UPSC Indian Economic Service (IES) MCQs

Prepare effectively for the UPSC Indian Economic Service (IES) exam with a focused collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These MCQs cover essential topics like Economics, General Studies, and Statistics, designed to match the actual exam pattern. Practicing these questions will help aspirants strengthen their understanding of economic concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and manage time efficiently during the exam. Whether you're revising key topics or testing your knowledge, these IES MCQs are a valuable resource to guide you toward success in the UPSC Indian Economic Service exam and a rewarding career in economic policy-making.

Q1. What does the law of demand state?

Correct Answer: B

Law of demand states demand decreases as price increases.

Q2. Which index is used to measure inflation?

Correct Answer: A

CPI measures changes in prices of consumer goods and services.

Q3. The fiscal deficit indicates:

Correct Answer: B

Fiscal deficit is when government spending exceeds revenue.

Q4. In the IS-LM model, what does the LM curve represent?

Correct Answer: B

LM curve represents money market equilibrium.

Q5. Marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is:

Correct Answer: A

MPC measures change in consumption with an additional unit of income.

Q6. Which of the following is NOT a direct tax?

Correct Answer: C

Customs duty is an indirect tax.

Q7. Inflation caused by increase in aggregate demand is called:

Correct Answer: B

Demand-pull inflation results from increased demand.

Q8. The elasticity of demand measures:

Correct Answer: A

Elasticity shows how demand changes with price.

Q9. Which measure is used to assess the inequality in income distribution?

Correct Answer: A

Gini Coefficient measures income inequality.

Q10. The term “Open Market Operations” refers to:

Correct Answer: B

Open Market Operations involve buying/selling government bonds.

Q11. Fiscal policy involves:

Correct Answer: A

Fiscal policy uses government spending and tax measures.

Q12. Which indicator reflects economic growth?

Correct Answer: A

GDP is the primary indicator of economic growth.

Q13. The Phillips curve shows the relationship between:

Correct Answer: A

Phillips curve relates inflation and unemployment.

Q14. What does the term “Balance of Payments” signify?

Correct Answer: A

Balance of Payments tracks all economic transactions internationally.

Q15. Which is a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market?

Correct Answer: B

Many buyers and sellers with no barriers form perfect competition.

Q16. The concept of “Opportunity Cost” means:

Correct Answer: A

Opportunity cost is the value of next best alternative foregone.

Q17. Which sector is classified as the tertiary sector?

Correct Answer: C

The tertiary sector includes services.

Q18. “Monopolistic Competition” is characterized by:

Correct Answer: C

Many sellers offer differentiated products in monopolistic competition.

Q19. The term “Crowding Out Effect” refers to:

Correct Answer: B

Government borrowing reduces available funds for private sector.

Q20. Which institution regulates monetary policy in India?

Correct Answer: A

Reserve Bank of India regulates monetary policy.

Q21. GDP at market prices includes:

Correct Answer: D

GDP at market prices includes all these components.

Q22. The “Human Development Index” measures:

Correct Answer: C

HDI combines health, education, and income indicators.

Q23. The Laffer curve illustrates the relationship between:

Correct Answer: A

Laffer curve shows how tax revenue varies with tax rates.

Q24. Which of the following is NOT a fiscal policy tool?

Correct Answer: C

Interest rates are monetary policy tools.

Q25. In the Keynesian model, aggregate demand is:

Correct Answer: B

Aggregate demand equals consumption + investment + government spending + net exports.

Q26. Which is the largest component of India’s GDP?

Correct Answer: B

Services sector contributes the most.

Q27. Inflation targeting in India is done by:

Correct Answer: C

RBI is responsible for inflation targeting.

Q28. Which is NOT part of the Indian Planning Commission’s tasks?

Correct Answer: C

Conducting elections is not a planning commission function.

Q29. What is “Public Finance”?

Correct Answer: A

Public finance deals with government budget management.

Q30. Which is the most widely used method to calculate national income?

Correct Answer: B

Expenditure method is widely used for national income calculation.

Q31. Which institution publishes the “Economic Survey” of India?

Correct Answer: B

Ministry of Finance publishes the Economic Survey.

Q32. The term “GNP” stands for:

Correct Answer: A

GNP means Gross National Product.

Q33. Which type of unemployment is due to seasonal variations?

Correct Answer: D

Seasonal unemployment arises due to seasonal demand changes.

Q34. What does “Monetary Policy” primarily regulate?

Correct Answer: B

Monetary policy controls money supply and rates.

Q35. Which of the following is an example of a direct tax?

Correct Answer: C

Income tax is a direct tax.

Q36. Which indicator measures economic inequality?

Correct Answer: B

Gini coefficient measures income inequality.

Q37. India’s first Five Year Plan focused on:

Correct Answer: A

The first plan focused on agriculture and irrigation.

Q38. In economics, “marginal cost” means:

Correct Answer: B

Marginal cost is the cost of one more unit.

Q39. Which sector contributes the most to India's GDP?

Correct Answer: C

The service sector is the largest contributor.

Q40. Which term means a situation with many buyers and sellers but no single entity controls the market?

Correct Answer: C

Perfect competition has many sellers with no control.

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