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 PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Q3971. Match the following provisions in List I with their descriptions in List II based on the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (post-2022 amendment):
Provisions under WPA 1972
Description
A. Schedule I
i. Animal species requiring lesser protection
B. Schedule II
ii. Animal species requiring the highest level of protection
C. Schedule III
iii. Specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES
D. Schedule IV
iv. Protected Plant species Options:
Explanation
Following the 2022 amendment, Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act includes species requiring the highest level of protection. Schedule II covers those requiring lesser protection. Schedule III is dedicated to protected plant species. Schedule IV is a new addition specifically for specimens listed in the Appendices of CITES. This revised structure streamlines the legal protection levels for India’s biodiversity.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Q3972. Consider the following statements regarding the early British entry into Rajputana before 1817: I. Lord Wellesley initiated the policy of forming alliances with Rajput states to counter Maratha power. II. Treaties signed in 1803 with states like Bharatpur and Alwar were strictly based on mutual non-interference. III. Lord Cornwallis strictly continued Wellesley’s aggressive alliance policy in Rajputana. IV. The British initially cancelled several treaties after 1805 following a policy of non-intervention. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Lord Wellesley initiated alliances with states like Bharatpur and Alwar in 1803 to counter Maratha power, emphasizing mutual non-interference. However, Lord Cornwallis and his successor did not continue this aggressive policy. Instead, after 1805, the British adopted a policy of non-intervention and cancelled several existing treaties, temporarily withdrawing from active political engagement in the affairs of the Rajputana states.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q3973. In the context of ancient Indian astronomy, the term "Siddhanta" is best defined as:
Explanation
In the context of ancient Indian science, the term Siddhanta refers to a formalized system or a comprehensive treatise on astronomy and mathematics. These texts provided the theoretical framework and mathematical rules for calculating planetary positions, the duration of time, and the occurrence of eclipses, representing a transition from purely observational to more rigorous and calculative scientific methods.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q3974. Match the circumstances under which Parliament legislates on State subjects in List-I with their corresponding examples or features in List-II:
Legislative Circumstances
Examples or Features
A. Rajya Sabha Resolution
i. Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
B. National Emergency
ii. TRIPS agreement compliance
C. States’ Consent
iii. Valid for maximum 1 year unless renewed
D. International Agreement
iv. Laws become inoperative 6 months after emergency ends
Explanation
A Rajya Sabha resolution is valid for a maximum of one year unless renewed, the laws made in a National Emergency lapse six months after it ends, the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 was made with States’ consent and TRIPS compliance is an example of treaty legislation. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.
Q3975. Consider the following statements regarding deforestation causes: Statement I: Shifting agriculture (slash-and-burn) has historically been a major driver of deforestation in tropical regions. Statement II: Shifting agriculture is currently the only form of agriculture responsible for forest loss globally, while commercial agriculture has zero impact. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Historically, shifting agriculture has contributed to forest loss in many tropical areas. However, it is not the only cause; modern commercial agriculture, including cattle ranching and large-scale plantations, now represents a dominant driver of global deforestation.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Q3976. Read the following statements and select the correct option: Statement I: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 empowers the State Government to declare any area as a Sanctuary or National Park. Statement II: The Central Government cannot declare any area as a Sanctuary or National Park under any circumstances.
Explanation
Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, State Governments have the primary power to declare specific areas as Sanctuaries or National Parks. However, the Central Government also retains the authority to declare such protected areas under certain circumstances, particularly when the land is under its control. Thus, the claim that the Centre cannot declare these areas is factually incorrect.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q3977. Read the following statements regarding chemistry and material sciences in ancient India: I. Rasa Shastra was a specialised branch of knowledge dealing with mercury and other metals. II. Nagarjuna is traditionally regarded as a profound scholar of ancient Indian alchemy. III. Ancient Indians lacked the knowledge of preparing natural dyes. IV. Glass-making was practiced in ancient India as evidenced by archaeological finds at Hashinapur. V. The preparation of alkalis (kshara) was documented in ancient surgical texts. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Ancient Indian chemistry and material science were highly advanced, covering mercury processing, glass-making, and the preparation of alkalis. Contrary to the idea that ancient Indians lacked knowledge of natural dyes, historical and archaeological evidence confirms they were experts in deriving vibrant colors from various plants and minerals. These dyes were used extensively in textiles and the world-famous murals of Ajanta.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q3978. According to Article 256 of the Constitution, the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with:
Explanation
Article 256 requires the executive power of every State to be exercised so as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and existing laws applicable in the State.
Q3979. Consider the following statements regarding the impacts of global warming: I. Warmer temperatures are causing mountain glaciers worldwide to retreat. II. Global warming is increasing the acidification of the oceans. III. Higher temperatures decrease the moisture-holding capacity of the atmosphere, reducing total global precipitation. IV. Changes in climate can alter the distribution of vector-borne diseases. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rising temperatures cause mountain glaciers to retreat and alter the distribution of diseases. Additionally, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to ocean acidification. Contrary to common misconceptions, warmer air actually has a higher moisture-holding capacity, which generally increases total global precipitation, although patterns become more extreme and variable. Understanding these diverse impacts is essential for developing effective adaptation and resilience strategies.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Q3980. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, who is the highest statutory authority at the state level responsible for the management of wildlife?
Explanation
The Chief Wildlife Warden is the statutory authority appointed by the State Government under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This official is responsible for the direct management and control of wildlife within the state. Their duties include granting permissions for research, managing protected areas, and addressing issues related to wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict at the state level.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
3971
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
3972
(b) I, II, and IV only
3973
(a) A comprehensive astronomical or mathematical treatise.
3974
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
3975
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
3976
(a) Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect.
3977
(b) III only
3978
(c) Compliance with Parliamentary laws and applicable existing statutes.
3979
(a) I, II and IV
3980
(c) The Chief Wildlife Warden
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.
