Eight persons P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W sit around a round table in eight different seats placed with equal distance between any two consecutive seats. Both P and R are adjacent to Q. Both T and R are adjacent to S. Both U and W are adjacent to V. S and W are on opposite chairs. If while going in the clockwise direction around the table from P, one meets R before T, then how many persons shall Q cross while moving in the clockwise direction around the table before meeting W?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) 5
The clues chain into the block P-Q-R-S-T, leaving three seats for U-V-W with V in the middle. W must be opposite S, which fixes the full circle as P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W in clockwise order, so Q passes R, S, T, U and V before W.
- P and R sit on both sides of Q, and R and T on both sides of S: this gives the block P-Q-R-S-T (5 seats).
- The remaining 3 seats go to U, V, W with V in the middle (U and W both next to V).
- Number the seats 1 to 8: P1, Q2, R3, S4, T5. The seat opposite S (4) is seat 8, so W8, V7, U6.
- From P, going the way P → Q → R → S → T meets R before T, so this direction is clockwise.
- Clockwise from Q: R, S, T, U, V, then W. Q crosses 5 persons.
Remember · In circular seating, first join 'adjacent' clues into blocks; the 'opposite' clue then fixes the rest.
Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper II (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·