DRDO MCQs for Competitive Exams With Answers help you learn how India builds its defence technology. First, you will read 20 original questions on the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Moreover, each question comes with four options, a correct answer, and extra facts. These facts explain the topic in simple words. As a result, you remember key points faster. Students who prepare for RRB NTPC, SSC exams, and the UPSC exam can use this article. In addition, the questions cover the history of DRDO, missiles, weapons, laboratories, and special achievements. For example, you will learn about Agni, BrahMos, Pinaka, and Mission Shakti. Therefore, try each question first. Then check the answer and read the extra information. Finally, revise the facts again before your exam. Keep reading, and build a strong base in defence general awareness.
DRDO Basics and History MCQs
Q1
In which year did India set up DRDO?
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Answer: B) 1958
DRDO began in 1958. At that time, the government merged several technical units with the Defence Science Organisation. As a result, India got one strong body for defence research. Today, DRDO runs more than 50 laboratories across the country. Moreover, it reports to the Ministry of Defence.
Q2
Which ministry controls DRDO?
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Answer: C) Ministry of Defence
DRDO works under the Ministry of Defence. Specifically, the Department of Defence Research and Development oversees it. Therefore, the Secretary of this department also leads DRDO as its Chairman. In addition, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet selects the Chairman. Students often confuse these roles, so remember this link.
Q3
Where does DRDO have its headquarters?
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Answer: A) New Delhi
DRDO has its headquarters at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi. However, its laboratories work in many cities. For example, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai host important labs. Also, scientists in these labs focus on different areas such as missiles, aircraft, and electronics. Therefore, DRDO works as a network, not a single office.
Q4
What does DRDO’s motto “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” mean?
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Answer: D) Science is the root of strength
DRDO’s motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam. This Sanskrit phrase tells us that science creates real strength. Moreover, the motto shows DRDO’s goal of self-reliance in defence. As a result, the organisation develops weapons and systems inside India. In addition, exam setters often ask for the meaning of the motto.
Q5
Which scientist led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme?
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Answer: B) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The government started this programme in 1983. As a result, India built missiles such as Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag. Later, Dr. Kalam served as India’s President from 2002 to 2007. Because of his work, people call him the Missile Man of India.
DRDO Missile MCQs With Answers
Q6
Which missile belongs to the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme?
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Answer: A) Prithvi
Prithvi is a short-range surface-to-surface missile. DRDO first tested it in 1988. Besides Prithvi, the programme produced Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag. However, BrahMos, Astra, and Nirbhay did not belong to this original group. Therefore, remember the five names together.
Q7
What type of missile is Akash?
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Answer: D) Surface-to-air missile
Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile. It can hit aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Moreover, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force both use it. In addition, it can attack several targets at the same time. As a result, Akash gives strong air defence to important areas.
Q8
What type of missile is Nag?
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Answer: C) Anti-tank guided missile
Nag is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile. It works on the fire-and-forget idea. This means the operator does not need to guide the missile after launch. As a result, the operator can move to safety quickly. Moreover, Nag belongs to the original group of five missiles.
Q9
Which two rivers give BrahMos its name?
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Answer: B) Brahmaputra and Moskva
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile. Moreover, it flies at about Mach 2.8. India and Russia run a joint venture to build it. For this reason, the name combines the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. In addition, forces can launch it from land, ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Q10
What range does the Agni-V missile have?
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Answer: D) More than 5,000 km
Agni-V is an intercontinental-class ballistic missile with a range of more than 5,000 km. DRDO first tested it in 2012. Later, in 2024, DRDO tested Agni-V with multiple warheads under Mission Divyastra. As a result, one missile can hit several targets. Furthermore, Agni-V strengthens India’s deterrence.
Q11
What type of missile is Astra?
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Answer: A) Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Astra is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. A pilot can fire it at an enemy aircraft that the eye cannot see. Moreover, Astra works with fighters such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Tejas. As a result, India depends less on imported air-to-air missiles. In addition, DRDO keeps improving its range with newer versions.
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DRDO Weapons, Tanks, and Engines MCQs
Q12
What kind of vehicle is Arjun?
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Answer: C) Main battle tank
Arjun is India’s main battle tank. First, the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment in Chennai designed it. In addition, the Indian Army uses it today. Also, the name comes from a famous warrior in the Mahabharata. As a result, many students remember it easily.
Q13
What kind of weapon is Pinaka?
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Answer: B) Multi-barrel rocket launcher
Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system. The Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune led its design. Also, the Army used Pinaka in the Kargil War in 1999. Later, DRDO developed guided versions with longer range. As a result, the system now hits targets more accurately.
Q14
Which jet engine programme did DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment lead?
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Answer: D) Kaveri
Kaveri is a turbofan jet engine programme. DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bengaluru leads it. First, DRDO planned the engine for the Tejas fighter. However, the engine did not reach the thrust that the Tejas needed. Nevertheless, the project gave India valuable experience in jet engine technology.
Q15
What does INSAS stand for?
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Answer: A) Indian Small Arms System
INSAS stands for Indian Small Arms System. The Armament Research and Development Establishment developed it. Moreover, the Indian armed forces used the rifle widely from the 1990s. However, the forces later moved to newer rifles. Therefore, exam setters ask about both the name and the origin of INSAS.
DRDO Achievements and Laboratories MCQs
Q16
In which year did India carry out the Pokhran-II tests?
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Answer: C) 1998
India carried out the Pokhran-II tests in May 1998. At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee led the government. Moreover, DRDO and the Department of Atomic Energy worked together on the tests. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. R. Chidambaram guided the effort. Also, India celebrates National Technology Day on 11 May to mark this event.
Q17
What did India test in Mission Shakti?
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Answer: B) An anti-satellite weapon
India carried out Mission Shakti on 27 March 2019. First, DRDO used a ballistic missile defence interceptor. Then, the interceptor destroyed a test satellite about 300 km above Earth. As a result, India joined the United States, Russia, and China as the fourth country with this ability. Moreover, the test showed the strength of India’s missile defence work.
Q18
Which company worked with DRDO to develop the COVID-19 drug 2-DG?
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Answer: D) Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
2-DG stands for 2-deoxy-D-glucose. First, DRDO’s Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences developed it with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in Hyderabad. Then, in May 2021, the Drugs Controller General of India approved it for emergency use. Moreover, doctors used it as an extra treatment for moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Therefore, this drug shows that DRDO also works in health science.
Q19
Which DRDO laboratory in Hyderabad leads missile development?
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Answer: A) Defence Research and Development Laboratory
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad leads missile development. Scientists there work on Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and Nag. In contrast, the Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune focuses on rockets and small arms. Similarly, the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment in Chennai focuses on armoured vehicles. Therefore, remember each lab with its main product.
Q20
What does the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences study?
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Answer: C) Soldier health in extreme climates
The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in Delhi studies how soldiers cope with extreme conditions. For example, its scientists study high altitude, extreme cold, and heat. As a result, they suggest better food, clothing, and training for troops. Moreover, this work helps soldiers in mountain areas. In addition, it shows that DRDO covers life sciences too.