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Bhutan Civil Service Main Examination (General Category) study materials
Bhutan Civil Service Main Examination (General Category) study resources

Bhutan Civil Service Main Examination (General Category) practice questions

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Question 1General Knowledge

Which body is responsible for conducting the Bhutan Civil Service Examination for the General Category?

  1. Election Commission of Bhutan
  2. Gross National Happiness Commission
  3. National Council of Bhutan
  4. Royal Civil Service Commission Correct answer.

Explanation

The Royal Civil Service Commission is the constitutional body that recruits, selects and administers the civil service examination for entry into the Bhutanese civil service. It sets standards for appointment and promotion, so the examination falls under its mandate rather than under any elected or advisory body.

Question 2General Knowledge

The Constitution of Bhutan requires that the form of government be which of the following?

  1. Absolute monarchy
  2. Federal republic
  3. Military council rule
  4. Constitutional monarchy Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 2 of the Constitution establishes Bhutan as a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in which the King reigns but governs through a system of parliamentary democracy. Sovereignty belongs to the people, and the monarch's powers are defined and limited by the Constitution itself.

Question 3General Knowledge

Which river system is the largest in Bhutan by catchment area within the country?

  1. Amo Chhu
  2. Manas Correct answer.
  3. Punatsangchhu
  4. Wang Chhu

Explanation

The Drangme Chhu and its tributaries, which form the Manas system in the south, drain the largest share of Bhutan's territory. The Manas basin covers much of eastern and central Bhutan before entering Assam.

Question 4General Knowledge

Bhutan's policy of Gross National Happiness is commonly traced to which statement by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo?

  1. National wealth is measured only in foreign reserves
  2. Happiness is a private matter outside public policy
  3. Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product Correct answer.
  4. Development must precede happiness

Explanation

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, is credited with the remark that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. This statement became the philosophical basis for Bhutan's development approach, which treats well-being as the goal of public policy rather than output alone.

Question 5General Knowledge

In Bhutan's parliamentary system, who is the head of the executive government?

  1. The Speaker of the National Assembly
  2. The Prime Minister Correct answer.
  3. The Chief Justice
  4. The King

Explanation

The Prime Minister is the head of the executive government and leads the Council of Ministers, which is responsible to the National Assembly. The King is the head of state and reigns under the Constitution rather than heading the day-to-day government.

Question 6General Knowledge

Which of the following is the highest court of appeal in Bhutan?

  1. Supreme Court Correct answer.
  2. Dungkhag Court
  3. Dzongkhag Court
  4. High Court

Explanation

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Bhutan and the final authority on interpretation of the Constitution and laws. Appeals from lower courts may reach it, and its decisions bind all subordinate courts.

Question 7General Knowledge

The National Assembly of Bhutan consists of how many elected members?

  1. 25
  2. 47 Correct answer.
  3. 20
  4. 55

Explanation

The National Assembly has 47 elected members, one from each constituency, who serve five-year terms. The 25-member figure belongs to the National Council, the upper house, which is composed differently.

Question 8General Knowledge

Which protected area in Bhutan is the largest national park by area?

  1. Jigme Dorji National Park Correct answer.
  2. Royal Manas National Park
  3. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
  4. Thrumshingla National Park

Explanation

Jigme Dorji National Park, in north-western Bhutan, is the country's largest protected area, spanning a wide range of altitudes and ecosystems. It covers parts of Gasa, Punakha, Wangdue and Thimphu districts.

Question 9General Knowledge

A civil servant is asked to award a contract to a company owned by a close relative. Under the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations, what is the appropriate course of action?

  1. Award it if the bid is the lowest
  2. Delegate the signing to a subordinate
  3. Recuse from the process and declare the conflict of interest Correct answer.
  4. Award the contract but disclose it afterwards

Explanation

Civil service conduct rules require officials to avoid conflicts of interest and to declare them promptly so that decisions are made by impartial officers. Recusal protects the integrity of public procurement and preserves public trust in the process.

Question 10General Knowledge

Which of the following best describes Bhutan's constitutional requirement regarding the minimum age for a candidate to the National Assembly?

  1. Thirty years
  2. Twenty-five years Correct answer.
  3. Twenty-one years
  4. Thirty-five years

Explanation

A candidate for the National Assembly must have attained the age of twenty-five years. The Constitution sets this threshold to ensure a measure of maturity and experience among legislators.

Question 11General Knowledge

Which sector contributes the largest share of Bhutan's export earnings?

  1. Agriculture
  2. Tourism
  3. Textiles
  4. Hydropower Correct answer.

Explanation

Hydropower, sold mainly to India under long-term agreements, dominates Bhutan's export earnings and government revenue. Its contribution far exceeds that of tourism, agriculture or manufacturing exports.

Question 12General Knowledge

The Tshechu festival in Bhutan is primarily associated with which religious tradition?

  1. Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism Correct answer.
  2. Christianity
  3. Hinduism
  4. Bon shamanism alone

Explanation

Tshechus are annual religious festivals of the Drukpa Kagyu school, centred on masked cham dances that commemorate Guru Rinpoche and other religious figures. They serve both devotional and community functions in Bhutanese life.

Question 13General Knowledge

Which international organisation did Bhutan join in 1971, marking a key step in its modern diplomacy?

  1. World Trade Organization
  2. European Union
  3. United Nations Correct answer.
  4. Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Explanation

Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971, which affirmed its sovereign status in the international community. Membership allowed Bhutan to participate in global diplomacy while maintaining its policy of non-alignment.

Question 14General Knowledge

Under Bhutan's local government system, which body is the highest decision-making body at the gewog level?

  1. Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogchung
  2. Dzongkhag Tshogdu
  3. Gewog Chimi
  4. Gewog Tshogde Correct answer.

Explanation

The Gewog Tshogde is the elected block-level council that decides on local plans and budgets for the gewog. It is chaired by the Gup and includes elected Mangmi and Tshogpa members.

Question 15General Knowledge

Which of the following is a key feature of Bhutan's approach to environmental conservation in its Constitution?

  1. A requirement to maintain at least sixty per cent forest cover Correct answer.
  2. A mandate to abolish protected areas
  3. A ban on all hydropower development
  4. A constitutional right to unlimited land use

Explanation

The Constitution requires Bhutan to maintain a minimum of sixty per cent of its land under forest cover for all time. This provision anchors conservation in the supreme law and has helped Bhutan remain carbon negative.

Question 16General Knowledge

Which crop is the staple food grain most widely consumed in Bhutan?

  1. Wheat
  2. Barley
  3. Rice Correct answer.
  4. Maize

Explanation

Rice is the staple food in most of Bhutan, particularly in the lower and middle valleys where paddy cultivation is possible. Maize is important in higher areas, but rice remains the preferred staple overall.

Question 17General Knowledge

The Dzong architecture of Bhutan is best characterised by which combination of features?

  1. Timber pagodas with tiled roofs
  2. Brick fortresses with moats
  3. Massive whitewashed walls with a central tower and overhanging roofs Correct answer.
  4. Marble domes with minarets

Explanation

Bhutanese dzongs combine massive whitewashed stone walls, a central utse tower, and broad overhanging timber roofs, serving as both monastic and administrative centres. The style reflects a fusion of fortress and monastery functions.

Question 18General Knowledge

Which of the following is the principal function of the Royal Audit Authority of Bhutan?

  1. Prosecuting criminal cases
  2. Collecting taxes
  3. Drafting the national budget
  4. Auditing the use of public resources Correct answer.

Explanation

The Royal Audit Authority is the supreme audit institution of Bhutan, responsible for auditing the use, management and accounting of public resources. It reports its findings to Parliament and the public, promoting accountability.

Question 19General Knowledge

Bhutan's currency, the ngultrum, is pegged at par to which currency?

  1. Indian rupee Correct answer.
  2. Bangladeshi taka
  3. Chinese yuan
  4. US dollar

Explanation

The ngultrum is pegged at par to the Indian rupee, reflecting the close economic and trade relationship between the two countries. The Indian rupee also circulates freely in Bhutan alongside the ngultrum.

Question 20General Knowledge

Which body has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in Bhutan?

  1. The King on the advice of the Prime Minister Correct answer.
  2. The Supreme Court
  3. The Royal Civil Service Commission
  4. The National Assembly alone

Explanation

The Constitution allows the King to declare a state of emergency on the written advice of the Prime Minister, with the declaration subject to approval by Parliament. This balances the need for swift action with legislative oversight.

Question 21General Knowledge

A dzongkhag administration wants to build a farm road but the gewog lacks funds in its current plan. Which principle of Bhutanese local governance best guides how the request should be handled?

  1. Decisions are taken solely by the dzongkhag engineer
  2. The Gewog Tshogde may propose and prioritise the activity through the annual planning process Correct answer.
  3. No new activity can ever be added to a local plan
  4. The request must be sent directly to the King

Explanation

Local government in Bhutan follows a participatory planning process in which the Gewog Tshogde identifies, prioritises and approves activities before they are consolidated at dzongkhag and national levels. This allows genuine local needs to enter the budget cycle in an orderly way.

Question 22General Knowledge

The principle of separation of powers in Bhutan's Constitution is reflected in which arrangement?

  1. The King personally decides all court cases
  2. Parliament appoints all civil servants directly
  3. The Prime Minister also heads the judiciary
  4. Judicial, legislative and executive powers are exercised by distinct organs Correct answer.

Explanation

The Constitution assigns legislative power to Parliament, executive power to the Government and judicial power to the courts, with checks among them. This separation protects the rule of law and prevents concentration of authority in a single organ.

Question 23General Knowledge

Which of the following best explains why Bhutan is described as carbon negative?

  1. Its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits Correct answer.
  2. It has banned all industry
  3. It imports all its electricity
  4. It has no vehicles

Explanation

Bhutan's extensive forests sequester substantially more carbon dioxide than the economy emits, so the country removes more greenhouse gas than it produces. Hydropower generation and forest protection underpin this status.

Question 24General Knowledge

The Druk Gyalpo's role under the Constitution includes which of the following?

  1. Deciding all civil litigation
  2. Chairing the Royal Civil Service Commission
  3. Appointing the leader of the party with the majority in the National Assembly as Prime Minister Correct answer.
  4. Directly managing dzongkhag budgets

Explanation

The Constitution provides that the King appoints the leader of the political party that wins the majority of seats in the National Assembly as Prime Minister. This formalises the monarch's role in the peaceful transfer of power within a democratic framework.

Question 25General Knowledge

Which of the following is the main purpose of Bhutan's Free Trade Agreement-style arrangement with India that allows free flow of goods?

  1. To facilitate trade and investment between the two countries Correct answer.
  2. To replace the ngultrum with the rupee
  3. To restrict bilateral trade
  4. To prevent Indian tourists from visiting

Explanation

The bilateral trade and transit arrangements with India are designed to facilitate the free flow of goods, services and investment between the two neighbours. They reflect Bhutan's dependence on India for trade routes and markets.

Question 26General Knowledge

Which document serves as the supreme law of Bhutan and establishes the framework of its government?

  1. The Civil Service Act
  2. The Local Government Act
  3. The National Assembly Rules
  4. The Constitution of Bhutan Correct answer.

Explanation

The Constitution of Bhutan, adopted in 2008, is the supreme law of the land and defines the structure of government, fundamental rights, and duties of citizens. All other statutes and rules derive their authority from it and must conform to its provisions.

Question 27General Knowledge

Bhutan's system of government is best described as which of the following?

  1. Absolute monarchy
  2. Federal republic
  3. Military junta
  4. Constitutional monarchy Correct answer.

Explanation

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy in which the Druk Gyalpo is head of state and the government is accountable to an elected Parliament. The Constitution limits royal power and provides for democratic institutions.

Question 28General Knowledge

Which body is the upper house of Bhutan's Parliament?

  1. The National Assembly
  2. The National Council Correct answer.
  3. The Council of Ministers
  4. The Royal Advisory Council

Explanation

Bhutan's Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the National Council as the upper house and the National Assembly as the lower house. The National Council reviews legislation and represents dzongkhags and national interests.

Question 29General Knowledge

Which of the following is the national language of Bhutan?

  1. Nepali
  2. Sharchop
  3. Dzongkha Correct answer.
  4. Bumthang

Explanation

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan and is used in government administration and formal education. Other languages such as Sharchop and Nepali are spoken regionally but do not hold national status.

Question 30General Knowledge

Which of the following is the capital city of Bhutan?

  1. Paro
  2. Phuentsholing
  3. Thimphu Correct answer.
  4. Punakha

Explanation

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, hosting the seat of government, the Parliament, and the royal palace. The city is situated in the western part of the country along the Wang Chhu river.

Question 31General Knowledge

Which of the following is the highest civilian award in Bhutan?

  1. Druk Thuksey
  2. Order of the Golden Arrow
  3. Order of the Druk Gyalpo Correct answer.
  4. National Order of Merit

Explanation

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is the highest civilian honour conferred in Bhutan, awarded for exceptional service to the nation. Lower orders such as the Druk Thuksey recognise distinguished contributions at other levels.

Question 32General Knowledge

Which of the following is the main function of the Election Commission of Bhutan?

  1. Appointing judges to the courts
  2. Conducting free and fair elections and referendums Correct answer.
  3. Commanding the armed forces
  4. Drafting the national budget

Explanation

The Election Commission of Bhutan is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, referendums, and maintaining the electoral roll in an impartial manner. It does not exercise budgetary, judicial, or military powers.

Question 33General Knowledge

Which of the following rivers is a major river system flowing through Bhutan?

  1. Wang Chhu Correct answer.
  2. Brahmaputra
  3. Teesta
  4. Ganges

Explanation

The Wang Chhu is one of Bhutan's major rivers, flowing through the Thimphu valley before joining other waters that drain into the Brahmaputra. The Ganges and Brahmaputra are large transboundary rivers, not Bhutanese river systems as such.

Question 34General Knowledge

Which of the following is the primary role of the Royal Bhutan Police?

  1. Adjudicating criminal cases
  2. Collecting taxes for the government
  3. Maintaining law and order and preventing crime Correct answer.
  4. Regulating the banking sector

Explanation

The Royal Bhutan Police is responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crime, and enforcing the law. It does not collect taxes, decide court cases, or supervise banks, which fall to other institutions.

Question 35General Knowledge

Which of the following best describes the concept of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan?

  1. A taxation system based on household happiness
  2. A development philosophy balancing material and spiritual well-being Correct answer.
  3. A tourism marketing campaign
  4. A measure of national income per capita

Explanation

Gross National Happiness is Bhutan's guiding development philosophy, emphasising balanced progress across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions alongside spiritual well-being. It is not a simple income measure or a tax or marketing device.

Question 36General Knowledge

A dzongkhag officer must decide whether a proposed policy complies with the Constitution. Which principle should guide the decision?

  1. Administrative convenience, so the easiest option should be chosen
  2. Local custom, so traditional practice overrides the Constitution
  3. Ministerial preference, so the minister's view prevails
  4. Constitutional supremacy, so the policy must conform to the Constitution Correct answer.

Explanation

Because the Constitution is the supreme law, any policy or administrative action must conform to it, and inconsistent measures are invalid. Convenience, ministerial preference, or custom cannot override constitutional requirements.

Question 37General Knowledge

Which of the following is the main purpose of Bhutan's Five-Year Plans?

  1. Determining election results
  2. Fixing interest rates
  3. Appointing senior judges
  4. Setting national development priorities and allocating resources Correct answer.

Explanation

Bhutan's Five-Year Plans are development instruments that set priorities, targets, and resource allocations across sectors in line with national objectives such as GNH. They do not determine elections, judicial appointments, or monetary policy.

Question 38General Knowledge

Which of the following is the primary function of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan?

  1. Conducting population censuses
  2. Managing national parks
  3. Operating the national airline
  4. Acting as the central bank and regulating the financial sector Correct answer.

Explanation

The Royal Monetary Authority is Bhutan's central bank, responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, and regulation of financial institutions. Park management, censuses, and airlines fall under other agencies.

Question 39General Knowledge

A gewog official is unsure whether a local decision conflicts with a national law. Which principle best resolves the conflict?

  1. National law prevails over local decisions that conflict with it Correct answer.
  2. Both apply simultaneously without hierarchy
  3. The matter is decided by a popular vote
  4. Local decisions always override national law

Explanation

Under Bhutan's legal hierarchy, local government decisions must be consistent with national legislation, and national law prevails in case of conflict. Local autonomy operates within the framework set by higher law rather than above it.

Question 40General Knowledge

Which of the following best describes Bhutan's foreign policy principle of non-alignment?

  1. Avoiding formal military alliances with major powers Correct answer.
  2. Joining every regional military bloc
  3. Refusing all diplomatic relations
  4. Adopting the foreign policy of a neighbouring state

Explanation

Bhutan's non-alignment means it avoids entering formal military alliances with major powers while maintaining friendly diplomatic and economic relations. It does not mean isolation or adopting another state's foreign policy.

Question 41General Knowledge

Which of the following is a key function of the Dratshang Lhentshog in Bhutan?

  1. Supervising municipal elections
  2. Overseeing the affairs of the monastic body Correct answer.
  3. Managing civil aviation
  4. Regulating the stock exchange

Explanation

The Dratshang Lhentshog is the constitutional body responsible for the administration of the monastic body and religious affairs in Bhutan. Financial markets, aviation, and municipal elections are handled by secular agencies.

Question 42General Knowledge

Which of the following is the main purpose of Bhutan's environmental impact assessment process?

  1. Setting wage rates for construction workers
  2. Identifying and mitigating environmental effects before projects proceed Correct answer.
  3. Raising revenue through environmental fees
  4. Determining land ownership disputes

Explanation

Environmental impact assessment identifies likely environmental effects of proposed projects and requires mitigation measures before approval. Its purpose is protective and analytical rather than revenue-raising or resolving land or labour matters.

Question 43General Knowledge

A civil servant is offered a gift by a contractor bidding for a government project. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Accept the gift if it is of small value
  2. Accept the gift and award the contract fairly
  3. Decline the gift and report the matter through official channels Correct answer.
  4. Accept the gift but disclose it later

Explanation

Civil service ethics require officials to avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety, so gifts from bidders should be declined and reported. Accepting any gift from an interested party compromises impartiality regardless of value.

Question 44General Knowledge

Which of the following best explains the role of the Opposition Party in Bhutan's National Assembly?

  1. Appointing the Chief Justice
  2. Controlling the national budget directly
  3. Forming the government after every election
  4. Scrutinising government actions and holding it accountable Correct answer.

Explanation

The Opposition Party in the National Assembly scrutinises government policy and expenditure and holds the executive accountable through debate and questioning. The government is formed by the majority party, and judicial appointments and budget control follow separate constitutional processes.

Question 45General Knowledge

Which of the following is the main purpose of Bhutan's national biodiversity strategy?

  1. Increasing timber exports
  2. Expanding agricultural land into protected areas
  3. Encouraging urban expansion into forests
  4. Conserving species and ecosystems while promoting sustainable use Correct answer.

Explanation

Bhutan's biodiversity strategy aims to conserve species and ecosystems while allowing sustainable use of natural resources consistent with GNH. It does not promote conversion of protected areas, unsustainable timber extraction, or encroachment on forests.

Question 46General Knowledge

Under Bhutan's Constitution, which body has the authority to review the constitutionality of legislation?

  1. The National Assembly
  2. The Supreme Court Correct answer.
  3. The Election Commission
  4. The Council of Ministers

Explanation

The Supreme Court of Bhutan has the authority to interpret the Constitution and review the constitutionality of legislation. The National Assembly, Council of Ministers, and Election Commission do not exercise this judicial review function.

Question 47General Knowledge

Which of the following best explains why Bhutan's Constitution requires a minimum proportion of forest cover?

  1. To prevent the construction of schools
  2. To limit the powers of local government
  3. To increase revenue from timber sales
  4. To ensure environmental sustainability and intergenerational equity Correct answer.

Explanation

The constitutional forest cover requirement reflects Bhutan's commitment to environmental preservation and the principle that natural resources should be maintained for future generations. It is a conservation mandate rather than a revenue, construction, or governance restriction.

Question 48General Knowledge

A ministry wants to transfer a senior civil servant to a remote post shortly after the officer reported alleged corruption by a superior. Which principle is most relevant to evaluating the transfer?

  1. The doctrine of judicial precedent
  2. The principle of free trade
  3. Seniority-based promotion rules
  4. Protection against retaliation for whistleblowing and fair administrative process Correct answer.

Explanation

Administrative decisions must be fair and non-retaliatory, so a transfer following a corruption report raises concerns about victimisation of a whistleblower and requires justification through due process. Seniority, trade doctrine, and judicial precedent are not the governing considerations here.

Question 49General Knowledge

Which of the following best explains the significance of Bhutan's 2008 Constitution for the monarchy?

  1. It abolished the monarchy entirely
  2. It transferred royal powers to the Election Commission
  3. It restored absolute royal rule
  4. It formally limited royal authority and entrenched democratic governance Correct answer.

Explanation

The 2008 Constitution transformed Bhutan into a constitutional monarchy by limiting royal authority, providing for elected institutions, and entrenching democratic processes. It neither abolished the monarchy nor restored absolute rule, and royal powers were not transferred to the Election Commission.

Question 50General Knowledge

Which of the following best explains why Bhutan's hydropower exports are economically significant?

  1. They replace all agricultural employment
  2. They eliminate the need for any imports
  3. They provide a major source of revenue and foreign exchange Correct answer.
  4. They remove the need for taxation

Explanation

Hydropower sales, especially to India, generate substantial revenue and foreign exchange that support public expenditure and development. The sector does not eliminate imports, remove the need for taxation, or replace agricultural employment.