GATE ME 2016 Set 3 — Question 7

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyReading ComprehensionVerbal AptitudeGeneral AptitudeDeduction & InductionAnalytical Aptitude

General Aptitude → Analytical Aptitude → Deduction & Induction

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Social science disciplines were in existence in an amorphous form until the colonial period when they were institutionalized. In varying degrees, they were intended to further the colonial interest. In the time of globalization and the economic rise of postcolonial countries like India, conventional ways of knowledge production have become obsolete. Which of the following can be logically inferred from the above statements? (i) Social science disciplines have become obsolete. (ii) Social science disciplines had a pre-colonial origin. (iii) Social science disciplines always promote colonialism. (iv) Social science must maintain disciplinary boundaries.

Correct answer (A) (ii) only Solution Let's analyze the statements: (i) The text states that "conventional ways of knowledge production have become obsolete", not the disciplines themselves. Thus, (i) is not a valid inference. (ii) The text mentions that disciplines existed in an "amorphous form until the colonial period", which directly implies they had a pre-colonial origin. Thus, (ii) is a valid inference. (iii) The text says they were "intended to further the colonial interest" in "varying degrees", which does not mean they "always" promote colonialism. Thus, (iii) is not a valid inference. (iv) Disciplinary boundaries are not mentioned or implied in the text. Thus, (iv) is not a valid inference. Therefore, only (ii) can be logically inferred. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) (ii) only Solution Let's analyze the statements: (i) The text states that "conventional ways of knowledge production have become obsolete", not the disciplines themselves. Thus, (i) is not a valid inference. (ii) The text mentions that disciplines existed in an "amorphous form until the colonial period", which directly implies they had a pre-colonial origin. Thus, (ii) is a valid inference. (iii) The text says they were "intended to further the colonial interest" in "varying degrees", which does not mean they "always" promote colonialism. Thus, (iii) is not a valid inference. (iv) Disciplinary boundaries are not mentioned or implied in the text. Thus, (iv) is not a valid inference. Therefore, only (ii) can be logically inferred.

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