Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
Ready to check the official UPSC Answer Key?
Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.
Correct Answer: Option (B) — A-1; B-4; C-3; D-2
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedIn standard Product Life Cycle (PLC) analysis represented on the graph:
- Stage 1 corresponds to Product Development (pre-commercialization, incurring investment loss before sales start).
- Stage 2 represents Introduction (market entry, initial slow sales growth).
- Stage 3 represents Growth (rapidly rising sales and peak profit expansion).
- Stage 4 represents Maturity (peak sales plateau and stabilizing/declining profits).
- Stage 5 represents Decline. Hence, A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2 matches option (b).
Product development occurs prior to sales generation (Point 1 in the loss/investment quadrant), immediately identifying A-1 and narrowing choices to (a) and (b).
Practice Full-Length & Sectional Prelims Mocks on this Interface
50 simulated tests in the APT Prelims Test Series (₹1,493) or 1-on-1 Mentorship with Avinash Sir.
