If you’re aiming for SSC CGL success, strong GK preparation is a must. This set of 40 SSC CGL GK questions with answers is designed to simplify your learning. From history to economy, each question mirrors the exam style. Start practicing and boost your confidence today.
SSC CGL GK Questions with Brief Explanations (40 Sets)
History & Culture Questions
Q1. Lata Mangeshkar was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in the year ________.
1. 2004
2. 2003
3. 2001
4. 2002
Show Answer
Answer: 3. 2001
Explanation: Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary playback singer known as the “Nightingale of India,” was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 2001 for her outstanding contribution to Indian music spanning over five decades.
Q2. Hariprasad Chaurasia, an Indian flutist in the Hindustani classical tradition, was awarded which award in 2000?
1. Padma Vibhushan
2. Padma Bhushan
3. Padma Shri
4. Bharat Ratna
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Padma Vibhushan
Explanation: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the renowned flute maestro, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2000, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his exceptional contributions to Hindustani classical music.
Q3. Which of the following events took place in the United Provinces in February, 1922?
1. Chauri Chaura
2. Quit India
3. Kakori Incident
4. Khilafat Movement
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Chauri Chaura
Explanation: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred on February 5, 1922, in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). Protesters clashed with police and burned down a police station, leading Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Q4. According to which foreign traveller, people of Delhi used to write letters containing abuses to the Sultan?
1. Hasan Nizami
2. Isami
3. Ibn Batuta
4. Al Biruni
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Ibn Batuta
Explanation: Ibn Battuta, the famous 14th-century Moroccan traveler, documented in his accounts that the people of Delhi would write abusive letters to Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq, which prompted the Sultan to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad as a punishment.
Q5. When was the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy established?
1. 1954
2. 1951
3. 1952
4. 1953
Show Answer
Answer: 1. 1954
Explanation: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy was established in 1954 in Imphal, Manipur, as confirmed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is a premier institution for teaching Manipuri Dance and Music and allied subjects like Thang-Ta.
Q6. Vasudeva I who issued coins in gold (dinars and quarter dinars) and copper was a _______ king.
1. Shunga
2. Shaka
3. Vakataka
4. Kushana
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Kushana
Explanation: Vasudeva I (191-232 CE) was a Kushana king who ruled the northern part of India. He was known for issuing gold dinars and copper coins with Bactrian Greek legends, continuing the Kushana tradition of high-quality coinage.
Q7. Who among the following was the last sultan of Delhi sultanate?
1. Sikandar Lodi
2. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
3. Ibrahim Lodi
4. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation: Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526 CE) was the last sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty. He was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate.
Q8. Tabla player, Ustad Zakir Hussain was awarded which award by the Government of India in 2023?
1. Padma Bhushan
2. Bharat Ratna
3. Padma Vibhushan
4. Padma Shri
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Padma Vibhushan
Explanation: Ustad Zakir Hussain, the world-renowned tabla virtuoso, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2023 for his exceptional contributions to Indian classical music and his role in popularizing tabla globally.
Q9. Gangubai Hangal and Prabha Atre were exponents of the _______ Gharana.
1. Mewati
2. Jaipur
3. Kirana
4. Rampur
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Kirana
Explanation: Both Gangubai Hangal and Prabha Atre were distinguished vocalists of the Kirana Gharana, known for its emphasis on voice culture, slow-tempo alap, and precise intonation in Hindustani classical music.
Q10. In which of the following cities did Mahatma Gandhi lead the peasant movement against the imposed indigo cultivation?
1. Gorakhpur
2. Bardoli
3. Kheda
4. Champaran
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Champaran
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) in Bihar was Gandhi's first major movement in India, where he led peasants against the oppressive indigo plantation system imposed by British planters, marking the beginning of his leadership in the Indian independence movement.
Geography Questions
Q11. In which of the following districts of Rajasthan are the ‘Barchans' found?
1. Jaisalmer
2. Alwar
3. Udaipur
4. Bhilwara
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Jaisalmer
Explanation: Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes formed by wind action in desert areas. Jaisalmer district in western Rajasthan, being part of the Thar Desert, has extensive barchan formations due to prevailing wind patterns and abundant sand supply.
Q12. In which state of India was the Neeru-Meeru programme introduced?
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Andhra Pradesh
3. Punjab
4. Rajasthan
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) programme was launched in Andhra Pradesh to promote community participation in water harvesting and conservation through construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and other water harvesting structures.
Q13. Which of the following has the highest salinity?
1. Great Salt Lake
2. Dead Sea
3. Red Sea
4. Lake Van
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Dead Sea
Explanation: The Dead Sea has a salinity of approximately 34% (340 parts per thousand), making it one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. It is saltier than the Great Salt Lake, which has variable salinity levels.
Q14. As of 2021, which is the world's largest drainage basin?
1. Amazon basin
2. Congo basin
3. Amur basin
4. Nile basin
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Amazon basin
Explanation: The Amazon basin covers approximately 7 million square kilometers, making it the world's largest drainage basin. It spans across multiple South American countries and drains into the Atlantic Ocean through the Amazon River.
Polity & Constitution Questions
Q15. Which Article of the Constitution of India deals with the conduct of business of the Government of a state?
1. Article 164
2. Article 167
3. Article 166
4. Article 177
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Article 166
Explanation: Article 166 of the Indian Constitution deals with the conduct of business of the Government of a state. It specifies how executive actions of the state government are to be expressed and authenticated.
Q16. Which Article of the Constitution of India expressly provides that the President is eligible for re-election?
1. Article 59
2. Article 56
3. Article 57
4. Article 58
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Article 57
Explanation: Article 57 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that “A person who holds, or who has held, office as President shall, subject to the other provisions of this Constitution, be eligible for re-election to that office.”
Q17. Which Constitution inspired the law-making process in India?
1. British Constitution
2. US Constitution
3. Irish Constitution
4. Canadian Constitution
Show Answer
Answer: 2. US Constitution
Explanation: The Indian Constitution borrowed the law-making process, including the bicameral legislature structure and the concept of judicial review, from the US Constitution, though it also incorporated features from various other constitutions.
Q18. Which Article of the Constitution grants power to the President to appoint Judges of the Supreme Court?
1. Article 124(2)
2. Article 123(1)
3. Article 128(4)
4. Article 127(3)
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Article 124(2)
Explanation: Article 124(2) empowers the President of India to appoint judges of the Supreme Court after consultation with such judges as the President may deem necessary, including the Chief Justice of India.
Q19. Which Article contains Fundamental Duties?
1. 45A
2. 32A
3. 51A
4. 62B
Show Answer
Answer: 3. 51A
Explanation: Article 51A of the Indian Constitution contains the Fundamental Duties of citizens. It was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and lists 11 fundamental duties that every citizen should follow.
Q20. Which Article mentions about the organisation of ‘Village Panchayats'?
1. Article 38
2. Article 31
3. Article 40
4. Article 36
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Article 40
Explanation: Article 40 is a Directive Principle of State Policy that directs the state to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority to function as units of self-government.
Sports & Miscellaneous Questions
Q21. How many players are there on each side of the Kabaddi Team in the field?
1. 9
2. 10
3. 8
4. 7
Show Answer
Answer: 4. 7
Explanation: In standard kabaddi, each team has 7 players on the field at any given time. The game is played between two teams of 12 players each, but only 7 players from each team are on the court during play.
Q22. Which of the following terms is NOT related to cricket?
1. No Ball
2. Wide Ball
3. Deuce
4. Wicket
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Deuce
Explanation: “Deuce” is a tennis term used when both players have scored 40 points (40-40). It is not used in cricket, whereas No Ball, Wide Ball, and Wicket are all common cricket terminology.
Q23. When was the Indian Hockey Federation established?
1. 1925
2. 1945
3. 1935
4. 1955
Show Answer
Answer: 1. 1925
Explanation: The Indian Hockey Federation (now Hockey India) was established in 1925 to govern and promote field hockey in India. India became a dominant force in international hockey, winning multiple Olympic gold medals.
Q24. Which of the following cups/trophies is NOT related to Indian domestic cricket?
1. Duleep Trophy
2. Deodhar Trophy
3. Ranji Trophy
4. Durand Cup
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Durand Cup
Explanation: The Durand Cup is India's oldest football tournament, established in 1888. The other three – Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Ranji Trophy – are all prestigious domestic cricket competitions in India.
Q25. In which year was the National Institute of Kathak Dance established?
1. 1961
2. 1969
3. 1954
4. 1964
Show Answer
Answer: 1. 1961
Explanation: The National Institute of Kathak Dance was established in 1961 in New Delhi to preserve, promote, and teach Kathak, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, known for its intricate footwork and graceful movements.
Awards & Honours Questions
Q26. Which Ghazal singer was conferred with the Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in April 2023?
1. Ghazal Srinivas
2. Pankaj Udhas
3. Bhupinder Singh
4. Talat Aziz
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Pankaj Udhas
Explanation: Pankaj Udhas, the renowned ghazal singer known for his soulful voice and popular ghazals like “Chitthi Aayee Hai,” was honored with the Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in April 2023 for his contribution to music.
Q27. Madhuri Barthwal, a folk singer and Padma Shri 2022 awardee, belongs to which state?
1. Maharashtra
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Uttarakhand
4. Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Uttarakhand
Explanation: Madhuri Barthwal is a folk singer from Uttarakhand who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contributions to preserving and promoting the folk music traditions of the Himalayan region.
Current Affairs & Government Schemes
Q28. In May 2022, Then President Ram Nath Kovind appointed _______ as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
1. Vijai Kapoor
2. Vinai Kumar Saxena
3. Anil Baijal
4. Kiran Bedi
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Vinai Kumar Saxena
Explanation: Vinai Kumar Saxena, a former Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in May 2022, replacing Anil Baijal.
Q29. In 2022, which railway station was selected for the ‘One Station One Product' scheme for Kanchipuram sarees?
1. Patna Jn
2. Visakhapatnam
3. Chennai Central
4. Howrah
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Chennai Central
Explanation: Chennai Central railway station was selected under the ‘One Station One Product' scheme to promote Kanchipuram sarees, which are famous silk sarees from the Kanchipuram region of Tamil Nadu, known for their rich texture and intricate designs.
Q30. Which scheme enables students mobility across Higher Education Institutions?
1. Academic Bank of Credits
2. National Educational Technology Forum
3. Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning Levels (SAFAL)
4. PM Umeed scheme
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Academic Bank of Credits
Explanation: The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital platform that facilitates students to earn and transfer credits across different Higher Education Institutions, enabling academic mobility and flexibility in learning pathways.
Festivals & Cultural Events
Q31. ‘Poush Mela' is a unique festival celebrated in which state?
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. West Bengal
Show Answer
Answer: 4. West Bengal
Explanation: Poush Mela is a traditional winter festival celebrated in West Bengal, particularly at Santiniketan, during the Bengali month of Poush (December-January). It was started by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and later popularized by Rabindranath Tagore.
Q32. Shab-e-Barat is celebrated by which religious group?
1. Buddhist
2. Muslim
3. Jain
4. Parsi
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Muslim
Explanation: Shab-e-Barat (Night of Forgiveness) is an Islamic festival observed by Muslims on the 15th night of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the night when Allah decides the fate of individuals for the coming year.
Q33. ‘Sangken' is a festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh by people of which religion?
1. Jainism
2. Islam
3. Hinduism
4. Buddhism
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Buddhism
Explanation: Sangken is the traditional New Year festival celebrated by the Buddhist communities in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly by the Theravada Buddhist tribes like Khamti, Singpho, and Chakma. It usually falls in April and involves water rituals and prayers.
Q34. Harela is a festival primarily celebrated in which state?
1. Madhya Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Uttarakhand
4. Haryana
Show Answer
Answer: 3. Uttarakhand
Explanation: Harela is a traditional festival of Uttarakhand celebrated to promote environmental conservation and greenery. During this festival, people sow seeds and celebrate the importance of nature and agriculture in their lives.
Books & Authors
Q35. Who has written the book ‘Fearless Governance'?
1. Draupadi Murmu
2. Kiran Bedi
3. Anandi ben Patel
4. Baby Rani Maurya
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Kiran Bedi
Explanation: ‘Fearless Governance' was written by Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. The book, published in January 2021, describes her experiences and insights during her tenure as Governor.
Q36. Who among the following freedom fighters is the author of ‘The Indian Struggle'?
1. Vallabhbhai Patel
2. Motilal Nehru
3. Mahatma Gandhi
4. Subhas Chandra Bose
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: ‘The Indian Struggle' is an autobiographical work by Subhas Chandra Bose, published in two volumes (1920-1934 and 1935-1942). It chronicles his experiences in the Indian independence movement and his political philosophy.
International Relations & Organizations
Q37. In the 7th Century AD, Islam was born in _______.
1. South Africa
2. Indonesia
3. Malaysia
4. Arabia
Show Answer
Answer: 4. Arabia
Explanation: Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD (around 610 CE) when Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in Mecca. The religion then spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
Q38. In which year was the International Olympic Committee formed?
1. 1898
2. 1892
3. 1896
4. 1894
Show Answer
Answer: 4. 1894
Explanation: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on June 23, 1894, by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in Paris. The first modern Olympic Games were subsequently held in Athens in 1896.
Economy & Finance
Q39. Which of the following definitions best describes microfinance?
1. A digital-only and mobile-first bank
2. Microfinance is a banking service provided to unemployed or low-income individuals
3. Microfinance refers to providing banking services to rural areas
4. A microfinance institution registered under Companies Act
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Microfinance is a banking service provided to unemployed or low-income individuals
Explanation: Microfinance refers to financial services, including small loans, savings, and insurance, provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have limited access to conventional banking services.
Q40. The Mahalanobis model was the basis for which Five-Year Plan?
1. Fourth Five-Year Plan
2. Second Five-Year Plan
3. First Five-Year Plan
4. Sixth Five-Year Plan
Show Answer
Answer: 2. Second Five-Year Plan
Explanation: The Mahalanobis model, developed by statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, emphasized the development of heavy industries and was the foundation for India's Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961), focusing on rapid industrialization.
Practicing SSC CGL GK questions regularly ensures accuracy and speed in exams. Keep revising these 40 MCQs and check out our other GK quizzes for better preparation.
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