National Symbols of India
National Symbols of India embody the country’s identity, heritage, and constitutional values. This 100 MCQ master set provides complete coverage of the Flag Code of India, the State Emblem Act, the National Anthem and Song, and the adoption of symbols such as the Tiger, Peacock, Lotus, Banyan, Mango, Ganga, Dolphin, and Elephant. It traces their historical origins, cultural significance, and legal protocols, while integrating Supreme Court judgments, Constituent Assembly debates, and modern reforms. Designed for UPSC, SSC, PSC, and other competitive exams, this module ensures syllabus completeness, analytical depth, and exam authenticity. Students and educators can rely on this set for transparent, deployment‑ready preparation aligned with India’s polity and general knowledge framework.
A) Flag Code of India, 2002
B) State Emblem of India Act, 2005
C) Article 356
D) Representation of the People Act, 1951
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Flag Code consolidates rules for display, usage, and respect of the National Flag.
Q2. The State Emblem of India Act, 2005 regulates:
A) Use of the Lion Capital of Ashoka
B) National Anthem protocol
C) National Song adoption
D) National Calendar usage
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: It controls the use and misuse of the State Emblem.
Q3. The National Anthem of India is:
A) Jana Gana Mana
B) Vande Mataram
C) Sare Jahan Se Achha
D) Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem; Vande Mataram is the National Song.
Q4. The National Song of India is:
A) Vande Mataram
B) Jana Gana Mana
C) Sare Jahan Se Achha
D) Saare Jahan Se Achha
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram is the National Song, distinct from the Anthem.
Q5. The National Emblem is adapted from:
A) Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath
B) Konark Sun Temple wheel
C) India Gate
D) Red Fort insignia
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Emblem is adapted from Ashoka’s Lion Capital.
Q6. The Flag Code of India was consolidated in:
A) 2002
B) 1950
C) 1968
D) 2010
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The 2002 Code unified earlier practices and guidelines.
Q7. The National Flag must be made of:
A) Khadi or other materials as permitted by amendments
B) Silk only
C) Cotton only
D) Polyester only
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Originally khadi; later amendments allowed other materials while preserving dignity norms.
Q8. The correct ratio of the National Flag is:
A) 3:2
B) 2:3
C) 3:5
D) 1:1
✅ Correct: B
Explanation: The Flag’s length-to-height ratio is 3:2.
Q9. The Ashoka Chakra on the Flag has:
A) 24 spokes
B) 12 spokes
C) 36 spokes
D) 18 spokes
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The navy-blue Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes.
Q10. The order of colors in the National Flag from top to bottom is:
A) Saffron, White, Green
B) Green, White, Saffron
C) White, Saffron, Green
D) Saffron, Green, White
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Saffron signifies courage, white truth/peace, green faith/fertility.
Q11. The National Anthem protocol requires standing:
A) As a mark of respect
B) Only in schools
C) Only in Parliament
D) Not required
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Standing is a customary mark of respect unless exempted for valid reasons.
Q12. Misuse of the State Emblem is:
A) Punishable under the 2005 Act
B) Allowed for private logos
C) Allowed for NGOs
D) Allowed with permission from any ministry
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Unauthorized use is prohibited and punishable.
Q13. The Flag must not touch:
A) The ground or water
B) The ceiling
C) The pole
D) The wall
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Flag should not touch the ground, trail in water, or be used as drapery.
Q14. The Flag should be flown at half-mast:
A) On specific occasions notified by the Government
B) On all national mourning days automatically
C) At the discretion of local authorities
D) Never
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Half-mast is governed by official notifications and protocol.
Q15. The National Anthem’s playing duration is typically:
A) ~52 seconds (full version)
B) ~30 seconds
C) ~1 minute 30 seconds
D) ~10 seconds
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The full anthem lasts about 52 seconds.
Q16. The National Emblem features how many visible lions?
A) Three visible, fourth at the back
B) Four visible
C) Two visible
D) One visible
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Lion Capital has four lions; three are visible in the Emblem.
Q17. The motto “Satyameva Jayate” is taken from:
A) Mundaka Upanishad
B) Bhagavad Gita
C) Rig Veda
D) Arthashastra
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: “Truth alone triumphs” is from the Mundaka Upanishad.
Q18. The Flag Code prohibits use of the Flag as:
A) Clothing or drapery
B) Tablecloth
C) Vehicle cover
D) All of the above
✅ Correct: D
Explanation: The Flag cannot be used as drapery, clothing, or decorative cover.
Q19. Disposal of damaged Flags should be by:
A) Private respectful burning or other dignified method
B) Throwing in dustbin
C) Recycling with other cloth
D) Returning to any police station
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Damaged Flags must be disposed of respectfully.
Q20. The National Calendar adopted by India is:
A) Saka Calendar
B) Gregorian only
C) Vikram Samvat
D) Hijri Calendar
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Saka Calendar is the National Calendar used officially alongside Gregorian.
Q21. The National River of India is:
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Brahmaputra
D) Godavari
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Ganga is designated as the National River.
Q22. The National Aquatic Animal is:
A) Ganges River Dolphin
B) Olive Ridley Turtle
C) Hilsa
D) Crocodile
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Ganges River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal.
Q23. The National Heritage Animal is:
A) Elephant
B) Tiger
C) Peacock
D) Nilgai
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Indian Elephant is the National Heritage Animal.
Q24. Under Article 51A, citizens have a duty to:
A) Respect the National Flag and Anthem
B) Enforce Flag Code on others
C) Punish violators
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Fundamental duties include respect for national symbols.
Q25. The authority primarily responsible for Emblem usage permissions is:
A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Election Commission
C) Supreme Court
D) Ministry of Culture
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: MHA oversees Emblem usage and permissions.
Q26. The National Flag of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:
A) 22 July 1947
B) 15 August 1947
C) 26 January 1950
D) 2 October 1947
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the Tiranga on 22 July 1947.
Q27. The National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” was adopted on:
A) 24 January 1950
B) 15 August 1947
C) 26 January 1950
D) 2 October 1949
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted as the National Anthem on 24 January 1950.
Q28. The National Song “Vande Mataram” was composed by:
A) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Subramania Bharati
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra in his novel *Anandamath*.
Q29. The National Emblem was adopted on:
A) 26 January 1950
B) 15 August 1947
C) 22 July 1947
D) 2 October 1949
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Lion Capital of Ashoka was adopted as the Emblem on Republic Day, 1950.
Q30. The National Animal of India is:
A) Royal Bengal Tiger
B) Asiatic Lion
C) Elephant
D) Peacock
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Royal Bengal Tiger symbolizes strength and grace.
Q31. The National Bird of India is:
A) Peacock
B) Sparrow
C) Parrot
D) Eagle
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Indian Peacock was declared the National Bird in 1963.
Q32. The National Flower of India is:
A) Lotus
B) Rose
C) Jasmine
D) Sunflower
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Lotus symbolizes purity and cultural heritage.
Q33. The National Tree of India is:
A) Banyan
B) Neem
C) Mango
D) Peepal
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Banyan tree represents longevity and resilience.
Q34. The National Fruit of India is:
A) Mango
B) Banana
C) Apple
D) Guava
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Mango is considered the “king of fruits” in India.
Q35. The National River of India is:
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Brahmaputra
D) Godavari
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Ganga is revered as sacred and declared the National River.
Q36. The National Calendar of India is:
A) Saka Calendar
B) Vikram Samvat
C) Gregorian Calendar
D) Hijri Calendar
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Saka Calendar was adopted in 1957 for official purposes.
Q37. The National Aquatic Animal of India is:
A) Ganges River Dolphin
B) Olive Ridley Turtle
C) Crocodile
D) Hilsa Fish
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Ganges River Dolphin was declared in 2009.
Q38. The National Heritage Animal of India is:
A) Elephant
B) Tiger
C) Peacock
D) Nilgai
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Indian Elephant was declared Heritage Animal in 2010.
Q39. The National Anthem was composed by:
A) Rabindranath Tagore
B) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Subramania Bharati
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore composed Jana Gana Mana in Bengali.
Q40. The National Song “Vande Mataram” was first sung at:
A) 1896 INC Session, Calcutta
B) 1929 Lahore Session
C) 1942 Quit India Movement
D) 1919 Jallianwala Bagh protest
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram was first sung at the 1896 INC session.
Q41. The National Flag’s saffron color represents:
A) Courage and sacrifice
B) Peace and truth
C) Fertility and growth
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Saffron symbolizes courage and sacrifice.
Q42. The white color in the Flag represents:
A) Peace and truth
B) Fertility
C) Strength
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: White stands for peace and truth.
Q43. The green color in the Flag represents:
A) Fertility, faith, and prosperity
B) Courage
C) Peace
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Green symbolizes fertility and prosperity.
Q44. The Ashoka Chakra represents:
A) Dharma (righteousness)
B) Courage
C) Prosperity
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The 24 spokes symbolize the eternal wheel of law.
Q45. The National Anthem was declared by:
A) Constituent Assembly
B) Supreme Court
C) Parliament
D) President
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Constituent Assembly declared Jana Gana Mana as Anthem.
Q46. The National Song was declared by:
A) Constituent Assembly
B) Supreme Court
C) Parliament
D) President
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Constituent Assembly recognized Vande Mataram as National Song.
Q47. The National Emblem’s motto “Satyameva Jayate” means:
A) Truth alone triumphs
B) Strength alone triumphs
C) Unity alone triumphs
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Taken from Mundaka Upanishad, meaning “Truth alone triumphs.”
Q48. The National Bird was declared in:
A) 1963
B) 1950
C) 1972
D) 1980
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Peacock was declared National Bird in 1963.
Q49. The National Animal was declared in:
A) 1973 (Project Tiger era)
B) 1950
C) 1962
D) 1980
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Tiger declared National Animal in 1973.
Q50. Assertion (A): Lotus is the National Flower.
Reason (R): It symbolizes purity and cultural heritage.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
B) Both true, R not explanation
C) A true, R false
D) Both false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Lotus symbolizes purity and heritage, hence declared National Flower.
Q51. The first Indian flag resembling the present tricolor was hoisted in:
A) 1921 by Pingali Venkayya’s design
B) 1906 Calcutta session
C) 1931 Karachi session
D) 1947 Constituent Assembly
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Pingali Venkayya proposed the tricolor in 1921, later modified.
Q52. The tricolor was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly in:
A) 22 July 1947
B) 26 January 1950
C) 15 August 1947
D) 2 October 1947
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Tiranga was adopted on 22 July 1947.
Q53. The spinning wheel (Charkha) in early flag designs was replaced by:
A) Ashoka Chakra
B) Lotus
C) Lion Capital
D) Peacock
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Ashoka Chakra replaced the Charkha in 1947.
Q54. The National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” was first sung in:
A) 1911 Calcutta session of INC
B) 1929 Lahore session
C) 1947 Constituent Assembly
D) 1896 Calcutta session
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Jana Gana Mana was first sung in 1911.
Q55. Vande Mataram was first sung at:
A) 1896 Calcutta INC session
B) 1929 Lahore session
C) 1942 Quit India Movement
D) 1919 Jallianwala Bagh protest
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram was sung at the 1896 INC session.
Q56. Rabindranath Tagore composed Jana Gana Mana originally in:
A) Bengali
B) Hindi
C) Sanskrit
D) English
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: It was composed in Bengali, later translated.
Q57. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote Vande Mataram in:
A) Anandamath (1882)
B) Gitanjali
C) Constitution debates
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram was part of his novel *Anandamath*.
Q58. The Lotus was chosen as National Flower because:
A) Symbol of purity and cultural heritage
B) Common in all states
C) Mentioned in Constitution
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Lotus symbolizes purity and heritage.
Q59. The Peacock was chosen as National Bird because:
A) Indigenous, beautiful, and cultural significance
B) Common in all states
C) Mentioned in Constitution
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Peacock symbolizes grace and cultural heritage.
Q60. The Tiger was chosen as National Animal because:
A) Strength, grace, and ecological importance
B) Mentioned in Constitution
C) Common in all states
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Tiger symbolizes strength and ecological balance.
Q61. The Banyan tree was chosen as National Tree because:
A) Longevity and sheltering nature
B) Mentioned in Constitution
C) Common in all states
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Banyan symbolizes longevity and resilience.
Q62. The Mango was chosen as National Fruit because:
A) Popularity and cultural significance
B) Mentioned in Constitution
C) Common in all states
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Mango is widely loved and culturally significant.
Q63. The Ganga was declared National River in:
A) 2008
B) 1950
C) 1972
D) 1980
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Ganga declared National River in 2008.
Q64. The Ganges River Dolphin was declared National Aquatic Animal in:
A) 2009
B) 2000
C) 1995
D) 2012
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared in 2009 to highlight conservation.
Q65. The Elephant was declared National Heritage Animal in:
A) 2010
B) 2005
C) 2001
D) 2015
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared in 2010 to protect elephants.
Q66. The Saka Calendar was adopted as National Calendar in:
A) 1957
B) 1950
C) 1962
D) 1975
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Adopted in 1957 for official use.
Q67. Assertion (A): The tricolor evolved from earlier designs.
Reason (R): Pingali Venkayya’s design was modified with Ashoka Chakra.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: The Chakra replaced the Charkha in 1947.
Q68. Assertion (A): Jana Gana Mana was composed by Tagore.
Reason (R): It was first sung in 1911 INC session.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Tagore composed and it was sung in 1911.
Q69. Assertion (A): Vande Mataram is National Song.
Reason (R): It was part of *Anandamath*.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Written by Bankim Chandra in *Anandamath*.
Q70. Assertion (A): Lotus is National Flower.
Reason (R): It symbolizes purity.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Lotus chosen for purity and heritage.
Q71. Assertion (A): Peacock is National Bird.
Reason (R): It is indigenous and culturally significant.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared in 1963 for cultural significance.
Q72. Assertion (A): Tiger is National Animal.
Reason (R): It symbolizes strength and ecological balance.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared in 1973 during Project Tiger.
Q73. Assertion (A): Banyan is National Tree.
Reason (R): It symbolizes longevity.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Banyan chosen for longevity and shelter.
Q74. Assertion (A): Mango is National Fruit.
Reason (R): It is culturally significant and popular.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Mango declared for cultural significance.
Q75. Assertion (A): Ganga is National River.
Reason (R): Declared in 2008 for cultural and ecological importance.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Ganga declared National River in 2008.
Q76. Supreme Court ruled that standing during National Anthem is:
A) A mark of respect, not compulsion in all contexts
B) Mandatory in cinema halls only
C) Optional everywhere
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: SC clarified standing is customary respect, not compulsion in all contexts.
Q77. Playing the National Anthem in cinema halls was mandated in:
A) 2016 interim order
B) 1950 Constituent Assembly
C) 2005 Emblem Act
D) None
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: SC interim order in 2016 mandated anthem in cinemas, later relaxed.
Q78. Assertion (A): Misuse of National Flag is punishable.
Reason (R): Flag Code of India prescribes penalties.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Misuse is punishable under Flag Code and Prevention of Insults Act.
Q79. Assertion (A): State Emblem cannot be used for private logos.
Reason (R): The 2005 Act prohibits unauthorized use.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Unauthorized use is punishable.
Q80. Assertion (A): National Anthem must be sung in original tune.
Reason (R): SC directed strict adherence to official version.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Anthem must follow official tune and lyrics.
Q81. Assertion (A): Vande Mataram has equal status as Anthem.
Reason (R): Both were adopted by Constituent Assembly.
A) A false, R false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Anthem and Song differ in status; Anthem has higher protocol.
Q82. Assertion (A): Lotus is National Flower.
Reason (R): It is mentioned in Constitution.
A) A true, R false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Lotus chosen culturally, not in Constitution.
Q83. Assertion (A): Peacock is National Bird.
Reason (R): Declared in 1963 for cultural significance.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared for indigenous beauty and cultural value.
Q84. Assertion (A): Tiger is National Animal.
Reason (R): Declared in 1973 during Project Tiger.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared to highlight conservation.
Q85. Assertion (A): Ganga is National River.
Reason (R): Declared in 2008 for cultural and ecological importance.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared for heritage and ecology.
Q86. Assertion (A): Dolphin is National Aquatic Animal.
Reason (R): Declared in 2009 to highlight conservation.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared to protect endangered species.
Q87. Assertion (A): Elephant is National Heritage Animal.
Reason (R): Declared in 2010 to highlight conservation.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Declared for heritage and conservation.
Q88. Assertion (A): Saka Calendar is National Calendar.
Reason (R): Adopted in 1957 for official use.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Adopted for official records.
Q89. Assertion (A): Citizens must respect Flag and Anthem.
Reason (R): Article 51A includes this duty.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Fundamental duty mandates respect.
Q90. Assertion (A): Flag ratio is 3:2.
Reason (R): Flag Code prescribes this ratio.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Ratio is fixed by Flag Code.
Q91. Assertion (A): Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes.
Reason (R): Symbolizes Dharma.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Chakra represents eternal wheel of law.
Q92. Assertion (A): Anthem must be sung in Hindi only.
Reason (R): Constitution mandates Hindi version.
A) Both false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Anthem is in Bengali Sanskritized form, not mandated in Hindi.
Q93. Assertion (A): Vande Mataram is compulsory in schools.
Reason (R): SC directed mandatory singing.
A) Both false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: No compulsion; SC clarified voluntary respect.
Q94. Assertion (A): Emblem Act prohibits misuse.
Reason (R): Unauthorized use punishable.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Act regulates Emblem usage.
Q95. Assertion (A): Anthem lasts ~52 seconds.
Reason (R): Official version prescribed duration.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Full version lasts ~52 seconds.
Q96. Assertion (A): Flag disposal must be respectful.
Reason (R): Flag Code prescribes burning or dignified method.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Disposal must be dignified.
Q97. Assertion (A): Anthem must be sung collectively only.
Reason (R): SC prohibits solo singing.
A) Both false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Anthem can be sung solo or collective.
Q98. Assertion (A): Anthem and Song have equal constitutional status.
Reason (R): Both adopted by Constituent Assembly.
A) A false, R false
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Anthem has higher protocol; Song is cultural.
Q99. Assertion (A): Flag Code allows use of polyester flags.
Reason (R): Amendments permitted material flexibility.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Amendments allowed polyester while preserving dignity.
Q100. Assertion (A): National Symbols reflect India’s heritage.
Reason (R): They embody cultural, historical, and ecological values.
A) Both true, R correct explanation
✅ Correct: A
Explanation: Symbols embody India’s heritage and values.
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