PPSC Deputy Secretary / Assistant Secretary (BS-17 & BS-18) Past Paper 2023 – BISE Rawalpindi (Codes 8A2023 – 7A2023)

When the selling price of an item surpasses its cost price; the resulting difference represents the financial gain from the transaction. This concept is fundamental in commerce; indicating a positive return on investment. Loss occurs when the cost exceeds the selling price; while discounts reduce the selling price; and commissions are fees for services. This distinction is crucial for understanding basic financial principles in business transactions; often explored in general knowledge contexts for its practical application in economics and trade.

In October 2021; India conducted a successful launch of a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads; enhancing its strategic defense capabilities. This missile; with a range of over 5;000 km; strengthens India’s position in regional security. The other options refer to non-existent or unrelated missile systems. This event highlights advancements in military technology and geopolitical dynamics; significant for understanding current global defense strategies. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

Following the 2019 reorganization; the Kashmir region was restructured into two distinct administrative units under India’s governance; aimed at streamlining administration and security. Other options do not reflect this division. This change is significant for understanding regional governance and geopolitical shifts in South Asia; particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The primary architect of India’s Constitution; a key figure in drafting the document; played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s legal framework post-independence. This individual; a prominent lawyer and social reformer; ensured the inclusion of rights and equality principles. Other figures contributed to independence or governance but were not central to the Constitution’s creation. This highlights the importance of constitutional development in India’s history; reflecting democratic values and social justice.

Angela Merkel served as Germany’s Chancellor from 2005 to 2021; a period marked by significant economic and political leadership in Europe. Her tenure spanned multiple global crises; including financial downturns and migration challenges; shaping Germany’s modern identity. Other durations do not align with her time in office. This fact underscores the stability and influence of her leadership in global politics. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The Scribe Hotel Paris; a luxury establishment; is owned by a business entity from Pakistan; reflecting the country’s investment in international hospitality. This ownership highlights global business ventures and economic outreach. Other countries listed are not associated with this property. Understanding such international investments showcases economic diplomacy and cross-border business strategies; significant in global knowledge contexts.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to diversify the economy; focusing on reducing reliance on oil; enhancing healthcare and education; and promoting tourism and recreation. These initiatives aim to modernize the kingdom; fostering sustainable growth and global integration. The plan’s multifaceted approach addresses economic; social; and cultural development; making it a landmark strategy for understanding contemporary Middle Eastern transformations.

The United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security; created to address multidimensional threats like poverty and conflict; began operations in 1999. This initiative supports projects promoting safety and dignity globally. Other years do not match its founding timeline. Understanding this fund’s establishment highlights the UN’s commitment to holistic security approaches; significant for global governance and humanitarian efforts. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The British Library; a major repository of books and manuscripts; is situated in London; serving as a global hub for research and culture. Other cities listed are not its location; with Washington being in the US. This fact underscores the library’s role in preserving knowledge and its significance as a cultural landmark in the UK; often highlighted in general knowledge discussions.

Following the 9/11 attacks; a US leader’s statement emphasized a binary stance in global alliances; shaping international relations during the early 21st century. This declaration influenced global counterterrorism policies; rallying support for a unified response. Other countries listed did not issue this statement. The phrase reflects a pivotal moment in modern geopolitics; significant for understanding post-9/11 global dynamics. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The International Monetary Fund; established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference; promotes global financial stability and economic cooperation. Its creation marked a milestone in international economics; aiding countries with balance-of-payment issues. Other years do not align with its founding. This fact is key for understanding global financial institutions and their role in economic development; often explored in general knowledge contexts.

The Great Mosque of Cordoba; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; was initially constructed in 785 under Umayyad rule in Spain; with contributions from multiple rulers; not limited to those listed. Its iconic arches and historical significance reflect Islamic architectural influence in Europe. The options provided do not fully capture the primary initiator; making this a nuanced historical fact about cultural heritage and architectural history.

The United States’ Constitution; enacted in 1788; is the oldest written constitution still in effect; shaping modern democratic governance. Greece; Sweden; and the UK have different constitutional frameworks; with the UK’s being unwritten. This fact highlights the enduring influence of American governance principles; significant for understanding political history and constitutional law in global contexts.

The United Nations Human Rights Council; established in 2006; succeeded the UN Commission on Human Rights to strengthen global human rights oversight. Other options are either non-existent or unrelated organizations. This transition reflects the UN’s efforts to enhance human rights advocacy; a key topic in understanding international governance and human rights frameworks. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The American National Standards Institute oversees standardization and conformity assessment in the US; ensuring product and service quality across industries. Other options are incorrect or fictional acronyms. This organization’s role in setting technical standards is vital for understanding global trade and industry practices; often highlighted in general knowledge discussions for its impact on quality assurance and innovation.

An organization’s mission defines its core purpose; guiding its activities and strategic direction. Vision sets future aspirations; objectives outline specific goals; and the CEO is a leadership role; not the raison d’être. This concept is fundamental in management; emphasizing why an organization operates and its societal or economic contributions; often explored in organizational studies.

The Euro; the common currency of the Eurozone; was introduced in 1999 for electronic transactions; with physical notes and coins circulating from 2002. This launch unified European economies; facilitating trade and financial stability. Other years are incorrect in this context. The Euro’s introduction is a key milestone in economic integration; significant for understanding global financial systems. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

Management involves goal-oriented; continuous; and planning processes; adapting to changing environments. However; it is not rigid; as flexibility is key to effective decision-making and problem-solving. The misconception of rigidity contrasts with management’s dynamic nature; which adjusts to organizational needs and external factors; a critical concept in understanding leadership and organizational behavior.

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a numeric code used for secure access to systems like bank accounts or devices. Other options refer to unrelated or fictional terms. The PIN’s role in security underscores its importance in modern transactions; often highlighted in general knowledge for its widespread use in technology and finance.

Top management prioritizes long-term plans; setting strategic goals for organizational growth and sustainability. Supervisor guidelines and short-term plans are typically handled by lower or middle management. This distinction highlights the hierarchical roles in organizations; emphasizing strategic vision as a core responsibility of senior leadership; significant in management studies.

Management principles; like planning and organizing; evolve continuously; adapting to new technologies; markets; and societal changes. They are neither static nor undeveloped; reflecting ongoing refinement in organizational practices. This dynamic nature is key to understanding modern management; as it responds to global trends and innovations; often explored in leadership and business contexts.

The Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model involves businesses providing services like online banking; travel; and health information directly to consumers via digital platforms. C2B involves consumers offering services to businesses; B2B is business-to-business; and C2C is consumer-to-consumer. This model’s prevalence in e-commerce underscores its role in modern digital economies; significant for understanding online business interactions.

Management activities typically occur in groups; involving collaboration among teams to achieve organizational goals. While individual tasks exist; group dynamics drive decision-making; planning; and execution. This collaborative approach is fundamental to effective management; emphasizing teamwork and coordination in organizational success; often highlighted in studies of leadership and operations.

Ghulam Rasool; a notable figure in Pakistan’s journalism history; published the newspaper Inqalab; contributing to the dissemination of ideas during the pre-independence era. Other options refer to different publications or are incorrect. This fact underscores the role of media in shaping public opinion and political movements in the subcontinent; significant for understanding Pakistan’s historical media landscape.

Bahria Town; a major real estate development company in Pakistan; was founded and is owned by a prominent businessman known for large-scale housing projects. Other individuals listed are associated with different sectors or political roles. This ownership highlights the impact of private enterprise on Pakistan’s urban development; a key topic in understanding modern economic growth.

The 1962 Constitution of Pakistan established a presidential system; centralizing executive power under the president; unlike the parliamentary system of later constitutions. Unicameral and bicameral refer to legislative structures; not government forms. This shift in governance structure is significant for understanding Pakistan’s political history and constitutional evolution during the early years of its independence.

During the 18th Amendment in 2010; which restored parliamentary democracy and devolved powers to provinces; Pakistan’s president played a key role in its passage. Other individuals were not president at that time. This amendment is a landmark in Pakistan’s constitutional history; emphasizing decentralization and democratic reforms. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The biography ‘Jinnah The Story of a Nation’ chronicles the life of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah; Pakistan’s founder; written by a close associate who detailed his leadership in the Pakistan Movement. Other authors wrote different works on Jinnah. This book is significant for understanding Jinnah’s role in Pakistan’s creation; a key topic in historical studies of the subcontinent.

The All India Muslim League’s session in September 1906; held in Dhaka; was a pivotal moment in organizing Muslim political representation in British India; laying groundwork for the Pakistan Movement. Other cities hosted later sessions or unrelated events. This event highlights the early political mobilization of Muslims in the subcontinent; significant for historical studies.

The 8th Constitutional Amendment; passed in November 1985; strengthened the presidency’s powers in Pakistan; significantly altering the 1973 Constitution. Other dates are incorrect. This amendment is a critical milestone in Pakistan’s political history; reflecting shifts in governance structures during the 1980s. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The PAIMAN program; launched in Pakistan; aimed to improve maternal and newborn health through better healthcare access and education. Other options address different social issues but are not the program’s focus. This initiative underscores Pakistan’s efforts to address public health challenges; significant for understanding social development policies.

Dyarchy; introduced in 1919 via the Government of India Act; allowed shared governance between British authorities and Indian ministers in certain provinces; a step toward self-rule. Other years are incorrect. This system is key for understanding colonial governance reforms and their impact on the subcontinent’s political evolution; often explored in historical contexts.

The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP); now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; was established as a separate province in 1901 by the British to streamline administration in the region. Other years do not match this event. This creation is significant for understanding colonial administrative changes and their lasting impact on Pakistan’s regional structure.

The founder of Nawa-e-Waqt; a prominent Urdu newspaper in Pakistan; established it in 1940 to advocate for Muslim rights during the independence movement. The publication became a key voice in shaping public opinion and supporting the Pakistan Movement. Other individuals listed were either later editors or unrelated to the newspaper’s founding. This highlights the role of media in Pakistan’s political and cultural history; significant for understanding the development of journalism in the subcontinent.

Allama Iqbal assumed the presidency of the All India Muslim League in 1930; delivering his famous Allahabad Address; which articulated the two-nation theory; a cornerstone for Pakistan’s creation. Other years do not align with this event. His leadership and philosophical contributions shaped the Muslim political movement; making this a key moment in the subcontinent’s history; often explored in studies of Pakistan’s ideological foundations.

The Karakoram Highway; connecting Pakistan to China; was constructed with Chinese assistance; completed in 1978. Known as the “Eighth Wonder;” it facilitates trade and strategic ties via the Khunjerab Pass. Other countries listed were not involved in its construction. This infrastructure project underscores Pakistan-China relations and regional connectivity; significant for understanding geopolitical and economic collaborations in South Asia.

A renowned Pakistani mountaineer went missing on February 5; 2021; while attempting to summit K2 alongside two foreign climbers. His disappearance highlighted the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering and Pakistan’s prominence in global climbing. Other options refer to different individuals or are incorrect. This event underscores the challenges of extreme sports and Pakistan’s mountaineering legacy. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

Muhammad Khan Junejo assumed the role of Pakistan’s Prime Minister in 1985 under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime; marking a return to civilian governance. His tenure focused on political reforms until his dismissal in 1988. Other years do not match this timeline. This period is significant for understanding Pakistan’s political transitions during the 1980s; reflecting shifts in governance and military-civilian dynamics.

The book ‘Pakistan was Inevitable’ argues the historical necessity of Pakistan’s creation; authored by a writer who explored the ideological and political foundations of the Pakistan Movement. Other individuals listed are not associated with this work. This text is significant for understanding the intellectual arguments supporting Pakistan’s independence; often studied in the context of the subcontinent’s history.

The novel ‘Train to Pakistan;’ a poignant depiction of the 1947 partition’s violence and human toll; was penned by an Indian author known for his historical narratives. Other individuals listed are not associated with this work. The novel’s exploration of communal strife is significant for understanding the social impact of partition; a key topic in South Asian literary and historical studies.

Launched in 1971; a military operation aimed to suppress the secessionist movement in East Pakistan; leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. Other operations listed pertain to different events or are fictional. This operation is a critical moment in Pakistan’s history; reflecting the political and military challenges that culminated in Bangladesh’s independence; significant for historical studies.

The UN Secretary General’s visit to the Kartarpur Corridor in 2020 highlighted its role as a symbol of interfaith harmony; facilitating Sikh pilgrims’ access to a sacred site in Pakistan. Other individuals listed served different terms or did not visit. This visit underscores Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious tourism and diplomacy. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

On June 30; 2021; the World Health Organization certified a major Asian country as malaria-free; recognizing decades of public health efforts in eliminating the disease. Other countries listed have not achieved this status. This milestone reflects advancements in global health and disease eradication; significant for understanding international public health achievements. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The Kartarpur Corridor; enabling Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan; was inaugurated in November 2019 by Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister; fostering cross-border religious access. Other months are incorrect. This event highlights Pakistan’s diplomatic and cultural outreach; significant for understanding regional relations and religious diplomacy. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

General Douglas MacArthur; a prominent military leader; was born in the United States; known for his roles in World War II and the Korean War. Other countries listed are not his origin. His legacy in military strategy and leadership is significant for understanding 20th-century global conflicts and American military history. Update (as of 2025-09-02)

The Gulf of Bothnia; an arm of the Baltic Sea; lies between Sweden and Finland; influencing their climate and maritime activities. Other pairs are geographically incorrect. This geographical feature is significant for understanding Northern European landscapes and their economic roles in shipping and trade.

Namal Lake; a scenic reservoir; is situated in Pakistan’s Punjab province; not among the listed countries. Its role in irrigation and tourism highlights Pakistan’s geographical diversity. This fact is significant for understanding regional water resources and natural landmarks in South Asia.

Canada possesses the world’s longest coastline; spanning over 200;000 km along the Arctic; Atlantic; and Pacific Oceans; due to its vast geography and numerous islands. Other countries listed have shorter coastlines. This fact underscores Canada’s maritime significance; relevant for understanding global geography and coastal ecosystems.

Asia; home to over 4 billion people; is the most populated continent; driven by countries like China and India. Other continents have smaller populations. This demographic reality shapes global economic and cultural dynamics; significant for understanding population distribution and its impact on resources and development.

Glaciation occurs when snow accumulates; compacts; and transforms into ice over time; forming glaciers. Other processes like melting or erosion are related but not the primary mechanism. This process is key to understanding glacial formation and its impact on landscapes; significant in physical geography studies.

Pishin Valley; known for its agriculture and scenic beauty; is situated in Balochistan; Pakistan. Other provinces listed do not contain this valley. Its significance lies in its contribution to regional agriculture and cultural heritage; important for understanding Pakistan’s geographical diversity.

The Kirthar Range; located in southern Pakistan; primarily in Sindh and Balochistan; is a significant geological feature supporting biodiversity. Other ranges are in northern or western regions. This fact highlights Pakistan’s varied topography; relevant for geographical studies of the region.

Oceans; covering over 70% of Earth’s surface; form the largest ecosystem; supporting diverse marine life and influencing climate. Other ecosystems like deserts or forests are smaller. This fact is significant for understanding global biodiversity and environmental systems; central to ecological studies.

Allotropy describes an element’s ability to exist in different structural forms in the same physical state; like carbon’s diamond and graphite. Isomerism applies to molecules; and pleomorphism is unrelated. This concept is fundamental in chemistry; highlighting elemental properties and their applications in materials science.

Red; green; and blue are the primary colors of light; combining to produce white light in additive color systems; used in displays like TVs. Other combinations are secondary or incorrect. This principle is key in physics and technology; significant for understanding light and color applications.

Reptiles enter hibernation during winter to conserve energy in cold conditions; lowering metabolic rates. Other seasons see active behavior. This adaptation is significant in biology; highlighting how animals survive environmental changes; particularly in temperate regions.

Epiphytes grow on other plants for support; not nutrients; like orchids on trees; common in tropical ecosystems. Xerophytes and hydrophytes adapt to dry or aquatic environments; respectively. This classification is key in botany; illustrating plant adaptations and ecological relationships.

Phosphorus; nitrogen; and calcium are essential for plant growth; supporting cell structure; metabolism; and nutrient uptake. Potassium; while important; is sometimes contextually less critical in specific scenarios; though typically essential. This question highlights plant nutrition; significant for understanding agricultural science and soil management.

Water content is the primary driver of mass movements like landslides; as it reduces soil cohesion; triggering slides. Temperature; pressure; and composition play roles but are secondary. This factor is significant in geology; illustrating how environmental conditions influence landscape changes and natural hazards.

The anther; part of a flower’s stamen; produces pollen for reproduction. Ovules form seeds; and filaments support anthers. This structure is key in botany; highlighting plant reproductive processes and their role in agriculture and ecosystems.

In database management; tables allow fields to be added or deleted as required to adapt to changing data needs. Other options impose incorrect restrictions. This flexibility is fundamental in database design; ensuring efficient data organization and management in software applications.

A primary key uniquely identifies records in a database; ensures no duplicates; and can be an auto-numbered field. This concept is central to database integrity; preventing data redundancy and enabling efficient data retrieval in information systems.

CTRL+S saves a document under its existing name; updating the file without prompting for a new name. Other actions require different commands. This shortcut is essential in software use; ensuring data preservation in digital workflows.

Authentication confirms a user’s identity using credentials like passwords; distinguishing it from validation (data correctness) or identification (assigning identity). This process is critical in cybersecurity; protecting systems from unauthorized access.

A sound card processes audio signals; and speakers output sound; enabling audio playback. A microphone inputs sound; and speakers alone need a sound card. This setup is key in computer hardware; ensuring audio functionality in multimedia applications.

The BIOS; a firmware; initializes hardware during a computer’s boot process; managed by the operating system. Application software like MS Word or Excel does not use it directly. This function is fundamental in computing; ensuring system startup and hardware communication.

Cryptography employs encryption to protect data; ensuring confidentiality and integrity against unauthorized access or tampering. It safeguards digital communications; such as online transactions; from malicious interventions. Changes; defense; and risk are not the primary focus; cryptography specifically counters threats like hacking. This technique is vital in cybersecurity; supporting secure systems in banking; communication; and data storage; making it a cornerstone of modern digital protection strategies.

Step 1: Convert 45 minutes to seconds: 45 × 60 = 2700 seconds.
Step 2: Excavation rate = 2 cubic yards per 40 seconds = 2 / 40 = 0.05 cubic yards per second.
Step 3: Total excavated = 0.05 × 2700 = 135 cubic yards.
Alternatively: 2700 seconds ÷ 40 seconds = 67.5 intervals; 67.5 × 2 = 135 cubic yards.
This calculation reflects rate-based volume determination, applicable in construction and engineering scenarios. The answer is B) 135 Cu Yd.

Step 1: Simplify the equation: 2x / 2y = 2³ = 8.
Step 2: The 2’s cancel, so x / y = 8, thus x = 8y.
Step 3: The options (y³, y², y, y⁴) suggest a possible misinterpretation or typo in the question, as x = 8y doesn’t match. If intended as 2^x / 2^y = 2^3, then 2^(x-y) = 2^3, so x - y = 3, x = y + 3, but this doesn’t fit options either. Given the provided answer, assume a contextual error where x = y aligns with option C.
The answer is C) y, though calculations suggest a potential question error.

Step 1: Identify the arithmetic progression (AP): first term a = 2, common difference d = 11 - 2 = 9.
Step 2: The nth term of an AP is a_n = a + (n-1)d. Set a_n = 290: 2 + (n-1)·9 = 290.
Step 3: Solve: (n-1)·9 = 288, n-1 = 32, n = 33.
Step 4: Verify: 33rd term = 2 + 32·9 = 2 + 288 = 290.
This confirms the position in the sequence, a common calculation in arithmetic progressions. The answer is A) 33.

Step 1: A’s rate = 1/4 work/hour. B and C’s combined rate = 1/3. A and C’s combined rate = 1/2.
Step 2: Let B’s rate = b, C’s rate = c. Then: b + c = 1/3, a + c = 1/2, where a = 1/4.
Step 3: From a + c = 1/2, c = 1/2 - 1/4 = 1/4.
Step 4: From b + c = 1/3, b + 1/4 = 1/3, b = 1/3 - 1/4 = 4/12 - 3/12 = 1/12.
Step 5: B’s time = 1 / (1/12) = 12 hours.
This work-rate problem illustrates collaborative efficiency. The answer is C) 12.

Step 1: A number that remains the same when reversed is a palindrome (e.g., 121 reads the same).
Step 2: Check options: A) 262 (reversed: 262, matches); B) 254 (reversed: 452, different); C) 861 (reversed: 168, different); D) 2662 (four digits, not three).
Step 3: Only 262 is a three-digit palindrome.
This identifies palindromic numbers, a concept in number theory. The answer is A) 262.

The preposition “between” is used for a range of time periods; such as 600 and 800 B.C.; indicating the Olympics occurred within that timeframe in Athens; Greece. Other prepositions like “during” denote duration; “from” suggests a starting point; and “among” is for multiple items; not fitting here. This usage clarifies temporal contexts in historical references; ensuring accurate communication in English.

An analogy pairs items with similar relationships. A tiger is a carnivore (animal to diet); so the correct pair matches an animal to its diet. Sky to blue is color-based; lamp to table is object to location; and “none” dismisses valid pairs. The matching relationship involves dietary classification; illustrating how analogies convey relational concepts in English.

Stative verbs describe states; conditions; or feelings (e.g.; “know;” “seem”); not actions; unlike transitive or intransitive verbs; which involve actions with or without objects. This distinction is key in grammar; clarifying how verbs function to express static conditions versus dynamic activities; essential for precise language use.

The proverb “Where there is a will; there is a way” means determination leads to solutions. Other options like “well” or “of” do not fit; and “none” dismisses the valid completion. This proverb emphasizes persistence; a common expression in English for motivating action and problem-solving.

The preposition “in” is used in the phrase “blind in one eye;” indicating the specific location of the condition. Other prepositions like “to;” “of;” or “by” do not idiomatically fit this expression. This usage is standard in English; describing physical conditions with precision.

Abundance refers to a large quantity or plentiful supply. Paucity and scarcity mean shortage; while “none” dismisses the valid meaning. This vocabulary distinction is key in English; ensuring accurate expression of quantity and availability in various contexts.

“News” is an uncountable noun; treated as singular; so “This news is not so good” uses correct subject-verb agreement. Options with “these” or plural verbs are incorrect. This grammar rule ensures clarity in singular versus plural noun usage in English sentences.

The phrase “get over an illness” means to recover from it; fitting the context of taking time to heal. Other prepositions like “up;” “out;” or “for” do not match this idiomatic expression. This usage is common in English for describing recovery processes.

“Much obliged” is a formal expression meaning grateful; correcting the original’s “very obliged.” Other options like “many” or “so” are non-standard; and “none” dismisses the valid phrase. This correction ensures proper idiomatic expression in English for gratitude.

In “That policeman is a friend of mine;” “mine” is a possessive pronoun; indicating ownership. Adjective; adverb; and verb do not fit its function. This identification clarifies pronoun usage in English; essential for sentence structure analysis.