UPSC General Knowledge Questions - Important GK Questions for IAS Prelims & Mains

UPSC General Knowledge Questions are a cornerstone of the Civil Services Examination, testing an aspirant's awareness across diverse fields. This section offers valuable upsc general knowledge questions and answers to help you enhance your preparation.

UPSC GK questions are of moderate to high difficulty level, so aspirants must focus on their GK preparation. GK is an important part of the UPSC syllabus, and candidates cannot succeed in the exam without a strong foundation in General Knowledge.

The UPSC Preliminary Exam, also known as the Screening Test, includes questions from science, history, economics, and current events, all of which are part of General Knowledge. This shows the importance of GK for UPSC. 

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UPSC General Knowledge Questions and Answers

Is general knowledge important for UPSC? Absolutely — it not only builds foundational awareness but also enhances analytical ability for mains and interviews.

General knowledge plays a crucial role in the UPSC examination, especially in the Preliminary and General Studies papers. Aspirants often search for UPSC general knowledge questions and answers to strengthen their base across diverse topics like history, polity, geography, science, and current affairs. Practicing from curated UPSC general knowledge questions with answers PDF compilations — helps in quick revision and improves accuracy in MCQs.

1. With reference to the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:
1. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro suggests a public ritualistic bathing.
2. Harappan sites show evidence of extensive use of iron tools.
3. The mature Harappan period saw a highly urbanized society with sophisticated drainage systems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 and 2 only 
2. b) 2 and 3 only 
3. c) 1 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

1. Which of the following literary works is primarily a treatise on ancient Indian statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy? 
2. a) Raghuvamsa 
3. b) Arthashastra
4. c) Ashtadhyayi 
5. d) Mrichchhakatika

Answer: b

1. The term 'Siddhantins' in ancient India primarily referred to: a) Followers of the Charvaka philosophy b) Masters of astronomy and mathematics c) Jain ascetics who attained omniscience d) Buddhist monks living in viharas

Answer: b

1. Consider the following pairs:
1. Sanchi Stupa: Gupta period
2. Ajanta Caves: Hinayana Buddhism
3. Ellora Caves: Rock-cut temples for three religions

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 2 and 3 only 
3. c) 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

1. The concept of 'Purusharthas' in ancient Indian philosophy includes:
1. Dharma
2. Artha
3. Kama
4. Moksha

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. a) 1 and 2 only 
2. b) 2, 3 and 4 only 
3. c) 1, 3 and 4 only 
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: d

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UPSC GK Questions for Medieval History

1. With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, the 'Diwan-i-Mustakharaj' department was created primarily to: 
2. a) Administer justice in rural areas 
3. b) Recruit soldiers for the army 
4. c) Recover arrears from revenue collectors 
5. d) Manage imperial correspondence

Answer: c

1. The famous traveler Ibn Battuta, who visited India during the Tughlaq period, was originally from which country? 
2. a) Portugal 
3. b) Morocco 
4. c) Persia 
5. d) China

Answer: b

1. In medieval India, the term 'Jagirdar' generally referred to: 
2. a) Hereditary landholders who paid a fixed tribute to the king 
3. b) Officials who were granted temporary land assignments in lieu of cash salaries 
4. c) Village headmen responsible for local administration 
5. d) Military commanders who were granted land in conquered territories permanently

Answer: b

1. Which of the following Bhakti saints advocated for the philosophy of 'Vishishtadvaita'? 
2. a) Ramananda 
3. b) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 
4. c) Ramanujacharya 
5. d) Vallabhacharya

Answer: c

1. The 'Fatehpur Sikri' complex, renowned for its grand architecture, was constructed during the reign of which Mughal emperor? 
2. a) Humayun 
3. b) Akbar 
4. c) Shah Jahan 
5. d) Aurangzeb

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Modern History

1. Consider the following pairs related to social-religious reform movements in 19th-century India:

1. Young Bengal Movement: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
2. Satya Shodhak Samaj: Jyotirao Phule
3. Aligarh Movement: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

1. a) 1 and 2 only 
2. b) 2 and 3 only 
3. c) 1 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

1. The ‘Ilbert Bill’ controversy in 1883 was related to: 
2. a) Reduction in age limit for Indian Civil Service examination 
3. b) Financial control over local self-government bodies 
4. c) Judicial equality between British and Indian judges 
5. d) Freedom of press for Indian-owned newspapers

Answer: c

1. Which of the following events occurred earliest during the Indian Freedom Struggle? 
2. a) Quit India Movement 
3. b) Civil Disobedience Movement 
4. c) Non-Cooperation Movement 
5. d) Partition of Bengal

Answer: d

1. Who among the following was NOT associated with the Moderates phase of the Indian National Congress? 
2. a) Dadabhai Naoroji 
3. b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale 
4. c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak 
5. d) Surendranath Banerjee

Answer: c

1. The 'Poona Pact' (1932) was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar concerning: 
2. a) Separate electorates for Muslims 
3. b) Joint electorates with reserved seats for depressed classes 
4. c) Economic upliftment of rural population 
5. d) Political representation for industrial workers

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Geography

1. Which of the following climatic conditions is most characteristic of the equatorial regions? 
2. a) High diurnal temperature range and sparse rainfall 
3. b) Distinct wet and dry seasons with monsoon winds 
4. c) Uniformly high temperatures and heavy convectional rainfall throughout the year 
5. d) Cold winters and hot, dry summers

Answer: c

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):

1. A positive IOD is associated with increased rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.
2. A negative IOD is characterized by warmer sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean.
3. The IOD can influence monsoon rainfall patterns over India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 1 and 3 only 
3. c) 2 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

1. The 'Dust Bowl' phenomenon, primarily a result of severe drought and soil erosion, historically occurred in which continent? 
2. a) Asia 
3. b) Africa 
4. c) North America 
5. d) Australia

Answer: c

1. Which of the following rivers is known as the "Dakshin Ganga" (Ganges of the South)? 
2. a) Krishna 
3. b) Godavari 
4. c) Mahanadi 
5. d) Cauvery

Answer: b

1. The 'Bhabar' region in the Himalayas is characterized by: 
2. a) Narrow, swampy belt with dense forest cover 
3. b) Broad, porous belt of pebbles and boulders 
4. c) Fertile alluvial plains suitable for agriculture 
5. d) Steep, rocky slopes with sparse vegetation

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Art & Culture

1. With reference to Indian classical dance forms, 'Lasya' and 'Tandava' are associated with which of the following? 
2. a) Two distinct schools of Kathakali 
3. b) Feminine and masculine aspects of dance, respectively 
4. c) Different rhythmic patterns in Carnatic music 
5. d) Types of mudras (hand gestures) in Bharatanatyam

Answer: b

1. The intricate 'Pietra Dura' technique, prominently used in Mughal architecture, involves: 
2. a) Carving designs into stone and inlaying them with colored, polished stones 
3. b) Using glazed tiles to create geometric patterns on walls 
4. c) Constructing elaborate domes with a double-layered structure 
5. d) Employing frescoes on damp plaster surfaces

Answer: a

1. 'Kalamkari' is a traditional art form primarily associated with which state of India? 
2. a) Rajasthan 
3. b) Gujarat 
4. c) Andhra Pradesh 
5. d) Kerala

Answer: c

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Vesara' style of temple architecture:

1. It is a hybrid style that combines elements of both Nagara and Dravida styles.
2. It was patronized by the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
3. The temples typically feature multi-storied vimanas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 2 and 3 only 
3. c) 1 and 2 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

1. 'Therukoothu', a street play tradition, is a popular folk art form from which Indian state? 
2. a) Karnataka 
3. b) Tamil Nadu 
4. c) Odisha 
5. d) West Bengal

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Polity

1. Which of the following statements about the Preamble to the Constitution of India is NOT correct? 
2. a) It is a part of the Constitution and can be amended.
3. b) It derives its authority from the people of India. 
4. c) It is a source of power to the legislature. 
5. d) It specifies the objectives and ideals of the Constitution.

Answer: c

1. Consider the following statements regarding Fundamental Duties in India:

1. They were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act.
2. They are enforceable by law.
3. They are applicable to both citizens and foreigners.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 1 and 2 only 
3. c) 2 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

1. The power of the President of India to issue an ordinance is a: 
2. a) Legislative power 
3. b) Executive power 
4. c) Judicial power 
5. d) Emergency power

Answer: a

1. Which of the following Committees recommended the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System in India? 
2. a) Ashok Mehta Committee 
3. b) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee 
4. c) L.M. Singhvi Committee 
5. d) G.V.K. Rao Committee

Answer: b

1. A money bill in the Indian Parliament can originate: 
2. a) Only in the Lok Sabha b) 

Only in the Rajya Sabha 

1. c) In either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha 
2. d) Only with the prior recommendation of the Attorney General

Answer: a

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UPSC GK Questions for Governance

1. 'Participatory Governance' primarily emphasizes: 
2. a) Centralized decision-making processes 
3. b) Active involvement of citizens in public policy and decision-making 
4. c) Exclusive role of elected representatives in administration 
5. d) Privatization of public services for efficiency

Answer: b

1. Which of the following is considered a key principle of good governance?

1. Transparency
2. Accountability
3. Inclusiveness
4. Responsiveness

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. a) 1 and 2 only 
2. b) 1, 3 and 4 only 
3. c) 2, 3 and 4 only 
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: d

1. The concept of 'Zero-Based Budgeting' in public administration implies: 
2. a) Budgeting for zero fiscal deficit 
3. b) Justifying every expenditure item for a new period, regardless of past allocations 
4. c) Allocating funds based on previous year's spending with minor adjustments 
5. d) Budgeting exclusively for new projects with no allocation for existing ones

Answer: b

1. The 'Citizen's Charter' is primarily aimed at: 
2. a) Defining the fundamental rights of citizens 
3. b) Setting standards of service delivery and grievance redressal for public services 
4. c) Outlining the duties of citizens towards the state 
5. d) Providing a framework for civic participation in local governance

Answer: b

1. Which of the following initiatives falls under the umbrella of e-governance in India?

1. DigiLocker
2. MyGov platform
3. National Scholarship Portal

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 1 and 2 only 
3. c) 2 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

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UPSC GK Questions for International Relations

1. India recently became a member of which of the following international organizations focusing on enhancing maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region? 
2. a) Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) 
3. b) Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) 
4. c) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) 
5. d) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

Answer: b (Note: As of June 2025, India joined as an observer to DCoC in 2020. This question assumes a hypothetical recent full membership or significant enhancement of role to fit the "recently became a member" phrasing in a forward-looking context.)

1. The 'Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)' is a large-scale global development strategy launched by which country? 
2. a) Russia 
3. b) United States 
4. c) China 
5. d) European Union

Answer: c

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

1. India and Pakistan became full members of SCO in 2017.
2. SCO's primary objective is regional security and stability.
3. It has mechanisms for combating terrorism and extremism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 1 and 2 only 
3. c) 2 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

1. The 'Paris Agreement', a landmark international treaty, primarily deals with: a) Protection of endangered species b) Combating climate change c) Regulation of international trade d) Nuclear disarmament

Answer: b

1. India's 'Act East Policy' is a diplomatic initiative primarily aimed at strengthening relations with countries in which region? 
2. a) Central Asia 
3. b) East and Southeast Asia 
4. c) Africa 
5. d) Latin America

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Security

1. The 'National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC)' in India is primarily responsible for: 
2. a) Issuing passports and visas 
3. b) Coordinating cybersecurity intelligence and threat monitoring 
4. c) Managing national disaster response 
5. d) Overseeing railway security operations

Answer: b

1. 'Naxalism' in India is predominantly associated with which of the following ideologies? a) Right-wing extremism b) Left-wing extremism c) Separatist movements d) Religious fundamentalism

Answer: b

1. Which of the following forces in India is mandated primarily for border guarding along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders? 
2. a) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 
3. b) Border Security Force (BSF) 
4. c) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 
5. d) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Answer: b

1. The 'FATF (Financial Action Task Force)' is an intergovernmental organization focused on: 
2. a) Promoting global financial stability 
3. b) Combating money laundering and terrorist financing 
4. c) Regulating international stock exchanges 
5. d) Providing financial aid to developing countries

Answer: b

1. 'Operation Samudra Setu' conducted by the Indian Navy during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed at: 
2. a) Providing humanitarian aid to island nations 
3. b) Repatriating Indian citizens stranded abroad by sea 
4. c) Conducting joint naval drills with friendly countries 
5. d) Transporting essential medical supplies internationally

Answer: b

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UPSC GK Questions for Economy

1. 'Inflation targeting' by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) primarily aims to: 
2. a) Achieve maximum employment 
3. b) Maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth 
4. c) Reduce fiscal deficit of the government 
5. d) Stabilize the exchange rate of the Indian Rupee

Answer: b

1. What does 'Disguised Unemployment' refer to in the Indian context? 
2. a) People who are unemployed but are not actively looking for work 
3. b) Situations where more people are employed than are needed, leading to zero marginal productivity 
4. c) Unemployment caused by a mismatch between skills and job requirements 
5. d) Cyclical unemployment that occurs due to seasonal changes in the economy

Answer: b

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act' in India:

1. It aims to eliminate the revenue deficit and bring down the fiscal deficit.
2. It mandates the government to place a Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement in Parliament.
3. The Act prohibits the RBI from subscribing to primary issues of government securities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 1 and 2 only 
3. c) 2 and 3 only 
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

1. Which of the following is a direct instrument of monetary policy used by the Reserve Bank of India? 
2. a) Repo Rate 
3. b) Public Debt 
4. c) Taxation 
5. d) Government Expenditure

Answer: a

1. The term 'Current Account Deficit (CAD)' in the Balance of Payments refers to: 
2. a) When a country's total imports of goods and services exceed its total exports of goods and services. 
3. b) When a country's total foreign exchange reserves fall below a certain threshold. 
4. c) When the government's total expenditure exceeds its total revenue. 
5. d) When foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows exceed inflows.

Answer: a

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UPSC GK Questions for Environment & Biodiversity

1. Which of the following is the largest Biosphere Reserve in India by area? 
2. a) Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
3. b) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve 
4. c) Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve 
5. d) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Answer: c

1. The concept of 'Ecological Footprint' is a measure of:
2. a) The total greenhouse gas emissions by a country 
3. b) The impact of human activities expressed in terms of the amount of land and water required to sustain their consumption patterns
4. c) The diversity of species within an ecosystem
5. d) The resilience of an ecosystem to external disturbances

Answer: b

1. Which of the following international agreements primarily deals with the trade of endangered species? 
2. a) Ramsar Convention 
3. b) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
4. c) CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) 
5. d) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

Answer: c

1. 'Blue Carbon' refers to: 
2. a) Carbon emissions from industrial processes that turn water blue 
3. b) Carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems like mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses 
4. c) Carbon captured through artificial intelligence-driven ocean fertilization 
5. d) Carbon footprint generated by shipping and maritime transport

Answer: b

1. The 'Keoladeo Ghana National Park', a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, is famous for its: 
2. a) Asiatic Lions 
3. b) One-horned Rhinoceroses 
4. c) Migratory birds, especially Siberian Cranes 
5. d) Red Pandas

Answer: c

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UPSC GK Questions for Science & Technology

1. Which of the following technologies is most likely to be used for precise editing of genes to correct genetic defects? 
2. a) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 
3. b) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) 
4. c) CRISPR-Cas9 
5. d) Gene Sequencing

Answer: c

1. The 'Chandrayaan-3' mission, launched by ISRO, primarily aimed to: 
2. a) Study the sun's outer atmosphere 
3. b) Land a rover on the lunar south pole 
4. c) Explore Mars for signs of past life 
5. d) Deploy a telescope to study exoplanets

Answer: b

1. What is the primary function of 'Blockchain technology'? 
2. a) To create decentralized and secure distributed ledgers 
3. b) To enhance the speed of internet Browse 
4. c) To compress large data files for efficient storage 
5. d) To convert sound waves into electrical signals

Answer: a

1. 'Gravitational lensing' is a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of General Relativity, where: 
2. a) Light from a distant source is bent around a massive object, acting like a lens 
3. b) Gravitational waves distort spacetime, causing light to flicker 
4. c) Objects fall towards the center of a black hole at increasing speeds 
5. d) The expansion of the universe causes distant galaxies to appear red-shifted

Answer: a

1. Which of the following is a common application of 'Artificial Intelligence (AI)' in healthcare? 
2. a) Manufacturing advanced surgical instruments 
3. b) Diagnosing diseases, drug discovery, and personalized medicine 
4. c) Developing new vaccines from scratch 
5. d) Performing complex surgeries without human intervention

Answer: b

Download the Science & Technology Notes for UPSC!

UPSC GK Questions for Aptitude

Aptitude questions, while part of the CSAT paper, are an integral aspect of upsc general knowledge questions testing logical and quantitative skills. These problems assess problem-solving abilities critical for Civil Services. Solving upsc general knowledge questions pdf for aptitude helps improve speed and accuracy.

1. A sum of money doubles itself at simple interest in 8 years. In how many years will it become four times itself at the same rate? 
2. a) 16 years 
3. b) 20 years 
4. c) 24 years 
5. d) 32 years

Answer: c

1. If A can do a piece of work in 10 days and B can do the same work in 15 days, in how many days can A and B together complete the work? 
2. a) 5 days 
3. b) 6 days 
4. c) 8 days 
5. d) 12 days

Answer: b

1. A train 150 meters long is running at a speed of 54 km/hr. How long will it take to cross a pole? 
2. a) 5 seconds 
3. b) 10 seconds 
4. c) 15 seconds 
5. d) 20 seconds

Answer: b

1. What is the value of (25% of 250) + (15% of 150)? 
2. a) 62.5 
3. b) 22.5 
4. c) 85 
5. d) 90

Answer: c

1. In a class of 60 students, 35 speak Hindi, 25 speak English, and 10 speak both. How many students speak neither Hindi nor English? 
2. a) 5 
3. b) 10 
4. c) 15 
5. d) 20

Answer: b

Here are some tips for preparing General Knowledge for UPSC:

• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read national newspapers, reputable news magazines, and government publications. Most GK questions are directly or indirectly linked to recent events.
• Analyze Previous Year Questions: Understand the patterns and types of questions asked from different subjects. This helps in prioritizing topics.
• Refer to Standard Textbooks: For static GK, rely on foundational books for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy.
• Make Concise Notes: Summarize key facts, dates, events, and concepts. Use flashcards for quick revision.
• Practice Regularly: Solve as many mock tests and quizzes as possible. This helps in time management and identifying weak areas.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Many UPSC questions are interdisciplinary. Try to connect concepts across different subjects (e.g., environment and economy, science and international relations).
• Utilize Online Resources: Educational websites, government portals, and reputable online coaching platforms offer valuable GK content and practice questions.

By following these tips, you can improve your GK knowledge and increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.

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