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.
Showing 1671–1680 of 9654 questions
Browse by subject
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC
Q1671. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below: Assertion (A): The Fourth Buddhist Council resulted in the formal doctrinal division of Buddhism into the Hinayana and Mahayana sects. Reason (R): The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the royal patronage of Emperor Ashoka.
Explanation
The Fourth Buddhist Council was indeed the significant event where the formal split into Hinayana and Mahayana was recognized. However, this council took place in Kundalavana, Kashmir, under the patronage of the Kushana King Kanishka. It was the Third Council that was convened at Pataliputra by Emperor Ashoka. Maintaining the distinction between these councils and their royal patrons is essential.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · DPSP and Fundamental Duties
Q1672. The duty to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcends religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities. This clause also contains a specific directive to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of:
Explanation
Article fifty-one-A (e) directs citizens to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people, regardless of their religious or regional differences. Importantly, this clause also explicitly requires citizens to renounce practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women. This duty highlights the importance of social equality and the respectful treatment of women in a civilized democratic society.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q1673. Mangrove forests play a critical ecological role in coastal regions. Which of the following is not a recognized ecological benefit of mangroves?
Explanation
Mangroves provide essential ecological services, such as protecting coasts from erosion, trapping sediment, and serving as nurseries for marine life. They act as natural filters for pollutants before they reach the ocean. However, mangroves do not increase the salinity of coastal waters to support freshwater fish. Instead, they are highly adapted to survive and thrive in saline or brackish water environments.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Union Budget and Resource Mobilisation
Q1674. Which of the following statements best describes ‘Fiscal Consolidation’?
Explanation
This process involves implementing strategic measures to improve the government’s financial position by narrowing the gap between revenue and expenditure. It is achieved through increasing tax collections, rationalizing subsidies, and curbing non-essential spending. Successful consolidation lowers the national debt burden, reduces interest rates, and creates a stable environment for investment, which is essential for maintaining long-term economic health.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q1675. The series of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India in May 1998 was collectively codenamed:
Explanation
The series of five nuclear tests conducted in May 1998 was carried out under this specific operational name. These tests included both fission and thermonuclear devices, showcasing a wide range of sophisticated nuclear capabilities. The success of this mission led to the country officially declaring itself a nuclear-weapon state. It was a pivotal moment that redefined the national security doctrine and established a credible strategic deterrent.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q1676. Which of the following statements accurately describes the early art and architecture of ancient Rajasthan?
Explanation
Ancient architecture in Rajasthan was diverse but dominated by specific materials. Early structural remains are mainly brick buildings, as seen at Bairath and Kalibangan. Terracotta plaques were common for decoration, and stone was used for pillars and inscriptions. While stone temples became prominent later, the earliest phases did not feature massive monolithic rock-cut temples or exclusive use of marble.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC
Q1677. Who among the following eminent monks presided over the First Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha shortly after the Buddha’s demise?
Explanation
The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha shortly after the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. It was presided over by the senior monk Mahakashyapa. The primary objective of this gathering was to preserve the Buddha’s teachings. During this council, Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka or monastic rules, while Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka or discourses, ensuring the accurate oral transmission of the faith began.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · DPSP and Fundamental Duties
Q1678. Read the following lists and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Clause of Article 51A
Fundamental Duty
A. Clause (b)
i. Defend the country and render national service
B. Clause (d)
ii. Value and preserve the rich heritage of the composite culture
C. Clause (f)
iii. Cherish and follow noble ideals of the national struggle
D. Clause (g)
iv. Protect and improve the natural environment
Explanation
Clause (b) involves cherishing ideals of the national struggle, while clause (d) refers to defending the country. Clause (f) emphasizes preserving the rich heritage of composite culture, and clause (g) focuses on protecting the natural environment. Each clause addresses a different facet of a citizen’s responsibility toward the nation, ranging from historical appreciation to environmental stewardship and national defense and service.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q1679. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system known for its immense biodiversity, is located in the waters off the coast of:
Explanation
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest and most famous coral reef system on Earth, spanning thousands of kilometers. It is located in the Coral Sea, off the northeastern coast of Australia. This massive structure is built by billions of tiny coral polyps and supports an incredible diversity of marine life, making it a globally significant site for marine conservation and biodiversity.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q1680. Consider the following statements regarding the 1998 Pokhran tests: Statement I: The tests included a thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb). Statement II: The tests established India as a declared nuclear-weapon state. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The nuclear tests conducted in 1998 were comprehensive, involving the successful detonation of multiple devices, including a powerful thermonuclear bomb. These events were a declaration of the nation’s mature nuclear capabilities and its transition to a declared nuclear-weapon state. This move was intended to ensure national security through a credible deterrent, leading to significant shifts in both domestic policy and international diplomatic relations during that era.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
1671
(c) A is true but R is false.
1672
(b) Women
1673
(c) They increase the salinity of coastal waters, making them suitable for freshwater fish
1674
(b) Government policies aimed at reducing deficits and accumulation of debt
1675
(b) Operation Shakti
1676
(d) The early architectural remains primarily consist of brick structures, terracotta plaques, and stone pillars.
1677
(d) Mahakashyapa
1678
(d) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
1679
(d) The northeastern coast of Australia
1680
(c) Both statements are correct.
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.