UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Health Ministry set to roll out free HPV vaccination plan targeting girls aged 14

Q1. How many distinct HPV genotypes does the vaccine deployed under India's 2026 National HPV Vaccination Programme protect against?

  • A. 2
  • B. 4
  • C. 7
  • D. 9

Q2. Consider the following statements comparing India's 2026 National HPV Vaccination Programme with the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination ('90-70-90') Strategy: 1. India's programme targets girls aged 14, while WHO's 90-70-90 target sets full HPV vaccination of 90% of girls by age 15. 2. The Indian programme follows a two-dose schedule for the 14-year cohort, in contrast to the single-dose option validated for use globally. 3. Unlike India's programme, which is solely a vaccination drive, WHO's 90-70-90 framework also incorporates cervical screening and treatment targets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's programme targets girls aged 14, while WHO's 90-70-90 target sets full HPV vaccination of 90% of girls by age 15.
  2. The Indian programme follows a two-dose schedule for the 14-year cohort, in contrast to the single-dose option validated for use globally.
  3. Unlike India's programme, which is solely a vaccination drive, WHO's 90-70-90 framework also incorporates cervical screening and treatment targets.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to India's National HPV Vaccination Programme launched in February 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The vaccine is provided free of cost at designated government health facilities. 2. Participation by the eligible cohort is voluntary and requires mandatory parental consent. 3. The programme administers a two-dose HPV vaccine schedule to each eligible girl. 4. The vaccine deployed under the programme is the quadrivalent Gardasil. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The vaccine is provided free of cost at designated government health facilities.
  2. Participation by the eligible cohort is voluntary and requires mandatory parental consent.
  3. The programme administers a two-dose HPV vaccine schedule to each eligible girl.
  4. The vaccine deployed under the programme is the quadrivalent Gardasil.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q4. Which one of the following is the primary HPV vaccine deployed under India's National HPV Vaccination Programme for the 14-year-old cohort?

  • A. Cervavac (bivalent, Serum Institute of India)
  • B. Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent, Merck)
  • C. Gardasil-9 (nonavalent, Merck)
  • D. Cecolin (bivalent, Innovax)