SET 3 — WBSSC Group C General Awareness
Topic Distribution: Indian History (1–8) | Indian Geography (9–16) | Indian Constitution (17–23) | NEP & WB School Education (24–30) | Gender Awareness (31–35) | Indian Culture (36–40) | Basic Computer Knowledge (41–45) | Environment Awareness (46–48) | Current Affairs/Economy/Sports/Science (49–50)
1. The Battle of Plassey was fought between Siraj-ud-Daulah and:
a) Robert Clive
b) Warren Hastings
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Lord Wellesley
Answer: a) Robert Clive
Explanation: Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757) saw Robert Clive defeat Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah with Mir Jafar’s betrayal; established British political supremacy in Bengal.
2. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
a) C. Rajagopalachari
b) Lord Mountbatten
c) Warren Hastings
d) Lord Wavell
Answer: b) Lord Mountbatten
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten served as first Governor-General (15 Aug 1947–21 Jun 1948); C. Rajagopalachari was first Indian Governor-General (1948–1950).
3. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on:
a) 13 April 1919
b) 6 April 1919
c) 13 March 1919
d) 30 April 1919
Answer: a) 13 April 1919
Explanation: General Dyer ordered firing on peaceful Baisakhi crowd protesting Rowlatt Act in Amritsar; ~400 killed (official), triggered nationwide outrage against British brutality.
4. Which Viceroy announced the partition of Bengal in 1905?
a) Lord Curzon
b) Lord Minto
c) Lord Hardinge
d) Lord Chelmsford
Answer: a) Lord Curzon
Explanation: Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal (Oct 1905) into East (Muslim-majority) and West (Hindu-majority) ostensibly for administrative efficiency; sparked Swadeshi Movement.
5. The Poona Pact (1932) was signed between Gandhi and:
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) B.R. Ambedkar
c) Sardar Patel
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: b) B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Poona Pact increased depressed classes’ seats from 71 separate electorates to 148 reserved seats within Hindu electorate, averting Gandhi’s fast-unto-death.
6. Who established the Servants of India Society in 1905?
a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
c) Lala Lajpat Rai
d) Annie Besant
Answer: a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: Gokhale founded Servants of India Society to train Indians for public service, promote political education, loyalty to British while working for reforms.
7. The Simon Commission arrived in India in:
a) 1927
b) 1928
c) 1929
d) 1930
Answer: b) 1928
Explanation: All-white Simon Commission (1928) boycotted with “Simon Go Back” slogan; Lala Lajpat Rai died from lathi charge protesting it, galvanizing independence movement.
8. Which Congress session adopted the Purna Swaraj resolution demanding complete independence?
a) Lahore 1929
b) Karachi 1931
c) Lucknow 1916
d) Calcutta 1917
Answer: a) Lahore 1929
Explanation: Under Jawaharlal Nehru’s presidency, Lahore session (1929) declared 26 January 1930 as Purna Swaraj Day (now Republic Day), rejecting Dominion Status.
9. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by:
a) Palk Strait
b) Ten Degree Channel
c) Nine Degree Channel
d) Eight Degree Channel
Answer: b) Ten Degree Channel
Explanation: Ten Degree Channel (10°N) separates Little Andaman from Car Nicobar; vital for maritime navigation between Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
10. Which state has the longest coastline in India?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Gujarat
d) Maharashtra
Answer: c) Gujarat
Explanation: Gujarat has India’s longest coastline (1,600 km), followed by Andhra Pradesh (974 km), Tamil Nadu (906 km); crucial for ports like Kandla, Mundra.
11. The Western Ghats run parallel to India’s:
a) Western coast
b) Eastern coast
c) Northern plains
d) Deccan Plateau
Answer: a) Western coast
Explanation: Western Ghats (Sahyadri) stretch 1,600 km parallel to Arabian Sea from Gujarat to Kerala; UNESCO World Heritage, biodiversity hotspot with 7,400+ plant species.
12. Which river forms the largest riverine island in India?
a) Brahmaputra – Majuli
b) Ganga – Sagardwip
c) Godavari – Diviseema
d) Krishna – Sriram Sagaram
Answer: a) Brahmaputra – Majuli
Explanation: Majuli (Assam), world’s largest river island (352 sq km, shrinking), Vaishnavite cultural centre with 22 Satras (monasteries), UNESCO tentative site.
13. The Aravalli Range is located in which states?
a) Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
b) Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
c) Gujarat, Maharashtra
d) Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Answer: a) Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
Explanation: Aravalli, India’s oldest fold mountains (1,500 km), runs northeast-southwest; Gurushikhar (1,722m) highest peak; separates Thar Desert from Indo-Gangetic plains.
14. India’s only active volcano is located in:
a) Barren Island (Andaman)
b) Narcondam (Andaman)
c) Deccan Traps
d) Lakshadweep
Answer: a) Barren Island (Andaman)
Explanation: Barren Island’s stratovolcano last erupted 2023; only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, monitored by NGRI Hyderabad for seismic activity.
15. The Kutch Peninsula is part of which physiographic division?
a) Peninsular Plateau
b) Indo-Gangetic Plain
c) Desert region
d) Coastal plain
Answer: c) Desert region
Explanation: Great Rann of Kutch (world’s largest salt marsh) in Gujarat’s Kutch district; tectonic depression, seasonal salt lake, UNESCO biosphere reserve with flamingos.
16. Which pass provides the shortest route between Leh and Srinagar?
a) Nathu La
b) Zoji La
c) Rohtang Pass
d) Shipki La
Answer: b) Zoji La
Explanation: Zoji La (3,528m), 434 km Srinagar-Leh highway gateway through Zanskar range; often closed by avalanches, strategic for Ladakh connectivity.
17. Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of:
a) Speech and expression
b) Religion
c) Assembly
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Article 19(1) guarantees six freedoms: speech/expression [a], assembly [b], association [c], movement [d], residence [e], profession [f]; reasonable restrictions apply.
18. Which Article deals with abolition of untouchability?
a) Article 15
b) Article 17
c) Article 21
d) Article 23
Answer: b) Article 17
Explanation: Article 17 abolishes untouchability in any form; punishable offence under Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, implementing constitutional mandate.
19. The President of India can be impeached by:
a) Lok Sabha only
b) Rajya Sabha only
c) Parliament
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) Parliament
Explanation: Impeachment under Article 61 requires special majority (2/3 present and voting) in both Houses; charges framed by other House acting as tribunal.
20. Which Fundamental Right cannot be suspended during National Emergency?
a) Article 14
b) Article 19
c) Article 20 & 21
d) Article 32
Answer: c) Article 20 & 21
Explanation: Article 20 (ex post facto laws, double jeopardy, self-incrimination) and 21 (life/liberty) remain enforceable even during emergency; Article 19 automatically suspended.
21. The 97th Constitutional Amendment relates to:
a) GST
b) Cooperative Societies
c) Right to Privacy
d) NJAC
Answer: b) Cooperative Societies
Explanation: 97th Amendment (2011) inserted Article 43B (DPSP for cooperatives), Article 19(1)(c) right to form cooperatives, Part IXB with model rules; partially struck down.
22. CAG is appointed by:
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Parliament
d) Finance Minister
Answer: a) President
Explanation: Comptroller and Auditor General (Article 148) appointed by President, audits Union/State accounts, reports to Parliament; “guardian of public purse.”
23. The power to form new states or alter boundaries lies with:
a) President
b) Parliament
c) State Legislature
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Parliament
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states, alter boundaries, names by simple majority; states consulted but not binding (e.g., Telangana 2014).
24. NEP 2020 proposes increasing public expenditure on education to what percentage of GDP?
a) 4%
b) 6%
c) 8%
d) 10%
Answer: b) 6%
Explanation: From current ~4.6%, NEP targets 6% GDP by 2025 for education infrastructure, teacher training, digital initiatives, equity focus.
25. The “school complex” concept under NEP 2020 involves:
a) Merging small schools
b) Clustering schools for resource sharing
c) Privatizing schools
d) Online-only schools
Answer: b) Clustering schools for resource sharing
Explanation: School complexes (cluster of 10-30 nearby schools) share teachers, labs, libraries, sports facilities, ensuring quality education even in small/rural schools.
26. WB’s “Swasthya Sathi” scheme provides health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, covering:
a) Only govt employees
b) All families (excluding income tax payers)
c) Only SC/ST
d) Only senior citizens
Answer: b) All families (excluding income tax payers)
Explanation: Swasthya Sathi (2018) universal health coverage for secondary/tertiary care, cashless up to ₹5 lakh/family/year, 1,200+ empanelled hospitals.
27. Under NEP, assessment will shift from rote learning to:
a) Board exams only
b) Competency-based, 360-degree
c) Multiple choice only
d) Teacher evaluation only
Answer: b) Competency-based, 360-degree
Explanation: Holistic Progress Cards replace marksheets; PARAKH standardizes competency assessments; board exams semesterized, low-stakes, improvement chances.
28. The West Bengal Free Laptop Scheme for students is provided to:
a) Class 10 merit students
b) Madhyamik & HS pass-outs
c) College students
d) Teachers
Answer: b) Madhyamik & HS pass-outs
Explanation: Scheme distributes free laptops/tablets to Madhyamik (Class 10) and HS (Class 12) passers from govt schools, promoting digital literacy.
29. NEP 2020 mandates coding and computational thinking from:
a) Class 1
b) Class 6
c) Class 9
d) College
Answer: b) Class 6
Explanation: Integration of coding, AI, robotics from middle school (Class 6) through playground-based exposure, electives, internships for future-ready skills.
30. The “PM SHRI Schools” under NEP are:
a) Private schools
b) Schools of Excellence exemplar for NEP implementation
c) Military schools
d) Residential schools only
Answer: b) Schools of Excellence exemplar for NEP implementation
Explanation: 14,500 PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India) schools upgraded as NEP exemplars with better infrastructure, trained teachers, demonstrating 5+3+3+4 structure.
31. India’s first transgender school is located in:
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Maharashtra
d) West Bengal
Answer: a) Kerala
Explanation: Transgender Welfare School in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) provides education, vocational training for transgender students, addressing dropout and social stigma.
32. The “Triple Talaq” criminalisation was enacted through which Act?
a) 2019
b) 2020
c) 2017
d) 2021
Answer: a) 2019
Explanation: Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019 criminalizes instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat), punishable by 3 years imprisonment + fine.
33. Nirbhaya Fund (2013) corpus stands at ₹7,212 crore (2026); primary use?
a) Police training
b) Safety, justice for women victims
c) Women’s hostels only
d) Reservation quotas
Answer: b) Safety, justice for women victims
Explanation: Nirbhaya Fund finances fast-track courts, One Stop Centres, women helplines (181), emergency response systems; ₹3,000+ crore utilized by 2026.
34. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017 increased paid maternity leave to:
a) 12 weeks
b) 18 weeks
c) 26 weeks
d) 32 weeks
Answer: c) 26 weeks
Explanation: For women with <2 children, 26 weeks paid leave (up from 12); mandatory crèche facility in establishments with 50+ employees.
35. POSCO e-Box platform serves as:
a) Online admission portal
b) Digital FIR filing for child sexual offences
c) Scholarship application
d) Teacher recruitment
Answer: b) Digital FIR filing for child sexual offences
Explanation: POSCO e-Box (launched 2020) enables anonymous online FIR filing for POCSO cases, integrated with CCTNS, expediting investigations, victim protection.
36. Sattriya dance, UNESCO-listed 2000, originates from:
a) Manipur
b) Assam
c) Odisha
d) West Bengal
Answer: b) Assam
Explanation: Sattriya, Vaishnava monastic dance from Assam’s Sattra monasteries, 15th century by Srimanta Sankardev; classical status 2000, features Ankiya Naat drama-dance.
37. The Madhubani painting tradition is associated with which state?
a) Bihar
b) Rajasthan
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: a) Bihar
Explanation: Mithila/Madhubani paintings from Bihar (Mithila region), natural colours on walls/canvas, mythological/social themes; GI tag 2007, women-led folk art.
38. Kuchipudi classical dance originated in:
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Kerala
Answer: a) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Kuchipudi from Krishna district, AP; features dance-drama (Nritya, Nritta, Natya), Siddhendra Yogi codified; UNESCO-recognised for rhythmic footwork, expressive storytelling.
39. Therukoothu folk theatre is traditional to:
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: a) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Therukoothu (street theatre) depicts Mahabharata/Ramayana episodes; all-night performances with music, dialogue, costumes; living tradition in Tamil Nadu villages.
40. The Pattachitra painting style is famous in which state?
a) Odisha
b) West Bengal
c) Kerala
d) Gujarat
Answer: a) Odisha
Explanation: Pattachitra (cloth pictures) from Raghurajpur (Odisha), mythological themes, natural colours; GI-tagged, used for Jagannath rituals, intricate palm leaf engravings.
41. What does BIOS stand for in computers?
a) Basic Input Output System
b) Binary Internet Operating System
c) Broadband Information Operating System
d) Basic Internet Output Source
Answer: a) Basic Input Output System
Explanation: BIOS firmware initializes hardware during boot, provides runtime services for OS/apps; UEFI modern replacement with faster boot, larger storage.
42. The term “Cloud Computing” refers to:
a) Weather forecasting apps
b) Internet-based computing delivering services (storage, processing)
c) Backup storage only
d) Local network computing
Answer: b) Internet-based computing delivering services (storage, processing)
Explanation: Cloud models: IaaS (AWS EC2), PaaS (Heroku), SaaS (Google Workspace); pay-as-you-go, scalable, accessible anywhere with internet.
43. Which port number is used for HTTP?
a) 21
b) 25
c) 80
d) 443
Answer: c) 80
Explanation: HTTP (unencrypted) uses port 80; HTTPS (SSL/TLS) uses 443; FTP 21 (file transfer), SMTP 25 (email sending).
44. SSDs use which technology instead of spinning disks?
a) Magnetic tape
b) Flash memory
c) Optical discs
d) Holographic storage
Answer: b) Flash memory
Explanation: NAND flash memory in SSDs offers faster read/write (500+ MB/s), no mechanical parts, shock-resistant vs. HDDs; becoming storage standard.
45. The first web browser invented in 1990 was:
a) Internet Explorer
b) Netscape Navigator
c) WorldWideWeb (Nexus)
d) Mosaic
Answer: c) WorldWideWeb (Nexus)
Explanation: Tim Berners-Lee created WorldWideWeb (later Nexus) at CERN; Mosaic (1993) popularised web with images; Netscape/IE followed.
46. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) was caused by leak of:
a) Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
b) Chlorine gas
c) Phosgene
d) Carbon monoxide
Answer: a) Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
Explanation: Union Carbide MIC leak killed ~5,000 immediately, affected 5 lakh+; worst industrial disaster; Supreme Court settlement ₹470 crore inadequate compensation.
47. Project Tiger was launched in:
a) 1972
b) 1973
c) 1974
d) 1975
Answer: b) 1973
Explanation: Launched 1 April 1973 by Indira Gandhi at Dholeswar, Corbett; 9 reserves initially, now 53 tiger reserves covering 75,000+ sq km (9.4% land).
48. The Montreal Protocol (1987) phases out:
a) CO₂ emissions
b) Ozone-depleting substances (CFCs)
c) Plastic waste
d) Nuclear waste
Answer: b) Ozone-depleting substances (CFCs)
Explanation: Montreal Protocol eliminated 98% ODS; Kigali Amendment (2016) targets HFCs; averted 135 billion tonnes CO₂eq, ozone layer recovery by 2066.
49. India’s repo rate as of RBI MPC meeting February 2026:
a) 6.25%
b) 6.50%
c) 6.75%
d) 7.00%
Answer: a) 6.25%
Explanation: RBI cut repo by 25 bps to 6.25% (Feb 2026), first cut since May 2020, balancing growth (7% projected) with inflation target 4%±2%.
50. Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory, reached L1 point on:
a) 6 January 2024
b) 17 January 2024
c) 25 January 2024
d) 2 February 2024
Answer: a) 6 January 2024
Explanation: ISRO’s Aditya-L1 halo orbit insertion at Lagrange Point-1 (1.5 million km from Earth); 7 payloads study corona, solar winds, magnetic storms causing space weather.