UPSC CSE Prelims · Previous Year Questions

UPSC Prelims PYQs 2014

All 100 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2014 paper, tagged by subject and topic.

1. Q1

   In Medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for
2. Q2

   Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
3. Q3

   If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

   1. 1Oak
   2. 2Rhododendron
   3. 3Sandalwood.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
4. Q4

   Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

   1. 1Oxides of sulphur
   2. 2Oxide of nitrogen
   3. 3Carbon monoxide
   4. 4Carbon dioxide.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
5. Q5

   Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

   1. 1Avanti
   2. 2Gandhara
   3. 3Kosala
   4. 4Magadha.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
6. Q6

   Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
7. Q7

   The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a
8. Q8

   What does venture capital mean?
9. Q9

   The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is
10. Q10

    With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account?

    1. 1Balance of trade
    2. 2Foreign assets
    3. 3Balance of invisibles
    4. 4Special Drawing Rights.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
11. Q11

    The terms 'Marginal Standing Facility Rate' and 'Net Demand and Time Liabilities', sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to
12. Q12

    What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas?

    1. 1It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages.
    2. 2It enables t…
13. Q13

    In the context of Indian economy which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of 'Statutory Reserve Requirements'?

    1. 1To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create.
    2. 2To make the people's deposits with banks safe and…
14. Q14

    Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as 'Arab Spring' originally started from
15. Q15

    Consider the following countries:

    1. 1Denmark
    2. 2Japan
    3. 3Russian Federation
    4. 4United Kingdom
    5. 5United States of America.

    Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?
16. Q16

    Consider the following pairs: Region often in news — Country.

    1. 1Chechnya : Russian Federation
    2. 2Darfur : Mali
    3. 3Swat Valley : Iraq.

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
17. Q17

    With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. 1It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. 2It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
    3. 3It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500km away.

    Select the correct answer us…
18. Q18

    With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas', consider the following statements:

    1. 1Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only tha…
19. Q19

    With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements:

    1. 1They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
    2. 2They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
    3. 3They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

    Which of the state…
20. Q20

    In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?
21. Q21

    The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until
22. Q22

    The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the
23. Q23

    With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

    1. 1Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
    2. 2It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
    3. 3It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotiona…
24. Q24

    Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
25. Q25

    With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: Famous work of sculpture — Site.

    1. 1A grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below : Ajan…
26. Q26

    The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a
27. Q27

    With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?
28. Q28

    Consider the following pairs:

    1. 1Garba : Gujarat
    2. 2Mohiniattam : Odisha
    3. 3Yakshagana : Karnataka.

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
29. Q29

    With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous Shrine — Location.

    1. 1Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley.
    2. 2Lhotsava Lhakhang : Zanskar Valley.
    3. 3Alchi Temple Complex : Ladakh. Which of t…
30. Q30

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
    2. 2The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
31. Q31

    A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their
32. Q32

    What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858)?

    1. 1To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States.
    2. 2To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.
    3. 3To regulate East India Company's trade with India. Select the corre…
33. Q33

    Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
34. Q34

    In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the 'Seed Replacement Rates' of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation? 1. T…
35. Q35

    With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. 1Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    2. 2The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit…
36. Q36

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    2. 2National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
    3. 3National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minis…
37. Q37

    Consider the following pairs: Vitamin — Deficiency disease.

    1. 1Vitamin C : Scurvy.
    2. 2Vitamin D : Rickets.
    3. 3Vitamin E : Night blindness.

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
38. Q38

    There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

    1. 1They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
    2. 2They can enter the food chains.…
39. Q39

    Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as 'World Economic Outlook'?
40. Q40

    With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure?

    1. 1Defence expenditure
    2. 2Interest payments
    3. 3Salaries and pensions
    4. 4Subsidies.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
41. Q41

    If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will
42. Q42

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
    2. 2All executive actions of the Government of Indi…
43. Q43

    Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

    1. 1There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
    2. 2A motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.

    Which of the statements given abov…
44. Q44

    With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

    1. 1Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
    2. 2Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
    3. 3Neem oil…
45. Q45

    Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?
46. Q46

    In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person?

    1. 1Iris scanning
    2. 2Retinal scanning
    3. 3Voice recognition.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
47. Q47

    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?

    1. 1Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.
    2. 2Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
    3. 3Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the…
48. Q48

    Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Spacecraft — Purpose.

    1. 1Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.
    2. 2Messenger : Mapping and investigating.
    3. 3Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system. Select the…
49. Q49

    Consider the following pairs: Region — Well-known for the production of.

    1. 1Kinnaur : Areca nut.
    2. 2Mewat : Mango.
    3. 3Coromandel : Soya bean.

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
50. Q50

    Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change?

    1. 1Crystallization of sodium chloride.
    2. 2Melting of ice.
    3. 3Souring of milk.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
51. Q51

    The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its
52. Q52

    Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

    1. 1Budding and grafting in fruit plants.
    2. 2Cytoplasmic male sterility.
    3. 3Gene silencing.

    Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?
53. Q53

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1Maize can be used for the production of starch.
    2. 2Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
    3. 3Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
54. Q54

    Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?
55. Q55

    The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in
56. Q56

    Consider the following towns of India:

    1. 1Bhadrachalam
    2. 2Chanderi
    3. 3Kancheepuram
    4. 4Karnal.

    Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
57. Q57

    Consider the following pairs: National Highway — Cities connected.

    1. 1NH4 : Chennai and Hyderabad.
    2. 2NH6 : Mumbai and Kolkata.
    3. 3NH15 : Ahmedabad and Jodhpur.

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
58. Q58

    Consider the following international agreements:

    1. 1The international Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
    2. 2The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
    3. 3The World Heritage Convention.

    Which of the above has/have a bearin…
59. Q59

    Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour':

    1. 1It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
    2. 2It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
    3. 3It is a movement to raise the awareness about…
60. Q60

    Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
61. Q61

    What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'?

    1. 1Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
    2. 2Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in…
62. Q62

    If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?
63. Q63

    Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the 'Ten Degree Channel'?
64. Q64

    Consider the following pairs: Programme/Project — Ministry.

    1. 1Drought-Prone Area Programme : Ministry of Agriculture.
    2. 2Desert Development Programme : Ministry of Environment and Forests.
    3. 3National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas : Ministry…
65. Q65

    With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:

    1. 1It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
    2. 2It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public…
66. Q66

    With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?
67. Q67

    With reference to technology for solar power production, consider the following statements:

    1. 1'Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Su…
68. Q68

    Consider the following languages:

    1. 1Gujarati
    2. 2Kannada
    3. 3Telugu.

    Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government?
69. Q69

    Consider the following pairs:

    1. 1Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram.
    2. 2Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim.
    3. 3Saramati Peak : Nagaland.

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
70. Q70

    With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. 1It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
    2. 2It works at the f…
71. Q71

    With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:

    1. 1The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
    2. 2South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

    Which of the statements given above is/are co…
72. Q72

    Consider the following diseases:

    1. 1Diphtheria
    2. 2Chickenpox
    3. 3Smallpox.

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
73. Q73

    Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?

    1. 1Continental drift
    2. 2Glacial cycles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
74. Q74

    Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

    1. 1Construction of dams and barrages on rivers.
    2. 2Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers.
    3. 3Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentall…
75. Q75

    The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to
76. Q76

    Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

    1. 1They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
    2. 2They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Sel…
77. Q77

    Consider the following:

    1. 1Bats
    2. 2Bears
    3. 3Rodents. The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?
78. Q78

    Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
79. Q79

    Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

    1. 1Volcanic action
    2. 2Respiration
    3. 3Photosynthesis
    4. 4Decay of organic matter.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
80. Q80

    If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which one of the following is/are such bird/birds?

    1. 1Painted Stork
    2. 2Common Myna
    3. 3Black-necked…
81. Q81

    Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. 1Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    2. 2Gulf of Kachchh
    3. 3Gulf of Mannar
    4. 4Sunderbans.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
82. Q82

    In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

    1. 1Terrace cultivation
    2. 2Deforestation
    3. 3Tropical climate.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
83. Q83

    The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
84. Q84

    With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to
85. Q85

    Consider the following rivers:

    1. 1Barak
    2. 2Lohit
    3. 3Subansiri.

    Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
86. Q86

    Consider the following pairs: Wetlands — Confluence of rivers.

    1. 1Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej.
    2. 2Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal.
    3. 3Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna.

    Which of the above pa…
87. Q87

    Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
88. Q88

    Consider the following pairs: Hills — Region.

    1. 1Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast.
    2. 2Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast.
    3. 3Mahadeo Hills : Central India.
    4. 4Mikir Hills : North-East India.

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
89. Q89

    Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?
90. Q90

    The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
91. Q91

    Turkey is located between
92. Q92

    What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?

    1. 1Bangkok
    2. 2Hanoi
    3. 3Jakarta
    4. 4Singapore.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
93. Q93

    The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 1. Terrestrial…
94. Q94

    The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
95. Q95

    In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the
96. Q96

    What are the benefits of implementing the 'Integrated Watershed Development Programme'?

    1. 1Prevention of soil runoff.
    2. 2Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers.
    3. 3Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table.
    4. 4Regeneration of…
97. Q97

    Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India?

    1. 1The Finance Commission.
    2. 2The National Development Council.
    3. 3The Union Ministry of Rural Development.
    4. 4The Union Ministry of Urban Development.
    5. 5The Parliament.

    Select the correct answer…
98. Q98

    Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?

    1. 1Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings.
    2. 2Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees.
    3. 3Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries.

    Select the correct answer u…
99. Q99

    Consider the following statements: A Constitutional Government is one which

    1. 1Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority.
    2. 2Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual…
100. Q100

     Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

     1. 1Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President's rule.
     2. 2Appointing the Ministers.
     3. 3Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for c…