Dear UPSC Aspirants,
We are excited to announce a valuable resource designed to sharpen your knowledge and test your readiness for the upcoming Prelims examination. We have compiled a set of 50 high-quality Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering essential topics:
- Rivers of India: Understand the intricate network of India’s river systems.
- Agriculture in India: Master the dynamics of Indian agriculture and its critical role.
- Natural Resources of India: Grasp the significance and management of India’s diverse natural resources.
Why is this practice crucial?
- Targeted Revision: These MCQs are meticulously crafted to align with the UPSC Prelims syllabus, ensuring focused revision.
- Pattern Familiarity: The questions are designed to mirror the actual UPSC Prelims pattern, including Assertion-Reasoning, Statement-based, and Matching the following questions.
- Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in these key areas.
- OMR Practice: Simulating the exam environment is vital. Therefore we strongly encourage you to download the OMR sheet and practice answering the questions using it.
Purchase the OMR Sheets here:
Practice Instructions:
- Purchase the OMR sheets.
- Attempt the 50 MCQs carefully, filling in the corresponding bubbles on the OMR sheet.
- Time yourself to simulate the exam pressure.
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Importance of Answering:
Consistent practice is the cornerstone of success in the UPSC Prelims. Answering these MCQs will:
- Boost your confidence.
- Improve your time management skills.
- Reinforce your understanding of crucial topics.
- Allow you to identify areas that need further study.
Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your preparation. We encourage you to take this practice test seriously and utilize the resources provided.
Best of luck with your preparation!
Q1. Assertion (A): The Ganga River is the longest in India.
Reason (R): The Ganga originates from the Yamunotri Glacier and flows into the Arabian Sea.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q2. Assertion (A): Black soil is highly suitable for cotton cultivation.
Reason (R): Black soil has a high water retention capacity and is rich in calcium carbonate.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q3. Assertion (A): India has large reserves of iron ore in the states of Odisha and Jharkhand.
Reason (R): Iron ore is mainly found in the sedimentary rock formations of India.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q4. Which of the following statements about the Brahmaputra River is/are correct?
- It originates from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet.
- It is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in China.
- It merges with the Ganga River to form the largest delta in the world.
- It flows through India, China, and Nepal.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Indian agriculture:
- India is the largest producer of rice in the world.
- Green Revolution primarily benefited the eastern states of India.
- Kharif crops are sown before the onset of monsoon.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q6. With reference to India’s mineral resources, consider the following statements:
- India is self-sufficient in bauxite production but depends on imports of aluminium.
- Rajasthan has the largest reserves of copper in India.
- India is the world’s leading producer of mica.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q7. Match the following rivers with their respective dams:
| River | Dam |
|---|---|
| A. Krishna | 1. Hirakud Dam |
| B. Narmada | 2. Sardar Sarovar Dam |
| C. Mahanadi | 3. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam |
| D. Satluj | 4. Bhakra Nangal Dam |
Choose the correct match:
(a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
(b) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
(c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Q8. Identify the correct sequence of rivers from north to south:
(a) Ganga – Yamuna – Narmada – Godavari
(b) Indus – Brahmaputra – Krishna – Kaveri
(c) Yamuna – Godavari – Krishna – Kaveri
(d) Ganga – Narmada – Krishna – Mahanadi
Q9. Consider the following major wheat-producing states in India:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
Arrange them in descending order of wheat production:
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-1-4-3
(c) 1-2-4-3
(d) 2-1-3-4
Q10. Arrange the following major river disputes in chronological order:
- Narmada Water Dispute
- Krishna Water Dispute
- Cauvery Water Dispute
- Godavari Water Dispute
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-3-1-4
(c) 3-1-2-4
(d) 1-3-2-4
Q11. Arrange the following agricultural revolutions in chronological order:
- White Revolution (Milk)
- Green Revolution (Food Grains)
- Yellow Revolution (Oilseeds)
- Blue Revolution (Fisheries)
(a) 2-1-3-4
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 3-2-4-1
(d) 2-3-1-4
Q12. A farmer in Maharashtra is facing crop losses due to drought. Which of the following government schemes can provide financial relief?
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
- Kisan Credit Card Scheme
- PM-KISAN
- National Horticulture Mission
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q13. A hydroelectric power project is proposed in an ecologically sensitive zone of the Western Ghats. What factors should be considered before approval?
- Impact on biodiversity
- Displacement of tribal communities
- Potential for renewable energy production
- Effect on groundwater recharge
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q14. Match the following natural resources with their largest producing states in India:
| Resource | Largest Producer |
|---|---|
| A. Iron Ore | 1. Odisha |
| B. Coal | 2. Jharkhand |
| C. Bauxite | 3. Rajasthan |
| D. Copper | 4. Chhattisgarh |
Choose the correct match:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
(b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
Q15. Match the following rivers with their tributaries:
| River | Tributary |
|---|---|
| A. Ganga | 1. Son |
| B. Indus | 2. Ravi |
| C. Brahmaputra | 3. Dibang |
| D. Godavari | 4. Pranhita |
Choose the correct match:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
(c) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
(d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
Q16. Assertion (A): The Chambal River is one of the few rivers in India that remains relatively unpolluted.
Reason (R): The Chambal River flows through a region with significant industrial development.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q17. Assertion (A): India’s food grain production has steadily increased over the decades.
Reason (R): The Green Revolution introduced high-yield variety seeds, irrigation, and modern agricultural techniques.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding Himalayan rivers:
- They have perennial flow due to glacier-fed sources.
- They form extensive deltas before meeting the sea.
- The rivers are generally older than Peninsular rivers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q19. Consider the following statements about natural gas reserves in India:
- The largest reserves of natural gas in India are found in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
- Natural gas in India is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial applications.
- India is a net exporter of natural gas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q20. Which of the following statements about Indian pulses production is/are correct?
- India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world.
- Pulses require a high amount of water for cultivation.
- Chickpea (Gram) is the most widely cultivated pulse in India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q21. Identify the correct north-to-south sequence of the following rivers:
- Mahanadi
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Cauvery
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-1-3-4
(c) 1-3-2-4
(d) 2-3-1-4
Q22. Match the following major Indian crops with their largest producing states:
| Crop | State |
|---|---|
| A. Sugarcane | 1. Punjab |
| B. Wheat | 2. Maharashtra |
| C. Rice | 3. Uttar Pradesh |
| D. Cotton | 4. West Bengal |
Choose the correct match:
(a) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
(b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(c) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
(d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
Q23. Arrange the following important environmental legislations in chronological order:
- Wildlife Protection Act
- Environment Protection Act
- Forest Conservation Act
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
(a) 1-3-4-2
(b) 3-1-2-4
(c) 1-4-3-2
(d) 4-3-1-2
Q24. Arrange the following Indian agricultural revolutions in chronological order of their implementation:
- Operation Flood
- Evergreen Revolution
- Pink Revolution
- Golden Revolution
(a) 1-4-3-2
(b) 4-3-1-2
(c) 3-2-1-4
(d) 2-1-4-3
Q25. A farmer in Tamil Nadu is struggling with low groundwater levels and irregular monsoons. Which of the following measures can be taken to ensure sustainable agriculture?
- Shift to millets and drought-resistant crops
- Use drip irrigation techniques
- Depend entirely on borewells for water supply
- Adopt agroforestry practices
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q26. Assertion (A): The Godavari River is known as the ‘Dakshina Ganga’ of India.
Reason (R): It is the longest river in Peninsular India and has the largest basin among Peninsular rivers.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q27. Assertion (A): Black soil is highly suitable for cotton cultivation.
Reason (R): Black soil has a high moisture-retention capacity and is rich in calcium carbonate.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q28. Consider the following statements about the Ganges River system:
- The Yamuna is the longest tributary of the Ganges.
- The Ganges originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand.
- The Hooghly River is the easternmost distributary of the Ganges.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q29. Consider the following statements regarding shifting cultivation in India:
- It is locally known as ‘Jhum’ in the northeastern states.
- It is a sustainable method of agriculture with minimal environmental impact.
- It involves clearing forests, burning vegetation, and cultivating for a short period before moving to a new area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q30. Which of the following statements regarding iron ore distribution in India is/are correct?
- Odisha is the largest producer of iron ore in India.
- India’s major iron ore deposits are found in the Dharwar and Cuddapah rock systems.
- Bailadila mines in Chhattisgarh are known for their high-grade hematite iron ore.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q31. Match the following rivers with the states in which they originate:
| River | State |
|---|---|
| A. Brahmaputra | 1. Madhya Pradesh |
| B. Mahanadi | 2. Arunachal Pradesh |
| C. Narmada | 3. Chhattisgarh |
| D. Kaveri | 4. Karnataka |
Choose the correct match:
(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(b) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
(c) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
(d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Q32. Identify the correct west-to-east sequence of the following major Indian rivers:
- Narmada
- Krishna
- Godavari
- Mahanadi
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 1-3-2-4
(c) 2-1-3-4
(d) 1-2-4-3
Q33. Arrange the following agricultural revolutions in India in chronological order:
- Green Revolution
- Blue Revolution
- White Revolution
- Yellow Revolution
(a) 1-3-2-4
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 3-1-2-4
(d) 4-3-1-2
Q34. Arrange the following Indian rivers in order of their length from longest to shortest:
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Narmada
- Kaveri
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-1-4-3
(c) 3-1-2-4
(d) 1-3-2-4
Q35. A farmer in Punjab is facing declining soil fertility and groundwater depletion. Which of the following agricultural practices can help sustain his farming activities?
- Crop rotation with pulses
- Drip irrigation and sprinkler systems
- Excessive use of fertilizers to boost yield
- Promotion of organic farming
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q36. A coastal region in India is experiencing frequent cyclones and saline water intrusion into agricultural lands. What steps should be taken to address this issue?
- Construction of embankments and coastal shelters
- Encouraging the growth of salt-tolerant crops
- Expansion of deep borewells to extract fresh groundwater
- Large-scale deforestation for urban development
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q37. A village in Maharashtra is facing severe drought conditions, affecting both agriculture and drinking water supply. Which of the following measures can help in drought mitigation?
- Rainwater harvesting
- Watershed management
- Flood irrigation for maximum water use
- Afforestation to improve water retention
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
6. Match the Following
Q38. Match the following major dams in India with the rivers they are built on:
| Dam | River |
|---|---|
| A. Hirakud | 1. Krishna |
| B. Sardar Sarovar | 2. Mahanadi |
| C. Nagarjuna Sagar | 3. Narmada |
| D. Bhakra Nangal | 4. Sutlej |
Select the correct match:
(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(b) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
(c) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
(d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Q39. Match the following minerals with their major producing states in India:
| Mineral | State |
|---|---|
| A. Coal | 1. Karnataka |
| B. Bauxite | 2. Jharkhand |
| C. Gold | 3. Odisha |
| D. Manganese | 4. Madhya Pradesh |
Select the correct match:
(a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(b) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
(c) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
(d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Q40. Assertion (A): The Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta is the largest river delta in the world.
Reason (R): The Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers carry a large amount of sediment and deposit it at their mouths.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q41. Assertion (A): The Green Revolution in India led to an increase in food grain production.
Reason (R): High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds and extensive use of chemical fertilizers were introduced during the Green Revolution.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A correctly.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
2. Choose the Correct/Incorrect Statements
Q42. Consider the following statements regarding river systems in India:
- The Narmada and Tapi rivers flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
- The Brahmaputra River flows from Tibet into India and then into Bangladesh.
- The Kaveri River originates in Maharashtra.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Q43. Consider the following statements about natural resources in India:
- India is the largest producer of mica in the world.
- Most of India’s uranium reserves are found in Rajasthan.
- The Damodar Valley is known as the ‘Ruhr of India’ due to its coal deposits.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
3. Map-Based Questions
Q44. Identify the correct north-to-south sequence of the following major river deltas in India:
- Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta
- Mahanadi Delta
- Godavari Delta
- Kaveri Delta
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-1-4-3
(c) 1-3-2-4
(d) 3-1-4-2
Q45. Consider the following mountain passes and their locations:
| Mountain Pass | Location |
|---|---|
| A. Nathu La | 1. Himachal Pradesh |
| B. Shipki La | 2. Arunachal Pradesh |
| C. Zoji La | 3. Sikkim |
| D. Bomdi La | 4. Ladakh |
Select the correct match:
(a) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
(b) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
(c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(d) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
4. Chronology-Based Questions
Q46. Arrange the following rivers in order of their origin from west to east:
- Indus
- Brahmaputra
- Ganges
- Godavari
(a) 1-3-4-2
(b) 1-4-3-2
(c) 1-3-2-4
(d) 1-2-3-4
Q47. Arrange the following major Indian agricultural revolutions in chronological order:
- Yellow Revolution
- Green Revolution
- White Revolution
- Blue Revolution
(a) 2-3-1-4
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 3-2-4-1
(d) 2-1-3-4
5. Case Study-Based Questions
Q48. A farmer in Tamil Nadu is struggling with groundwater depletion and erratic monsoon rains. Which of the following methods would be most suitable for sustainable agriculture in the region?
- Rainwater harvesting
- Drip irrigation system
- Large-scale deforestation
- Expansion of deep borewells
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Q49. A village near the Western Ghats is experiencing rapid deforestation due to commercial logging. What are the potential consequences of this?
- Increased soil erosion
- Reduced biodiversity
- Decrease in rainfall
- Improved groundwater levels
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
6. Match the Following
Q50. Match the following major crops with their largest producing states:
| Crop | State |
|---|---|
| A. Wheat | 1. West Bengal |
| B. Rice | 2. Uttar Pradesh |
| C. Cotton | 3. Maharashtra |
| D. Tea | 4. Assam |
Select the correct match:
(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
(c) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
(d) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1