Indian Institute of Technology Madras
BS Degree Programme · Examination & Study Paper
BSMS3206 · Managerial Economics
Most repeated questions
Examination Instructions & Guidelines
- Solve on notebook/paper first before checking solutions.
- MCQ: Exactly 1 option is correct. Negative marking applies.
- NAT: Numerical response. No negative marking.
- Scientific calculator allowed for all calculations.
- Official answer key is sealed at the end of this sheet.
Type 1 · asked 3 times · Monopoly pricing
Which region of the demand curve a monopolist produces in
- Q1MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
A monopolist will never operate in the elastic portion of the demand curve.
- ATrue
- BFalse
- Q2MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
A monopolist never produces in
- AThe inelastic region of market demand curve
- BThe elastic region of market demand curve
- CThe whole demand curve
- DNone of these
- Q3MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
A monopolist always produces in
- AThe inelastic region of market demand curve
- BThe elastic region of market demand curve
- CThe whole demand curve
- DNone of these
Type 2 · asked 3 times · Market equilibrium, taxes & subsidies
Find pre-tax equilibrium quantity and price from linear demand and supply
Read the passage below, then answer Q4–Q5

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q4NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Your answer:- Q5NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Your answer: Read the passage below, then answer Q6
The market demand curve for pizzas is P=300-Q and the market supply curve is P=60+2Q. A tax of t=15 INR is imposed on one unit of pizza sold. Answer the given subquestions.
Q6MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓The equilibrium quantity and price before incidence of tax are
- A

- B

- C

- D

- A
Type 3 · asked 3 times · Market equilibrium, taxes & subsidies
Tax incidence when supply or demand is perfectly inelastic
- Q7MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
The entire burden of a quantity tax falls on buyers when the price elasticity of supply is zero.
- ATrue
- BFalse
- Q8MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
If demand is perfectly inelastic, consumers bear the full incidence of a per-unit tax.
- ATrue
- BFalse
- Q9MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Suppose the supply curve for pencils is vertical and government imposes a tax in this market.
- ADeadweight loss of tax in this market will be finite
- BSuppliers are paying full amount of tax
- CBoth Deadweight loss of tax in this market will be finite & Suppliers are paying full amount of tax
- DNone of these
Type 4 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Domestic equilibrium price of ball pens with no imports
Read the passage below, then answer Q10

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q10NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓The equilibrium price of ball pens in the domestic market without any imports will be P*= _______
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q11

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q11NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Your answer:
Type 5 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Consumer surplus in the no-import domestic market
Read the passage below, then answer Q12

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q12NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Consumer surplus in this case will be CS = ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q13

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q13NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓Consumer surplus in this case will be CS = _____________
Your answer:
Type 6 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Producer surplus in the no-import domestic market
Read the passage below, then answer Q14

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q14NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Producer surplus in this case will be PS = ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q15

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q15NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓Producer surplus in this case will be PS = ______________
Your answer:
Type 7 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Units imported at the world price without a tariff
Read the passage below, then answer Q16

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q16NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓In case of import without tariff, how many total units of ball pens will be imported _______________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q17

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q17NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓In case of import without tariff, how many total units of ball pens will be imported _____________
Your answer:
Type 8 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Domestic supply at the world price without a tariff
Read the passage below, then answer Q18

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q18NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓In case of import without tariff, how many units of ball pens are being supplied by domestic firms ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q19

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q19NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓In case of import without tariff, how many units of ball pens are being supplied by domestic firms ___________
Your answer:
Type 9 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Units imported after a per-unit tariff
Read the passage below, then answer Q20

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q20NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓With the tariff, how many units would be imported? ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q21

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q21NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓With the tariff, how many units would be imported? _____________
Your answer:
Type 10 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Change in domestic producer surplus due to a tariff
Read the passage below, then answer Q22

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q22NAT1.5 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓How much would domestic producer surplus change compared to the case with imports without tariffs if the government introduces a ₹10 import duty per ball pen?____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q23

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q23NAT1.5 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓How much would domestic producer surplus change compared to the case with imports without tariffs if the government introduces a ₹10 import duty per ball pen? ___________
Your answer:
Type 11 · asked 2 times · International trade & tariffs
Government revenue from an import tariff
Read the passage below, then answer Q24

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q24NAT1.5 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓How much revenue would the domestic government collect from the imports of ball pens due to this import duty of ₹10? ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q25

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q25NAT1.5 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓How much revenue would the domestic government collect from the imports of ball pens due to this import duty of ₹10? _________________
Your answer:
Type 12 · asked 2 times · Externalities & public goods
Socially efficient number of beehives with a pollination externality
Read the passage below, then answer Q26

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q26NAT2 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓What should be the socially efficient number of hives that the beekeeper should maintain ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q27
A beekeeper lives adjacent to an apple orchard. The orchard owner benefits from the bees because each hive pollinates about one acre of apple trees. The orchard owner pays nothing for this service, however, because the bees come to the orchard without his having to do anything. Because there are not enough bees to pollinate the entire orchard, the orchard owner must complete the pollination by artificial means, at a cost of $10 per acre of trees.
Beekeeping has a marginal cost MC=10+5Q, where Q is the number of beehives. Each hive yields $50 worth of honey.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q27NAT2 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓What should be the socially efficient number of hives that the beekeeper should maintain ____________
Your answer:
Type 13 · asked 2 times · Externalities & public goods
Number of beehives the beekeeper keeps ignoring the orchard
Read the passage below, then answer Q28

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q28NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓How many beehives will the beekeeper maintain if we ignore the apple orchard ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q29
A beekeeper lives adjacent to an apple orchard. The orchard owner benefits from the bees because each hive pollinates about one acre of apple trees. The orchard owner pays nothing for this service, however, because the bees come to the orchard without his having to do anything. Because there are not enough bees to pollinate the entire orchard, the orchard owner must complete the pollination by artificial means, at a cost of $10 per acre of trees.
Beekeeping has a marginal cost MC=10+5Q, where Q is the number of beehives. Each hive yields $50 worth of honey.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q29NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓How many beehives will the beekeeper maintain if we ignore the apple orchard ____________
Your answer:
Type 14 · asked 2 times · Asymmetric information
MBA signalling: range of p for the MBA decision
Read the passage below, then answer Q30–Q31
Imagine that you have been working after college and now face the decision of whether or not to get an MBA at a prestigious institution. The cost of getting the MBA is 10. (Again, you can decide on the denomination, but rest assured that this sum includes the income lost over the course of the two years you will be studying!) Your future value is your stream of income, which depends on the strength of the labor market for the next decade. If the labor market is strong then your income value from having an MBA is 32, while your income value from your current status is 12. If the labor market is average then your income value from having an MBA is 16, while your income value from your current status is 8. If the labor market is weak then your income value from having an MBA is 12, while your income value from your current status is 4. Further assume that the probability of a strong labor market is p, of an average labor market is 0.5 and of a weak labor market is 0.5− p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q30MCQ2 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓For which values of p will you decide not to get an MBA?
- A

- B

- C

- D

- A
- Q31MCQ2 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
For which values of p will you decide to get an MBA?
- A

- B

- C

- D

- A
Type 15 · asked 2 times · Asymmetric information
MBA signalling: highest price the university can charge at p = 0.4
Read the passage below, then answer Q32–Q33
Imagine that you have been working after college and now face the decision of whether or not to get an MBA at a prestigious institution. The cost of getting the MBA is 10. (Again, you can decide on the denomination, but rest assured that this sum includes the income lost over the course of the two years you will be studying!) Your future value is your stream of income, which depends on the strength of the labor market for the next decade. If the labor market is strong then your income value from having an MBA is 32, while your income value from your current status is 12. If the labor market is average then your income value from having an MBA is 16, while your income value from your current status is 8. If the labor market is weak then your income value from having an MBA is 12, while your income value from your current status is 4. Further assume that the probability of a strong labor market is p, of an average labor market is 0.5 and of a weak labor market is 0.5− p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q32NAT2 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓If P=0.4, what is the highest price the university can charge for you to be willing to go ahead and get an MBA? ____________
Your answer:- Q33NAT2 Marks·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
If p = 0.4, what is the highest price the university can charge for you to be willing to go ahead and get an MBA? ___________
Your answer:
Type 16 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Monopolist apartment owner: profit-maximising rent
Read the passage below, then answer Q34

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q34NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓What price would this monopolist will set? ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q35
Recall the example of apartments’ market discussed in the week 1. Suppose the demand curve faced by a monopolist apartment owner who has 60 apartments is D(p) = 100−2p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q35NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓What price would this monopolist will set? ____________
Your answer:
Type 17 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Monopolist apartment owner: apartments rented
Read the passage below, then answer Q36

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q36NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓How many apartments will he offer for rent?____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q37
Recall the example of apartments’ market discussed in the week 1. Suppose the demand curve faced by a monopolist apartment owner who has 60 apartments is D(p) = 100−2p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q37NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓How many apartments will he offer for rent? _____________
Your answer:
Type 18 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Monopolist apartment owner with 40 apartments: rent set
Read the passage below, then answer Q38

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q38NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓What price would he set if he had 40 apartments? ____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q39
Recall the example of apartments’ market discussed in the week 1. Suppose the demand curve faced by a monopolist apartment owner who has 60 apartments is D(p) = 100−2p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q39NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓What price would he set if he had 40 apartments? _____________
Your answer:
Type 19 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Monopolist apartment owner with 40 apartments: apartments rented
Read the passage below, then answer Q40

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q40NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓How many would he rent if he had 40 apartments?____________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q41
Recall the example of apartments’ market discussed in the week 1. Suppose the demand curve faced by a monopolist apartment owner who has 60 apartments is D(p) = 100−2p.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q41NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓How many would he rent if he had 40 apartments? ______________
Your answer:
Type 20 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Profit-maximising monopoly price with constant MC and linear demand
Read the passage below, then answer Q42–Q43
A monopolist can produce at a constant average (and marginal) cost of AC = MC = $5. It faces a market demand curve given by Q = 53 – P.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q42NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Calculate the profit-maximizing price (in $) for this monopolist.
Your answer:- Q43NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Your answer:
Type 21 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Profit-maximising monopoly quantity with constant MC and linear demand
Read the passage below, then answer Q44–Q45
A monopolist can produce at a constant average (and marginal) cost of AC = MC = $5. It faces a market demand curve given by Q = 53 – P.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q44NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Calculate the profit-maximizing quantity for this monopolist.
Your answer:- Q45NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Your answer:
Type 22 · asked 2 times · Monopoly pricing
Monopoly profit with constant MC and linear demand
Read the passage below, then answer Q46–Q47
A monopolist can produce at a constant average (and marginal) cost of AC = MC = $5. It faces a market demand curve given by Q = 53 – P.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q46NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓What will be the profit of this monopolist? Profit= ___________________
Your answer:- Q47NAT1 Mark·Write the numberEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
What will be the profit of this monopolist? Profit = _____________
Your answer:
Type 23 · asked 2 times · Game theory & oligopoly
Correct statements about monopolistic competition
- Q48MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
What is true about monopolistic competition
- AFirms compete by selling differentiated products that are highly, but not perfectly, substitutable
- BEntry and exit are free in the market
- CNone
- DBoth the firms compete by selling differentiated products that are highly, but not perfectly, substitutable and entry and exit are free in the market
- Q49MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Which of the following is true about monopolistic competition?
- AFirms compete by selling differentiated products that are highly, but not perfectly substitutable
- BThere is free entry and exit from the market
- CBoth Firms compete by selling differentiated products that are highly, but not perfectly substitutable & There is free entry and exit from the market
- DNone of these
Type 24 · asked 2 times · Consumer choice & elasticity
Is the consumer better off when income rises and a price falls?
- Q50MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
If the income of the consumer increases and the one of the prices decreases at the same time, the consumer will not necessarily be at least as well-off.
- ATRUE
- BFALSE
- Q51MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
If the income of the consumer increases and the one of the prices decreases at the same time, the consumer will necessarily be at least as well-off.
- ATrue
- BFalse
Type 25 · asked 2 times · Asymmetric information
When moral hazard occurs in principal-agent contracts
- Q52MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Moral hazard occurs when contracts are written in such a way that
- Athe interests of agent and principal converge
- Bthe interests of agent and principal diverge
- Cagents will wish to maximize the principal's utility
- Dproduction and risk-bearing efficiency are achieved
- Q53MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Moral hazard occurs when contracts are written in such a way that
- Athe interests of agent and principal converge
- Bthe interests of agent and principal diverge
- Cagents will wish to maximize the principal's utility
- Dproduction and risk-bearing efficiency are achieved
Type 26 · asked 2 times · Market equilibrium, taxes & subsidies
Equilibrium quantity after a per-unit tax
Read the passage below, then answer Q54

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q54NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓New equilibrium quantity after the incidence of tax Q^t = __________________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q55
The market demand curve for pizzas is P=300-Q and the market supply curve is P=60+2Q. A tax of t=15 INR is imposed on one unit of pizza sold. Answer the given subquestions.
Q55MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓The equilibrium quantity after the incidence of tax is
- A

- B

- C

- D

- A
Type 27 · asked 2 times · Market equilibrium, taxes & subsidies
Price buyers pay after a per-unit tax
Read the passage below, then answer Q56

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q56NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Price that buyers pay now will be P^B= ________________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q57
The market demand curve for pizzas is P=300-Q and the market supply curve is P=60+2Q. A tax of t=15 INR is imposed on one unit of pizza sold. Answer the given subquestions.
Q57MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓The new price that buyer pays after incidence of tax is
- AP=220 INR
- BP=190 INR
- CP=180 INR
- DP=225 INR
Type 28 · asked 2 times · Market equilibrium, taxes & subsidies
Net price sellers receive after a per-unit tax
Read the passage below, then answer Q58

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q58NAT1 Mark·Write the numberQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓Price that seller receives per unit will be P^S= _______________
Your answer:Read the passage below, then answer Q59
The market demand curve for pizzas is P=300-Q and the market supply curve is P=60+2Q. A tax of t=15 INR is imposed on one unit of pizza sold. Answer the given subquestions.
Q59MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓The net price received by the seller after incidence of tax
- AP=220 INR
- BP=225 INR
- CP=190 INR
- DP=210 INR
Type 29 · asked 2 times · Price discrimination & monopsony
Statements about first-degree (perfect) price discrimination
- Q60MCQ0.5 Marks·Choose one optionQuiz 2 · 3 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
When a monopolist practices perfect price discrimination, it eliminates only some portion of the deadweight loss.
- ATrue
- BFalse
- Q61MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Choose the correct alternative
- AFirst-degree price discrimination is the practice of attempting to price each unit at the consumer’s reservation price
- BOutcome in First-degree price discrimination is not Pareto efficient
- CBoth the first-degree price discrimination is the practice of attempting to price each unit at the consumer’s reservation price and outcome in First-degree price discrimination is not Pareto efficient
- DNone
Official KeyMaster Answer Key & Explanations
Official answer keys from IIT Madras BS past papers. Click any question to review.
Reveal KeyCollapse Key
Master Answer Key & Explanations
Official answer keys from IIT Madras BS past papers. Click any question to review.
Detailed Answer Notes & Working
- Q4Answer: 7 or 7000
- Official answer key accepts 7 or 7000.
- Q12Answer: 1250 or 1250000
- Official answer key accepts 1250 or 1250000.
- Q13Answer: 1250 or 1250000
- Official answer key accepts 1250 or 1250000.
- Q14Answer: 1250 or 1250000
- Official answer key accepts 1250 or 1250000.
- Q15Answer: 1250 or 1250000
- Official answer key accepts 1250 or 1250000.
- Q16Answer: 60 or 60000
- Official answer key accepts 60 or 60000.
- Q17Answer: 60 or 60000
- Official answer key accepts 60 or 60000.
- Q18Answer: 20 or 20000
- Official answer key accepts 20 or 20000.
- Q19Answer: 20 or 20000
- Official answer key accepts 20 or 20000.
- Q20Answer: 40 or 40000
- Official answer key accepts 40 or 40000.
- Q21Answer: 40 or 40000
- Official answer key accepts 40 or 40000.
- Q22Answer: 250000 or 250
- Official answer key accepts 250000 or 250.
- Q23Answer: 250000 or 250
- Official answer key accepts 250000 or 250.
- Q24Answer: 400 or 400000
- Official answer key accepts 400 or 400000.
- Q25Answer: 400 or 400000
- Official answer key accepts 400 or 400000.
- Q54Answer: 6 or 6000
- Official answer key accepts 6 or 6000.