirsa district and is a Mughal-era fort
  2. It is located in Hisar district and is among the largest Harappan sites in India Correct answer.
  3. It is located in Kurukshetra district and is a Buddhist stupa site
  4. It is located in Ambala district and is a Palaeolithic cave site

Explanation

Rakhigarhi lies in Hisar district of Haryana and is considered one of the largest known Indus Valley Civilisation sites, with extensive excavations revealing town planning and burials. It is not a Buddhist or Mughal site. Its location in Hisar is a frequently tested fact.

Question 21General Awareness and Reasoning

The Battle of Panipat fought in 1526 resulted in the establishment of which dynasty?

  1. Mughal Dynasty Correct answer.
  2. Tughlaq Dynasty
  3. Khilji Dynasty
  4. Slave Dynasty

Explanation

Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, ending the Lodi rule and founding the Mughal Empire in India. The effective use of gunpowder and field artillery contributed to Babur's victory. The earlier dynasties listed were already part of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 22General Awareness and Reasoning

Six people are divided into two groups of three. If A must be with B and C must not be with D, how many valid groupings exist?

  1. One Correct answer.
  2. Four
  3. Three
  4. Two

Explanation

With six people A, B, C, D, E and F, placing A and B together fixes one group. If C is placed with A and B, then D must be in the other group, satisfying the condition, giving the grouping {A, B, C} and {D, E, F}. Any other placement of C would force C and D together, so exactly one valid grouping exists.

Question 23General Awareness and Reasoning

A train 150 metres long crosses a pole in 15 seconds. How long will it take to cross a bridge 300 metres long?

  1. 35 seconds
  2. 60 seconds
  3. 45 seconds Correct answer.
  4. 30 seconds

Explanation

Crossing a pole gives the train's speed as 150/15 = 10 m/s. To cross a 300-metre bridge, the train must cover its own length plus the bridge, i.e. 450 metres. At 10 m/s this takes 45 seconds.

Question 24General Awareness and Reasoning

In a certain code language, 'rose is red' is written as 'pa ka ta', 'red is colour' as 'ka ta na', and 'colour is bright' as 'na ta ja'. Which word represents 'rose'?

  1. ka
  2. ta
  3. na
  4. pa Correct answer.

Explanation

Comparing the first two statements, 'is' and 'red' appear in both, so 'ka' and 'ta' correspond to those two words. In the first statement, the remaining code 'pa' must represent 'rose'. The third statement confirms 'na' stands for 'colour' and 'ja' for 'bright'.

Question 25General Awareness and Reasoning

Two equal principals earn simple interest. One earns 9% per year for 4 years. At 6% per year, how long must the other earn interest to produce the same interest amount?

  1. 4 years
  2. 5 years
  3. 6 years Correct answer.
  4. 8 years

Explanation

For equal principals, equal simple interest requires equal products of annual rate and time. Thus 9 × 4 = 6 × t, giving t = 6 years.

Question 26General Awareness and Reasoning

Which number completes the series 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?

  1. 42 Correct answer.
  2. 44
  3. 40
  4. 36

Explanation

The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8 and 10, so the next difference must be 12. Adding 12 to 30 gives 42. Equivalently each term is n(n+1) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and the next term is 6×7 = 42.

Question 27General Awareness and Reasoning

In a row of children facing north, Meena is 7th from the left end and 12th from the right end. How many children are in the row?

  1. 17
  2. 19
  3. 18 Correct answer.
  4. 20

Explanation

For a single row, total = position from left + position from right − 1, because Meena is counted twice. Here 7 + 12 − 1 = 18. The subtraction of 1 corrects the double counting of Meena herself.

Question 28General Awareness and Reasoning

If SOUTH is coded as TPVUI, which word is coded as UIFME?

  1. THESE
  2. THEME Correct answer.
  3. THOSE
  4. THERE

Explanation

Each letter of the original word is shifted one place forward in the alphabet to produce the code. Reversing the shift means moving each coded letter one place backward: U→T, I→H, F→E, M→L, E→D, giving THEME. Checking forward again, THEME becomes UIFNF only if the middle letter is handled wrongly, so the shift must be applied uniformly.

Question 29General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is the highest peak of the Aravalli range, located in Haryana?

  1. Anamudi
  2. Guru Shikhar Correct answer.
  3. Dhosi Hill
  4. Kalsubai

Explanation

Guru Shikhar, near Mount Abu, is the highest point of the Aravalli range, and the Aravallis are the oldest fold mountains running through southern Haryana. Anamudi belongs to the Western Ghats and Kalsubai to the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra. Dhosi Hill is a smaller Aravalli outcrop in the Mahendragarh area, not the range's highest peak.

Question 30General Awareness and Reasoning

Which Haryana city is known as the 'City of Weavers' because of its handloom and textile industry?

  1. Sonipat
  2. Panipat Correct answer.
  3. Hisar
  4. Gurugram

Explanation

Panipat is famous for its handloom products, especially textiles and carpets, and is popularly called the City of Weavers. Gurugram is known as an IT and corporate hub, while Hisar and Sonipat are associated with agriculture, education and steel rather than handloom weaving.

Question 31General Awareness and Reasoning

Who founded the city of Hisar (Hisar-e-Firoza) in Haryana?

  1. Bahlol Lodi
  2. Iltutmish
  3. Alauddin Khilji
  4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq Correct answer.

Explanation

Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded Hisar in the fourteenth century and named it Hisar-e-Firoza, meaning the fort of Firoz. He also built the fortified palace complex there, and a mosque and a baoli survive from that period. Alauddin Khilji, Iltutmish and Bahlol Lodi ruled Delhi but are not credited with founding Hisar.

Question 32General Awareness and Reasoning

The Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, which gave constitutional shape to rural local government in the state, was passed in which year?

  1. 1992
  2. 1994 Correct answer.
  3. 1996
  4. 1990

Explanation

Following the 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992, states were required to enact their own panchayati raj laws. Haryana passed its Haryana Panchayati Raj Act in 1994, providing for gram panchayats, panchayat samitis and zila parishads. The other years do not match the state legislation.

Question 33General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is a Kharif crop grown widely in Haryana?

  1. Barley
  2. Mustard
  3. Bajra Correct answer.
  4. Wheat

Explanation

Kharif crops are sown with the arrival of the monsoon and harvested in autumn, and bajra (pearl millet) is a classic Kharif crop of Haryana's drier southern districts. Wheat, mustard and barley are all Rabi crops sown in winter and harvested in spring.

Question 34General Awareness and Reasoning

A shopkeeper marks an article at ₹1,200 and allows a discount of 20%. If he still earns a profit of 20% on the cost price, what is the cost price?

  1. ₹900
  2. ₹800 Correct answer.
  3. ₹1,000
  4. ₹960

Explanation

The selling price after a 20% discount on ₹1,200 is 0.8 × 1200 = ₹960. A 20% profit means the selling price is 1.2 times the cost price, so cost price = 960 ÷ 1.2 = ₹800.

Question 35General Awareness and Reasoning

The average age of 10 students in a class is 15 years. When the teacher's age is included, the average rises to 17 years. What is the teacher's age?

  1. 32 years
  2. 39 years
  3. 37 years Correct answer.
  4. 35 years

Explanation

The total age of the 10 students is 10 × 15 = 150 years. With the teacher the total for 11 people is 11 × 17 = 187 years. The difference, 187 − 150 = 37 years, is the teacher's age.

Question 36General Awareness and Reasoning

A alone can finish a work in 12 days and B alone in 18 days. They work together for 4 days, after which A leaves. How many more days will B take to finish the remaining work?

  1. 6 days
  2. 9 days
  3. 10 days
  4. 8 days Correct answer.

Explanation

A's rate is 1/12 and B's is 1/18, so together they complete 5/36 of the work per day. In 4 days they finish 20/36 = 5/9, leaving 4/9 of the work. B alone needs (4/9) ÷ (1/18) = 8 days for the remainder.

Question 37General Awareness and Reasoning

A boat travels 24 km downstream in 2 hours and returns the same distance upstream in 3 hours. What is the speed of the stream?

  1. 1 km/h
  2. 4 km/h
  3. 2 km/h Correct answer.
  4. 3 km/h

Explanation

Downstream speed is 24 ÷ 2 = 12 km/h and upstream speed is 24 ÷ 3 = 8 km/h. The stream's speed is half the difference of these speeds, that is (12 − 8) ÷ 2 = 2 km/h.

Question 38General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is the correct order (from largest to smallest) of the units of digital storage?

  1. Gigabyte, Terabyte, Megabyte, Kilobyte
  2. Terabyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Kilobyte
  3. Terabyte, Gigabyte, Megabyte, Kilobyte Correct answer.
  4. Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte

Explanation

Each successive unit is roughly a thousand times the previous one: kilobyte, then megabyte, then gigabyte, then terabyte. Therefore the descending order is terabyte, gigabyte, megabyte, kilobyte. The reverse order listed in another option is ascending, not descending.

Question 39General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is a non-renewable source of energy?

  1. Coal Correct answer.
  2. Wind
  3. Solar
  4. Tidal

Explanation

Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years and is consumed far faster than it forms, so it is non-renewable. Wind, solar and tidal energy are naturally replenished and are therefore renewable sources.

Question 40General Awareness and Reasoning

The process by which plants lose water vapour through tiny pores in their leaves is called:

  1. Transpiration Correct answer.
  2. Photosynthesis
  3. Respiration
  4. Guttation

Explanation

Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from leaves through stomata, and it helps pull water up the plant's xylem. Respiration releases energy from food, photosynthesis makes food, and guttation is the loss of liquid water droplets from leaf edges.

Question 41General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 is correct?

  1. It abolished the partition of Bengal
  2. It introduced separate electorates for Muslims
  3. It allowed detention without trial for a specified period Correct answer.
  4. It granted dominion status to India

Explanation

The Rowlatt Act empowered the government to arrest and detain persons suspected of sedition without trial for up to two years. It provoked widespread protest, including the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in Amritsar. The other options describe the 1905 partition reversal, the 1909 Morley-Minto reforms and a much later demand respectively.

Question 42General Awareness and Reasoning

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the layers of the atmosphere from the Earth's surface upward?

  1. Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere
  2. Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Correct answer.
  3. Troposphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere
  4. Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere

Explanation

Weather occurs in the troposphere, the ozone layer lies in the stratosphere, meteors burn in the mesosphere, and the thermosphere lies above that. Therefore the correct upward order is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere. The reverse order would describe a descent from space to the ground.

Question 43General Awareness and Reasoning

In a certain code, if 'water' is written as 'xbtfs', how is 'fire' written in the same code?

  1. gjse Correct answer.
  2. gjsf
  3. gjrf
  4. gjqe

Explanation

Every letter is shifted one place forward: w→x, a→b, t→u, e→f, r→s. Applying the same shift to 'fire' gives f→g, i→j, r→s, e→f, which is 'gjse'.

Question 44General Awareness and Reasoning

Statements: All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade quickly. Conclusion: Some roses fade quickly. Which of the following is correct?

  1. The conclusion follows only if no flower fades
  2. The conclusion does not follow logically Correct answer.
  3. The conclusion follows only if all flowers fade
  4. The conclusion follows logically

Explanation

The flowers that fade quickly need not be roses, because 'some flowers fade' does not identify which flowers. A valid conclusion would need a statement linking roses specifically to fading. Therefore the conclusion is not logically guaranteed.

Question 45General Awareness and Reasoning

A man is facing south. He turns 135° in the clockwise direction and then 180° in the anticlockwise direction. Which direction is he facing now?

  1. South-West
  2. North-West
  3. South-East
  4. North-East Correct answer.

Explanation

Turning 135° clockwise from south brings him to north-east (south → south-west is 45° clockwise, then west at 90°, then north-west at 135°). Wait: clockwise from south goes to west, so 135° clockwise puts him at north-west.

Question 46General Awareness and Reasoning

Five people A, B, C, D and E are of different heights. A is taller than B but shorter than C. D is taller than C. E is shorter than B. Who is the shortest?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. E Correct answer.
  4. D

Explanation

From the clues, D > C > A > B > E, so E is the shortest. D is the tallest. The chain is built by combining A taller than B, C taller than A, and D taller than C, with E below B.

Question 47General Awareness and Reasoning

A, B, C, D and E sit around a circular table facing the centre. A sits between B and E. C sits to the immediate right of B. D is not adjacent to A. Who sits to the immediate left of A?

  1. B
  2. E Correct answer.
  3. D
  4. C

Explanation

Since A sits between B and E, A's two neighbours are B and E. C is to B's immediate right, placing C on B's other side, and D then fills the remaining seat beside C and E. Because D is not adjacent to A, E must be the neighbour on A's left.

Question 48General Awareness and Reasoning

A cube of side 6 cm is painted on all faces and then cut into smaller cubes of side 2 cm. How many of the smaller cubes have exactly two faces painted?

  1. 24
  2. 6
  3. 8
  4. 12 Correct answer.

Explanation

Each edge of the large cube is divided into 3 parts, so each edge contributes 3 − 2 = 1 cube with exactly two painted faces. A cube has 12 edges, giving 12 such cubes. The 8 corner cubes have three painted faces, and the 6 face-centre cubes have one.

Question 49General Awareness and Reasoning

A sum of ₹5,000 is invested at compound interest of 10% per annum compounded annually. What is the amount after 2 years?

  1. ₹6,050 Correct answer.
  2. ₹6,100
  3. ₹6,000
  4. ₹5,500

Explanation

For compound interest, amount = P(1 + r/100)^n = 5000 × (1.1)^2 = 5000 × 1.21 = ₹6,050. Simple interest at the same rate would give ₹6,000, which is why that figure is a trap.

Question 50General Awareness and Reasoning

A bag contains 4 red, 5 blue and 6 green balls. Two balls are drawn at random without replacement. What is the probability that both are of the same colour?

  1. 34/105
  2. 1/3
  3. 31/105 Correct answer.
  4. 2/7

Explanation

There are 15 balls and C(15,2) = 105 ways to draw two. Same-colour draws are C(4,2) + C(5,2) + C(6,2) = 6 + 10 + 15 = 31, so the probability is 31/105.