The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest exams in India. General Knowledge (GK) plays a crucial role in the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. To help you with your UPSC 2025 preparation, we have curated a 50+ question GK quiz with answers covering History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Current Affairs.
Why is General Knowledge Important for UPSC?
- UPSC Prelims Weightage – General Studies (GS) Paper 1 covers subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Current Affairs.
- Conceptual Clarity for Mains – Answer writing in Mains requires a strong understanding of diverse topics.
- Interview Preparation – Awareness of national and global issues helps in tackling personality test questions.
Now, let’s begin the UPSC 2025 General Knowledge Quiz!
UPSC 2025 General Knowledge Quiz with Answers
Indian History & Culture (10 Questions)
- Who was the first Governor-General of India?
- Answer: Warren Hastings
- The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British and which three allied forces?
- Answer: Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, and Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula
- The Harappan Civilization was primarily based along which river?
- Answer: Indus River
- Who wrote the book “Arthashastra”?
- Answer: Kautilya (Chanakya)
- The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?
- Answer: 1942
- Which Indian emperor is known as the “Napoleon of India”?
- Answer: Samudragupta
- What is the significance of January 26, 1930, in Indian history?
- Answer: It was celebrated as the first Independence Day (Purna Swaraj Declaration).
- Who was the founder of the Chola Dynasty?
- Answer: Vijayalaya Chola
- Name the first woman ruler of medieval India.
- Answer: Razia Sultana
- Which famous Indian temple is also known as the “Black Pagoda”?
- Answer: Sun Temple, Konark
Indian Geography (10 Questions)
- Which is the longest river in India?
- Answer: Ganga River
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
- Answer: 8 states
- What is the highest peak in India?
- Answer: Kangchenjunga (8,586 m)
- Which Indian state is known as the “Land of Five Rivers”?
- Answer: Punjab
- The Great Indian Desert is also known as?
- Answer: Thar Desert
- Name the largest freshwater lake in India.
- Answer: Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
- What is the southernmost point of India called?
- Answer: Indira Point (Great Nicobar Island)
- Which Indian river is known as Dakshin Ganga?
- Answer: Godavari River
- What type of soil is best suited for cotton cultivation?
- Answer: Black Soil (Regur Soil)
- The Konkan Coast covers which Indian states?
- Answer: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala
Indian Polity & Governance (10 Questions)
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was inspired by which country’s Constitution?
- Answer: USA
- How many Fundamental Rights are mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
- Answer: 6
- Who was the first Vice President of India?
- Answer: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- What is the minimum age to become a member of the Lok Sabha?
- Answer: 25 years
- The Rajya Sabha is also known as?
- Answer: Council of States
- Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?
- Answer: President of India
- Which part of the Constitution deals with Emergency Provisions?
- Answer: Part XVIII (Articles 352-360)
- The concept of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is taken from which country?
- Answer: Ireland
- What is the tenure of a Governor in India?
- Answer: 5 years
- Which Schedule of the Constitution contains provisions for the Panchayati Raj system?
- Answer: 11th Schedule
Indian Economy (10 Questions)
- Which organization releases the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in India?
- Answer: National Statistical Office (NSO)
- What is GST and when was it implemented in India?
- Answer: Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented on July 1, 2017
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established in which year?
- Answer: 1935
- What is the full form of NITI Aayog?
- Answer: National Institution for Transforming India
- The headquarters of SEBI is located in which city?
- Answer: Mumbai
- Which is the largest public sector bank in India?
- Answer: State Bank of India (SBI)
- The Blue Revolution is associated with which sector?
- Answer: Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science & Technology (5 Questions)
- What is the speed of light?
- Answer: 299,792,458 m/s
- Who discovered gravity?
- Answer: Sir Isaac Newton
- What is the full form of ISRO?
- Answer: Indian Space Research Organisation
- The Covid-19 vaccine COVAXIN was developed by which Indian company?
- Answer: Bharat Biotech
- Name the first artificial satellite launched into space.
- Answer: Sputnik 1 (by the Soviet Union in 1957)
Current Affairs (5 Questions – Update for 2025)
(Check the latest updates for these answers.)
- Who is the current Prime Minister of India?
- Answer: (Check latest news)
- Where will the G20 Summit 2025 be held?
- Answer: (Check latest updates)
- Which country won the 2024 Cricket World Cup?
- Answer: (Check latest updates)
- What is the name of India’s latest Mars mission?
- Answer: (Check ISRO updates)
- Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024?
- Answer: (Check Nobel Prize announcements)
This UPSC 2025 General Knowledge Quiz provides a quick revision of important topics for Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation.
🔹 Tip: Stay updated with newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) and official government reports.
📢 How many questions did you get right? Let us know in the comments! 😊🚀