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UPSC GK Questions 2026

Static general knowledge is the larger part of every UPSC general studies paper. The notices name the same areas again and again: the history of India and the national movement, Indian and world geography, polity and the Constitution, the economy and social development, and general science with environment and ecology. The balance shifts from exam to exam. NDA puts about half of its General Knowledge part on Physics, Chemistry and General Science. CSE favours polity, modern history, environment and the economy. CAPF adds security and human rights, and CDS spreads its questions across polity, history, geography, the economy and school science.

GK24's GK notes are written topic by topic in English and Hindi, as short, fact-first chapters that are easy to revise. They cover Indian Polity, Indian History, Geography, Indian Economy, General Science, Environment and Ecology, Art and Culture, Computer, and the fact lists of awards, sports, books and days. A new chapter is added in each subject as the series grows. Each note carries practice questions, and those that have appeared in an exam say which exam and year. Start with Polity and modern history, then Geography, the Economy and Science. Read a note, take its topic quiz, and come back to it in your monthly revision.

UPSC GK Questions with Answers

Q4841.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following : 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Bacteria and fungi grow on artificial media, but viruses multiply only inside living cells. Bacteria and fungi are living cells with their own machinery for making energy and proteins, so they grow on nutrient agar, broth or synthetic media in a laboratory.

Q4842.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IHard

With reference to Convertible Bonds, consider the following statements : 1. As there is an option to exchange the bond for equity, Convertible Bonds pay a lower rate of interest. 2. The option to convert to equity affords the bondholder a degree of indexation to rising consumer prices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Investors accept a lower coupon on a convertible bond in return for the option to become shareholders, and that option gives some protection against rising prices.

Q4843.Banking & Financial AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements: 1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using US dollar or SWIFT system. 2. A digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

A central bank digital currency can settle payments directly between countries without the dollar or SWIFT, and it can be programmed with conditions on its use.

Q4845.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President's decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final. II. There is no mention of the word 'political party' in the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.I only
  2. B.II only
  3. C.Both I and II
  4. D.Neither I nor II
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Neither I nor II

Defection cases are decided by the Speaker or Chairman, not the President, and the Tenth Schedule itself uses the term 'political party'.

Q4846.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following correctly represents the three key sub-indices of the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ?

  1. A.Credit access, Insurance depth, and Pension coverage
  2. B.Banking access, GDP contribution, and Financial literacy
  3. C.Access, Usage, and Quality
  4. D.Access, Affordability, and Transparency
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Access, Usage, and Quality

The RBI's FI-Index is built from these three sub-indices. The RBI introduced the Financial Inclusion Index in August 2021 to measure how far financial inclusion has spread across the country.

Q4847.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to 'Bitcoins', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries. 2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address. 3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Bitcoin is a decentralised peer-to-peer currency that no central bank issues or tracks, and payments are made between addresses rather than named people.

Q4848.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

In the context of Indian history, the principle of Dyarchy (diarchy) refers to

  1. A.Division of the central legislature into two houses.
  2. B.Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
  3. C.Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
  4. D.Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

Under dyarchy the provincial subjects were split into transferred and reserved subjects. Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces by the Government of India Act, 1919, based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

Q4849.Banking & Financial AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of

  1. A.Integrated Rural Development Programme
  2. B.Lead Bank Scheme
  3. C.Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
  4. D.National Skill Development Mission
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Lead Bank Scheme

The Service Area Approach, introduced by the RBI in 1989, worked within the framework of the Lead Bank Scheme to plan rural credit village by village.

Q4850.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IEasy

Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

  1. A.clonal propagation of crop plants
  2. B.developing genetically modified crop plants
  3. C.production of plant growth substances
  4. D.production of biofertilizers
Show answer
Correct answer: B. developing genetically modified crop plants

Bollgard I and Bollgard II are Bt cotton technologies that make the cotton plant resistant to bollworms. Bt cotton carries genes taken from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which make Cry proteins that are toxic to the larvae of bollworms.

Q4851.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II : Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  2. B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  3. C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

The pipeline is a strategic route to Europe precisely because it links the Red Sea with the Mediterranean.

Q4852.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the House of the People after the dissolution. II. According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, a Member of the House of the People on being elected as Speaker shall resign his/her political party immediately. III. The Speaker of the House of the People may be removed from his/her office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then Members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days' notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.I and II only
  2. B.II and III only
  3. C.I and III only
  4. D.I, II and III
Show answer
Correct answer: C. I and III only

Both come word for word from Article 94, while the Constitution says nothing about the Speaker leaving his or her party.

Q4853.Computer AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

An e-commerce revenue model where the seller has control over pricing but doesn't keep products in stock and instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to a third-party supplier, who then ships the goods directly to the customer, is called :

  1. A.Dropshipping Model
  2. B.Affiliate Revenue Model
  3. C.Transaction Fee Revenue Model
  4. D.Agency Revenue Model
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Dropshipping Model

In dropshipping the seller runs the shop and sets the price, while a supplier holds the stock and ships each order straight to the buyer.

Q4854.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.None of the statements given above is correct
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 3 only

Ajanta and Mahabalipuram both have monuments cut out of living rock, but they were made in different periods and for different faiths.

Q4855.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct ? 1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 only

The NSQF recognises skills learnt in any way, formal, non-formal or informal, and aims to let learners move between vocational and general education.

Q4856.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1, 3 and 4
  2. B.2, 3, 4 and 5
  3. C.2, 4 and 5
  4. D.1, 2, 3 and 5
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2, 4 and 5

Conservation agriculture rests on three principles: minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop diversification through rotations.

Q4857.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IHard

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture ? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible. 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B.1, 2 and 4 only
  3. C.1, 3 and 4 only
  4. D.2, 3 and 4 only
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1, 3 and 4 only

Fertigation feeds dissolved fertiliser through drip or sprinkler lines, but it cannot use insoluble rock phosphate. Fertigation means applying fertilisers along with irrigation water, usually through a drip system, so that small doses reach the root zone exactly when the crop needs them.

Q4858.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements : 1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg. 2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Mitochondrial DNA comes only from the mother, and mitochondrial replacement therapy can stop a mitochondrial disease from passing to the child.

Q4859.Banking & Financial AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by Reserve Bank of India. 2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company. 3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency. Which of the statements given above 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
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Credit rating agencies in India are regulated by SEBI, not by the RBI, while statements 2 and 3 are true.

Q4860.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

'Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following?

  1. A.Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
  2. B.Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
  3. C.Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
  4. D.Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

Microsatellites are genetic markers that show how closely related individuals, populations and species are. Microsatellites, also called short tandem repeats (STRs) or simple sequence repeats, are stretches of DNA in which a short motif of one to six bases, such as CA, is repeated many times.

GK Questions for sub-exams