CGPSC SSE 2021 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CGPSC SSE 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 16 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Medieval Chhattisgarh

   Which dynasty established its capital at Ratanpur in medieval Chhattisgarh?

   • A. Somvanshi
   • B. Kalchuri
   • C. Nala
   • D. Sharabhpuriya
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Kalchuri dynasty made Ratanpur its capital during the medieval period. The Kalchuris ruled over Chhattisgarh for several centuries and Ratanpur remained an important political center in the region.

2. Q2 · Modern India and freedom struggle

   The Vernacular Press Act, aimed at regulating Indian language newspapers, was passed in which year?

   • A. 1857
   • B. 1878
   • C. 1892
   • D. 1905
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 by Lord Lytton's government to curb the freedom of the Indian press and prevent criticism of British policies. It gave the government powers to confiscate printing presses and impose restrictions on publications.

3. Q3 · Indian geography

   Chhattisgarh is known as the 'Rice Bowl of India' due to its high rice production. Which region of the state is particularly known for abundant rice cultivation?

   • A. Bastar Plateau
   • B. Central lowland plain
   • C. Northern highlands
   • D. Southern hill ranges
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The central lowland plain of Chhattisgarh is especially known for abundant rice production, often being called the country's 'rice bowl' and supplying grain to hundreds of rice mills.

4. Q4 · Mineral resources of Chhattisgarh

   Chhattisgarh is the only state in India producing which of the following minerals?

   • A. Bauxite
   • B. Iron ore
   • C. Tin ore (Cassiterite)
   • D. Coal
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Chhattisgarh is the only tin ore (cassiterite) producing state in India. The tin ore deposits, found in Dantewara district, account for approximately 35.83% of Indian tin ore reserves.

5. Q5 · Indian polity and governance

   Under the Indian Constitution, the residuary powers of legislation belong to:

   • A. State Legislature
   • B. Union Parliament
   • C. Concurrent List subjects
   • D. Both Union and State equally
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Article 248 of the Indian Constitution vests residuary powers (matters not enumerated in any of the three Lists) exclusively with the Union Parliament.

6. Q6 · Industries of Chhattisgarh

   Which of the following is NOT a major industrial sector in Chhattisgarh?

   • A. Steel and sponge iron
   • B. Aluminum production
   • C. Thermal power generation
   • D. Automobile manufacturing
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   The core industrial sectors of Chhattisgarh include steel, aluminum, cement, thermal power, and mining. While there is some automotive presence, automobile manufacturing is not among the state's major industrial sectors.

7. Q7 · Environment and ecology

   Consider the following statements about biodiversity conservation: 1. Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats 2. National parks allow limited human activities including grazing 3. Biosphere reserves have core, buffer, and transition zones 4. Wildlife sanctuaries provide absolute protection with no human interference Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 3 only
   • B. 1 and 3 only
   • C. 2 and 4 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3 only
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Only statement 3 is correct. Ex-situ conservation means protecting species outside their natural habitat (not in). National parks prohibit most human activities. Wildlife sanctuaries allow some regulated activities, but statement 4's claim of 'absolute protection with no interference' is incorrect.

8. Q8 · Interpersonal and communication skills

   A subordinate officer repeatedly fails to meet deadlines despite having adequate resources. As a senior officer, which approach demonstrates the best combination of interpersonal skills and problem-solving?

   • A. Issue a formal warning immediately without discussion
   • B. Have a private conversation to understand underlying issues, offer support, and set clear expectations with follow-up
   • C. Reassign all important work to other team members
   • D. Publicly announce the officer's poor performance to motivate improvement
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Effective leadership requires understanding root causes through empathetic communication, providing support while maintaining accountability, and establishing clear expectations—this approach balances interpersonal sensitivity with performance management.

9. Q9 · Decision-making and problem-solving

   A government officer observes that unauthorized construction is happening in a protected zone. The builder is politically well-connected. The officer should:

   • A. Ignore it to avoid political pressure
   • B. Issue a stop-work notice immediately and follow due legal process
   • C. Seek approval from political superiors before acting
   • D. Wait until construction is complete and then take action
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The officer's duty is to enforce the law without fear or favor. Issuing an immediate stop-work notice and following due legal process upholds the rule of law and protects the protected zone from further damage.

10. Q10 · Bastar tribal uprisings

    The Muria rebellion of 1876 in Bastar was primarily directed against which official?

    • A. The British Resident
    • B. Diwan Gopinath Kapardas
    • C. The Maratha ruler
    • D. The forest contractor
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    The Muria rebellion of 1876 was primarily directed against Diwan Gopinath Kapardas, who was appointed in 1867 and was responsible for large-scale exploitation of the tribal population. Tribals surrounded Jagdalpur on 2nd March 1876.