Defence and Space Technology in India: RAS Prelims MCQs
195 RAS Prelims MCQs on defence and space technology in India cover DRDO, the missile programme, nuclear policy and space missions. The founding year of DRDO, its motto, the five missiles of the IGMDP, Agni-V, the Nuclear Doctrine and the major ISRO missions are asked as facts, and each explanation connects the system to its purpose.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 195 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q11. Consider the following statements regarding the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP): I. It was launched in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. II. The programme was formally declared successful and completed in 2008. III. It included the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The integrated guided missile development program was initiated in 1983 under the visionary leadership of a prominent scientist. It focused on creating a family of indigenous missiles to ensure national security through self-reliance. After achieving its set objectives, the program was formally concluded in 2008. While it laid the foundation for missile technology, the BrahMos project was a separate joint venture effort.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q12. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option. Assertion (A): The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was initiated by the Indian government. Reason (R): International technology denial regimes like the MTCR restricted India’s access to advanced missile technology.
Explanation
The Indian government launched a comprehensive missile program primarily to overcome severe international restrictions on sensitive technology. During the Cold War era, regimes like the missile technology control initiative sought to prevent the proliferation of advanced delivery systems. Consequently, India prioritized indigenous research and development to build its own strategic arsenal, thereby ensuring national security and bypassing global technological denial frameworks.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q13. Which of the following acronyms correctly represents the five core missile systems developed under the IGMDP?
Explanation
This acronym represents the five foundational missile systems developed to provide a comprehensive defense capability. It includes short-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles for strategic deterrence. Additionally, it encompasses surface-to-air systems for aerial defense and a dedicated anti-tank guided weapon. These projects were grouped together to streamline indigenous research efforts and achieve technological self-sufficiency across different military requirements and operational combat environments.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q14. Which statement about the IGMDP is correct?
Explanation
The program was unique in its approach to developing multiple classes of missile systems concurrently. It addressed the need for both battlefield tactical weapons and long-range strategic deterrents under a unified management structure. This simultaneous development allowed for the sharing of subsystems and technological breakthroughs across different projects. It successfully established a robust indigenous industrial base for advanced missile manufacturing and engineering.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q15. The necessity of IGMDP was most strongly reinforced by which international treaty’s limitations on India?
Explanation
This international informal association aims to limit the proliferation of missiles and unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. By restricting the export of critical components and software, it presented a significant challenge to emerging nations. India responded by intensifying its indigenous research programs to develop these advanced capabilities independently, ensuring that national security remained uncompromised by global restrictions.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q16. Who among the following is widely known as the Missile Man of India for his pivotal role in steering the IGMDP?
Explanation
This renowned scientist and former president played a fundamental role in the success of the integrated guided missile development program. His leadership transformed the landscape of indigenous defense technology, leading to the creation of strategic assets like the Agni and Prithvi series. His dedication to science and national service earned him a distinct title associated with his immense contributions to rocketry.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q17. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The IGMDP aimed to achieve self-reliance in the field of missile technology. Statement II: The programme was shut down in 1990 due to a lack of funding. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The primary objective of the missile development initiative was to foster indigenous capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign hardware. It aimed to provide the armed forces with a reliable and modern missile inventory. Although it faced technical hurdles, the program continued well beyond 1990, eventually meeting its core goals. It was officially declared complete in 2008, rather than being shut down prematurely.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q18. What was the most appropriate strategic impact of the IGMDP on India’s defence posture?
Explanation
The successful development of varied missile systems significantly strengthened the national defense posture. By creating a reliable family of weapons ranging from short-range tactical missiles to long-range strategic delivery vehicles, the program ensured that the country could protect its borders effectively. This indigenous capability provides a robust deterrent against external threats, reducing the vulnerability associated with relying on imported defense technology.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q19. Which of the following missiles was developed independently and is the odd one out from the IGMDP family?
Explanation
While the other mentioned systems were the five core projects initiated under the integrated guided missile development program, this particular weapon is a long-range sub-sonic cruise missile developed later. It utilizes a different flight profile and technology base compared to the original ballistic and tactical systems. It represents a separate advancement in indigenous capability beyond the scope of the foundational 1983 program.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q20. Match the Agni missile variants in List I with their approximate operational ranges in List II:
Missile Variant
Operational Range
A. Agni-I
i. 3,000 to 3,500 km
B. Agni-III
ii. 700 to 900 km
C. Agni-IV
iii. Over 5,000 km
D. Agni-V
iv. 3,500 to 4,000 km
Explanation
The first version of this missile covers distances up to nine hundred kilometers, while the third variant reaches over three thousand kilometers. The fourth iteration extends the reach to four thousand kilometers. The most advanced version, the fifth, is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding five thousand kilometers. This progression demonstrates the growing technical expertise in developing long-range strategic deterrents for defense.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) I and II only
12
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
13
(c) PATNA (Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, Akash)
14
(d) It achieved simultaneous development of strategic and tactical missiles.
15
(b) Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
16
(b) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
17
(a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
18
(c) It established a credible indigenous deterrence capability against regional adversaries.
19
(d) Nirbhay
20
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
Key facts from Defence and Space Technology in India
The Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958; its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam.
The five core missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme are Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash, remembered as PATNA.
The IGMDP was reinforced by the limits of the Missile Technology Control Regime; Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is called the Missile Man of India.
Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the Prithvi is a surface-to-surface battlefield missile.
India formally adopted its Nuclear Doctrine in 2003.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Defence and Space Technology in India?
This page has 195 practice MCQs on Defence and Space Technology in India (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
When was DRDO established?
In 1958. It is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, and its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning the source of strength is science.
What does PATNA stand for?
The five core missile systems of the IGMDP: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The programme was led by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and launched in 1983.
What is the category of the Agni-V missile?
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), with a range of more than 5,000 km. It can carry a payload of around 1,500 kg, and it can carry multiple warheads, which makes it a strategic weapon.
