← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2026
In which city H. Lalthazuala was crowned U-19 Boys’ Singles Champion at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025?
A)
Panchkula, Haryana
B)
Guwahati, Assam
C)
Hyderabad, Telangana
D)
Indoore, MP.
H. Lalthazuala of Mizoram won the Under-19 Boys’ Singles title at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025, which was hosted in Guwahati, Assam. The other cities listed (Panchkula, Hyderabad, and Indore) did not host this specific edition of the national junior ranking tournament where Lalthazuala secured his championship victory.
Why did British policies encourage the cultivation of cash crops like indigo, opium, and cotton in many parts of India?
A)
To promote small-scale subsistence farming across all regions
B)
To ensure local food security and reduce dependence on imports
C)
To reduce India’s participation in international commerce
D)
To supply raw materials and specific goods required by British industries
Option 'd' is correct because British colonial agricultural policies in India were driven by the economic interests of the home country. The British encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like cotton to feed the textile mills of Lancashire, indigo to dye British textiles, and opium to trade with China to balance Britain's trade deficit. Option 'a' is incorrect because the British discouraged subsistence farming in favor of commercial agriculture. Option 'b' is incorrect because the shift from food crops to cash crops severely undermined local food security, contributing to several devastating famines. Option 'c' is incorrect because these policies actively integrated India into the global capitalist economy as a supplier of raw materials and a consumer of finished British goods.
Which of the following countries is not a member of BIMSTEC?
A)
India
B)
Thailand
C)
Bangladesh
D)
Maldives
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Maldives is not a member of BIMSTEC (it is, however, a member of SAARC). Therefore, option 'd' is the correct answer. India, Thailand, and Bangladesh are all active member states of BIMSTEC.
Under Mahalwari settlement, settlement of land revenue was made with:
A)
Individual peasants
B)
Village communities
C)
Zamindars
D)
Taluqdars
Under the Mahalwari system, which was introduced by Holt Mackenzie in 1822, the basic unit of revenue assessment was the 'Mahal' (meaning a village or an estate). Therefore, the land revenue settlement was made collectively with the village communities, and the village headman (Lambardar) was responsible for collecting and paying the revenue to the state.
- Option 'a' is incorrect because settlement directly with individual peasants (Ryots) was the defining feature of the Ryotwari system.
- Option 'c' is incorrect because settlement with Zamindars was the key feature of the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari system) introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because Taluqdars were traditional landholders/intermediaries in regions like Awadh, and were not the primary unit of settlement under the Mahalwari system.
An Indian nationalist leader who was known as ‘Iron Man of India’ was:
A)
Lala Lajpat Rai
B)
Subash Chandra Bose
C)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
D)
Lokamanya Tilak
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is widely known as the 'Iron Man of India' due to his uncompromising commitment to national integration. Following India's independence in 1947, he played a monumental role in persuading and integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lala Lajpat Rai (a) was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' (Lion of Punjab).
- Subhash Chandra Bose (b) was affectionately called 'Netaji'.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak (d) was honored with the title 'Lokmanya' (accepted by the people as their leader).
In a solemn ceremony symbolising unity, patriotism and national pride, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), on 24th December, 2025 unfurled a monumental ________ National Flag - the tallest in the state - at 34 Assam Rifles, Zokhawsang, Aizawl.
A)
138-feet-high
B)
128-feet-high
C)
118-feet-high
D)
108-feet-high
The correct answer is '108-feet-high' (Option d). On 24th December, a monumental 108-feet-high National Flag—the tallest in the state of Mizoram—was unfurled at the 34 Assam Rifles post in Zokhawsang, Aizawl, symbolizing national pride and unity. The other options (138-feet-high, 128-feet-high, and 118-feet-high) are incorrect as they do not match the actual recorded height of this monumental flag installation.
India Maritime Week – 2025, held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre from October 27-31, 2025 in Mumbai, the event focused on the theme:
A)
Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Zone
B)
Single Maritime Zone, Uniting Ocean
C)
Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision
D)
Uniting Maritime Zone, One Vision
The correct theme for the India Maritime Week – 2025, scheduled to be held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025, is 'Single Maritime Zone, Uniting Ocean'. This theme highlights the focus on global maritime integration, unified ocean governance, and collaborative efforts in shipping, trade, and security across maritime boundaries. The other options (a, c, and d) are incorrect as they are incorrect variations of this official theme.
In the emergence of an Indian capitalist class, which group most commonly provided the early pool of entrepreneurs who invested in modern industry?
A)
British officials who settled in India after retirement
B)
Large peasant landholders with surplus agricultural income
C)
Merchants and banking communities such as Marwaris and Parsis
D)
Colonial missionaries interested in promoting industrial education
The early Indian capitalist class emerged primarily from traditional merchant, trading, and banking communities, such as the Parsis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, and Chettiyars. These groups accumulated capital through internal trade, financial services, and foreign trade (such as the opium and cotton trade with China and Britain) and subsequently reinvested these surpluses into modern industries like cotton textiles, jute, and steel. In contrast, retired British officials (Option a) typically returned to Britain or invested in British-run managing agencies; large peasant landholders (Option b) generally reinvested in land or money-lending rather than modern industry; and colonial missionaries (Option d) focused on religious and basic education rather than industrial entrepreneurship.
On which date did the Direct Action Day, called by the Muslim League, take place in 1946, leading to widespread communal violence in Bengal?
A)
15 August 1947
B)
16 August 1946
C)
23 March 1940
D)
9 August 1942
Direct Action Day (also known as the Great Calcutta Killings) was launched by the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 16 August 1946 to assert its demand for a separate Muslim homeland (Pakistan) following the rejection of the Cabinet Mission Plan. This led to unprecedented communal violence in Calcutta and other parts of Bengal. Other options are incorrect because: Option 'a' (15 August 1947) is India's Independence Day; Option 'c' (23 March 1940) is the date of the Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution); and Option 'd' (9 August 1942) marks the commencement of the Quit India Movement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with Navy Personnel onboard on:
A)
INS Chennai
B)
INS Vikramaditya
C)
INS Vikrant
D)
INS Kolkata
Option C is correct: INS Vikrant.
The most significant outcome of the uprising of 1857 was:
A)
It united the Indians against the British
B)
British started adopting a policy of Divide and Rule
C)
It brought about major transformation in military organisation
D)
It resulted in the transfer of power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown
The most significant and direct outcome of the Revolt of 1857 was the passage of the Government of India Act 1858. This act abolished the rule of the British East India Company and transferred the direct administration and sovereignty of India to the British Crown, marking a major constitutional shift. Option 'a' is incorrect because the revolt was localized and did not unite all of India; many princely states and regions remained loyal to the British. Option 'b' is incorrect because while 'Divide and Rule' was intensified post-1857, it was an ongoing administrative strategy rather than the primary constitutional outcome. Option 'c' is incorrect because although military reorganization (such as altering the ratio of Indian to European soldiers) did occur, it was a secondary administrative reform compared to the complete transfer of imperial power.
Which Act, passed in 1878 targeted (curbed) Indian language Newspapers?
A)
Indian Newspaper Act
B)
Vernacular Press Act
C)
Censorship Press Act
D)
Licensing Regulations Act
The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 under the Viceroyalty of Lord Lytton. It was specifically designed to curtail the freedom of the Indian-language (vernacular) press and prevent them from expressing criticism of British policies, particularly regarding the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Great Famine of 1876–78. Other options are incorrect because: Option 'a' (Newspaper Incitement to Offences Act) was passed in 1908; Option 'c' (Censorship of Press Act) was enacted in 1799 by Lord Wellesley; and Option 'd' (Licensing Regulations Act) was introduced in 1823 by John Adams.
Who wrote the book ‘ Hun Inher Kara Zofate’?
A)
B. Lalthangliana
B)
Stephen Auhmun
C)
Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte
D)
F. Vanlalrochana
The book 'Hun Inher Kara Zofate' is written by F. Vanlalrochana, a well-known Mizo writer. The book explores the history, culture, and societal transitions of the Mizo people (Zofate) over time. The other options are incorrect because: B. Lalthangliana is a renowned Mizo historian and author of books like 'Mizo Chanchin'; Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte is a prominent Mizo poet and writer; and Stephen Auhmun is also a different Mizo author, none of whom wrote this specific book.
The first railway line in India, running from Bombay to Thana was opened during the tenure of:
A)
Lord Dalhausie
B)
Lord Curson
C)
Lord Cunning
D)
Lord Minto
The first railway line in India, running from Bombay (Bori Bunder) to Thane (Thana), was opened on April 16, 1853, during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Railways'. Other options are incorrect because: Lord Curzon (Option b) served much later from 1899 to 1905 and is associated with the Partition of Bengal; Lord Canning (Option c, misspelled as Cunning) served from 1856 to 1862 and was the Governor-General during the 1857 Revolt; Lord Minto (Option d) served as Viceroy from 1905 to 1910 and is known for the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.
The granting of the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1765 was the significant outcome of:
A)
Battle of Plassey, 1757
B)
Battle of Wandiwash, 1760
C)
Third Battle of Panipat, 1761
D)
Battle of Buxar, 1764
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh), and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. Following the British victory, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765, through which Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights (the right to collect revenues) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company.
- Option 'a' (Battle of Plassey, 1757) established British political foothold in Bengal but did not grant formal Diwani rights.
- Option 'b' (Battle of Wandiwash, 1760) was a decisive battle between the French and the British, ending French colonial ambitions in India.
- Option 'c' (Third Battle of Panipat, 1761) was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Durrani, which severely weakened Maratha power but had no direct link to the Diwani of Bengal.
The recently released ‘Die As a Man’ (factual stories of Mizo struggle for Independence (1966-1986) is authored by:
A)
Major Thankhuma
B)
Major PC Lianhmingthanga
C)
C. Zama
D)
Lt.Ngulkhopao
The book 'Die As a Man' (factual stories of Mizo struggle for Independence (1966-1986)) is authored by Major PC Lianhmingthanga. He was a prominent figure in the Mizo National Front (MNF) and wrote this book to provide a first-hand account of the Mizo insurgency and the struggles faced during those two decades. The other options (Major Thankhuma, C. Zama, and Lt. Ngulkhopao) are incorrect as they are not the authors of this specific publication, although they are associated with the history of the region.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 16.12.2025 extended the tenure of the Commission of Inquiry probing the 2023 Manipur violence, allowing it time until May 20, 2026 to submit its report. The Commission is headed by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice:
A)
Vijay Bishnoi
B)
Sandeep Mehta
C)
Ajai Lamba
D)
R. M. Chhaya
The correct option is 'c'. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs appointed a three-member Commission of Inquiry in June 2023 to investigate the ethnic violence in Manipur, which is headed by Justice Ajai Lamba, the former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. The other options are incorrect because: (a) Vijay Bishnoi is a former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court appointed in 2024; (b) Sandeep Mehta is a Supreme Court Judge and former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court; and (d) R. M. Chhaya is also a former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, none of whom head this specific inquiry commission.
The first session of Indian National Congress at Bombay in 1885 was attended by:
A)
70 delegates
B)
72 delegates
C)
75 delegates
D)
78 delegates
The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held from 28 to 31 December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. It was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee and was attended by exactly 72 delegates representing different provinces of India. Therefore, option 'b' is correct, while options 'a', 'c', and 'd' are incorrect as they do not represent the historically recorded number of attendees.
The fourth and final battle between the British and the ruler of Mysore was fought in:
A)
1769
B)
1779
C)
1789
D)
1799
The fourth and final Anglo-Mysore War was fought in 1799. In this battle, the British East India Company, led by Lord Wellesley, defeated Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital, Seringapatam, on May 4, 1799, bringing an end to the Mysore Sultanate's resistance. Option 'a' (1769) marks the end of the First Anglo-Mysore War. Options 'b' (1779) and 'c' (1789) do not correspond to the final war, as the Second Anglo-Mysore War took place from 1780–1784 and the Third from 1790–1792.
Which of the following is not a 5th Generation fighter jet?
A)
Tejas Mk1
B)
Su-57 Felon
C)
F-22 Raptor
D)
F-35 Lightning II
The HAL Tejas Mk1 is a 4th-generation (often classified as 4.5-generation) single-engine, delta-wing, multirole light fighter designed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It does not possess the stealth characteristics, advanced sensor fusion, or supercruise capabilities required to be classified as a 5th-generation fighter. On the other hand, the Su-57 Felon (Russia), F-22 Raptor (USA), and F-35 Lightning II (USA) are all well-known, operational 5th-generation stealth fighter jets.
When did the English East India Company undertook direct administration of Bengal after abolition of the Dual Government?
A)
1757
B)
1765
C)
1772
D)
1793
The correct option is 'c' (1772). In 1772, Warren Hastings, the Governor of Bengal, abolished the Dual Government system (which had been introduced by Robert Clive in 1765). Following its abolition, the English East India Company decided to 'stand forth as Diwan' and took over the direct administration and revenue collection of Bengal.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option 'a' (1757): This marks the Battle of Plassey, which established British influence in Bengal but not direct administration.
- Option 'b' (1765): This was the year the Dual Government system was introduced by Robert Clive after the Treaty of Allahabad.
- Option 'd' (1793): This was the year the Permanent Settlement of Bengal was introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
Union Minister of Cooperation, who chaired a “Manthan Baithak”, a meeting with the Ministers of Cooperation of all States and Union Territories in New Delhi on 30.06.2025 to review ongoing schemes to strengthen cooperation movement in the Country was:
A)
Narendra Modi
B)
Amit Shah
C)
Nirmala Sitharaman
D)
Raj Nath Singh
Amit Shah is the Union Minister of Cooperation (in addition to being the Union Minister of Home Affairs) since the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation in July 2021. Therefore, he is the minister who chaired the 'Manthan Baithak' to review schemes to strengthen the cooperative movement. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman is the Minister of Finance, and Rajnath Singh is the Minister of Defence, making options a, c, and d incorrect.
A famous work Precepts of Jesus was written by:
A)
Swami Vivekenanda
B)
Henry Vivan Derozio
C)
Iswar Chandra Vidhyasagar
D)
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
The famous work 'The Precepts of Jesus: The Guide to Peace and Happiness' was written by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and published in 1820. In this book, he compiled the moral and philosophical teachings of Jesus from the New Testament, separating them from the miracle stories, to present a simple ethical code.
- Option a (Swami Vivekananda) is incorrect; he is renowned for his speeches on Hinduism at the Chicago Parliament of Religions and works like 'Raja Yoga' and 'Karma Yoga'.
- Option b (Henry Vivian Derozio) is incorrect; he was a radical thinker and leader of the Young Bengal Movement, known for his patriotic poetry.
- Option c (Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar) is incorrect; he was a key social reformer who championed widow remarriage and wrote influential educational texts like 'Barna Parichay'.
The Charter Act of 1813 was a significant milestone for the promotion of education in India as it allocated:
A)
1 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
B)
5 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
C)
10 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
D)
15 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
The Charter Act of 1813 was a landmark in the history of Indian education. Under Section 43 of this Act, the British East India Company was directed to set aside an annual sum of not less than 1 lakh of rupees (Rs. 1,00,000) for the revival and improvement of literature, encouragement of learned natives, and the promotion of scientific knowledge among the inhabitants of British territories in India. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because the initial allocation in 1813 was strictly 1 lakh rupees; the allocation was later increased to 10 lakh rupees per year only under the Charter Act of 1833.
Which of the following is not correct in regard to ‘Subsidiary Alliance’?
A)
The English must pay a subsidy for maintenance of British forces in the territory of the allying states
B)
The Indian ruler must agree to the posting of the British Resident at his Court
C)
The Indian ruler must not employ any European other than the British in his service
D)
The English undertook to protect the Indian ruler from his enemies
Under the Subsidiary Alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley, it was the Indian ruler—not the English—who had to pay a subsidy to the British for the maintenance of the British army stationed in their territory (or cede a portion of their territory in lieu of payment). Therefore, statement 'a' is incorrect regarding the alliance.
The other options represent correct features of the Subsidiary Alliance:
- Option 'b' is correct because a British Resident was stationed at the ruler's court.
- Option 'c' is correct because the ruler was barred from employing any other Europeans (especially the French) in their service without British consent.
- Option 'd' is correct because the British promised to protect the allied state from external aggression and internal rebellion.