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The Civil Service in India is primarily composed of temporary government employees whose responsibilities include articulating public needs but not implementing policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Civil Service in India consists of permanent executive branch officials responsible for implementing government policies, not temporary employees who only articulate needs.
Civil servants in India are safeguarded from politically motivated actions by Article 311 of the Constitution, which guarantees job security.
Answer: True
Explanation: Article 311 of the Constitution of India explicitly protects civil servants from politically motivated or vindictive actions, thereby ensuring their job security and impartiality.
The Indian civil service system is structured as position-based, with roles defined by specific job functions rather than hierarchical seniority.
Answer: False
Explanation: The civil service system in India is structured as rank-based, meaning positions are organized by hierarchy and seniority, not by specific job functions in a position-based system.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is officially designated as the 'Ministry of Civil Services'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is *unofficially* known as the 'Ministry of Civil Services,' not officially.
Civil servants in India are expected to uphold values including absolute integrity, patriotism, and political neutrality.
Answer: True
Explanation: Civil servants in India are guided by core values such as absolute integrity, patriotism, and are expected to discharge duties with political, religious, and social neutrality.
The primary responsibility of the civil services in India is to manage the nation's administration and implement Indian law and policy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary responsibility of the civil services in India is indeed to manage the country's administration and to be instrumental in the creation and implementation of Indian law and policy.
The Indian diplomatic passport is deep blue with gold text, signifying the official status of its holder.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indian diplomatic passport is maroon with gold text, while the deep blue passport is issued to ordinary Indian citizens.
The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India, leading all civil services under the Government of India's rules of business.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India, serving as the head of all civil services under the Government of India's rules of business.
Civil Services Day is observed on October 2nd, commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's address to administrative probationers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Civil Services Day is celebrated annually on April 21st, commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's address to administrative probationers in 1947.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, established in 2006, include a medal, scroll, and a cash amount.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration were instituted in 2006 and indeed include a medal, a scroll, and a cash amount.
What is the primary definition of Civil Service in India?
Answer: The collective body of civil servants forming the permanent executive branch.
Explanation: The Civil Service in India refers to the collective body of civil servants employed by the government, forming the permanent executive branch responsible for implementing policies and articulating public needs.
Quantify the total number of government employees across central and state governments in India as of 2010.
Answer: 6.4 million
Explanation: As of 2010, there were 6.4 million government employees in India, encompassing all levels within both central and state governments.
Which constitutional provision protects civil servants in India from politically motivated actions?
Answer: Article 311
Explanation: Article 311 of the Constitution of India protects civil servants from politically motivated or vindictive actions, ensuring their job security.
Which Ministry is unofficially known as the 'Ministry of Civil Services' in India?
Answer: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Explanation: The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is unofficially known as the 'Ministry of Civil Services' in India.
What is the primary responsibility of the civil services in India?
Answer: To manage the country's administration and implement law and policy.
Explanation: The primary responsibility of the civil services in India is to manage the country's administration and to be instrumental in the actual creation and implementation of Indian law and policy.
Who is the highest-ranking civil servant in India?
Answer: The Cabinet Secretary
Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India.
When is Civil Services Day celebrated annually in India?
Answer: April 21st
Explanation: Civil Services Day is celebrated annually on April 21st in India.
What is the monetary award for an individual receiving the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration?
Answer: ₹100,000 (approximately US$1,200)
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration include a cash amount of ₹100,000 (approximately US$1,200) for individuals.
Charles Cornwallis is recognized as 'the Father of civil service in India' for establishing the initial framework of the service during the British Raj.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Cornwallis is known as 'the Father of civil service in India' for reforming, modernizing, and rationalizing the service, building upon the foundation laid by Warren Hastings, not for establishing the initial framework.
The covenanted civil service, established by Cornwallis, was exclusively for Indians, enabling them to hold higher government posts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The covenanted civil service introduced by Charles Cornwallis was exclusively for Europeans, who held higher government posts, while the uncovenanted civil service was for Indians in lower administrative ranks.
The Government of India Act 1919 partitioned the Imperial Services into the All India Services and the Central Services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1919 divided the Imperial Services, which were overseen by the Secretary of State for India, into the All India Services and the Central Services.
The Chairperson of the Railway Board held the distinction of being the highest-paid civil servant in British Raj India until 1959.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the British Raj, the Chairperson of the Railway Board was indeed the highest-paid civil servant, a status maintained until 1959.
Women were formally recruited into the Imperial Civil Service between 1858 and 1947, albeit exclusively for lower-level clerical positions.
Answer: False
Explanation: No women were formally recruited into the Imperial Civil Service between 1858 and 1947; the service was exclusively male. Women were only appointed to lower-level clerical positions within the uncovenanted civil service.
Sardar Patel envisioned the post-partition civil service prioritizing regional autonomy over national cohesion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sardar Patel envisioned the civil service playing a crucial role in strengthening national cohesion and unity after partition, not prioritizing regional autonomy.
Who is recognized as 'the Father of civil service in India' for reforming and modernizing the service?
Answer: Charles Cornwallis
Explanation: Charles Cornwallis is known as 'the Father of civil service in India' for reforming, modernizing, and rationalizing the civil service.
What impact did the Government of India Act 1919 have on the Imperial Services?
Answer: It divided the Imperial Services into All India Services and Central Services.
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1919 divided the Imperial Services into two distinct categories: the All India Services and the Central Services.
Until 1959, who held the position of the highest-paid civil servant in British Raj India?
Answer: The Chairperson of the Railway Board
Explanation: The Chairperson of the Railway Board held the position of the highest-paid civil servant in British Raj India until 1959.
What was the status of women in the Imperial Civil Service between 1858 and 1947?
Answer: No women were formally recruited into the Imperial Civil Service.
Explanation: No women were formally recruited into the Imperial Civil Service between 1858 and 1947, as the service was exclusively male.
What was Sardar Patel's primary vision for the civil service after India's partition in 1947?
Answer: To strengthen national cohesion and unity.
Explanation: Sardar Patel envisioned that the civil service should play a crucial role in strengthening national cohesion and unity after India's partition.
As of 2010, the Indian Revenue Service comprised the largest personnel count among all civil services in India.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2010, the Central Secretariat Service and the Indian Revenue Service had the highest number of personnel, implying the Indian Revenue Service did not singularly have the most.
Article 312 of the Constitution permits the Lok Sabha to establish new All India Services through a two-thirds majority vote.
Answer: False
Explanation: Article 312 of the Constitution grants the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha, the authority to establish new All India Services with a two-thirds majority vote.
The Civil Services Board is responsible for all appointments to the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India and higher positions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Civil Services Board handles recruitment and promotions for positions *below* the rank of Joint Secretary. Appointments to Joint Secretary and higher are handled by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
The Union Civil Services of India are classified into All India Civil Services and State Civil Services.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Union Civil Services of India are classified into All India Civil Services and Central Civil Services (Group A). Officers from State Civil Services can be deployed to Union Civil Services jobs, but State Civil Services are not a classification *of* Union Civil Services.
All appointments to the All India Civil Services are made by the President of India.
Answer: True
Explanation: All appointments to the All India Civil Services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Forest Service, and Indian Police Service, are indeed made by the President of India.
The Central Civil Services (Group A) primarily administer the Union Government.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Central Civil Services (Group A) are primarily concerned with the administration of the Union Government, managing national-level affairs and policies.
Recruitment for Group B central civil service posts is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Answer: False
Explanation: Recruitment for Group B central civil service posts is conducted through the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE), which is administered by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), not the UPSC.
Officers in the State Civil Service (Executive Branch) are Group B gazetted officers and serve as a feeder service for the Indian Police Service.
Answer: False
Explanation: Officers in the State Civil Service (Executive Branch) are Group A gazetted officers and serve as a feeder service for the Indian Administrative Service, not the Indian Police Service. State Police Services officers are promoted to the Indian Police Service.
Which body has the authority to establish new All India Services through a two-thirds majority vote, according to Article 312 of the Constitution?
Answer: The Rajya Sabha
Explanation: Article 312 of the Constitution grants the Rajya Sabha the authority to establish new All India Services through a two-thirds majority vote.
Which body handles appointments to the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India and higher?
Answer: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Explanation: All appointments to the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India and higher are handled by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Who makes all appointments to the All India Civil Services?
Answer: The President of India
Explanation: All appointments to the All India Civil Services are made by the President of India.
What is the primary function of the Central Civil Services (Group A)?
Answer: To manage the affairs of the Union Government.
Explanation: The Central Civil Services (Group A) are primarily concerned with the administration of the Union Government, managing national-level affairs and policies.
Which body administers the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE) for Group B central civil service posts?
Answer: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Explanation: Recruitment for Group B central civil service posts is conducted through the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE), which is administered by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
What is the typical rank of an officer in the State Civil Service (Executive Branch) who serves as a feeder service for the Indian Administrative Service?
Answer: Deputy Collector
Explanation: Officers in the State Civil Service (Executive Branch) are typically posted as Deputy Collector or equivalent and serve as a feeder service for the Indian Administrative Service.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) enables citizens to prosecute corrupt civil servants and civil servants to address unfair dismissals.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) serves as a body where citizens can seek permission to prosecute corrupt civil servants, and civil servants can address cases of unfair dismissal.
A 2009 survey ranked the Indian civil service as the most efficient among leading Asian economies.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2009 survey ranked the Indian civil service as the *least* efficient among leading Asian economies.
A Goldman Sachs report estimated that civil service reforms could contribute an annual 0.9 percentage points to India's per capita GDP.
Answer: True
Explanation: A Goldman Sachs report indeed estimated that implementing civil service reforms and achieving the Asian average in government effectiveness could add 0.9 percentage points annually to India's per capita GDP.
Professor Bibek Debroy and Laveesh Bhandari asserted that public officials were misappropriating 12.6 percent of India's GDP through corruption.
Answer: False
Explanation: Professor Bibek Debroy and Laveesh Bhandari asserted that public officials were misappropriating 1.26 percent of India's GDP, not 12.6 percent, through corruption.
The Supreme Court of India mandated fixed tenure for civil servants in the 2013 TSR Subramanian case.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 2013 TSR Subramanian case, the Supreme Court of India ordered both the Government of India and State governments to ensure fixed tenure for civil servants.
The '360-degree appraisal' system for civil servants relies exclusively on a boss's Annual Confidential Report (ACR).
Answer: False
Explanation: The '360-degree appraisal' system includes an Annual Confidential Report (ACR) but also incorporates confidential feedback from peers, subordinates, and external stakeholders, replacing the older system that relied solely on a boss's ACR.
'Lateral entry' permits the government to recruit domain experts from outside the traditional civil service for senior positions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'lateral entry' policy, introduced in 2018, allows the government to directly hire domain experts from outside the traditional civil service for senior positions like joint secretary.
Since 2016, citizens can initiate prosecution of corrupt IAS officers without requiring a formal proposal and supporting documents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Since 2016, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) accepts requests from private individuals for sanction of prosecution against IAS officers, even without a formal proposal and supporting documents.
According to a 2009 survey, how was the Indian civil service rated among leading Asian economies?
Answer: Least efficient
Explanation: A 2009 survey ranked the Indian civil service as the least efficient among leading Asian economies.
What percentage of India's GDP did Professor Bibek Debroy and Laveesh Bhandari assert public officials were misappropriating through corruption?
Answer: 1.26 percent
Explanation: Professor Bibek Debroy and Laveesh Bhandari asserted that public officials were misappropriating 1.26 percent of India's GDP through corruption.
Which industries were identified as most vulnerable to corruption in India by a 2013 EY study?
Answer: Infrastructure & Real Estate, Metals & Mining, Aerospace & Defence, and Power & Utilities
Explanation: A 2013 EY study identified Infrastructure & Real Estate, Metals & Mining, Aerospace & Defence, and Power & Utilities as the industries most vulnerable to corruption in India.
What was a key outcome of the 2013 TSR Subramanian case by the Supreme Court of India regarding civil servants?
Answer: It mandated fixed tenure for civil servants and documentation of oral instructions.
Explanation: In the 2013 TSR Subramanian case, the Supreme Court of India ordered fixed tenure for civil servants and instructed senior bureaucrats to document oral instructions from politicians.
What reform did the Modi government implement since 2014 for newly hired IAS officers, deploying them initially to central government ministries?
Answer: Initial deployment as assistant secretaries within central government ministries.
Explanation: Since 2014, newly hired IAS officers are initially deployed as assistant secretaries within central government ministries for a few years, rather than directly to state cadres.
What is a key feature of the '360-degree appraisal' system implemented in 2014 for civil servants?
Answer: It includes confidential feedback from peers, subordinates, and external stakeholders.
Explanation: The '360-degree appraisal' system includes confidential feedback from peers, subordinates, and external stakeholders, in addition to the Annual Confidential Report (ACR).
What is the primary purpose of 'lateral entry' for domain experts in the civil service, introduced in 2018?
Answer: To enhance the capabilities and proficiency of ministries and departments.
Explanation: The primary purpose of 'lateral entry' is to enhance the capabilities and proficiency of ministries and departments by bringing in domain experts from outside the traditional civil service.
Narinder Singh Kapany is recognized as 'the Father of Fibre Optics' and held more than 150 patents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Narinder Singh Kapany is indeed recognized as the 'Father of Fibre Optics' and held over 150 patents for his inventions.
Mantosh Sondhi was the first IAS officer to hold Secretary posts across multiple Union Ministries.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mantosh Sondhi was the first IOFS officer and *non-IAS* officer to hold Secretary posts in multiple Union Ministries.
Nalini Ranjan Mohanty was awarded the Padma Shri for his pivotal role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nalini Ranjan Mohanty was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for his pivotal role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Rajendra K. Pachauri chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change during its receipt of the Nobel Prize in 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rajendra K. Pachauri, a former IRSME officer, chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change when it received the Nobel Prize in 2007.
H. P. S. Ahluwalia is renowned as the first Indian to ascend Mount Everest.
Answer: True
Explanation: H. P. S. Ahluwalia, an IOFS officer, is indeed known as the first Indian to climb Mount Everest.
Santu Shahaney was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1962 for his contributions during the Indo-China War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Santu Shahaney was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962 for his contributions during the Indo-China War of 1962, and the Padma Bhushan in 1965 for the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan developed the solid propellant for India's first space rocket and the detonation system for Operation Smiling Buddha.
Answer: True
Explanation: Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan developed the solid propellant for India's first space rocket and the detonation system for India's first nuclear bomb, used in Operation Smiling Buddha.
H.G.S. Murthy was the first Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and received the Padma Shri in 1969.
Answer: True
Explanation: H.G.S. Murthy served as the first Director of the Space Science & Technology Centre (now Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1969.
K. C. Banerjee's factory developed the anti-submarine rockets instrumental in sinking the submarine PNS Ghazi during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
Answer: False
Explanation: O. P. Bahl's factory developed and manufactured the anti-submarine rockets used in sinking the submarine PNS Ghazi during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, not K. C. Banerjee's factory during the 1965 war.
Satyendra Dubey's assassination directly led to the enactment of the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the assassination of whistleblower Satyendra Dubey, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011, was passed to protect individuals who expose corruption.
E. Sreedharan is recognized for his leadership in the Delhi Metro project and received the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: E. Sreedharan is known for his leadership in the Delhi Metro and received international honors, including the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan.
Who is known as 'the Father of Fibre Optics' and 'The Man who Bent Light'?
Answer: Narinder Singh Kapany
Explanation: Narinder Singh Kapany is recognized as 'the Father of Fibre Optics' and 'The Man who Bent Light' for his invention of fiber optics.
Mantosh Sondhi was the first IOFS officer and non-IAS officer to achieve what distinction?
Answer: To hold Secretary posts in multiple Union Ministries.
Explanation: Mantosh Sondhi was the first IOFS officer and non-IAS officer to hold Secretary posts in multiple Union Ministries.
For what significant contribution was Nalini Ranjan Mohanty awarded the Padma Shri in 2004?
Answer: Pivotal role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Explanation: Nalini Ranjan Mohanty was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for his pivotal role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Which former IRSME officer chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change when it received the Nobel Prize in 2007?
Answer: Rajendra K. Pachauri
Explanation: Rajendra K. Pachauri, a former IRSME officer, chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change when it received the Nobel Prize in 2007.
H. P. S. Ahluwalia, an IOFS officer, is primarily known in Indian history for what achievement?
Answer: Being the first Indian to climb Mount Everest.
Explanation: H. P. S. Ahluwalia, an IOFS officer, is known as the first Indian to climb Mount Everest.
What significant technological development did Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan contribute to India's defense and space programs?
Answer: Solid propellant for India's first space rocket and detonation system for its first nuclear bomb.
Explanation: Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan developed the solid propellant for India's first space rocket and the detonation system for India's first nuclear bomb (Operation Smiling Buddha).
H.G.S. Murthy is recognized as one of the 'Seven Pioneers of the Indian Space Programme' and served as the first Director of which ISRO center?
Answer: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (formerly Space Science & Technology Centre)
Explanation: H.G.S. Murthy served as the first Director of the Space Science & Technology Centre, which is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
What was the legislative outcome directly resulting from the assassination of whistleblower Satyendra Dubey?
Answer: The Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011.
Explanation: Following the assassination of whistleblower Satyendra Dubey, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011, was passed to protect individuals who expose corruption.
E. Sreedharan is widely recognized for his leadership in the development of which major Indian infrastructure projects?
Answer: Konkan Railway, Cochin Shipyard, and the Delhi Metro.
Explanation: E. Sreedharan is known for his leadership as chairman and managing director of Konkan Railway, Cochin Shipyard, and the Delhi Metro.