Essential UPSC General Knowledge Questions and Answers for Competitive Exams

This article presents a comprehensive list of crucial general knowledge questions and answers tailored for UPSC and various competitive exams. Covering topics from history and geography to current affairs and science, these questions are designed to enhance your preparation and confidence. Whether you're a student gearing up for exams or someone looking to refresh your knowledge, this resource is invaluable. Dive in to discover the answers to questions that could make a difference in your exam success!

By Ambika Singh Jun 13, 2025, 10:16 IST

UPSC General Knowledge Questions and Answers

Every year, millions of students gear up for various competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Bank, Railway, NDA, and CDS. A solid grasp of general studies and general knowledge is crucial for achieving success in these assessments. Regardless of whether it's the preliminary or main exam, questions related to general knowledge are prevalent at all stages. Topics covering history, geography, science, politics, the constitution, and current affairs often play a pivotal role in determining a candidate's success.

Enhancing your general knowledge not only boosts your exam scores but also builds your confidence during interviews. Below are 50 vital general knowledge questions along with their answers, frequently encountered in UPSC, SSC CGL, CHSL, Banking, Railway, and other government job examinations.

General Knowledge Questions

1. Who was the first President of India?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

2. When did India gain independence?
Answer: 15 August 1947

3. Which Indian state has the largest area?
Answer: Rajasthan

4. What is the highest mountain on Earth?
Answer: Mount Everest

5. What is India's national animal?
Answer: Tiger

6. What is the national bird of India?
Answer: Peacock

7. What was the name of India's first satellite?
Answer: Aryabhata

8. When did the Constitution of India come into effect?
Answer: 26 January 1950

9. When was the United Nations Organization established?
Answer: 24 October 1945

10. Which continent is the largest?
Answer: Asia

History and Freedom Struggle Questions

11. What was Rani Lakshmibai's real name?
Answer: Manikarnika

12. When did the Simon Commission arrive in India?
Answer: 1928

13. When did Gandhiji initiate the Dandi March?
Answer: 12 March 1930

14. Who coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'?
Answer: Lal Bahadur Shastri

15. When did the Quit India Movement occur?
Answer: 8 August 1942

Geography and Environment Questions

16. Where does the Ganges river originate?
Answer: Gomukh, Uttarakhand

17. What is the longest river in India?
Answer: Ganga

18. Which planet is closest to the Sun?
Answer: Mercury

19. Which type of vegetation produces the most oxygen on Earth?
Answer: Algae

20. Which planet is referred to as the blue planet?
Answer: Earth

Science and Technology Questions

21. What is the largest gland in the human body?
Answer: Liver

22. Who discovered DNA?
Answer: Watson and Crick

23. Who is known as the father of the computer?
Answer: Charles Babbage

24. What does a light year measure?
Answer: Distance

25. Which system is the heart part of?
Answer: Circulatory system

Indian Constitution and Politics Questions

26. Who was the architect of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

27. How many types of government exist in India?
Answer: Three - Central, State, and Local Government

28. Where is the Supreme Court of India located?
Answer: New Delhi

29. What is the term length for the President of India?
Answer: 5 years

30. How many houses are in the Indian Parliament?
Answer: Two (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)

Sports and Awards Questions

31. When did the Olympic Games first take place?
Answer: 1896, Athens (Greece)

32. Which nation won the inaugural Cricket World Cup?
Answer: West Indies (1975)

33. What is India's national sport?
Answer: Hockey

34. When did Sachin Tendulkar receive the Bharat Ratna?
Answer: 2014

35. In which field is the Nobel Prize not awarded?
Answer: Mathematics

Current Affairs and Modern India Questions

36. When did Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touch down on the moon?
Answer: 23 August 2023

37. Who is the current President of India?
Answer: Droupadi Murmu (until 2025)

38. Which country hosted the G20 summit in 2023?
Answer: India

39. When did the first Vande Bharat Express commence operations?
Answer: 15 February 2019

40. What does ISRO stand for?
Answer: Indian Space Research Organisation

General Knowledge Questions

41. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
Answer: Indira Gandhi

42. Who wrote the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore

43. Which road was constructed by Sher Shah Suri?
Answer: Grand Trunk Road

44. On which riverbank was the Harappan civilization located?
Answer: Indus River

45. Who commissioned the Taj Mahal?
Answer: Shah Jahan

Additional General Knowledge Questions

46. What is the highest waterfall in India?
Answer: Jog Falls (Karnataka)

47. When was the Fourth Five Year Plan initiated?
Answer: 1969-1974

48. When was the first census in India conducted?
Answer: 1872

49. What does ATM stand for?
Answer: Automated Teller Machine

50. What does PAN signify in a PAN card?
Answer: Permanent Account Number