Indian Economy MCQs
Indian Economy Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for SSC, State and all One Day Examinations of India. Objective Questions on Indian Economy for competitive examinations.
1. First state in India to launch a policy to establish Special Agriculture Zones (SAZs):
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand was the first state to set up Special Agricultural Zones (SAZs) in 2011. It was launched on the lines of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It encouraged the farmers to develop high-quality crop seeds typical to hilly regions.
2. The concept of weaker sections under ‘priority sector’ was introduced on the recommendation of which of the following committees?
[A] Krishnaswami Committee
[B] Varshney Committee
[C] Gadgil Committee
[D] Abid Hussain Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Krishnaswami Committee]
Notes:
The term Priority Sector Lending was defined in the year 1972 by Krishnaswamy Committee. Initially banks were given an Priority sector lending target of 33.33%. But following the Krishnaswami Committee’s recommendations, the targets were raised to 40%.
3. Who is the largest shareholder in NSDL as of August 2025?
[A] National Stock Exchange
[B] IDBI Bank
[C] SUUTI
[D] State Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Stock Exchange]
Notes:
As of August 2025, National Stock Exchange became the largest shareholder in NSDL after IDBI Bank reduced its stake by selling 11.11% in the IPO, retaining 14.99%. NSE holds a 24% stake. NSDL was established in 1996. Regulatory norms restrict non-institutional ownership in depositories to 15% in India. NSDL facilitates electronic securities settlement nationwide.
4. Consider the following items with respect to the classification of “Total Food Grains” in India:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Coarse cereals (such as millet, barley, sorghum)
- Pulses (including lentils, chickpeas)
Which of the above are included in the definition of Total Food Grains by Indian agricultural standards?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Total Food Grains, as classified by Indian agricultural authorities, comprise rice, wheat, all types of coarse cereals (millet, barley, sorghum, etc.), and pulses. These groups are reported together in agriculture statistics and policy documents, as both cereals and pulses are major staple food grains cultivated and consumed across India.
5. Consider the following statements regarding Cost Push Inflation:
- Cost Push Inflation is a function of the costs such as wages, rent, interest rates etc.
- Cost Push Inflation can be controlled easily in comparison to Demand Pull Inflation.
- The purchasing power of Rupee decreases in case of Cost Push Inflation.
- Cost Push Inflation often results from supply shocks like oil price increases.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1, 3 and 4
[B] Only 1
[C] 1 and 2
[D] 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Cost-push inflation arises from increases in production costs like wages and raw materials (statement 1). It cannot be controlled easily compared to demand-pull inflation (statement 2 is incorrect). Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money (statement 3). Supply shocks, e.g., rising oil prices, often trigger cost-push inflation (statement 4). Thus, 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
6. Consider the following statements about the Government Securities (G-sec) market in India:
- Speculation exists in the G-sec market, particularly through activities such as margin trading and short-term position trading.
- Institutional investors dominate the G-sec market, accounting for the majority of trading volume.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 is correct
[B] Only 2 is correct
[C] Both 1 and 2 are correct
[D] Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2 are correct]
Notes:
Both statements are correct. The G-sec market does witness speculative activities, including margin trading and short-term trades, often leading to price volatility. Furthermore, institutional investors such as banks, insurance companies, and pension funds are the predominant participants in the G-sec market, holding and trading most government securities for liquidity and investment purposes.
7. Which among the following authority appoints a Deputy Governor in Reserve Bank of India?
[A] Governor of RBI
[B] Central Board of Directors
[C] Central Government
[D] Committee of the Central Board
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Central Government]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Central Government.” In India, the Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are appointed by the Central Government under Section 8 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The RBI has four Deputy Governors, and their roles include overseeing various departments such as monetary policy, financial markets, and banking regulation. This appointment process reflects the government’s influence on the central bank’s operations.
8. The power of banks to expand deposits through lending is called:
[A] Capital Expansion
[B] Credit Expansion
[C] Credit Control
[D] Credit Creation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Credit Creation]
Notes:
Credit creation by commercial banks occurs under the fractional reserve system. Banks keep a part of deposits as reserves and lend the rest. This process increases the total supply of money. The cash reserve ratio (CRR) determines the amount banks must retain. The money multiplier is calculated as 1 divided by the CRR. New loans are redeposited and re-lent, multiplying deposits.
9. What does “round tripping” in FDI refer to?
[A] The use of FDI to set up subsidiaries worldwide
[B] Domestic capital routed abroad and reinvested as foreign investment
[C] Repatriation of FDI profits to the investor’s home country
[D] Cross-border flows through free trade zones without taxes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Domestic capital routed abroad and reinvested as foreign investment]
Notes:
Round tripping in FDI involves domestic capital sent to foreign jurisdictions and then returning as foreign investment. Such investments often use offshore financial centers or low-tax countries. This mechanism enables companies to claim incentives for foreign investors. It led to significant FDI inflows for countries such as India and China through countries like Mauritius and Hong Kong via special purpose vehicles.
10. Why is core inflation used over headline inflation for assessing inflation trends?
[A] Core inflation includes food and energy prices
[B] Core inflation excludes food and energy prices
[C] Core inflation uses a narrower goods basket
[D] Headline inflation predicts price changes better
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Core inflation excludes food and energy prices]
Notes:
Core inflation excludes food and energy items, which are subject to frequent supply shocks and high volatility. This exclusion allows core inflation to measure underlying and persistent price movements in the economy. Policymakers in India and other countries use core inflation for short-term policy decisions as it remains more stable compared to headline inflation, which fluctuates more due to volatile components.
