UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — At long last

Q1. In India's three-stage nuclear power programme, which one of the following organisations is solely mandated with implementing the first stage, based on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors?

  • A. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
  • B. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)
  • C. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
  • D. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Q2. The PFBR at Kalpakkam attained first criticality only after which one of the following bodies granted permission for its 'first approach to criticality'?

  • A. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
  • B. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
  • C. Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
  • D. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)

Q3. With reference to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It is a 500 MWe reactor located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
  2. Its reactor technology was indigenously developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
  3. It uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel with high-temperature liquid sodium as coolant.
  4. It is built and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q4. With reference to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and its legal basis, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. AERB was constituted in 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
  2. AERB derives its regulatory authority from rules and notifications under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  3. The SHANTI Act, 2025 accords statutory status to the AERB.
  4. AERB is a constitutional body established directly under a provision of the Constitution of India.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 4

Q5. The SHANTI Act, 2025 opens limited private participation in the nuclear sector, yet the administration of atomic energy and the nuclear fuel cycle continues to vest in which one of the following?

  • A. Department of Atomic Energy
  • B. Ministry of Power
  • C. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q6. With reference to the SHANTI Act, 2025, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It was notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice in 2025.
  2. It consolidates the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act.
  3. It permits limited private-sector participation under licensing and safety authorisation.
  4. It transfers control of the nuclear fuel cycle and waste management to private operators.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q7. PFBR's first criticality makes India only the second country in the world to operate a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor. Which one of the following was the first country to do so?

  • A. Russia
  • B. United States of America
  • C. France
  • D. China

Q8. The reactor design and fast breeder reactor technology of the PFBR was indigenously developed by which one of the following R&D centres of the Department of Atomic Energy?

  • A. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
  • B. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • C. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)
  • D. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)

Q9. The following pairs identify organisations in India's nuclear ecosystem with their roles. Consider the statements below. Which of the statements given above is/are correctly identified?

  1. NPCIL — implements the Stage-1 PHWR programme and is the principal operator of commercial nuclear power plants.
  2. BHAVINI — responsible for construction and operation of the 500 MWe PFBR and future fast breeder reactors.
  3. IGCAR — the R&D centre that developed fast breeder reactor technology.
  4. AERB — the apex policy body, chaired by the Secretary, DAE, that sanctions nuclear power projects.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. In reports on the long-delayed PFBR, the milestone of 'first criticality' is said to have finally been reached in April 2026. The term 'first criticality' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. The point at which the reactor first achieves a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction
  • B. The completion of loading fuel assemblies into the reactor core
  • C. The reactor reaching its full rated power output of 500 MWe
  • D. The reactor's first synchronisation and supply of electricity to the grid