One non-zero digit, one vowel and one consonant from English alphabet (in capital) are to be used in forming passwords, such that each password has to start with a vowel and end with a consonant. How many such passwords can be generated?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 945
The password has three characters: the vowel first, the consonant last and the digit in the middle. That gives 5 × 9 × 21 = 945 passwords.
- Each password has three characters. It starts with the vowel and ends with the consonant, so the digit sits in the middle.
- Choices: 5 vowels (A, E, I, O, U) × 9 non-zero digits × 21 consonants.
- Total = 5 × 9 × 21 = 945.
Remember · Fix the forced positions first; each remaining position multiplies by its number of choices.
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). ·