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 · Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties
Q2421. Consider the following statements regarding the Satavahana period: I. The Nanaghat inscription provides details about the achievements of Satakarni I. II. The Nasik prashasti was composed by Gautami Balashri. III. They issued a large number of coins made of lead and potin. IV. They completely dismantled the Mauryan administrative division of Aharas. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Nanaghat inscription highlights the achievements of Satakarni I, while the Nasik prashasti, composed by Gautami Balashri, records the exploits of her son, Gautamiputra Satakarni. The Satavahanas are also noted for their unique coinage made from lead, copper, and potin. Administratively, they did not dismantle Mauryan systems; instead, they continued the use of administrative divisions like Aharas, showing continuity in the governance of Deccan.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union Executive: President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Cabinet
Q2422. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who served as the Vice President of India, was formerly the Chief Minister of which state?
Explanation
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat served as the eleventh Vice-President of India from 2002 to 2007. Prior to this, he had a long and distinguished political career in Rajasthan, where he served as the Chief Minister for three terms. His transition from state-level leadership to one of the highest constitutional offices in the Union reflects his significant influence within the Indian political system.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops
Q2423. What is the primary cause for the large-scale mechanized cultivation of wheat in regions like the Canadian Prairies and the Pampas of Argentina?
Explanation
Regions like the Canadian Prairies and the Argentine Pampas consist of vast, flat plains with relatively low population densities. These geographical features are ideal for the use of large-scale agricultural machinery, allowing a few farmers to cultivate immense areas of land efficiently. This extensive commercial approach focuses on high productivity per worker and large export volumes, contrasting sharply with labor-intensive subsistence systems.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Fiscal Federalism and Finance Commission
Q2424. What is a primary effect of NITI Aayog’s introduction of indices like the Health Index and the Export Preparedness Index among States?
Explanation
NITI Aayog’s use of performance indices encourages states to improve their governance through healthy competition. By ranking states on health, education, and exports, the Aayog highlights best practices and areas for improvement. This "competitive federalism" motivates states to innovate and improve public service delivery, as they strive to climb the rankings and attract investment through better performance metrics.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
Q2425. What role does calcium chloride play in the transformation process of bacteria in genetic engineering?
Explanation
During the transformation process, bacteria are treated with a high concentration of calcium chloride to increase their competence, or their ability to take up foreign DNA. The divalent calcium ions are thought to neutralize the negative charges on both the DNA and the bacterial cell membrane, making it easier for the recombinant DNA to pass through the cell wall during a subsequent heat shock.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Major Dynasties of Rajasthan
Q2426. The fortification known as Taragarh Fort in Bundi was built by which Hada ruler?
Explanation
The Taragarh Fort, also known as the Star Fort, is a massive fortification overlooking the city of Bundi. It was constructed in 1354 CE during the reign of Rao Bar Singh Hada. The fort is noted for its formidable walls, large water reservoirs, and its lack of Mughal architectural influence, representing a pure example of Rajput military architecture designed for strategic defense.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties
Q2427. Which dynasty is noted for issuing a significant amount of currency in base metals like lead, copper, and potin, rather than gold?
Explanation
Unlike the Kushanas who issued high-purity gold coins or the Indo-Greeks who focused on silver, the Satavahanas are distinctive for their extensive use of base metals for currency. Most of their coins were minted in lead, copper, and potin (a mixture of copper and lead). These coins frequently featured symbols such as elephants, lions, and ships, the latter reflecting the empire’s thriving maritime trade networks.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union Executive: President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Cabinet
Q2428. In the event of the offices of both the President and Vice President falling vacant simultaneously, who acts as the President of India?
Explanation
The President (Discharge of Functions) Act, 1969, provides for situations where both the President and Vice-President’s offices are vacant. In such instances, the Chief Justice of India acts as the President. If the Chief Justice is also unavailable, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court performs these duties. This ensures the continuity of the head of state’s functions under all circumstances.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops
Q2429. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the geographical origin of Maize?
Explanation
Maize, also known as corn, is indigenous to the Americas and was a staple for ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs. Following the voyages of European explorers in the late fifteenth century, the crop was introduced to the rest of the world. Its ability to adapt to diverse climates led to its rapid spread across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Fiscal Federalism and Finance Commission
Q2430. Consider the following statements about Special Category States (SCS): I. The concept was first introduced on the recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission. II. SCS status provides states with significant benefits in Central assistance and tax exemptions. III. The Constitution of India explicitly defines the criteria for granting SCS status in Part XXI. IV. After the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, no new states have been granted official SCS status, and central plan assistance is largely subsumed in higher tax devolution. Which combination represents the correct statements?
Explanation
Special Category Status was introduced by the 5th Finance Commission to support disadvantaged states with hilly terrains and low resources. While it provided significant aid, the 14th Finance Commission’s move to increase general tax devolution to forty-two percent led to the phasing out of the SCS designation for new states. Central assistance is now primarily through increased tax shares.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
2421
(a) I, II, and III only
2422
(b) Rajasthan
2423
(b) Vast, flat grasslands and low population density allow efficient machinery use.
2424
(b) It fosters competitive federalism by benchmarking state performance.
2425
(a) Facilitation of DNA entry by enhancing cell competence
2426
(d) Rao Bar Singh
2427
(d) Satavahana
2428
(d) The Chief Justice of India
2429
(d) It is native to the Americas and was later introduced to global markets by European explorers.
2430
(a) I, II and IV only
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.
