UPSC GK Questions: Download Important GK Questions for IAS Exam

UPSC GK Questions with Answers (Basic GK)

Below we will be covering some important IAS GK Questions with answers that every UPSC aspirant must be aware of. The questions pertaining to General Knowledge will enhance the chances of the candidates getting selected for the IAS exam. It will also assist the candidates in structuring their answers well for GS papers. The comprehensive cognizance of all the factors will enable the candidates in performing exceptionally well in the upcoming exam.

Download Important GK Questions with Answers PDF for UPSC Exam

1) What is India’s rank in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index?

Correct Answer: 161 out of 180 Countries

2) Which is called, the City of Golden Temple?

Correct Answer: Amritsar

3) Which is the Largest River?

Correct Answer: Nile

4) Which is the Smallest Continent?

Correct Answer: Australia

5) Which is the Highest Plateau?

Correct Answer: Pamir (Tibet)

6) Which is the Highest Mountain Peak?

Correct Answer: Everest (Nepal)

7) Which is the Largest Island?

Correct Answer: Greenland

8) Which is called, the Queen of the Arabian Sea?

Correct Answer: Cochin

9) Which is called, God’s Own Country?

Correct Answer: Kerala

10)Which is called, Land of Midnight Sun?

Correct Answer: Norway

11) Which is called, the Sugar Bowl of the World?

Correct Answer: Cuba

12) Which is the Largest Continent in the world?

Correct Answer: Asia

13) Which is called, Rooftop of the World?

Correct Answer: Bolivia

14) Which is the Largest Church in the world?

Correct Answer: Basilica of St. Peters in Vatican City

15) Which is the Largest Park in the world?

Correct Answer: The Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, Canada

16) Which has The largest Parliament in the world?

Correct Answer: China

17) Which is the Largest Zoo in the world?

Correct Answer: Kruger National Park, South Africa

18) Which is the biggest Flower?

Correct Answer: Rafflesia

19) Which is the Largest Bird?

Correct Answer: Ostrich

20) Which is the Highest Lake?

Correct Answer: Titicaca

21) Which is the Longest Railway Platform?

Correct Answer: Kharagpur (West Bengal)

22) What is the Largest Land animal?

Correct Answer: Elephant

23) Which is the Highest Mountain Range?

Correct Answer: Himalayas

24) Which is the first state in India that has been formed on a purely linguistic basis?

Correct Answer: Andra Pradesh

25) The famous Thirumala Thirupathi Venkateswara Temple is in which district?

Correct Answer: Chittoor

26) Which place in Assam is said to be the meeting place of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam?

Correct Answer: Hajo

27) Which is known as twin cities?

Correct Answer: Hyderabad and Secunderabad

28) Jammu & Kashmir was acceded to India on?

Correct Answer: 26th October 1947

29) Which Government introduced the food for work program first

Correct Answer: Janatha Government (1977)

30) What is the Name of the state with the largest number of registered newspapers?

Correct Answer: Uttar Pradesh

UPSC GK Questions on Important Dates

Below we have covered UPSC GK questions with answers, for the important dates. General Knowledge is a highly essential subject and numerous questions are asked in the UPSC mains and prelims exams. The related questions have been put here by the experts on the basis of the questions asked in previous years. These UPSC GK questions with answers will assist the candidates in enhancing the level of their preparation and present a methodical and unique strategy for the exam.

31) Which day is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day?

Correct Answer: 3 May

32) Which day is celebrated as World Malaria Day?

Correct Answer: April 25

33) Which day is celebrated as the International Day of People with Disabilities?

Correct Answer: 3 December

34) Which day is celebrated as World Hindi Day?

Correct Answer: 10 January

35) Which day is celebrated as Global Family Day?

Correct Answer: 1 January

36) Which day is celebrated as International Mother Language Day?

Correct Answer: 21 February

37) Which day is celebrated as World Consumer Right’s Day?

Correct Answer: 15 March

38)Which day is celebrated as World Civil Defence Day?

Correct Answer: 1 March

39) Which day is celebrated as World Health Day?

Correct Answer: 7 April

40) Which day is celebrated as International Dance Day?

Correct Answer: 29 April

41) Which day is celebrated as International Museum Day?

Correct Answer: 18 May

42) Which day is celebrated as World Ocean Day?

Correct Answer: 8 June

IAS GK Questions on Indian Polity & Constitution

We have covered UPSC GK questions with answers on Indian Polity & Constitution. These questions will also assess the basic knowledge pertaining to these concepts and fundamentals. Check here the elaborated UPSC GK questions with answers to be able to make the way for success in the UPSC recruitment 2023.

43)The Mandal Commission was constituted during the tenure of which prime minister?

Correct Answer: Morarji Desai

44)What was the number of states in India after the States Reorganization Act 1956, which reorganized the boundaries of different states on a linguistic basis?

Correct Answer: 14

45) Which Article deals with the duties of the Prime Minister of India?

Correct Answer: Article 78

46) How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President?

Correct Answer: 12

47) In which year did the Supreme Court declare the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act unconstitutional and void?

Correct Answer: 2015

48) Which articles of the Constitution deal with the organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, powers, and so on of the state legislature?

Correct Answer: Articles 168 to 212

49) Who can hear the first appeals from the orders and judgments of the district courts, additional district courts, and other subordinate courts?

Correct Answer: High Court

50) In which year was the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) established?

Correct Answer: 1974

51)Who appoints the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)?

Correct Answer: President

UPSC GK Questions on World Geography

Check out the IAS GK Questions on world geography below. The syllabus of Current Affairs is ever-evolving, so the aspirants are highly advised to keep a track of all the major headlines. The candidates must select the resources wisely to move in the right direction of accomplishing their dreams. The UPSC GK questions with answers have been elaborated here for Geography. Measure the level of your preparation by solving these questions.

52) What is the escape velocity at Moon?

Correct Answer: 1.38 km/s

53)Chamonix which is known for the first Winter Olympic Games is located in which country?

Correct Answer: France

54) Which planet is called the ‘dusty planet’?

Correct Answer: Mars

55) On which instrument are the earthquake waves recorded?

Correct Answer: Seismograph

56)Which process is called the normal process of landscape evolution?

Correct Answer: Fluvial

57) What is the reduction in the size of the wind-blown particles due to their mutual friction called?

Correct Answer: Attrition

58) With what type of landforms are mud volcanoes associated?

Correct Answer: Tectonic landforms

59) Which coastal city is known as the ‘Marvelous City’?

Correct Answer: Rio de Janeiro

60) Who named the Pacific Ocean?

Correct Answer: Ferdinand Magellan

61) What are Indian tribal inhabitants of southwest US called?

Correct Answer: Navajo

UPSC GK Questions on Indian History

Take a look at some UPSC general knowledge questions on Indian history. The resources can be utilized aptly and appropriately. Aspirants can also structure well-enlightened notes for the UPSC history syllabus. This will also help the candidates in revising the segments of the syllabus and measure their level of understanding of the fundamental concepts.

62) Where did the British first open their factories in the Eastern part of India?

Correct Answer: Orissa

63) Which was the staple food of the Vedic Aryan?

Correct Answer- Vegetables and fruits

64) who formed the Swaraj Party?

Correct Answer: C.R.Das

65) Who established the Mughal Dynasty?

Correct Answer: Babur

66) Which Indian king, did the ancient Greeks refer to as Sandrocottas?

Correct Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

67) when the battle of Plassey was fought?

Correct Answer: 1757

68) Who is the founder of the Haryanka Dynasty?

Correct Answer: Bimbisar

69) what was the real name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II?

Correct Answer: Ali Gauhar

70) Which Indian state is earlier known as “Magadha”?

Correct Answer: Bihar

71) Who is the last Tirthankara (Jainism)?

Correct Answer: Vardhaman Mahavir

72) Who is the establisher of the Sikh religion?

Correct Answer: Guru Nanak

73)Harihara Raya I who ruled the Vijaynagara Empire for the period 1336-1356 belonged to which dynasty?

Correct Answer: Sangama Dynasty

74)Who is the excavator of the Harappa site?

Correct Answer: Daya ram Sahni

75)Dholavira is situated at the bank of which River?

Correct Answer: Luni

76) In the Vedic age, who was the head of “Grama”?

Correct Answer: Gramini

77) what is the local name of Mohenjodaro?

Correct Answer: Mould of the dead

78)Who were the immediate successors of the Mauryas in Magadha?

Correct Answer: Sungas

79)What was the time period of the Indus Civilization / Harappan Civilization?

Correct Answer: 2500 BC – 1750 BC

80)What was the main focus of the Rigvedic culture?

Correct Answer: Indus Valley

81) Why Nagarjuna is known as the Einstein of India?

Correct Answer: He propounded the theory of Shunyavada similar to Einstein’s theory of Relativity.

82) In which of the following sects was Bindusara interested?

Correct Answer: Ajivakas

83) Who started the Saka Era and when?

Correct Answer: Kanishka in 78 AD

84) Where the fourth Buddhist Council was held?

Correct Answer: Kundalavana

85) who was the most famous Chera ruler?

Correct Answer: Senguttuvan

IAS GK Questions Indian Economy

UPSC GK Questions on the Indian Economy are covered below. The questions related to the Indian Economy are usually asked in the exam. These can also add up to the points in the UPSC answer writing. The questions related to the Economy are also asked in the Mains exam. The candidates can check the topic wise UPSC mains questions GS3 related to the Economy and practice the under-noted questions as well for effective preparation.

86) What is the base year to calculate the National income in India?

Correct Answer: 2011-12

87)Which state in India is the major producer of mulberry silk?

Correct Answer: Karnataka

88) Who was the first administrator-statesman to attempt planning as a means for economic development?

Correct Answer: M Viswesvarayya

89) What was the main objective of TRYSEM?

Correct Answer: To train urban youth for self-employment

90) National Income estimates in India are prepared by whom?

Correct Answer: Central statistical organization

91) Which was the first bank with limited liability managed by Indians?

Correct Answer: Oudh Commercial Bank

92) Who is the father of Economics?

Correct Answer: Adam Smith

93) when Aam Admi Bima Yojana was launched?

Correct Answer: October 2, 2007

94) Which Article deals with the duties of the Prime Minister of India?

Correct Answer: Article 78

95) First Industrial Policy of free India was announced in which year?

Correct Answer: 1948

96) Who regulated Mutual Funds in India?

Correct Answer: SEBI

97) Union Budget of India is presented by whom and in which house/ houses of the Parliament?

Correct Answer: Finance Minister of India; Lok Sabha

98) What is the rank of India in the world in terms of rice export?

Correct Answer: 2nd

99) Which country is the largest producer of wheat in the world?

Correct Answer: China

100) Where is the headquarter of the Food and Agriculture Organization located?

Correct Answer: Rome

101) In which year Kisan Credit Card Scheme was launched?

Correct Answer: 1998

102) When was the first agricultural census conducted?

Correct Answer: 1970

103) In which crop the most disappointing result of the Green Revolution was seen?

Correct Answer: Pulses

104)When was the Operation Flood program started?

Correct Answer: 1970

105) India’s rank among coal-producing countries is?

Correct Answer: 3rd

106) In which country did the Industrial Revolution first take place?

Correct Answer: England

107) The oldest large industry in India is?

Correct Answer: Cotton textile industry

108) Which is the financial year from which disinvestment in public enterprises started?

Correct Answer: 1991-1992

109) India’s position in the world in terms of bauxite resources is?

Correct Answer: 5th

110) To which country does India export the largest amount of iron ore?

Correct Answer: Japan

111) Which of the following Economic survey was also famous as the Pink Economic survey?

Correct Answer: Economic survey 2017-18

112)When was the Industrial and Financial Exchange Board established?

Correct Answer: 1992

113) Where is Dalal Street located?

Correct Answer: Mumbai

114) In which year was the first Regional Rural Bank established?

Correct Answer: 1975

115) What is the relationship between the value of money and the price level in an economy?

Correct Answer: inverse

UPSC GK Questions on General Science

Aspirants can check out the UPSC GK Questions with Answers below. The topics of the General Sciences need the perfect comprehension of the concepts. Check here the UPSC GK Questions with answers in order to get complete knowledge of the topics.

116) Which animal never drinks water in its entire life?

Correct Answer: Kangaroo rat

117) What is the physical phase of life called?

Correct Answer: Protoplasm

118)Which is the largest cell?

Correct Answer: The egg of an Ostrich

119)Which is the largest human cell?

Correct Answer: Ovum

120)Which is the longest cell?

Correct Answer: Nerve Cell

121) What is the name of the cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria?

Correct Answer: Phagocytes

122) what are the number of muscles in humans?

Correct Answer: 639

123) What is the life span of RBC?

Correct Answer: 120 days

124) What is the number of ribs in a human body?

Correct Answer: 24

125)Which is the smallest flightless bird?

Correct Answer: Kiwi

126) What is the full form of ADH?

Correct Answer: Anti Diuretic Hormone

127) What is the normal value of blood sugar in the body?

Correct Answer: 80 to 120mg/100 ml of blood

128) Who had performed the world’s first heart transplant?

Correct Answer: Christian Bernard

129) What is the formula for Sulfuric acid

Correct Answer: H2SO4

130)What is the number of periods in which the Periodic table is divided?

Correct Answer: 7

131)What is the name of that process in which oxygen is removed?

Correct Answer: Reduction

132)What is needed for rusting to occur?

Correct Answer: Water and Oxygen

133)What is an Isotope?

Correct Answer: Atoms of an element having a different mass number

134)Which science is sometimes called ‘central science’?

Correct Answer: Chemistry

135) Which acid is used in the body to help digestion?

Correct Answer: Hydrochloric Acid

136) From which mineral is radium obtained?

Correct Answer: Pitchblende

137) what is the most important ore of aluminum?

Correct Answer: bauxite

138) From which mineral is radium obtained?

Correct Answer: Pitchblende

139) what is the gas usually filled in the electric bulb?

Correct Answer: nitrogen

140)Who was the scientist who discovered the fact that the center of the planetary system is the Sun and not the Earth?

Correct Answer: Copernicus

141)The unit of which quantity is taken from Ohm’s law?

Correct Answer: Resistance

142)Glucose is stored in the human body as?

Correct Answer: Glycogen

143)The sky appears blue due to its?

Correct Answer: Scattering of Light

144)What is the unit of power?

Correct Answer: Joule

145)Who invented X-Rays?

Correct Answer: Röntgen

146)Who discovered the theory of relativity?

Correct Answer: Einstein

147)Who invented the electronic computer?

Correct Answer: J. P. Eckert

148)What is the unit of Volt?

Correct Answer: of potential difference

149)Who invented the miner’s safety lamp?

Correct Answer: Humphrey Davy

150)Who invented the writing system for the blind to read?

Correct Answer: Louis Braille

151) In Ookla Speed Test Global Index, What is the Rank of India?

Correct Answer: 115

152) India’s Largest IKea Store has been Launched in Which State?

Correct Answer: Karnataka

153) Which State wins 1st U-19 National T20 Tournament for the Deaf?

Correct Answer: Andhra Pradesh

154) Which Country Launched “Digital Nomad Visa”?

Correct Answer: Indonesia

155) The New “Smart” Campus of Bosch India was Opened in Which City?

Correct Answer: Bengaluru

Importance of Studying GK Questions for UPSC Exam

In the UPSC Exam, there is a trend of generic questions that are based on current affairs. Before discussing the UPSC GK Questions we need to understand their importance first.

• UPSC general knowledge questions overlap with the UPSC Syllabus. Your preparation of GK for UPSC will be beneficial for the General Studies as well.
• The current affairs questions in the IAS Exam are based on traditional subjects like geography, polity, history, etc. To ace these subjects you need to be aware of current affairs.
• Additionally, General knowledge questions are asked during the UPSC interview to assess the candidates’ IQ, awareness of events, and social responsibility. So to ace the interview you must go through the important UPSC GK Questions with Answers.

How to Prepare For UPSC General Knowledge Questions?

General Knowledge is a tricky subject as it has no demarcations. It can enhance the chances of the candidates getting selected for the exam. If not prepared well for this section, it can also affect the scores of the candidates in the exam. Here are the tips that have been structured by the experts to help the candidates prepare for the IAS GK questions effectively.

• The foremost step that is to be followed by the candidates is to look for the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern to get in touch with the sections where the knowledge of General knowledge can be implied to structure the answers.
• The core segments of the GS syllabus can be found to associate the topics with the major subjects. It will be beneficial in the UPSC mains answer writing, as it will facilitate more points and examples that can be correlated while presenting the answer to fetch more marks.
• There has to be a wise selection of study material that can help the candidates in establishing the core fundamentals.
• The candidates must watch the Lok Sabha channel and make notes through it to be able to revise them later.
• Making notes for the UPSC exam in Current Affairs plays an instrumental role, as it will help the candidates revise the contents at the last minute.
• To master the subject and answer all the UPSC GK questions the candidates need to be in touch with the headlines regularly.

Analysis of GK Questions For UPSC

The Current Affairs and General Knowledge of UPSC are highly essential. The candidates need to focus on the topics such as the news related to polity, environment, science and technology, art, and culture. Aspirants must not miss out to get in touch with the topics pertaining to the new initiatives, and schemes started by the Government. Here is the list providing the number of UPSC GK questions that were asked in the exam in subsequent years.

IAS GK Questions Number in Subsequent Years
Year	UPSC General Knowledge Questions in Prelims
2020	18
2019	22
2018	14
2017	15
2016	27
2015	22
2014	8
2013	0
2012	1
2011	13

Books To Prepare UPSC GK Questions

The data provided above is making this fact evident, that the number of questions in the Current Affairs section is on an increasing trend. It is essential for the candidates to have an in-depth knowledge of the GK questions for UPSC for the last 10 months. It is of high essentiality to pick the right and authentic study material to utilize time and effort in attaining the desired results. The complete list of the books for UPSC General Knowledge questions has been elaborated here. UPSC GK questions are also essential for the interview, as the persona and the knowledge of the candidates are tested in the IAS interview.

• The candidates can get a thorough knowledge and understanding of current events through daily newspapers. The newspapers that can be referred by the candidates are The Hindu, The Indian Express etc.
• The aspirants can also look for the magazines published by the Government such as the Press Information Bureau, PRS Legislative Research, Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, Yojana, and Kurukshetra Magazine.
• Aspirants can also gain knowledge about the current happenings through the channels such as Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV.