Six lectures A, B, C, D, E and F, each of one hour duration, are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Consider the Question and two Statements given below:
- Question: Which lecture is in the third period?
- Statement–1: Lecture F is preceded by A and followed by C.
- Statement–2: There is no lecture after lecture B.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) Both Statement–1 and Statement–2 are not sufficient to answer the Question
With B fixed in the last period, the block A–F–C can still sit in periods 1–3, 2–4 or 3–5, so the third period could hold C, F or A. Even together the statements do not fix it.
- There are six one-hour periods from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., one lecture in each.
- Statement–1 alone: A, F, C come in that order, but the block can be anywhere. Not sufficient.
- Statement–2 alone: B is in the 6th period; the 3rd period is still open. Not sufficient.
- Together: A–F–C can fill periods 1–3, 2–4 or 3–5 (D and E take the rest), so the 3rd period can be C, F or A.
- So both statements together are not sufficient.
Remember · Scheduling data sufficiency: slide the fixed block through every free position before calling it sufficient.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·