NDA / CDS / AFCAT - MCQ Practice Questions
Practice <strong>NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF</strong> MCQ questions covering Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, General Science, and Current Affairs. Perfect for Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force officer aspirants.
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Which Indian defence exercise, conducted jointly with the United States, focuses on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare, and was held in 2023 in Uttarakhand?
Understanding:
The question asks about a joint India-US defence exercise focused on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare, held in Uttarakhand in 2023.
Step 1: Identify the exercise
Exercise Yudh Abhyas is the flagship joint military training exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army. It has been held annually since 2004 and alternates between India and the United States.
Step 2: Confirm the 2023 edition details
The 19th edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2023 was held at Auli, Uttarakhand, India. It focused on counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, and high-altitude combat training, reflecting the challenging terrain of the region.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Exercise Shakti is a joint exercise between India and France. Exercise Malabar is a trilateral naval exercise between India, the USA, and Japan. Exercise Tasman Saber is conducted between the USA and Australia.
Answer:
Exercise Yudh Abhyas is the joint India-US military exercise held in Uttarakhand in 2023 focused on counter-terrorism and jungle warfare.
India successfully test-fired the Agni-V ballistic missile with MIRV technology in 2024 under Mission Divyastra. What does MIRV stand for?
Understanding:
The question asks for the full form of MIRV in the context of India's Agni-V missile test under Mission Divyastra in 2024.
Step 1: Define MIRV
MIRV stands for Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle. A MIRV-equipped missile can carry several warheads, each of which can be directed at a different target.
Step 2: Context of Mission Divyastra
India conducted Mission Divyastra in March 2024, successfully test-firing the Agni-V missile equipped with MIRV technology. This made India one of a select group of nations (USA, Russia, UK, France, China) to possess MIRV capability, significantly enhancing India's strategic deterrence.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
The other options are incorrectly expanded forms that do not correspond to the standard defence/aerospace terminology used for MIRV technology.
Answer:
MIRV stands for Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle.
Which indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variant was inducted into the Indian Air Force in February 2024, marking a significant step in India's self-reliance in defence?
Understanding:
The question asks about the LCA variant inducted into the Indian Air Force in February 2024.
Step 1: Background of Tejas variants
Tejas Mark 1 is the baseline version already in service with the Indian Air Force in two squadrons. Tejas Mark 1A is an upgraded version featuring an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare suite, air-to-air refuelling capability, and modern avionics.
Step 2: 2024 induction
The first Tejas Mark 1A aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force on February 28, 2024, by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a ceremony in Bengaluru, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian Air Force placed an order for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Tejas Mark 2 and Tejas Navy Mark 2 are still under development and had not been inducted by February 2024.
Answer:
Tejas Mark 1A was inducted into the Indian Air Force in February 2024.
The Indian Navy's first domestically built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned in 2022. What is its displacement?
Understanding:
The question asks about the displacement of INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022.
Step 1: INS Vikrant overview
INS Vikrant (IAC-1) was commissioned on September 2, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi. It is the first aircraft carrier to be designed and built in India.
Step 2: Key specifications
INS Vikrant has a full load displacement of approximately 45,000 tonnes. It is about 262 metres long and 62 metres wide, and can carry up to 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters such as Kamov Ka-31 and MH-60R.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
A displacement of 25,000 tonnes is too small for a fleet carrier. 35,500 tonnes is the displacement of older carriers. 65,000 tonnes is closer to US supercarriers like USS Gerald R. Ford class.
Answer:
INS Vikrant has a displacement of approximately 45,000 tonnes.
Exercise 'Tasman Saber' is a bilateral military exercise conducted between which two countries?
Understanding:
The question asks about the two countries that participate in Exercise Tasman Saber.
Step 1: Identify Exercise Tasman Saber
Exercise Tasman Saber is a major bilateral military exercise conducted between the United States and Australia. It is one of the largest combined exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Step 2: Nature of the exercise
The exercise involves joint training in warfighting skills, coordination, and interoperability between the US and Australian defence forces across land, sea, and air domains. It is conducted biennially.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
India and Australia conduct Exercise AUSTRAHIND (Army) and Exercise AUSINDEX (Navy). The USA and New Zealand conduct Exercise Kaikōura. Australia and the UK are partners but do not conduct an exercise named Tasman Saber.
Answer:
Exercise Tasman Saber is conducted between the United States and Australia.
Which anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by DRDO was successfully test-fired from a helicopter platform in India in 2023?
Understanding:
The question asks about the helicopter-launched ATGM developed by DRDO that was successfully test-fired in 2023.
Step 1: Identify Helina
Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag) is an air-launched version of the Nag ATGM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to be launched from Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH-WSI) and is an infrared image-seeking, fire-and-forget missile.
Step 2: 2023 test details
Helina was successfully test-fired multiple times in 2023, demonstrating its capability against armoured targets. Its range is approximately 7–8 km and it can defeat tanks equipped with explosive reactive armour.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Nag is the ground-launched version fired from a Namica vehicle, not helicopters. Prahar is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Rudram is an anti-radiation missile launched from aircraft, not helicopters targeting armoured vehicles.
Answer:
Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag) is the ATGM developed by DRDO that was test-fired from a helicopter platform in 2023.
India signed a Major Defence Partnership agreement with which country in 2023, leading to the GE-414 jet engine technology transfer deal for the LCA Tejas Mk2?
Understanding:
The question asks about the country with which India signed a defence partnership in 2023 that involved the GE-414 engine technology transfer for Tejas Mk2.
Step 1: The GE-414 deal
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States in June 2023, India and the USA agreed on a landmark deal for GE Aerospace (General Electric) to co-produce the F414 jet engines with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. This was a historic technology transfer of a cutting-edge fighter jet engine.
Step 2: Significance
The F414 engine will power the Tejas Mark 2 fighter jet. This deal was considered a major breakthrough as the USA had not previously shared such sensitive engine technology with India. It falls under the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Russia supplied engines for older aircraft. France's Safran engines power helicopters. Israel is a partner mainly in aerospace and missile systems. None of these were involved in the GE-414 deal.
Answer:
India signed the GE-414 jet engine technology transfer deal with the United States of America in 2023.
Exercise Shakti is a joint military exercise conducted between India and which country?
Understanding:
The question asks about the country that participates with India in Exercise Shakti.
Step 1: Identify Exercise Shakti
Exercise Shakti is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army. It is conducted biennially, alternating between India and France.
Step 2: 2023 edition details
The 7th edition of Exercise Shakti 2023 was held at Draguignan, France. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate, with emphasis on jungle and semi-desert terrain operations.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
India conducts Exercise Dharma Guardian with Japan, Exercise Ajeya Warrior with the UK, and does not have a major named bilateral army exercise called Shakti with Germany.
Answer:
Exercise Shakti is conducted between India and France.
The Indian Army inducted the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) developed by DRDO in 2023. What is its approximate maximum range?
Understanding:
The question asks about the maximum range of the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) developed by DRDO.
Step 1: MPATGM overview
The MPATGM (Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile) is a third-generation, fire-and-forget infrared imaging seeker-guided missile developed indigenously by DRDO. It is designed to be shoulder-launched and provides infantry units with a potent anti-armour capability.
Step 2: Range specifications
The MPATGM has a minimum range of approximately 200 metres and a maximum range of approximately 2.5 km. It weighs around 14.5 kg including the launcher and can defeat tanks fitted with explosive reactive armour.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
1.5 km is too short and would make it comparable to older generations. 4 km and 8 km are ranges associated with heavier ATGMs like Nag (4 km) and Helina (7–8 km), which are vehicle or helicopter-launched.
Answer:
The MPATGM has a maximum range of approximately 2.5 km.
Which Indian warship became the first Indian Naval ship to participate in the multilateral exercise 'La Perouse' in 2021, and the exercise is led by which country?
Understanding:
The question asks about the Indian warship that first participated in Exercise La Perouse and the country that leads this exercise.
Step 1: About Exercise La Perouse
Exercise La Perouse is a multilateral naval exercise led by the French Navy (Marine Nationale). It is named after French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse. The exercise is conducted in the Indo-Pacific region and aims to enhance interoperability among partner navies.
Step 2: India's first participation
India participated in Exercise La Perouse for the first time in April 2021 with INS Shivalik (a stealth guided-missile frigate). The exercise also included the navies of Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
INS Satpura participated in other multilateral exercises. INS Vikramaditya is an aircraft carrier and was not the participant in La Perouse 2021. INS Kolkata is a destroyer; it did not lead the first India participation in La Perouse.
Answer:
INS Shivalik was the first Indian warship to participate in Exercise La Perouse, which is led by France.
The DRDO-developed supersonic missile-assisted torpedo system 'SMART' was successfully flight-tested in 2022. What is the primary role of SMART?
Understanding:
The question asks about the primary role of DRDO's SMART missile system tested in 2022.
Step 1: What is SMART?
SMART stands for Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo. It is a canisterised system developed by DRDO that uses a supersonic missile to carry a lightweight torpedo over long distances, significantly extending the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) reach of surface platforms.
Step 2: How it works
The SMART system launches a supersonic carrier missile from a ship or shore. The missile flies at supersonic speed to the designated area and then releases a parachute-retarded torpedo into the sea near a submarine target. This overcomes the short range limitation of traditional torpedo launchers.
Step 3: Significance
SMART dramatically increases the stand-off range for anti-submarine operations, keeping the launching vessel out of danger from the submarine's weapons. It was successfully tested from Wheeler Island (Abdul Kalam Island), Odisha, in 2022.
Answer:
SMART is primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare at long ranges by delivering a torpedo to distant targets via a supersonic missile.
India and which country signed a Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in 2020, allowing mutual use of each other's military facilities for refuelling and replenishment?
Understanding:
The question asks about the country with which India signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in 2020.
Step 1: Background on RELOS
The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) is an agreement that allows the military forces of two countries to use each other's bases for refuelling, replenishment, and other logistical support, thereby enhancing their operational reach and interoperability.
Step 2: India-Australia RELOS
India and Australia signed the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), which is Australia's version of RELOS, during the India-Australia Virtual Summit in June 2020. This was a landmark step in India-Australia defence relations.
Step 3: Context of other agreements
India has signed similar agreements with the USA (LEMOA in 2016), France (2018), and Singapore. With Japan, India signed a similar agreement in 2020 as well, but the RELOS specifically linking to the 2020 Australia context is the most prominently examined. Australia's signing was part of elevating ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Answer:
India signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS/MLSA) with Australia in 2020.
Operation Dost was launched by India in 2023 to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to which country devastated by a massive earthquake?
Understanding:
The question asks about the country to which India launched Operation Dost in 2023 for earthquake relief.
Step 1: The 2023 earthquake
In February 2023, a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck southern Turkey (and northern Syria), causing massive destruction and loss of life. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Turkey's modern history.
Step 2: Operation Dost
India launched Operation Dost (meaning 'friend' in Hindi and Turkish) to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Turkey. The Indian Air Force and Army deployed search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, relief materials, and sniffer dogs. IAF C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were used to airlift relief material and personnel.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Nepal experienced earthquakes in 2023, but the relief mission was named differently. Afghanistan and Morocco also experienced earthquakes in 2023, but Operation Dost was specifically launched for Turkey.
Answer:
Operation Dost was launched by India to provide earthquake relief to Turkey in February 2023.
The indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is being developed for the Indian Army. What is its approximate maximum firing range?
Understanding:
The question asks about the maximum firing range of the ATAGS developed for the Indian Army.
Step 1: ATAGS overview
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155 mm, 52-calibre towed howitzer developed jointly by the DRDO (specifically ARDE and CFEES) and Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. It is designed to eventually replace the Bofors gun in Indian Army service.
Step 2: Range specifications
ATAGS has demonstrated a maximum firing range of approximately 48 km with Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) ammunition. This is significantly superior to the Bofors gun's range of about 27–30 km and makes it one of the longest-range towed artillery guns in the world.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
24 km is the approximate range of older 105 mm guns. 30 km is closer to the Bofors gun range. 60 km would be in the category of rocket artillery, not conventional towed guns.
Answer:
ATAGS has an approximate maximum firing range of 48 km.
Which quadrilateral security grouping held its first in-person Leaders' Summit in Washington D.C. in September 2021, and India is a member of this grouping?
Understanding:
The question asks about the quadrilateral security grouping that held its first in-person Leaders' Summit in Washington D.C. in September 2021, of which India is a member.
Step 1: The Quad
The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a strategic security dialogue between India, United States, Australia, and Japan. It was revived at the working level in 2017 and elevated progressively.
Step 2: 2021 Summit
The first-ever in-person Quad Leaders' Summit was held at the White House, Washington D.C. on September 24, 2021. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga participated.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) is a different multilateral grouping including China and Russia. BRICS is an economic grouping. Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance of five English-speaking nations (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand); India is not a member.
Answer:
The Quad held its first in-person Leaders' Summit in Washington D.C. in September 2021, and India is one of its four members.
Exercise Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise between India and which country?
Understanding:
The question asks about the country that participates with India in the bilateral naval exercise named Varuna.
Step 1: About Exercise Varuna
Exercise Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. It has been conducted since 1993 and is named after the Hindu god of the sea and water. The exercise enhances interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies.
Step 2: Recent editions
The 21st edition of Exercise Varuna was conducted in the Mediterranean Sea in January 2023, involving destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters from both navies.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
India conducts Exercise Malabar (with USA, Japan), Exercise Indra (with Russia), Exercise SLINEX (with Sri Lanka), and Exercise La Perouse (with France, but multilateral). The dedicated bilateral naval exercise with France is Varuna.
Answer:
Exercise Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and France.
India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy in 2023. These aircraft are intended for deployment on which platform?
Understanding:
The question asks about the intended deployment platform for the 26 Rafale Marine jets approved for the Indian Navy in 2023.
Step 1: The Rafale Marine deal
In July 2023, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France for the Indian Navy. The deal is valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore.
Step 2: Deployment rationale
The Rafale Marine (also called Rafale-M) is a carrier-capable variant of the Rafale fighter. The Indian Navy currently operates INS Vikramaditya (a conventional aircraft carrier) and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant (IAC-1). The Rafale Marine jets are intended to equip both carriers, replacing the ageing MiG-29K fleet eventually and providing the Navy with a modern twin-engine carrier-based fighter.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
The procurement is specifically for carrier-based operations, not just land-based stations. Limiting them to one carrier alone would not justify the volume of the purchase.
Answer:
The 26 Rafale Marine jets are intended for deployment on both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
India's domestically developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2024. It belongs to which class of submarines?
Understanding:
The question asks about the class to which INS Arighat, commissioned in 2024, belongs.
Step 1: INS Arighat overview
INS Arighat is the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) built by India under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. It was built at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
Step 2: Class identification
INS Arighat belongs to the Arihant class of SSBNs. The lead boat, INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016. Arihant-class submarines are India's sea-based leg of the nuclear triad, capable of launching K-15 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Chakra class refers to nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) leased from Russia (INS Chakra I and II). Kalvari class are conventionally powered Scorpene-type submarines. Shishumar class are German HDW Type 209 diesel-electric submarines. None of these are SSBNs.
Answer:
INS Arighat belongs to the Arihant class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
India and the United States signed the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) in 2019, which is a part of which broader foundational defence agreement?
Understanding:
The question asks about the broader foundational defence agreement of which the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) signed in 2019 between India and the USA is a part.
Step 1: About the ISA
The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) enables sharing of classified military information between the defence industries of India and the United States, facilitating co-production and co-development of defence equipment under the DTTI framework.
Step 2: Parent agreement — GSOMIA
The ISA is a part of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), signed between India and the USA. GSOMIA provides the overarching framework for protecting classified defence-related information exchanged between the two countries. The ISA extends this to the industrial/private sector.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) deals with military logistics access. COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) enables sharing of encrypted communications equipment. BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) enables sharing of geospatial intelligence. None of these are the parent agreement for ISA.
Answer:
The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) is a part of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between India and the USA.
Which missile system was used by India to successfully conduct a test under the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme Phase-II, demonstrating the capability to intercept targets at altitudes above 150 km (endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric)?
Understanding:
The question asks about the missile system used in India's BMD Phase-II test capable of intercepting targets above 150 km altitude.
Step 1: India's BMD Programme Phase-II
DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Phase-II programme is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles at very high altitudes (exo-atmospheric and high endo-atmospheric). Phase-I consisted of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD/Pradyumna) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) systems.
Step 2: AD-1 Interceptor
The AD-1 (Air Defence-1) Interceptor Missile is the key system for Phase-II of India's BMD programme. It is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and aircraft at very high altitudes. In 2022 and 2023, DRDO successfully tested the AD-1 at altitudes exceeding 150 km, demonstrating exo-atmospheric kill capability.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) was Phase-I's exo-atmospheric interceptor with lower performance ceiling. Akash-NG is a point air-defence system against aircraft and cruise missiles. Barak-8 is an Indo-Israeli naval and land-based medium-range SAM, not a BMD system.
Answer:
The AD-1 Interceptor Missile was used for India's BMD Phase-II tests demonstrating capability at altitudes above 150 km.