UPSC PYQPrelims 2026

Civil Services Examination · Question 16

Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer should be based solely on the passage. Passage: How is deflation done? Most countries use a method called 'double deflation', where input and output prices are deflated separately. Consider a manufacturer importing oil for use in production. If oil prices fall, output prices do not and quantities remain the same, real value added should not change. But if the same deflator is used for inputs and outputs, as in India, it would look as if the manufacturer had become more productive. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Real value should not change in the instance of static output cost and unchanged quantities against falling oil prices. 2. Deflators are to be used separately for inputs and outputs, and this is a practice universally adopted by all economies. Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer & explanation

Answer: (A) 1 only

Explanation

The passage says real value added should not change when oil prices fall but output prices and quantities stay the same. Double deflation is used by most countries, not all; India uses a single deflator.