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 PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union Executive: President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Cabinet
Q2451. Consider the following statements regarding the role of the Prime Minister of India: I. He is the chairman of the National Development Council. II. He is the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers. III. He is the political head of the services. IV. He recommends the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Prime Minister holds several pivotal roles. He chairs the National Development Council and serves as the principal communicator between the President and the Cabinet. As the political head of the services, he oversees administration and policy implementation. Crucially, the Prime Minister recommends the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President, wielding significant control over the lower house’s tenure and election cycles.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops
Q2452. Which of the following statements about the distribution and production of Jute is incorrect?
Explanation
Jute is a tropical fiber crop that requires high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout its growth cycle. It thrives in humid conditions and fertile alluvial soils, particularly in the delta regions of India and Bangladesh. The claim that it requires a cool and dry climate is incorrect, as such conditions would stunt the plant’s growth. Harvesting jute requires significant manual labor.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Fiscal Federalism and Finance Commission
Q2453. A state frequently demands "Special Category Status" citing low infrastructural development and historical disadvantages. Why has the Union Government consistently denied new grants of this status post-2015?
Explanation
Following the 14th Finance Commission’s recommendations, the Union Government stopped granting Special Category Status to new states. The commission argued that the significant increase in tax devolution from thirty-two percent to forty-two percent gave all states enough fiscal space to manage their own developmental needs. This move aimed to replace discretionary, status-based assistance with a more uniform and substantial formulaic tax sharing.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
Q2454. The specific sequences recognized by restriction endonucleases are typically:
Explanation
Restriction endonucleases typically recognize palindromic sequences in the DNA. A molecular palindrome is a sequence of base pairs that reads the same on both strands when the orientation is kept the same. These symmetrical sequences allow the enzyme, which often functions as a dimer, to bind and cut both strands of the double helix at specific, mirrored locations, enabling precise genetic engineering applications.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Major Dynasties of Rajasthan
Q2455. Consider the following statements regarding the Rajput origin theories: I. The Agnikunda theory lists Chauhans, Chalukyas, Paramaras, and Pratiharas as the four clans born from the fire pit. II. G.H. Ojha argued that Rajputs are descendants of Kshatriyas of the Vedic period. III. Alexander Cunningham linked Rajputs to the Kushanas. IV. The foreign origin theory is solely based on their worship of fire and weapons. V. Colonel Tod’s theory was opposed by several Indian nationalist historians. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Theories on Rajput origins are complex and varied. The Agnikunda theory identifies four specific clans, while G.H. Ojha argued for Vedic Kshatriya descent. Alexander Cunningham proposed a link to the Kushanas. Furthermore, Colonel Tod’s foreign origin theories were frequently challenged by nationalist historians seeking indigenous roots. However, the foreign origin theory is based on various cultural parallels, not solely on fire and weapons.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Maurya and Post-Maurya Dynasties
Q2456. Identify the correct pair of ancient author and their literary work relevant to understanding the Mauryan period.
Explanation
Vishakhadatta’s Mudrarakshasa is a historical Sanskrit play that provides crucial insights into the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and the political strategies used by Chanakya to overthrow the Nanda dynasty. Although written much later, it preserves valuable traditions about the Mauryan revolution. Other works like the Rajatarangini focus on Kashmir’s history, while the Mrichchhakatika is a social drama set in Ujjain. It remains unique.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union Executive: President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Cabinet
Q2457. When a bill is passed by the Parliament and sent to the President, which of the following is an effect of the President returning the bill for reconsideration?
Explanation
When the President returns a non-money bill for reconsideration, Parliament may reconsider it. If the bill is passed again by both Houses, with or without amendments, and presented back to the President, he is constitutionally obligated to give his assent. This suspensive veto allows the President to flag concerns but ensures the ultimate legislative supremacy of Parliament in the law-making process.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · World Agriculture: Types, Farming Systems and Major Crops
Q2458. Which of the following farming systems is the odd one out in terms of its primary reliance on chemical fertilizers and advanced mechanization?
Explanation
Primitive subsistence agriculture relies on traditional tools, manual labor, and natural soil fertility rather than modern industrial inputs. In contrast, commercial grain farming, dairy farming, and modern mixed farming are characterized by high levels of mechanization and the application of chemical fertilizers. This fundamental difference in technological intensity separates primitive farming from the advanced, profit-oriented agricultural systems that dominate global trade.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Fiscal Federalism and Finance Commission
Q2459. Consider the following statements about a State’s own tax revenues: I. States have the power to levy taxes on agricultural income. II. Stamp duties and registration fees form a major component of a State’s own tax revenue. III. State excise duty on alcoholic liquor for human consumption is exclusively levied by the States. IV. Property tax is generally devolved by States to local bodies. V. The implementation of GST significantly expanded the independent taxation powers of the States over services. Which of the combinations given above represents correct statements?
Explanation
States possess several independent revenue sources, including taxes on agricultural income, stamp duties, and registration fees. Excise duty on liquor remains a critical source of income outside the GST regime. While property taxes are important, they are often devolved to local bodies. However, the introduction of GST actually limited states’ independent power to tax many services, as these were unified under the new regime.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
Q2460. DNA ligase joins two DNA fragments by catalyzing the formation of which type of bond?
Explanation
DNA ligase is the enzyme responsible for permanently joining two DNA fragments by catalyzing the formation of a covalent phosphodiester bond. This bond occurs between the 3-hydroxyl group of one nucleotide and the 5-phosphate group of another. This reaction effectively seals the nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone of the double helix, resulting in a continuous and stable recombinant DNA molecule for further applications.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
2451
(d) I, II, III and IV
2452
(d) Jute requires a cool and dry climate during its primary growth phase.
2453
(d) The 14th Finance Commission subsumed plan assistance into higher tax devolution
2454
(c) Palindromic sequences
2455
(a) I, II, III and V
2456
(b) Vishakhadatta - Mudrarakshasa
2457
(b) President must give assent if the bill is passed again with or without amendments
2458
(b) Primitive subsistence (Shifting cultivation)
2459
(a) I, II, III and IV only
2460
(d) Phosphodiester bond
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.
