Q2021. The Gurjara-Pratihara ruler who successfully checked the Arab advances in the 8th century CE and is often mentioned in the Gwalior Prashasti was:
RAS Prelims MCQ Practice
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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Q2022. Which of the following regions was not absorbed into the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya?
Explanation
While Chandragupta Maurya successfully expanded his empire across Northern India, Central India, and the North-Western regions, he did not conquer Kalinga. It remained an independent kingdom on the eastern coast until his grandson, Ashoka, undertook a bloody military campaign to annex it. The Mauryan territories under Chandragupta primarily focused on consolidating power after defeating the Nandas and Greeks.
Q2023. The executive power of the Union is vested in the President of India and is exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution. This provision is explicitly mentioned in which Article?
Explanation
Article 53 stipulates that the executive power of the Union resides in the President. This authority is exercised either directly or through subordinate officers. While the President is the formal head, actual power is usually exercised through the Council of Ministers. This arrangement reflects the parliamentary democracy model where the head of state acts as a symbolic, nominal executive.
Q2024. Consider Statement I and Statement II regarding fiscal federalism.
Statement I: Fiscal federalism requires a clear demarcation of revenue-raising powers to ensure macroeconomic stability.
Statement II: In India, the residuary powers of taxation are vested in the State Legislatures to promote regional autonomy.
Statement I: Fiscal federalism requires a clear demarcation of revenue-raising powers to ensure macroeconomic stability.
Statement II: In India, the residuary powers of taxation are vested in the State Legislatures to promote regional autonomy.
Explanation
Financial stability requires specific demarcation of revenue powers, which is why the Union handles elastic taxes. However, unlike legislative residuary powers, taxation residuary powers in India are vested with the Union Parliament under the Constitution. This centralizes key fiscal authorities to ensure uniform economic policy throughout the country while supporting regional administrative needs.
Q2025. In the Watson-Crick model of DNA, how many hydrogen bonds pair Adenine with Thymine?
Explanation
The Watson-Crick model describes the specific base-pairing rules that stabilize the double helix structure. In this molecular arrangement, adenine forms exactly two hydrogen bonds with thymine to ensure complementary pairing. This specific interaction maintains the uniform width of the DNA molecule while allowing for the efficient storage and replication of genetic information during cellular division processes.
Q2026. Consider the following rulers of the Paramara dynasty:
I. Upendra
II. Munja
III. Sindhuraja
IV. Bhoja
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their reigns?
I. Upendra
II. Munja
III. Sindhuraja
IV. Bhoja
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their reigns?
Explanation
The Paramara dynasty of Malwa began with Upendra, the founder who established the lineage in the early ninth century. He was followed much later by Vakpati Munja, known for his military prowess and literary patronage. Sindhuraja succeeded Munja and continued the expansion. The most famous ruler, Raja Bhoja, reigned last among these four, bringing the dynasty to its cultural zenith.
Q2027. Match List-I (Titles/Names) with List-II (Source or Context).
| Titles/Names | Source or Context |
|---|---|
| A. Sandrokottos | i. Plutarch |
| B. Androkottos | ii. Justin |
| C. Vrishala | iii. Ashokan Edicts |
| D. Piyadassi | iv. Mudrarakshasa |
Explanation
Historical identification of Chandragupta Maurya relies on Greek sources where Justin refers to him as Sandrokottos and Plutarch uses the name Androkottos. The Sanskrit play Mudrarakshasa uses the term Vrishala, often interpreted as being of humble origin. Piyadassi is the royal title found extensively in the Ashokan edicts, signifying the benevolent nature of the ruler towards his subjects.
Q2028. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Articles of the Constitution | Provisions related to the President |
|---|---|
| A. Article 54 | i. Oath or affirmation by the President |
| B. Article 55 | ii. Procedure for impeachment of the President |
| C. Article 60 | iii. Election of President |
| D. Article 61 | iv. Manner of election of President |
Explanation
The Constitution provides specific procedures for the President’s role and removal. Article 54 details the electoral college, while Article 55 describes the method of proportional representation. Article 60 outlines the oath administered by the Chief Justice. Article 61 establishes the process for impeachment on grounds of violating the Constitution, involving both Houses of Parliament through a special majority of total membership.
Q2029. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by high yield per unit area but low yield per labor.
Reason (R): The population density in regions practicing intensive subsistence agriculture is very high, leading to small landholdings and extensive use of manual labor. In the light of the above statements, select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by high yield per unit area but low yield per labor.
Reason (R): The population density in regions practicing intensive subsistence agriculture is very high, leading to small landholdings and extensive use of manual labor. In the light of the above statements, select the correct answer from the options given below:
Explanation
High population density in subsistence farming regions forces farmers to maximize output from small landholdings. This results in high yields per unit of land through intensive manual labor. However, because the labor force is so large relative to the output, the productivity per worker remains low. The land pressure dictates these labor-intensive agricultural practices.
Q2030. What is the primary cause of horizontal fiscal imbalance in a federal structure?
Explanation
Horizontal fiscal imbalance occurs when different states possess varying abilities to generate revenue due to differences in natural resources, industrial development, and historical factors. States with lower income levels or difficult terrains cannot provide the same standard of public services as wealthier states. The Finance Commission addresses this through a specific formula for tax redistribution.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 2021 | (a) Nagabhata I |
| 2022 | (a) Kalinga |
| 2023 | (b) Article 53 |
| 2024 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 2025 | (b) Two |
| 2026 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 2027 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 2028 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 2029 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 2030 | (c) The unequal economic capacities, resource endowments, and developmental levels among different States |
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.