Q21. Agni-V is classified under which category of missiles based on its range?
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 21–30 of 195 questions
Q22. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Early variants of the Agni series used a combination of solid and liquid propellants.
Statement II: The modern Agni-V missile utilizes a three-stage solid-fueled engine.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: Early variants of the Agni series used a combination of solid and liquid propellants.
Statement II: The modern Agni-V missile utilizes a three-stage solid-fueled engine.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The early development phases of this missile series incorporated a mix of solid and liquid propulsion technologies to achieve the required performance. As the program evolved, there was a strategic shift toward purely solid-fueled engines for better operational utility. The fifth variant utilizes a three-stage solid-fuel configuration, which allows for faster launch times and enhanced mobility compared to systems requiring complex liquid fueling.
Q23. Which of the following pairs concerning the Agni Prime (Agni-P) missile is correctly matched?
Explanation
This modern variant is a two-stage solid-propellant missile that incorporates advanced navigation and guidance systems. Its canisterised design significantly improves its mobility and readiness for rapid deployment. Unlike older liquid-fueled systems, it can be easily transported and launched from mobile platforms. This next-generation weapon enhances the flexibility and survivability of the strategic arsenal, providing a more responsive deterrent against potential regional threats.
Q24. Which of the following statements about the Agni missile series is incorrect?
Explanation
This series of strategic missiles is the result of intensive indigenous research and development led by national laboratories. While some specific components may involve international cooperation, the design and integration are entirely domestic accomplishments. These systems are capable of carrying varied warheads and provide a vital second-strike capability. They also utilize advanced avionics to ensure high accuracy and reliability during their complex flight paths.
Q25. The payload capacity of the Agni-V missile is approximately:
Explanation
This long-range ballistic missile is designed to carry a substantial warhead to distant targets. Its payload capacity of approximately fifteen hundred kilograms allows for the integration of various types of strategic warheads, including nuclear configurations. This weight capacity ensures that the missile can deliver a powerful strike across intercontinental distances, maintaining a credible deterrent while utilizing its advanced three-stage solid propulsion and guidance systems.
Q26. In the context of India’s recent test of the Agni-V missile (Mission Divyastra), what does the application of MIRV technology enable?
Explanation
This advanced technology allows a single ballistic missile to deploy several independent re-entry vehicles during its flight. Each vehicle can be programmed to hit a separate geographic location, significantly complicating the task for enemy missile defense systems. By increasing the number of targets engaged per launch, it enhances the effectiveness and saturation capability of the strategic deterrent, ensuring higher survivability of the strike.
Q27. By definition, what primary characteristic classifies the Agni series as ballistic missiles rather than cruise missiles?
Explanation
These missiles are characterized by a flight profile where they are powered only during the initial phase of their journey. After engine burnout, the vehicle follows a high-altitude trajectory governed by gravity and aerodynamics. Unlike cruise missiles that stay within the atmosphere and use sustained propulsion, these platforms often reach space before descending towards their targets. This parabolic path is the defining feature of ballistic delivery.
Q28. What is the operational effect of canisterising the Agni-V missile?
Explanation
Housing a missile in a sealed container protects it from environmental degradation during long-term storage and transport. This system enables the weapon to be launched directly from the canister, which reduces the time required for preparation. It also makes the missile easier to move via road or rail, enhancing its survivability through mobility and allowing it to be deployed from diverse locations.
Q29. Consider the following statements regarding Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul missiles:
I. Prithvi is India’s first indigenously built ballistic missile.
II. Akash can engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
III. Nag utilizes an infrared imaging seeker for ‘fire-and-forget’ capability.
IV. Trishul was successfully inducted and is currently the primary air defense missile of the Indian Navy.
V. Both Akash and Trishul were conceptualized as surface-to-air missiles.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Prithvi is India’s first indigenously built ballistic missile.
II. Akash can engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
III. Nag utilizes an infrared imaging seeker for ‘fire-and-forget’ capability.
IV. Trishul was successfully inducted and is currently the primary air defense missile of the Indian Navy.
V. Both Akash and Trishul were conceptualized as surface-to-air missiles.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The first indigenous ballistic missile provided a foundation for the strategic arsenal. Meanwhile, the air defense system was designed to engage multiple threats simultaneously using advanced radar. The anti-tank weapon uses infrared technology for autonomous guidance after launch. Both the medium-range and short-range systems were conceptualized for surface-to-air roles. However, the short-range system was eventually discontinued rather than becoming the navy’s primary defense.
Q30. The Prithvi missile system is fundamentally a:
Explanation
This system was developed to provide the military with a tactical strike capability on the battlefield. It is a short-range ballistic missile designed to hit land-based targets from a ground launcher. It was the first system to be successfully developed under the integrated guided missile program. Different variants were later produced to meet the specific requirements of the army, air force, and navy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) |
| 22 | (c) Both statements are correct. |
| 23 | (c) Agni-P : Canisterised, highly maneuverable next-generation ballistic missile. |
| 24 | (a) The Agni series was developed exclusively by foreign defense contractors. |
| 25 | (c) 1,500 kg |
| 26 | (b) A single missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads directed at different targets. |
| 27 | (c) They follow a sub-orbital parabolic flightpath, exiting and re-entering the atmosphere. |
| 28 | (d) It improves launch readiness and allows deployment from mobile platforms. |
| 29 | (a) I, II, III, and V only |
| 30 | (b) Surface-to-Surface Battlefield Missile |
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.