General Knowledge (GK) is the backbone of almost every competitive and entrance examination in India and across the world. Whether you are preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, State PSCs, or entrance tests, a strong grasp of GK can significantly boost your score. The good news is that certain questions appear again and again across these exams. In this comprehensive guide, we have curated the 100 most asked general knowledge questions and answers for 2024, organized by subject to help you revise smartly and efficiently.UGC NET 2026
Why General Knowledge Matters in Competitive Exams
GK sections test your awareness of history, geography, science, polity, economics, and current affairs. Unlike other sections, GK requires consistent revision rather than problem-solving skills. Mastering frequently repeated questions gives you a definite edge, as examiners often recycle popular topics. Let’s dive into the most important questions, categorized for easy learning.
History – Most Asked GK Questions
- Who was the first Governor-General of India? Warren Hastings.
- In which year did India gain independence? 1947.
- Who founded the Maurya Empire? Chandragupta Maurya.
- The Battle of Plassey was fought in which year? 1757.
- Who is known as the “Iron Man of India”? Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Who led the Salt March (Dandi March)? Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.
- Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal? Shah Jahan.
- Who was the first woman ruler of India? Razia Sultana.
- The Quit India Movement was launched in which year? 1942.
- Who wrote the national anthem of India? Rabindranath Tagore.
Indian Polity and Constitution
- Who is called the “Father of the Indian Constitution”? Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- How many fundamental rights are guaranteed by the Constitution? Six.
- Who appoints the Chief Justice of India? The President of India.
- What is the minimum age to become the President of India? 35 years.
- How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution? 12.
- The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of how many members? 250.
- Which article deals with the Right to Constitutional Remedies? Article 32.
- Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha? The Vice-President.
- What is the term of a Lok Sabha member? Five years.
- When was the Indian Constitution adopted? 26 November 1949.
Geography – Frequently Repeated Questions
- Which is the longest river in India? The Ganges (Ganga).
- Which is the largest state in India by area? Rajasthan.
- What is the capital of Australia? Canberra.
- Which is the highest mountain peak in the world? Mount Everest.
- Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”? Mars.
- Which is the largest desert in the world? The Sahara Desert.
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states? Eight.
- Which country is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”? Japan.
- Which is the smallest continent? Australia.
- Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”? The Kosi River.
General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Physics
- What is the SI unit of force? Newton.
- What is the speed of light? Approximately 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
- Who discovered gravity? Sir Isaac Newton.
- What is the unit of electric current? Ampere.
Chemistry
- What is the chemical symbol for gold? Au.
- What gas do plants absorb during photosynthesis? Carbon dioxide.
- What is the pH value of pure water? 7 (neutral).
- Which is the lightest element? Hydrogen.
Biology
- What is the powerhouse of the cell? Mitochondria.
- How many bones are there in the adult human body? 206.
- Which vitamin is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight? Vitamin D.
- What is the largest organ in the human body? The skin.
Economics and Business
- Who is known as the “Father of Economics”? Adam Smith.
- What does GDP stand for? Gross Domestic Product.
- Which bank is the central bank of India? Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- In which year was the RBI established? 1935.
- What does GST stand for? Goods and Services Tax.
- Which is the headquarters of the World Bank? Washington, D.C.
- Who regulates the securities market in India? SEBI.
Sports GK
- How many players are there in a cricket team? Eleven.
- Where were the 2024 Summer Olympics held? Paris, France.
- Which country won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023? Australia.
- The term “Grand Slam” is associated with which sport? Tennis.
- Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards? Lionel Messi.
Awards, Books, and Important Days
- What is the highest civilian award in India? Bharat Ratna.
- Who wrote “Discovery of India”? Jawaharlal Nehru.
- When is World Environment Day celebrated? 5 June.
- The Nobel Prize is awarded in how many categories? Six.
- When is International Women’s Day observed? 8 March.
World General Knowledge
- Which is the largest country in the world by area? Russia.
- Where is the headquarters of the United Nations? New York, USA.
- Which is the most populous country in the world? India (as of 2023).
- What is the currency of Japan? Yen.
- Which is the smallest country in the world? Vatican City.
Tips to Master GK for Competitive Exams
Simply memorizing answers is not enough. To retain and recall GK effectively, follow these proven strategies:
- Read daily newspapers and current affairs magazines to stay updated.
- Make short notes of important facts, dates, and events for quick revision.
- Take regular mock tests to identify weak areas and improve speed.
- Use flashcards and mnemonic techniques for tough facts.
- Revise consistently rather than cramming before the exam.
Conclusion
General Knowledge is a scoring section if you prepare strategically. The 100 questions listed above represent the most frequently asked topics across major competitive and entrance exams in 2024. Bookmark this article, revise these questions regularly, and combine them with daily current affairs updates. With consistent effort and smart revision, you can turn the GK section into your strongest asset and move a step closer to cracking your dream exam. Government Jobs Best of luck with your preparation!
About the Author
bhaskar_reddy
A dedicated content writer specializing in government job notifications and results. With two years of experience covering SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC examinations, he delivers reliable, well-researched updates tailored for serious government job aspirants.