GK Questions for Class 8 with Answers (Free)

Free General Knowledge questions and answers for Class 8 — GK across history, geography, polity, science and current affairs, with clear explanations for Indian students.

GK Questions for Class 8 with Answers (Free)

Free General Knowledge questions and answers for Class 8 — GK across history, geography, polity, science and current affairs, with clear explanations for Indian students.

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TL;DR: Free General Knowledge questions and answers for Class 8 — GK across history, geography, polity, science and current affairs, with clear explanations…

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88 General Knowledge questions suitable for Class 8, 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.

33 of them are set out in full below, and 55 more that you should already know are listed with their answers underneath.

Questions in Full — 33

History (2)

1. The Revolt of 1857 is also known as:

  1. Indian Rebellion
  2. Sepoy Mutiny
  3. War of Independence
  4. All of the above

Answer: All of the above

The Revolt of 1857 is known by all these names. It was the first major uprising against British rule.

2. Rani Lakshmibai fought against British rule from which fort?

  1. Red Fort
  2. Gwalior Fort
  3. Chittor Fort
  4. Kumbalgarh Fort

Answer: Gwalior Fort

Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi fought from Gwalior Fort during the 1857 Revolt.

Geography (11)

1. The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?

  1. 6
  2. 8
  3. 10
  4. 12

Answer: 8

The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.

2. The Eastern Ghats are located in which part of India?

  1. Western coast
  2. Eastern coast
  3. Northern region
  4. Southern peninsula

Answer: Eastern coast

The Eastern Ghats are located along the eastern coast of India, running from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.

3. Which state has the longest coastline in India?

  1. Gujarat
  2. Maharashtra
  3. Kerala
  4. Tamil Nadu

Answer: Gujarat

Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states, stretching over 1,600 km.

4. The Deccan Plateau is primarily located in:

  1. North India
  2. South India
  3. Northeast India
  4. Eastern coast

Answer: South India

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in south-central India, covering much of central and southern India.

5. What is the total area of India approximately?

  1. 2.97 million sq km
  2. 3.28 million sq km
  3. 2.5 million sq km
  4. 4.1 million sq km

Answer: 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.

6. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in:

  1. Assam
  2. West Bengal and Bangladesh
  3. Odisha
  4. Kerala

Answer: West Bengal and Bangladesh

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is shared between West Bengal and Bangladesh.

7. The Nilgiri Mountains are located in:

  1. Northern Ghats
  2. Western Ghats
  3. Eastern Ghats
  4. Himalayas

Answer: Western Ghats

The Nilgiri Mountains are part of the Western Ghats in South India.

8. How many union territories did India have after 2019?

  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9

Answer: 8

After the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019, India has 8 union territories.

9. The Rann of Kutch is known for:

  1. Forests
  2. Salt marshes
  3. Mountain ranges
  4. River deltas

Answer: Salt marshes

The Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in Gujarat, famous for its unique ecosystem.

10. The Aravalli Range runs through:

  1. North India
  2. South India
  3. East India
  4. Northeast India

Answer: North India

The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges, running through northwest India.

11. Which state is called the "Land of Gods"?

  1. Himachal Pradesh
  2. Uttarakhand
  3. Assam
  4. Meghalaya

Answer: Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is known as "Devbhumi" or "Land of Gods" due to its religious significance and natural beauty.

Polity & Civics (5)

1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted?

  1. August 15, 1947
  2. January 26, 1950
  3. November 26, 1949
  4. December 6, 1956

Answer: November 26, 1949

The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950.

2. Who is the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru
  2. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  3. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  4. Rajendra Prasad

Answer: 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.

3. The President of India is the head of:

  1. Executive
  2. Legislative
  3. Judiciary
  4. All three

Answer: Executive

The President is the constitutional head of the Executive branch of the Indian government.

4. The term of a Lok Sabha member is:

  1. 2 years
  2. 3 years
  3. 5 years
  4. 6 years

Answer: 5 years

A member of the Lok Sabha serves a term of 5 years.

5. The Council of Ministers is headed by:

  1. President
  2. Prime Minister
  3. Speaker
  4. Chief Justice

Answer: Prime Minister

The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the chief executive.

Science (8)

1. Who proposed the theory of evolution?

  1. Charles Darwin
  2. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
  3. Gregor Mendel
  4. Carolus Linnaeus

Answer: Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, published in "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.

2. What is the SI unit of electric current?

  1. Coulomb
  2. Ampere
  3. Volt
  4. Ohm

Answer: Ampere

The Ampere (A) is the SI unit of electric current, named after André-Marie Ampère.

3. How many chromosomes does a human have?

  1. 23
  2. 46
  3. 48
  4. 50

Answer: 46

A human has 46 chromosomes in total: 23 pairs (22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes).

4. Who discovered penicillin?

  1. Louis Pasteur
  2. Alexander Fleming
  3. Joseph Lister
  4. Edward Jenner

Answer: Alexander Fleming

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, the first widely used antibiotic.

5. What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?

  1. Graphite
  2. Diamond
  3. Silicon carbide
  4. Corundum

Answer: Diamond

Diamond is the hardest natural substance, with atoms arranged in a tetrahedral lattice.

6. What is the SI unit of temperature?

  1. Celsius
  2. Fahrenheit
  3. Kelvin
  4. Rankine

Answer: Kelvin

The Kelvin (K) is the SI unit of temperature, used in scientific work.

7. Who invented the microscope?

  1. Galileo
  2. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
  3. Robert Hooke
  4. Isaac Newton

Answer: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek designed the first practical microscope in the 17th century.

8. Which scientist developed the periodic table?

  1. Dmitri Mendeleev
  2. J.J. Thomson
  3. Niels Bohr
  4. Rutherford

Answer: Dmitri Mendeleev

Dmitri Mendeleev created the periodic table of elements in 1869.

Static GK (4)

1. Who won the first Bharat Ratna award?

  1. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
  2. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
  3. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  4. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1954.

2. What is the international date line?

  1. 0 degrees latitude
  2. 180 degrees longitude
  3. 90 degrees longitude
  4. 45 degrees latitude

Answer: 180 degrees longitude

The International Date Line is an imaginary line at 180 degrees longitude where the date changes.

3. Who wrote the national pledge of India?

  1. Gandhi
  2. Nehru
  3. Pydimarri Venkata Subrahmanyam
  4. Ambedkar

Answer: Pydimarri Venkata Subrahmanyam

Pydimarri Venkata Subrahmanyam composed the National Pledge of India.

4. What is the world's smallest country by area?

  1. Monaco
  2. Liechtenstein
  3. Vatican City
  4. Malta

Answer: Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country with an area of about 0.49 sq km.

Current Affairs (3)

1. When is the Paris Olympics 2024 scheduled?

  1. July 2024
  2. August 2024
  3. September 2024
  4. October 2024

Answer: July 2024

The Paris Olympics 2024 are scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

2. Who is the current Prime Minister of India (as of 2026)?

  1. Narendra Modi
  2. Manmohan Singh
  3. Rajiv Gandhi
  4. I.K. Gujral

Answer: Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi has been serving as Prime Minister of India since 2014.

3. Which country hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022?

  1. Qatar
  2. Russia
  3. United States
  4. United Kingdom

Answer: Qatar

Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022, the first World Cup in the Middle East.

Also Applicable at This Level (55)

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

History (8)

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)

Geography (14)

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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 capital of Jharkhand is:
    Ranchi — Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, known as the "Land of Waterfalls". (set out in full in Class 7)
  • 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)

Science (12)

  • 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 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)
  • What is the chemical formula for salt?
    NaCl — Table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), composed of sodium and chlorine ions. (set out in full in Class 6)
  • 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 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)

Static GK (21)

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)

GK Questions by Class

ClassQuestionsNew at this level
Class 5 GK1313
Class 6 GK3724
Class 7 GK5518
Class 8 GK8833
Class 9 GK13749
Class 10 GK17943
Class 11 GK140—
Class 12 GK119—

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.

Play the timed GK quiz →