UPSC Static Quizzes May 2026 | UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic-wise UPSC Prelims Static Quizzes &
Practice Quizzes for May 2026

UPSC Static Quizzes May 2026 provides topic-wise practice questions and important MCQs for UPSC Prelims preparation. These quizzes help aspirants revise static subjects, improve conceptual clarity, and strengthen exam-oriented preparation. Practice UPSC static GK quizzes regularly to boost accuracy, revision, and performance for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

0%

1 May 2026 (Geography)

1 / 5

Consider the following statements about the Westerlies:

  1. The Westerlies are prevailing winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes (between 30° and 60° latitude) in both hemispheres.
  2. The Westerlies are responsible for the movement of weather systems, such as cyclones and anticyclones, across continents like North America and Europe.
  3. The Westerlies are strongest in the Southern Hemisphere due to the lack of landmasses to disrupt their flow.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2 / 5

Which of the following are impacts of El Niño on global climate?

  1. Weakening of trade winds in the Pacific Ocean, leading to reduced upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water off the coast of South America.
  2. Increased frequency of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean due to changes in wind shear.
  3. Drought conditions in Australia and Southeast Asia due to shifts in atmospheric circulation.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

3 / 5

The formation of the Gobi Desert in Central Asia is primarily due to:

  1. Its location is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges.
  2. Its position in the continental interior, far from moisture sources like oceans.
  3. The influence of warm ocean currents, which reduce precipitation in the region.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

4 / 5

Why do temperatures increase with altitude in the stratosphere?

  1. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, heating the stratosphere.
  2. The stratosphere is closer to the Sun, receiving more direct solar radiation.
  3. The stratosphere has minimal vertical mixing of air movement.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

5 / 5

The temperature range in polar regions is extremely high during summer and winter. What is/are the reason/reasons?

  1. Prolonged daylight in summer leads to significant heating.
  2. Prolonged darkness in winter leads to extreme cooling.
  3. Low humidity in polar regions allows for rapid temperature changes.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

Your score is

The average score is 38%

0%

0%

4 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

The Sanskrit work ‘Sarasvati-Kanthabharana’ was written by:

2 / 5

With reference to Early Medieval History of South India, who were the Nagarams?

3 / 5

Consider the following statements regarding Bhimdev Solanki:

  1. He was the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat.
  2. He built the famous Modhera Sun Temple.
  3. He was a patron of the Jain poet Hemachandra.
  4. He established his capital at Dwarka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

4 / 5

With reference to the Uttaramerur inscription, consider the following statements:

  1. It belongs to the reign of Rajendra Chola II.
  2. It describes the procedures for electing members to the sabha (village assembly).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

5 / 5

With reference to the ruler Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire, consider the following statements:

  1. He was a patron of the Telugu poet Tenali Ramakrishna.

  2. He established a strong and efficient administrative system, with a network of officials and a system of taxation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Your score is

The average score is 23%

0%

0%

5 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Arab merchant Sulaiman referred to which kingdom as "Ruhma"?

2 / 5

Consider the following statements about Prithviraj Chauhan, the renowned ruler of the Chahamana dynasty:

  1. Chand Bardai and Jayanaka served as court poets during Prithviraj Chauhan’s reign.
  2. Prithviraj Chauhan founded the city of Ajmer.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

3 / 5

Which medieval Indian text, written by Kalhana, chronicles the history of Kashmir and is considered one of the most important sources of information on the region?

4 / 5

With reference to medieval Indian history, the term ‘Iqta’ is used to refer to

5 / 5

Who was the founder of the Garha-Katanga kingdom?

Your score is

The average score is 43%

0%

0%

6 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Who founded the Karnata dynasty of Mithila in 1097 CE?

2 / 5

Which of the following Mongol leaders/commanders did not launch a military campaign across the Indus River into India?

3 / 5

 Consider the following statements regarding the Rashtrakuta dynasty:

  1. The capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Ujjain.
  2. The founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Dantidurga.

Which of the following options is correct?

4 / 5

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to Akbar during Medieval Indian history?

5 / 5

With reference to history of India, the terms “Kaikkolaperumpadai” and “Velaikkarar” specifically referred to:

Your score is

The average score is 36%

0%

0%

7 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Which foreign traveller provided a detailed account of diamonds and diamond mines in India?

2 / 5

During the Sultanate period, who were the supreme rural officials responsible for collecting land revenue?

3 / 5

In the context of the Sultanate period, what did the term “Fawazil” refer to?

4 / 5

Which of the following Sultans of Delhi introduced the Persian festival of Navroz in India?

5 / 5

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

Your score is

The average score is 20%

0%

0%

8 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to introduce the ‘Haqq-i-Sharb’ or irrigation tax?

2 / 5

Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to introduce a standardized coinage system and formally declare Delhi as the capital of his empire?

3 / 5

The Khalji dynasty’s administrative reforms, particularly during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, were characterized by:

4 / 5

The Bhakti movement in medieval India was characterized by:

5 / 5

Who was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi?

Your score is

The average score is 50%

0%

0%

9 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

What characterized the village administration in the Imperial Chola Empire?

  1. Village administration operated independently, without royal intervention.
  2. Membership in village assemblies was exclusive to landowning Brahmins.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2 / 5

With reference to the Paramara Dynasty of Malwa, consider the following statements:

  1. The first capital of the Paramara Dynasty was Sthanvishvara.
  2. The Paramara ruler Bhoja built the Bhojeshwar Temple.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

3 / 5

What were the primary motivations behind Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's decision to transfer the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?

  1. Consolidating control over the Deccan and Gujarat regions
  2. Gaining access to Western and Southern ports
  3. Protecting against Mongol invasions from the North-Western frontier

Select the correct option:

4 / 5

Which of the following Sultans of Delhi successfully broke and destroyed the power of the Turkan-i-Chihalgani, a group of powerful Turkish nobles?

5 / 5

Which of the following sites is associated with the Dharma-Chakra-Jaina Vihara constructed by Queen Kumaradevi, wife of Govind Chandra Gahadavala?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

11 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

 Consider the following statements regarding Rajendra chola:

  1. Rajendra Chola built the Airavateswara Temple at Darasuram.
  2. Rajendra Chola established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital.

Which of the following options is correct?

2 / 5

The Khalimpur Copper Plate Inscription, which describes the tripartite struggle of regional kingdoms in Kannauj, is associated to which of the following dynasties specifically?

3 / 5

Which of the following statements are correct about the Rashtrakuta Empire?

  1. The capital of Rashtrakuta empire was Badami.
  2. Women participated in administrative activities and held government posts.
  3. The Kailashnath Temple at Ellora was built during the reign of Amoghavarsha I.

Choose the correct option:

4 / 5

Which of the following medieval Indian dynasties is credited with building the famous “Kirti Stambha” (Tower of Fame) in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan?

5 / 5

Which medieval Indian kingdom was known for its “Madurantakam” inscription, detailing its administrative and military achievements?

Your score is

The average score is 17%

0%

0%

12 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Which of the following statements are correct about the Delhi Sultanate?

  1. The provinces under the Delhi Sultanate were called iqtas.
  2. The governors of the provinces were called the shiqdars.
  3. The pargana was the smallest administrative unit.

Choose the correct option:

2 / 5

Arrange the following four dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate in the correct chronological order:

  1. Lodi Dynasty
  2. Tughlaq Dynasty
  3. Sayyid Dynasty
  4. Khalji Dynasty

Choose the correct option:

3 / 5

What was the significance of the ceremonies of Sijada and Paibos introduced by Sultan Balban?

4 / 5

What was the main purpose of the “Diwan-i-Kohi” established by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq?

5 / 5

What was the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj responsible for in the administration of Delhi sultanate?

Your score is

The average score is 37%

0%

0%

13 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

“A Sultan of Delhi established the Diwan-i-Khairat for charitable activities and the Diwan-i-Bundagan for managing slaves. He also introduced the haq-i-shadb water cess. Furthermore, he extended the principle of heredity to the army and nobility, revived the iqta system, and adopted the Iqtadari framework for land revenue collection. He also introduced the irrigation tax ‘Sharb’ and four Islamic taxes.”

Identify this King from the options given below:

2 / 5

During whose reign did Timur invade India?

3 / 5

Which of the following pairs is incorrect about universities and present-day locations?

4 / 5

Consider the following statements:

  1. Diwan-i-Arz dealing with religious affairs was established by Balban.
  2. Diwan-i-Risalat dealing with military department was established by Allauddin khilji.
  3. Diwan-i-Insha dealing with financial system was established by Mohammad big Tughluq.

Which of the above statements mentioned is/are incorrect?

5 / 5

What type of lands were directly under the control of the Sultan and his central administration?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

14 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Which ruler of medieval Gujarat is credited with building the Jami Mosque in Champaner and extending the kingdom’s borders through conquests?

2 / 5

Which Mughal emperor commissioned the translation of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, into Persian?

3 / 5

 What was the hierarchical order of administrative divisions in medieval India, from smallest to largest?

4 / 5

Which of the following statements about Indian history are correct?

  1. The Nizamat of Arcot originated from the Hyderabad State.
  2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged from the Vijayanagara Empire.
  3. The Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed from territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Select the correct answer using the code:

5 / 5

What was the primary distinction between the zamindar and jagirdar systems in medieval India?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

15 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

 During the medieval period in Indian history, Banjaras were primarily engaged in which occupation?

2 / 5

 In medieval India’s economic history, what did the term “Araghatta” specifically refer to?

3 / 5

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was:

4 / 5

The Nizam Shahi dynasty was founded by:

5 / 5

The Ahadis, an elite corps of soldiers in the Mughal Empire, were characterized by which of the following features?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

16 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Which empire captured Qandahar from the Mughal Empire in 1649?

2 / 5

What does the term “Chauth” refer to in Medieval India?

3 / 5

Who looked after foreign affairs and was a member of the Ashtapradhan in Maratha administration?

4 / 5

Who was the head of the military department during Akbar’s reign?

5 / 5

Who was the English admiral sent by the East India Company to negotiate a trade treaty with the Mughal Empire in 1612, during the reign of Jahangir?

Your score is

The average score is 27%

0%

0%

18 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

What was the primary responsibility of the Diwan-i-Tan in the Mughal administration?

2 / 5

In the context of Indian royal households, what was the primary function of the “Antahpur”?

3 / 5

Which Maratha Peshwa, also known as “Thorale”, shifted the administrative capital from Satara to Pune in 1728 CE, and captured Salsette and Bassein from the Portuguese in 1722 CE?

4 / 5

Which Maratha administrator wrote the book 'Adnyapatra', a comprehensive guide to military tactics, fort maintenance, and administrative procedures?

5 / 5

What were the jagirs granted to Mansabdars in the Mughal Empire, which were conditional and could be transferred or resumed by the emperor?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

19 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by which brothers?

2 / 5

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with introducing the token currency system in India?

3 / 5

Which of the following Sufi saints is credited with introducing the Chishti Order in India?

4 / 5

Who was the founder of the Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur?

5 / 5

Which of the following was a notable feature of the Ahom Kingdom’s administrative system?

Your score is

The average score is 40%

0%

0%

20 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

The Ahom Kingdom was known for its unique tradition of recording its history and events through which of the following methods?

2 / 5

Which Maratha ruler is credited with establishing the Peshwa dynasty, which became the de facto ruling power of the Maratha Empire?

3 / 5

Which of the following was a major center of trade and commerce during the Rashtrakuta period?

4 / 5

Which of the following cities was the capital of the Bahamani Kingdom?

5 / 5

Who founded the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 11th century, marking the beginning of a powerful and influential empire that ruled over the region of Kalinga, present-day Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh ?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

0%

21 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

Which one of the following pairs of Deccan sultanates and their respective kingdoms is not correctly matched?

2 / 5

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Mughal Mansab’ system:

  1. ‘Jaat’ rank was an indicator of a Mansabdar position in the Imperial hierarchy and the salary of the Mansabdar
  2. ‘Sawar’ rank indicated the number of horsemen the mansabdar was required to maintain.
  3. The 17th century Mansabdar holding 1000 or above ‘Sawar’ rank were designated as nobles (Amir- al- Umara).

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

3 / 5

Which empire did Nicolo de Conti, Abdur Razzaq and Nuniz visit?

4 / 5

Which of the following statements accurately describe the state of Arcot in 18th century South India?

  1. The Arcot dynasty was founded by Daud Khan Panni and Sa-adatullah Khan.
  2. Arcot was a key location in the prolonged rivalry between the English and Dutch East India Companies, beginning in the 1740s.
  3. The state of Arcot was characterized by a decentralized administrative structure.
  4. Mysore was another prominent state that emerged in South India during this period.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

5 / 5

Consider the following statements:

  1. Humayun invented Taj-i-izzat.
  2. Taj-i-izzat was a headgear, composed of a cap and wrapping cloth.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Your score is

The average score is 60%

0%

0%

22 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

The ‘Modi Script’ was employed in the documents of the:

2 / 5

Which ruler of the Pala dynasty of Bengal is credited with building the famous Somapura Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and promoting Buddhism in the region?

3 / 5

With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statements is correct?

4 / 5

Consider the following statement connected with Alauddin Khalji:

  1. He collected revenue by measuring the cultivated land.
  2. He enforced revenue measures in his entire empire.
  3. He abolished the powers of provincial Governors.

Select the correct answer from the coding scheme given below:

5 / 5

Which one of the following statements is NOT true about Balban?

Your score is

The average score is 30%

0%

0%

23 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

 What was a munjaniq in medieval period?

2 / 5

In which battle did Maharana Sanga defeat Ibrahim Lodi?

3 / 5

During the regime of which Sultan was the Khalisa land developed on a large scale?

4 / 5

Consider the following statements regarding Indian Feudalism in the early medieval period:

  1. The revenue assignments were called Bhoga.
  2. The hereditary chiefs neither collected revenues nor assumed administrative powers.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

5 / 5

Consider the following:

  1. Amuktamalyada
  2. Maduravijayam
  3. Manucharitam
  4. Jambavati Kalyanam
  5. Ushaparinayam

How many of the above texts were written by Krishnadevaraya?

Your score is

The average score is 30%

0%

0%

25 May 2026 (Polity)

1 / 5

Which of the following signifies fundamental rights?

  1. They constitute the bedrock of democratic system in the country.
  2. They provide necessary conditions for the material and moral protection of man.
  3. They serve as a formidable bulwark of individual liberty.
  4. They facilitate the establishment of rule of law in the country.

Which of the above statements are correct?

2 / 5

Which of the following signifies Directive principles of the policies?

  1. They facilitate stability and continuity in domestic and foreign policies in political, economic and social spheres in spite of the changes of the party in power.
  2. They are supplementary to the fundamental rights of the citizens. They are intended to fill in the vacuum in Part III by providing for social and economic rights.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

3 / 5

"To uphold and protect the Sovereignty Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the

4 / 5

The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

5 / 5

The landmark judgement, S. R. Bommai is related with which of the following

Your score is

The average score is 40%

0%

0%

26 May 2026 (Medieval History)

1 / 5

The ruler of which one of the following dynasties of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal?

2 / 5

Consider the following:

  1. Ahmednagar
  2. Bijapur
  3. Berar
  4. Golkonda
  5. Mysore

The Bahmani Kingdom was disintegrated into how many of the above states?

3 / 5

In the context of Indian history, which one of the following was referred to as the "Chola lake"?

4 / 5

Who of the following is not associated with the Bhakti Movement?

5 / 5

With reference to medieval Indian history, the "Group of Junta" was associated with:

Your score is

The average score is 37%

0%

0%

27 May 2026 (Geography)

1 / 5

 The Toda tribe is dominantly associated with which of the following regions?

2 / 5

Which of the following regions/countries are among the leading global sources of lithium used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and electronics?

3 / 5

The National Agriculture Code is being developed to standardize agricultural practices in India. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It covers only pre-harvest operations such as crop selection, land preparation and sowing, while excluding post-harvest processes.
  2. One of its objectives is to frame a national code that considers agro-climatic zones, crop types and the wider agri-food value chain.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

4 / 5

Consider the following statements about major and minor ports in India:

  1. Major ports are administered under the authority of the Central Government, while non-major/minor ports are primarily administered by the respective State Governments.
  2. Kandla Port in Gujarat is classified as a major port and consistently handles the highest cargo volume among all ports in India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

5 / 5

Kyanite, Sillimanite and Andalusite are abundantly found in parts of the Eastern Ghats. These minerals are important sources of which of the following?

Your score is

The average score is 10%

0%

0%

30 May 2026 (Polity)

1 / 5

Consider the following statements regarding the Departmental standing Committees:

  1. It was set up on the recommendation of rules Committee of loksabha.
  2. Main function of the committee is to consider the demand for grants for the concerned ministries and departments before they are discussed and voted in the loksabha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2 / 5

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

  1. Only the Prime Minister has to take the Oath of Secrecy and not the other ministers.
  2. The Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

3 / 5

With reference to budgetary procedure of the Parliament, What is the primary effect of the Rule of Lapse?

4 / 5

With reference to parliamentary privileges, consider the following statements:

  1. Parliamentary privileges are extended to the President and the Attorney General of India as well.
  2. In both civil and criminal cases, members of Parliament cannot be arrested during the session of Parliament and 40 days before the beginning and 40 days after the end of a session.

Which of the above statements is/ are correct?

Answer : B

Explanation: In Lok Sabha, Rule 377 allows members to give notice for discussing matters of public importance, which enables parliamentarians to raise critical issues. A matter which is not a point of order or which cannot be raised during question hour, half-an hour discussion, short duration discussion or under adjournment motion, calling attention notice or under any rule of the House can be raised under the special mention in the Rajya Sabha. Its equivalent procedural device in the Lok Sabha is known as ‘Notice (Mention) Under Rule 377’.

5 / 5

What is the significance of notice under Rule 377 in Lok Sabha?

Your score is

The average score is 20%

0%

About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and esteemed examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam comprises three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview) — designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, decision-making, and leadership skills.


How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent revision, structured answer writing, and smart test-taking strategies. The Prelims test analytical and conceptual clarity, the Mains focuses on critical thinking, articulation, and subject mastery, while the Interview assesses presence of mind, ethical judgment, and personality traits relevant to public service.

At UnderStand UPSC, we empower aspirants with a personalized and focused approach to each stage of the exam.


Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

UnderStand UPSC is a mentorship-driven platform offering a clear, clutter-free strategy to tackle the Civil Services Examination. Our programs like Transform (for beginners and intermediate learners) and Conquer (for advanced mains preparation) provide structured study plans, syllabus-wise video content, interactive live sessions, and answer writing support.

We emphasize:

  • Concept clarity through topic-wise lectures

  • Test series designed around real UPSC standards

  • Personalized mentorship in small groups

  • Regular performance tracking and peer benchmarking

  • Doubt-clearing sessions, current affairs analysis, and monthly magazines


Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

Our mission is to make UPSC preparation less overwhelming and more strategic. We combine mentorship, discipline, and academic rigor to help you clear CSE with confidence. Whether you’re preparing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or a remote village — our online-first model ensures quality guidance reaches every corner of India.

Join the thousands of aspirants who trust UnderStand UPSC to guide their journey toward becoming civil servants.

Stay connected with us through our Telegram, YouTube, and Instagram channels for daily tips, strategies, and updates.

Copyright © 2026 USARAMBHA EDUCATION (UnderStand UPSC). All Rights Reserved.

Fill out the form

If you have any queries...

Fill out the form for

Downloading the free Agriculture Short Notes