UPSC Prelims Mock Test 3: GS Paper 1 Practice Test with Answers

This is UPSC Prelims Mock Test 3, a GS Paper 1 practice test with 20 mixed questions from Polity, Economy, Modern History, Geography, Environment and Science and Technology, along with answers and explanations. Take it in one sitting with a timer, and use the answer key only after you finish.

Why a Full-Length Mock Test Matters

A full mock test is the best way to check your preparation in the exam conditions. It trains you in time management, in choosing the questions to attempt and in the elimination of options. A mixed test also shows which subjects are weak, so that you can plan the next week of revision with a clear target.

Instructions

• Total questions: 20. Suggested time: 24 minutes.
• Each correct answer gives 2 marks and each wrong answer deducts 0.66 marks, as in the real Prelims.
• Attempt the questions first and check the answer key only after you finish.

Practice Questions

Q1. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
(a) 15 August 1947
(b) 26 November 1949
(c) 26 January 1950
(d) 9 December 1946

Q2. Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?
(a) Article 15
(b) Article 16
(c) Article 17
(d) Article 18

Q3. The President of India can proclaim a National Emergency under which Article?
(a) Article 352
(b) Article 356
(c) Article 360
(d) Article 365

Q4. Which of the following is a Directive Principle of State Policy?
(a) Right to equality
(b) Equal pay for equal work for men and women
(c) Freedom of speech
(d) Right to constitutional remedies

Q5. Fiscal deficit is equal to:
(a) Total expenditure minus total receipts excluding borrowings
(b) Revenue expenditure minus revenue receipts
(c) Capital expenditure minus capital receipts
(d) Imports minus exports

Q6. The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the percentage of:
(a) Bank deposits kept as cash with the RBI
(b) Loans given to farmers
(c) Bank profits paid as tax
(d) Gold reserves of the RBI

Q7. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on:
(a) 1 April 2016
(b) 1 July 2017
(c) 1 January 2018
(d) 1 April 2019

Q8. Which of the following is a direct tax?
(a) GST
(b) Customs duty
(c) Income tax
(d) Excise duty

Q9. The Revolt of 1857 began at:
(a) Delhi
(b) Meerut
(c) Kanpur
(d) Lucknow

Q10. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:
(a) 1905
(b) 1919
(c) 1920
(d) 1930

Q11. The 'Quit India' movement started in:
(a) 1930
(b) 1940
(c) 1942
(d) 1946

Q12. The river Brahmaputra is known as which name in Tibet?
(a) Dihang
(b) Tsangpo
(c) Jamuna
(d) Padma

Q13. The Deccan Plateau is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west and which range on the east?
(a) Aravalli
(b) Eastern Ghats
(c) Vindhya
(d) Satpura

Q14. Which of the following states has the longest coastline in India?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Gujarat
(d) Andhra Pradesh

Q15. Which gas is mainly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
(c) Methane
(d) Nitrogen

Q16. The Ramsar Convention is related to:
(a) Whales
(b) Wetlands
(c) Forests
(d) Deserts

Q17. The Red Data Book is published by:
(a) WWF
(b) IUCN
(c) UNEP
(d) FAO

Q18. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near which region of the Moon in 2023?
(a) North pole
(b) South polar region
(c) Equator
(d) Far side

Q19. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
(a) Coal
(b) Natural gas
(c) Solar energy
(d) Petroleum

Q20. The vitamin that is produced in the skin with the help of sunlight is:
(a) Vitamin A
(b) Vitamin B12
(c) Vitamin C
(d) Vitamin D

Answer Key with Explanations

1. Q1: (b) The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
2. Q2: (c) Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form an offence.
3. Q3: (a) Article 352 deals with National Emergency, Article 356 with the President's Rule in a state and Article 360 with Financial Emergency.
4. Q4: (b) Equal pay for equal work is in Article 39(d), a Directive Principle. The other options are Fundamental Rights.
5. Q5: (a) Fiscal deficit = total expenditure - total receipts (excluding borrowings). It shows the borrowing requirement of the government.
6. Q6: (a) The CRR is the part of a bank's deposits (net demand and time liabilities) that has to be kept with the RBI in cash.
7. Q7: (b) GST was introduced on 1 July 2017 through the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016.
8. Q8: (c) Income tax is a direct tax, which is paid directly by the person on whom it is levied.
9. Q9: (b) The revolt began at Meerut on 10 May 1857, and the rebels marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar the leader.
10. Q10: (c) The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhi in 1920 and was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
11. Q11: (c) The Quit India Movement began on 8 August 1942 with the slogan 'Do or Die'.
12. Q12: (b) The Brahmaputra is called the Tsangpo in Tibet, the Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Jamuna in Bangladesh.
13. Q13: (b) The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats form the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau.
14. Q14: (c) Gujarat has the longest coastline among the states, at about 1,600 km.
15. Q15: (b) CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which destroy ozone molecules.
16. Q16: (b) The Ramsar Convention (1971) provides for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
17. Q17: (b) The IUCN publishes the Red List and the Red Data Books of the threatened species.
18. Q18: (b) Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing near the Moon's south polar region on 23 August 2023, making India the first country to do so.
19. Q19: (c) Solar energy is renewable, while coal, natural gas and petroleum are fossil fuels.
20. Q20: (d) Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin on exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Subject-wise Coverage of This Test

Quick Fact Sheet

• Score = (Correct x 2) - (Wrong x 0.66) for each test, to match the real exam.
• Aim for at least 70 per cent accuracy in the attempted questions.
• Mark the doubtful questions and revise their concept after the test.
• Take a mock test at the same time of the day as the real exam, if possible.
• Record the subject-wise score in a sheet after each test.
• Review all questions, including the correct ones, to see if you were lucky or sure.

How to Use This Mock Test

Take one mock test every week in the early phase and two in the last month. After each test, spend double the test time in analysis. Divide your errors into concept gaps, memory gaps and silly mistakes. Revise the topics where you made the most errors, and write the corrections in an error book. You can also read our free UPSC notes for simple revision, and use our other practice papers on the site for mixed practice.

Tricks for Attempting a Mock Test

• Do two rounds. Attempt the sure questions first, then use elimination on the doubtful ones.
• Do not over-think. Keep an average of about 70 seconds per question.
• Mark and move on. Leave a stubborn question after 90 seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Taking tests without a timer.
• Not analysing the tests properly.
• Guessing blindly on all the unknown questions.
• Comparing the score with others, instead of with your own previous score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should I attempt this mock test?

Take it in one sitting in 24 minutes, mark your answers on paper, and check the key only after you finish.

What is a good score in this test?

A score of 28 or more out of 40 with good accuracy is a good start. Compare it with your own earlier tests.

How many mock tests should I take before the Prelims?

Around 20 to 30 full-length tests with proper analysis are generally enough.

Should I attempt all the questions?

No. Attempt a doubtful question only when you can remove at least two options.

How do I analyse a mock test?

Classify each wrong question as concept gap, memory gap or careless mistake, and revise accordingly.

Is this test in the UPSC pattern?

It follows the GS Paper 1 style, with a mix of subjects and the same marking scheme.

Where can I find more tests?

Our site has many practice papers on polity, economy, history, geography, environment and more.