UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) MCQs

Prepare for the UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam with a comprehensive collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These MCQs cover crucial topics such as Statistics, General Studies, and Data Interpretation, aligned with the actual exam pattern. Practicing these questions will help aspirants improve their analytical skills, boost problem-solving abilities, and enhance time management for the exam. Whether you're revising key concepts or testing your knowledge, these ISS MCQs are an invaluable resource for cracking the UPSC Indian Statistical Service exam and securing a prestigious role in India’s statistical agencies.

Q1. What is the mean of the data set: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10?

Correct Answer: B

Mean is calculated as (2+4+6+8+10)/5 = 6.

Q2. The variance of a data set measures:

Correct Answer: B

Variance shows the dispersion of data around the mean.

Q3. The probability of an impossible event is:

Correct Answer: A

An impossible event has probability zero.

Q4. Which distribution is called the "bell curve"?

Correct Answer: C

The normal distribution is bell-shaped.

Q5. Central Limit Theorem describes:

Correct Answer: A

CLT states sum of independent variables approximates normal distribution.

Q6. Which method is used for estimating population parameters from a sample?

Correct Answer: B

Estimation deduces population parameters from samples.

Q7. If P(A) = 0.3 and P(B) = 0.4, and events A and B are mutually exclusive, what is P(A or B)?

Correct Answer: B

For mutually exclusive events, P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) = 0.7.

Q8. The median is:

Correct Answer: B

Median is the middle value of an ordered data set.

Q9. Which test is used to check independence between two categorical variables?

Correct Answer: B

Chi-square test is used for independence.

Q10. The null hypothesis in statistical testing is:

Correct Answer: B

Null hypothesis is the default assumption of no effect.

Q11. In regression analysis, the dependent variable is:

Correct Answer: A

Dependent variable is explained by independent variables.

Q12. Which scale of measurement uses categories without order?

Correct Answer: C

Nominal scale classifies without order.

Q13. The purpose of hypothesis testing is to:

Correct Answer: B

Hypothesis testing guides inference about populations.

Q14. In probability, β€œindependent events” mean:

Correct Answer: C

Independent events do not affect each other's occurrence.

Q15. Which graphical representation is best for showing distribution of a quantitative variable?

Correct Answer: B

Histogram shows distribution for quantitative data.

Q16. Time series analysis is used to:

Correct Answer: B

Time series tracks variable behaviour over time.

Q17. Which of the following is a measure of central tendency?

Correct Answer: C

Mean is a central tendency measure.

Q18. β€œSampling error” refers to:

Correct Answer: B

Samples may not perfectly represent populations.

Q19. Which is a non-parametric test?

Correct Answer: C

Chi-square is non-parametric.

Q20. The term β€œmulticollinearity” is associated with:

Correct Answer: B

Multicollinearity means predictor variables are correlated.

Q21. Which distribution is used to model number of successes in fixed number of independent Bernoulli trials?

Correct Answer: C

Binomial models fixed number of successes.

Q22. Which test is used to compare means of two independent samples?

Correct Answer: C

T-test compares two means.

Q23. What is the full form of β€œANOVA”?

Correct Answer: B

ANOVA stands for Analysis of Variance.

Q24. Which of these is a measure of dispersion?

Correct Answer: C

Standard deviation measures spread.

Q25. Which data type does β€œordinal” data represent?

Correct Answer: A

Ordinal data categories have an order.

Q26. In time series, β€œseasonal variation” means:

Correct Answer: C

Seasonal variation is a periodic pattern.

Q27. Which software is widely used for statistical analysis?

Correct Answer: B

SPSS is commonly used for analysis.

Q28. Which method is used to estimate population parameter from sample statistics?

Correct Answer: B

Estimation is used for parameters.

Q29. Which is NOT a valid probability value?

Correct Answer: A

Probability cannot be negative.

Q30. What is the purpose of β€œBayes Theorem”?

Correct Answer: A

Bayes theorem calculates conditional probabilities.

Q31. Sampling technique in which every element has equal chance of selection is:

Correct Answer: B

Simple random sampling gives all equal chance.

Q32. What is the mode of the data set: 1, 2, 2, 3, 4?

Correct Answer: B

2 is the mode (most frequent value).

Q33. What is heteroscedasticity in regression analysis?

Correct Answer: B

Heteroscedasticity means unequal error variances.

Q34. Which of the following is a descriptive statistic?

Correct Answer: B

Mean summarizes data.

Q35. Which test checks the goodness of fit?

Correct Answer: C

Chi-square goodness of fit test measures fit.

Q36. Which is the measure of relationship strength between two variables?

Correct Answer: B

Correlation coefficient measures strength of relationship.

Q37. Linear models assume:

Correct Answer: B

Additivity is assumed in linear models.

Q38. In statistical inference, a Type I error is:

Correct Answer: A

Type I error wrongly rejects null.

Q39. Which is NOT a measure of central tendency?

Correct Answer: C

Variance is a measure of dispersion.

Q40. Which method is used to solve simultaneous linear equations?

Correct Answer: A

Matrix method solves linear equations.

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