National Symbols of India Questions and Answers
National Symbols of India Questions and Answers – 30 Important MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations
The following 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL/CHSL, Banking (IBPS, SBI, RBI), Railways (RRB), State PSC, CDS, CAPF, Insurance, CUET, CTET, TET, and other competitive examinations in India. Each question includes the correct answer and an easy-to-understand, concept-clearing explanation to help strengthen your knowledge of the National Symbols of India.
1. What is the National Emblem of India?
A. Ashoka Chakra
B. Lion Capital of Ashoka
C. India Gate
D. Lotus Temple
✅ Answer: B. Lion Capital of Ashoka
Explanation:
The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, adopted on 26 January 1950. It features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back (three are visible in the emblem) and symbolises power, courage, confidence, and pride.
Option Analysis
- A. Ashoka Chakra – Part of the National Flag.
- B. Lion Capital of Ashoka – ✅ Correct.
- C. India Gate – National war memorial.
- D. Lotus Temple – Baháʼí House of Worship.
2. India’s National Flag is popularly known as:
A. Tricolour (Tiranga)
B. Red Banner
C. Victory Flag
D. National Standard
✅ Answer: A. Tricolour (Tiranga)
Explanation:
The Indian National Flag is popularly called the Tiranga because it has three horizontal colours—saffron, white, and green.
3. Who designed the National Flag of India?
A. Pingali Venkayya
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. B. R. Ambedkar
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
✅ Answer: A. Pingali Venkayya
Explanation:
Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, designed the Indian National Flag. The Constituent Assembly adopted it on 22 July 1947.
4. The Ashoka Chakra in the National Flag contains:
A. 20 spokes
B. 22 spokes
C. 24 spokes
D. 26 spokes
✅ Answer: C. 24 spokes
Explanation:
The navy-blue Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, representing righteousness, progress, and continuous movement.
5. Which colour appears at the top of the Indian National Flag?
A. Green
B. White
C. Saffron
D. Blue
✅ Answer: C. Saffron
Explanation:
The order of the flag is:
- Top: Saffron
- Middle: White with Ashoka Chakra
- Bottom: Green
6. The National Anthem of India is:
A. Vande Mataram
B. Jana Gana Mana
C. Sare Jahan Se Achha
D. Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
✅ Answer: B. Jana Gana Mana
Explanation:
Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted as India’s National Anthem on 24 January 1950.
7. Who composed the National Anthem of India?
A. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Subramania Bharati
✅ Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation:
Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel Laureate, composed Jana Gana Mana in Bengali.
8. The National Song of India is:
A. Jana Gana Mana
B. Vande Mataram
C. Sare Jahan Se Achha
D. Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram
✅ Answer: B. Vande Mataram
Explanation:
Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the novel Anandamath, was adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950.
9. Who wrote “Vande Mataram”?
A. Rabindranath Tagore
B. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Sri Aurobindo
✅ Answer: B. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Explanation:
The song inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to hold immense national significance.
10. What is the National Animal of India?
A. Asiatic Lion
B. Bengal Tiger
C. Leopard
D. Elephant
✅ Answer: B. Bengal Tiger
Explanation:
The Royal Bengal Tiger was declared the National Animal in 1973, highlighting India’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
11. India’s National Bird is:
A. Swan
B. Peacock
C. Parrot
D. Eagle
✅ Answer: B. Peacock
Explanation:
The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) became the National Bird in 1963 due to its cultural significance and widespread presence.
12. Which is the National Flower of India?
A. Rose
B. Lotus
C. Sunflower
D. Jasmine
✅ Answer: B. Lotus
Explanation:
The Lotus symbolises purity, spirituality, prosperity, and resilience in Indian culture.
13. India’s National Tree is:
A. Neem
B. Banyan
C. Peepal
D. Mango
✅ Answer: B. Banyan
Explanation:
The Banyan Tree represents immortality, longevity, and shelter because of its extensive aerial roots.
14. The National Fruit of India is:
A. Apple
B. Mango
C. Banana
D. Orange
✅ Answer: B. Mango
Explanation:
The mango is widely cultivated across India and is celebrated as the “King of Fruits.”
15. Which is India’s National Aquatic Animal?
A. Blue Whale
B. Ganges River Dolphin
C. Crocodile
D. Dugong
✅ Answer: B. Ganges River Dolphin
Explanation:
The Ganges River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal in 2009 to promote freshwater ecosystem conservation.
16. India’s National Reptile is:
A. King Cobra
B. Mugger Crocodile
C. Gharial
D. Indian Python
✅ Answer: A. King Cobra
Explanation:
The King Cobra is recognised as India’s National Reptile because of its ecological importance and distinctive characteristics.
17. The National Heritage Animal of India is:
A. Bengal Tiger
B. Asian Elephant
C. One-Horned Rhinoceros
D. Wild Buffalo
✅ Answer: B. Asian Elephant
Explanation:
The Asian Elephant was declared the National Heritage Animal in 2010 because of its ecological, cultural, and historical significance.
18. Which is India’s National River?
A. Yamuna
B. Brahmaputra
C. Ganga
D. Godavari
✅ Answer: C. Ganga
Explanation:
The Ganga was declared India’s National River in 2008 and holds immense cultural, historical, and ecological importance.
19. Which is India’s National Calendar?
A. Gregorian Calendar
B. Vikram Samvat
C. Saka Calendar
D. Hijri Calendar
✅ Answer: C. Saka Calendar
Explanation:
The Saka Calendar has been India’s National Calendar since 1957 and is used alongside the Gregorian Calendar for official purposes.
20. India’s National Currency is:
A. Dollar
B. Pound Sterling
C. Indian Rupee
D. Euro
✅ Answer: C. Indian Rupee
Explanation:
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (₹), issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
21. The motto “Satyameva Jayate” is taken from:
A. Bhagavad Gita
B. Rig Veda
C. Mundaka Upanishad
D. Ramayana
✅ Answer: C. Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation:
“Satyameva Jayate” means “Truth Alone Triumphs” and appears below the National Emblem.
22. “Satyameva Jayate” means:
A. Unity is Strength
B. Truth Alone Triumphs
C. Victory to India
D. Peace for All
✅ Answer: B. Truth Alone Triumphs
Explanation:
It symbolises India’s commitment to truth, justice, and integrity.
23. The National Flag was adopted on:
A. 15 August 1947
B. 22 July 1947
C. 26 January 1950
D. 2 October 1947
✅ Answer: B. 22 July 1947
Explanation:
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag on 22 July 1947, before India’s Independence.
24. The National Emblem was adopted on:
A. 15 August 1947
B. 26 January 1950
C. 24 January 1950
D. 22 July 1947
✅ Answer: B. 26 January 1950
Explanation:
The National Emblem came into official use on the day the Constitution came into force.
25. Which state is associated with the Lion Capital of Ashoka?
A. Bihar
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Odisha
✅ Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
The original Lion Capital is located at Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
26. The National Flag has a length-to-width ratio of:
A. 2:1
B. 3:2
C. 4:3
D. 5:3
✅ Answer: B. 3:2
Explanation:
The official proportion of the Indian National Flag is 3:2.
27. Which symbol appears at the centre of the National Flag?
A. Lotus
B. Lion
C. Ashoka Chakra
D. Wheel of Dharma with 12 spokes
✅ Answer: C. Ashoka Chakra
Explanation:
The Ashoka Chakra is navy blue and has 24 spokes, representing righteousness and progress.
28. Which of the following is correctly matched?
A. National Bird – Peacock
B. National Tree – Mango
C. National Flower – Rose
D. National Animal – Lion
✅ Answer: A. National Bird – Peacock
Explanation:
The peacock is India’s National Bird, while the Banyan is the National Tree, the Lotus is the National Flower, and the Bengal Tiger is the National Animal.
29. Which national symbol represents India’s commitment to environmental conservation?
A. Bengal Tiger
B. Ganges River Dolphin
C. Asian Elephant
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation:
The National Animal, National Aquatic Animal, and National Heritage Animal all highlight India’s focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
30. Which statement best describes the National Symbols of India?
A. They are only cultural symbols without legal significance.
B. They represent India’s identity, heritage, sovereignty, biodiversity, and constitutional values while promoting national unity and pride.
C. They are recognised only during national festivals.
D. They consist only of monuments and historical sites.
✅ Answer: B. They represent India’s identity, heritage, sovereignty, biodiversity, and constitutional values while promoting national unity and pride.
Explanation:
India’s National Symbols—including the National Flag, National Emblem, National Anthem, National Song, National Animal, National Bird, National Flower, National Tree, National River, National Calendar, National Currency, National Aquatic Animal, National Heritage Animal, and National Reptile—reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, democratic ideals, ecological diversity, and constitutional values. Questions on these symbols are frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, State PSC, CDS, CAPF, CTET, and other competitive examinations.
Quick Revision Table
| National Symbol | Official Symbol |
|---|---|
| National Flag | Tiranga (Tricolour) |
| National Emblem | Lion Capital of Ashoka |
| National Anthem | Jana Gana Mana |
| National Song | Vande Mataram |
| National Motto | Satyameva Jayate |
| National Animal | Royal Bengal Tiger |
| National Bird | Indian Peacock |
| National Flower | Lotus |
| National Tree | Banyan |
| National Fruit | Mango |
| National River | Ganga |
| National Aquatic Animal | Ganges River Dolphin |
| National Heritage Animal | Asian Elephant |
| National Reptile | King Cobra |
| National Calendar | Saka Calendar |
| National Currency | Indian Rupee (₹) |
| Flag Designer | Pingali Venkayya |
| Anthem Composer | Rabindranath Tagore |
| National Song Author | Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| Ashoka Chakra | 24 Spokes |
