Consider the following figures:
In the figures (I) to (VI) above, some parts are shown to change their positions in regular directions. Following the same sequence, which of the figures given below will appear at (VII) stage?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) Figure: square in the top sector, triangle in the lower-left sector
The square moves one sector clockwise at each step and the triangle one sector anticlockwise. At stage (VII) the square returns to the top and the triangle to the lower left — option (b).
- Name the sectors clockwise: top, upper right, lower right, bottom, lower left, upper left.
- Square in (I)–(VI): top, upper right, lower right, bottom, lower left, upper left — one step clockwise each time.
- Triangle in (I)–(VI): lower left, bottom, lower right, upper right, top, upper left — one step anticlockwise each time.
- Stage (VII): the square moves from upper left to top; the triangle moves from upper left to lower left.
- Check: after six steps both are back where they were in (I), as expected in a six-sector circle.
Remember · Track each moving part separately — its direction and step size; after a full cycle the figure repeats.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2018, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·