Question 1

Situation–Reaction (Honesty in a transaction)
After a purchase, the shopkeeper returns ₹100 extra to you by mistake. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Situation–Reaction items test ethical judgment and practical responsibility in everyday scenarios. Here, you received ₹100 extra due to the shopkeeper’s oversight. Given Data / Assumptions: You made a purchase, and change was mistakenly overpaid to you by ₹100. No hardship or coercion is described; the overpayment is an error. You have an immediate opportunity to correct it. Concept / Approach: Honesty and fairness are core civic values. Accepting undue gain from another’s mistake constitutes unjust enrichment. Correct action is to promptly return the excess and clarify the error. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Verify the bill and change received.2) Inform the shopkeeper of the discrepancy.3) Return the extra ₹100 immediately. Verification / Alternative check: Consider role reversal: If you were underpaid, you would expect restitution. Ethical reciprocity supports returning the extra change. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, and C normalize misuse of someone else’s money. “None of these” is unnecessary because option D states the proper action explicitly. Common Pitfalls: Rationalizing a “small” dishonest gain or assuming a big store “won’t miss it.” Final Answer: return the extra money to the shopkeeper

Question 2

Situation–Reaction (Handling an undesirable demand)
When someone demands something undesirable from you, how should you respond most appropriately?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Interpersonal conflicts often arise when unreasonable or unethical demands are placed on us. The goal is to choose a response that is ethical, safe, and effective without escalating the conflict. Given Data / Assumptions: An undesirable demand is made of you. No immediate threat of violence is stated. Professional/personal relationships may matter. Concept / Approach: Assertive communication—clear, calm, and respectful refusal—generally resolves such situations best. It preserves dignity on both sides and documents boundaries. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) State that you cannot comply and briefly explain why (ethical, policy, feasibility).2) Offer an alternative if appropriate (what you can do).3) Maintain composure; avoid insults or threats. Verification / Alternative check: Avoidance (A/B) may delay but not resolve the issue; retaliation (D) escalates risk and is unprofessional. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options A/B abdicate responsibility; option D invites conflict and potential harm. Common Pitfalls: Over-explaining (which can provoke argument) or reacting emotionally. Final Answer: always try to explain your inability to meet the demand

Question 3

Situation–Reaction (Supporting a classmate who looks upset)
Your classmate, usually energetic and cheerful, appears very down and upset today. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Emotional first aid in peer settings hinges on timely, compassionate inquiry. When a typically cheerful classmate seems unwell emotionally, proactive, supportive engagement is appropriate. Given Data / Assumptions: The classmate's change in affect is noticeable. No explicit preference for privacy is stated. You have some rapport as classmates. Concept / Approach: Offer a gentle, private check-in. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and respect boundaries if they choose not to share. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Approach kindly and in a non-public way.2) Ask if they are okay and whether they would like to talk.3) If serious issues are revealed, encourage reaching out to a counselor/teacher. Verification / Alternative check: Doing nothing (A/D) risks missing timely support. Delegating (B) can feel dismissive if you already noticed the issue. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A and D are passive; B abdicates care to others without reason. Common Pitfalls: Prying or gossiping; instead, offer confidentiality and empathy. Final Answer: go up to her and ask the reason

Question 4

Situation–Reaction (Friend dropped your camera carelessly)
A friend, while being careless, drops your camera. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The situation blends interpersonal etiquette with property care. The goal is a response that addresses the behavior without over-escalation. Given Data / Assumptions: The friend was careless; an accident occurred. No explicit information about damage or malice. Relationship maintenance is desirable. Concept / Approach: Provide calm feedback emphasizing responsibility and prevention. If damage exists, discuss repair/replacement civilly, but the exam option that balances assertiveness and decorum is advising greater care. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Check for damage and ensure safety (e.g., batteries/lenses).2) Communicate the need for careful handling of delicate items.3) If needed, discuss sharing repair costs amicably. Verification / Alternative check: Cutting ties (B) is extreme; anger alone (C) is unconstructive; demanding a new camera (A) may be disproportionate without context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A presumes intent and total loss; B is socially destructive; C lacks solution. Common Pitfalls: Reacting emotionally instead of focusing on accountability and future care. Final Answer: tell him to be careful while handling such delicate things

Question 5

Situation–Reaction (Sudden labour pains at home)
You are alone at home and your sister-in-law suddenly experiences labour pains. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Acute medical events require calm, swift, and safe action. Labour pains can progress quickly; professional transport and triage are preferred. Given Data / Assumptions: You are alone at home. The patient is having labour pains of unknown stage. Access to emergency services is available. Concept / Approach: Activate emergency response for prompt, medically supervised transport and on-route care. Avoid leaving the patient unattended or attempting risky self-transport on foot. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Call an ambulance immediately; provide address and symptoms.2) Keep the patient comfortable and note contraction timing.3) Prepare ID, medical records if handy; unlock entry for responders. Verification / Alternative check: Leaving to find a doctor (B) abandons the patient; walking to a hospital (C) is unsafe; panicking (A) delays care. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They either delay professional help or increase risk in transit. Common Pitfalls: Underestimating labour progression; attempting improvised transit without support. Final Answer: call an ambulance for emergency

Question 6

Situation–Reaction (Chain pulling to deboard illegally)
While travelling by train, you see some college students pulling the alarm chain just to get down at their preferred spot. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Improper chain-pulling is illegal and can jeopardize safety. Passengers should act responsibly without provoking confrontation. Given Data / Assumptions: Students are pulling the chain for convenience, not emergency. You are a co-passenger with no enforcement authority. Train crew (guard/TTE) can take official action. Concept / Approach: Report to authorized personnel to ensure safety and legal compliance. Avoid direct confrontation that might escalate risk. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Note coach number and details discreetly.2) Inform the guard/TTE at the earliest stop.3) Cooperate if statements are needed. Verification / Alternative check: Physically “checking” offenders (A/B) risks conflict; inaction (D) condones unsafe behavior. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A/B can escalate; D is irresponsible. Common Pitfalls: Vigilantism; prioritize official channels. Final Answer: inform the guard of the train as soon as it stops

Question 7

Situation–Reaction (Leadership & Events)
You are a team leader scheduled to host a convention on Human Resources (HR) issues. Your team has not been able to secure adequate sponsorship in time. What is the most appropriate course of action as the r…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Event leadership often requires balancing stakeholder expectations with realistic constraints. When sponsorship falls short, the leader must protect brand reputation, employee morale, and attendee experience. Given Data / Assumptions: Convention is important but underfunded. Team attempted sponsorship but needs more time. Quality and commitments to partners matter. Concept / Approach: Good governance favors feasibility, transparency, and risk mitigation over heroics. A structured postponement with a revised plan maintains integrity and enables proper fundraising. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Assess current sponsor pipeline and budget gap.2) Inform stakeholders proactively about a revised date.3) Provide the team with enablement: sponsor deck, timelines, and roles.4) Relaunch outreach with clear milestones. Verification / Alternative check: Investing personal money is risky and unsustainable; proceeding without funds degrades experience; cancellation wastes prior effort. Postponement preserves value and trust. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Personal funding sets a bad precedent and financial risk.(B) Motivation without plan or time will not close the gap.(D) Cancellation is disproportionate and harms credibility. Common Pitfalls: Hiding shortfalls, last-minute vendor defaults, and scope cuts that damage brand experience. Final Answer: Postpone the event with a new timeline and support the team to close sponsors.

Question 8

Situation–Reaction (Accountability & Documents)
Your friend lost their purse containing your important original documents. What is the most appropriate response that balances empathy with responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Loss of critical documents creates legal and logistic risk. A mature response recognizes empathy and clear next steps. Given Data / Assumptions: Friend unintentionally lost the purse. Your important documents were inside. Documents can usually be reissued with process and fees. Concept / Approach: Accountability means remedying harm. The person who caused the loss should take active steps to replace the documents and share costs. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Secure immediate risks: file FIR/lost report if applicable.2) Start reissue workflows (ID, license, bank, etc.).3) Ask friend to coordinate and bear reasonable costs. Verification / Alternative check: Constructive remediation restores function and the relationship. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Silence delays action.(C) Overlooking costs shifts burden unfairly.(D) Cutting ties is disproportionate and unhelpful. Common Pitfalls: Missing police intimation, not blocking misuse, delaying replacements. Final Answer: Ask them to arrange duplicates or replacement of the lost documents.

Question 9

Situation–Reaction (Integrity & Employment)
After graduation you are offered a well-paid Government job, but you are told an illegal bribe is required to receive the appointment order. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Bribery is illegal and unethical. Accepting systemic corruption perpetuates harm and personal legal risk. Given Data / Assumptions: A bribe is explicitly required. You are otherwise qualified. Legal compliance and personal integrity matter. Concept / Approach: Public employment demands probity. The correct action is to refuse and, where safe, report through proper channels. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Decline the conditional offer that involves a bribe.2) Collect evidence if safely possible.3) Report via anti-corruption mechanisms. Verification / Alternative check: Paying even once legitimizes illegality and exposes you to future coercion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Influence peddling is another unethical path.(B) Normalizing illegality is wrong.(C) A one-time compromise is still a crime. Common Pitfalls: Rationalizing corruption and ignoring whistleblower protections. Final Answer: Flatly refuse the offer that requires a bribe.

Question 10

Situation–Reaction (Road Ethics & Liability)
While driving, you accidentally hit a fruit vendor’s cart and cause damage. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Accidents can occur in crowded streets. The driver has a duty of care to persons and property. Given Data / Assumptions: You caused damage to the vendor’s cart. No serious injury is mentioned. Compensation and apology are feasible. Concept / Approach: Responsible conduct requires stopping, checking for injuries, and compensating for loss. This preserves civility and legal compliance. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Stop the car safely and assess any injuries.2) Apologise and exchange details.3) Compensate for the damage fairly, and document the settlement. Verification / Alternative check: Leaving the scene may be an offence and escalates conflict. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Hit-and-run is unlawful and unethical.(B) Abusing the victim worsens matters.(D) Denial avoids responsibility. Common Pitfalls: Arguing on the road, crowd escalation, and not checking for injuries first. Final Answer: Apologise and pay for the damage you caused.

Question 11

Situation–Reaction (Public Safety & Rail)
At a railway station you notice that the track ahead is broken and a train is approaching. What should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Imminent danger requires immediate mitigation before formal reporting. Given Data / Assumptions: Track is visibly broken. A train is near enough to pose imminent risk. Station staff may not yet be aware. Concept / Approach: Priority is life safety. Immediate warning (danger signal, red flag, alarm, hand signals) should precede procedural reporting. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Alert the driver using safe, recognised signals or alarm chain where lawful.2) Warn staff/authority simultaneously or immediately after.3) Secure the area and assist further response. Verification / Alternative check: Seconds matter; early warning can avert disaster. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Reporting alone may be too slow.(B) Leaving abandons duty to warn.(D) Not applicable provides no action. Common Pitfalls: Freezing, assuming others will act, unsafe self-endangerment. Final Answer: Use any safe means to stop the train immediately.

Question 12

Situation–Reaction (Home Safety)
You are alone at home, there is a credible risk of thefts in the area, and you hear a knock at the door. What is the safest immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Personal security decisions should balance caution with practicality. Given Data / Assumptions: You are alone. There is risk of thieves around. Unknown person is at the door. Concept / Approach: Verify identity without compromising security. Remote screening tools (peephole, window, intercom, camera) reduce risk. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Do not open immediately.2) Verify identity visually and verbally.3) Call trusted help or police if suspicious. Verification / Alternative check: Screening preserves safety and still allows legitimate visitors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Opening blindly is risky.(C) Never opening may be impractical for legitimate visitors.(D) No servant is available; delegation is unsafe if alone. Common Pitfalls: Disarming safety chains, revealing you are alone, ignoring suspicious cues. Final Answer: First peep from a window or peephole and open only if you recognise the person.

Question 13

Situation–Reaction (First Aid & Duty of Care)
While driving you are flagged down because a child is injured and needs urgent transport. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Golden-hour response saves lives. Layperson assistance can be decisive. Given Data / Assumptions: Child is injured and needs urgent help. You have a vehicle. Nearest medical facility is accessible. Concept / Approach: Provide prompt transport to care while ensuring basic safety and minimal movement if spinal injury is suspected. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Ensure scene safety and basic checks (airway, breathing).2) Transport to the nearest emergency facility immediately.3) Inform hospital on arrival and contact guardians/police. Verification / Alternative check: Delay increases risk; transport plus notifying authorities is optimal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Refusing help is unethical.(B) Police can be informed, but care cannot wait.(D) Deflecting help wastes time. Common Pitfalls: Panic, unsafe driving, and excessive movement of the patient. Final Answer: Immediately take the child to the nearest hospital.

Question 14

Situation–Reaction (Public Speaking & Continuity)
You are delivering an important address in an open ground and it begins to rain. The talk cannot be postponed. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Outdoor events are weather-sensitive. Continuity planning protects audience, equipment, and message delivery. Given Data / Assumptions: Address is important and cannot be postponed. Rain has started. Basic cover can be arranged quickly. Concept / Approach: Adaptive execution: provide immediate shelter and continue with minimal disruption. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Signal crew to set up umbrella/canopy for speaker and electronics.2) Move key attendees to covered zones if possible.3) Resume with concise delivery. Verification / Alternative check: Maintains safety and avoids cancellation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (B) Indefinite pause loses audience.(C) Risk to health/equipment.(D) Contradicts the constraint that it cannot be postponed. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring equipment safety and audience comfort. Final Answer: Ask someone to arrange an umbrella or overhead cover and continue.

Question 15

Situation–Reaction (Playing in Public Spaces)
While playing football in a park, your kick breaks the windowpane of a nearby house. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Shared spaces require respect for others’ property. Accidental damage still requires restitution. Given Data / Assumptions: You caused damage. No injuries reported. Owner can be contacted. Concept / Approach: Accept responsibility, apologise, and make good the loss to maintain community trust. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Inform the house owner and apologise.2) Offer to pay or share replacement cost.3) Agree on timing for repair. Verification / Alternative check: Restitution resolves conflict fairly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Entitled behaviour escalates conflict.(B) Denial ignores facts.(C) Trespass compounds wrongdoing. Common Pitfalls: Arguing, attempting to flee, not informing guardians. Final Answer: Apologise and contribute to replacing the glass.

Question 16

Situation–Reaction (Tickets & Compliance)
You reach the railway station as the train is starting and there is barely any time to buy a ticket. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Compliance with ticketing rules is mandatory, but safety is paramount. Given Data / Assumptions: Train is starting. Ticket window time is insufficient. Ticket can be issued onboard by TTI per rules and penalties if any. Concept / Approach: Act lawfully and transparently: board safely and regularise immediately with the TTI. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Board safely without risking injury.2) Locate TTI at once and request a ticket/receipt.3) Pay any applicable charges. Verification / Alternative check: Shows intent to comply while avoiding unsafe rushing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (B) Fare evasion is illegal.(C) Delaying may cause you to run dangerously or miss necessary travel.(D) Missing the train may be unnecessary if safe boarding and compliance are possible. Common Pitfalls: Jumping onto a fast-moving train, hiding from TTI. Final Answer: Board safely and inform the TTI at the next stop to issue a ticket.

Question 17

Situation–Reaction (Feedback & Learning Agility)
You have made some silly mistakes and they are pointed out to you. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Feedback culture supports learning and quality improvement. Given Data / Assumptions: Mistakes are minor and pointed out constructively. You can correct them. Concept / Approach: A growth mindset welcomes input, thanks the reviewer, and fixes the issue promptly. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Acknowledge the feedback.2) Correct the mistakes.3) Add a preventive checklist for next time. Verification / Alternative check: Thankfulness reduces defensiveness and speeds improvement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Trivialising undermines learning.(B) Anger harms relationships.(C) Misery without action does not help. Common Pitfalls: Personalising feedback and delaying fixes. Final Answer: Feel thankful for the feedback and correct them.

Question 18

Situation–Reaction (Civic Conduct)
While returning home you find a sealed, fully addressed envelope with valid stamps lying on the street. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Respecting privacy and ensuring mail reaches its destination are civic duties. Given Data / Assumptions: Envelope is sealed and addressed. Stamps are valid. Postal system can deliver it if posted. Concept / Approach: Do not tamper with sealed correspondence. Return it to the postal stream. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Do not open or remove stamps.2) Drop it into the nearest letter box.3) Optionally note time/place in case follow-up is required. Verification / Alternative check: This is the fastest, lawful way to ensure delivery. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Abdicates responsibility.(B) Is theft/tampering.(C) Opening violates privacy. Common Pitfalls: Curiosity to open or salvage stamps. Final Answer: Post it into the nearest letter box immediately.

Question 19

Situation–Reaction (Public Vigilance)
Sitting in a park, you see a person arrive on a scooter, leave it, and go away with someone on a motorbike, appearing suspicious. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Public vigilance helps prevent thefts or security incidents without risking personal safety. Given Data / Assumptions: Behaviour appears suspicious. You are a bystander. Police help is nearby. Concept / Approach: Report to authorities rather than confront or pursue. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Observe and note details (time, vehicle number, appearance).2) Inform police promptly.3) Cooperate if asked for a statement. Verification / Alternative check: Minimises risk and maximises effective response. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Chasing endangers you.(C) Calling may escalate.(D) Ignoring may miss a crime in progress. Common Pitfalls: Vigilantism, confrontation, and inadequate details. Final Answer: Inform the police at the nearest booth immediately.

Question 20

Situation–Reaction (Hostel Mess Quality)
In your college hostel, the dal served in the mess contains many stones. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Food safety in hostels is an institutional responsibility with defined escalation paths. Given Data / Assumptions: Foreign matter (stones) in food. Mess has an accountable in-charge. Quality can be corrected by procurement and cleaning. Concept / Approach: Use official channels to fix systemic issues affecting all students. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Report to mess in-charge with sample/evidence.2) Request corrective action and supplier change if needed.3) Follow up via student committee if unresolved. Verification / Alternative check: Institutional fix benefits everyone and is sustainable. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (A) Avoids the problem without solving it.(C) Bypasses accountability and may be ignored.(D) Unsafe and against hostel rules. Common Pitfalls: Only complaining informally, no evidence, no follow-up. Final Answer: Inform the mess in-charge and register a quality complaint.

Situation Reaction Test Questions