RRB Group D 2025-26 17 August 2026 Shift 2 GK Questions Asked – Question Paper with Answers & Solutions

Subjects: Current Affairs (18) · Economics (1) · Biology (6) · Chemistry (9) · Physics (9)

Current Affairs (18)

Awards and Honours - Current · National awards - current

Q1. Vladimir Mestvirishvili of Georgia was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for his outstanding contribution to which of the following fields?

(a) Wrestling coaching
(b) Football coaching
(c) Hockey coaching
(d) Athletics coaching

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Wrestling coaching

Vladimir Mestvirishvili — Padma Shri 2026
Vladimir Mestvirishvili, a Georgian wrestler-turned-coach fondly known as 'Laado', was posthumously conferred thePadma Shriin 2026 for his contribution towrestling coachingin India.
• He spent nearly two decades in India shaping the national wrestling programme.
• He mentored Olympic medallists Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia.
• Confirmed by India's Embassy in Georgia and multiple Padma Awards 2026 reports.
Correct Answer: Wrestling coaching

Reports, Indices and Rankings · Global indices and India's rank

Q2. According to the report released on February 4, 2026, what is the rank of India in the Network Readiness Index 2025 prepared by Portulans insititute based in Washington DC?

(a) 55ᵗʰ
(b) 45ᵗʰ
(c) 35ᵗʰ
(d) 25ᵗʰ

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 45ᵗʰ

Network Readiness Index 2025 — India's Rank
According to the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025 report by the Portulans Institute (Washington DC), released around February 4, 2026,India climbed four places to rank 45thglobally.
• Confirmed by PIB, DD News and Insights on India coverage of the report.
• India had improved from its earlier position, reflecting gains in digital infrastructure and access indicators.
Correct Answer: 45ᵗʰ

Defence and Security - Current · Defence acquisitions and indigenous systems

Q3. From which type of platform did DRDO launch the Agni-Prime missile during its successful test in September 2025?

(a) Sea-based launcher
(b) Rail-based mobile launcher
(c) Submarine launcher
(d) Road-mobile launcher

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Rail-based mobile launcher

Agni-Prime Missile Test — September 2025
DRDO successfully test-fired the Intermediate-RangeAgni-Primemissile from arail-based mobile launchersystem on September 25, 2025, marking India's first rail-mobile ballistic missile launch.
• Confirmed by PIB press release and multiple defence news outlets (Overt Defense, Air Force Technology, The War Zone).
• This demonstrated a new dimension of survivability and mobility for India's strategic missile forces.
Correct Answer: Rail-based mobile launcher

Reports, Indices and Rankings · Reports and their publishers

Q4. In April 2026, the publication titled "Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data" was released by which Ministry of the Government of India?

(a) Ministry of Women and Child Development
(b) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

"Women and Men in India 2025" Report
The publication "Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data" was released in April 2026 by theMinistry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Confirmed by PIB press release and Vision IAS/GKNow current affairs coverage dated late April 2026.
• This is an annual MoSPI publication tracking gender-disaggregated indicators.
Correct Answer: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

International Affairs and Summits · Summits and conferences

Q5. As of February 2026, which country joined Bangladesh and Costa Rica in endorsing the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, increasing the total number of signatories to 91 countries and international organisations?

(a) Guatemala
(b) Japan
(c) Argentina
(d) Morocco

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Guatemala

New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact
As of February 2026,Guatemalajoined Bangladesh and Costa Rica in endorsing the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, taking the total number of signatories to 91 countries and international organisations.
• Confirmed by ANI, PIB, DD News and Tribune India reports dated late February 2026.
• The Declaration was adopted at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi (Feb 18-19, 2026).
Correct Answer: Guatemala

Awards and Honours - Current · National awards - current

Q6. Veteran corporate leader Uday Kotak was conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2026 under which specific category?

(a) Public Affairs
(b) Science and Engineering
(c) Social Work
(d) Trade and Industry

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Trade and Industry

Uday Kotak — Padma Bhushan 2026
Uday Kotak was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2026 under theTrade and Industrycategory, in recognition of his contribution to India's banking and financial sector.
• Confirmed by the official Padma Awards list (recipient field listed as 'Trade & Industry') and Fintech Biz News coverage.
Correct Answer: Trade and Industry

Sports - Current · Records and achievements

Q7. In March 2026, Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy set a new men's 50m freestyle world record at the Australian Swimming Championships. What was his record-breaking time?

(a) 21.04 seconds
(b) 20.76 seconds
(c) 20.91 seconds
(d) 20.88 seconds

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 20.88 seconds

Cameron McEvoy — 50m Freestyle World Record
Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy set a new men's 50m freestyle world record of20.88 seconds, breaking César Cielo's 17-year-old record of 20.91 seconds.
• Confirmed by ABC News, Wikipedia, World Aquatics and ESPN — the time value 20.88s is consistently reported.
• Note: multiple sources place the record-breaking swim at the China Swimming Open (Shenzhen) in March 2026, not specifically the 'Australian Swimming Championships' as worded in the question — but the time figure itself (20.88s) matches the given answer among the options.
Correct Answer: 20.88 seconds

National Affairs and Government Initiatives · National events and launches

Q8. Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development had been launched by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary during the International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work” organised in collaboration with UNESCO at which institution in Pune on April 24, 2026?

(a) MIT World Peace University
(b) College of Engineering Pune
(c) Symbiosis Skills and Professional University
(d) Savitribai Phule Pune University

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Symbiosis Skills and Professional University

Asia's First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development atSymbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Puneon April 24, 2026, during the International Conference on 'Women Leading the Future of Work' held in collaboration with UNESCO.
• Confirmed by PIB press release and Careers360/UNESCO coverage naming SSPU Pune as the host institution.
Correct Answer: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University

International Affairs and Summits · International organisations - current

Q9. In June 2026, which international organization adopted the Convention concerning Decent Work in the Platform Economy (Convention No. 193) during its 114ᵗʰ session held in Geneva?

(a) International Labour Organization (ILO)
(b) World Health Organization (WHO)
(c) International Organization for Migration (IOM)
(d) International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) International Labour Organization (ILO)

ILO Convention No. 193 — Platform Economy
TheInternational Labour Organization (ILO)adopted the Convention concerning Decent Work in the Platform Economy (Convention No. 193) during the 114th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva in June 2026.
• Confirmed by official ILO resources, WIEGO and PSI union federation coverage.
• This is the first ILO convention specifically addressing gig/platform work.
Correct Answer: International Labour Organization (ILO)

National Affairs and Government Initiatives · Policies, laws and bills

Q10. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, initiated by the Government of India in April 2026, aims at accelerating the implementation of which Amendment Act to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies before 2029?

(a) 108th Amendment Act
(b) 104th Amendment Act
(c) 110th Amendment Act
(d) 106th Amendment Act

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 106th Amendment Act

Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced in April 2026, aimed at accelerating implementation of the106th Constitutional Amendment Act(the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies) before 2029.
• Confirmed by PRS India, Wikipedia and multiple current-affairs trackers describing the Bill's link to women's reservation and the 106th Amendment Act.
• Note: The Bill was subsequently reported as defeated in the Lok Sabha, but this does not change the identity of the parent Amendment Act it targeted.
Correct Answer: 106th Amendment Act

Awards and Honours - Current · National awards - current

Q11. Which Indian cricketer was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for her outstanding contributions to the sport?

(a) Mithali Raj
(b) Harmanpreet Kaur
(c) Jhulan Goswami
(d) Smriti Mandhana

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Harmanpreet Kaur

Padma Shri 2026 — Women's Cricket
Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women's cricket team, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for guiding India to its maiden Women's ODI World Cup title.
• Confirmed by Olympics.com, ESPNcricinfo and multiple Padma Awards 2026 reports.
Correct Answer: Harmanpreet Kaur

Science, Technology and Space - Current · Space missions - current

Q12. Mission MITRA undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from April 02 to 09, 2026, to study crew performance under hypoxia, low temperature, and isolation conditions had been conducted in which place?

(a) Gangtok
(b) Manali
(c) Leh
(d) Shimla

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Leh

Mission MITRA — ISRO Analog Space Mission
Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment), conducted by ISRO from April 2-9, 2026 to study crew performance under hypoxia, low temperature and isolation conditions ahead of Gaganyaan, was carried out inLeh, Ladakh.
• Confirmed by ISRO's official mission page, Swarajya Mag and Insights on India coverage describing it as India's first analog space mission, held in Leh.
Correct Answer: Leh

Sports - Current · Tournaments and winners

Q13. India was knocked out of the Thomas Cup semifinals in 2026 after a 0-3 defeat against which country in Horsens, Denmark?

(a) Indonesia
(b) Malaysia
(c) France
(d) Denmark

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) France

Thomas Cup 2026 Semifinal
The given answer 'Denmark' is incorrect. India lost the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinal 0-3 to FRANCE, not Denmark. Denmark (Horsens) was merely the host venue/country of the tournament, not India's opponent.
India was knocked out of the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals after a 0-3 defeat toFrancein Horsens, Denmark, settling for the bronze medal. Multiple independent reports (Outlook India, Olympics.com, The Hans India, Wikipedia's 2026 Thomas Cup knockout stage) confirm France defeated India 3-0 in the semifinal, with Toma beating Prannoy in a historic result for France.
• Correct opponent: France (option 'France' in the choices).
• Denmark was the host country for the 2026 Thomas & Uber Cup, held at Horsens.
• The question as framed conflates the host country with the actual opponent.
Correct Answer: France

Books, Obituaries and Days - Current · Days and themes - current year

Q14. What was the official theme for National Maritime Day in 2026?

(a) Maritime India – Steering Transformation
(b) Maritime India – Empowering Progress
(c) Maritime India – Accelerating Prosperity
(d) Maritime India – Fueling Growth

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Maritime India – Empowering Progress

National Maritime Day 2026 Theme
The 63rd National Maritime Day, celebrated on April 5, 2026, had the official theme'Maritime India – Empowering Progress', highlighting the maritime sector's role in India's economic growth and sustainable development.
• Confirmed by Vajiram & Ravi, Free Press Journal, and official coverage of National Maritime Day 2026.
Correct Answer: Maritime India – Empowering Progress

Environment and Climate - Current · Species discoveries and conservation news

Q15. Which location is selected for the Asiatic Lion Conservation Programme as a part of the MoEFCC’s thematic events, before the IBCA Summit 2026?

(a) Gangtok, Sikkim
(b) Gir, Gujarat
(c) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
(d) Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Gir, Gujarat

Asiatic Lion Conservation Programme — IBCA Summit 2026
As part of MoEFCC's five thematic events dedicated to India's big cat species ahead of the IBCA Summit 2026, the Asiatic Lion Conservation Programme ('Lion Species Spotlight') was held atSasan Gir, Gujarat, inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Confirmed by DD News, Orissa Diary and Policy Edge coverage naming Gir/Sasan Gir, Gujarat as the venue for the lion-themed event.
Correct Answer: Gir, Gujarat

Economy, Banking and Business · RBI and banking updates

Q16. Following the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in December 2025 to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points, what is the current policy repo rate in India?

(a) 5.00 per cent
(b) 5.75 per cent
(c) 5.25 per cent
(d) 5.50 per cent

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 5.25 per cent

RBI Repo Rate — December 2025
In its December 2025 policy review, the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing the policy repo rate down to5.25 per cent.
• Confirmed by Business Standard, DD News and IndMoney coverage of the December 5, 2025 MPC decision.
Correct Answer: 5.25 per cent

Reports, Indices and Rankings · Reports and their publishers

Q17. Which ministry had released the 27th edition of the publication titled “Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data” at the National Deliberative Summit on “Data for Development” in 2026?

(a) Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
(b) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India
(c) NITI Aayog, Government of India
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India

27th Edition — Women and Men in India 2025
The 27th edition of 'Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data' was released by theMinistry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, at the National Deliberative Summit on 'Data for Development' in 2026.
• Same underlying report as idx 84 — confirmed via PIB press release and Vision IAS/PIB Tracker coverage attributing it to MoSPI.
Correct Answer: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India

Reports, Indices and Rankings · Reports and their publishers

Q18. In January 2026, NITI Aayog released decarbonisation roadmaps for which sectors?

(a) Aluminium, cement, and MSMEs
(b) Banking, insurance, and aviation
(c) Tourism, fisheries, and textiles
(d) Steel, shipping, and telecom

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Aluminium, cement, and MSMEs

NITI Aayog Decarbonisation Roadmaps
In January 2026, NITI Aayog released three reports/decarbonisation roadmaps on green transition for theAluminium, Cement, and MSMEsectors, aimed at achieving net-zero by 2070.
• Confirmed by PIB press release, AlCircle, SolarQuarter, and Vision IAS coverage dated January 22, 2026.
Correct Answer: Aluminium, cement, and MSMEs

Economics (1)

Public Finance - Budget and Taxation · Union Budget - latest highlights

Q19. Which of the following had convened the first meeting of the High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee proposed in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech for 2026-27?

(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(c) Department of Commerce
(d) Ministry of Labour and Employment

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) NITI Aayog

Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee
NITI Aayogconvened the first meeting of the High-Powered 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee (proposed in the Union Budget Speech 2026-27) on May 22, 2026.
• The meeting was chaired by Smt. Nidhi Chibber, CEO of NITI Aayog.
• Confirmed by Odisha Diary/PIB coverage of the NITI Aayog convened meeting.
Correct Answer: NITI Aayog

Biology (6)

Plant Physiology and Morphology · Transport in plants (xylem, phloem)

Q20. Among the following, which is transported in xylem?

(a) Water and minerals
(b) Glucose
(c) Amino acids
(d) Proteins

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Water and minerals

Xylem Transport
Xylem is a vascular tissue in plants that conductswater and dissolved mineralsabsorbed by roots upward to the stem and leaves. It also provides mechanical strength to the plant.
• Glucose (food made by photosynthesis) and amino acids/proteins are transported through phloem, not xylem.
• Xylem transport is unidirectional (upward), driven mainly by transpiration pull.
Correct Answer: Water and minerals

Tissues · Connective tissue (blood, bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon)

Q21. Blood is a connective tissue because it links different body systems. What is the liquid matrix in which blood cells are suspended?

(a) Plasma
(b) Cytoplasm
(c) Haemoglobin
(d) Platelets

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Plasma

Liquid Matrix of Blood
Blood is a fluid connective tissue. Its liquid matrix, calledplasma, is a straw-coloured fluid (about 55% of blood volume) in which red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets remain suspended.
• Cytoplasm is the fluid content inside individual cells, not the matrix of blood.
• Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment found inside RBCs, not the matrix.
• Platelets are cell fragments suspended in the plasma, not the matrix itself.
Correct Answer: Plasma

Control and Coordination · Plant hormones and tropic movements

Q22. In what way does geotropism support effective rooting in plants?

(a) It directs photosynthetic tissues into the soil.
(b) It makes roots grow toward sunlight.
(c) It directs roots to grow downward, anchoring the plant and helping them access moisture and nutrients.
(d) It prevents roots from branching.

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It directs roots to grow downward, anchoring the plant and helping them access moisture and nutrients.

Geotropism in Roots
Geotropism (gravitropism) is the growth response of plant parts to gravity. Roots show positive geotropism — they growdownward into the soil, which anchors the plant firmly and allows the root system to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers.
• Roots are non-photosynthetic and do not grow toward sunlight (that is phototropism, shown by shoots).
• Geotropism does not prevent branching of roots.
Correct Answer: It directs roots to grow downward, anchoring the plant and helping them access moisture and nutrients.

Human Physiology - Respiration, Circulation and Excretion · Lymphatic system

Q23. In a scenario where excess extracellular fluid is not drained back into the blood, which system's malfunction is most likely responsible?

(a) Lymphatic system
(b) Circulatory system
(c) Nervous system
(d) Digestive system

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Lymphatic system

Drainage of Extracellular Fluid
Thelymphatic systemcollects excess extracellular (interstitial) fluid that leaks out of blood capillaries and returns it to the bloodstream via lymph vessels and ducts. If this system malfunctions, fluid accumulates in tissues, causing swelling (oedema/lymphedema).
• The circulatory system moves blood but relies on the lymphatic system specifically to recover the fluid that escapes into tissue spaces.
• The nervous and digestive systems are unrelated to interstitial fluid drainage.
Correct Answer: Lymphatic system

Plant Physiology and Morphology · Plant parts - root, stem and leaf modifications

Q24. How do root hair help plants in the process of absorbing water and minerals from the soil?

(a) They provide mechanical support.
(b) They transport food to leaves.
(c) They synthesize food.
(d) They increase the surface area of absorption.

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) They increase the surface area of absorption.

Function of Root Hairs
Root hairs are thin, tubular extensions of epidermal cells near the root tip. They greatlyincrease the surface areaof the root in contact with soil, enhancing absorption of water and dissolved minerals through osmosis and diffusion.
• Root hairs do not provide significant mechanical support (that is the role of thicker roots/stems).
• They do not transport food to leaves (that is phloem's role) nor synthesize food (roots lack chlorophyll).
Correct Answer: They increase the surface area of absorption.

Diversity and Classification of Living Organisms · Monera, Protista and Fungi

Q25. A science teacher asks students to identify an organism under the microscope. The organism is single-celled, has a rigid cell wall, and produces oxygen through photosynthesis. Which organism is most likely being observed?

(a) Amoeba
(b) Euglena
(c) Paramecium
(d) Cyanobacterium

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Cyanobacterium

Identifying a Photosynthetic Organism with a Rigid Cell Wall
A single-celled organism with a rigid cell wall that carries out oxygenic photosynthesis is acyanobacterium(blue-green algae) — a prokaryote possessing a peptidoglycan-containing rigid cell wall and chlorophyll-based photosynthesis producing oxygen.
• Amoeba has no cell wall and is heterotrophic.
• Euglena has a flexible pellicle (not a rigid cell wall), though it is photosynthetic.
• Paramecium has no cell wall and is heterotrophic (feeds via cilia).
Correct Answer: Cyanobacterium

Chemistry (9)

Mixtures, Solutions and Separation · Suspensions and colloids

Q26. What are the two main components of a colloidal solution?

(a) Reactant phase and product medium
(b) Solute phase and solvent medium
(c) Dispersed phase and dispersion medium
(d) Metal phase and non-metal medium

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Dispersed phase and dispersion medium

Components of a Colloid
A colloidal solution has two components: thedispersed phase(the solute-like component present in small particles, e.g., 1 nm-1000 nm in size) and thedispersion medium(the continuous phase in which the dispersed phase is distributed).
• Example: In milk, fat globules are the dispersed phase and water is the dispersion medium.
• This terminology (dispersed phase / dispersion medium) is specific to colloids, distinguishing them from true solutions (solute/solvent).
Correct Answer: Dispersed phase and dispersion medium

Metals and Non-metals · Ionic compounds and their properties

Q27. Which of the following pairs of elements is most likely to form an ionic bond?

(a) Nitrogen and oxygen
(b) Magnesium and chlorine
(c) Hydrogen and carbon
(d) Copper and iron

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Magnesium and chlorine

Formation of Ionic Bonds
Ionic bonds form between a metal (which loses electrons easily, low electronegativity) and a non-metal (which gains electrons easily, high electronegativity), giving a large electronegativity difference.Magnesium (metal) and chlorine (non-metal)readily form the ionic compound MgCl₂.
• Nitrogen and oxygen are both non-metals with similar electronegativities — they form covalent bonds (e.g., NO, NO₂).
• Hydrogen and carbon form covalent bonds (as in hydrocarbons).
• Copper and iron are both metals — they form metallic alloys, not ionic bonds.
Correct Answer: Magnesium and chlorine

Acids, Bases and Salts · Properties of acids

Q28. If a student mixes acetic acid with sodium hydroxide and observes bubbling, what might explain this observation?

(a) A contaminant like carbonate is present
(b) Water is forming as the only product
(c) The reaction is very slow
(d) The reaction is already complete

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) A contaminant like carbonate is present

Unexpected Bubbling in Acid-Base Reaction
Acetic acid reacting with sodium hydroxide is a simple neutralization reaction (acid + base → salt + water), which does not normally produce gas/bubbles. If bubbling is observed, it strongly suggestsa contaminant such as carbonate/bicarbonateis present in one of the reagents; carbonates react with acids to release CO₂ gas, causing effervescence.
• Water forming as the only product would not cause visible bubbling.
• A slow reaction or a completed reaction does not explain gas evolution.
Correct Answer: A contaminant like carbonate is present

Chemical Reactions and Equations · Combination reactions

Q29. What type of chemical reaction is represented by CaO(s) + H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + Heat?

(a) Displacement reaction
(b) Decomposition reaction
(c) Double displacement reaction
(d) Combination reaction

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Combination reaction

Type of Reaction: CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
In this reaction, two reactants (calcium oxide and water) combine to form a single product (calcium hydroxide), releasing heat. A reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a single product is acombination reaction(this one is also exothermic).
• It is not a decomposition reaction (single substance breaking into multiple products) — here two reactants combine into one product.
• It is not a displacement or double displacement reaction, as there is no exchange of ions between two compounds.
Correct Answer: Combination reaction

Atoms, Molecules and Mole Concept · Valency and chemical formulae

Q30. Which statement correctly describes the valency exhibited by phosphorus?

(a) Phosphorus can exhibit valency of three or five
(b) Phosphorus exhibits only a valency of five.
(c) Phosphorus exhibits only a valency of three.
(d) Phosphorus exhibits only a valency of two.

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Phosphorus can exhibit valency of three or five

Valency of Phosphorus
Phosphorus has the electronic configuration 2,8,5, and it shows variable valency. It commonly exhibits avalency of three (as in PCl₃) or five (as in PCl₅), owing to the availability of d-orbitals allowing expansion of its valence shell.
• It is not restricted to only three, only five, or only two.
Correct Answer: Phosphorus can exhibit valency of three or five

Carbon and its Compounds · IUPAC nomenclature

Q31. The IUPAC name of the compound CH₃ – CH₂ – C(CH₃)₂ – CH₂ – CH₃ is:

(a) 3-ethylpentane
(b) 3,3-dimethylpentane
(c) 2,2-dimethylpentane
(d) 2-methylhexane

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 3,3-dimethylpentane

IUPAC Naming
The structure CH₃–CH₂–C(CH₃)₂–CH₂–CH₃ has a central carbon (C3) bonded to two ethyl groups and two methyl groups. The longest continuous carbon chain running through both ethyl groups gives a 5-carbon (pentane) chain, with two methyl substituents both located on carbon 3. This gives the name3,3-dimethylpentane.
• Numbering from either end gives the same lowest locant (3,3), so the correct IUPAC name is 3,3-dimethylpentane, not 2,2-dimethylpentane or 2-methylhexane (no 6-carbon chain is possible here) or 3-ethylpentane (there is no ethyl branch off the main chain in the correctly chosen longest chain).
Correct Answer: 3,3-dimethylpentane

Metals and Non-metals · Metallurgy - extraction and refining

Q32. Which of the following statements are correct for electrolytic refining?a. Copper, zinc, and nickel are refined electrolytically.b. In this method, a thin strip of pure metal is used as cathode.c. The insoluble impurities settled at bottom of the anode are known as anode mud.

(a) b and c only
(b) All a, b and c
(c) a and b only
(d) a and c only

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) All a, b and c

Electrolytic Refining
All three statements about electrolytic refining are correct: (a) Metals like copper, zinc and nickel are commonly purified by electrolytic refining. (b) A thin strip/sheet of pure metal is used as the cathode, while the impure metal block is the anode. (c) During refining, insoluble impurities from the impure anode settle at the bottom as a sludge, known asanode mud(anode sludge), which often contains valuable metals like silver and gold.
Correct Answer: All a, b and c

Environmental Chemistry · Greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases

Q33. Which wavelength range is primarily responsible for heating the Earth's surface and contributing to the greenhouse effect?

(a) Visible light
(b) Ultraviolet radiation
(c) Radio waves
(d) Infrared radiation

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Infrared radiation

Greenhouse Effect and Wavelength Range
The Sun's visible and UV radiation reaches and warms the Earth's surface, which then re-emits this energy as long-wavelengthinfrared radiation. Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, water vapour, etc.) absorb and re-radiate this outgoing infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere — this is the mechanism of the greenhouse effect.
• Visible light and UV mostly pass through the atmosphere to reach the surface but are not the radiation trapped by greenhouse gases.
• Radio waves have no significant role in surface heating.
Correct Answer: Infrared radiation

Carbon and its Compounds · Homologous series

Q34. Which property is most affected if the length of the carbon chain in an alkane increases?

(a) Flammability
(b) Electrical conductivity
(c) Color
(d) Boiling point

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Boiling point

Effect of Chain Length on Alkane Properties
As the length of the carbon chain in an alkane increases, the molecular size and surface area increase, strengthening the van der Waals forces between molecules. This causes a steady, significant rise inboiling pointwith increasing chain length (e.g., methane boils at -162°C while decane boils at ~174°C).
• Alkanes are non-polar and non-conductive regardless of chain length (electrical conductivity is not meaningfully affected).
• Alkanes are generally colorless across chain lengths (until very long chains become waxy solids, but 'color' is not the primary affected property).
• Flammability is present across chain lengths but is not as systematically and predictably affected as boiling point.
Correct Answer: Boiling point

Physics (9)

Sound and Waves · Reflection of sound, echo and reverberation

Q35. Which of the following conditions is necessary to hear an echo clearly?

(a) Time interval must be at least 0.1 s
(b) Source of sound must be very strong
(c) The reflecting surface must be soft
(d) Listener must be moving

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Time interval must be at least 0.1 s

Condition for a Clear Echo
The human ear retains the sensation of sound for about 0.1 second (persistence of hearing). For an echo to be heard as distinct from the original sound, the time gap between the original sound and its reflection must beat least 0.1 s, which corresponds to the reflecting surface being at least about 17 m away (using speed of sound ≈ 340 m/s).
• A very strong source, soft reflecting surface, or a moving listener are not the defining conditions for hearing a clear echo — the minimum time gap is the key requirement.
• In fact, hard, large surfaces reflect sound better than soft ones.
Correct Answer: Time interval must be at least 0.1 s

Force and Laws of Motion · Impulse

Q36. If a car is gradually pushed to a speed of 1 m/s, what determines the change in its momentum according to the second law of motion?

(a) Both the magnitude of the force and the time during which the force is applied determine the change in momentum.
(b) Only the direction of motion changes the momentum.
(c) Only the mass of the car determines the change in momentum.
(d) The magnitude of force alone is enough to determine the change.

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Both the magnitude of the force and the time during which the force is applied determine the change in momentum.

Newton's Second Law and Change in Momentum
Newton's second law states F = dp/dt, i.e., the rate of change of momentum is proportional to the applied force. Rearranged, the change in momentum equals impulse = Force × time (Δp = F·t). Therefore,both the magnitude of the force applied and the duration for which it actsdetermine the resulting change in momentum.
• Direction of motion alone does not determine the magnitude of momentum change.
• Mass alone (without force/time) does not determine change in momentum; mass relates force to acceleration, not directly to Δp for a given push.
Correct Answer: Both the magnitude of the force and the time during which the force is applied determine the change in momentum.

Sound and Waves · Nature and types of waves (longitudinal, transverse)

Q37. When a tuning fork vibrates and produces sound, what type of waves is created in the surrounding air?

(a) A longitudinal wave with compressions and rarefactions.
(b) A surface wave moving in circles.
(c) A transverse wave with crests and troughs.
(d) A wave where energy moves but particles do not.

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) A longitudinal wave with compressions and rarefactions.

Nature of Sound Waves
Sound waves travel through air aslongitudinal waves, in which particles of the medium vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave propagation, creating regions of compression (high pressure) and rarefaction (low pressure).
• Transverse waves (crests and troughs) occur in media like strings or water surfaces and in light waves, not in sound waves through air.
• Sound cannot travel as a surface wave through air produced by a tuning fork.
Correct Answer: A longitudinal wave with compressions and rarefactions.

Magnetism and Magnetic Effects of Current · Magnetic field due to current (Oersted, right-hand thumb rule)

Q38. An experiment uses a compass near a straight current-carrying wire. What does the compass needle indicate?

(a) The compass needle points radially away from the wire
(b) The compass needle aligns parallel to the wire
(c) The compass needle shows no movement
(d) The compass needle aligns tangentially to the magnetic field circle around the wire

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) The compass needle aligns tangentially to the magnetic field circle around the wire

Magnetic Field Around a Straight Current-Carrying Wire
The magnetic field lines around a straight current-carrying wire are concentric circles centred on the wire (right-hand thumb rule). A compass needle placed near the wire aligns itself along the direction of the magnetic field at that point, i.e., italigns tangentially to the circular magnetic field linesaround the wire.
• The needle does not point radially away from the wire, nor parallel to the wire itself.
• The needle does show deflection/movement in presence of current, ruling out 'no movement'.
Correct Answer: The compass needle aligns tangentially to the magnetic field circle around the wire

Work, Energy and Power · Potential energy

Q39. An object is placed at a certain height above the ground. Which form of energy does it possess due to its position?

(a) Chemical energy
(b) Thermal energy
(c) Potential energy
(d) Kinetic energy

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Potential energy

Energy Due to Position
An object raised to a height above the ground possessespotential energy(specifically gravitational potential energy), given by PE = mgh, due to its position in a gravitational field.
• Kinetic energy is due to motion, not position.
• Chemical and thermal energy are unrelated to positional height.
Correct Answer: Potential energy

Force and Laws of Motion · Newton's second law and momentum

Q40. Which situation demonstrates Newton’s second law of motion?

(a) A ball rolling at a constant speed on a flat surface
(b) A swimmer pushes water backward and moves forward
(c) A stationary object resting on a table
(d) A heavy truck requires more force to accelerate than a small car

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) A heavy truck requires more force to accelerate than a small car

Demonstrating Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law states F = ma. For the same acceleration, a larger mass requires a larger force. Aheavy truck needing more force to accelerate than a small cardirectly illustrates this relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
• A ball rolling at constant speed on a flat surface illustrates Newton's first law (no net force needed to maintain constant velocity).
• A swimmer pushing water backward to move forward illustrates Newton's third law (action-reaction).
• A stationary object on a table illustrates balanced forces (related to the first law), not the second law.
Correct Answer: A heavy truck requires more force to accelerate than a small car

Work, Energy and Power · Work and its sign

Q41. An object is moving eastward. Which force will definitely do negative work on it?

(a) A force acting eastward
(b) A force acting downward
(c) A force acting westward
(d) A force acting upward

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) A force acting westward

Negative Work by a Force
Work done by a force is W = F·d·cosθ, where θ is the angle between force and displacement. Work is negative when the force has a component opposite to the direction of displacement. Since the object moves eastward, aforce acting westward(directly opposite to motion, θ = 180°) will definitely do negative work.
• A force acting eastward (same direction) does positive work.
• Forces acting downward or upward are perpendicular to eastward motion (θ = 90°), doing zero work, not negative work.
Correct Answer: A force acting westward

Light - Reflection and Mirrors · Numericals on mirrors

Q42. If an image is formed three times the size of the object and is inverted, what is the possible position of the object with respect to a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm?

(a) Object placed 10 cm from the mirror
(b) Object placed 13.3 cm from the mirror
(c) Object placed 6.6 cm from the mirror
(d) Object placed 20 cm from the mirror

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Object placed 13.3 cm from the mirror

Concave Mirror: Magnification 3, Inverted, f = 10 cm
An inverted image means it is real, so magnification m = -v/u = -3, giving v = 3u. Using the mirror formula 1/v + 1/u = 1/f with sign convention (f = -10 cm for a concave mirror, u negative):
• 1/(3u) + 1/u = 1/f → 4/(3u) = 1/f → u = 4f/3
• u = 4×(-10)/3 = -13.3 cm, so the object distance is 13.3 cm from the mirror.
• This falls between f (10 cm) and 2f (20 cm), consistent with a real, inverted, magnified image — as expected for concave mirrors in this zone.
Correct Answer: Object placed 13.3 cm from the mirror

Electricity · Resistance, resistivity and their factors

Q43. The resistivity of a material is defined as the resistance offered by a conductor of that material having:

(a) Double the length and unit cross-sectional area
(b) Half the length and double the cross-sectional area
(c) Unit length and unit cross-sectional area
(d) Unit length and half the cross-sectional area

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Unit length and unit cross-sectional area

Definition of Resistivity
Resistance of a conductor is given by R = ρL/A, where ρ is resistivity, L is length, and A is cross-sectional area. Resistivity (ρ) is therefore numerically equal to the resistance of a conductor of that material havingunit length and unit cross-sectional area(ρ = R when L = 1 and A = 1).
Correct Answer: Unit length and unit cross-sectional area

← 17 August 2026 Shift 1 All shifts 17 August 2026 Shift 3 →

📥 PDF of this paper (all subjects, English & Hindi): RRB Group D previous year papers PDF · ▶ Attempt previous year papers as free online tests · 🏆 Free live mock tests · 📰 Daily current affairs quiz