Indian Armed Forces: Army, Navy & Air Force MCQs
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 13: Defence, Security & Strategic Affairs MCQs
Topic: Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy & Air Force MCQs
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Overview of Indian Armed Forces (Q1–Q10)
Q1. The Indian Armed Forces comprise:
A. Army and Navy only
B. Army, Navy and Air Force
C. Army, Air Force and Coast Guard
D. Army and Paramilitary forces
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India has three services—the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force—collectively known as the Indian Armed Forces.
Q2. The Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces is:
A. Prime Minister
B. Defence Minister
C. President of India
D. Chief of Defence Staff
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Under the Constitution, the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Q3. The Indian Armed Forces function under the control of:
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of External Affairs
C. Ministry of Defence
D. Cabinet Secretariat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
All three services are administered by the Ministry of Defence.
Q4. The primary objective of the Indian Armed Forces is to:
A. Maintain law and order
B. Protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity
C. Conduct elections
D. Promote tourism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Armed Forces ensure national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Q5. Which service is the oldest among the three?
A. Indian Navy
B. Indian Air Force
C. Indian Army
D. Indian Coast Guard
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Indian Army traces its origins to the British Indian Army and is the oldest service.
Q6. The Indian Air Force was established in:
A. 1912
B. 1932
C. 1947
D. 1950
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established in 1932.
Q7. The Indian Navy primarily protects:
A. Land borders
B. Airspace
C. Maritime interests
D. Internal security
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Navy safeguards sea lanes, maritime trade, and coastal security.
Q8. The motto “Service Before Self” belongs to:
A. Indian Navy
B. Indian Air Force
C. Indian Army
D. Indian Coast Guard
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
“Service Before Self” reflects the ethos of the Indian Army.
Q9. Which rank is common to all three services?
A. Major
B. Commodore
C. Wing Commander
D. Lieutenant
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Lieutenant is used across Army, Navy (Lieutenant), and Air Force.
Q10. Questions on Indian Armed Forces are important mainly for:
A. Cultural studies
B. Competitive examinations
C. Sports exams
D. Language tests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Defence-related questions are high-weightage in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and Defence exams.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Indian Army (Q11–Q25)
Q11. The Indian Army is responsible for:
A. Sea warfare
B. Air defence
C. Land-based military operations
D. Cyber operations only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Army handles land warfare and border defence.
Q12. The headquarters of the Indian Army is located at:
A. Mumbai
B. New Delhi
C. Pune
D. Chandigarh
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Army Headquarters is in New Delhi.
Q13. The head of the Indian Army is known as:
A. Chief of Defence Staff
B. Chief of Army Staff
C. Army Commander
D. Defence Secretary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Q14. Indian Army Day is celebrated on:
A. January 15
B. October 8
C. December 4
D. August 15
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Army Day marks Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa taking over as the first Indian COAS.
Q15. The Indian Army has how many operational commands?
A. Five
B. Six
C. Seven
D. Eight
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Army has seven commands—six operational and one training command.
Q16. The Northern Command of the Indian Army deals mainly with:
A. Eastern borders
B. Southern peninsula
C. Jammu & Kashmir region
D. Central India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Northern Command focuses on J&K and northern borders.
Q17. Which regiment is associated with mountain warfare?
A. Armoured Corps
B. Gorkha Rifles
C. Artillery
D. Engineers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Gorkha Rifles are renowned for mountain warfare expertise.
Q18. The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) is headquartered at:
A. Shimla
B. Dehradun
C. Pune
D. Mhow
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
ARTRAC is headquartered at Shimla.
Q19. The Indian Army primarily assists civil authorities during:
A. Elections only
B. Natural disasters and emergencies
C. Foreign visits
D. Trade negotiations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Army supports disaster relief and internal emergencies.
Q20. Which force is known as the “backbone” of the Indian Army?
A. Infantry
B. Artillery
C. Engineers
D. Signals
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Infantry forms the core fighting arm of the Army.
Q21. The highest wartime gallantry award in India is:
A. Maha Vir Chakra
B. Param Vir Chakra
C. Vir Chakra
D. Ashoka Chakra
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award during war.
Q22. Which Army unit handles armoured warfare?
A. Infantry
B. Mechanised Infantry
C. Armoured Corps
D. Engineers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Armoured Corps operates tanks and armoured vehicles.
Q23. The Indian Army participates in UN missions mainly for:
A. Trade promotion
B. Peacekeeping operations
C. Military alliances
D. Weapon testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
Q24. The Indian Army is essential for:
A. Maritime dominance
B. Air superiority
C. Territorial defence
D. Cyber security only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Army ensures land and border security.
Q25. Army-related questions test mainly:
A. Weapon specifications
B. Organisational structure and roles
C. Mathematics
D. Cultural knowledge
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exams focus on roles, commands, and structure, not technical details.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Indian Navy (Q26–Q40)
Q26. The Indian Navy safeguards:
A. Airspace
B. Land borders
C. Maritime interests
D. Internal security
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Navy protects sea lanes, ports, and maritime trade.
Q27. The headquarters of the Indian Navy is at:
A. Kochi
B. Mumbai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. New Delhi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Naval Headquarters is located in Mumbai.
Q28. The head of the Indian Navy is known as:
A. Chief of Naval Staff
B. Admiral of the Fleet
C. Naval Commander
D. Chief of Defence Staff
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The professional head is the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
Q29. Indian Navy Day is celebrated on:
A. January 15
B. October 8
C. December 4
D. August 15
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Navy Day commemorates Operation Trident (1971).
Q30. The Indian Navy has how many commands?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Navy has three commands—Western, Eastern, and Southern.
Q31. The Eastern Naval Command is headquartered at:
A. Kochi
B. Mumbai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Chennai
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Eastern Naval Command is at Visakhapatnam.
Q32. The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in:
A. Disaster relief and evacuation
B. Census operations
C. Internal policing
D. Tax collection
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Navy assists in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief).
Q33. Submarines are primarily used for:
A. Cargo transport
B. Stealth warfare and deterrence
C. Training only
D. Coastal tourism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Submarines provide strategic deterrence and stealth capability.
Q34. Which naval force guards India’s Exclusive Economic Zone?
A. Indian Navy
B. Indian Coast Guard
C. BSF
D. CRPF
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Indian Coast Guard protects the EEZ and coastal areas.
Q35. The Navy contributes to India’s:
A. Land defence
B. Air policing
C. Blue water capability
D. Internal law and order
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A strong Navy enables blue-water naval operations.
Q36. Aircraft carriers enhance:
A. Land warfare
B. Sea-based air power
C. Border patrol
D. Cyber defence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Carriers allow air operations from the sea.
Q37. The Indian Navy participates in:
A. UN peacekeeping
B. Joint naval exercises
C. Election security
D. Census surveys
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Joint exercises improve maritime cooperation.
Q38. The Navy’s motto is:
A. Touch the Sky with Glory
B. Service Before Self
C. Shanno Varunah
D. Truth Alone Triumphs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
“Shanno Varunah” means “May the Lord of the Oceans be auspicious”.
Q39. Maritime security is vital because:
A. India is landlocked
B. Most trade moves by sea
C. It affects literacy
D. It controls population
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sea routes are crucial for trade and energy security.
Q40. Navy-related MCQs mainly test:
A. Ship design
B. Roles and command structure
C. Mathematics
D. Chemistry
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exam focus is on organisation and functions.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Indian Air Force (Q41–Q55)
Q41. The Indian Air Force ensures:
A. Maritime security
B. Air defence and air superiority
C. Internal policing
D. Border fencing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The IAF protects Indian airspace.
Q42. The headquarters of the Indian Air Force is at:
A. Bengaluru
B. Pune
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
IAF Headquarters is in New Delhi.
Q43. The head of the Indian Air Force is called:
A. Air Marshal
B. Chief of Air Staff
C. Air Commander
D. Defence Secretary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The professional head is the Chief of Air Staff (CAS).
Q44. Air Force Day in India is celebrated on:
A. January 15
B. October 8
C. December 4
D. August 15
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It marks the raising of the Indian Air Force.
Q45. The IAF primarily supports the Army and Navy through:
A. Naval patrols
B. Close air support and logistics
C. Border fencing
D. Census operations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
IAF provides airlift, logistics, and combat support.
Q46. Which command of IAF focuses on training?
A. Western Air Command
B. Southern Air Command
C. Training Command
D. Central Air Command
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Training Command handles pilot and crew training.
Q47. Air power is crucial because it provides:
A. Slow response
B. Rapid mobility and reach
C. Only defensive capability
D. Static defence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Air power allows quick response across vast areas.
Q48. The Indian Air Force assists civil authorities during:
A. Elections only
B. Natural disasters and evacuations
C. Trade fairs
D. Cultural festivals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
IAF plays a major role in disaster relief operations.
Q49. Air surveillance is essential for:
A. Tourism
B. Early warning and defence
C. Agriculture
D. Education
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Surveillance ensures early threat detection.
Q50. The IAF contributes to India’s:
A. Sea control
B. Air superiority
C. Border fencing
D. Internal policing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Air superiority is a key strategic advantage.
Q51. The Indian Air Force motto is:
A. Shanno Varunah
B. Service Before Self
C. Touch the Sky with Glory
D. Truth Alone Triumphs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
“Touch the Sky with Glory” reflects IAF ethos.
Q52. Air Force operations are critical in:
A. Mountain warfare
B. Desert warfare
C. High-altitude logistics
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
IAF supports operations in all terrains.
Q53. Modern air warfare depends heavily on:
A. Manpower only
B. Technology and intelligence
C. Numbers only
D. Geography only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Technology gives decisive advantage in air combat.
Q54. The IAF enhances India’s:
A. Maritime trade
B. Strategic deterrence
C. Agricultural output
D. Population control
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Air power strengthens strategic deterrence.
Q55. Air Force MCQs in exams focus mainly on:
A. Aircraft engine design
B. Roles, commands, and functions
C. Physics formulas
D. Weather science
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Exams test conceptual understanding, not technical detail.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Integrated Defence & Exam Orientation (Q56–Q60)
Q56. Joint operations among Army, Navy, and Air Force ensure:
A. Competition
B. Integrated defence capability
C. Reduced efficiency
D. Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Jointness improves overall combat effectiveness.
Q57. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) promotes:
A. Service rivalry
B. Joint planning and coordination
C. State policing
D. Internal security only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
CDS enhances tri-service integration.
Q58. Indian Armed Forces together protect:
A. Only borders
B. Only airspace
C. Land, sea, and air domains
D. Cultural heritage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
They secure all strategic domains.
Q59. Armed Forces MCQs are most relevant for:
A. UPSC, State PSCs, Defence exams
B. Language tests
C. Cultural competitions
D. Sports events
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Defence topics are core GK areas in major exams.
Q60. Studying Army, Navy & Air Force together helps understand:
A. Only military ranks
B. India’s comprehensive defence structure
C. Cultural history
D. Economic planning
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Integrated study provides a holistic view of India’s defence system.
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🔹 Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy & Air Force MCQs
The Indian Armed Forces—comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force—form the backbone of India’s national security and defence preparedness. Questions related to their roles, command structures, headquarters, service days, operational responsibilities, and joint defence mechanisms are frequently asked across competitive examinations.
This MODULE 13 MCQ set provides systematic, exam-oriented coverage with concept-clearing explanations, enabling aspirants to clearly understand how each service functions individually and collectively. Regular practice of these MCQs strengthens static GK, defence awareness, and analytical clarity, making them highly effective for objective examinations.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are Indian Armed Forces MCQs important for competitive exams?
Questions on Army, Navy, and Air Force test understanding of national defence structure, making them high-weightage topics in UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and Defence exams.
Q2. Which exams commonly ask questions on Indian Armed Forces?
UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, AFCAT, SSC, Railways, Police and other competitive exams frequently include these questions.
Q3. What areas are most important within Army, Navy & Air Force GK?
Service roles, commands, headquarters, service chiefs, service days, joint operations, and assistance to civil authorities are most important.
Q4. Do exams focus on technical weapon details?
No. Exams mainly focus on roles, structure, functions, and strategic importance, not technical specifications.
Q5. How should aspirants prepare Indian Armed Forces topics effectively?
By understanding basic concepts, organisational structure, and service roles, and practising MCQs with clear explanations regularly.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
🎯 Targeting Competitive & Academic Examinations
These Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy & Air Force 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 & Mains Objective 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, MTS & GD
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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