Nuclear Programme & Atomic Energy in India MCQs
📘 INDIA GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
MODULE 8: Science & Technology (India-Specific) MCQs
Topic: Nuclear Programme & Atomic Energy in India
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Foundations of India’s Nuclear Programme
Q1. The primary objective of India’s nuclear programme is to:
A. Produce nuclear weapons only
B. Promote atomic energy for peaceful purposes
C. Export nuclear fuel
D. Support space exploration
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India’s nuclear programme is peace-oriented, focusing on electricity generation, medical use, agriculture, and research, not weaponisation.
Q2. The architect of India’s nuclear programme was:
A. Vikram Sarabhai
B. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
C. Homi Jehangir Bhabha
D. Satish Dhawan
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Homi J. Bhabha laid the scientific and institutional foundations of India’s atomic energy programme.
Q3. India’s nuclear programme formally began after independence with the creation of:
A. ISRO
B. Atomic Energy Commission
C. DRDO
D. CSIR
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in 1948 to guide nuclear research and policy.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Institutional Framework of Atomic Energy
Q4. The Atomic Energy Commission functions under the:
A. Ministry of Science & Technology
B. Ministry of Defence
C. Prime Minister’s Office
D. Ministry of Power
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The AEC operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, which reports directly to the Prime Minister.
Q5. The apex body responsible for atomic energy in India is the:
A. DRDO
B. ISRO
C. Department of Atomic Energy
D. NITI Aayog
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) oversees nuclear research, power generation, and policy.
Q6. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is primarily involved in:
A. Space research
B. Defence manufacturing
C. Nuclear research and development
D. Environmental studies
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
BARC is India’s premier nuclear research institution, supporting reactors, fuel cycle, and radiation technologies.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Nuclear Power Programme in India
Q7. Nuclear power in India is mainly used for:
A. Defence purposes
B. Electricity generation
C. Export of uranium
D. Missile development
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India uses nuclear energy primarily for electricity generation as part of its clean energy mix.
Q8. India’s nuclear power plants are operated by:
A. BARC
B. DRDO
C. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited
D. NTPC
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
NPCIL is responsible for design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants.
Q9. Most nuclear reactors in India are based on:
A. Light Water Reactor
B. Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor
C. Fast Breeder Reactor
D. Boiling Water Reactor
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India predominantly uses PHWRs, suited to indigenous fuel resources.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme
Q10. India’s three-stage nuclear programme was designed by:
A. Vikram Sarabhai
B. Homi J. Bhabha
C. Raja Ramanna
D. Abdul Kalam
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Homi Bhabha proposed the three-stage programme to utilise uranium and thorium efficiently.
Q11. The first stage of India’s nuclear programme uses:
A. Thorium-232
B. Plutonium-239
C. Natural uranium
D. Enriched uranium
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Stage-1 PHWRs use natural uranium to produce electricity and plutonium.
Q12. The second stage focuses on:
A. Light water reactors
B. Fast Breeder Reactors
C. Fusion reactors
D. Research reactors
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Fast Breeder Reactors use plutonium to generate more fissile material.
Q13. The third stage aims to utilise:
A. Uranium-235
B. Uranium-238
C. Thorium-232
D. Deuterium
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India’s long-term strategy relies on thorium, in which India has abundant reserves.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Nuclear Tests & Strategic Capability
Q14. India conducted its first nuclear test in:
A. 1968
B. 1974
C. 1988
D. 1998
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The 1974 Pokhran test was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
Q15. Pokhran-II nuclear tests were conducted in:
A. 1995
B. 1996
C. 1998
D. 2001
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The 1998 tests established India as a nuclear-weapon-capable state.
Q16. Pokhran nuclear tests were conducted in:
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Maharashtra
D. Madhya Pradesh
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Pokhran is located in Rajasthan, chosen for its geological stability.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 6: Nuclear Safety & Regulation
Q17. Nuclear safety in India is overseen by:
A. NPCIL
B. AERB
C. BARC
D. DRDO
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) ensures nuclear and radiation safety.
Q18. AERB functions under the:
A. Ministry of Defence
B. Department of Atomic Energy
C. Ministry of Power
D. NITI Aayog
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
AERB operates under the Department of Atomic Energy.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 7: International Cooperation & Treaties
Q19. India is not a signatory to which treaty?
A. CTBT
B. NPT
C. Both A and B
D. Paris Agreement
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India has not signed NPT and CTBT, citing concerns over nuclear discrimination.
Q20. The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement was signed in:
A. 2004
B. 2005
C. 2008
D. 2010
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The 2008 agreement ended India’s nuclear isolation and enabled international cooperation.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 8: Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy
Q21. Atomic energy in India is used in medicine mainly for:
A. Vaccination
B. Radiation therapy and diagnostics
C. Organ transplantation
D. Genetic engineering
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Nuclear technology supports cancer treatment and medical imaging.
Q22. In agriculture, nuclear technology helps in:
A. Soil erosion control
B. Crop mutation and pest control
C. Irrigation management
D. Fertiliser production only
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Radiation induces beneficial mutations and helps control pests.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 9: Recent Developments & Future Prospects
Q23. India’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is located at:
A. Tarapur
B. Kalpakkam
C. Kudankulam
D. Rawatbhata
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The PFBR at Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu) is key to Stage-2 of India’s programme.
Q24. Thorium-based reactors are important for India because:
A. Thorium is imported
B. India has large thorium reserves
C. Thorium is cheaper than coal
D. Thorium produces no waste
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India possesses one of the world’s largest thorium reserves, especially in monazite sands.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 10: Overall Assessment & Exam Perspective
Q25. India’s nuclear programme is best described as:
A. Weapon-centric
B. Energy-centric and development-oriented
C. Export-oriented
D. Privately controlled
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India emphasises peaceful use, energy security, and development.
Q26. Nuclear power contributes to India’s energy mix mainly as:
A. Renewable energy
B. Fossil fuel alternative
C. Clean base-load energy
D. Emergency energy source
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Nuclear power provides low-carbon, base-load electricity.
Q27. Which fuel cycle stage involves reprocessing of spent fuel?
A. Mining
B. Enrichment
C. Reprocessing
D. Disposal
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Reprocessing extracts usable fissile material from spent fuel.
Q28. India’s nuclear doctrine emphasises:
A. First use
B. Massive retaliation
C. No First Use
D. Pre-emptive strike
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India follows a No First Use (NFU) nuclear policy.
Q29. The growth of nuclear energy supports India’s goal of:
A. Increasing coal dependence
B. Reducing carbon emissions
C. Exporting electricity
D. Military dominance
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Nuclear energy supports climate commitments and clean energy transition.
Q30. India’s nuclear programme reflects a balance between:
A. Science and secrecy
B. Energy security and global responsibility
C. Military power and isolation
D. Technology and privatisation
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
India balances energy needs, non-proliferation commitments, and peaceful use of atomic energy.
✅ Exam Relevance Note
These MCQs are strictly aligned with India-specific Science & Technology syllabus and are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, Railways, Defence, Banking, School Boards, and University examinations.
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Indian Nuclear Programme MCQs
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Atomic Energy in India GK Questions
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Three Stage Nuclear Programme MCQs
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BARC DAE NPCIL MCQs
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Nuclear Power Plants in India MCQs
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Pokhran Nuclear Tests MCQs
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Nuclear Energy Science and Technology MCQs
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UPSC Nuclear Programme Questions
⭐ Strengthen Nuclear Programme & Atomic Energy Concepts
This Nuclear Programme & Atomic Energy in India MCQs module offers systematic, concept-based, and exam-oriented coverage of India’s nuclear institutions, power programme, three-stage strategy, safety framework, international cooperation, and peaceful applications. With chronological sequencing and easy explanations, it is ideal for mastering a high-impact Science & Technology topic for competitive examinations.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1. Why is India’s nuclear programme important for competitive exams?
It links science, energy security, climate goals, and strategic policy, making it a frequently tested topic in UPSC and State PSCs.
Q2. What are the key areas to study in Atomic Energy in India?
Institutions (DAE, BARC), three-stage nuclear programme, power reactors, nuclear safety, Pokhran tests, and peaceful applications.
Q3. Is the three-stage nuclear programme important for UPSC?
Yes. It is a core conceptual topic reflecting India’s long-term energy strategy based on uranium and thorium.
Q4. Do these MCQs cover nuclear safety and regulation?
Yes. They include nuclear safety, regulation, and governance, which are increasingly relevant for exams.
Q5. Can school and college students use these MCQs?
Absolutely. The questions are written with clear, easy-to-understand explanations suitable for academic learning as well.
🎯 Targeting Exams
These Nuclear Programme & Atomic Energy in India MCQs are highly relevant for:
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UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Science & Technology)
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State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
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SSC CGL, CHSL & MTS
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Railways, Defence & Technical Exams
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Banking & Insurance Exams (General Awareness)
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School Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)
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College & University Entrance and Semester Exams