UPSC Previous Year Indian GK Questions MCQs for Prelims Preparation
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 15: Previous Year Indian GK Questions MCQs
Topic: UPSC Previous Year Indian GK Questions MCQs for Prelims Preparation
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Indian Polity (PYQ-Based) – Q1 to Q12
Q1. Which of the following schedules of the Indian Constitution deals with the division of powers between the Union and the States?
A. Seventh Schedule
B. Eighth Schedule
C. Tenth Schedule
D. Eleventh Schedule
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Seventh Schedule contains the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, defining the division of legislative powers.
Q2. The concept of “Single Citizenship” in India has been borrowed from the Constitution of:
A. USA
B. UK
C. Canada
D. Australia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India follows single citizenship, inspired by the British Constitution.
Q3. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed by the:
A. Prime Minister
B. Parliament
C. President of India
D. Supreme Court
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The President of India appoints the CAG under Article 148.
Q4. Which Fundamental Right cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?
A. Right to Equality
B. Right to Freedom
C. Right against Exploitation
D. Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Article 21 remains non-suspendable even during an Emergency.
Q5. The anti-defection law is contained in which Schedule of the Constitution?
A. Ninth Schedule
B. Tenth Schedule
C. Eleventh Schedule
D. Twelfth Schedule
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Tenth Schedule deals with disqualification on grounds of defection.
Q6. The President of India can be removed by:
A. Simple majority
B. Special majority
C. Absolute majority
D. Effective majority
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Impeachment of the President requires a special majority in Parliament.
Q7. Which Article deals with the amendment of the Constitution?
A. Article 352
B. Article 356
C. Article 368
D. Article 370
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Article 368 prescribes the procedure for constitutional amendment.
Q8. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is:
A. Prime Minister
B. President
C. Vice-President
D. Speaker of Lok Sabha
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Q9. Which body decides disputes regarding the election of the President and Vice-President?
A. Election Commission
B. Supreme Court
C. Parliament
D. High Court
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Such disputes are decided by the Supreme Court.
Q10. The power to promulgate ordinances is vested in the:
A. Prime Minister
B. President and Governors
C. Parliament
D. Supreme Court
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The President (Article 123) and Governors (Article 213) can issue ordinances.
Q11. Which Directive Principle deals with equal pay for equal work?
A. Article 39(d)
B. Article 41
C. Article 44
D. Article 48
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Article 39(d) promotes equal pay for equal work.
Q12. The concept of judicial review in India is borrowed from:
A. UK
B. USA
C. Ireland
D. Canada
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Judicial review is inspired by the US Constitution.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Indian History & Culture (PYQ-Based) – Q13 to Q24
Q13. The Indus Valley Civilisation was primarily an:
A. Pastoral civilisation
B. Nomadic civilisation
C. Urban civilisation
D. Tribal civilisation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It was a well-planned urban civilisation with drainage systems.
Q14. Which Veda deals mainly with rituals and sacrifices?
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Yajurveda focuses on sacrificial rituals.
Q15. Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the:
A. Battle of Plassey
B. Battle of Kalinga
C. Battle of Panipat
D. Battle of Hydaspes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Kalinga War deeply influenced Ashoka.
Q16. Which Mughal emperor introduced Mansabdari system?
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Mansabdari system was introduced by Akbar.
Q17. The Permanent Settlement was introduced in:
A. 1793
B. 1813
C. 1833
D. 1853
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793.
Q18. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
A. Swami Vivekananda
B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C. Dayanand Saraswati
D. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj.
Q19. The Quit India Movement was launched in:
A. 1920
B. 1930
C. 1942
D. 1947
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Quit India Movement was launched in August 1942.
Q20. The famous slogan “Do or Die” was given by:
A. Subhash Chandra Bose
B. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Lala Lajpat Rai
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Gandhiji gave the slogan during the Quit India Movement.
Q21. Which dance form originates from Kerala?
A. Bharatanatyam
B. Kathak
C. Kathakali
D. Odissi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala.
Q22. The Ajanta Caves belong to which religion?
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Hinduism
D. Zoroastrianism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Ajanta caves are associated with Buddhism.
Q23. The Gupta period is known as the Golden Age mainly due to:
A. Military expansion
B. Administrative reforms
C. Cultural and scientific progress
D. Trade dominance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Gupta period saw major advances in art, science, and literature.
Q24. Which language was primarily used in Ashokan inscriptions?
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Prakrit
D. Tamil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ashoka used Prakrit for mass communication.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Geography & Environment (PYQ-Based) – Q25 to Q36
Q25. The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states.
Q26. The Western Ghats are recognised as:
A. Biosphere Reserve
B. World Heritage Site
C. Ramsar Site
D. Tiger Corridor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q27. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
A. Gandak
B. Kosi
C. Son
D. Ganga
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Kosi River frequently causes floods in Bihar.
Q28. India has the longest coastline among Indian Ocean countries except:
A. Australia
B. Indonesia
C. Madagascar
D. South Africa
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Indonesia has a longer coastline than India.
Q29. Which soil type is most suitable for cotton cultivation?
A. Alluvial soil
B. Red soil
C. Black soil
D. Laterite soil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Black soil (Regur soil) is ideal for cotton.
Q30. Mangrove forests are mainly found in:
A. Desert regions
B. Delta regions
C. Mountain regions
D. Plateau regions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mangroves grow in deltaic and coastal areas.
Q31. The Indian monsoon is caused mainly due to:
A. Earth’s rotation
B. Pressure differences
C. Ocean currents
D. Tides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Monsoon winds are driven by seasonal pressure differences.
Q32. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?
A. Chilika
B. Wular
C. Sambhar
D. Pulicat
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake.
Q33. Which National Park is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros?
A. Kaziranga
B. Jim Corbett
C. Gir
D. Ranthambore
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park is known for one-horned rhinos.
Q34. El Niño phenomenon affects India by influencing:
A. Earthquakes
B. Monsoon rainfall
C. Soil fertility
D. Ocean tides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
El Niño impacts Indian monsoon patterns.
Q35. Which mountain range separates India from Central Asia?
A. Aravalli
B. Vindhya
C. Karakoram
D. Western Ghats
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Karakoram Range forms a natural barrier.
Q36. Laterite soil is formed due to:
A. Mechanical weathering
B. Chemical weathering
C. Volcanic activity
D. Glacial erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Laterite soil forms due to intense chemical weathering.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Economy, Science & Current GK (PYQ-Based) – Q37 to Q60
Q37. The Reserve Bank of India was established in:
A. 1930
B. 1935
C. 1947
D. 1950
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
RBI was established in 1935.
Q38. The Economic Survey of India is presented by the:
A. Prime Minister
B. Finance Minister
C. RBI Governor
D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Finance Minister presents the Economic Survey.
Q39. Which sector contributes the maximum to India’s GDP?
A. Agriculture
B. Industry
C. Services
D. Mining
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The services sector contributes the largest share.
Q40. GST in India was implemented in:
A. 2015
B. 2016
C. 2017
D. 2018
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
GST came into force on 1 July 2017.
Q41. Which organisation releases the Human Development Index?
A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. UNDP
D. WHO
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
HDI is published by UNDP.
Q42. ISRO’s headquarters is located at:
A. Hyderabad
B. Bengaluru
C. Thiruvananthapuram
D. Chennai
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ISRO headquarters is in Bengaluru.
Q43. The “Make in India” initiative was launched in:
A. 2012
B. 2013
C. 2014
D. 2015
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Make in India was launched in 2014.
Q44. Which vitamin is produced when the human body is exposed to sunlight?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Sunlight helps the body synthesise Vitamin D.
Q45. The currency of Japan is:
A. Won
B. Yen
C. Yuan
D. Ringgit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Japanese currency is the Yen.
Q46. Which gas is mainly responsible for global warming?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Argon
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas.
Q47. Which Article deals with the Finance Commission?
A. Article 260
B. Article 280
C. Article 300
D. Article 315
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Article 280 provides for the Finance Commission.
Q48. The Green Revolution in India is associated with:
A. Rice and wheat production
B. Cotton production
C. Pulses production
D. Oilseeds production
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
It focused mainly on wheat and rice.
Q49. Which Indian satellite system is used for navigation?
A. INSAT
B. GSAT
C. IRNSS (NavIC)
D. RISAT
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
NavIC is India’s regional navigation system.
Q50. The term “Fiscal Deficit” refers to:
A. Revenue expenditure minus revenue receipts
B. Total expenditure minus total receipts excluding borrowings
C. Total income minus savings
D. Budget surplus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Fiscal deficit indicates government borrowing needs.
Q51. Which Indian state has the longest coastline?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Gujarat has the longest coastline.
Q52. The headquarters of the World Health Organization is in:
A. Paris
B. New York
C. Geneva
D. Vienna
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
WHO headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.
Q53. Which metal is liquid at room temperature?
A. Iron
B. Mercury
C. Aluminium
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mercury remains liquid at room temperature.
Q54. The National Income of India is estimated by:
A. RBI
B. NITI Aayog
C. Central Statistical Office
D. Finance Ministry
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The CSO (now NSO) estimates national income.
Q55. Which Indian mission aims to clean the Ganga River?
A. Swachh Bharat
B. Jal Jeevan Mission
C. Namami Gange
D. AMRUT
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Namami Gange focuses on river rejuvenation.
Q56. The “Blue Economy” is related to:
A. Agriculture
B. Marine resources
C. Mining
D. Space research
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Blue Economy focuses on ocean-based sustainable development.
Q57. Which Indian city is known as the “Silicon Valley of India”?
A. Hyderabad
B. Pune
C. Bengaluru
D. Chennai
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Bengaluru is India’s IT hub.
Q58. The Right to Education Act was enacted in:
A. 2005
B. 2007
C. 2009
D. 2011
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
RTE Act was passed in 2009.
Q59. Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
A. Venus
B. Mars
C. Jupiter
D. Saturn
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mars appears red due to iron oxide.
Q60. Previous year questions are important because they:
A. Repeat exactly
B. Reveal exam trends
C. Reduce syllabus
D. Eliminate guesswork
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
PYQs help aspirants understand question patterns and focus areas.
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UPSC prelims previous year GK questions
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Indian GK PYQ MCQs for UPSC
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UPSC general knowledge previous year questions
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Indian GK questions for UPSC prelims
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UPSC PYQ based GK MCQs
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Previous year Indian GK questions with answers
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UPSC GK practice MCQs
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UPSC prelims GK revision questions
🔹 UPSC Previous Year Indian GK Questions MCQs for Prelims
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are the most reliable and high-return resource for UPSC Prelims preparation. Indian General Knowledge questions asked repeatedly by UPSC reveal core focus areas, conceptual depth, and evolving trends across Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science, and Current GK.
This MODULE 15 MCQ set is designed as a trend-based revision and practice tool, offering PYQ-oriented questions with clear, concept-driven explanations. Regular practice of these MCQs helps aspirants improve question-solving accuracy, time management, and conceptual clarity, making it an essential component of smart Prelims preparation.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are UPSC Previous Year GK Questions important for Prelims?
They reveal the exact exam pattern, frequently repeated concepts, and UPSC’s approach to framing questions.
Q2. Do UPSC questions repeat directly from previous years?
Not directly, but concepts and themes repeat, making PYQs extremely valuable.
Q3. Which subjects are most important in UPSC GK PYQs?
Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current GK.
Q4. Are PYQ-based MCQs useful for State PSC and SSC exams?
Yes. PYQs provide strong conceptual coverage useful for State PSCs, SSC, Banking, and Defence exams.
Q5. How should aspirants use PYQ MCQs effectively?
By analysing answers, understanding concepts behind questions, and linking them with current affairs.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
🎯 Targeting Competitive & Academic Examinations
These UPSC Previous Year Indian GK Questions 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)
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State Public Service Commission (PSC) Prelims
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SSC CGL, CHSL, GD & MTS
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Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)
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Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
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Defence & Police Recruitment Exams
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University, College & School-level Competitive Examinations