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UPSC Static Quizzes January 2026 | UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic-wise UPSC Prelims Static MCQs &
Practice Quizzes for January 2026

UPSC Static Quizzes January 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.

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01st January (Geography)

1 / 5

1)

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A):
 Tsunamis are often referred to as “shallow-water waves” despite their enormous energy.

Reason (R):
 Tsunamis have wavelengths much longer than the ocean depth, causing them to behave as shallow-water waves.

Which of the following is correct?

2 / 5

2)

What is the primary component of the Earth’s core, located beneath the mantle?

3 / 5

3)

Consider the following statements regarding Atmospheric Rivers:

  1. Atmospheric rivers are most common in the mid-latitudes and are rare in tropical regions.
  2. Atmospheric rivers are responsible for transporting up to about 30% of the Earth’s moisture from the tropics to the poles.
  3. The frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers are expected to increase in a warming climate, leading to more extreme precipitation events.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

4 / 5

4)

Which of the following is a consequence of advection inversion?

5 / 5

5)

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:
 The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America.

Statement II:
 The California Current is part of the North Pacific Gyre and is influenced by the Coriolis effect.

Statement III:
 The California Current contributes to the arid climate of coastal California by cooling the air and reducing precipitation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Your score is

The average score is 43%

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02nd January (Geography)

1 / 5

1)

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): Tsunamis are often referred to as “shallow-water waves” despite their enormous energy.
 Reason (R): Tsunamis have wavelengths much longer than the ocean depth, causing them to behave as shallow-water waves.

Codes:

2 / 5

2)

What is the primary component of the Earth’s core, located beneath the mantle?

3 / 5

3)

Consider the following statements regarding Atmospheric Rivers:

  1. Atmospheric rivers are most common in the mid-latitudes and are rare in tropical regions.
  2. Atmospheric rivers are responsible for transporting up to ~30% of the Earth’s moisture from the tropics to the poles.
  3. The frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers are expected to increase in a warming climate, leading to more extreme precipitation events.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

4 / 5

4)

Which of the following is a consequence of advection inversion?

5 / 5

5)

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:
 The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America.

Statement II:
 The California Current is part of the North Pacific Gyre and is influenced by the Coriolis effect.

Statement III:
 The California Current contributes to the arid climate of coastal California by cooling the air and reducing precipitation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Your score is

The average score is 44%

0%

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03rd January (Geography)

1 / 5

1)

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): The thermocline is a layer in the ocean where temperature decreases rapidly with depth.
 Reason (R): The thermocline acts as a barrier to the mixing of surface and deep ocean waters.

Codes:

2 / 5

2)

Which of the following statements about “ocean salinity” is/are correct?

  1. Salinity is highest in subtropical regions due to high evaporation and low precipitation.
  2. The Arctic Ocean has the lowest salinity due to freshwater input from melting ice and rivers.
  3. Salinity decreases with depth in the open ocean.
  4. The Mediterranean Sea has higher salinity than the Red Sea.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

3 / 5

3)

Which of the following statements about “tides” is/are correct?

  1. Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun.
  2. Spring tides occur during the full moon and new moon phases.
  3. Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

4 / 5

4)

Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): The summer monsoon in India is characterized by onshore winds.
 Reason (R): The land heats up faster than the ocean during summer, creating a low-pressure zone over the land.

Codes:

5 / 5

5)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the “trade winds”?

Your score is

The average score is 44%

0%

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05th January

1 / 5

1)  India recently joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Finance Network. What is the main goal of this partnership?

2 / 5

2) Recently, The World Bank’s World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income has highlighted several challenges faced by middle-income countries like India. Which of the following statements accurately describe these challenges?

  1. India’s leapfrogging from agriculture to the services sector has resulted in inadequate development of manufacturing, leading to unemployment and disguised unemployment.
  2. Middle-income countries face competition from low-wage countries in mature products and advanced technology from high-income countries.
  3. India’s external debt has decreased significantly, reducing vulnerability to global economic shocks.
  4. Climate action poses a challenge for India, as it must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Choose the correct answer:

3 / 5

3) Recently, which operation was launched to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam?

4 / 5

4) Which of the following statements about the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) is/are correct?

  1. The initiative is legally binding, requiring member countries to adhere to specific commitments under international law.
  2. The IPOI seeks to build partnerships with like-minded countries through practical cooperation, focusing solely on maritime security.
  3. The initiative is based on India’s ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision, which emphasizes inclusive development and respect for international maritime laws.

Options :

5 / 5

5) Which of the following statements about the process and time limits of plea bargaining in India is/are correct?

  1. An application for plea bargaining must be filed within 30 days of the framing of charges.
  2. The court has the discretion to reject a plea bargaining application if it deems the accused’s plea involuntary.
  3. Once a plea bargaining application is accepted, the accused cannot appeal the court’s decision.
  4. Plea bargaining is available at any stage of the trial, even after the conviction of the accused.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

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06th January

1 / 5

1)

Recently, the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) has developed technology to promote the cultivation of water spinach. Consider the following statements about water spinach :

  1. Water spinach is a semi-aquatic perennial plant native to temperate regions.
  2. It has the potential to purify aquatic habitats due to its semi-aquatic nature.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

2 / 5

2)

Consider the following statements about tardigrades :

  1. Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are tiny eight-legged aquatic animals found in almost all habitats on Earth.
  2. Tardigrades can survive extreme environmental conditions, including ultraviolet radiation and outer space, by entering a state of suspended metabolism called cryptobiosis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

3 / 5

3)

 India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study was undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP). Consider the following statements about teal carbon :

  1. Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
  2. Teal carbon is produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter and contributes to global warming, similar to black and brown carbon.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

4 / 5

4)

Recently, the BHASKAR initiative was launched. It is related with:

5 / 5

5)

The Chief Economic Advisor of India recently raised concerns about excessive financialisation in the country. Consider the following statements about financialisation and its implications:

  1. Financialisation refers to the growing influence of financial markets, institutions, and elites over economic policy and outcomes, often at the expense of traditional physical assets like real estate and gold.
  2. One of the key drivers of financialisation in India is the rising middle class with higher disposable income, coupled with government incentives for financial instruments.
  3. Excessive financialisation reduces income inequality by distributing financial gains more evenly across the population.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

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07th January 2026

1 / 5

1)

India’s 1st silicon carbide manufacturing facility to be set up in Odisha. What is Silicon Carbide (SiC) commonly known as?

2 / 5

2)

Consider the following statements about Organ-on-Chip (OoC) Technology:

  1. Organoids and spheroids are examples of 3D culture systems that mimic human tissues and diseases, offering advantages over traditional 2D cell cultures.
  2. Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technology uses microfluidics and cells to replicate human physiological conditions, making it useful for drug testing and disease modeling.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

3 / 5

3)

Consider the following statements about Neuralink’s Blindsight and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology:

  1. The Blindsight implant, developed by Neuralink, aims to restore vision in blind patients by directly stimulating the optic nerves.
  2. A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system works by acquiring brain signals, analyzing them, and translating them into commands for an output device, bypassing the need for peripheral nerves and muscles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

4 / 5

4)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on the Gaganyaan Programme and plans to build the Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS). Consider the following statements:

  1. The Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS) will be India’s first space station, planned to be operational by 2035.
  2. BAS will be used for microgravity research, Earth observation, and fostering innovations in space technology.
  3. India’s current share in the global space economy is 10%, and BAS aims to increase it further.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

5 / 5

5)

Recently Salar de Atacama was in the news. Where is it located?

Your score is

The average score is 20%

0%

0%

08th January 2026

1 / 5

1)

Consider the following statements about the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad and the International Chess Federation (FIDE):

  1. The Indian contingent won gold medals in both the open and women’s categories at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad held in New York.
  2. FIDE, the governing body of chess, was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation :
 • Statement 1 is correct: The Mankidia tribe is a semi-nomadic section of the Birhor tribe and is renowned for their skill in catching monkeys and trapping small birds and animals.
 • Statement 2 is incorrect: The Mankidia tribe does not reside in permanent concrete structures; they live in temporary dome-shaped leaf huts called Kumbha. They are also not known for advanced agricultural practices as they are primarily hunter-gatherers.
 • Statement 3 is incorrect: The Mankidia tribe speaks a language that belongs to the Munda branch of the Austro-Asiatic language family, not the Dravidian language family.
 • Statement 4 is correct: Their traditional dwellings are dome-shaped leaf huts known as Kumbha.

Theme : Current affairs | Social issues
 Level : Moderate

2 / 5

2)

The Mankidia tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha, has recently been granted habitat rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Which of the following statements about the Mankidia tribe is/are correct?

  1. The Mankidia tribe is a semi-nomadic section of the Birhor tribe and is known for their expertise in catching monkeys and trapping small birds and animals.
  2. They are known for their advanced agricultural practices.
  3. The Mankidia tribe speaks a language that belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  4. Their traditional dwellings are dome-shaped leaf huts called Kumbha.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

3 / 5

3)

Recently, the “Wood Wide Web” was in the news. What is it related to?

4 / 5

4)

Recently, “J0529–4351” was in the news. It is related to:

5 / 5

5)

Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP) is an emerging field that combines quantum computing with natural language processing. Which of the following statements accurately describes a key feature and advantage of QNLP compared to traditional Large Language Models (LLMs)?

Your score is

The average score is 31%

0%

0%

16th January 2026

1 / 5

1)

Q.1 Which of the following best describes the impact of the Carnatic Wars on British expansion in India?

2 / 5

2)

Q.2 Where was the first Portuguese fort established in India?

3 / 5

3) Q.3 What was a notable outcome of European trading companies, particularly the British East India Company, establishing their presence in India?

4 / 5

4) Q.4 Which of the following statements is not a consequence of the Treaty of Sagauli (1816) between the British East India Company and Nepal?

5 / 5

5) Q.5 The "Forward Policy" of the British East India Company, initiated during Lord Auckland's tenure, was primarily aimed at:

Your score is

The average score is 37%

0%

0%

21st January 2026

1 / 5

1) Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the British suppression of the Revolt of 1857?

2 / 5

2) Which of the following statements best explains the underlying cause of the Revolt of 1857?

3 / 5

3) Consider the following statements about British economic policies in India:

  1. The British imposed restrictions on the entry of British goods into India until 1858.
  2. After the mid-19th century, significant amounts of British capital were invested in the Indian economy.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

4 / 5

4) Consider the following statements:

  1. Shuja-ud-daula maintained Awadh’s autonomy by openly defying the symbolic authority of the Mughal emperor.
  2. Shuja-ud-daula allied with the Marathas against Ahmad Shah Abdali during the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

5 / 5

5) The Battle of Swally was fought in 1612 between:

Your score is

The average score is 45%

0%

0%

24th January 2026

1 / 5

1) Consider the following statements:

  1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the Home Rule League in April 1916, in Maharashtra.
  2. N.C. Kelkar was not associated with the Home Rule Movement.

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

2 / 5

2) The Treaty of Allahabad (1765) granted the British East India Company the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. What was the most significant long-term economic impact of this agreement?

3 / 5

3)

Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber is most famous for constructing the:

4 / 5

4)  A major cause of friction between the EIC and the Mughal authorities in Bengal in the 1750s was:

5 / 5

5) Which of the following was the primary cause of the Battle of Buxar?

Your score is

The average score is 60%

0%

0%

27th January 2026

1 / 5

1) Which one among the following explains the meaning of the Safety Valve Theory in the context of Indian National Movement?

2 / 5

2) The Treaty of Srirangapatnam resulted in:

3 / 5

3) Examine the two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below:

Statement I: Non-cooperation began in Punjab with the student movement inspired by Lala Lajpat Rai in January 1921.
 Statement II: The Sikh-dominated central Punjab countryside was stirred by the powerful Akali upsurge.

Select the correct answer:

4 / 5

4) Which of the following statement(s) about the formation of the Indian National Congress is/are true?

  1. The Indian National Congress was formed at a national convention held in Calcutta in December 1885 under the presidency of Motilal Nehru.
  2. The Safety Valve Theory regarding the formation of the Indian National Congress emerged from a biography of A.O. Hume written by William Wedderburn.
  3. An early decision was that the President would be from the same region where the session was to be held.
  4. W.C. Bannerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

5 / 5

5) Which of the following statements about the Non-Cooperation Movement is/are correct?

  1. It was marked by significant and widespread participation of peasants from Karnataka.
  2. It was marked by non-brahmin lower caste participation in Madras and Maharashtra.
  3. It was marked by the lack of labour unrest in places like Assam, Bengal and Madras.
  4. It was badly shaken by the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 after which Gandhiji decided to continue with the movement on a much larger scale.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Your score is

The average score is 20%

0%

0%

28th January 2026

1 / 5

1) Which freedom fighter wrote the books such as "Divipantar Banshi, Pather Ingit, Amar Atmakatha, Agnijug"?

2 / 5

2) Who founded the Swadesh Bandhab Samiti, a prominent organization during the Swadeshi Movement?

3 / 5

3) Who was the first president of the Madras Mahajana Sabha?

4 / 5

4) Which of the following Statements about the Champaran Satyagraha is/are Correct?

  1. The Champaran region had a long tradition of anti-planter discontent and agitation.
  2. Mahatma Gandhi gave all India publicity to the grievances of Champaran cultivators.
  3. The cultivators of Champaran had protested against excessive taxation on sugar.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

5 / 5

5) Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below.

Statement I:
 Dadabhai Naoroji argued that what was being drained out was ‘potential surplus’ that could generate more economic development in India if invested in India.

Statement II:
 Imperialists believed that India was brought into the large capitalist world market and that was in itself a progress towards modernisation.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

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29th January 2026

1 / 5

1) The Ilbert Bill, introduced in 1883, aimed to achieve a significant reform in the Indian judicial system. What was its primary objective?

2 / 5

2) The Limitation Law of 1859, enacted by the British, aimed to address a specific social issue in India. What was the primary objective of this law?

3 / 5

3) Which of the following statements about Warren Hastings' judicial reforms are correct?

  1. District Diwani Adalats were established to try civil disputes.
  2. District Faujdari Adalats were set up to try criminal disputes and were placed under British officers.
  3. A Supreme Court was established at Calcutta.
  4. A Law Commission was set up under Macaulay for codification of Indian laws.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

4 / 5

4) The Bombay Mill Hands Association was a significant milestone in India's labor movement. Which of the following statements accurately describe this association?

  1. Lala Lajpat Rai founded it.
  2. It advocated for reduced working hours and a weekly holiday for workers.

Which of the following options is correct?

5 / 5

5) Who founded the Indian National Association in 1876?

Your score is

The average score is 40%

0%

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