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 · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q3861. Read the following statements regarding ancient Indian mathematics: I. Aryabhata authored the foundational text Aryabhatiya. II. Aryabhata calculated the approximate value of pi to four decimal places. III. The Bakhshali manuscript contains early evidence of the use of zero as a placeholder. IV. Brahmagupta was the first to give rules for computing with zero. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Ancient Indian mathematics achieved remarkable milestones that are accurately reflected in historical records. Aryabhata provided a precise value for pi and founded an influential school of mathematical thought through his treatise. Historical evidence from the Bakhshali manuscript and the rules formulated by Brahmagupta regarding calculations with zero confirm the advanced state of numeric systems and algebraic operations.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q3862. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option: Assertion (A): A law made by a State Legislature on a subject in the Concurrent List that is repugnant to an earlier law made by Parliament can still prevail in that State. Reason (R): If the State law has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent, it prevails over the Parliamentary law in that State.
Explanation
Generally, a central law prevails over a conflicting state law on a concurrent subject. However, Article 254 provides an exception where a state law can prevail if it was reserved for the President’s consideration and received his assent. This mechanism allows for regional variations in law while maintaining the overall supremacy of Parliament, provided the Union executive approves the deviation.
iv. Application of nitrogen-based agricultural fertilizers
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
Carbon dioxide primarily originates from burning fossil fuels, while methane is released during enteric fermentation in livestock. Nitrous oxide emissions are largely linked to the application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture. Synthetic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons were historically used as refrigerants and propellants. Identifying these specific sources is crucial for developing targeted emission reduction strategies globally.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Q3864. A conservationist notes that two adjacent forest patches have completely different sets of bird species, though the total number of species in each patch is the same. This indicates a high level of:
Explanation
Beta diversity measures the rate of change in species composition between different habitats or ecosystems. When adjacent forest patches contain entirely different sets of bird species, the species turnover is considered very high. This comparison helps scientists determine the uniqueness of individual sites and the degree of differentiation across a broader landscape or environmental gradient within a larger geographical region.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Q3865. Which of the following Rajput states largely remained free from direct Maratha military invasions and the payment of Chauth due to its geographical isolation?
Explanation
Most Rajput states suffered from Maratha invasions and were forced to pay Chauth. However, Jaisalmer remained largely free from these direct military threats. Its geographical isolation in the deep Thar Desert made it difficult for Maratha cavalry to conduct raids. Consequently, it did not face the same degree of financial exploitation or administrative interference as other more accessible states in Rajputana.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q3866. Which of the following pairs of ancient Indian medical texts and their primary focus is correctly matched?
Explanation
Ancient Indian medical literature is categorized by specific specialized focuses. The Madhava Nidana is a celebrated text specifically dedicated to the diagnosis of diseases. In contrast, the Charaka Samhita focuses on internal medicine, the Sushruta Samhita deals primarily with surgery, and other texts like the Hastyayurveda or Shalihotra Samhita address the medical care of elephants and horses.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q3867. The ‘Doctrine of Colourable Legislation’ in the context of Union-State legislative relations implies that:
Explanation
The doctrine of colourable legislation tests the competence of a legislature to enact a specific law. It posits that a legislature cannot use its power to achieve a prohibited objective by disguising it as an authorized one. If the primary purpose of a law falls outside the legislature’s jurisdiction, the law is considered invalid, regardless of its outward appearance or stated motives.
Q3868. What is the primary cause of the current global sea-level rise directly linked to global warming?
Explanation
Global sea-level rise is primarily driven by two warming-related processes. First, seawater expands as it absorbs heat, increasing its volume. Second, the melting of land-based glaciers and ice sheets adds new water to the basins. While sea ice melting affects albedo and ecosystems, it does not directly contribute significantly to volume increases compared to land ice.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Q3869. The concept of "Biodiversity Hotspots" was first proposed by which of the following environmentalists?
Explanation
The concept of biodiversity hotspots was originally developed by environmental scientist Norman Myers in 1988. This framework identifies geographical regions that are both rich in endemic species and facing significant threats from habitat loss. His work provided a crucial tool for prioritizing global conservation efforts by focusing on areas with the highest potential for extinction and unique biological wealth.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Q3870. Consider the following statements regarding Maratha objectives in Rajasthan: Statement I: The primary objective of the Marathas in Rajputana was to annex the territories and establish direct administrative control. Statement II: The Marathas were primarily interested in extracting financial tributes and exploiting succession disputes for monetary gain.
Explanation
The Marathas did not aim to establish direct administrative control or annex territories in Rajputana. Instead, their strategy focused on extracting financial tributes such as Chauth and Sardeshmukhi. They exploited internal succession disputes among Rajput rulers to demand large sums of money, treating the region primarily as a source of revenue rather than as a territory for permanent colonial or administrative annexation.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
3861
(d) None of the statements is incorrect
3862
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
3863
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
3864
(a) Beta diversity
3865
(d) Jaisalmer
3866
(d) Madhava Nidana - Diagnosis of diseases
3867
(d) A legislature cannot do indirectly what it cannot do directly.
3868
(d) Thermal expansion of seawater combined with the melting of land-based glaciers and ice.
3869
(d) Norman Myers
3870
(d) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is 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.
