UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-3’ successfully test-fired

Q1. With reference to the Agni-3 missile, which of the following are correctly identified as its characteristics?

  1. It is classified as an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
  2. It has an operational range of approximately 3,000–3,500 km.
  3. It employs a two-stage, solid-propellant propulsion system.
  4. Its February 2026 test-fire was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. The Agni-3 is designated an 'Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile'. This class of ballistic missile is most precisely defined by a range falling within which of the following bands?

  • A. 300–1,000 km
  • B. 1,000–3,000 km
  • C. 3,000–5,500 km
  • D. 5,500 km and above

Q3. India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) is organised into how many councils?

  • A. One
  • B. Two
  • C. Three
  • D. Four

Q4. Which of the following is the executive arm responsible for the custody and operational management of India's nuclear-capable strategic missiles?

  • A. Strategic Forces Command
  • B. Defence Research and Development Organisation
  • C. Andaman and Nicobar Command
  • D. Integrated Defence Staff

Q5. In the context of India's missile programme, the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) is best described as which of the following?

  • A. A 1983 programme of the DRDO to indigenously develop a cluster of five missile systems, including Agni
  • B. A 1998 programme launched after the Pokhran-II tests to build nuclear-tipped delivery systems
  • C. An ISRO programme to develop indigenous satellite launch vehicles
  • D. A tri-service command established to operate India's strategic missiles

Q6. Which one of the following is the principal facility from which India's Agni-series ballistic missiles are flight-tested?

  • A. Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha)
  • B. Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
  • C. Pokhran Test Range, Rajasthan
  • D. INS Kadamba, Karwar

Q7. With reference to India's missile-testing geography, which of the following statements are correctly identified?

  1. The Integrated Test Range is located at Chandipur in Odisha.
  2. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island was formerly known as Wheeler Island.
  3. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island lies off the coast of Odisha.
  4. The Integrated Test Range is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. The successful test-fire of the Agni-3 missile in February 2026 was carried out under the aegis of which of the following?

  • A. Strategic Forces Command
  • B. Indian Air Force
  • C. Defence Research and Development Organisation
  • D. Cabinet Committee on Security

Q9. With reference to Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology on India's Agni-V, which of the following statements is/are NOT correct?

  1. MIRV enables a single missile to carry several warheads that can be directed at different targets.
  2. The May 2026 Advanced Agni MIRV flight-trial was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
  3. Agni-V is regarded as an ICBM-class missile with a range of about 5,000 km.
  4. The MIRV-equipped Agni-V has a maximum range of about 2,000 km.
  • A. 4 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 2 only