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 71–80 of 195 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q71. Consider the following statements: Statement I: INS Vikrant uses the CATOBAR system featuring steam catapults to launch its aircraft. Statement II: The ship has an angled flight deck equipped with arresting wires for aircraft recovery. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The carrier does not use a catapult system to launch its aircraft; instead, it features a specialized ski-jump ramp to assist in take-offs. For landing, the flight deck is equipped with an angled configuration and arresting cables that snag the aircraft’s hook. This combination allows for the successful operation of fixed-wing fighters from the ship. Suggestions that it uses steam or electromagnetic catapults for launching planes are false.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q72. The conceptual application of the STOBAR system on INS Vikrant primarily dictates that the fighter aircraft operating from it must:
Explanation
This specific method of aircraft operation requires planes to have powerful engines relative to their weight. The upward-curving ramp at the end of the flight deck provides the necessary lift for the aircraft to transition into flight without the need for mechanical catapults. This design simplifies the carrier’s machinery while demanding high performance from the fighter jets, ensuring they can take off effectively from the relatively short deck.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q73. Which of the following aircraft is NOT planned or currently capable of operating from INS Vikrant?
Explanation
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is designed to handle specialized naval fighters and various types of helicopters. Large, land-based strategic transport planes are far too heavy and large to operate from such a platform. While the carrier can support indigenous light combat aircraft and specialized naval jets, it is physically impossible for a massive cargo aircraft to land or take off from its deck during standard maritime operations.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q74. Which of the following pairs concerning the technical specifications of INS Vikrant is correctly matched?
Explanation
This massive vessel is one of the largest warships ever built in the country, with a total weight when fully loaded of about forty-five thousand tonnes. It is powered by conventional gas turbines rather than nuclear energy. It is capable of reaching speeds well above fifteen knots and has a long operational range. These specifications make it a formidable platform for projecting maritime power and providing air cover over vast oceanic distances.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q75. By definition, what does the Sanskrit word "Vikrant", after which the carrier is named, mean?
Explanation
The name given to this premier aircraft carrier is rooted in ancient language and carries a powerful meaning associated with bravery and valor. It reflects the ship’s role as a symbol of national pride and strength. By choosing this name, the navy honors the legacy of its predecessor while signifying the bold step taken towards indigenous maritime technology. It represents the spirit of the personnel who serve aboard this vessel.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q76. What is the operational effect of inducting INS Vikrant on the Indian Navy’s maritime strategy?
Explanation
The addition of a second operational aircraft carrier allows the navy to maintain a powerful presence on both the eastern and western coasts simultaneously. This ensures that a carrier strike group is available even when one ship is undergoing maintenance. Such a capability is vital for a blue-water navy seeking to protect maritime interests across the entire Indian Ocean region and beyond, significantly enhancing national naval power projection.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q77. What is the most appropriate strategic significance of the indigenous construction of INS Vikrant?
Explanation
The successful completion of this project places the nation among an elite group of countries capable of manufacturing such advanced naval platforms. It demonstrates the growth of the domestic shipbuilding industry and the ability to integrate sophisticated aeronautical and naval systems. This achievement significantly reduces reliance on foreign builders and allows for the customization of future warships to meet specific national security needs and evolving maritime challenges.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q78. Consider the following statements regarding the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT): I. It was designed and developed by the DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). II. It features indigenous Kanchan composite armour. III. The Arjun Mk-1A is a lighter version of the tank designed specifically for high-altitude warfare. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This main battle tank was developed by the specialized combat vehicles laboratory under the defense research organization. It is notable for utilizing a unique composite protection system designed domestically. While several versions of the tank have been produced, the latest iteration is actually significantly heavier than its predecessor due to numerous upgrades. It was not designed as a light tank for high-altitude use, which is a different category of vehicle.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q79. Match the components of the Arjun MBT in List I with their key features in List II:
Component
Key Feature
A. Main armament
i. Kanchan modular composite
B. Armour
ii. 120 mm rifled gun
C. Engine
iii. 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
D. Secondary armament
iv. MTU diesel engine
Explanation
The tank features a powerful hundred-and-twenty-millimeter rifled gun for its primary strike capability. Protection is provided by modular composite armor developed in national laboratories. Mobility is enabled by a high-performance diesel engine from a foreign partner. For defense against aerial threats and infantry, it is equipped with a secondary machine gun. These components combine to make it a lethal and well-protected platform for modern ground combat and battlefield operations.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q80. Arrange the following main battle tanks chronologically in the order of their introduction into the Indian military’s operational history: I. T-90 Bhishma II. Vijayanta III. Arjun Mk-1 IV. T-72 Ajeya Which of the following is the correct order?
Explanation
The history of armored vehicles in the military began with early models like the Vijayanta. This was followed by the introduction of the reliable T-72 platform. Later, the more advanced T-90 was added to the inventory. Finally, the indigenous Arjun main battle tank reached its operational stage. This sequence reflects the gradual evolution from imported and licensed platforms to the development of sophisticated domestic tank technology for ground forces.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(b) Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect.
72
(d) Rely on a high thrust-to-weight ratio to launch off the ski-jump.
73
(b) Boeing C-17 Globemaster
74
(c) Full load displacement : Approx. 45,000 tonnes
75
(d) Courageous
76
(a) It provides the capability to deploy a carrier battle group on both seaboards.
77
(b) India can now design and build complex aircraft carriers indigenously.
78
(a) I and II only
79
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
80
(a) II, IV, I, 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.
