Welcome to “Set 22” of our comprehensive UPSC MCQ Series! This installment is meticulously designed to challenge your understanding across diverse yet interconnected domains crucial for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. From significant revolts and landmark policies of Modern Indian History to the intricate framework of the Indian Polity, key economic concepts, and the transformative impact of major national schemes, this set covers a broad spectrum. Test your knowledge on historical events like the 1857 Revolt, constitutional provisions related to governance and rights, economic indicators, and contemporary government initiatives like MGNREGA, Smart Cities Mission, and the National Education Policy. This set promises to be an invaluable resource for aspirants seeking to solidify their preparation.
Set 22
1051. The first major revolt against British rule in India was:
A. Vellore Mutiny
B. Revolt of 1857
C. Santhal Rebellion
D. Indigo Revolt
Answer: A
Explanation: The Vellore Mutiny occurred in 1806, predating the more widespread Revolt of 1857. It was a significant uprising by Indian sepoys against the British East India Company, primarily triggered by new dress regulations and religious insensitivities.
1052. The Doctrine of Lapse was primarily aimed at:
A. Religious conversion
B. Expansion of British territories
C. Revenue collection
D. Banning Indian languages
Answer: B
Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Lord Dalhousie, was a policy used by the British to annex Indian princely states whose rulers died without a natural male heir. Its primary aim was the expansion of British territories in India without armed conflict.
1053. The leader of the 1857 Revolt in Kanpur was:
A. Tantia Tope
B. Bahadur Shah Zafar
C. Nana Sahib
D. Kunwar Singh
Answer: C
Explanation: Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the last Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, led the Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur. Tantia Tope was his loyal general and a key military commander in the region.
1054. The main cause of the 1857 Revolt was:
A. Doctrine of Lapse
B. Religious interference
C. Economic exploitation
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: The Revolt of 1857 was not caused by a single factor but was the culmination of various grievances. The Doctrine of Lapse, religious interference (e.g., greased cartridges), economic exploitation (heavy taxation, destruction of traditional industries), and military grievances (low pay, racial discrimination) all contributed significantly to the widespread discontent that erupted into the massive uprising.
1055. The title “Kaiser-i-Hind” was awarded to Gandhi for:
A. Civil Disobedience
B. His work in South Africa
C. His services during Boer War
D. Ambulance work during WWI
Answer: D
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was awarded the “Kaiser-i-Hind” medal by the British government in 1915 for his ambulance work and humanitarian services in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902) and the Zulu Rebellion (1906), as well as his support for the British war effort at the beginning of World War I. The option “Ambulance work during WWI” broadly refers to his supportive services to the British Crown, which contributed to this honor.
1056. The title “Kaiser-i-Hind” awarded to Gandhi was returned in protest of:
A. Rowlatt Act
B. Jallianwala Bagh massacre
C. Partition of Bengal
D. Simon Commission
Answer: B
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi returned the “Kaiser-i-Hind” medal, along with other decorations, in 1920 as a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement, primarily in protest against the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the subsequent repressive policies of the British.
1057. The Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced by:
A. Lord Hastings
B. Lord Cornwallis
C. Warren Hastings
D. Lord Wellesley
Answer: B
Explanation: The Permanent Settlement of 1793, a system of land revenue collection, was introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa by Lord Cornwallis, the then Governor-General of Bengal. It made Zamindars the hereditary owners of the land.
1058. The Ryotwari System was introduced in:
A. Bengal
B. Punjab
C. Madras and Bombay
D. Oudh
Answer: C
Explanation: The Ryotwari System of land revenue, which involved direct settlement between the government and the cultivators (ryots), was introduced by Thomas Munro and Captain Alexander Read, primarily in parts of Madras and Bombay Presidencies in the early 19th century.
1059. Annie Besant started the Central Hindu College in:
A. Madras
B. Banaras
C. Bombay
D. Calcutta
Answer: B
Explanation: Annie Besant established the Central Hindu College in Banaras (Varanasi) in 1898. This institution later became the nucleus for the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University in 1916.
1060. The Satyashodhak Samaj aimed to promote:
A. Muslim education
B. Women’s rights and social equality
C. Sanskritization
D. Christian reforms
Answer: B
Explanation: The Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) was founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 in Maharashtra. Its primary aim was to challenge the caste system, oppose Brahminical dominance, and promote women’s rights and social equality among lower castes.
1061. The Quit India Resolution (1942) was passed in which city?
A. Calcutta
B. Bombay
C. Delhi
D. Lucknow
Answer: B
Explanation: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) on August 8, 1942, at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai). This resolution called for an immediate end to British rule in India.
1062. The first Indian woman to preside over INC session was:
A. Annie Besant
B. Sarojini Naidu
C. Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D. Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: B
Explanation: While Annie Besant was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (1917), Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to achieve this distinction. She presided over the Kanpur session of the INC in 1925.
1063. Communal Award (1932) was introduced by:
A. Lord Irwin
B. Ramsay MacDonald
C. Winston Churchill
D. Stafford Cripps
Answer: B
Explanation: The Communal Award was announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald on August 16, 1932. It proposed separate electorates for various minority communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and depressed classes (untouchables).
1064. The August Offer (1940) was made by:
A. Lord Linlithgow
B. Lord Wavell
C. Lord Mountbatten
D. Clement Attlee
Answer: A
Explanation: The August Offer was a proposal made by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, in August 1940, during World War II. It offered to expand the Executive Council and establish a war advisory council, among other things, in return for Indian cooperation in the war effort.
1065. The most significant feature of the 1935 Government of India Act was:
A. Introduction of Federalism
B. Abolition of Diarchy
C. Establishment of High Courts
D. Universal adult franchise
Answer: A
Explanation: The Government of India Act of 1935 proposed an All-India Federation, which was arguably its most significant and ambitious feature, though it never fully came into effect due to the non-accession of princely states. It also introduced provincial autonomy (abolishing dyarchy at the provincial level), but the concept of an all-India federation was a larger, more defining structural change envisioned by the Act.
1066. The President of India is elected by:
A. Direct election
B. Members of Parliament only
C. Members of Parliament and State Legislatures
D. An electoral college (MPs + MLAs)
Answer: D
Explanation: The President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising the elected members of both Houses of Parliament (MPs) and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (MLAs), including the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. Option D is the most accurate and complete description.
1067. The maximum strength of Lok Sabha as per the Constitution is:
A. 500
B. 545
C. 552
D. 560
Answer: C
Explanation: As per Article 81 of the Constitution, the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members. This includes up to 530 members chosen directly from states, up to 20 members to represent Union Territories. Until the 104th Amendment Act, 2019, 2 members could also be nominated from the Anglo-Indian community, which is now abolished.
1068. Money Bills are defined in which Article?
A. Article 109
B. Article 110
C. Article 112
D. Article 115
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 110 of the Indian Constitution exclusively deals with the definition of Money Bills. It specifies what constitutes a Money Bill and its special procedure for passage.
1069. The Election Commission is a:
A. Statutory body
B. Executive body
C. Constitutional body
D. Judicial body
Answer: C
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a permanent and independent body established directly by the Constitution of India under Article 324. Therefore, it is a Constitutional body.
1070. Who decides whether a bill is Money Bill or not?
A. Finance Minister
B. Prime Minister
C. President
D. Speaker of Lok Sabha
Answer: D
Explanation: The final authority to decide whether a bill is a Money Bill or not rests with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker’s decision on this matter is conclusive and cannot be questioned in any court of law.
1071. The term of a Governor is:
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. No fixed term
Answer: B
Explanation: A Governor normally holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, they hold office during the pleasure of the President, which means the President can remove a Governor at any time without assigning any reason.
1072. The Vice President of India also acts as:
A. President during absence
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Chairman of Rajya Sabha
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the Council of States). Additionally, they can act as President in case of a vacancy in the President’s office.
1073. The Right to Property is now a:
A. Legal right
B. Fundamental right
C. Directive Principle
D. Executive order
Answer: A
Explanation: The Right to Property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 31. However, it was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 and was made a legal right under Article 300A.
1074. The first state to enact a Lokayukta Act was:
A. Maharashtra
B. Bihar
C. Rajasthan
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
Explanation: Maharashtra was the first state in India to enact legislation for the establishment of a Lokayukta, passing the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971.
1075. Which part of the Constitution deals with Panchayati Raj?
A. Part VIII
B. Part IX
C. Part X
D. Part XI
Answer: B
Explanation: Part IX of the Indian Constitution, titled “The Panchayats,” deals with the provisions related to Panchayati Raj Institutions. This part was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
1076. Minimum age to contest Gram Panchayat elections is:
A. 18 years
B. 21 years
C. 25 years
D. 30 years
Answer: B
Explanation: As per Article 243F of the Constitution, the minimum age required to contest elections for a Gram Panchayat (or any other level of Panchayat) is 21 years.
1077. The Three-Tier Panchayati Raj includes:
A. Gram Sabha – Panchayat – Municipality
B. Zila Parishad – Taluk – Ward
C. Gram Panchayat – Panchayat Samiti – Zila Parishad
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: The three-tier Panchayati Raj system, mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act and based on the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee, comprises:
- Gram Panchayat at the village level.
- Panchayat Samiti at the block/intermediate level.
- Zila Parishad at the district level.
1078. The first Municipal Corporation in India was set up in:
A. Bombay
B. Delhi
C. Madras
D. Calcutta
Answer: C
Explanation: The first Municipal Corporation in India was established in Madras (Chennai) in 1688.
1079. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides:
A. 50 days of work
B. 75 days of work
C. 100 days of guaranteed wage employment
D. Minimum monthly wage
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
1080. The Smart Cities Mission aims to develop:
A. 100 cities
B. 50 cities
C. 500 cities
D. All state capitals
Answer: A
Explanation: The Smart Cities Mission, launched by the Government of India in 2015, aimed to develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable.
1081. The Bharatmala Project is related to:
A. River linking
B. Road connectivity
C. Women’s welfare
D. e-Governance
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a centrally-sponsored and funded road and highways project of the Government of India. Its objective is to improve road connectivity across the country, including economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder routes, and border roads.
1082. The UDAN Scheme targets:
A. Electricity to rural areas
B. Road infrastructure
C. Air connectivity to remote areas
D. Universal banking access
Answer: C
Explanation: UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional airport development and regional connectivity scheme launched by the Government of India. Its primary target is to improve air connectivity to remote and unserved/underserved areas by making air travel affordable.
1083. The Digital India Programme was launched in:
A. 2014
B. 2015
C. 2016
D. 2017
Answer: B
Explanation: The Digital India Programme was launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015, with the vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
1084. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in:
A. 2003
B. 2005
C. 2007
D. 2010
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by the Government of India on April 12, 2005, with the aim of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population.
1085. The Betiyan Bachao, Betiyan Padhao campaign was launched in:
A. 2014
B. 2015
C. 2016
D. 2017
Answer: B
Explanation: The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign, aimed at addressing declining child sex ratio and promoting girl education, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, from Panipat, Haryana.
1086. NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission on:
A. 1 Jan 2014
B. 1 Jan 2015
C. 1 July 2015
D. 2 Oct 2015
Answer: B
Explanation: The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) on January 1, 2015, through a resolution of the Union Cabinet.
1087. The Chairman of NITI Aayog is:
A. Finance Minister
B. Prime Minister
C. President
D. Chief Justice of India
Answer: B
Explanation: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of NITI Aayog.
1088. The first census in independent India was held in:
A. 1950
B. 1951
C. 1952
D. 1961
Answer: B
Explanation: The first decennial census in independent India was conducted in 1951, following the Census Act of 1948.
1089. The most recent census held in India was in:
A. 2001
B. 2011
C. 2021
D. 2023
Answer: B
Explanation: The most recent census for which data has been released and utilized was conducted in 2011. The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent data collection and compilation are still in progress as of the current date (June 2025).
1090. The term “Demographic Dividend” refers to:
A. Fertility growth
B. Population explosion
C. Economic benefit of young working population
D. Tax rebate to families
Answer: C
Explanation: The term “Demographic Dividend” refers to the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, primarily when the share of the working-age population (typically 15-64 years) is larger than the non-working-age share (children and elderly). This implies an increased proportion of young, working-age people.
1091. The largest component of India’s population is:
A. Below 14
B. 15–29
C. 30–44
D. 60+
Answer: B
Explanation: India is a young country, and its population pyramid shows a bulge in the younger age groups. Based on the 2011 Census and current demographic trends (e.g., NFHS-5 data), the age group 15–29 years (or often extended to 15-34 years for the youth category) constitutes the largest component of India’s population.
1092. “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” was launched in response to:
A. GST
B. COVID-19 pandemic
C. Global recession
D. Demonetisation
Answer: B
Explanation: The “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” (Self-Reliant India Campaign) was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2020 as a comprehensive economic package and vision to make India self-reliant in the wake of the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
1093. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) focuses on:
A. Bank accounts for all
B. Credit to MSMEs
C. Urban housing
D. Financial literacy
Answer: A
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in August 2014, is a national mission for financial inclusion. Its primary focus is on ensuring access to financial services, namely, a bank account, savings & deposit facilities, remittance, credit, insurance, and pension, with a strong emphasis on opening bank accounts for all unbanked households.
1094. Aadhaar Act came into effect in:
A. 2015
B. 2016
C. 2017
D. 2018
Answer: B
Explanation: The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act was passed by Parliament and came into effect in 2016.
1095. The first Aadhaar card was issued in:
A. 2009
B. 2010
C. 2011
D. 2012
Answer: B
Explanation: The first Aadhaar number was issued to Ranjana Sonawane, a resident of Tembhli village in Maharashtra, on September 29, 2010.
1096. The “Digital Locker” is a part of:
A. PM Awas Yojana
B. Skill India
C. Digital India
D. Swachh Bharat
Answer: C
Explanation: DigiLocker (Digital Locker) is a key initiative under the Digital India Programme. It aims to provide a secure dedicated personal digital space for citizens to store and access their documents and certificates digitally.
1097. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched on:
A. 2 October 2014
B. 15 August 2014
C. 1 July 2014
D. 26 January 2015
Answer: A
Explanation: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with the aim of achieving universal sanitation coverage.
1098. The first beneficiary of Jan Dhan Yojana was:
A. Haryana
B. Gujarat
C. Jharkhand
D. Goa
Answer: C
Explanation: The first Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account was opened for a woman named Neha from Jharkhand during the national launch of the scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
1099. National Education Policy 2020 replaces:
A. NEP 1986
B. NEP 1991
C. NEP 2000
D. NEP 2005
Answer: A
Explanation: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the third major education policy in India. It replaced the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.
1100. The NEP 2020 aims to achieve Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of higher education at:
A. 30%
B. 40%
C. 50%
D. 60%
Answer: C
Explanation: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035