9,654 RAS Prelims practice MCQs with the correct answer and a clear explanation for each. Filter by subject and chapter.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC
Q1641. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
Schools of Buddhism
Core Characteristics
A. Hinayana
i. Emphasizes Tantric rituals and magical mantras for salvation
B. Mahayana
ii. Uses Pali canon and is dominant in Sri Lanka today
C. Vajrayana
iii. Glorifies the ideal of the Bodhisattva and uses Sanskrit
D. Theravada
iv. Seeks individual salvation as an Arhat without idol worship
Explanation
Buddhism evolved into several distinct schools over time. Hinayana focuses on individual salvation through the Arhat ideal without using idols. Mahayana introduces the Bodhisattva concept and utilizes Sanskrit for its texts. Vajrayana incorporates Tantric rituals and mantras for spiritual progress. Finally, Theravada remains the most traditional school, using the Pali canon and maintaining a dominant presence in countries like Sri Lanka.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · DPSP and Fundamental Duties
Q1642. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) introduced how many Fundamental Duties originally?
Explanation
When the forty-second amendment act of nineteen seventy-six was enacted, it introduced a total of ten fundamental duties into Article fifty-one-A. These duties covered various aspects of civic life, such as respecting the Constitution and protecting the environment. It was only much later, in two thousand two, that an eleventh duty was added to this list through another constitutional amendment act.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q1643. Match List I (Grassland) with List II (Continent) and select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Grassland
Continent
A. Steppes
i. North America
B. Pampas
ii. Eurasia
C. Veld
iii. South America
D. Prairies
iv. Africa Options:
Explanation
Grasslands around the world are identified by specific names based on their continental location. Steppes are found in Eurasia, while Prairies dominate the interior of North America. South America is home to the fertile Pampas, and the Veld is the characteristic grassland of South Africa. Each of these biomes supports unique wildlife and has been significantly modified for agriculture and grazing.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Union Budget and Resource Mobilisation
Q1644. Identify the odd one out among the typical sources used by the Union Government to finance its Fiscal Deficit.
Explanation
To cover its fiscal deficit, the government typically relies on various forms of borrowing, such as issuing treasury bills, sovereign bonds, or taking loans from international agencies. These methods involve creating liabilities. Grants-in-aid, however, are non-repayable receipts that do not create debt. Therefore, they are classified as revenue receipts and are not a method of financing a deficit through borrowing.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q1645. The name "BrahMos" is derived from the combination of the names of which two rivers?
Explanation
The name of this advanced supersonic cruise missile is a portmanteau derived from two significant rivers. It honors the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia, reflecting the joint venture between the two nations. This nomenclature symbolizes the strategic partnership and shared scientific effort that led to the development of one of the world’s most capable and feared cruise missile systems.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q1646. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of the agrarian economy of the Harappan sites located in Rajasthan (e.g., Kalibangan)?
Explanation
Harappan settlements in Rajasthan, like Kalibangan, possessed a sophisticated agrarian economy. Excavations revealed a ploughed field, showing they used animal-drawn ploughs for cultivation. They practiced multi-cropping, growing various plants like wheat, barley, and mustard simultaneously. This sedentary agricultural system, supported by local water management, was the foundation of their urban prosperity and specialized craft activities in the region.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC
Q1647. Which of the following became the most distinguishing theological feature of Mahayana Buddhism compared to earlier schools?
Explanation
The most significant shift in Mahayana Buddhism was the deification of the Buddha. Unlike earlier schools that viewed him as a human teacher who showed the way to Nirvana, Mahayana began to worship him as a divine figure. This led to the creation of Buddha statues and the practice of idol worship, making the religion more accessible and devotional for the lay population.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · DPSP and Fundamental Duties
Q1648. Arrange the following Fundamental Duties as they appear in sequence in Article 51A of the Constitution of India: I. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India II. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions III. To defend the country and render national service IV. To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle Select the correct answer using the codes below:
Explanation
The fundamental duties are listed in a specific alphabetical order under Article fifty-one-A. The first duty is to abide by the Constitution, followed by cherishing the ideals of the national struggle. Protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India comes third, and the fourth duty is to defend the country and render national service. This sequence reflects the priorities of the state.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q1649. In the temperate rainforests of the Pacific coast of North America, which species of tree is famously known for its enormous height and longevity?
Explanation
The coastal redwood is a characteristic species of the temperate rainforests along the Pacific coast of North America. These trees are renowned for being among the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. They thrive in the mild, moist climate and persistent fog of the region, which provides the consistent hydration necessary to support such massive biological structures over many centuries.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Union Budget and Resource Mobilisation
Q1650. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Effective Revenue Deficit’ is incorrect?
Explanation
This fiscal metric was introduced to provide a more accurate picture of government consumption. It is calculated by subtracting grants given for the creation of capital assets from the revenue deficit, not by adding capital expenditure. This adjustment recognizes that some revenue spending actually contributes to asset formation, thus distinguishing between pure consumption and spending that has a long-term impact.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
1641
(a) A-iv, B-iii, C-i, D-ii
1642
(b) 10
1643
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
1644
(b) Grants-in-aid from foreign nations
1645
(b) Brahmaputra and Moskva
1646
(a) A sedentary system using the plough for multi-cropping like wheat and mustard
1647
(a) The elevation of the Buddha to a deity and the practice of idol worship
1648
(a) II, IV, I, III
1649
(a) Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
1650
(a) It is calculated by adding capital expenditure to the revenue deficit
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on RAS Prelims?
This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How should I practise MCQs for RAS Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
Are these actual RAS Prelims past-paper questions?
No. These are practice questions written for the RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the pattern the exam uses: factual questions, statement-based questions, match-the-list and assertion-reason.
