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SSC MTS 2025 5 February 2026 Shift 3 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

All 25 GK / GS questions asked in SSC MTS 2025 on 5 February 2026 Shift 3, with correct answers and short solutions, subject-wise: Economics, Geography, Biology, Ancient History, Static GK, Physics.

📚 25 questions🗓️ 5 February 2026⏰ Shift 3
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Subjects: Economics (4) · Geography (4) · Biology (4) · Ancient History (3) · Static GK (8) · Physics (1) · Chemistry (1)

Economics (4)

Agriculture and Food Security · Green Revolution and other agricultural revolutions

Q1. What is the approximate time period of second phase of the green revolution in India?

  1. (a) mid-1970s to mid-1980s
  2. (b) mid-1980s to mid-1990s
  3. (c) mid-1970s to mid-1990s
  4. (d) mid-1950s to mid-1960s
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) mid-1970s to mid-1980s

Correct Answer: mid-1970s to mid-1980s
The Green Revolution in India had two main phases:
First Phase: mid-1960s to mid-1970s - Focused on wheat in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP using HYV seeds, fertilisers and irrigation.
Second Phase: mid-1970s to mid-1980s - Extended to rice and other crops, spread to more states like AP, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Why other options are wrong:
mid-1980s to mid-1990s - This was a post-Green Revolution period.
mid-1970s to mid-1990s - Too broad; does not precisely describe the second phase.
mid-1950s to mid-1960s - This predates the Green Revolution.
Industry and Infrastructure · Industrial Policy Resolutions (1948, 1956, 1991)

Q2. In India, as per the Industrial Policy Resolution 1956, the second category consisted of industries in which the _____.

  1. (a) private sector could supplement the efforts of public sector
  2. (b) only foreign private sector would be entertained
  3. (c) public sector units had no role
  4. (d) private sector had sole authority to start new units
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) private sector could supplement the efforts of public sector

Correct Answer: private sector could supplement the efforts of public sector
Under IPR 1956, industries were classified into three categories:
Schedule A (1st category): Reserved exclusively for the public sector (government).
Schedule B (2nd category): Industries where the State would progressively establish new units, but private sector could also set up or expand units to supplement public sector efforts.
Schedule C (3rd category): Left open to the private sector.
Why other options are wrong:
Only foreign private sector - Not a category under IPR 1956.
Public sector had no role - Incorrect; public sector led Schedule B industries.
Private sector had sole authority - This describes Schedule C, not Schedule B.
Money and Banking · Monetary policy tools (repo, reverse repo, CRR, SLR, MSF, bank rate)

Q3. Which of the following is the main tool of monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India?
I. Reverse repo operations
II. Transfer payments

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only I

Correct Answer: Only I
Statement I - Reverse repo operations: TRUE - Reverse repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows from commercial banks) is a key monetary policy tool of the RBI. It helps control money supply and liquidity in the economy.
Statement II - Transfer payments: FALSE - Transfer payments (like pensions, subsidies, scholarships) are a FISCAL POLICY tool used by the government (Finance Ministry), NOT a monetary policy tool of the RBI.
Therefore, only Statement I is correct.
Money and Banking · Currency and coins (printing, security, denominations)

Q4. In 2019, a new Rs. 20 coin was announced in the budget. The shape of this coin is _____ edged polygon.

  1. (a) 12
  2. (b) 10
  3. (c) 20
  4. (d) 6
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 12

Correct Answer: 12
The new Rs. 20 coin announced in the Union Budget 2019 is a 12-edged (dodecagonal) polygon. It is bimetallic (outer ring and inner disk of different metals) and has the Rs. 20 denomination. The 12-sided shape makes it easily distinguishable by touch, especially for visually impaired persons.
Why other options are wrong:
10 - The Rs. 10 coin exists but the Rs. 20 coin has 12 edges.
20 - A 20-sided polygon would be unusual for a coin; the Rs. 20 coin has 12 edges.
6 - A hexagonal coin; does not apply to the Rs. 20 coin.

Geography (4)

Atmosphere and Climate · Composition and layers of the atmosphere

Q5. Ionosphere is a part of _____.

  1. (a) Troposphere
  2. (b) Stratosphere
  3. (c) Thermosphere
  4. (d) Exosphere
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Thermosphere

Correct Answer: Thermosphere
The Ionosphere is a region of Earth's upper atmosphere (approximately 60 km to 1000 km altitude) that is ionised by solar radiation. It overlaps primarily with the Thermosphere (and partly the upper Mesosphere). The Ionosphere is important for radio wave communication as it reflects radio waves back to Earth.
Why other options are wrong:
Troposphere - Lowest layer (0-12 km); contains weather phenomena.
Stratosphere - Second layer (12-50 km); contains the ozone layer.
Exosphere - Outermost layer (above 700 km); beyond the Ionosphere.
Atmosphere and Climate · Composition and layers of the atmosphere

Q6. Which of the following is INCORRECT about Stratosphere?

  1. (a) Stratosphere extends up to a height of 50 km.
  2. (b) It lies below the troposphere.
  3. (c) This layer is almost free from clouds and associated weather phenomenon, making conditions most ideal for flying aero planes.
  4. (d) Ozone layer found in this layer of atmosphere.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It lies below the troposphere.

Correct Answer: It lies below the troposphere. (This statement is INCORRECT)
The Stratosphere lies ABOVE the Troposphere, not below it. The correct order of atmospheric layers from ground up is: Troposphere (0-12 km) > Stratosphere (12-50 km) > Mesosphere (50-80 km) > Thermosphere (80-700 km) > Exosphere.
Why other options are CORRECT (and hence not the answer):
Extends up to 50 km - TRUE; stratosphere ranges from ~12 to 50 km.
Almost free from clouds, ideal for flying - TRUE; commercial aircraft fly in the lower stratosphere.
Ozone layer is found here - TRUE; the ozone layer is in the stratosphere (20-35 km).
India - Population and Census · Religious and linguistic composition (census data)

Q7. Which of the following language families is the most spoken in India?

  1. (a) Indo-European
  2. (b) Dravidian
  3. (c) Tibeto-Burmese
  4. (d) Austro-Asiatic
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Indo-European

Correct Answer: Indo-European
The Indo-European language family (specifically the Indo-Aryan branch) is the most spoken in India, with approximately 74% of the population speaking these languages. Major Indo-Aryan languages include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Assamese, and Urdu.
Why other options are wrong:
Dravidian - Second largest; includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam (about 24% speakers).
Tibeto-Burmese - Spoken by small populations in northeastern India and Himalayan regions.
Austro-Asiatic - Includes Santali and Mundari, spoken by tribal communities (about 1.2% speakers).
India - Minerals, Energy and Industries · Metallic minerals and mines

Q8. The principal minerals produced in _______ are Gold Ore, Iron Ore, Limestone, Manganese Ore, Minor Mineral, and Vermiculite.

  1. (a) Andhra Pradesh
  2. (b) Gujarat
  3. (c) Assam
  4. (d) Rajasthan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer: Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a major mineral-producing state in India. Its principal minerals include Gold Ore (Anantapur district - Jonnagiri), Iron Ore, Limestone, Manganese Ore, Minor Minerals, and Vermiculite. The state is one of India's important mining states.
Why other options are wrong:
Gujarat - Known for lignite, crude oil, gas, and marine salt; not gold ore.
Assam - Known for crude oil, natural gas, and coal; not this mineral profile.
Rajasthan - Known for zinc, lead, silver, marble, and sandstone; not this specific combination.

Biology (4)

Human Physiology - Respiration, Circulation and Excretion · Human respiratory system

Q9. In humans, rings of cartilage are present in the ____.

  1. (a) stomach
  2. (b) mouth
  3. (c) ear
  4. (d) throat
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) throat

Correct Answer: throat
In humans, C-shaped rings of cartilage (tracheal rings or tracheal cartilages) are present in the trachea (windpipe), which passes through the throat/neck region. There are approximately 16-20 such rings that keep the trachea open and prevent it from collapsing during breathing.
Why other options are wrong:
Stomach - The stomach wall has smooth muscle layers, not cartilage rings.
Mouth - The mouth has no cartilage rings; it has teeth and tongue.
Ear - The outer ear (pinna) has elastic cartilage, but not 'rings of cartilage'.
Tissues · Meristematic tissues

Q10. _____ is present at the growing tips of stems and roots and increases the length of the stem and the root.

  1. (a) Apical meristem
  2. (b) Parenchyma tissue
  3. (c) Intercalary meristem
  4. (d) Lateral meristem
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Apical meristem

Correct Answer: Apical meristem
Apical meristem is a type of meristematic tissue (actively dividing cells) located at the growing tips (apex) of stems and roots. It is responsible for primary growth - the increase in the length of the plant. Root apical meristem increases root length and shoot apical meristem increases stem length.
Why other options are wrong:
Parenchyma tissue - A permanent tissue; not a meristem; fills spaces in the plant body.
Intercalary meristem - Located near nodes (internodes) in grasses; not at tips.
Lateral meristem - Located on the sides of stems/roots; responsible for increase in girth (secondary growth), not length.
Tissues · Meristematic tissues

Q11. In which part of the plant is the intercalary meristem typically located?

  1. (a) At the root tip
  2. (b) Near the node
  3. (c) In the leaves
  4. (d) At the base of the flower
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Near the node

Correct Answer: Near the node
Intercalary meristem is located at the base of internodes or near the nodes (leaf attachment points) in grasses and other monocots. It allows grasses to regrow rapidly after being cut or grazed, since the growing region is at the base rather than the tip.
Why other options are wrong:
Root tip - The root tip contains the apical meristem, not intercalary meristem.
In the leaves - Leaves do not contain intercalary meristem.
At the base of flower - Flowers do not have intercalary meristem.
Biotechnology and Applied Biology · Agricultural practices (manures, fertilisers, irrigation, weeding)

Q12. Which of the following is NOT a way by which an insect pests attack the plants?

  1. (a) They cut the root, stem and leaf
  2. (b) They suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant
  3. (c) They bore into stem and fruits
  4. (d) They help in nitrogen fixation
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) They help in nitrogen fixation

Correct Answer: They help in nitrogen fixation
Nitrogen fixation is performed by certain microorganisms (bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Cyanobacteria), NOT by insect pests. It is a beneficial process. Insect pests are harmful to plants.
Ways insect pests DO attack plants (the other options are all real attack methods):
Cutting roots, stems and leaves - Done by caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers.
Sucking cell sap - Done by aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Boring into stems and fruits - Done by stem borers, fruit flies, and weevils.

Ancient History (3)

Gupta Empire · Gupta administration and economy

Q13. The Guptas issued a large number of gold coins called _____.

  1. (a) Dinaras
  2. (b) Tanka
  3. (c) Jital
  4. (d) Tamrarupa
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Dinaras

Correct Answer: Dinaras
The Gupta dynasty (4th-6th century CE) issued large quantities of gold coins called Dinaras. These coins were beautifully crafted and depicted various themes including the king, goddess Lakshmi, and various symbols. The Gupta period gold coins are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian coinage.
Why other options are wrong:
Tanka - A silver coin used during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Jital - A copper coin used during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Tamrarupa - Refers to copper coins; not Gupta gold coins.
Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha · Sixteen Mahajanapadas and their capitals

Q14. Which of the following was NOT a reason for Magadha's dominance over other Mahajanapadas?

  1. (a) Fertile river plains
  2. (b) Natural fortifications
  3. (c) Rich iron deposits
  4. (d) Access to the Arabian Sea
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Access to the Arabian Sea

Correct Answer: Access to the Arabian Sea
Magadha (present-day Bihar) is a landlocked region in eastern India, far from the Arabian Sea (which is on India's western coast). Therefore, 'Access to the Arabian Sea' was NOT a reason for Magadha's dominance.
The actual reasons for Magadha's dominance were:
Fertile river plains - The Gangetic plains provided agricultural surplus.
Natural fortifications - Rivers like Ganga, Son, and Chambal provided natural defence.
Rich iron deposits - Iron from the Barabar Hills region helped make superior weapons and tools.
Sources and Prehistoric India · Sources of ancient history

Q15. What name did ancient Chinese texts use for India?

  1. (a) Bharat
  2. (b) Indica
  3. (c) Yintu
  4. (d) Sindhu
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Yintu

Correct Answer: Yintu
Ancient Chinese texts referred to India as 'Yintu' (also transliterated as 'Yindhu'), derived from the Sanskrit/Persian word 'Hindu/Sindhu' (referring to the Indus River). Famous Chinese travellers like Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) used this name in their accounts of India.
Why other options are wrong:
Bharat - The Indian name for India, used in Sanskrit texts.
Indica - The Greek/Latin name used by Greeks like Megasthenes.
Sindhu - The Sanskrit name for the Indus River; not specifically the Chinese name for India.

Static GK (8)

Dances · Folk dances by state

Q16. 'Loor' is a popular dance of which of the following Indian state?

  1. (a) Haryana
  2. (b) Goa
  3. (c) Sikkim
  4. (d) Kerala
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Haryana

Correct Answer: Haryana
Loor is a traditional folk dance of Haryana, performed mainly by women during the spring festival season around Holi. The dancers move in circles singing folk songs. It is an important part of the cultural heritage of Haryana.
Why other options are wrong:
Goa - Known for Dekhnni, Fugdi, and Dhalo folk dances.
Sikkim - Known for Maruni, Chu Faat, and Singhi Chham dances.
Kerala - Known for Kathakali, Theyyam, and Mohiniyattam.
Dances · Folk dances by state

Q17. Which theme is portrayed in the 'Shikaar Nritya' folk dance of Gujarat?

  1. (a) A farming ritual
  2. (b) Rain invocation
  3. (c) A wedding ceremony
  4. (d) Recreation of a hunting scene
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Recreation of a hunting scene

Correct Answer: Recreation of a hunting scene
Shikaar Nritya (Shikaar = hunt, Nritya = dance) is a folk dance of Gujarat that recreates and portrays a hunting scene. Performers mime the actions of hunters tracking and catching animals. It reflects the ancient tribal traditions of the region.
Why other options are wrong:
Farming ritual - Agricultural themes are depicted in dances like Garba.
Rain invocation - Rain-related dances include Motidhana and similar tribal dances.
Wedding ceremony - Wedding ceremonies have their own specific folk dance traditions.
Festivals, Fairs, Paintings and Crafts · Fairs and melas

Q18. In which Indian state is 'Syalde Bikhauti Mela' celebrated?

  1. (a) Goa
  2. (b) Gujarat
  3. (c) Uttarakhand
  4. (d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Uttarakhand

Correct Answer: Uttarakhand
Syalde Bikhauti Mela is a traditional annual fair celebrated in the Dwarahat area of Almora district, Uttarakhand. It is one of the oldest and most colourful fairs of the Kumaon region, associated with the harvest and cultural traditions of the hill communities.
Why other options are wrong:
Goa - Famous for Shigmo and Carnival festivals.
Gujarat - Famous for Rann Utsav, Navratri, and Tarnetar Mela.
Andhra Pradesh - Famous for Brahmotsavam, Lumbini Festival, etc.
Festivals, Fairs, Paintings and Crafts · Festivals by state

Q19. 'Chandanakuda Mahotsavam' in Kerala is a festival celebrated in a _____.

  1. (a) temple
  2. (b) church
  3. (c) masjid
  4. (d) buddhist monastery
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) masjid

Correct Answer: masjid
Chandanakuda Mahotsavam (Chandanakudam festival) is celebrated at the Beemapally Dargah (mosque/masjid) near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is one of the largest communal harmony festivals in Kerala, attended by people of all faiths. The festival involves a procession carrying sandalwood paste (chandanam) offerings.
Why other options are wrong:
Temple - This is an Islamic shrine festival, not a temple festival.
Church - Not associated with a church.
Buddhist monastery - Not associated with Buddhism.
Music and Musical Instruments · Folk music and songs by state

Q20. 'Burrakatha', a traditional ballad that primarily narrates mythological stories, is a folk art of which Indian state?

  1. (a) Kerala
  2. (b) Bihar
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh
  4. (d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer: Andhra Pradesh
Burrakatha is a traditional folk narrative art form of Andhra Pradesh (also Telangana). The performer uses a Burra (a string instrument made of leather) and two wooden clappers (kinnera and gummeta) to narrate mythological stories with singing, dialogue, and dance. It has also been used to spread social messages.
Why other options are wrong:
Kerala - Has its own folk forms like Ottamthullal and Koodiyattam.
Bihar - Known for Bidesia and Jat-Jatin folk forms.
Madhya Pradesh - Known for Pandwani and Rai folk traditions.
Books and Authors · Modern Indian books and authors

Q21. Who is the author of the book 'My Dateless Diary', which is based on the interactions with Americans?

  1. (a) R.K. Narayan
  2. (b) Ruskin Bond
  3. (c) Mulk Raj Anand
  4. (d) Khushwant Singh
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) R.K. Narayan

Correct Answer: R.K. Narayan
'My Dateless Diary' (1960) is a travelogue written by the famous Indian author R.K. Narayan. It records his experiences, observations, and interactions during his visit to the United States of America. It is an engaging account of cultural differences between India and America.
Why other options are wrong:
Ruskin Bond - Known for 'The Room on the Roof' and many short stories set in Dehradun.
Mulk Raj Anand - Known for 'Untouchable' and 'Coolie'.
Khushwant Singh - Known for 'Train to Pakistan' and 'History of the Sikhs'.
Monuments and Heritage · Monuments - builders and locations

Q22. Which structure in Fatehpur Sikri is considered the most imposing gateway in the world?

  1. (a) Jama Masjid
  2. (b) Dewan-i-Khas
  3. (c) Panch Mahal
  4. (d) Buland Darwaja
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Buland Darwaja

Correct Answer: Buland Darwaja
The Buland Darwaja (Gate of Magnificence/Victory Gate) at Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 CE to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. Standing 54 metres high and 26 metres wide, it is the largest gateway in the world and a stunning example of Mughal architecture.
Why other options are wrong:
Jama Masjid - The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri; not the gateway.
Dewan-i-Khas - The Hall of Private Audience; not a gateway.
Panch Mahal - A five-storied pavilion; not a gateway.
Music and Musical Instruments · Folk music and songs by state

Q23. Daskathia is a form of ballad singing prevalent in _____.

  1. (a) Punjab
  2. (b) Tamil Nadu
  3. (c) Maharashtra
  4. (d) Odisha
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Odisha

Correct Answer: Odisha
Daskathia (also called Daskathiya) is a traditional folk narrative and ballad-singing art form of Odisha. The performer uses two pieces of wood (kathi sticks) to create rhythmic beats while narrating devotional stories, particularly about Lord Jagannath and other deities, through singing and acting.
Why other options are wrong:
Punjab - Known for Dhadi and Alahuni ballad traditions.
Tamil Nadu - Known for Villupattu (bow-song) and Koothu folk traditions.
Maharashtra - Known for Powada (ballad) and Gondhal folk traditions.

Physics (1)

Heat and Thermodynamics · Evaporation, humidity and cooling

Q24. Why do people sprinkle water on roofs or open ground after a hot sunny day?

  1. (a) To increase the temperature of the surface.
  2. (b) To help water absorb the heat.
  3. (c) To utilize the large latent heat of vaporisation of water for cooling.
  4. (d) To make the surface more slippery.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) To utilize the large latent heat of vaporisation of water for cooling.

Correct Answer: To utilize the large latent heat of vaporisation of water for cooling.
When water is sprinkled on a hot surface, it evaporates (vaporises). This evaporation process absorbs a large amount of heat energy from the surface, called the Latent Heat of Vaporisation (approximately 2260 J/g for water). This absorbed heat cools the surface and the surrounding air, providing relief from heat.
Why other options are wrong:
To increase surface temperature - Evaporation DECREASES temperature, not increases it.
To help water absorb heat - This is partially true but incomplete; the key is the phase change (evaporation) and the LATENT heat involved.
To make surface slippery - Not the scientific reason for this practice.

Chemistry (1)

Everyday and Industrial Chemistry · Combustion and flame

Q25. What substances were used in the head of early matches to initiate combustion?
I. Antimony trisulphide
II. Potassium chlorate
III. White phosphorus

  1. (a) Only I and II
  2. (b) Only II and III
  3. (c) Only I and III
  4. (d) I, II and III
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) I, II and III

Correct Answer: I, II and III
Early matches (Lucifer matches, invented in the 1820s-1830s) contained all three substances in their heads:
Antimony trisulphide (Sb2S3) - Acted as a fuel.
Potassium chlorate (KClO3) - Acted as an oxidising agent to support combustion.
White phosphorus (P4) - Acted as the ignition agent (lit by friction).
White phosphorus was later banned due to its extreme toxicity (caused 'phossy jaw' disease in workers) and replaced with red phosphorus in safety matches.
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