UPSC Prelims 2014— Question 27

Correct answer: Option C. The six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta. Lokayata is generally treated as a heterodox materialist tradition and Kapalika is a Shaiva sect/tradition, so the pair does not belong to the six orthodox systems. Option A: Incorrect. This option does not match the verified answer because its proposition, location, institution, sequence, or combination conflicts with the relevant fact tested in the question. The option reads: “Mimamsa and Vedanta” Option B: Incorrect. This option does not match the verified answer because its proposition, location, institution, sequence, or combination conflicts with the relevant fact tested in the question. The option reads: “Nyaya and Vaisheshika” Option C: Correct. This option is consistent with the governing fact or the valid combination identified in the question. The option reads: “Lokayata and Kapalika” Option D: Incorrect. This option does not match the verified answer because its proposition, location, institution, sequence, or combination conflicts with the relevant fact tested in the question. The option reads: “Sankhya and Yoga” The key Prelims lesson is to test each proposition independently before selecting the combination. Where the question uses words such as 'only', 'all', 'none', 'always' or a precise institutional/geographical association, a single inaccurate component is sufficient to eliminate the option. The answer recorded here follows the official answer key for the question-paper series represented by the uploaded source and has been cross-checked against an independent published key. The explanation is intended for conceptual revision rather than as a reproduction of any third-party solution.