General Knowledge Quiz for UPSC Prelims — 50 Important Questions

Navigating the vast syllabus of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam can be a daunting task. Success hinges not just on deep knowledge, but also on the ability to recall and apply facts quickly under pressure. This comprehensive resource, "General Knowledge Quiz for UPSC Prelims," is designed to test your preparation across a wide spectrum of subjects including Indian history, polity, geography, and current affairs. We've compiled 50 crucial questions to simulate the exam environment, helping you identify your strengths and pinpoint areas needing more focus. Whether you're a seasoned aspirant or just beginning your journey, this UPSC GK MCQ challenge serves as a vital tool for self-assessment and a significant step toward mastering the UPSC practice questions required for success.

Test Your Knowledge: A 50-Question UPSC Prelims General Knowledge Quiz

1. The term ‘Aghanya’ found in the Rigveda refers to which of the following?

• A. Cow
• B. Priest
• C. Woman
• D. King

2. Which of the following constitutional amendments introduced anti-defection law in India?

• A. 42nd Amendment
• B. 44th Amendment
• C. 52nd Amendment
• D. 61st Amendment

3. The 'Global Famine Report' is released by which organization?

• A. World Bank
• B. World Economic Forum
• C. FAO
• D. World Food Programme (WFP)

4. Which of the following is not a fundamental duty under the Indian Constitution?

• A. To protect and improve the natural environment.
• B. To pay taxes.
• C. To safeguard public property.
• D. To strive towards excellence.

5. The 'Strait of Hormuz' connects which two bodies of water?

• A. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
• B. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
• C. Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden
• D. Black Sea and Sea of Marmara

6. The 'Jallianwala Bagh' massacre took place in which year?

• A. 1918
• B. 1920
• C. 1919
• D. 1921

7. The 'E-20' initiative, often seen in the news, is related to which of the following?

• A. Ethanol blending in petrol
• B. Electric vehicles
• C. Energy efficiency standards
• D. E-commerce regulations

8. The 'S-400 Triumf' is an air defense missile system of which country?

• A. USA
• B. Russia
• C. Israel
• D. France

9. The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was a policy of which British Governor-General in India?

• A. Lord Dalhousie
• B. Lord William Bentinck
• C. Lord Cornwallis
• D. Lord Curzon

10. Which river is also known as the 'Dakshin Ganga'?

• A. Krishna
• B. Mahanadi
• C. Kaveri
• D. Godavari

Indian History & Polity Quiz Questions for UPSC Prelims

11. The 'Preamble' to the Indian Constitution is based on which of the following?

• A. The Government of India Act, 1935
• B. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms
• C. The Objectives Resolution passed by Jawaharlal Nehru
• D. The Cripps Mission

12. The 'Khilafat Movement' was organized to protest against the injustice done to?

• A. Turkey
• B. Egypt
• C. Iran
• D. Syria

13. The 'Right to Constitutional Remedies' is guaranteed under which article of the Indian Constitution?

• A. Article 21
• B. Article 32
• C. Article 42
• D. Article 51A

14. The 'Swadeshi Movement' was a reaction to which of the following British actions?

• A. Partition of Bengal
• B. Rowlatt Act
• C. Simon Commission
• D. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

15. The 'Sovereignty of India' is vested in which of the following?

• A. The President
• B. The Parliament
• C. The people of India
• D. The Supreme Court

16. Who was the founder of the 'Ghadar Party'?

• A. Bhagat Singh
• B. Subhas Chandra Bose
• C. Lala Lajpat Rai
• D. Lala Har Dayal

17. The 'Tusker in the Room' is a phrase often used in the context of what?

• A. Wildlife conservation
• B. Elephants in captivity
• C. Climate change
• D. Social justice issues

18. Which of the following is an example of an 'ex-situ' conservation method?

• A. National Parks
• B. Biosphere Reserves
• C. Botanical Gardens
• D. Wildlife Sanctuaries

19. The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi' is India's national academy for which of the following?

• A. Music, dance, and drama
• B. Fine arts
• C. Literature
• D. Science and technology

20. The 'Fundamental Duties' were added to the Indian Constitution based on the recommendations of which committee?

• A. Sarkaria Commission
• B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
• C. Punchhi Commission
• D. Swaran Singh Committee

UPSC GK MCQ on Geography & Economics

21. The 'Tropic of Cancer' does not pass through which of these Indian states?

• A. Gujarat
• B. Odisha
• C. Jharkhand
• D. Mizoram

22. 'Monsoon' in India is an example of which type of wind?

• A. Permanent wind
• B. Trade wind
• C. Seasonal wind
• D. Local wind

23. The 'Indus Water Treaty' was signed between which two countries?

• A. India and Pakistan
• B. India and China
• C. India and Bangladesh
• D. India and Nepal

24. 'GNP' (Gross National Product) includes which of the following that GDP does not?

• A. Government expenditure
• B. Investment
• C. Consumption
• D. Net factor income from abroad

25. The 'SEBI' (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulates which sector?

• A. Capital market
• B. Banking sector
• C. Insurance sector
• D. Real estate

26. Which of the following is a 'primary sector' activity?

• A. Manufacturing
• B. Banking
• C. Fishing
• D. Transport

27. The 'Fiscal Deficit' is the difference between which two financial measures?

• A. Total revenue and total expenditure
• B. Total expenditure and total revenue excluding borrowings
• C. Revenue expenditure and revenue receipts
• D. Capital expenditure and capital receipts

28. The 'Gobi Desert' is located in which two countries?

• A. Australia and New Zealand
• B. USA and Mexico
• C. South Africa and Botswana
• D. China and Mongolia

29. The 'Maldives' are located to the south-west of which Indian state?

• A. Kerala
• B. Tamil Nadu
• C. Karnataka
• D. Andhra Pradesh

30. The 'Great Barrier Reef' is located off the coast of which country?

• A. Brazil
• B. USA
• C. Australia
• D. Mexico

Current Affairs & Science UPSC Quiz

31. 'Project Tiger' was launched in India in which year?

• A. 1973
• B. 1972
• C. 1975
• D. 1980

32. The 'COP28' summit on climate change was held in which city?

• A. Glasgow
• B. Sharm El Sheikh
• C. Paris
• D. Dubai

33. The 'James Webb Space Telescope' is a collaboration between which space agencies?

• A. NASA and ISRO
• B. NASA, ESA, and CSA
• C. NASA and Roscosmos
• D. ISRO and JAXA

34. The 'Rabi' crops are sown in which season in India?

• A. Winter
• B. Summer
• C. Monsoon
• D. Autumn

35. 'Pteridophytes' are often called the first vascular plants. Which of the following is an example?

• A. Algae
• B. Fungi
• C. Ferns
• D. Mosses

36. 'Quantum computing' is based on the principles of which field of science?

• A. Quantum mechanics
• B. Thermodynamics
• C. Classical physics
• D. Relativity

37. The 'Geneva Convention' is primarily concerned with which of the following?

• A. Environmental protection
• B. International trade
• C. Space exploration
• D. Humanitarian law in armed conflicts

38. 'Bharat Ratna', India's highest civilian award, was posthumously awarded to which of the following persons in 2024?

• A. Pranab Mukherjee
• B. Karpoori Thakur
• C. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• D. Bhimsen Joshi

39. The 'Sudarshan Setu', India's longest cable-stayed bridge, connects which two places?

• A. Pamban Island and mainland India
• B. Bandra and Worli
• C. Okha and Beyt Dwarka
• D. Dibrugarh and Sadiya

40. The 'Global Innovation Index' is published by which organization?

• A. WIPO
• B. World Bank
• C. WTO
• D. IMF

Indian Culture, Society & Miscellaneous Questions

41. 'Sattriya' is a classical dance form of which Indian state?

• A. Kerala
• B. Assam
• C. Odisha
• D. Tamil Nadu

42. The 'Ajanta Caves' are famous for their mural paintings. They are located in which state?

• A. Rajasthan
• B. Gujarat
• C. Maharashtra
• D. Karnataka

43. The 'Dandi March', led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a protest against which British tax?

• A. Salt Tax
• B. Income Tax
• C. Land Revenue
• D. Stamp Tax

44. The 'Gitanjali' is a collection of poems by which Indian Nobel laureate?

• A. Sarojini Naidu
• B. Premchand
• C. Rabindranath Tagore
• D. Rabindranath Tagore

45. The 'NITI Aayog' was established to replace which government body?

• A. Finance Commission
• B. Planning Commission
• C. Election Commission
• D. National Development Council

46. The 'Green Revolution' in India was primarily aimed at increasing the production of which crop?

• A. Rice
• B. Sugarcane
• C. Wheat
• D. Cotton

47. The 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana' is a scheme related to which of the following?

• A. Financial inclusion
• B. Digital literacy
• C. Skill development
• D. Healthcare

48. The 'World Trade Organization' (WTO) was established in which year?

• A. 1948
• B. 1971
• C. 1989
• D. 1995

49. 'Hampi', a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in which Indian state?

• A. Tamil Nadu
• B. Karnataka
• C. Andhra Pradesh
• D. Telangana

50. The 'Fundamental Right to Life and Personal Liberty' is guaranteed under which article of the Indian Constitution?

• A. Article 21
• B. Article 22
• C. Article 20
• D. Article 19

This UPSC prelims quiz served as a crucial self-assessment tool, highlighting the interconnected nature of general knowledge across diverse subjects. The questions covered a broad range, from core Indian history and polity to dynamic current affairs and foundational science. By tackling these UPSC practice questions, aspirants can gauge their preparedness and identify key areas that require further study. Mastering such a wide array of topics is essential for a strong performance in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. We hope this UPSC GK MCQ challenge has provided valuable insights into your study plan and boosted your confidence for the upcoming examination, reinforcing the importance of consistent and comprehensive preparation.

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Decoding General Knowledge for UPSC Civil Services Prelims

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of India's most prestigious and challenging exams. The first stage, the Prelims, acts as a screening test where candidates are judged on their grasp of general studies and aptitude. The importance of a robust understanding of general knowledge and current affairs cannot be overstated. A strong foundation in these areas is the bedrock of success. This article delves into the core components of General Knowledge for the UPSC Prelims, providing a strategic approach to mastering the vast syllabus. We will cover key subjects, effective study methods, and common pitfalls to avoid. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategy needed to excel in this crucial stage of the examination.

Indian History & Culture

This section covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as art, culture, and architecture. Modern history, especially the freedom movement, is a high-yield area with numerous questions on key figures, movements, and legislative acts. A deep dive into the socio-economic causes and effects of historical events is crucial.

Indian Polity & Governance

Often considered a scoring section, polity is fundamental to the UPSC exam. Topics include the Constitution, its features, amendments, fundamental rights, and duties, as well as the structure and functioning of the Parliament, Judiciary, and Panchayati Raj institutions. A clear understanding of the articles and schedules is vital for the UPSC prelims quiz.

Geography

Physical, economic, and human geography of India and the world form a significant part of the paper. Focus areas include Indian rivers, mountains, climate, natural vegetation, and mineral resources. World geography questions often revolve around major physical features, climate patterns, and current geopolitical locations.

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Current Affairs: The Dynamic Core of UPSC GK MCQ

Current affairs are not a separate subject but the lifeblood that connects all other topics. The UPSC tests your ability to link daily news with static concepts. For instance, a question on a new government scheme might require knowledge of the constitutional provisions for that sector. Similarly, an environmental policy question might be linked to a specific geography or international relations concept. Consistent reading of a national newspaper and a monthly current affairs magazine is non-negotiable. Look for news related to government policies, international relations, science and technology, and significant national and international events.

Expert Tip: When reading current affairs, don't just memorize facts. Try to understand the context, the 'why' behind the news. How does a new policy align with India's long-term goals? What are the economic implications of a geopolitical event? This contextual understanding is what separates top performers.

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Effective Preparation Strategy & UPSC Practice Questions

Effective preparation for the UPSC Prelims involves a multi-pronged approach. First, master the static syllabus by reading standard textbooks. Then, link this knowledge to current developments. Practice is the most critical element. Solving previous year's papers and engaging with a general knowledge quiz for UPSC becomes a game-changer. These practice questions help you identify your weak spots and get comfortable with the multiple-choice format, reducing exam-day anxiety.

Success in the UPSC Prelims is a marathon, not a sprint. It is built on a foundation of consistent effort, strategic preparation, and a willingness to learn from every mistake. Practice diligently, and success will follow.

The Importance of Mock Tests

Mock tests are invaluable. They simulate the real exam environment, helping you manage time and test-taking strategy. Analyze your performance after each mock test. Focus on the questions you got wrong, and more importantly, understand why. Was it a knowledge gap, a silly mistake, or a misunderstanding of the question?

Note-Making for Revision

Creating concise, topic-wise notes is a highly effective revision technique. Use mind maps, flowcharts, and bullet points to organize complex information. This not only aids in memorization but also makes quick last-minute revisions possible, which is crucial for recalling key facts and figures during the exam.

Common Pitfall: Do not just read passively. Engage with the content. Ask yourself questions, debate topics, and explain concepts to someone else. Active learning is far more effective than rote memorization for the UPSC exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How important is General Knowledge for the UPSC Prelims?

A1: It is extremely important. General Knowledge, encompassing current events, Indian history, geography, polity, and economics, forms the core of Paper-I of the Prelims. A strong performance here is essential to clear the cutoff and qualify for the Main examination.

Q2: What's the best way to prepare for Current Affairs?

A2: A balanced approach is best. Read one reputed national newspaper daily and supplement it with a monthly current affairs magazine or a reliable online compilation. Focus on understanding the background and implications of the news, not just the headlines. Regularly attempt a current affairs UPSC quiz.

Q3: Should I memorize every fact from a UPSC practice questions quiz?

A3: No. The goal of a quiz is to identify knowledge gaps and to get a feel for the types of questions asked. While it's good to learn from the questions you get wrong, the primary focus should be on building a comprehensive understanding of the topics and their interconnections.

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Key Takeaways for a Strong UPSC Prelims Performance

• Integrate Static and Dynamic Knowledge: Link core subject knowledge (history, geography) with current affairs for a holistic understanding.
• Consistent Current Affairs Study: Dedicate daily time to newspapers and monthly magazines. Use a current affairs UPSC quiz to test recall.
• Practice Extensively: Solve as many UPSC practice questions and previous year's papers as possible to build confidence and refine your strategy.
• Strategic Revision: Use self-made notes, mind maps, and flashcards for quick and efficient revision, especially in the final weeks.
• Focus on Concepts, Not Just Facts: The UPSC exam tests conceptual clarity. Understand the "why" behind every "what" to handle complex questions.

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Conclusion

Success in the UPSC Prelims hinges on a strategic and disciplined approach. By focusing on a strong foundation in general knowledge, staying abreast of current affairs, and diligently practicing with resources like a UPSC GK MCQ, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. The journey is demanding, but with the right preparation and a positive mindset, clearing the Prelims is an achievable goal. Use this resource not just as a test, but as a roadmap for your entire preparation journey. Good luck with your studies!