← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2026
Consider the following statements: (1) Chapchar Kût is held soon after the jhums have been cut which lasts about a week or more. (2) Mim Kût is held in honour of those persons who have died in the past, it takes place when Maize is harvested. It lasts a most two days. (3) Pawl Kût is held immediately after the harvest is gathered which may last a week. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
2 and 3 only
C)
1 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct descriptions of the traditional festivals (Kûts) of Mizoram:
1. **Chapchar Kût** is celebrated in March after the clearing of forests for jhum (shifting) cultivation. It is a festival of joy that traditionally lasts for a week or more.
2. **Mim Kût** is a festival of remembrance for departed souls, celebrated in August/September after the maize (mim) harvest. It typically lasts for one to two days.
3. **Pawl Kût** is a post-harvest festival celebrated in December after the main paddy harvest is gathered, traditionally lasting for a few days to a week.
Since all statements (1, 2, and 3) are factually correct, option 'd' is the correct choice.
With reference to ‘Liquid Nano Urea’, which organization developed the world’s first commercial version of this fertilizer in India?
A)
FCI (Food Corporation of India)
B)
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
C)
(NFL) National Fertilizers Limited
D)
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
The correct option is 'b' because the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) developed the world's first commercial Liquid Nano Urea at its Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol, Gujarat.
- Option 'a' (FCI) is incorrect as the Food Corporation of India is responsible for food security, procurement, and distribution of food grains, not fertilizer development.
- Option 'c' (NFL) is incorrect because while National Fertilizers Limited is a major public sector producer of chemical fertilizers, it did not develop this nano-fertilizer.
- Option 'd' (ICAR) is incorrect as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, but the commercial development of Liquid Nano Urea was specifically done by the cooperative IFFCO.
Regarding ISRO’s ‘Gaganyaan’ mission, what is the primary objective of the mission’s ‘H1’ flight?
A)
To test a nuclear-powered propulsion system for deep space travel.
B)
To establish a permanent space station in the Lagrange point L1.
C)
To demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a crew to an orbit of 400 km for 3 days.
D)
To land an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface.
The primary objective of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission (specifically the crewed 'H1' flight) is to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of astronauts to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to Earth. Option 'a' is incorrect as Gaganyaan uses liquid and solid chemical propellants, not nuclear propulsion. Option 'b' is incorrect because Lagrange point L1 is associated with solar missions like Aditya-L1, not the Gaganyaan crewed orbit. Option 'd' is incorrect as landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon is a long-term target (envisaged by 2040) and not the objective of the immediate Gaganyaan H1 flight.
When a man finds a girl he prefers to his wife and divorces his wife on the same day or the next day and marries the girl, the divorce is known as:
A)
Nupui tlansan
B)
Peksachang
C)
Kawngkasula mâk
D)
Sumlaitan
In Mizo customary law, 'Kawngkasula mâk' (literally meaning 'passing each other at the doorway') refers to a divorce where a husband divorces his wife because he has found another woman he prefers, and marries the new woman immediately (on the same day or the next day).
Brief explanation of other options:
- Nupui tlansan (Option a): Refers to a wife deserting her husband.
- Peksachang (Option b): A form of divorce where the husband divorces his wife without any fault on her part, requiring him to pay the bride price in full.
- Sumlaitan (Option d): A divorce by mutual consent where the bride price is divided equally between the parties.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are generally more energy-efficient compared to incandescent bulbs due to which of the following reasons?
A)
They produce less heat and convert electricity to light more effectively.
B)
They absorb more heat.
C)
They are made of metallic materials.
D)
They use alternating current (AC).
Option (a) is correct because LEDs work on the principle of electroluminescence, where electrical energy is converted directly into light, producing minimal heat. In contrast, incandescent bulbs rely on heating a filament, wasting about 90% of their energy as heat. Option (b) is incorrect because LEDs do not absorb heat to function efficiently. Option (c) is incorrect because LEDs are made of semiconductor materials (like gallium arsenide), not metals. Option (d) is incorrect because LEDs natively operate on Direct Current (DC), not Alternating Current (AC).
What is the primary significance of the ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet?
A)
It merges existing biotechnology schemes into a single umbrella to promote ‘Bio-manufacturing’ and ‘Bio-foundry’.
B)
It provides subsidized electric bikes to researchers in biotechnology.
C)
It mandates the use of 20% biodiesel in all public transport by 2025.
D)
It focuses exclusively on the genetic mapping of endangered species in the Western Ghats.
The Union Cabinet approved the 'Biotechnology Research, Innovation and Development of Entrepreneurship (Bio-RIDE)' scheme, which merges two existing schemes of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT): 'Biotechnology Research and Development' and 'Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development'. Its primary objective is to promote 'Bio-manufacturing' and 'Bio-foundry' to foster innovation and support India's growing bioeconomy. Option 'b' is incorrect as the scheme has nothing to do with electric bikes. Option 'c' is incorrect because it does not mandate biodiesel targets. Option 'd' is incorrect because the scheme is a broad national biotechnology R&D and entrepreneurship umbrella initiative, not restricted to genetic mapping in the Western Ghats.
In Mizo poetry, Thlang khuandim means:
A)
To marry a husband at another village
B)
To marry a husband at the same village
C)
To marry a wife
D)
To marry a wife from another village
In Mizo poetry and traditional literature, the term 'khuandim' refers to a woman getting married (taking a husband). When prefixed as 'Thlang khuandim', it specifically means 'to marry a husband at another/different village' (Mizo: 'pasal dang khuaa nei'). Therefore, option (a) is correct, while the other options do not accurately define this specific poetic expression.
Regarding India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which pathway is prioritized to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors by 2030?
A)
Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by renewables
B)
Blue hydrogen with no carbon capture component
C)
Nuclear-derived pink hydrogen as the dominant national route immediately
D)
Grey hydrogen from natural gas without abatement
Option 'a' is correct because India's National Green Hydrogen Mission specifically prioritizes the production and adoption of Green Hydrogen—produced via the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (like solar and wind)—to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, refineries, and fertilizers by 2030. Option 'b' is incorrect because blue hydrogen requires carbon capture and storage (CCS), and it is not the primary focus of the mission. Option 'c' is incorrect because nuclear-derived pink hydrogen is not the prioritized or dominant national route. Option 'd' is incorrect because grey hydrogen relies on unabated fossil fuels, which defeats the decarbonization objective of the mission.
Who was the first to receive Capital Punishment inside Mizoram?
A)
Lamsuaka
B)
Lianphunga
C)
Khamliana
D)
Chawia
Lamsuaka was the first person to receive capital punishment (execution by hanging) inside Mizoram, which took place at the Aizawl Jail. The other options are incorrect: Lianphunga was a prominent Mizo chief who resisted British rule and was exiled rather than executed inside Mizoram; Khamliana was a well-known Mizo chief famous for being one of the first to adopt writing and cooperate with the British; and Chawia was another historical Mizo figure who did not receive the first capital punishment.
Name the composer of the song ‘He lei hi chatuan ram a tling lo’.
A)
Patea
B)
Saihnuna
C)
Damhauhva
D)
R.L. Kamlala
The song 'He lei hi chatuan ram a tling lo' (which translates to 'This earth is not an eternal home') was composed by Patea (1894–1950), who is one of the most celebrated and influential early Mizo Christian hymn writers. His compositions often focus on Christian eschatology, the transience of earthly life, and the hope of heaven. The other options (Saihnuna, Damhauhva, and R.L. Kamlala) are also renowned Mizo poets and composers, but they did not compose this specific hymn.
Which isotope is commonly used for dating archeological samples?
A)
Nitrogen-14
B)
Nitrogen-12
C)
Carbon-12
D)
Carbon-14
Carbon-14 (Option d) is a radioactive isotope of carbon with a half-life of approximately 5,730 years. It is commonly used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic archaeological materials (such as wood, bone, and charcoal) up to about 50,000 years old. Carbon-12 (Option c) is a stable isotope of carbon and does not undergo radioactive decay, making it unsuitable for dating on its own. Nitrogen-14 (Option a) is a stable isotope and the decay product of Carbon-14, but because it is highly abundant in the atmosphere, it cannot be used directly for dating. Nitrogen-12 (Option b) is highly unstable with a half-life of only milliseconds, making it useless for archaeological dating.
What is the primary objective of the ‘IMPRINT’ (IMpacting Research INnovation and Technology) initiative in India?
A)
To identify and solve major science and engineering challenges relevant to India through a pan-IIT and IISc joint initiative.
B)
To provide scholarships for students studying abroad in STEM fields.
C)
To regulate the ethics of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.
D)
To digitize all historical scientific manuscripts available in Indian libraries.
The correct option is 'a'. IMPRINT (IMpacting Research INnovation and Technology) is a major joint initiative of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Its primary objective is to identify and address major science and engineering challenges that are highly relevant to India's societal and developmental needs, fostering inclusive growth and self-reliance. Options 'b', 'c', and 'd' are incorrect because IMPRINT is not a study-abroad scholarship scheme, an AI ethics regulatory body, or a manuscript digitization project.
Which ceremony was supposed to make successful hunting probably; foretold the result and performed before a large hunting party started?
A)
Fano dawi
B)
Nau lai hrilh
C)
Kawngpui siam
D)
Vanchung khal
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Kawngpui siam' (literally meaning 'making of the great road') was a ceremony performed on the main path outside the village before a large hunting expedition. It was believed to ensure a successful hunt and foretell the outcome of the expedition. The other options are incorrect because: 'Fano dawi' is a ritual related to domestic prosperity or crop protection; 'Nau lai hrilh' refers to taboos and practices associated with pregnancy and childbirth; and 'Vanchung khal' is a sacrifice offered to the heavenly spirits for health and general well-being.
Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India targets intermediate-scale quantum systems by 2031. Which outcome best aligns with these targets for near-term applications?
A)
Replacing all classical cryptography in government with quantum key distribution by 2026
B)
Demonstrating fault-tolerant universal quantum computing for any algorithm
C)
Establishing quantum simulators with 50–1000 physical qubits for domain-specific problems
D)
Launching a public blockchain fully secured by quantum-resistant algorithms in all nodes
Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which spans from 2023-24 to 2030-31, India aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers and quantum simulators with 50 to 1000 physical qubits on various platforms (such as superconducting and photonic technologies) for domain-specific applications.
- Option 'a' is incorrect because replacing all classical cryptography in government by 2026 is not a target of the NQM, which has a timeline extending to 2031.
- Option 'b' is incorrect because fault-tolerant universal quantum computing requires millions of physical qubits for error correction, which is a long-term global challenge beyond the intermediate-scale (50–1000 qubits) targeted by 2031.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because launching a public blockchain secured by quantum-resistant algorithms is not a specified objective of the NQM.
The term ‘Technology Leapfrogging’ in the Indian context refers to:
A)
Skipping technological regulation
B)
Moving directly to advanced technologies without intermediate stages
C)
Adopting advanced technologies to bypass traditional development paths
D)
Gradual adoption of imported technologies
The term 'Technology Leapfrogging' refers to the phenomenon where a developing nation bypasses traditional, intermediate stages of technological development to adopt advanced technologies directly.
1. **Why Option 'b' is correct:** Leapfrogging literally means 'jumping over' intermediate steps. In the Indian context, a prime example is skipping the extensive rollout of landline telephone infrastructure and moving directly to mobile cellular networks, or skipping BS-V emission norms to transition directly from BS-IV to BS-VI. Thus, moving directly to advanced technologies without intermediate stages is the most accurate definition.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option 'a'** is incorrect because leapfrogging does not involve skipping regulatory frameworks; technological regulation remains crucial.
- **Option 'c'** is a general description, but 'b' is more precise as leapfrogging specifically highlights the omission of intermediate technological stages.
- **Option 'd'** is incorrect because leapfrogging is characterized by rapid, non-linear jumps rather than gradual adoption.
Regarding ‘White Goods’, which sectors are covered under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing?
A)
Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
B)
Automobiles and Auto Components.
C)
Solar PV Modules.
D)
Textiles and Apparel.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for 'White Goods' specifically covers the manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights. It is designed to boost domestic manufacturing, attract large investments, and eliminate sectoral disabilities in these two segments. While the sectors mentioned in options b, c, and d (Automobiles, Solar PV Modules, and Textiles) also have their own dedicated PLI schemes, they are distinct and do not fall under the 'White Goods' category.
Which of the following is NOT a feature of India’s startup ecosystem?
A)
High service-sector dominance
B)
Public digital platforms
C)
Strong deep-tech commercialization
D)
Government incubation support
Deep-tech commercialization is not a strong feature of India's startup ecosystem. While India has a growing number of deep-tech startups, they face significant challenges in commercialization due to high capital requirements, long gestation periods, lack of specialized domestic venture capital, and weak industry-academia collaboration. Thus, it remains in a nascent stage. In contrast, the other options are prominent features: (a) India's startup ecosystem is heavily dominated by service-oriented sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and SaaS; (b) Public digital platforms like UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC act as major enablers for startups; and (d) Government incubation support is highly active through initiatives like the Startup India scheme and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
Who was the first person to write Mizo history and the first to translate Mizo folktales into English?
A)
Thomas Herbert Lewin
B)
J.H. Lorrain
C)
F.W. Savidge
D)
Edwin Rwolands
Thomas Herbert Lewin (popularly known to the Mizos as 'Thangliana') was a British military officer and administrator who served in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He is credited as the first person to write Mizo history and the first to translate Mizo folktales into English, publishing them in his books such as 'The Wild Races of South-Eastern India' (1870) and 'A Fly on the Wheel' (1912). On the other hand, J.H. Lorrain (b) and F.W. Savidge (c) were pioneer Christian missionaries who created the Mizo script and compiled the first Mizo dictionary. Edwin Rowlands (d) was a Welsh missionary known for his contributions to Mizo education and hymns, but not for being the first to write Mizo history.
Regarding ‘White Goods’, which sectors are covered under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing?
A)
Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
B)
Automobiles and Auto Components.
C)
Solar PV Modules.
D)
Textiles and Apparel.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods specifically targets the domestic manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in these sectors. Other options like Automobiles and Auto Components (Option b), Solar PV Modules (Option c), and Textiles and Apparel (Option d) are covered under separate, dedicated PLI schemes of the Government of India and do not fall under the 'White Goods' category.
Which institution played a key role in India’s Green Revolution through scientific research?
A)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
B)
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
C)
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
D)
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex national body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India. It played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution during the 1960s by developing, testing, and introducing High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice in collaboration with international agencies.
- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) (b) focuses on industrial and general scientific research rather than agricultural research.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) (c) is a premier institute that contributed significantly, but it functions under the umbrella of ICAR, which is the apex governing body.
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) (d) is a financial institution established in 1982 to provide credit for rural development, not a scientific research body.
With reference to ‘Liquid Nano Urea’, which organization developed the world’s first commercial version of this fertilizer in India?
A)
FCI (Food Corporation of India)
B)
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
C)
(NFL) National Fertilizers Limited
D)
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
The correct option is 'b' (IFFCO). Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) indigenously developed the world's first Nano Urea Liquid at its Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol, Gujarat, and launched it commercially in 2021.
- Option 'a' (FCI) is incorrect because the Food Corporation of India is responsible for food grain procurement and distribution, not fertilizer research.
- Option 'c' (NFL) is incorrect as National Fertilizers Limited is a state-owned producer of fertilizers but was not the developer of this technology.
- Option 'd' (ICAR) is incorrect because the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an apex body for agricultural research and education, but the commercial development of Liquid Nano Urea was specifically achieved by the cooperative IFFCO.
Whose descendant attacked the British forces garrisoned at Changsil fort and Aizawl fort during September to early October 1890?
A)
Chief Manga
B)
Chief Lianlula
C)
Chief Rolura
D)
Chief Vuttaia
In September 1890, the descendants of Chief Vuttaia (a prominent and powerful Lushai chief) launched a major armed rebellion against the British forces. They attacked the British garrisons stationed at Changsil fort and Aizawl fort, which led to intense fighting during September and early October 1890. This uprising was triggered by British high-handedness, demands for forced labor, and the imposition of taxes. Chief Manga (a), Chief Lianlula (b), and Chief Rolura (c) are incorrect because, although they were notable historical Mizo chiefs, their descendants were not the primary leaders of this specific 1890 attack on the Changsil and Aizawl garrisons.
On April 17, 1975, _________ led by Brig. T.Sailo became a political entity named ‘People’s Conference’.
A)
Human Rights Committee
B)
Mizo Union
C)
Human Resources Committee
D)
Mizo Democratic Front
On April 17, 1975, the Human Rights Committee, led by Brigadier Thenphunga Sailo, was converted into a political party named the 'People's Conference' (later known as the Mizoram People's Conference). Brig. T. Sailo had initially formed the Human Rights Committee in 1974 to protest against human rights violations and military excesses in Mizoram.
- Option 'b' (Mizo Union) is incorrect because it was Mizoram's first political party, founded in 1946, which merged with the Indian National Congress in 1974.
- Option 'c' (Human Resources Committee) is a distractor and has no historical relevance to this event.
- Option 'd' (Mizo Democratic Front) is incorrect as it was a separate political entity formed much later.
A long railing of bamboo or saplings and creepers fixed up supporting billets of firewood exposed to dry for cooking meat for public feast was known as:
A)
Sathingzar
B)
Thinghawngthlun
C)
Thingman
D)
Bahzar
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Sathingzar' refers to a long railing made of bamboo, saplings, and creepers constructed to support billets of firewood laid out to dry, specifically intended for cooking meat during public feasts.
- **Thinghawngthlun** (Option b) refers to a pile or stack of firewood bound together in a specific manner.
- **Thingman** (Option c) literally translates to the price or value of wood/firewood.
- **Bahzar** (Option d) refers to a different type of shelf or platform structure, not specifically the firewood railing used for public feasts.
India’s first satellite Aryabhata was launched primarily to:
A)
Enable communication services
B)
Monitor weather patterns
C)
Demonstrate indigenous satellite technology
D)
Conduct military reconnaissance
Aryabhata, launched on April 19, 1975, was India's first satellite. Its primary objective was to design, fabricate, and operate an indigenous satellite system, thereby demonstrating India's capability in satellite technology. It also carried scientific instruments for experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomy, and solar physics. Other options are incorrect because: (a) India's first experimental communication satellite was APPLE (1981); (b) Weather monitoring capabilities were established later with the INSAT series; (d) Aryabhata was purely a scientific and technological demonstration satellite, with no military or reconnaissance payload.