UPSC History MCQs – 25 Important Questions for Prelims Practice

History is a significant component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, especially in the Prelims stage where questions are frequently asked from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History. Aspirants are expected to understand important events, personalities, movements, and timelines that shaped Indian civilization and the freedom struggle.

UPSC: History MCQs - 25 Questions

Practicing multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is one of the most effective ways to prepare for history in UPSC. It helps candidates test their knowledge, improve recall ability, and understand the pattern of questions asked in the exam. Regular practice also enhances the ability to eliminate incorrect options and choose the most accurate answer under time pressure.

The following practice set of 25 History MCQs is designed to help UPSC aspirants revise key concepts and prepare effectively for the examination.

Ancient History

1. Which among the following sites is associated with the Indus Valley Civilization?

A. Harappa
B. Mohenjo-daro
C. Lothal
D. All of the above

2. The Great Bath is located at which Indus Valley site?

A. Harappa
B. Mohenjo-daro
C. Dholavira
D. Kalibangan

3. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?

A. Ashoka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Bindusara
D. Bimbisara

4. The famous rock and pillar edicts were issued by:

A. Ashoka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Harsha
D. Samudragupta

5. Nalanda University flourished during the reign of:

A. Gupta rulers
B. Mauryan rulers
C. Chola rulers
D. Delhi Sultanate

Medieval History

6. The Delhi Sultanate was founded by:

A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B. Iltutmish
C. Balban
D. Alauddin Khilji

7. Who introduced the Mansabdari system?

A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Aurangzeb

8. The Mughal Empire in India was founded after the:

A. Battle of Panipat (1526)
B. Battle of Plassey
C. Battle of Buxar
D. Battle of Talikota

9. The Bhakti movement emphasized:

A. Ritualistic worship
B. Devotion and equality
C. Strict caste system
D. Political power

10. The Qutub Minar was built by:

A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B. Iltutmish
C. Both A and B
D. Alauddin Khilji

Modern Indian History

11. The Battle of Plassey took place in:

A. 1757
B. 1764
C. 1773
D. 1784

12. The Revolt of 1857 started at:

A. Meerut
B. Delhi
C. Kanpur
D. Lucknow

13. Who was the leader of the revolt in Jhansi during 1857?

A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Begum Hazrat Mahal
C. Nana Sahib
D. Tantia Tope

14. The Indian National Congress was founded in:

A. 1885
B. 1905
C. 1919
D. 1920

15. Who founded the Indian National Congress?

A. Allan Octavian Hume
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Freedom Struggle Movements

16. The Swadeshi Movement was launched in response to:

A. Rowlatt Act
B. Partition of Bengal
C. Simon Commission
D. Jallianwala Bagh massacre

17. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:

A. 1919
B. 1920
C. 1930
D. 1942

18. The Civil Disobedience Movement began with:

A. Quit India Movement
B. Dandi March
C. Champaran Satyagraha
D. Khilafat Movement

19. The Quit India Movement was launched in:

A. 1935
B. 1940
C. 1942
D. 1947

20. The slogan "Do or Die" is associated with:

A. Non-Cooperation Movement
B. Civil Disobedience Movement
C. Quit India Movement
D. Swadeshi Movement

Miscellaneous Important Questions

21. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in:

A. Amritsar
B. Delhi
C. Lahore
D. Kolkata

22. The Permanent Settlement was introduced by:

A. Lord Cornwallis
B. Lord Curzon
C. Lord Dalhousie
D. Warren Hastings

23. The Ryotwari system was introduced by:

A. Thomas Munro
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord Curzon
D. Warren Hastings

24. The Cabinet Mission came to India in:

A. 1942
B. 1946
C. 1947
D. 1950

25. India became independent in:

A. 1945
B. 1946
C. 1947
D. 1950

Answer Key

Conclusion

Regular practice of history MCQs is essential for UPSC aspirants. It helps in strengthening factual knowledge, improving speed and accuracy, and understanding the pattern of questions asked in the examination. By solving practice questions and revising important topics consistently, candidates can significantly improve their performance in the UPSC Prelims and build a strong foundation for the Mains examination as well.