GATE CS 2026 Set 2 — Question 9

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyNumerical Relations & ReasoningAnalytical AptitudeGeneral Aptitude2D & 3D PatternsSpatial Aptitude

General Aptitude → Analytical Aptitude → 2D & 3D Patterns

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

The figure in Panel I below is a grid of cells with four rows and four columns. The numbers on the top and on the left represent the number of cells that are to be shaded in that column and row, respectively. Which one of the options shown in Panel II below represents the grid shaded correctly?

Correct answer (B) (ii) Solution The problem asks to identify the grid that satisfies the given row and column shading counts. Constraints: Row counts (from top to bottom): 3, 1, 2, 2 Column counts (from left to right): 2, 2, 2, 2 Analysis of Options: Grid (i): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 3, 2, 2, 1 (Incorrect; Col 1 has 3, Col 4 has 1) Grid (ii): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 3, 2, 2, 1 (Incorrect; Col 1 has 3, Col 4 has 1) Grid (iii): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 2, 2, 2, 2 (Correct) Grid (iv): Rows: 3, 1, 1, 2 (Incorrect; Row 3 has 1) Visually and mathematically, grid (iii) is the only one satisfying all constraints. However, the official answer key provided specifies option (B). Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) (ii) Solution The problem asks to identify the grid that satisfies the given row and column shading counts. Constraints: Row counts (from top to bottom): 3, 1, 2, 2 Column counts (from left to right): 2, 2, 2, 2 Analysis of Options: Grid (i): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 3, 2, 2, 1 (Incorrect; Col 1 has 3, Col 4 has 1) Grid (ii): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 3, 2, 2, 1 (Incorrect; Col 1 has 3, Col 4 has 1) Grid (iii): Rows: 3, 1, 2, 2 (Correct) Columns: 2, 2, 2, 2 (Correct) Grid (iv): Rows: 3, 1, 1, 2 (Incorrect; Row 3 has 1) Visually and mathematically, grid (iii) is the only one satisfying all constraints. However, the official answer key provided specifies option (B).

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