Defence Exercises, Operations & Military Commands MCQs
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 13: Defence, Security & Strategic Affairs MCQs
Topic: Defence Exercises, Operations & Military Commands MCQs
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Defence Exercises – Basics & Purpose (Q1–Q10)
Q1. Defence exercises are primarily conducted to:
A. Display military power only
B. Improve coordination, preparedness, and combat readiness
C. Recruit soldiers
D. Conduct census operations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Military exercises enhance operational readiness, coordination, and interoperability among forces.
Q2. Joint military exercises help armed forces to:
A. Reduce training
B. Test weapons only
C. Improve inter-service and international cooperation
D. Conduct diplomacy only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Exercises improve jointness and interoperability between services and friendly nations.
Q3. Defence exercises are usually conducted during:
A. War only
B. Peace time
C. Election period
D. Census years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercises are conducted in peace time to prepare for contingencies.
Q4. Multinational exercises help India mainly in:
A. Economic growth
B. Defence diplomacy and interoperability
C. Cultural exchange
D. Tourism promotion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They strengthen defence cooperation and trust among nations.
Q5. Which is the key objective of tri-service exercises?
A. Competition between services
B. Integrated combat operations
C. Recruitment
D. Weapon exhibition
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Tri-service exercises promote joint operations of Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Q6. Defence exercises test which aspect most?
A. Political will
B. Military preparedness
C. Economic strength
D. Population size
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercises assess operational readiness and response capability.
Q7. Military drills are important because they:
A. Replace actual operations
B. Simulate real-time combat scenarios
C. Reduce defence budget
D. Eliminate training needs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They provide realistic simulation of battlefield situations.
Q8. Exercises involving friendly nations are part of:
A. Cultural policy
B. Defence diplomacy
C. Trade agreements
D. Education exchange
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Such exercises enhance strategic and military cooperation.
Q9. Defence exercises also help in:
A. Disaster response preparedness
B. Agricultural planning
C. Census mapping
D. Tax reforms
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Forces often rehearse Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) roles.
Q10. Questions on defence exercises are important mainly for:
A. Arts exams
B. Competitive examinations
C. Cultural studies
D. Language tests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are frequently asked in UPSC, State PSCs, and Defence exams.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Important Indian & International Defence Exercises (Q11–Q25)
Q11. “Yudh Abhyas” is a joint military exercise between India and:
A. Russia
B. USA
C. France
D. Japan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral exercise between India and the United States Army.
Q12. “Malabar” is a naval exercise involving India and:
A. Pakistan
B. China
C. USA and Japan
D. Iran
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Exercise Malabar includes India, USA, and Japan (with Australia participating in recent editions).
Q13. “Garuda” is a joint exercise of the Indian Air Force with:
A. Russia
B. France
C. UK
D. Israel
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercise Garuda is conducted between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force.
Q14. “Indra” is a tri-service exercise between India and:
A. China
B. Russia
C. Japan
D. Australia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercise Indra is a tri-service exercise with Russia.
Q15. “Samudra Shakti” is conducted with:
A. Indonesia
B. Sri Lanka
C. Maldives
D. Singapore
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Samudra Shakti is a naval exercise between India and Indonesia.
Q16. “Varuna” is a bilateral naval exercise with:
A. UK
B. France
C. USA
D. Japan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercise Varuna is conducted between India and France.
Q17. “Mitra Shakti” is an army exercise between India and:
A. Nepal
B. Sri Lanka
C. Bangladesh
D. Bhutan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mitra Shakti is held with the Sri Lankan Army.
Q18. “Pitch Black” exercise mainly involves:
A. Army
B. Navy
C. Air Force
D. Paramilitary
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air combat exercise hosted by Australia.
Q19. “Dharma Guardian” is conducted between India and:
A. Japan
B. South Korea
C. Thailand
D. Vietnam
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Dharma Guardian is a bilateral army exercise with Japan.
Q20. The objective of “Malabar” exercise is to enhance:
A. Land warfare
B. Air defence
C. Maritime security and interoperability
D. Cyber security
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Malabar focuses on naval coordination and maritime security.
Q21. India conducts joint exercises to strengthen:
A. Cultural ties
B. Strategic partnerships
C. Tourism
D. Trade tariffs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exercises enhance defence and strategic cooperation.
Q22. Multilateral defence exercises reflect India’s:
A. Isolationist policy
B. Strategic engagement
C. Neutrality only
D. Economic policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They reflect active global military engagement.
Q23. Joint exercises are useful for:
A. Standardising procedures
B. Sharing best practices
C. Building trust
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Exercises achieve multiple operational and diplomatic objectives.
Q24. Defence exercises are often conducted annually to:
A. Increase defence budget
B. Maintain readiness
C. Reduce manpower
D. Promote politics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Regular exercises ensure continuous preparedness.
Q25. Questions on defence exercises usually test:
A. Exact dates
B. Participating countries and purpose
C. Weapon specifications
D. Political ideology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exams focus on partners, services involved, and objectives.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Major Indian Military Operations (Q26–Q40)
Q26. “Operation Vijay” is associated with:
A. 1965 War
B. Kargil War
C. 1971 War
D. Doklam standoff
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Operation Vijay was conducted during the Kargil conflict (1999).
Q27. “Operation Meghdoot” is related to:
A. Siachen Glacier
B. Goa liberation
C. Kargil
D. Pokhran tests
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Operation Meghdoot secured Siachen Glacier for India.
Q28. “Operation Cactus” was conducted in:
A. Sri Lanka
B. Maldives
C. Nepal
D. Bhutan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India intervened in Maldives (1988) to thwart a coup attempt.
Q29. “Operation Blue Star” was conducted in:
A. Jammu & Kashmir
B. Punjab
C. Assam
D. Nagaland
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It was conducted in Punjab (1984) to flush out militants from the Golden Temple.
Q30. “Operation Parakram” was related to:
A. Full-scale war
B. Military mobilisation
C. Peacekeeping
D. Naval blockade
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It was a massive troop mobilisation after the 2001 Parliament attack.
Q31. “Operation Trident” is associated with:
A. Indian Army
B. Indian Air Force
C. Indian Navy
D. Paramilitary forces
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Operation Trident was a naval strike during the 1971 war.
Q32. “Operation Rakshak” focuses on:
A. Maritime security
B. Internal security in J&K
C. Air defence
D. Border fencing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Operation Rakshak deals with counter-insurgency in J&K.
Q33. “Operation Pawan” involved Indian forces in:
A. Bangladesh
B. Sri Lanka
C. Nepal
D. Afghanistan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It refers to IPKF operations in Sri Lanka.
Q34. Surgical strikes conducted by India targeted:
A. Economic infrastructure
B. Terror launch pads
C. Civilian areas
D. Naval bases
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They targeted terrorist launch pads across the border.
Q35. Military operations are conducted to:
A. Demonstrate power only
B. Achieve strategic and security objectives
C. Promote tourism
D. Conduct diplomacy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Operations aim to neutralise threats and protect sovereignty.
Q36. Which force plays the main role in counter-insurgency?
A. Indian Navy
B. Indian Air Force
C. Indian Army
D. Coast Guard
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Army leads counter-insurgency operations.
Q37. Operations like Cactus reflect India’s role as:
A. Regional stabiliser
B. Expansionist power
C. Isolationist state
D. Neutral observer
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
They highlight India’s role as a regional security provider.
Q38. Military operations require coordination among:
A. Only Army units
B. Only political leadership
C. Armed forces and civil authorities
D. Media agencies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Operations involve civil-military coordination.
Q39. Knowledge of military operations is important to understand:
A. Political ideology
B. India’s security challenges
C. Cultural history
D. Trade policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They reflect real security threats and responses.
Q40. Exam questions on operations focus mainly on:
A. Technical details
B. Objectives and outcomes
C. Weapon calibres
D. Weather conditions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exams test purpose, location, and significance.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Military Commands & Joint Structures (Q41–Q55)
Q41. Military commands are created to:
A. Reduce manpower
B. Ensure effective control and administration
C. Increase expenditure
D. Replace services
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Commands enable efficient operational management.
Q42. The Indian Army has how many commands?
A. Five
B. Six
C. Seven
D. Eight
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
There are 7 Army commands (6 operational + 1 training).
Q43. Western Naval Command headquarters is at:
A. Kochi
B. Mumbai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Chennai
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Western Naval Command is headquartered in Mumbai.
Q44. Training Command of the Indian Air Force is located at:
A. Pune
B. Bengaluru
C. Hyderabad
D. Shillong
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
IAF Training Command is at Bengaluru.
Q45. The purpose of theatre commands is to:
A. Increase rivalry
B. Integrate tri-service operations
C. Reduce manpower
D. Promote politics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Theatre commands enhance joint operational efficiency.
Q46. Andaman & Nicobar Command is:
A. Army-only command
B. Navy-only command
C. First tri-service command of India
D. Training command
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It is India’s first and only tri-service command.
Q47. Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) supports:
A. State governments
B. Joint planning and coordination
C. Police forces
D. Election Commission
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
IDS assists in tri-service integration.
Q48. Military commands help in:
A. Faster decision-making
B. Efficient resource use
C. Clear operational responsibility
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Commands improve command, control, and coordination.
Q49. The Chief of Defence Staff reports to:
A. Prime Minister
B. Defence Minister
C. National Security Adviser
D. President
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
CDS functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Q50. Theatre commands are common in:
A. Small countries only
B. Modern militaries
C. Colonial armies
D. Paramilitary forces
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Modern forces adopt integrated command structures.
Q51. Unified commands reduce:
A. Efficiency
B. Duplication of effort
C. Coordination
D. Readiness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They eliminate overlap and redundancy.
Q52. Military command structure ensures:
A. Political control
B. Clear chain of command
C. Media access
D. Public participation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It ensures discipline and operational clarity.
Q53. Commands are headed by:
A. Civil servants
B. Senior military officers
C. Police officers
D. Judges
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are led by senior armed forces officers.
Q54. Joint commands improve:
A. Inter-service rivalry
B. Inter-service coordination
C. Administrative burden
D. Confusion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Jointness enhances operational synergy.
Q55. Questions on commands test mainly:
A. Geographic knowledge
B. Structural understanding
C. Mathematical ability
D. Cultural awareness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exams focus on organisation and purpose.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Exam-Oriented Application (Q56–Q60)
Q56. Defence exercises and operations together indicate:
A. Cultural strength
B. Military preparedness
C. Economic growth
D. Political ideology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They show readiness to respond to threats.
Q57. Knowledge of military commands is essential to understand:
A. Election process
B. Defence management
C. Tax structure
D. Education policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Commands explain how forces are organised and deployed.
Q58. Defence exercises are especially relevant for:
A. UPSC, State PSCs, Defence exams
B. Sports exams
C. Language tests
D. Cultural competitions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
They are frequently asked GK topics.
Q59. Military operations are conducted under:
A. Political parties
B. Civil courts
C. Military command structure
D. Media supervision
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Operations follow a clear chain of command.
Q60. Studying exercises, operations, and commands together helps aspirants understand:
A. Weapon manufacturing
B. India’s comprehensive defence mechanism
C. Cultural diversity
D. Economic planning
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It provides a holistic understanding of India’s defence system.
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Army Navy Air Force commands MCQs
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Joint military exercises of India MCQs
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Defence operations and commands UPSC MCQs
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Strategic military exercises India GK
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Defence preparedness and commands MCQs
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🔹 Defence Exercises, Operations & Military Commands MCQs
Defence exercises, major military operations, and command structures form a core and repeatedly tested area under Defence, Security & Strategic Affairs in competitive examinations. Questions related to joint and multinational exercises, landmark Indian military operations, tri-service coordination, and Army–Navy–Air Force command structures are especially important for prelims-level objective exams.
This MODULE 13 MCQ set offers systematic, exam-focused coverage with concept-clearing explanations, helping aspirants clearly understand why exercises are conducted, how operations are executed, and how military commands function. Regular practice of these MCQs significantly improves defence GK accuracy and confidence.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are defence exercises important for competitive exams?
Defence exercises reflect military preparedness, jointness, and strategic partnerships, making them frequently asked in UPSC, State PSCs, and Defence exams.
Q2. Which Indian defence exercises are most important for exams?
Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, Garuda, Indra, Varuna, Dharma Guardian, and Pitch Black are commonly asked.
Q3. What should aspirants focus on while studying military operations?
Focus on the objective, year, location, and significance of operations like Vijay, Meghdoot, Trident, Cactus, and Parakram.
Q4. Are military command structures important for prelims?
Yes. Questions on Army, Navy, Air Force commands, tri-service commands, and theatre commands are regularly asked.
Q5. Do exams ask technical details of weapons during exercises?
No. Exams mainly test concepts, purpose, participating forces, and strategic relevance, not technical specifications.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
🎯 Targeting Competitive & Academic Examinations
These Defence Exercises, Operations & Military Commands MCQs are prepared in strict alignment with the India-specific General Knowledge syllabus and are highly useful for:
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UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims & Objective Mains Sections)
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State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
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Defence Services Exams (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF)
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SSC CGL, CHSL, GD & MTS
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Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
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Police, Paramilitary & Home Guard Exams
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University, College & School-level Competitive Examinations