UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India drops small car sops in new fuel emission rules

Q1. The small-car concession proposed in the September 2025 draft of CAFE-III norms was widely criticised as effectively benefiting a single manufacturer. Which one of the following manufacturers holds the largest share (around 95%) of India's small-car (≤909 kg) segment that the now-dropped concession would have rewarded?

  • A. Tata Motors
  • B. Hyundai Motor India
  • C. Maruti Suzuki India
  • D. Mahindra & Mahindra

Q2. With reference to the draft Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) norms in the news, consider the following statements: 1. They prescribe a fleet-wide CO2 target of 91.7 g/km for passenger vehicles. 2. They are scheduled to be in force from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032. 3. They cover M1 category passenger vehicles with gross vehicle weight below 3,500 kg. 4. They are framed and administered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. They prescribe a fleet-wide CO2 target of 91.7 g/km for passenger vehicles.
  2. They are scheduled to be in force from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032.
  3. They cover M1 category passenger vehicles with gross vehicle weight below 3,500 kg.
  4. They are framed and administered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Which one of the following bodies is responsible for framing and administering the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms in India?

  • A. Central Pollution Control Board, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • B. Automotive Research Association of India, under the Ministry of Heavy Industries
  • C. Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the Ministry of Power
  • D. Petroleum Conservation Research Association, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Q4. With reference to the revised draft of CAFE-III norms (February 2026), consider the following statements: 1. The norms draw their statutory basis from the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 2. The fleet-wide CO2 emission target is set at 91.7 g/km. 3. The norms apply to M1 category passenger vehicles with gross vehicle weight below 3,500 kg. 4. The revised draft retains a special concession for petrol passenger cars weighing 909 kg or less. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The norms draw their statutory basis from the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
  2. The fleet-wide CO2 emission target is set at 91.7 g/km.
  3. The norms apply to M1 category passenger vehicles with gross vehicle weight below 3,500 kg.
  4. The revised draft retains a special concession for petrol passenger cars weighing 909 kg or less.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4 only

Q5. What is the fleet-wide CO2 emission target (in grams of CO2 per kilometre) prescribed for passenger vehicles under the draft CAFE-III norms applicable from 1 April 2027?

  • A. 70.0
  • B. 91.7
  • C. 113.0
  • D. 130.0