GK Questions for Class 10 with Answers (Free)

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TL;DR: Free General Knowledge questions and answers for Class 10 — GK across history, geography, polity, science and current affairs, with clear explanations…

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179 General Knowledge questions suitable for Class 10, across 6 areas — history, geography, polity & civics, science, static gk, current affairs. Every question carries its four options, the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right.

43 of them are set out in full below, and 136 more that you should already know are listed with their answers underneath.

Questions in Full — 43

History (8)

Polity & Civics (21)

Science (3)

Current Affairs (11)

Also Applicable at This Level (136)

These first appear in an earlier class and are worth revising before an exam or quiz.

History (22)

• Who is known as the "Father of the Indian Independence Movement"?
  Mahatma Gandhi — Mahatma Gandhi led India's non-violent independence movement and is considered the father of Indian Independence. (set out in full in Class 6)
• In which year did India gain independence?
  1947 — India gained independence on August 15, 1947, ending 200 years of British rule. (set out in full in Class 5)
• Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
  Jawaharlal Nehru — Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964. (set out in full in Class 5)
• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in which year?
  1919 — The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, when British soldiers killed hundreds of Indian civilians in Amritsar. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
  Chandragupta Maurya — Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE with the help of Chanakya. (set out in full in Class 7)
• Which Mughal emperor is known for building the Taj Mahal?
  Shah Jahan — Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. (set out in full in Class 6)
• The Bengal Partition was implemented by which British Viceroy?
  Lord Curzon — Lord Curzon implemented the Bengal Partition in 1905, dividing Bengal into two provinces. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Revolt of 1857 is also known as:
  All of the above — The Revolt of 1857 is known by all these names. It was the first major uprising against British rule. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Who was the first President of independent India?
  Dr. Rajendra Prasad — Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India (1950-1962). (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which freedom fighter gave up his title "Rai Bahadur" in protest?
  Motilal Nehru — Motilal Nehru renounced his title "Rai Bahadur" in protest against British rule. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?
  1942 — The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal from India. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who was known as the "Iron Man of India"?
  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the "Iron Man of India" for his role in unifying India. (set out in full in Class 7)
• Which empire was known for the Ashoka Chakra?
  Mauryan Empire — The Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka is known for the Ashoka Chakra, which appears on the Indian flag. (set out in full in Class 6)
• The Indian National Congress was founded in which year?
  1885 — The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, by A.O. Hume. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who was the last Mughal Emperor of India?
  Bahadur Shah II — Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal Emperor, ruling until his deposition after the 1857 Revolt. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which was the first printing press established in India?
  Goa — The first printing press in India was established in Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who founded the Gupta Empire?
  Chandragupta I — Chandragupta I founded the Gupta Empire around 320 CE, marking the golden age of India. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Rani Lakshmibai fought against British rule from which fort?
  Gwalior Fort — Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi fought from Gwalior Fort during the 1857 Revolt. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Bhagat Singh was executed in which year?
  1931 — Bhagat Singh was hanged on March 23, 1931, becoming a symbol of revolutionary patriotism. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who started the Brahmo Samaj movement?
  Ram Mohan Roy — Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to reform Hindu society. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which ancient university was known as "Nalanda"?
  Center of Buddhist learning — Nalanda was a renowned ancient Buddhist university in Bihar, founded in 5th century CE. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who is known as the "Nightingale of India"?
  Sarojini Naidu — Sarojini Naidu, the Indian freedom fighter and poet, was called the "Nightingale of India". (set out in full in Class 9)

Geography (30)

• What is the capital of India?
  Delhi — New Delhi is the capital of India and is located on the banks of the Yamuna River. (set out in full in Class 5)
• Which is the highest mountain peak in India?
  Kangchenjunga — Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) is the highest peak in India and the third highest in the world. (set out in full in Class 6)
• The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
  8 — The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which is the longest river in India?
  Ganges — The Ganges (Ganga) is the longest river in India, flowing for about 2,510 km. (set out in full in Class 5)
• How many states and union territories are there in India (as of 2024)?
  29 — India has 28 states and 8 union territories (as of 2024). (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which state is known as the "Land of Five Rivers"?
  Punjab — Punjab is known as the "Land of Five Rivers" (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum). (set out in full in Class 6)
• The Western Ghats are mountain ranges found in which part of India?
  West — The Western Ghats are located along the western coast of India and are a biodiversity hotspot. (set out in full in Class 7)
• Which desert is located in India?
  Thar — The Thar Desert is located in northwestern India, primarily in Rajasthan. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the capital of Andhra Pradesh?
  Amaravati — Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh (since 2019). Hyderabad was the previous capital. (set out in full in Class 7)
• Which is the smallest state in India by area?
  Sikkim — Sikkim is the smallest state in India by area (7,096 sq km). (set out in full in Class 7)
• The Eastern Ghats are located in which part of India?
  Eastern coast — The Eastern Ghats are located along the eastern coast of India, running from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which state has the longest coastline in India?
  Gujarat — Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states, stretching over 1,600 km. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The Deccan Plateau is primarily located in:
  South India — The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in south-central India, covering much of central and southern India. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which is the largest island in Indian territory?
  Andaman — North Andaman is the largest island in Indian territory, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (set out in full in Class 9)
• What is the total area of India approximately?
  2.97 million sq km — India has a total area of approximately 3.287 million square kilometers, making it the 7th largest country by area. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which state in India has the largest population?
  Uttar Pradesh — Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of any Indian state (over 200 million). (set out in full in Class 7)
• The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in:
  West Bengal and Bangladesh — The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is shared between West Bengal and Bangladesh. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the capital of Kerala?
  Thiruvananthapuram — Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala, located in the southern tip of the state. (set out in full in Class 6)
• The Brahmaputra River flows through which countries?
  China, India, and Bangladesh — The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet (China), flows through India, and enters Bangladesh. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Jaipur is known as the:
  Pink City — Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" because its buildings are painted in terracotta pink. (set out in full in Class 7)
• The Nilgiri Mountains are located in:
  Western Ghats — The Nilgiri Mountains are part of the Western Ghats in South India. (set out in full in Class 8)
• How many union territories did India have after 2019?
  8 — After the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019, India has 8 union territories. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The Rann of Kutch is known for:
  Salt marshes — The Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in Gujarat, famous for its unique ecosystem. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which river forms the boundary between India and Bangladesh?
  All of the above — Multiple rivers form the boundary between India and Bangladesh including Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The capital of Jharkhand is:
  Ranchi — Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, known as the "Land of Waterfalls". (set out in full in Class 7)
• Which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India?
  Wular Lake — Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake in India. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Aravalli Range runs through:
  North India — The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges, running through northwest India. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the capital of Ladakh?
  Leh — Leh is the capital and largest city of Ladakh union territory. (set out in full in Class 7)
• The Indus River flows through which countries?
  China, India, and Pakistan — The Indus originates in Tibet (China), flows through India, and enters Pakistan. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which state is called the "Land of Gods"?
  Uttarakhand — Uttarakhand is known as "Devbhumi" or "Land of Gods" due to its religious significance and natural beauty. (set out in full in Class 8)

Polity & Civics (9)

• When was the Indian Constitution adopted?
  November 26, 1949 — The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Who is the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?
  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the "chief architect of the Indian Constitution" and was the chairman of the drafting committee. (set out in full in Class 8)
• How many fundamental rights are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?
  6 — The Indian Constitution originally had 7 fundamental rights, but after the 44th Amendment in 1978, it has 6 fundamental rights. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
  Article 17 — Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes "Untouchability" and makes its practice illegal. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The President of India is the head of:
  Executive — The President is the constitutional head of the Executive branch of the Indian government. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The term of a Lok Sabha member is:
  5 years — A member of the Lok Sabha serves a term of 5 years. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The Council of Ministers is headed by:
  Prime Minister — The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the chief executive. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The Election Commission of India was established in:
  1947 — The Election Commission of India was established on January 25, 1950. (set out in full in Class 9)
• A bill becomes law after:
  Presidential assent — A bill becomes law after it passes both houses and receives the President's assent. (set out in full in Class 9)

Science (26)

• Who discovered gravity?
  Isaac Newton — Isaac Newton discovered the law of universal gravitation in the late 17th century. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the SI unit of force?
  Newton — The Newton (N) is the SI unit of force, named after Isaac Newton. (set out in full in Class 7)
• What is the speed of light in vacuum?
  3 × 10^8 m/s — The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 3 × 10^8 m/s or 300,000 km/s. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who discovered the electron?
  J.J. Thomson — J.J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897 through his cathode ray experiments. (set out in full in Class 9)
• What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
  Nitrogen — Nitrogen (N₂) comprises about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, followed by oxygen at 21%. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the chemical formula for water?
  H₂O — Water has the chemical formula H₂O, consisting of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. (set out in full in Class 5)
• Who proposed the theory of evolution?
  Charles Darwin — Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, published in "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the SI unit of electric current?
  Ampere — The Ampere (A) is the SI unit of electric current, named after André-Marie Ampère. (set out in full in Class 8)
• How many chromosomes does a human have?
  46 — A human has 46 chromosomes in total: 23 pairs (22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes). (set out in full in Class 8)
• The process by which plants make food is:
  Photosynthesis — Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert sunlight to chemical energy (glucose). (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?
  Mitochondria — Mitochondria are called the powerhouse because they produce ATP, the cell's energy currency. (set out in full in Class 7)
• What is Ohm's Law?
  V=IR — Ohm's Law states that voltage (V) equals current (I) times resistance (R). (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who discovered penicillin?
  Alexander Fleming — Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, the first widely used antibiotic. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?
  Diamond — Diamond is the hardest natural substance, with atoms arranged in a tetrahedral lattice. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
  100°C — Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm). (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which gas do plants absorb for photosynthesis?
  Carbon Dioxide — Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the SI unit of temperature?
  Kelvin — The Kelvin (K) is the SI unit of temperature, used in scientific work. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Who invented the microscope?
  Antonie van Leeuwenhoek — Antonie van Leeuwenhoek designed the first practical microscope in the 17th century. (set out in full in Class 8)
• The process of converting a liquid to gas is:
  Evaporation — Evaporation is the phase transition from liquid to gas at the surface. (set out in full in Class 7)
• What is the largest organ in the human body?
  Skin — The skin is the largest organ by weight and surface area in the human body. (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which scientist developed the periodic table?
  Dmitri Mendeleev — Dmitri Mendeleev created the periodic table of elements in 1869. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the SI unit of energy?
  Joule — The Joule (J) is the SI unit of energy and work. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The speed of sound in air at 20°C is approximately:
  343 m/s — The speed of sound in air at 20°C is approximately 343 m/s. (set out in full in Class 9)
• What is the process of converting gas directly to solid?
  Deposition — Deposition is the phase transition from gas to solid without passing through liquid. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The study of organisms and their environment is:
  Ecology — Ecology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. (set out in full in Class 7)
• What does ATP stand for in cellular biology?
  Adenosine Triphosphate — ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy currency in cells. (set out in full in Class 9)

Static GK (30)

• What is the national bird of India?
  Peacock — The Indian Peafowl (Peacock) is the national bird of India, known for its stunning blue and green plumage. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the national animal of India?
  Tiger — The Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India and is a symbol of the wildlife wealth of India. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the national sport of India?
  Field Hockey — Field Hockey is the national sport of India. India has won 8 Olympic gold medals in field hockey. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the national flower of India?
  Lotus — The Lotus is the national flower of India, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the national tree of India?
  Banyan — The Banyan tree is the national tree of India, known for its large spreading branches and aerial roots. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the national emblem of India?
  Lion Capital of Ashoka — The Lion Capital of Ashoka is the national emblem of India, adopted from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the currency of India?
  Rupee — The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of India, with the symbol ₹. (set out in full in Class 5)
• Who is the author of "Mein Kampf"?
  Adolf Hitler — "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle) was written by Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader of Germany. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who won the first Bharat Ratna award?
  Dr. Rajendra Prasad — Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1954. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?
  Mars — Mars is known as the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance caused by iron oxide on its surface. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the international date line?
  180 degrees longitude — The International Date Line is an imaginary line at 180 degrees longitude where the date changes. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Who invented the telephone?
  Alexander Graham Bell — Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone, patented in 1876. (set out in full in Class 6)
• Which country has the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
  Italy — Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (58 as of 2024), followed by China and France. (set out in full in Class 9)
• What is the chemical symbol for gold?
  Au — Au is the chemical symbol for gold, derived from its Latin name "aurum". (set out in full in Class 7)
• How many bones does an adult human have?
  206 — An adult human has 206 bones in their body, though babies are born with about 270 bones. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the national river of India?
  Ganges — The Ganges is the national river of India, sacred in Hindu tradition. (set out in full in Class 6)
• What is the national fruit of India?
  Mango — The Mango is the national fruit of India, known as the "king of fruits". (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the Indian National Anthem called?
  Jana Gana Mana — Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, is the Indian National Anthem. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What is the Indian National Song?
  Vande Mataram — Vande Mataram is the National Song of India, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. (set out in full in Class 7)
• How many colors are in the Indian National Flag?
  4 — The Indian flag has 3 colors (Saffron, White, Green) plus the blue Ashoka Chakra. (set out in full in Class 5)
• What does the Ashoka Chakra represent?
  Peace — The Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes represents the law of dharma and righteousness. (set out in full in Class 7)
• Who wrote the national pledge of India?
  Pydimarri Venkata Subrahmanyam — Pydimarri Venkata Subrahmanyam composed the National Pledge of India. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which Indian scientist won the Nobel Prize in Physics?
  Both A and C — Both CV Raman (1930) and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1983) won Nobel Prize in Physics. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize?
  Rabindranath Tagore — Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize (Literature, 1913). (set out in full in Class 9)
• What is the symbol of the rupee?
  ₹ — The rupee symbol is ₹, officially adopted in 2010. (set out in full in Class 6)
• Who is the author of "Ramayana"?
  Valmiki — Valmiki is credited as the original author of the Ramayana. (set out in full in Class 7)
• What is the world's smallest country by area?
  Vatican City — Vatican City is the world's smallest country with an area of about 0.49 sq km. (set out in full in Class 8)
• How many strings does a sitar have?
  7 — A traditional sitar has 7 main strings, though variations exist. (set out in full in Class 7)
• The Padma Shri award is given for:
  Any field of achievement — The Padma Shri is awarded for outstanding achievement in any field including arts, science, sports, and service. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which sport did Sachin Tendulkar excel in?
  Cricket — Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. (set out in full in Class 6)

Current Affairs (19)

• When is the Paris Olympics 2024 scheduled?
  July 2024 — The Paris Olympics 2024 are scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Who is the current Prime Minister of India (as of 2026)?
  Narendra Modi — Narendra Modi has been serving as Prime Minister of India since 2014. (set out in full in Class 8)
• Which country hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022?
  Qatar — Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022, the first World Cup in the Middle East. (set out in full in Class 8)
• What is the theme of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission?
  Lunar landing — Chandrayaan-3 aimed to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole, which was successfully accomplished in 2023. (set out in full in Class 9)
• India's Aditya-L1 mission studies:
  The Sun — Aditya-L1 is India's solar observatory mission to study the Sun's corona and solar phenomena. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The AFC Asian Cup 2024 football tournament was hosted by:
  Saudi Arabia — The AFC Asian Cup 2024 was held in Saudi Arabia, making it the second time the country hosted the tournament. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Vikram Sarabhai is known for pioneering:
  Space program — Vikram Sarabhai founded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is the father of the Indian space program. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Which Indian state recently achieved 100% electrification?
  Gujarat — Gujarat achieved 100% electrification in 2022 under the Saubhagya scheme. (set out in full in Class 9)
• AI tools like ChatGPT were first introduced by:
  OpenAI — OpenAI developed and released ChatGPT in November 2022, which revolutionized AI accessibility. (set out in full in Class 9)
• India hosted the G20 presidency in which year?
  2023 — India held the G20 presidency in 2023 and issued the New Delhi Declaration. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Asian Games 2023 were hosted in:
  Hangzhou — The Asian Games 2023 were held in Hangzhou, China, where India won 107 medals. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Neeraj Chopra won a medal at Paris Olympics 2024 in:
  Javelin Throw — Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in Javelin Throw at the Paris Olympics 2024. (set out in full in Class 9)
• Manu Bhaker won India's first medal at Paris 2024 in:
  Shooting — Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in 10m air pistol at Paris Olympics 2024. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The 2024 general elections in India resulted in:
  Coalition government — The 2024 Indian elections resulted in a coalition government led by Prime Minister Modi. (set out in full in Class 9)
• India's Gaganyaan mission aims to:
  Send humans to space — Gaganyaan is India's human spaceflight program to send Indian astronauts to space. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Artemis program aims to:
  Return to the Moon — NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and establish lunar bases. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The 2024 Paris Olympics medal tally leader was:
  China — China topped the Paris Olympics 2024 medal table with the most gold medals. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on Moon's:
  South Pole — Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon's South Pole in August 2023. (set out in full in Class 9)
• The Indian hockey team's ranking in world standings (2024) is:
  10th — India's hockey team maintained a ranking around 10th in world standings in 2024. (set out in full in Class 9)

GK Questions by Class

Class	Questions	New at this level
Class 5 GK	13	13
Class 6 GK	37	24
Class 7 GK	55	18
Class 8 GK	88	33
Class 9 GK	137	49
Class 10 GK	179	43
Class 11 GK	140	—
Class 12 GK	119	—

How to Use These

Read the question, commit to one option before you look down, then read the explanation whether you were right or wrong. The explanation is the part that carries over to the next question; the answer on its own does not. Questions you get wrong are worth writing out by hand — a fact you have written once is recalled far more reliably than one you have read five times.

For quizzes and olympiads, work through a single category end to end rather than skipping between them. Static GK and geography reward exactly that kind of blocked practice, because the facts sit in the same mental map. History and current affairs reward the opposite — spacing them out over weeks, since both are about sequence and cause rather than isolated names.

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