Economy Questions in UPSC Prelims [2013-2023]

The economy is one of the most important subjects in the Civil Services Examination. As per the UPSC 2024 calendar, the IAS Prelims and main exams are scheduled to take place on May 26, 2024 and September 29, 2024 respectively. 

For revision of this section, candidates can practise from previous years’ UPSC Prelims Economy Questions and download the solutions PDF given in this article.

Here, we have provided 2013-2022 questions related to Economy that were asked in Prelims General Studies Paper-I of the IAS Exam.

Candidates must note that questions in the Economy section are partly driven by current affairs. Hence, such questions asked previously will be highlighted so that candidates understand how current affairs are aligned with the Indian Economy. This will help them focus on the latest current affairs, which will be relevant for the UPSC 2024 exam.

Get previous years’ subject-wise questions of UPSC Prelims from the links provided below:

Table of Content:

• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2022
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2021
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2020
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2019
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2018
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2017
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2016
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2015
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2014
• Economy Questions in IAS Prelims 2013
• UPSC Prelims Economy Solutions 2013-2020

The IAS Prelims Economy Questions of 2022 are given below:

Questions asked in Prelims 2021 from the Economy section are given below:

1.“Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which of the following:

1. Asian Development Bank
2. International Monetary Fund
3. United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
4. World Bank

2. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. An increase in Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of rupee.
2. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness.
3. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4.With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, consider the following statements:

1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

5.With reference to the India economy, what are the advantages of “Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)”?

1. Government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs.
2. IIGs provide protection to the investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.
3. The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

 6. With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market-places.
2. The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7. Which of the following activities constitute real sector in the economy?

1. Farmers harvesting their crops
2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics
3. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company
4. A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

8. Which one of the following situations best reflects “Indirect Transfers” often talked about in media recently with reference to India?

(a) An Indian company investing in a foreign enterprise and paying taxes to the foreign country on the profits arising out of its investment

(b) A foreign company investing in India and paying taxes to the country of its base on the profits arising out of its investment

(c) An Indian company purchases tangible assets in a foreign country and sells such assets after their value increases and transfers the proceeds to India

(d) A foreign company transfers shares and such shares derive their substantial value from assets located in India

 9. With reference to the expenditure made by an organisation or a company, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Acquiring new technology is capital expenditure.
2. Debt financing is considered capital expenditure, while equity financing is considered revenue expenditure.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 10. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. A share of the household financial savings goes towards government borrowings.
2. Dated securities issued at market-related rates in auctions form a large component of internal debt.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

11. With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

12. Consider the following statements:

1. Tight monetary policy of US Federal Reserve could lead to capital flight.
2. Capital flight may increase the interest cost of firms with existing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs).
3. Devaluation of domestic currency decreases the currency risk associated with ECBS.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

13. Consider the following statements:

1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by Reserve Bank of India.
2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.
3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

14. With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct?

1. The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
2. BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
3. BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

15. Convertible Bonds, consider the following statements:

1. As there is an option to exchange the bond for equity, Convertible Bonds pay a lower rate of interest.
2. The option to convert to equity affords the bondholder a degree of indexation to rising consumer prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

16. In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation?

(a) Department of Consumer Affairs

(b) Expenditure Management Commission

(c) Financial Stability and Development Council

(d) Reserve Bank of India

17. With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements:

1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
3. They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium transactions. of commercial

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

18. In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?

1. Central Statistics Office
2. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
3. Labour Bureau
4. National Technical Manpower Information System

Candidates can download the UPSC Prelims 2023 Question Papers for GS I and GS II from the linked page.

Answer Key for Economy Prelims 2022 Questions

The IAS Prelims Economy Questions of 2021 are given below:

Questions asked in Prelims 2021 from the Economy section are given below:

1. The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

a) Increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio in the banks.
b) Increase in the Statutory Liquidity Ratio in the banks
c) Increase in the banking habit of the people
d) Increase in the population of the country

2. With reference to the Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following?

1. Expansionary policies
2. Fiscal stimulus
3. Inflation-indexing wages
4. Higher purchasing power
5. Rising interest rates

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 3, 4 and 5 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

3. With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Retail investors through Demat account can invest in Treasury Bills and Government of India Debt Bonds in the primary market
2. The “Negotiated Dealing System-Ordering Matching” is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The “Central Depository Services Ltd” is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3

4. In India, the Central Bank’s function as the “lender of last resort” usually refers to which of the following?

1. Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources
2. Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis
3. Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits

Select the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 3 only

5. Consider the following statements:

1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in the public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.

Which of the above statements are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

6. With reference to the casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:

1. All casual workers are entitled to employees Provident Fund Coverage
2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment
3. The government can by notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.

Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

7. Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession?
a) Cut in tax rates accompanied by increase in interest rate
b) Increase in expenditure on public projects
c) Increase in tax rates accompanied by reduction of interest rate
d) Reduction of expenditure on public projects

8. Consider the following statements

Other things remaining unchanged, market demand for a good might increase if

1. Price of its substitute increases
2. Price of its complement increases
3. The good is an inferior good and income of the consumers increases
4. Its price falls

Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2 and 3

9. With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1996
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

10. Indian Government Bond yields are influenced by which of the following?

1. Actions of the United States Federal Reserve
2. Actions of the Reserve Bank of India
3. Inflation and short-term interest rates.

Select the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

11. Consider the following:

1. Foreign currency convertible bonds
2. Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions
3. Global depository receipts
4. Non-resident external deposits

Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 4
d) 1 and 4

12. Consider the following statements:

The effect of the devaluation of a currency is that it necessarily

1. Improves the competitiveness of the domestic exports in the foreign markets
2. Increase the foreign value of the domestic currency
3. Improves the trade balance

Which of the above statements is/are

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3

13. Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing
b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewellery, gold etc.
c) Large donations to political parties and growth of regionalism
d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion

14. Which one of the following is likely to be one of the most inflationary in its effects?

a) Repayment of public debt
b) Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit
c) Borrowing from the banks to finance a budget deficit
d) Creation of new money to finance a budget deficit

Answer Key for Economy Prelims 2021 Questions

Year-Wise Economy Questions in IAS Prelims

The IAS Prelims Economy Questions from 2013 to 2020 for UPSC 2023 are given below:

1. What is the importance of the term “Interest Coverage Ratio” of a firm in India?

(1)It helps in understanding the present risk of a firm that a bank is going to give a loan to.

(2) It helps in evaluating the emerging risk of a firm that a bank is going to give a loan to.

(3) The higher a borrowing firm’s level of Interest Coverage Ratio, the worse is its ability to service its debt.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past?

(1) Minimum Support Price

(2) Government’s trading

(3) Government’s stockpiling

(4) Consumer subsidies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

3.Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes ?

(1) Working capital for maintenance of farm assets harvesters,

(2) Purchase of combine tractors and mini trucks requirements of farm

(3) Consumption households

(4) Post-harvest expenses

(5) Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2,3,4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

4. Consider the following statements :

(1) The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

(2) The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.

(3) The Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?

(1) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops

(2) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

(3) Social Capital development

(4) Free electricity supply to farmers

(5) Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system

(6) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments.

In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 2, 3 and 6 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

6. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements :

(1) Commercial Paper is a short-term unsecured promissory note.

(2) Certificate of Deposit is a long-term Instrument issued by RBI to a corporation.

(3) ‘Call Money’ is short-term finance used for interbank transactions.

(4) “Zero-Coupon Bonds’ are the interest-bearing short-term bonds issued by the Scheduled Commercial Banks to corporations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

7. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.

(2) India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.

(3) India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.

(4) India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

8. In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following?

(1) Housing loans owed by households

(2) Amounts outstanding on credit cards

(3) Treasury bills

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.

(2) They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.

(3) They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do?

(1) Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio

(2) Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate

(3) Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

11. With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements :

(1) Worker productivity (Rs per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.

(2) The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.

(3) In rural areas, the growth in the non-farm economy increased.

(4) The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

12. Consider the following statements:

(1) In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.

(2) One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. If another global financial crisis happens in the near future, which of the following actions/policies are most likely to give some immunity to India?

(1) Not depending on short-term foreign borrowings

(2) Opening up to more foreign banks

(3) Maintaining full capital account convertibility

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

14. If you withdraw 1,00,000 in cash from your Demand Deposit Account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be

(a) to reduce it by 1,00,000

(b) to increase it by 1,00,000

(c) to increase it by more than 1,00,000

(d) to leave it unchanged

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2020:

(a) poverty rates vary from State to State

(b) price levels vary from State to State

(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State

(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

2. The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

(a) Increase in the cash reserve ratio

(b) Increase in the banking habit of the population

(c) Increase in the statutory liquidity ratio

(d) Increase in the population of the country

3. Consider the following statements:

The Reserve Bank of India’s recent directives relating to ‘Storage of Payment System Data’, popularly known as data diktat, command the payment system providers that

(1) they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India

(2) they shall ensure that the systems are owned and operated by public sector enterprises

(3) they shall submit the consolidated system audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the end of the calendar year

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

(a) Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports

(b) Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee-denominated Masala Bonds

(c) Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing

(d) Following an expansionary monetary policy

5. Consider the following statements

(1) Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries.

(2) In terms of PPP dollars, India is the sixth-largest economy in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. With reference to India’s Five-Year Plans, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) From the Second Five-Year Plan, there was a determined thrust towards substitution of basic and capital good industries.

(2) The Fourth Five-Year Plan adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power.

(3) In the Fifth Five-Year Plan, for the first time, the financial sector was included as an integral part of the Plan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?

(a) Certificate of Deposit

(b) Commercial Paper

(c) Promissory Note

(d) Participatory Note

8. In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis?

(1) The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector

(2) Increasing the government expenditure

(3) Remittances from Indians abroad

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. Which of the following is not included in the assets of a commercial bank in India?

(a) Advances

(b) Deposits

(c) Investments

(d). Money at call and short notice

10. Consider the following statements:

(1) Most of India’s external debt is owed by governmental entities.

(2) All of India’s external debt is denominated in US dollars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

11. The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and bonus (if any) paid to the farmers plus

(a) transportation cost only

(b) interest cost only

(c) procurement incidentals and distribution cost

(d) procurement incidentals and charges for godowns

12. The Chairman of public sector banks are selected by the

(a) Banks Board Bureau

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Union Ministry of Finance

(d) Management of concerned bank

13. What was the purpose of the Inter Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently?

(a) To lessen the Government of India’s perennial burden of fiscal deficit and current account deficit

(b) To support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments

(c) To act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of Rs. 50 crore or more

(d) To aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are-under consortium lending

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2019:

1. Which one of the following best describes the term “Merchant Discount Rate” sometimes seen in the news?

(a) The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.

( b) The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.

(c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank’s debit cards.

(d) The incentive given by the Government, to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.

2. Consider the following statements

(1) The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.

(2) The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of war of GDP of the State 2 Governments.

(3) As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements

(1) The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of

edible oils in the last five years.

(2) The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible

oils a special case.

Which of two statements given above is/are correct

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India ?

(a) Indian banks’ Association

(b) National Securities Depository Limited

(c) National Payments Corporation of India

(d) Reserve Bank of India

5. Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money ?

(a) The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases

(b) The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims

(c) The bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc.

(d) The metallic money in circulation in a country

6. If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then

(a) the opportunity cost is zero.

(b) the opportunity cost is ignored.

(c) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax-paying public.

(d) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.

7. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

(a) industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.

(b) agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.

(c) poverty and unemployment increase.

(d) imports grow faster than exports.

8. Consider the following statements: Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process, which enables

(1) individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.

(2) increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.

(3) accumulation of tangible wealth.

(4) accumulation of intangible wealth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

9. Despite being a high saving economy, capital formation may not result in significant increase in output due to

(a) weak administrative machinery

(b) illiteracy

(c) high population density

(d) high capital-output ratio

10. Consider the following statements:

(1) The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.

(2) Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.

(3) Treasury bills offered are issued at a discount from the par value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 Only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

11. Consider the following statements:

(1) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is the amount that banks have to maintain in the form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account-holders fail to repay dues.

(2) CAR is decided by each individual bank.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

12. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements:

(1) BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.

(2) While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements

(1) Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.

(2) To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2018:

1. With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) It is an organ of NITI Aayog.

(2) It has a corpus of Rs. 4, 00,000 crore at present.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?

(1) It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.

(2) It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.

(3) It will enormously increase the growth and size of the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements :

(1) Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.

(2) Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. What is the purpose of setting up Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India?

(1) To supply credit to small business units

(2) To supply credit to small and marginal farmers

(3) To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.

(b) Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.

(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.

(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.

6. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?

(1) It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.

(2) It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.

(3) It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2017:

1. The term ‘Core Banking Solutions’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?

(1) It is a networking of a bank’s branches that enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts.

(2) It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization.

(3) It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011?

(1) List of ingredients including additives

(2) Nutrition information

(3) Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions

(4) Vegetarian/non-vegetarian

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 1 and 4 only

3. India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

(a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

(b) World Economic Forum

(c) World Bank

(d) World Trade Organization (WTO)

4. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the `Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ announced by RBI?

(1) These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances.

(2) These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

5. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements :

(1) It is an organ of NITI Aayog.

(2)It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.

(3) It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas

(b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies

(c) exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies

(d) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects

7. Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in [From Current Affairs of 2015-16]

(a) Andhra Pradesh

(b) Gujarat

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Uttar Pradesh

8. With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.

(2) Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.

(3) Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

(1) To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy

(2) To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector

(3) To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the

(a) European Central Bank

(b) International Monetary Fund

(c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

11. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as

(a) G20

(b) ASEAN

(c) SCO

(d) SAARC

12. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

(1) Ceiling fans

(2) Electric geysers

(3) Tubular fluorescent lamps

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

13. ‘European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an

(a) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

(b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

(c) agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade

(d) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

14. There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit?

(1) Reducing revenue expenditure

(2) Introducing new welfare schemes

(3) Rationalizing subsidies

(4) Reducing import duty

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

15. The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context?

(1) Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks.

(2) Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards.

(3) Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

16. With reference to `IFC Masala Bonds’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

(1) The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.

(2) They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

17. Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?

(1) Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.

(2) Loans received from foreign governments

(3) Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

18. Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of the IMF’s SDR? [From Current Affairs 2015-16]

(a) Rouble

(b) Rand

(c) Indian Rupee

(d) Renminbi

19. With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements :

(1) IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.

(2) The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

20. Which of the following best describes the term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news?

(a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country

(b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year

(c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries

(d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2016:

IAS Prelims Economy Questions 2015

1. ‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to

(a) develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity

(b) improve banking sector’s ability to deal with financial and economic stress and improve risk management

(c) reduce the greenhouse gas emissions but places a heavier burden on developed countries

(d) transfer technology from developed countries to poor countries to enable them to replace the use of chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration with harmless chemicals

2. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

(1) The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.

(2) The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following

(1) Bank rate

(2) Open market operations

(3) Public debt

(4) Public revenue

Which of the above is/are component/ components of Monetary Policy?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 1, 3 and 4

4. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?

(a) Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only

(b) The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation

(c) Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation

(d) Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation

5. The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of

(a) goods and services

(b) gold and silver

(c) dollars and other hard currencies

(d) exportable surplus

6. There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit?

(1) Reducing revenue expenditure

(2) Introducing new welfare schemes

(3) Rationalizing subsidies

(4) Expanding industries

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

7. A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?

(1) Slowing economic growth rate

(2) Less equitable distribution of national income

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

(a) Coal production

(b) Electricity generation

(c) Fertilizer production

(d) Steel production

9. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the

(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices

(c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture

(d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

10. Which one of the following issues the ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report periodically?

(a) The Asian Development Bank

(b) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(c) The US Federal Reserve Bank

(d) The World Bank

11. When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

(a) India’s GDP growth rate increases drastically

(b) Foreign Institutional Investors may bring more capital into our country

(c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut their lending rates

(d) It may drastically reduce the liquidity to the banking system

12. In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the

(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955

(b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States

(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937

(d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973

13. Which of the following brings out the ‘Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers’?

(a) The Reserve Bank of India

(b) The Department of Economic Affairs

(c) The Labour Bureau

(d) The Department of Personnel and Training

14. Convertibility of rupee implies

(a) being able to convert rupee notes into gold

(b) allowing the value of the rupee to be fixed by market forces

(c) freely permitting the conversion of rupee to other currencies and vice versa

(d) developing an international market for currencies in India

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2015:

IAS Prelims Economy Questions 2014

1. The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

(a) tax imposed by the Central Government

(b) tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government

(c) tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government

(d) tax imposed and collected by the State Government

2. What does venture capital mean?

(a) A short-term capital provided to industries

(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs

(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses

(d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries

3. The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is

(a) inclusive growth and poverty reductions

(b) inclusive and sustainable growth

(c) sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce unemployment

(d) faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth.

4. With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account?

(1) Balance of trade

(2) Foreign assets

(3) Balance of invisibles

(4) Special Drawing Rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 4

5. The terms ‘Marginal Standing Facility Rate’ and ‘Net Demand and Time Liabilities’, sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to

(a) banking operations

(b) communication networking

(e) military strategies

(d) supply and demand of agricultural products

6. What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas?

(1) It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages.

(2) It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7. In the context of Indian economy; which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘Statutory Reserve Requirements’?

(1) To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create

(2) To make the people’s deposits with banks safe and liquid

(3) To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits

(4) To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

8. If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will

(a) decrease the consumption expenditure in the economy

(b) increase the tax collection of the Government

(c) increase the investment expenditure in the economy

(d) increase the total savings in the economy

9. Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?

(a) The International Monetary Fund

(b) The United Nations Development Programme

(c) The World Economic Forum

(d) The World Bank

10. With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure?

(1) Defence expenditure

(2) Interest payments

(3) Salaries and pensions

(4) Subsidies,

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(d) None

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2014:

1. The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

(a) all import and transactions of a during a given period normally a year

(b) goods exported from a country during a year

(c) economic transaction between the government of one country to another

(d) capital movements from one country to another

2. The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of

(1) liquidity of assets

(2) branch expansion

(3) merger of banks

(4) winding-up of banks

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

3. An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

(a) market rate of interest is likely to fall

(b) Central Bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks

(c) Central Bank is following an easy money policy

(d) Central Bank is following a tight money policy

4. In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

(a) economic development

(b) redemption of public debt

(c) adjusting the balance of payments

(d) reducing the foreign debt

5. Which of the following constitute Capital Account?

(1) Foreign Loans

(2) Foreign Direct Investment

(3) Private Remittances

(4) Portfolio Investment

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 2 and 4

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

6. Consider the following statements :

(1) Inflation benefits the debtors.

(2) Inflation benefits the bond-holders.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7. Disguised unemployment generally means

(a) large number of people remain unemployed

(b) alternative employment is not available

(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero

(d) productivity of workers is low

8. Consider the following liquid assets:

(1) Demand deposits with the banks

(2) Time deposits with the banks

(3) Savings deposits with the banks

(4) Currency

The correct sequence of these decreasing order of Liquidity is

(a) 1-4-3-2

(b) 4-3-2-1

(c) 2-3-1-4

(d) 4-1-3-2

9. In the context of Indian economy, Open Market Operations’ refers to

(a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI

(b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade

(c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI

(d) None of the above

10. Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to

(a) agriculture

(b) micro and small enterprises

(c) weaker sections

(d) All of the above

11. To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?

(a) Promoting skill development

(b) Introducing more social security schemes

(c) Reducing infant mortality rate

(d) Privatization of higher education

12. A rise in general level of prices may be caused by

(1) an increase in the money supply

(2) a decrease in the aggregate level of output

(3) an increase in the effective demand

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

13. Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves?

(a) Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries

(b) Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs

(c) Foreign-currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs

(d) Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank

14. Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effect?

(a) Repayment of public debt

(b) Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit

(c) Borrowing from banks to finance a budget deficit

(d) Creating new money to finance a budget deficit

15. Supply of money remaining the same when there is an increase in demand for money, there will be

(a) a fall in the level of prices

(b) an increase in the rate of interest

(c) a decrease in the rate of interest

(d) an increase in the level of income and employment

16. Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if

(a) there is technical progress in the world economy

(b) there is population growth in X

(c) there is capital formation in X

(d) the volume of trade grows in the world economy

17. The national income of a country for a given period is equal to the

(a) total value of goods and services produced by the nationals

(b) sum of total consumption and investment expenditure

(c) sum of personal income of all individuals

(d) money value of final goods and services produced

18. Which of the following grants/ grant direct credit assistance to rural households?

(1) Regional Rural Banks

(2) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

(3) Land Development Banks

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Candidates can get the notes on the relevant articles from where the economy questions were asked in IAS Prelims 2013:

How to Prepare UPSC Prelims Economics for 2024 exam?

Get all the previous years’ UPSC Question Papers in the linked article.

UPSC Preparation Links: