← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2025
Which of the following was not a member of the British Cabinet Mission which came to India in March 1946?
A)
Lord Pethick-Lawrence
B)
Sir Stafford Cripps
C)
A V Alexander
D)
Campbell Johnson
The British Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power from the British government to the Indian leadership. The mission consisted of three British cabinet members: Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A. V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty). Therefore, options a, b, and c were members of the mission. Campbell Johnson (Alan Campbell-Johnson) was not a member of the Cabinet Mission; he later served as the Press Attaché to Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India.
Which country gifted Boeing 747 jet to President Donald Trump?
A)
Bahrain
B)
Qatar
C)
United Arab Emirates
D)
Oman
The correct option is B (Qatar). In September 2018, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gifted a luxurious Boeing 747-8i aircraft (valued at approximately $367 million) to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a symbol of Qatar's appreciation and strong bilateral relations. Although this exam question contains a common error by naming US President Donald Trump as the recipient (US presidents are constitutionally barred from accepting such high-value personal gifts under the Emoluments Clause), Qatar is the correct country associated with this famous Boeing 747 state gift. Other options (Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Oman) are incorrect as they were not involved in gifting this aircraft.
First Muslim President of Indian National Congress was-
A)
Abul Kalam Azad
B)
Rafi Ahmad Kidwal
C)
MA Ansari
D)
Badruddin Tyabji
Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress (INC). He presided over the third annual session of the Congress held in Madras in 1887.
- Option 'a' (Abul Kalam Azad) is incorrect because, although he was a prominent leader and the youngest President of the INC (1923), he was not the first.
- Option 'c' (MA Ansari) is incorrect as Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari presided over the Madras session much later, in 1927.
- Option 'b' (Rafi Ahmad Kidwai) is incorrect because he was a key nationalist leader and minister post-independence, but he never served as the President of the INC.
How long is railway lines from Bairabi to Sairang?
A)
49.3 kms
B)
52.55 kms
C)
51.38 kms
D)
53.41 kms
The correct answer is option 'c' (51.38 kms). The Bairabi–Sairang railway line is a 51.38 km long broad-gauge railway line project being constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to connect Bairabi to Sairang (near Mizoram's capital, Aizawl). The other options (49.3 kms, 52.55 kms, and 53.41 kms) are incorrect as they do not represent the official planned length of this railway project.
The official name of the military junta governing Myanmar after the 2021 coup d’état is
A)
Democratic Council of Myanmar
B)
State Administration Council
C)
Administrative Government of Burma
D)
People’s Democratic Council
The correct option is 'b' (State Administration Council). Following the military coup d'état in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the military (Tatmadaw) established the 'State Administration Council' (SAC) on February 2, 2021, as the official executive governing body of the country. Options 'a', 'c', and 'd' are incorrect as they are fabricated names and do not represent the official designation of the ruling military junta.
A new policy of ‘paramountcy’ was initiated under the reign of which of the following Governor Generals in 1813?
A)
Lord Hastings
B)
Lord Ripon
C)
Lord Curzon
D)
Lord Dufferin
The policy of 'paramountcy' was initiated under Lord Hastings, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823. Under this policy, the British East India Company claimed that its authority was supreme or 'paramount', giving it the right to annex or threaten to annex any Indian state to protect its interests. Other options are incorrect because: Lord Ripon (1880–1884) is famous for introducing local self-government; Lord Curzon (1899–1905) is known for the Partition of Bengal; and Lord Dufferin (1884–1888) was the Viceroy during the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
The Indigo Revolt by farmers against the British planters took place primarily in-
A)
Madras
B)
Punjab
C)
Gujarat
D)
Bengal
The Indigo Revolt (or Nil Bidroha) was a peasant movement and subsequent uprising of indigo farmers against British planters that took place primarily in Bengal in 1859. It started in the Nadia district of Bengal, where farmers refused to grow indigo under the exploitative terms imposed by British planters. Madras, Punjab, and Gujarat were not the primary regions of this revolt, as the intensive cultivation of indigo under the oppressive 'Ryoti' system was heavily concentrated in the Bengal Presidency.
Which of the following pair is incorrectly matched? Pair I (Anglo-Maratha War) Pair II (Years)
A)
First Anglo-Maratha War 1775-1782 AD
B)
Second Anglo-Maratha War 1803-1805 AD
C)
Third Anglo-Maratha War 1817-1819 AD
D)
None of the above
All the pairs listed in the options are correctly matched with their respective years:
1. **First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782 AD):** Began with the Treaty of Surat and ended with the Treaty of Salbai.
2. **Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805 AD):** Fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, ending with treaties like Deogaon, Surji-Anjangaon, and Rajghat.
3. **Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819 AD):** The final conflict that led to the dissolution of the Maratha Empire and the pensioning off of the Peshwa.
Since all pairs are correctly matched, option 'd' (None of the above) is the correct answer.
Which of the following movements was combined with the Non-Cooperation Movement under Gandhiji’s leadership?
A)
Civil Disobedience Movement
B)
Quit India Movement
C)
Khilafat Movement
D)
Swadeshi Movement
The correct option is 'c' (Khilafat Movement). Mahatma Gandhi combined the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) with the Khilafat Movement (led by the Ali brothers) to bring Hindus and Muslims together on a common platform to fight against British colonial rule.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 'a' (Civil Disobedience Movement) was launched much later in 1930 with the Salt March.
- 'b' (Quit India Movement) was launched in 1942 during World War II, demanding an immediate end to British rule.
- 'd' (Swadeshi Movement) was started in 1905 as a protest against the Partition of Bengal, before Gandhiji became active in Indian national politics.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
A)
Most of the leaders were arrested and they were in prison.
B)
Britishers were ready to accept the demands partly.
C)
Because of the violence in Chauri Chaura.
D)
There were not any chances of success in the movement.
Mahatma Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 due to the Chauri Chaura incident in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. During this incident, a peaceful demonstration turned violent, and a mob set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen. Since Gandhi was strictly committed to the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa), he felt the movement was losing its peaceful character and decided to call it off. Option 'a' is incorrect because, although many leaders were arrested, it was not the reason for the withdrawal. Option 'b' is incorrect because the British government did not concede to the demands. Option 'd' is incorrect because the movement had massive public support and high potential for success before it was suspended.
Consider the following statements with reference to the Subsidiary Alliance. 1. The first ruler to accept the Subsidiary Alliance was the Nizam of Hyderabad. 2. Under this policy, Indian rulers were forced to have a British official called the resident at his court. 3. Under this policy, Indian rulers made to keep a large British force within their territory and pay for its maintenance. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
A)
Only 1
B)
1 and 2
C)
2 and 3
D)
1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct with reference to the Subsidiary Alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley:
1. **Statement 1 is correct**: The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first Indian ruler to accept the Subsidiary Alliance in 1798.
2. **Statement 2 is correct**: Under this system, the allied ruler had to agree to the stationing of a British official called the 'Resident' at his court, who interfered in the internal affairs of the state.
3. **Statement 3 is correct**: The ruler had to maintain a permanent British force within his territory and pay a subsidy for its maintenance. If the ruler failed to make the payment, a portion of their territory was ceded to the British as a penalty.
Since all statements are correct, option 'd' (1, 2 and 3) is the right choice.
What was the main motive of British to promote modern education in India? 1. For the welfare of Indians. 2. To train Indians so that they could help the Company’s British officials in administration. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
A)
Only 1
B)
Only 2
C)
Both 1 and 2
D)
Neither 1 nor 2
The primary motive of the British in introducing and promoting modern education in India was administrative convenience and cost-cutting. They needed a large number of subordinates (clerks and lower-level officials) to run the administration, and importing British officials for these low-paying jobs was financially unfeasible. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because the welfare of Indians was never the main motive of the colonial government; any developmental or educational reforms were secondary to their economic and administrative interests.
The Bullseye Galaxy (LEDA 1313424) was recently discovered using which telescope?
A)
James Webb Space Telescope
B)
Hubble Space Telescope
C)
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
D)
Spitzer Space Telescope
The Bullseye Galaxy (LEDA 1313424) was imaged and studied in detail using the Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble's high-resolution imaging capabilities captured the striking ring-like structure of this galaxy, which resembles a target or bullseye.
- **Hubble Space Telescope (Option b)** is correct because it is the telescope responsible for the detailed imaging and discovery of the unique features of LEDA 1313424.
- **James Webb Space Telescope (Option a)**, **Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (Option c)**, and **Spitzer Space Telescope (Option d)** are incorrect as they were not the primary instruments used for the discovery and imaging of this specific galaxy.
Who won the French Open 2025 (Men’s Singles)?
A)
Jannick Sinner
B)
Carlos Alcaraz
C)
Novak Djokovic
D)
Alexander Averev
Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open (Men's Singles) title in 2024 by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. Note: The 2025 French Open is scheduled to take place from May 25 to June 8, 2025. Therefore, the question contains a typographical error and refers to the 2024 edition, of which Carlos Alcaraz is the reigning champion.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **a) Jannick Sinner:** Sinner reached the semifinals of the 2024 French Open, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz.
- **c) Novak Djokovic:** Djokovic withdrew from the 2024 tournament prior to his quarterfinal match due to a knee injury.
- **d) Alexander Averev (Zverev):** Zverev reached the final of the 2024 French Open but finished as the runner-up after losing to Alcaraz.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is developed by which institution?
A)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
B)
State Bank of India (SBI)
C)
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
D)
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
The correct option is 'c' because the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
- Option 'a' (RBI) is incorrect because, while the Reserve Bank of India is the regulatory body that governs the banking sector and supported the creation of NPCI, it did not directly develop UPI.
- Option 'b' (SBI) is incorrect because the State Bank of India is a public sector bank that uses the UPI platform but did not develop it.
- Option 'd' (SEBI) is incorrect because the Securities and Exchange Board of India is the regulator for the securities and commodity markets in India, having no role in retail payment systems like UPI.
Who is the Union Cooperation Minister?
A)
Piyush Goel
B)
Rajnath Singh
C)
Amit Shah
D)
Kiran Rijiju
Amit Shah is the Union Minister of Cooperation. The Ministry of Cooperation was created in July 2021 to strengthen the cooperative movement in India, and Amit Shah was appointed as its inaugural minister, holding this charge alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Option a: Piyush Goyal (Goel) serves as the Minister of Commerce and Industry, among other portfolios.
- Option b: Rajnath Singh is the Union Minister of Defence.
- Option d: Kiren Rijiju (Kiran Rijiju) serves as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs.
Tinkathia System is associated to:
A)
Kheda Satyagraha
B)
Champaran Satyagraha
C)
Bardoli Satyagraha
D)
Moplah Rebellion
The Tinkathia System was an exploitative system in Champaran, Bihar, under which European planters forced Indian peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20th (3 Kathas out of 20 Kathas) of their land. Mahatma Gandhi launched his first Satyagraha in India, the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, to protest against this system, which eventually led to its abolition. Other options are incorrect because: (a) Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was against high land revenue during a crop failure; (c) Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel against increased land tax; and (d) Moplah Rebellion (1921) was an uprising of Muslim peasants against landlords and British rule in Malabar, Kerala.
What was the former name of Aligarh Muslim University?
A)
Muhammadan Aligarh College
B)
Aligarh Islamic University
C)
Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College
D)
None of the above
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was originally established as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1875 by the great Muslim reformer and statesman Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. It was later elevated to the status of a central university in 1920 through the Aligarh Muslim University Act. Option 'a' (Muhammadan Aligarh College) and Option 'b' (Aligarh Islamic University) are incorrect because no institution existed under these names; the historical name was specifically the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College. Therefore, Option 'd' is also incorrect.
With which uprising is Mangal Pandey associated?
A)
Barrackpore
B)
Meerut
C)
Delhi
D)
None of these
Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the British East India Company stationed at Barrackpore. On March 29, 1857, he revolted against his British officers, which acted as a key catalyst for the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Meerut (Option b) is incorrect because the formal, widespread uprising broke out there later on May 10, 1857. Delhi (Option c) is incorrect because it became the center of the rebellion only after the mutineers from Meerut marched there to declare Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.
Which of the following countries is not correctly matched to its Prime Minister as on July 2025?
A)
Pakistan – Shehbaz Sharif
B)
Australia – Anthony Albanese
C)
United Kingdom – Rishi Sunak
D)
Prime Minister of Canada – Mark Carney
The question asks for the country that is NOT correctly matched to its Prime Minister.
1. **Why Option D is correct (incorrectly matched):** Justin Trudeau is the Prime Minister of Canada. Mark Carney is a well-known economist and former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, but he has never served as the Prime Minister of Canada. Therefore, this pairing is completely incorrect.
2. **Why other options are incorrect (correctly matched/historical context):**
- **Option A:** Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan (assumed office in March 2024).
- **Option B:** Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia (assumed office in May 2022).
- **Option C:** Rishi Sunak served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom until July 2024, when he was succeeded by Keir Starmer. While this option is also technically outdated for a July 2025 timeline, Option D represents a pairing where the individual (Mark Carney) has never held the office of Prime Minister at all.
Who among the following were prominent leaders of the ‘Khilafat Movement’?
A)
Maulana Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
B)
Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Shaukat Ali
C)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
D)
Rafi Ahmed Kidwai and Shaukat Ali
The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) was a major pan-Islamic political campaign launched in British India to influence the British government to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. The movement was led by the 'Ali Brothers'—Maulana Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali—making option 'a' the correct answer. Mohammad Ali Jinnah (option 'b') opposed the movement and its alliance with Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement. While Maulana Abul Kalam Azad supported the movement, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (options 'c' and 'd') was not one of its primary prominent leaders.
Which of the following Acts provided that Indians should not be barred from holding jobs with the East India Company?
A)
The Charter Act, 1833
B)
Pitt’s India Act, 1784
C)
The Regulating Act, 1733
D)
The Gov’t of India Act, 1858
The Charter Act of 1833 (specifically Section 87) declared that no native of India, nor any natural-born subject of His Majesty, should be disabled from holding any place, office, or employment under the East India Company by reason only of his religion, place of birth, descent, color, or any of them. This was a landmark provision that theoretically opened the doors for Indians in public services.
- Pitt’s India Act, 1784: Established a dual system of control (Board of Control and Court of Directors) but did not address employment opportunities for Indians.
- The Regulating Act, 1773 (misprinted as 1733): Aimed to regulate the affairs of the East India Company and established the office of Governor-General of Bengal, but did not contain provisions regarding Indian employment.
- The Gov’t of India Act, 1858: Transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown following the Revolt of 1857, liquidating the Company's ruling powers.
The spiritual guru Gadadhar Chattopadhyay is best known with which among the following names?
A)
Upendranath Brahmachari
B)
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
C)
Sri Arubindo
D)
Swami Prabhupad
Gadadhar Chattopadhyay is the birth name of the revered 19th-century Indian mystic and spiritual leader Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was the guru of Swami Vivekananda.
- Option 'a' is incorrect because Upendranath Brahmachari was a renowned Indian scientist and medical practitioner famous for synthesizing Urea Stibamine to treat Kala-azar.
- Option 'c' is incorrect because Sri Aurobindo's birth name was Aurobindo Ghose, a prominent philosopher, yogi, and nationalist.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON) was born as Abhay Charan De.
Who among the following actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement? 1. Landlords 2. Students 3. Lawyers 4. Women
A)
1 and 2
B)
2 and 3
C)
1 and 3
D)
All of these
The Swadeshi Movement (1905) was characterized by mass mobilization across various sections of society. 1. Landlords (zamindars), particularly in Bengal, actively supported the movement as the partition affected their interests. 2. Students participated in large numbers, boycotting government schools and colleges and picketing shops. 3. Lawyers boycotted British courts and helped organize the movement. 4. Women, traditionally home-bound, stepped out to join processions and picket shops selling foreign goods. Since all four groups actively participated, 'All of these' is the correct choice, making options a, b, and c incorrect as they are incomplete.
The Operation launched by Pakistan in response to Operation Sindoor on May 2025 was called-
A)
Operation Black Forest
B)
Operation Sindh Ul’Haq
C)
Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos
D)
Operation Hill Response
Option C is correct: Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos.