The total emoluments of two persons are the same, but one gets allowances to the extent of 65% of his basic pay and the other gets allowances to the extent of 80% of his basic pay. The ratio of the basic pay of the former to the basic pay of the latter is:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 12: 11
Equal totals mean 165% of the first person's basic pay equals 180% of the second's. So the basic pays are in the ratio 180 : 165 = 12 : 11.
- First: basic x, total 1.65x. Second: basic y, total 1.80y.
- 1.65x = 1.80y, so x : y = 180 : 165 = 12 : 11.
- Check: 12 × 1.65 = 19.8 and 11 × 1.80 = 19.8.
Remember · If a% of X equals b% of Y, then X : Y = b : a.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·