Jun 19, 2025
13
mins read
GK questions for UPSC exam cover a wide array of subjects including history, polity, geography, economics, science, technology, and current events. In fact, the UPSC Prelims exam (GS Paper-1) typically includes around 10–15 UPSC GK questions on average. This underscores why aspirants cannot neglect IAS exam GK questions ; without a strong GK for UPSC foundation, success in the IAS exam is difficult. In this guide, we discuss important IAS exam GK questions by topic, recurring themes, past paper analysis, current affairs integration, and tips (with infographics and tables) to master GK for UPSC. These blogs are regularly posted on padhai.ai
Topic Area | GK questions for UPSC exam | Example Question / Insight |
Ancient, Medieval, Modern History | Major dynasties, Jain & Buddhist heritage, historical sites | Which of the following is a Jain pilgrimage site? |
Indian Freedom Struggle | Movements, leaders, landmark acts | What did the Government of India Act 1935 establish? |
Social Reform Movements | Reformers, education, women's empowerment | Who established the first girls’ school in India? |
Constitutional Developments | Important British-era acts | What is the significance of the Mountbatten Plan? |
Heritage & Culture | UNESCO sites, art forms, architecture | Where is the Sun Temple located? |
Current Relevance | Historical anniversaries, commemorative events | Which event was commemorated on its 75th anniversary in 2022? |
Q. In this context of colonial India, the Government of India Act of 1935 recommended the establishment of:
1. Council of India
2. Bicameral legislature in provinces
3. Federal form of government
4. Central Public Service Commission
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: c
Q.In medieval India, the term ‘Amir-i-Chahalgani’ referred to:
a) Foreign Invaders
b) Trusted Nobles
c) Women Spies
d) Agricultural labourers
Answer: b
Table of content
Topic Area | GK questions for UPSC exam | Example Question / Insight |
Constitution Basics | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Preamble | Which statements about the Right to Freedom of Speech are correct? |
Constitutional Amendments | Landmark changes (e.g., 42nd, 44th amendments) | Which amendment introduced the term "secular"? |
Judiciary | Supreme Court cases, doctrines like Basic Structure | Kesavananda Bharati case relates to...? |
Government Structure | President, Parliament, Governors, Judiciary powers | Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner? |
Legal Bodies & Statutory Acts | Enforcement Directorate (ED), PMLA, FEMA, CBI, NHRC | Which law empowers ED to investigate money laundering? |
Current Affairs Link | New laws, constitutional debates, electoral reforms | Which bill proposes simultaneous elections in India? |
Q. With reference to ‘Money Bill’, consider the following statements:
1. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha.
2. A joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament can be convened in case there is a deadlock.
3. When it is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: a
Q. Which of the following is not correct with respect to the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Constitution of India?
a) It is enforceable against private individuals and entities.
b) It is available to both citizens and foreigners except enemy aliens.
c) It cannot be restricted on any condition except those mentioned under Article 19.
d) It includes the right to receive and impart information through social media.
Answer: b
Topic Area | GK questions for UPSC exam | Example Question / Insight |
Economic Indicators | GDP, inflation, fiscal deficit, repo rate | What does a rise in repo rate indicate? |
Government Schemes | MNREGA, PMGKAY, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan | Which scheme aims at universal health coverage? |
Economic Policies | Budget, Economic Survey, black money regulations | Which Act dealt with undisclosed foreign income? |
Industry & Environment | Industrial fuels, sustainable practices | Furnace oil contributes to...? |
Trade & Banking | RBI policies, exports-imports, monetary policy tools | Which body regulates the monetary policy in India? |
Current Affairs Link | Budget data, economic survey stats, economic reforms | What is India’s GDP rank as per IMF 2024 data? |
Q. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
1. A decline in Current Account Deficit would lead to an appreciation of Indian currency.
2. An increase in the Reverse Repo Rate leads to an increase in the borrowing cost of loans.
3. Increase in interest rate by the Federal Reserve of the United States of America would lead to an increase in capital inflow in the Indian economy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Purchase of government bonds from banks by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) most likely leads to inflation.
2.The sale of dollars in the market by the RBI most likely leads to rupee appreciation.
3.During inflation, the RBI is likely to increase the benchmark interest rates, including the repo rate.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Topic Area | GK questions for UPSC exam | Example Question / Insight |
Physical Geography | Rivers, mountains, plateaus, climate zones | Which river flows through the Rift Valley in India? |
Indian Geography | States & capitals, biosphere reserves, natural vegetation | Where is the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve located? |
Environmental Geography | Natural disasters, environmental movements, global warming | What causes cloudbursts in Himalayan regions? |
World Geography | Continents, oceans, tectonic plates, ocean currents | What is the Ring of Fire? |
Conservation & Ecology | Wildlife sanctuaries, endangered species, environmental conventions | Which Indian site is part of UNESCO World Heritage for biodiversity? |
Current Affairs Link | Cyclones, floods, climate summits, global heatwaves | Which cyclone hit Tamil Nadu in 2023? |
Q. Consider the following countries:
1. Belarus
2. Estonia
3. Hungary
4. Czech Republic
5. Poland
Which of the above has borders with Ukraine?
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 3, 4 and 5 only
c) 1, 3 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: c
Q. With reference to the Western Disturbances, consider the following statements:
1.These are low-pressure storms that originate from subtropical high-pressure regions.
2.Jet streams blowing south of the Himalayas bring in western disturbances in India.
3.They are beneficial for the wheat and apple crops in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Topic Area | GK Focus Areas | Example Question / Insight |
Space Technology | ISRO missions, satellites, international collaborations | What is the purpose of the Chandrayaan-3 mission? Example: Chandrayaan-3 aims to demonstrate soft landing on the Moon's south pole. |
Defence Technology | DRDO systems, missiles, indigenous defence projects | What is the role of the Agni missile series? Example: Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of over 5000 km. |
Biotechnology & Health | Vaccines, genetic engineering, national health programs | Which vaccine was India’s first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine? Example: Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech. |
Information Technology | Digital infrastructure, AI, cyber security, 5G | What is the significance of the India Stack platform? Example: India Stack enables digital identity, payments, and data sharing through platforms like Aadhaar, UPI. |
Scientific Institutions | CSIR, ISRO, DRDO, BARC, ICMR contributions | What is the function of BARC? Example: BARC is India’s premier nuclear research facility, focused on atomic energy and reactors. |
Nobel Prizes & Indian Scientists | Achievements of Indian-origin scientists | Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize in Physics? Example: C.V. Raman in 1930 for the Raman Effect. |
Innovation & Startups | National Innovation Mission, Tech Startups | What is the aim of the Atal Innovation Mission? Example: To foster entrepreneurship and innovation across schools, colleges, and MSMEs. |
Current Relevance | Recent breakthroughs, major policy changes | What is India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023? Example: India ranked 40th globally, showing improvement in innovation capacity. |
Topic Area | GK Focus Areas | Example Question / Insight |
Biodiversity & Wildlife | National parks, biosphere reserves, red list species | In which state is the Silent Valley National Park located? Example: Located in Kerala, it's known for evergreen rainforest and lion-tailed macaque. |
Climate Change & Conventions | COPs, Kyoto/Paris Agreement, carbon targets | What was the main agenda of COP28? |
Pollution & Mitigation | AQI, National Clean Air Programme, CPCB initiatives | What does the Air Quality Index (AQI) measure? |
Conservation Initiatives | Project Tiger, CAMPA, Green India Mission | What is the aim of Project Tiger? |
Renewable Energy | Solar, wind, bioenergy, missions like ISA & UDAY | What is India’s renewable energy target by 2030? |
Environmental Laws & Policies | EPA 1986, Forest Rights Act, CRZ rules | What is the purpose of the Environment Protection Act, 1986? |
International Reports & Indexes | EPI, SDG Index, Climate Risk Index | What is India's rank in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index? |
Current Relevance | Cyclones, floods, recent environmental issues | What was the environmental impact of Cyclone Michaung in 2023? |
Questions on Important Days test awareness of national and international observances GK questions for UPSC frequently ask the dates of days like World Health Day, World Press Freedom Day, or International Yoga Day. For instance, the IAS exam GK questions list shows questions like “Which day is World Press Freedom Day? (3 May)” and “Which day is World Health Day? (7 April)”. Also note theme details for recently celebrated days, as such facts can be GK questions for UPSC..
Day/Occasion | Date | Purpose/Note |
Republic Day (India) | 26 January | Constitution came into force (1950) |
International Yoga Day | 21 June | UN-recognized day (proposed by PM Modi) |
World Environment Day | 5 June | UN Environment Programme (UNEP) |
World Health Day | 7 April | WHO anniversary |
International Press Freedom Day | 3 May | Global freedom of press |
Reviewing past year UPSC exam papers reveals how IAS exam GK questions are framed. For instance, History questions like the 1935 Act or names of historical figures (Savitribai Phule) appeared. Polity has asked about the Kesavananda case, Money Bills, and fundamental rights freedom of speech. Geography/Environment questions on oceanic producers, and Economics on terms like furnace oil. Important Days questions as listed above are common each year.
Practicing PYQs helps spot these trends: it boosts confidence and refines time management for preparing GK questions for UPSC. For example, solving Testbook’s UPSC GK archives shows repeated emphasis on current events and fundamental subjects. We recommend going through at least the last 5 years’ prelim GK questions to familiarize with question style and difficulty.
Current Affairs Integration
Effective IAS exam GK questions are inseparable from current affairs. Most GK questions in UPSC derive context from recent events. For example, knowing the latest Budget or Economic Survey can generate multiple GK Qs on economic indicators. Similarly, world summit outcomes may turn into GK questions for UPSC about international organizations or treaties. To integrate current affairs, read newspapers and standard magazines daily. Tracking official government releases (like union budgets, new legislative bills, environment reports) gives factual content for GK questions for UPSC. Even historical or static topics get a current spin: e.g., if a river is in news for flooding, it might be asked. Joining current affairs quizzes or daily MCQs helps link facts with dates. For instance, one UPSC GK tip is: “Start by reading newspapers and magazines regularly to stay up-to-date on current affairs”.
Tips to Master GK for UPSC
Daily Reading: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) and quality magazines. Staying aware of current events and historical anniversaries are inevitable for GK questions for the UPSC exam.
Use Multiple Sources: Refer to standard GK books (Lucent’s, Manorama) and yearbooks. Trusted websites like India.gov.in or PIB provide factual updates.
Practice Quizzes: Regularly solve MCQs and quizzes on GK to test knowledge under time constraints. This highlights weak areas and simulates exam conditions.
Take Notes: Maintain concise notes or flashcards on static facts for GK questions for UPSC (dates, capitals, terminology). Revision from notes is quicker than re-reading books. Flashcards aid memorization.
Revision Schedule: Periodically revise older topics to move them into long-term memory. Use spaced repetition for facts you keep forgetting.
Join Study Groups: Discussing GK with peers or mentors can expose you to new facts and mnemonic tricks. Teaching a topic to others is a great way to remember it.
Topic-Wise Focus: Align GK preparation with major UPSC subjects. For instance, when studying Geography, note relevant GK (rivers, caves); when reading current affairs about policy, note related GK terms.
Previous Year Papers: Regularly solve UPSC PYQs to identify common question styles and gain confidence.
Q1. How should I prepare GK for UPSC Prelims and Mains?
A: Start with NCERTs and standard books for static GK. Read newspapers daily (like The Hindu) for current affairs. Make short notes or flashcards and revise regularly. Practice previous years’ questions and mock tests to identify weak areas. Use monthly current affairs compilations. Join quizzes or discussions to reinforce learning. Maintain a balance between static and dynamic GK.
Q2. What subjects do UPSC GK questions cover?
A: UPSC GK covers History (Ancient to Modern), Geography, Polity, Economy, General Science, Environment, Art & Culture, and Current Affairs. Topics also include international events, awards, sports, and science missions. Around 10–15 questions in Prelims GS Paper 1 test GK directly, so broad and regular reading is key.
Q3. Which resources are best for UPSC GK preparation?
A: Key resources include:
Books: NCERTs, Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express
Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra
Websites: PIB, PRS India, government portals
Use these to cover both static and current GK effectively.
Q4. How do current affairs help in GK questions for UPSC?
A: Many GK questions are linked to current events. For example, a newly declared sanctuary or government scheme can appear in static-type questions. Current affairs help contextualize and update static knowledge, making it more relevant for both Prelims and Mains.
Q5. Can I score well in GK without rote learning?
A: Yes. Focus on understanding concepts and patterns. Use smart techniques—mnemonics, timelines, and maps—to organize information. Group facts by theme (e.g., all classical dances or climate treaties) for easier recall. Strategic revision beats rote memorization.
General Knowledge is a core pillar of UPSC preparation, and gk questions for upsc exam should be approached systematically. By covering History, Polity, Economics, Geography, and Important Days with both static facts and current affairs, you build a strong GK base. Study past questions to identify trends, employ memory techniques for retention, and integrate learning across subjects. Regular reading and practice will steadily improve your GK. Remember that UPSC expects not just facts but an understanding of their relevance, so always relate facts to real-world contexts. With consistent effort and the right strategy, you can master IAS exam gk questions and boost your UPSC Prelims and Mains scores.
Internal Linking Suggestions
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep: A Leap in Agricultural Biotechnology Kashmir UPSC
How to Prepare Current Affairs for UPSC Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in/
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