Q21. Which skill domain is most commonly cited by employers as lacking among fresh technical graduates, leading to a demand-supply mismatch in the labor market?
Skill Development and Employment Generation: RAS Prelims MCQs
88 RAS Prelims MCQs on skill development and employment cover the institutions of skilling, the schemes for jobs and the measurement of unemployment. NSDC, PMKVY and RPL, NAPS, SANKALP and STRIVE, MGNREGA, PM-SYM, SVAMITVA, the PLFS and the Four Labour Codes are asked as facts, matches and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 21–30 of 88 questions
Q22. Consider the following statements regarding the institutional framework of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM):
I. At the apex level, it has a Governing Council chaired by the Prime Minister.
II. It operates independently without any coordination with the State Skill Development Missions.
III. The implementation is driven by an Executive Committee chaired by the Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. At the apex level, it has a Governing Council chaired by the Prime Minister.
II. It operates independently without any coordination with the State Skill Development Missions.
III. The implementation is driven by an Executive Committee chaired by the Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The National Skill Development Mission features a structured three-tier framework for implementation. While the Governing Council is led by the Prime Minister, it maintains deep coordination with various State Skill Development Missions to ensure regional alignment. Furthermore, the day-to-day operations and executive functions are typically overseen by an Executive Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry, rather than the Minister.
Q23. Match the iterations of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in List I with their defining features in List II:
| PMKVY Iteration | Defining Features |
|---|---|
| A. PMKVY 1.0 (2015) | i. Introduced a decentralized model empowering District Skill Committees |
| B. PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020) | ii. Emphasizes on-the-job training, Industry 4.0 courses, and skill hubs in schools |
| C. PMKVY 3.0 (2020-2021) | iii. The pilot launch focusing on rapid mass training and reward-based certification |
| D. PMKVY 4.0 (2023 onwards) | iv. Expanded scale with increased focus on placement and standardized curriculum across states |
Explanation
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana has evolved through several iterations to refine its impact. The initial launch focused on mass training and rewards. The second version expanded scale and standardized curricula. The third iteration introduced a decentralized model empowering local committees to address regional needs. Currently, the fourth version emphasizes modern Industry 4.0 courses, on-the-job training, and integrated skill hubs.
Q24. Which of the following is NOT one of the primary pillars or sub-schemes of the overarching Skill India Mission?
Explanation
The Skill India Mission encompasses several strategic initiatives designed to enhance the vocational capabilities of the workforce. These include the flagship training scheme for youth, the apprenticeship promotion program, and efforts to modernize industrial training institutes. However, the direct income support scheme for farmers is focused on providing financial assistance to agricultural households and does not fall under the skill development mandate.
Q25. Which of the following features is the odd one out regarding the conventional training model of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) before recent reforms?
Explanation
Historically, traditional Industrial Training Institutes faced challenges such as outdated curricula, obsolete machinery, and a heavy reliance on theoretical classroom instruction. Weak linkages with local industries often resulted in a gap between training and employment. Integration with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics is a recent reform measure and was not a characteristic feature of the conventional vocational training model.
Q26. Consider the following steps in the candidate participation flow for the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):
Explanation
Candidates participating in the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme follow a systematic process to ensure effective skill development. The journey begins with registration on the official portal, followed by the formal generation of an apprenticeship contract. Students then receive basic theoretical training before moving into practical on-the-job training within an industry. The cycle concludes with a formal assessment to certify the candidate’s proficiency.
Q27. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Structural unemployment tends to be long-term in nature compared to frictional unemployment.
Reason (R): Structural unemployment arises from fundamental shifts in an economy, such as technological advancements, which make older skills obsolete. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Structural unemployment tends to be long-term in nature compared to frictional unemployment.
Reason (R): Structural unemployment arises from fundamental shifts in an economy, such as technological advancements, which make older skills obsolete. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Structural unemployment is distinct from frictional unemployment because it results from fundamental economic shifts that make certain skills irrelevant. While frictional unemployment is temporary and involves workers switching jobs, structural issues require extensive retraining and time to resolve. Technological advancements often automate older processes, creating long-term unemployment for individuals whose traditional expertise no longer aligns with the demands of the modern labor market.
Q28. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY):
I. It is implemented by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
II. It applies only to workers earning wages up to Rs 15,000 per month.
III. It aims to incentivize the formalization of the workforce.
IV. The government pays the full 12% of the employer’s contribution to the EPF and EPS for new employees.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is implemented by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
II. It applies only to workers earning wages up to Rs 15,000 per month.
III. It aims to incentivize the formalization of the workforce.
IV. The government pays the full 12% of the employer’s contribution to the EPF and EPS for new employees.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana is a comprehensive initiative managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation. It targets the formalization of workers earning up to fifteen thousand rupees monthly. By covering the entire twelve percent employer contribution to social security funds, the government incentivizes businesses to declare their workforce. This dual strategy boosts formal job creation while extending essential welfare.
Q29. Match the start-up ecosystem terms in List I with their correct descriptions in List II:
| Terms | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| A. Incubator | i. A start-up company valued at over $1 billion |
| B. Angel Investor | ii. Building a business using only personal savings and initial revenue |
| C. Unicorn | iii. An organization that helps early-stage start-ups grow by providing workspace and mentorship |
| D. Bootstrapping | iv. A high-net-worth individual who provides financial backing for small start-ups |
Explanation
The start-up ecosystem utilizes several specialized terms to describe growth and funding stages. Incubators provide essential mentorship and workspace for early ventures. Angel investors are individuals who offer critical initial capital. A unicorn refers to a private company reaching a valuation of one billion dollars. Finally, bootstrapping involves entrepreneurs growing their business using only personal savings and revenue without external funding.
Q30. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, the definition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was revised. According to the revised criteria, what is the investment and turnover limit for an enterprise to be classified as a "Small" enterprise?
Explanation
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the government introduced a revised definition for micro, small, and medium enterprises based on combined criteria of investment and turnover. To be classified as a small enterprise, a unit must have an investment in plant and machinery or equipment not exceeding ten crore rupees and an annual turnover not exceeding fifty crore rupees. This reclassification supports business growth.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Soft skills, communication, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge |
| 22 | (d) II and III only |
| 23 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 24 | (c) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- KISAN) |
| 25 | (a) Integration with modern AI and robotics industry clusters |
| 26 | (b) Registration Contract Generation Basic Training On-the-Job Training Assessment |
| 27 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 28 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
| 29 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 30 | (b) Investment up to Rs 10 crore and Turnover up to Rs 50 crore |
Key facts from Skill Development and Employment Generation
- The order of institutions is ITIs (1950s), NSDC (2008), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2014) and the National Skill Development Mission (2015).
- SANKALP is a World Bank assisted project for institutional mechanisms; STRIVE is for the relevance and efficiency of ITIs; NAPS gives financial support to employers for apprentices.
- The Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) is the apex State body for skill development.
- Under MGNREGA, the State pays an unemployment allowance if work is not given within 15 days of demand.
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey gives urban estimates quarterly; PM-SYM promises a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 a month after age 60.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana was a response to COVID-19; 29 central labour laws were merged into four Labour Codes.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Skill Development and Employment Generation?
This page has 88 practice MCQs on Skill Development and Employment Generation (Indian Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) under PMKVY?
A component that certifies the informally acquired skills of uncertified workers against the National Skills Qualification Framework. It helps workers to get formal recognition and better jobs, and it also builds their self-esteem and employability.
Who pays the unemployment allowance under MGNREGA?
The State Government. If a rural applicant demands work and the Gram Panchayat cannot provide it within 15 days, the State must pay the allowance at the rate laid down in the Act.
How often does the PLFS give urban estimates?
Quarterly. The Periodic Labour Force Survey was launched to get high-frequency data on labour force, employment and unemployment, and it also gives annual estimates for both rural and urban areas.