Biotechnology & Medical Research in India MCQs
India General Knowledge
MODULE 8: Science & Technology (India-Specific) MCQs
Topic: Biotechnology & Medical Research in India MCQs
Systematic Sub-Topic Coverage
This MCQ set is logically sequenced for conceptual clarity and exam relevance:
- Foundations of Biotechnology in India
- Key Institutions & Research Bodies
- Medical Research & Public Health Institutions
- Vaccine Research & Indigenous Biotech Products
- Genetic Engineering & Regulatory Framework
- Recent Advances, Missions & National Initiatives
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which government department is the primary nodal agency for biotechnology research in India?
A. Department of Science & Technology
B. Department of Biotechnology
C. Indian Council of Medical Research
D. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) functions under the Ministry of Science & Technology and is the central authority for planning, promotion, and funding of biotechnology research and education in India.
2. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in which year?
A. 1980
B. 1985
C. 1986
D. 1991
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
DBT was established in 1986, marking a major policy shift towards strengthening biotechnology, genetic engineering, and biomedical research in India.
3. Which organization is the apex body for medical research in India?
A. DBT
B. CSIR
C. ICMR
D. AIIMS
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s top body for formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical and health research.
4. ICMR functions under the administrative control of which ministry?
A. Ministry of Science & Technology
B. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
C. Ministry of Education
D. Ministry of AYUSH
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ICMR operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ensuring alignment between medical research and national public health priorities.
5. Which organization conducts multidisciplinary scientific research including biotechnology?
A. SERB
B. DBT
C. CSIR
D. AIIMS
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is a premier national R&D organization with laboratories actively engaged in biotechnology, genomics, and drug discovery.
6. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is located in which city?
A. Hyderabad
B. New Delhi
C. Pune
D. Bengaluru
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The National Institute of Virology, Pune, is a key ICMR institute specializing in virus research, diagnostics, and outbreak investigation.
7. Which Indian institute played a crucial role in COVID-19 virus isolation?
A. AIIMS Delhi
B. NIV Pune
C. CCMB Hyderabad
D. NIMHANS
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NIV Pune successfully isolated the SARS-CoV-2 virus, enabling vaccine development and diagnostic testing in India.
8. What is the primary role of AIIMS in medical research?
A. Agricultural biotechnology
B. Industrial microbiology
C. Clinical research and medical education
D. Space medicine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) integrates advanced clinical research with high-quality medical education.
9. Which public sector unit is India’s largest vaccine manufacturer?
A. Bharat Biotech
B. Biological E
C. Serum Institute of India
D. Panacea Biotec
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume.
10. Which Indian company developed the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine “Covaxin”?
A. Serum Institute of India
B. Bharat Biotech
C. Zydus Lifesciences
D. Dr. Reddy’s
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Bharat Biotech developed Covaxin in collaboration with ICMR and NIV Pune.
11. Covaxin is based on which vaccine technology?
A. mRNA platform
B. Viral vector
C. Inactivated virus
D. Protein subunit
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Covaxin uses a whole-virion inactivated virus, a well-established and safe vaccine technology.
12. Which regulatory body approves genetically engineered organisms in India?
A. DBT
B. ICMR
C. GEAC
D. CSIR
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) regulates approval of GM organisms under the Environment Protection Act.
13. Which Indian regulatory authority approves vaccines and drugs for public use?
A. DBT
B. CDSCO
C. ICMR
D. SERB
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) ensures safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and vaccines.
14. Which mission focuses on affordable biopharmaceutical innovation in India?
A. National Digital Health Mission
B. Biotech-KISAN
C. National Biopharma Mission
D. Genome India Mission
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The National Biopharma Mission strengthens India’s capacity in vaccines, biosimilars, and medical devices.
15. What is the primary objective of the Genome India Mission?
A. Agricultural reform
B. Space biology
C. Genetic mapping of Indian population
D. Vaccine export
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The mission aims to build a reference genome database to support precision medicine and disease research.
16. Which institute spearheads human genome sequencing in India?
A. IISc Bengaluru
B. NIBMG Kalyani
C. AIIMS Delhi
D. NIV Pune
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) leads large-scale genomic research initiatives.
17. Biotechnology parks in India are promoted mainly by which body?
A. NITI Aayog
B. DBT
C. CSIR
D. AICTE
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
DBT supports biotechnology parks and incubators to encourage research-industry collaboration.
18. Which agency supports biotech startups and entrepreneurship?
A. SERB
B. BIRAC
C. CSIR
D. ICMR
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) promotes innovation and startup growth in biotechnology.
19. Which Indian initiative focuses on farmer-centric biotechnology solutions?
A. Genome India
B. Bio-E3
C. Biotech-KISAN
D. Ayushman Bharat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Biotech-KISAN integrates modern biotechnology with agriculture for sustainable rural development.
20. Which Indian institute specializes in cellular and molecular biology?
A. NIV
B. CCMB
C. NIMHANS
D. IARI
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, is a leading CSIR lab in life sciences.
21. Recombinant DNA technology in India is primarily governed by which rules?
A. Drugs & Cosmetics Act
B. IT Act
C. Environment Protection Rules, 1989
D. Patent Act
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
These rules regulate research, manufacture, and release of genetically engineered organisms.
22. Which field uses biotechnology for disease diagnosis?
A. Bioinformatics
B. Medical imaging
C. Molecular diagnostics
D. Nuclear medicine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Molecular diagnostics applies DNA/RNA-based techniques for early and accurate disease detection.
23. Which Indian program integrates digital health with medical research?
A. National Health Stack
B. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
C. Genome India
D. e-Sanjeevani
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission enables digital health records and research integration.
24. What is India’s rank globally in vaccine production capacity?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fifth
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
India is the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, supplying over 60% of global demand.
25. Which Indian research area benefited most from COVID-19 biotech advances?
A. Space medicine
B. Genomics and vaccine platforms
C. Marine biology
D. Nuclear medicine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
COVID-19 accelerated genomics, vaccine platforms, and translational biotechnology research.
26. Which Indian body funds extramural biomedical research projects?
A. SERB
B. ICMR
C. AIIMS
D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ICMR supports extramural research grants across universities and institutions.
27. What is the focus of biosimilars in India?
A. Space biology
B. Affordable biologic medicines
C. Herbal drugs
D. Nuclear isotopes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Biosimilars provide cost-effective alternatives to expensive biologic drugs.
28. Which Indian initiative supports translational medical research?
A. TDB
B. IMPRINT
C. National Biopharma Mission
D. Digital India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The mission bridges the gap between laboratory research and market-ready healthcare products.
29. Which field combines biology, computing, and data analysis?
A. Biophysics
B. Bioinformatics
C. Biotechnology law
D. Immunology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Bioinformatics plays a crucial role in genomics, drug discovery, and precision medicine.
30. Biotechnology is most directly linked to which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)?
A. SDG 4 – Quality Education
B. SDG 9 – Industry & Innovation
C. SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-Being
D. SDG 13 – Climate Action
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Biotechnology directly contributes to SDG 3 through improved healthcare, vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
✅ Exam Relevance
These MCQs are strictly aligned with India-specific GK syllabi and are highly relevant for:
- UPSC, State PSCs
- SSC, Banking, Railways
- NEET, CUET, University & Entrance Exams
- School & College Examinations
-
Biotechnology MCQs for competitive exams
-
Medical research institutions in India MCQs
-
DBT and ICMR GK questions
-
Indian vaccine research MCQs
-
Science and Technology GK India
-
Genome India Mission MCQs
-
Biopharma and biotech initiatives India
-
Biotechnology current affairs MCQs
🔹 Why Study Biotechnology & Medical Research MCQs for Competitive Exams?
Biotechnology and medical research have become high-priority topics in Indian competitive examinations, especially after major developments in vaccine production, genomics, and public health innovation.
This MCQ set offers concept-driven, exam-oriented coverage of India-specific biotechnology initiatives, institutions, regulatory frameworks, and medical research advancements. With clear explanations and chronological structuring, it strengthens both static GK and applied current affairs understanding, making it ideal for prelims, mains, and objective tests.
🔹 FAQ Section
Q1. Why is biotechnology important for Indian competitive exams?
Biotechnology is crucial due to its role in healthcare, vaccine development, genomics, and government missions, frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams.
Q2. Which Indian institutions are important for biotechnology MCQs?
Key institutions include DBT, ICMR, CSIR laboratories, AIIMS, and national genome research institutes.
Q3. Are vaccine-related MCQs relevant for exams?
Yes, vaccine research, indigenous vaccine development, and regulatory approvals are highly relevant in science and current affairs sections.
Q4. Is the Genome India Mission important for GK exams?
Absolutely. Genome India Mission is a major national initiative and a frequent topic in UPSC, CUET, and state PSC examinations.
Q5. Who should practice these Biotechnology MCQs?
Students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, NEET, CUET, and university entrance exams should practice these MCQs.
🔹 Targeting Exams
These Biotechnology & Medical Research in India MCQs are meticulously designed to meet the syllabus requirements of:
-
UPSC (Prelims & Mains – GS Paper III)
-
State Public Service Commissions (APSC, BPSC, RPSC, etc.)
-
SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)
-
Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)
-
Railway Exams (RRB NTPC, Group D)
-
NEET, CUET & University Entrance Exams
-
School & College Level Competitive Tests