← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2026
Sushila Karki was named as:
A)
Cambodia’s first female Prime Minister
B)
Nepal’s first female Prime Minister
C)
Tibet’s first female Prime Minister
D)
Bhutan’s first female Prime Minister
Sushila Karki is a Nepalese jurist who made history as the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, taking office in 2016. Although the exam question contains a common typographical error by stating 'Prime Minister' instead of 'Chief Justice', option (b) is the correct choice as she is uniquely associated with Nepal's pioneering female leadership. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect because Sushila Karki has no affiliation with Cambodia, Tibet, or Bhutan.
What is India’s highest civilian honour for children recently received by Esther Hnamte on 26th December 2025 in New Delhi?
A)
Eklavya Award
B)
Bal Kalyan Puraskar
C)
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
D)
Indira Gandhi Bal Puraskar
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India's highest civilian honour for children under the age of 18, awarded annually by the President of India to recognize exceptional achievements in fields such as Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service, and Sports. Esther Hnamte, a young singing prodigy from Mizoram, received this prestigious award for her outstanding contribution to Art and Culture.
- Option 'a' (Eklavya Award) is a state-level sports award given to outstanding junior athletes, not a national civilian honour for children.
- Option 'b' (Bal Kalyan Puraskar) is awarded to individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to child welfare and development, rather than to children themselves.
- Option 'd' (Indira Gandhi Bal Puraskar) is not a recognized national civilian award for children's individual achievements.
The ‘Theory of Drain of Wealth’ was first propounded by:
A)
WC Banerjee
B)
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
C)
Aurobindo Ghose
D)
Dadabhai Naoroji
The 'Theory of Drain of Wealth' was first propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji. He presented this theory in his paper 'England's Debt to India' in 1867 and later in his landmark book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901), explaining how Britain was systematically draining India's wealth and resources without any equivalent return.
- WC Banerjee (Option a) was the first president of the Indian National Congress but did not formulate this economic theory.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Option b) was a moderate leader who advocated for financial reforms but was not the originator of this theory.
- Aurobindo Ghose (Option c) was an extremist leader and philosopher known for his concepts of passive resistance and spiritual nationalism.
Who, among the following leaders was the proclaimed (official) leader of the Revolt of 1857?
A)
Rani Lakshmi Bai
B)
Bahadur Shah Zafar
C)
Tantia Tope
D)
Kunwar Singh
Option B is correct: Bahadur Shah Zafar.
The tragic deaths of at least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh in 2025 were linked to which type of medicine?
A)
Anti-virus
B)
Antibiotic injection
C)
Cough syrup
D)
Pain reliever
The correct option is C (Cough syrup). In early 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh, India, where the deaths of at least 24 children were linked to toxic contaminants (such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol) found in cough syrup. This follows a series of similar global and domestic health alerts regarding contaminated pediatric cough syrups.
- Option A (Anti-virus) is incorrect as there are no reports linking antiviral medications to this specific tragedy.
- Option B (Antibiotic injection) is incorrect because, although injection safety is a concern in rural healthcare, the specific 2025 tragedy involving at least 24 children was linked to contaminated cough syrup.
- Option D (Pain reliever) is incorrect as pain relievers were not the primary medicine identified in this contamination outbreak.
What was the major administrative consequence of the Regulating Act of 1773 for British rule in India?
A)
It granted full independence to the East India Company from British parliamentary control.
B)
It abolished the East India Company and transferred power directly to the British Crown.
C)
It introduced universal adult franchise in Company territories.
D)
It made the Governor of Bengal the Governor-General of Bengal with supervisory authority over other presidencies.
The Regulating Act of 1773 was a landmark reform that laid the foundations of central administration in India. It designated the Governor of Bengal as the 'Governor-General of Bengal' (with Warren Hastings being the first) and subordinated the Governors of Bombay and Madras presidencies to his authority. Option 'a' is incorrect because the Act initiated British parliamentary control over the East India Company rather than granting it independence. Option 'b' is incorrect because the abolition of the Company and direct transfer of power to the Crown occurred much later through the Government of India Act 1858. Option 'c' is incorrect as universal adult franchise was not introduced during the Company's rule.
Robert Prevost, who became the Catholic Pope after the death of Pope Francis will be known as ________.
A)
Pope Leole XIV
B)
Pope Loew XIV
C)
Pope Lowe XIV
D)
Pope Leo XIV
The correct option is 'd' (Pope Leo XIV).
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** In the context of this question (which appears to be a hypothetical or speculative future scenario), Cardinal Robert Prevost is projected to take the regnal name 'Leo XIV'. 'Leo' is a highly traditional and historic papal name, with 13 previous popes having reigned under this name (the last being Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903).
2. **Why other options are incorrect:** Options 'a', 'b', and 'c' ('Leole', 'Loew', and 'Lowe') are incorrect because they are not traditional papal names and serve as orthographic distractors of the name 'Leo'.
Which reformer is correctly matched with the socio-religious organisation he led or inspired, and what was one major focus of that organisation?
A)
Jyotiba Phule – Satyashodhak Samaj; challenging caste oppression and promoting education among lower castes
B)
Swami Vivekananda – Aligarh Movement; advocating Western-style scientific education for Muslims
C)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan – Ramakrishna Mission; preaching a synthesis of Vedanta and devotion
D)
Keshab Chandra Sen – Arya Samaj; promoting exclusive Vedic ritualism
Option 'a' is correct because Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in Maharashtra in 1873. The primary objective of this society was to challenge caste-based discrimination, liberate lower castes from Brahmanical dominance, and promote education among women and lower castes. The other options are incorrectly matched: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission (not the Aligarh Movement); Sir Syed Ahmad Khan led the Aligarh Movement (not the Ramakrishna Mission); and Keshab Chandra Sen was a prominent leader of the Brahmo Samaj, whereas the Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
Why was the Battle of Buxar (1764) decisive in consolidating British control in northern India?
A)
It ended all resistance from the Marathas
B)
It gave the Company control over Bombay and Madras
C)
It led to the annexation of Punjab and the neighbouring areas giving economic power to the British
D)
It defeated a coalition of major Indian powers, giving the Company political supremacy in the Ganga plain
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was a watershed moment in Indian history. It was fought between the British East India Company and a combined coalition of three major Indian powers: Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). The decisive British victory dismantled this coalition, leading to the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) which granted the Company 'Diwani' (revenue collection) rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, thereby establishing undisputed British political and economic supremacy over the fertile Ganga plain. Option 'a' is incorrect because Maratha resistance ended much later in 1818 after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. Option 'b' is incorrect as Bombay and Madras were already established presidencies and not the territorial outcomes of this battle. Option 'c' is incorrect because Punjab was annexed much later in 1849 after the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
With reference to the 17th BRICS Summit, 2025, which of the following is not correct?
A)
It was held on July 7, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro
B)
The Summit welcomed India’s candidacy to host COP33 in 2027.
C)
In a strong show of support, the BRICS leaders reiterated backing for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
D)
India has received unanimous backing from BRICS nations to chair the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.
Statement (a) is incorrect. The 17th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be hosted by Brazil in 2025, but the specific date and details mentioned in option (a) are incorrect. The key outcomes mentioned in the other options were agreed upon during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia (October 2024), in preparation for the upcoming summits.
- Statement (b) is correct: The BRICS nations officially welcomed India's bid to host the COP33 climate summit in 2027.
- Statement (c) is correct: BRICS leaders reiterated their strong support for the aspirations of India, Brazil, and South Africa to play a greater role in the UN, including permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
- Statement (d) is correct: India has received unanimous backing from the member nations to host and chair the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.
While fighting against the English, the Indian ruler who was fond of saying that it was “better to live a day as a lion than a lifetime as a sheep” was:
A)
Siraj –ud- Daulah
B)
Haider Ali
C)
Tipu Sultan
D)
Mir Qasim
The correct option is 'c' (Tipu Sultan). Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, was famously known as the 'Tiger of Mysore' for his fierce resistance against British colonial expansion. He is well-known for his quote: 'It is far better to live a day as a lion than a lifetime as a sheep' (often translated as living like a tiger for a day rather than a jackal for a hundred years). He died fighting the British during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. Other options are incorrect because: Siraj-ud-Daulah (a) was the Nawab of Bengal who fought the Battle of Plassey (1757); Haider Ali (b) was Tipu Sultan's father and predecessor; and Mir Qasim (d) was the Nawab of Bengal who fought the Battle of Buxar (1764). None of them are associated with this famous quote.
Why did the development of modern industry in colonial India tend to be more concentrated in areas such as Bombay and Calcutta?
A)
They were completely free from any British commercial influence
B)
They combined access to ports, railways, and existing commercial communities
C)
They had lower colonial taxes compared to the rest of India
D)
These cities were the only places allowed by law to establish factories
Option 'b' is correct because Bombay and Calcutta were the primary presidency towns of British India, serving as major hubs of trade and transport. They offered a unique combination of deep-water ports for international trade, were the focal points of the newly developed railway network connecting the resource-rich hinterlands, and possessed well-established local and British mercantile communities that provided the necessary capital and business networks. Option 'a' is incorrect because these cities were the epicenters of British commercial influence, not free from it. Option 'c' is incorrect because there were no specific tax exemptions that favored these cities over the rest of India. Option 'd' is incorrect because there was no legal ban on establishing factories in other parts of India; the concentration was driven by economic and infrastructural advantages rather than legal monopolies.
A system of separate electorate, giving separate representation to the Muslim was introduced by:
A)
The Indian Council Act of 1892
B)
The Indian Council Act of 1909
C)
The Government of India Act of 1919
D)
The Government of India Act of 1935
The Indian Council Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced a system of separate electorates for Muslims. Under this act, Muslim members were to be elected only by Muslim voters, thereby legalizing communalism in Indian politics.
- Option a (The Indian Council Act of 1892) is incorrect because it introduced the principle of representation and increased the number of non-official members in the legislative councils, but did not introduce separate electorates.
- Option c (The Government of India Act of 1919) is incorrect because it extended the system of separate electorates to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans, rather than introducing it for Muslims.
- Option d (The Government of India Act of 1935) is incorrect because it further extended separate electorates to depressed classes (scheduled castes), women, and labor (workers).
Which of the following proposed the setting up of universities at Culcutta, Bombay and Madras?
A)
Decision of the British government in 1835
B)
Wood’s Despatch, 1854
C)
Hunter Commission, 1882
D)
Universities Act, 1904
Wood’s Despatch of 1854, often referred to as the 'Magna Carta of English Education in India', recommended the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras on the model of the University of London. Consequently, these three universities were established in 1857.
- Option 'a' (1835 Decision) refers to Macaulay's Minute, which introduced English as the medium of instruction but did not propose these universities.
- Option 'c' (Hunter Commission, 1882) was appointed to review the progress of education since the Despatch of 1854 and focused primarily on primary and secondary education.
- Option 'd' (Universities Act, 1904) was introduced during Lord Curzon's tenure to bring existing universities under tighter government control, rather than proposing their initial setup.
As a result of Chauri Chaura incident, Gandhiji suspended:
A)
Champaran Satyagraha
B)
Ahmedabad Mill Strike
C)
Non Cooperation Movement
D)
Civil Disobedience Movement
The correct option is 'c' (Non Cooperation Movement). On February 4, 1922, a violent clash occurred at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur district (Uttar Pradesh), where a crowd of protesters set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen. Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch believer in non-violence (Ahimsa), was deeply shocked by this violence and decided to immediately suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922. Other options are incorrect because: (a) Champaran Satyagraha took place in 1917 to address the grievances of indigo farmers; (b) Ahmedabad Mill Strike occurred in 1918 over a dispute regarding wages; and (d) Civil Disobedience Movement was launched much later in 1930 and was temporarily suspended in 1931 due to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
In which year did the Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League take place, signifying a moment of Hindu–Muslim unity?
A)
1920
B)
1916
C)
1906
D)
1910
The Lucknow Pact was an agreement signed between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League at their joint session in Lucknow in December 1916. This pact was a landmark event that fostered Hindu–Muslim unity and presented common political demands to the British government. Other options are incorrect because: (a) 1920 marked the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement; (c) 1906 was the year the Muslim League was founded in Dacca; and (d) 1910 is not associated with any such major pact between the two organizations.
In what way did British educational policies unintentionally contribute to the rise of Indian nationalism?
A)
By prohibiting any discussion of politics or public affairs in educational settings
B)
By ensuring that only British citizens could receive higher education in India
C)
By creating an educated public that used Western ideas of rights and liberty to criticize colonial rule
D)
By teaching Indian history from a nationalist perspective
Option c is correct because the introduction of Western education by the British aimed to create a class of loyal, English-educated Indian clerks. However, it unintentionally exposed Indian students to Western liberal philosophies, ideas of democracy, liberty, and self-determination. This educated class used these very concepts to critique British imperialism and organize the nationalist movement. Option a is incorrect because political consciousness grew despite colonial restrictions. Option b is incorrect because higher education was open to Indians, not just British citizens. Option d is incorrect because the British curriculum taught history from a Eurocentric, pro-colonial perspective rather than an Indian nationalist one.
A clarion call “Do or Die” was given by Mahatma Gandhi during:
A)
Ahmedabad Mill Strike
B)
Non Co-operation Movement
C)
Civil Disobedience Movement
D)
Quit India Movement
The famous slogan 'Do or Die' (Karo ya Maro) was given by Mahatma Gandhi during his speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay on August 8, 1942, which marked the launch of the Quit India Movement.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option a (Ahmedabad Mill Strike, 1918): This was one of Gandhi's earliest satyagrahas in India, focusing on a dispute between mill owners and workers, where he used his first hunger strike.
- Option b (Non Co-operation Movement, 1920-22): This movement aimed at resisting British rule through non-violent means and was called off after the Chauri Chaura incident.
- Option c (Civil Disobedience Movement, 1930): This movement began with the historic Dandi March to protest against the British salt monopoly.
“A Night of Eternal Gloom for India’’ referred to:
A)
Battle of Plassey, 1757
B)
Battle of Wandiwash, 1760
C)
The Third Battle of Panipat, 1761
D)
Battle of Buxar, 1765
The phrase 'A Night of Eternal Gloom for India' was used by the famous Bengali poet Nabin Chandra Sen to describe the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey (1757). In this battle, the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, due to the betrayal of Mir Jafar. This defeat laid the foundation of British colonial rule in India, marking the loss of India's sovereignty. The other options are incorrect because: the Battle of Wandiwash (1760) decimated French prospects in India; the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) weakened the Marathas; and the Battle of Buxar (1764/1765) consolidated British administrative control, but none of these are historically associated with this specific quote.
Under the ‘ Old Guarantee System’, the Companies investing in Railway construction in India were assured a guaranteed dividend of:
A)
3 %
B)
5 %
C)
7 %
D)
10 %
Under the 'Old Guarantee System' (1849–1869), the British Government of India guaranteed a minimum return of 5% per annum on the capital invested by private British railway companies to encourage investment in Indian railway construction. If the profits fell short of this 5% mark, the deficit was paid from the Indian revenues. Therefore, 5% is the correct guaranteed dividend, making options a, c, and d incorrect.
The first permanent British factory set up by the East India Company in 1613 was located in:
A)
Bombay
B)
Surat
C)
Calcutta
D)
Madras
The correct option is 'b' (Surat). In 1612, Captain Thomas Best defeated the Portuguese fleet in the Battle of Swally near Surat. Impressed by this victory, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir issued a farman in early 1613 allowing the English East India Company to establish its first permanent factory at Surat.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Bombay (a): It was acquired by the British Crown from the Portuguese as a royal dowry in 1661 and leased to the East India Company later in 1668.
- Calcutta (c): The British settlement in Calcutta (Kolkata) was established much later, around 1690, by Job Charnock.
- Madras (d): The British established their factory and built Fort St. George in Madras in 1639-40 after securing land from the local Nayak ruler.
Who of the following was appointed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court on January 3, 2026 to become the country’s interim President, after the United States seized President Nicolas Maduro and whisked him out of the country.
A)
Delcy Rodriguez
B)
Cilia Flores
C)
Vladimir Padrino Lopez
D)
Juan Guaido
On January 3, 2026, Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) appointed Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country's interim President. This decision followed a dramatic operation on January 2, 2026, in which United States authorities apprehended President Nicolás Maduro and transported him to the U.S. to face outstanding drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. Under the Venezuelan Constitution, the Executive Vice President assumes the presidency in the event of the president's permanent absence.
* **Why other options are incorrect:**
* **Cilia Flores (b):** Maduro's wife and a prominent politician, but she was not designated to assume the presidency.
* **Vladimir Padrino López (c):** The long-serving Minister of Defense who remains a key military figure, but was not appointed as interim President.
* **Juan Guaidó (d):** The former opposition leader who previously claimed the interim presidency in 2019, but has no role in this 2026 transition of power.
Which statement best captures the institutional division of roles between MeitY, DST, and NITI Aayog regarding India’s AI ecosystem as of 2024–2025?
A)
MeitY regulates AI ethics while DST drafts the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules.
B)
MeitY leads compute infrastructure and standards; DST funds foundational research; NITI Aayog focuses on strategy and inter-ministerial coordination.
C)
NITI Aayog procures GPUs and runs national data centers; MeitY only coordinates state governments.
D)
DST leads compute infrastructure; MeitY handles basic research grants; NITI Aayog exclusively regulates AI models.
Option b correctly outlines the institutional division of roles in India's AI ecosystem:
1. **MeitY** (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) is the nodal ministry executing the IndiaAI Mission, which includes establishing AI compute infrastructure (GPU procurement), setting standards, and developing AI applications.
2. **DST** (Department of Science and Technology) focuses on funding foundational and applied scientific research, notably through the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
3. **NITI Aayog** acts as the premier policy think tank, having drafted the 'National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence' (#AIforAll), and continues to focus on strategic policy direction and inter-ministerial coordination.
**Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option a** is incorrect because MeitY, not DST, is responsible for drafting the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules.
- **Option c** is incorrect because NITI Aayog is a policy advisory body and does not procure GPUs or run data centers; these operational tasks are handled by MeitY (via CDAC/IndiaAI).
- **Option d** is incorrect because MeitY leads the compute infrastructure initiatives, and NITI Aayog is not a regulatory body with executive powers to regulate AI models.
Which letter is exactly midway between the seventh letter from the left and the fifteenth letter from the left?
A)
J
B)
K
C)
L
D)
I
To find the letter exactly midway between the 7th and 15th letters of the English alphabet, we calculate the average of their positions: (7 + 15) / 2 = 22 / 2 = 11. The 11th letter of the English alphabet is 'K'. Therefore, 'K' (option b) is the correct answer. Options 'a' (J, 10th letter), 'c' (L, 12th letter), and 'd' (I, 9th letter) are incorrect because they do not represent the 11th position.
The Lushai Hills District was declared as ‘Excluded Area’ under:
A)
The Government of India Act 1909
B)
The Government of India Act 1919
C)
The Government of India Act 1935
D)
The Government of India Act 1948
The Lushai Hills District (present-day Mizoram) was declared an 'Excluded Area' under the Government of India Act 1935. Under this Act, the hill districts of Assam were divided into 'Excluded' and 'Partially Excluded' areas, placing the Lushai Hills under the direct administration of the Governor of Assam, outside the jurisdiction of the provincial legislature.
- Option a (1909 Act) is incorrect as it primarily introduced electoral reforms (Minto-Morley Reforms) and did not classify these regions.
- Option b (1919 Act) is incorrect because it classified these hill areas as 'Backward Tracts' rather than 'Excluded Areas'.
- Option d (1948) is incorrect as there was no Government of India Act passed in 1948.