In a test, Randhir obtained more marks than the total marks obtained by Kunal and Debu. The total marks obtained by Kunal and Shankar are more than those of Randhir. Sonal obtained more marks than Shankar. Neha obtained more marks than Randhir. Who amongst them obtained highest marks?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) Data are inadequate
Neha scores above Randhir, and Sonal above Shankar, but no clue compares Neha with Sonal. Either of them can come out on top, so the data are inadequate.
- Clues: Randhir > Kunal + Debu; Kunal + Shankar > Randhir; Sonal > Shankar; Neha > Randhir.
- Randhir is below Neha, and Kunal and Debu are below Randhir; Shankar is below Sonal. So only Neha or Sonal can be highest.
- No clue links Neha and Sonal.
- Example: Kunal 10, Debu 5, Randhir 20, Shankar 15, Sonal 16, Neha 25 — Neha is highest. Change Sonal to 30 and Sonal is highest. All clues hold both times.
Remember · In ranking puzzles, find who can still be on top; if two candidates are never compared, the data are inadequate.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2017, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·