UPSC Prelims 2000·GS1·polity-and-governance·governance

A, B, C, D, E and F, not necessarily in that order, are sitting in six chairs regularly placed around a round table. It is observed that A is between D and F. C is opposite D. D and E are not on neighbouring chairs. Which one of the following must be true?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 8 Jul 2026, 4:39 pm IST
  1. AA is opposite B
  2. BD is opposite E
  3. CC and B are neighbours
  4. DB and E are neighboursCorrect

Explanation

To solve this, place the individuals in a circle based on the given conditions.

  1. First, place D and its opposite chair, which is occupied by C.

  2. The condition A is between D and F means A and F must take the two chairs on one side of the D-C axis. Specifically, if we place D at the top, A must be next to D, and F must be next to A.

  3. We are told D and E are not neighbours. Since D is already next to A on one side, E cannot be on the other side of D. Therefore, the only available spot for E is next to C.

  4. This leaves only one chair remaining for B, which must be the chair between D and C that is not occupied by E.

  5. Looking at the resulting arrangement, the neighbors of E are C and B. Therefore, B and E must be neighbours. This makes option D the only logically certain conclusion.

polity-and-governance: A, B, C, D, E and F, not necessarily in that order, are sitting in six chairs regularly placed around a round table. It
ShareWhatsAppXTelegram

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.