462 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on Indian geography are on this page, in 9 chapters. They cover the physiographic divisions, rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture, minerals, industrial regions, the iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 321–330 of 462 questions
Browse Indian Geography chapters
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q321. Match the industrial policies with their key features:
Industrial Policy
Key Feature
A. Industrial Policy Resolution, 1948
i. Focus on small-scale and cottage industries
B. Industrial Policy Resolution, 1956
ii. Abolition of industrial licensing for most sectors
C. Industrial Policy Statement, 1977
iii. Introduction of the mixed economy model
D. New Industrial Policy, 1991
iv. Classification of industries into three schedules (A, B, C)
Explanation
The 1948 policy introduced the mixed economy model, the 1956 policy classified industries into three schedules, the 1977 statement focused on small-scale and cottage industries and the 1991 policy abolished licensing for most sectors. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q322. The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 was heavily influenced by which economic planning model?
Explanation
The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 was shaped by the Mahalanobis Model, which stressed heavy industry and a large public sector.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q323. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the New Industrial Policy of 1991.
Explanation
The 1991 policy abolished the MRTP limits, cut the number of industries reserved for the public sector and opened many sectors to FDI. It did not make phased manufacturing programmes mandatory for all foreign companies, so C is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q324. Consider the following statements about the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956: I. It is often referred to as the ‘Economic Constitution of India’. II. Schedule A industries were the exclusive responsibility of the State. III. It completely banned the existence of the private sector in India. Which of the given combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 is called the Economic Constitution of India and made Schedule A industries the exclusive responsibility of the State. It did not ban the private sector, so III is wrong.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q325. Which of the following is NOT a mandatory criterion for a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to be granted ‘Maharatna’ status?
Explanation
A Maharatna CPSE must hold Navratna status, be listed on an Indian stock exchange and have average annual net profit above Rs 5,000 crore. Being a 100 per cent export-oriented unit is not a criterion.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q326. In which year was the concept of conferring ‘Navratna’ and ‘Miniratna’ status to Public Sector Enterprises introduced by the Government of India to grant them greater autonomy?
Explanation
In 1997, the Government of India introduced the Navratna and Miniratna categories to provide greater financial and operational autonomy to high-performing Public Sector Enterprises. This reform allowed these companies to make significant investment decisions without seeking prior government approval for every project. The objective was to make them more competitive in the global market and improve their overall efficiency during the liberalization era.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q327. Consider the following statements regarding the changing role of the public sector post-1991: I. The number of industries reserved for the public sector was reduced to just two (Atomic Energy and Railway operations). II. Focus shifted to the disinvestment of government equity in non-strategic PSUs. III. Budgetary support to loss-making PSUs was drastically increased to ensure their survival without restructuring. IV. Professionalization of PSU management was encouraged through granting greater financial autonomy. Which of the given combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
After 1991, the public sector’s role changed significantly as the number of reserved industries was drastically reduced and disinvestment was encouraged. The government also focused on professionalizing management by granting greater autonomy to these enterprises. Contrary to increasing unconditional support, the policy aimed to reduce budgetary aid for loss-making units, encouraging them to become self-sustaining or undergo restructuring to improve efficiency.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q328. In which of the following sectors is 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route NOT permitted in India?
Explanation
While India has opened many sectors like automobiles, electronics, and highways to 100% Foreign Direct Investment through the automatic route, atomic energy remains strictly prohibited for foreign investment. This sector is considered strategically sensitive and is managed exclusively by the government. Protecting national security and maintaining sovereign control over nuclear resources are the primary reasons for keeping this industry closed to private participation.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q329. What is the primary cause for the high concentration of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in western and southern states of India like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka?
Explanation
Foreign Direct Investment is concentrated in western and southern states because they offer superior infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and business-friendly state policies. These regions have developed advanced logistics, reliable power supplies, and efficient administrative systems that attract international investors. This environment reduces operational risks and costs, making these states more attractive destinations compared to regions with less developed industrial and economic ecosystems.
RAS PrelimsIndian Geography · Major Industrial Regions of India
Q330. Match the sectors with their respective FDI limits as per contemporary policy:
Sector
FDI Limit
A. Defense Manufacturing (Automatic Route)
i. 74%
B. Insurance Company
ii. 51%
C. Multi-Brand Retail Trading
iii. Prohibited
D. Lottery Business
iv. 74%
Explanation
India’s foreign investment policy sets specific limits for different sectors. Under the automatic route, defense manufacturing currently allows up to 74% FDI. The insurance sector has also been opened up to 74%. Multi-brand retail trading is permitted with a 51% limit under specific conditions. However, the lottery business remains strictly prohibited for any foreign investment due to social and ethical considerations.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
321
(b) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
322
(a) Mahalanobis Model
323
(c) It introduced the concept of mandatory phased manufacturing programs for all foreign companies
324
(d) I and II only
325
(c) It must be a 100% export-oriented unit with zero domestic sales
326
(d) 1997
327
(a) I, II, and IV only
328
(c) Atomic Energy
329
(a) Superior infrastructure, skilled workforce, and favorable state policies
330
(d) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii
Key facts from Indian Geography
The RPSC syllabus lists Indian physiography, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, important crops, metallic and non-metallic minerals, and industrial regions and industries.
Physiography and rivers are asked through locations: the highest peak of a range, the origin of a river, a lake and its state.
Minerals and industries questions link a mineral or plant to its State, for example Khetri copper in Jhunjhunu or Bhilai steel in Chhattisgarh.
Agriculture and irrigation questions test crops, their leading States and the major projects and disputes.
The questions often include Rajasthan items, such as the Luni, Zawar and the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Geography?
This page has 462 practice MCQs on Indian Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Indian geography set cover?
Nine chapters: physiographic divisions of India, major rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture (food, commercial and plantation crops), minerals (metallic and non-metallic), major industrial regions, iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries.
Is Indian geography in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists the physiographic divisions, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, agriculture, minerals and industries of India in the Geography of World and India section of the syllabus.
How should I prepare Indian geography for RAS Prelims?
Keep a map of India and mark every place that comes up: peaks, rivers, lakes, mines and plants. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and revise State-wise lists of crops, minerals and industries.
