UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

Q1. The assessment of India's small hydro potential and the development of small hydro power projects (up to 25 MW) is the administrative responsibility of which one of the following ministries?

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

Q2. Regarding the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the SHP Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31), consider the following statements. Which of the statements below is/are NOT correct?

  1. For North Eastern States and international-border districts, CFA is ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30% of project cost, whichever is lower.
  2. For North Eastern States and international-border districts, CFA is capped at ₹30 crore per project.
  3. For other States, CFA is ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20% of project cost, whichever is lower.
  4. For other States, CFA is capped at ₹30 crore per project.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 4 only

Q3. The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, along with its Central Financial Assistance structure, was approved by which one of the following?

  • A. The Union Cabinet
  • B. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
  • C. NITI Aayog
  • D. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy independently

Q4. Hydro power projects with installed capacity above 25 MW (large hydro) fall under the administrative jurisdiction of which one of the following?

  • A. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • B. Ministry of Power
  • C. Central Electricity Authority
  • D. Ministry of Jal Shakti

Q5. Small hydro power contributes to India's flagship clean-energy goal. What is India's target for installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030?

  • A. 175 GW
  • B. 450 GW
  • C. 500 GW
  • D. 283 GW

Q6. Which one of the following has been designated as the National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA) for the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31)?

  • A. NHPC Limited
  • B. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
  • C. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
  • D. NTPC Green Energy Limited