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BSSC CGL practice questions

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Question 1General Studies

The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution of India by which amendment, and on the recommendation of which committee?

  1. 73rd Amendment, on the recommendation of the Ashok Mehta Committee
  2. 44th Amendment, on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission
  3. 42nd Amendment, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee Correct answer.
  4. 52nd Amendment, on the recommendation of the Tarkunde Committee

Explanation

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 inserted Part IVA (Article 51A) listing Fundamental Duties, acting on the advice of the Swaran Singh Committee appointed in 1976. The 44th Amendment later removed the property right from Fundamental Rights but did not touch the Duties. The 52nd and 73rd Amendments deal with anti-defection and Panchayati Raj respectively.

Question 2General Studies

Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission every five years?

  1. Article 324
  2. Article 280 Correct answer.
  3. Article 263
  4. Article 356

Explanation

Article 280 mandates the President to constitute a Finance Commission every five years to recommend distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and States and to govern grants-in-aid. Article 263 deals with an Inter-State Council, Article 324 with the Election Commission, and Article 356 with President's Rule.

Question 3General Studies

The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian States?

  1. Nine
  2. Eight Correct answer.
  3. Six
  4. Seven

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) crosses eight Indian States: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Candidates often miscount by omitting Jharkhand or Tripura, both of which lie on the line.

Question 4General Studies

Which soil type covers the largest area of India's cultivated land and is best suited to cotton cultivation?

  1. Alluvial soil
  2. Laterite soil
  3. Red soil
  4. Black soil Correct answer.

Explanation

Black soil, also called regur or black cotton soil, is derived from lava and covers much of the Deccan plateau; its high moisture-retention capacity and clay content make it ideal for cotton. Alluvial soil covers a larger area overall but is not the classic cotton soil. Laterite and red soils are less suitable for cotton.

Question 5General Studies

The Indian Standard Meridian of 82°30'E passes through which of these cities?

  1. Bhopal
  2. Nagpur
  3. Mirzapur Correct answer.
  4. Ranchi

Explanation

Indian Standard Time is based on the longitude 82°30'E, which passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. Nagpur, Bhopal and Ranchi lie close to but not on this meridian. The choice of a single meridian gives India a uniform time despite a wide east-west spread.

Question 6General Studies

Which Mughal emperor assumed the title 'Alamgir' and ruled for the longest period among his predecessors?

  1. Aurangzeb Correct answer.
  2. Jahangir
  3. Akbar
  4. Shah Jahan

Explanation

Aurangzeb ascended the throne in 1658 and took the title Alamgir, ruling until 1707 - nearly fifty years, the longest reign of any Mughal ruler. Shah Jahan ruled about thirty years and Akbar about forty-nine, but Aurangzeb's reign is the longest.

Question 7General Studies

Who founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train national missionaries for social service?

  1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  2. Gopal Krishna Gokhale Correct answer.
  3. Lala Lajpat Rai
  4. Annie Besant

Explanation

Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in Pune in 1905 to create a cadre of dedicated social workers. Tilak led the Home Rule agitation, Lajpat Rai founded the Indian Home Rule League in the US, and Besant founded the Home Rule League in India in 1916.

Question 8General Studies

The Permanent Settlement of Bengal (1793) was introduced by Lord Cornwallis primarily with which objective?

  1. To introduce cash-crop cultivation through cooperative farming
  2. To fix land revenue permanently with zamindars as revenue collectors Correct answer.
  3. To abolish the zamindari system altogether
  4. To settle ryots directly with the colonial state

Explanation

The Permanent Settlement fixed the land revenue demand with zamindars in perpetuity, making them hereditary proprietors responsible for collection. It aimed to create a loyal, revenue-assured class of landlords. The ryotwari system, introduced later in Madras and Bombay, settled revenue directly with cultivators.

Question 9General Studies

Which article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form?

  1. Article 23
  2. Article 17 Correct answer.
  3. Article 19
  4. Article 14

Explanation

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice a punishable offence, and it is one of the few Fundamental Rights enforceable against private individuals as well as the State. Article 14 guarantees equality before law, Article 19 protects six freedoms, and Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour.

Question 10General Studies

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by which body?

  1. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
  2. The members of the Lok Sabha Correct answer.
  3. The members of both Houses of Parliament
  4. The President of India

Explanation

Under Article 93, the Speaker is chosen by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves. The President does not appoint the Speaker, and members of the Rajya Sabha do not participate in the election. The Speaker may be removed by an effective majority of the Lok Sabha with fourteen days' notice.

Question 11General Studies

Which of these is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the largest share of long-lived radiative forcing from human activity?

  1. Nitrous oxide
  2. Sulphur hexafluoride
  3. Carbon dioxide Correct answer.
  4. Methane

Explanation

Carbon dioxide accounts for the largest share of long-lived radiative forcing because of the sheer volume of fossil-fuel emissions and its atmospheric persistence. Methane is more potent per molecule but far less abundant. Nitrous oxide and sulphur hexafluoride are far smaller contributors by volume.

Question 12General Studies

Which vitamin deficiency causes beriberi?

  1. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
  2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Correct answer.
  3. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
  4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Explanation

Beriberi results from a deficiency of thiamine, or Vitamin B1, which impairs carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. It manifests as dry beriberi (peripheral neuropathy) or wet beriberi (heart failure). Pellagra and scurvy are caused by deficiencies of niacin and Vitamin C respectively.

Question 13General Studies

Which part of the human brain regulates body temperature, hunger and the sleep-wake cycle?

  1. Cerebellum
  2. Hypothalamus Correct answer.
  3. Thalamus
  4. Medulla oblongata

Explanation

The hypothalamus is the body's homeostatic control centre, regulating temperature, thirst, hunger, and circadian rhythms through the pituitary and autonomic nervous system. The cerebellum coordinates balance and motor learning, the medulla controls breathing and heart rate, and the thalamus relays sensory signals.

Question 14General Studies

What is the SI unit of electrical conductance?

  1. Ohm
  2. Siemens Correct answer.
  3. Farad
  4. Henry

Explanation

Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance and is measured in siemens (S), formerly called the mho. The ohm measures resistance, the farad measures capacitance, and the henry measures inductance. A conductance of one siemens allows one ampere to flow under one volt.

Question 15General Studies

Which chemical is commonly known as 'baking soda' and is used as an antacid?

  1. Sodium hydroxide
  2. Calcium carbonate
  3. Sodium carbonate
  4. Sodium bicarbonate Correct answer.

Explanation

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is the mild alkali known as baking soda, used in baking and as an antacid. Sodium carbonate is washing soda, calcium carbonate is limestone or chalk, and sodium hydroxide is caustic soda, a strong corrosive base.

Question 16General Studies

Which of these is the correct chemical formula of plaster of Paris?

  1. CaCO3
  2. CaSO4·2H2O
  3. CaSO4·½H2O Correct answer.
  4. CaO

Explanation

Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate hemihydrate, CaSO4·½H2O, obtained by heating gypsum to about 373 K. When mixed with water it sets back into gypsum. CaSO4·2H2O is gypsum, CaCO3 is limestone, and CaO is quicklime.

Question 17General Studies

Which of these is a Kharif crop in India?

  1. Gram
  2. Rice Correct answer.
  3. Wheat
  4. Mustard

Explanation

Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon in June-July and harvested in autumn; rice, maize, jowar, bajra and cotton belong to this group. Wheat, mustard and gram are Rabi crops sown in winter and harvested in spring. The classification depends on the crop's water and temperature requirements.

Question 18General Studies

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 is best remembered for which feature?

  1. Abolishing the zamindari system
  2. Introducing separate electorates for Muslims
  3. Granting dominion status to India
  4. Allowing detention without trial for a specified period Correct answer.

Explanation

The Rowlatt Act, officially the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, allowed the government to arrest and detain suspects without trial, earning it the label 'no dalil, no vakil, no appeal'. It sparked nationwide protest and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Separate electorates came from the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909.

Question 19General Studies

Which of these rivers is a west-flowing river of peninsular India that drains into the Arabian Sea?

  1. Krishna
  2. Godavari
  3. Mahanadi
  4. Narmada Correct answer.

Explanation

The Narmada rises from the Amarkantak plateau and flows west through a rift valley into the Arabian Sea. The Godavari, Krishna and Mahanadi are east-flowing rivers that drain into the Bay of Bengal. The Narmada and Tapti are the two major west-flowing peninsular rivers.

Question 20General Studies

The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British East India Company and the combined forces of which rulers?

  1. Tipu Sultan and the Nizam of Hyderabad
  2. Siraj-ud-Daulah and the French
  3. Hyder Ali and the Maratha Confederacy
  4. Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II Correct answer.

Explanation

At Buxar the Company under Hector Munro defeated the triple alliance of Mir Qasim of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. The victory led to the Treaty of Allahabad and established British political dominance in northern India. Plassey (1757) had involved Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Question 21General Studies

Which of these is the correct order of the four Vedas in the traditional sequence?

  1. Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda Correct answer.
  2. Atharvaveda, Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda
  3. Samaveda, Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda
  4. Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Rigveda, Samaveda

Explanation

The Vedas are traditionally arranged as Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. The Rigveda is the oldest and contains hymns; the Samaveda sets them to melody; the Yajurveda contains sacrificial formulas; and the Atharvaveda holds charms and spells.

Question 22General Studies

The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was applied by Lord Dalhousie to annex which of these states?

  1. Travancore
  2. Hyderabad
  3. Jhansi Correct answer.
  4. Mysore

Explanation

Under the Doctrine of Lapse, Dalhousie annexed states where a ruler died without a natural heir, and Jhansi was annexed in 1854 when Gangadhar Rao's adopted son was not recognised. Satara, Nagpur and Jaipur (in Bundelkhand) were also annexed. Hyderabad and Mysore were not annexed under this doctrine.

Question 23General Studies

Which fundamental right is automatically suspended during a National Emergency under Article 352?

  1. Right to equality before law under Article 14
  2. Right to constitutional remedies under Article 32
  3. Right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 Correct answer.
  4. Right to life and personal liberty under Article 21

Explanation

Under Article 358, the freedoms guaranteed by Article 19 are automatically suspended during a National Emergency declared on grounds of war or external aggression. Articles 14, 21 and 32 are not automatically suspended; the right to move courts can be suspended only by a separate presidential order under Article 359. The 44th Amendment added safeguards against internal-disturbance misuse.

Question 24General Studies

Which of these is the correct IUPAC name of the compound CH3-CH2-CH2-OH?

  1. Propan-1-ol Correct answer.
  2. Propanal
  3. Propanone
  4. Propan-2-ol

Explanation

The chain has three carbons and the hydroxyl group is on the first carbon, giving propan-1-ol. Propan-2-ol would have the OH on the middle carbon. Propanal is the three-carbon aldehyde and propanone is the three-carbon ketone, both with a carbonyl group.

Question 25General Studies

The 'Green Revolution' in India was most closely associated with which combination of crop and scientist?

  1. Cotton, with the work of C. Subramaniam
  2. Sugarcane, with the work of B. P. Pal
  3. Wheat, with the work of M. S. Swaminathan and Norman Borlaug Correct answer.
  4. Rice, with the work of Verghese Kurien

Explanation

The Green Revolution in India centred on high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties developed with the collaboration of M. S. Swaminathan and Norman Borlaug, supported administratively by C. Subramaniam. Verghese Kurien led the White Revolution in dairy, B. P. Pal worked on horticulture and agriculture research, and C. Subramaniam was a policymaker rather than a cotton scientist.

Question 26General Studies

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which Indian state capital?

  1. Bhopal Correct answer.
  2. Raipur
  3. Bhubaneswar
  4. Panaji

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer runs through eight Indian states; among their capitals, only Bhopal lies on this line, which passes close to the city in Madhya Pradesh. Panaji, Raipur and Bhubaneswar all lie south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Question 27General Studies

The Indian Standard Meridian, on which Indian Standard Time is based, passes through which of these cities?

  1. Nagpur
  2. Allahabad (Prayagraj) Correct answer.
  3. Kolkata
  4. Bhopal

Explanation

IST is reckoned from 82°30'E, a meridian that passes near Mirzapur and through Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh. Kolkata, Nagpur and Bhopal lie east or west of this line and are not used to define IST.

Question 28General Studies

Which soil type, formed from lava, is most suitable for cotton cultivation in the Deccan region?

  1. Black soil Correct answer.
  2. Alluvial soil
  3. Laterite soil
  4. Red soil

Explanation

Black soil, also called regur or black cotton soil, is derived from weathered basaltic lava of the Deccan trap and holds moisture well, making it ideal for cotton. Laterite, alluvial and red soils have different origins and moisture characteristics.

Question 29General Studies

Which of these is the highest peak entirely within Indian territory?

  1. Kamet
  2. Nanda Devi Correct answer.
  3. Kanchenjunga
  4. K2

Explanation

Nanda Devi, in Uttarakhand, is the highest mountain located wholly within India. Kanchenjunga lies on the India–Nepal border and K2 lies in Pakistan-administered territory, so neither is entirely within India.

Question 30General Studies

The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by which ruler?

  1. Rajaraja Chola I Correct answer.
  2. Mahendravarman I
  3. Pulakeshin II
  4. Krishnadevaraya

Explanation

Rajaraja Chola I commissioned the Brihadeeswarar (Rajarajeswaram) Temple at Thanjavur around 1010 CE, the finest example of Chola Dravidian architecture. Krishnadevaraya, Mahendravarman and Pulakeshin belonged to other dynasties and other monuments.

Question 31General Studies

The Sanchi Stupa, whose Great Stupa was originally raised by Ashoka, is located in which present-day state?

  1. Bihar
  2. Uttar Pradesh
  3. Maharashtra
  4. Madhya Pradesh Correct answer.

Explanation

Sanchi lies in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, where Ashoka built the original brick stupa that was later enlarged. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra contain other Buddhist sites but not Sanchi.

Question 32General Studies

Which classical dance form originated in Kerala and is noted for its elaborate facial make-up and gestures drawn from Kathakali texts?

  1. Manipuri
  2. Bharatanatyam
  3. Kathakali Correct answer.
  4. Odissi

Explanation

Kathakali is Kerala's dance-drama tradition, recognised for its painted faces, heavy costumes and codified hand gestures. Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Manipuri belong to Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Manipur respectively.

Question 33General Studies

Who among the following founded the Arya Samaj in 1875?

  1. Swami Vivekananda
  2. Swami Dayanand Saraswati Correct answer.
  3. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  4. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Explanation

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj at Bombay in 1875, advocating a return to Vedic principles and opposing idol worship and caste rigidity. The other reformers led different movements.

Question 34General Studies

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was launched by Gandhi in response to the grievances of cultivators forced to grow which crop?

  1. Sugarcane
  2. Indigo Correct answer.
  3. Cotton
  4. Jute

Explanation

In Champaran, Bihar, peasants were bound by the tinkathia system to grow indigo on part of their land for European planters at unfair terms. Gandhi's inquiry into their condition marked his first major satyagraha in India.

Question 35General Studies

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on which date?

  1. 26 November 1949 Correct answer.
  2. 15 August 1947
  3. 26 January 1950
  4. 9 December 1946

Explanation

The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, a date now observed as Constitution Day. It came into force on 26 January 1950, while 9 December 1946 marked the Assembly's first sitting.

Question 36General Studies

Under the Indian Constitution, the power to declare a particular caste or tribe as a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe rests with which authority?

  1. Parliament by law
  2. The President by order Correct answer.
  3. The Supreme Court
  4. The Governor of the state

Explanation

Articles 341 and 342 provide that the President, after consulting the Governor, specifies the castes and tribes deemed Scheduled for each state by public notification. Parliament can only amend that list by law, so the initial power of specification lies with the President.

Question 37General Studies

Which writ is issued by a court to a public authority that has failed to perform a duty imposed on it by law?

  1. Habeas corpus
  2. Quo warranto
  3. Certiorari
  4. Mandamus Correct answer.

Explanation

Mandamus commands a public authority to carry out a legal duty it has neglected or refused to perform. Habeas corpus concerns unlawful detention, certiorari quashes decisions, and quo warranto questions a person's authority to hold office.

Question 38General Studies

The Finance Commission of India is constituted under which article of the Constitution?

  1. Article 356
  2. Article 315
  3. Article 280 Correct answer.
  4. Article 324

Explanation

Article 280 requires the President to constitute a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the distribution of revenues between the Union and the states. Article 324 deals with the Election Commission, 356 with President's Rule, and 315 with public service commissions.

Question 39General Studies

The Reserve Bank of India was nationalised in which year?

  1. 1935
  2. 1969
  3. 1949 Correct answer.
  4. 1955

Explanation

The RBI began operations in 1935 as a private shareholders' bank and was nationalised on 1 January 1949. The year 1969 marks the nationalisation of fourteen major commercial banks, and 1955 that of the Imperial Bank into the State Bank of India.

Question 40General Studies

Which of these is a direct tax in India?

  1. Customs duty
  2. Goods and Services Tax
  3. Excise duty on petroleum
  4. Income tax Correct answer.

Explanation

A direct tax is levied on income or wealth and its burden cannot be shifted to another person; income tax is the leading example. GST, customs duty and excise duty are indirect taxes whose burden passes to the consumer.

Question 41General Studies

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, launched in 2014, primarily aims at which objective?

  1. Rural electrification
  2. Financial inclusion through bank accounts Correct answer.
  3. Crop insurance for small farmers
  4. Skill training for urban youth

Explanation

PMJDY was launched to extend financial inclusion by giving every household access to a basic savings account, RuPay card and overdraft facility. Crop insurance, electrification and skill training are handled by separate schemes.

Question 42General Studies

The phenomenon of 'total internal reflection' occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a rarer medium and which condition is met?

  1. The angle of incidence equals zero
  2. The refractive index of the rarer medium is higher
  3. The angle of refraction exceeds 90° at entry
  4. The angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle Correct answer.

Explanation

Total internal reflection happens when light moves from a denser to a rarer medium and strikes the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, so no refracted ray emerges. This underlies optical fibres and mirages.

Question 43General Studies

Which of these is a scalar quantity?

  1. Displacement
  2. Work Correct answer.
  3. Acceleration
  4. Velocity

Explanation

Work has magnitude but no direction, so it is a scalar. Displacement, velocity and acceleration are vectors because each requires a direction for complete description.

Question 44General Studies

Which of these is an example of a scalar but not a vector quantity?

  1. Speed Correct answer.
  2. Momentum
  3. Weight
  4. Displacement

Explanation

Speed is the magnitude of velocity and carries no direction, making it a scalar. Weight, momentum and displacement are all vectors.

Question 45General Studies

Which of these is the chemical name of common salt?

  1. Sodium chloride Correct answer.
  2. Sodium bicarbonate
  3. Calcium carbonate
  4. Potassium nitrate

Explanation

Common salt is sodium chloride, NaCl. Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, calcium carbonate is limestone or chalk, and potassium nitrate is saltpetre.

Question 46General Studies

The pH of a neutral aqueous solution at 25°C is which value?

  1. 0
  2. 1
  3. 14
  4. 7 Correct answer.

Explanation

At 25°C pure water has equal concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxide ions, giving a pH of 7, which defines neutrality. Values below 7 indicate acidity and above 7 alkalinity.

Question 47General Studies

Which of these is an example of a scalar quantity?

  1. Acceleration
  2. Force
  3. Density Correct answer.
  4. Velocity

Explanation

Density is mass per unit volume and is fully described by its magnitude, making it a scalar. Velocity, force and acceleration are vectors.

Question 48General Studies

Which organelle is described as the 'powerhouse' of the cell because it generates most of the cell's ATP?

  1. Mitochondrion Correct answer.
  2. Lysosome
  3. Golgi apparatus
  4. Ribosome

Explanation

Mitochondria carry out oxidative phosphorylation and produce most of the cell's ATP, earning the nickname powerhouse. Ribosomes synthesise proteins, the Golgi packages them, and lysosomes digest waste.

Question 49General Studies

Which of these is the correct scientific name of the organism that causes malaria in humans?

  1. Trypanosoma brucei
  2. Plasmodium falciparum Correct answer.
  3. Entamoeba histolytica
  4. Vibrio cholerae

Explanation

Malaria is caused by species of the protozoan genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum causing the most severe form. Entamoeba causes amoebic dysentery, Trypanosoma sleeping sickness, and Vibrio cholerae cholera.

Question 50General Studies

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following Indian states?

  1. Punjab
  2. Rajasthan Correct answer.
  3. Kerala
  4. Andhra Pradesh

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer (about 23.5° N) crosses India roughly through the middle of the country, passing through eight states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Rajasthan is the only state among the given options that lies on this line, since it is crossed in its southern districts such as Banswara and Dungarpur.