UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Modified UDAN: Strengthening India’s Regional Aviation Network

Q1. The Modified UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme) is implemented by which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • B. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
  • C. Ministry of Tourism
  • D. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Q2. With reference to the original RCS-UDAN (2016) and the Modified UDAN, consider the following statements: 1. The original RCS-UDAN was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, whereas Modified UDAN was approved by the Union Cabinet for implementation from FY 2026-27. 2. Like the original UDAN, which envisaged a ten-year horizon, the Modified UDAN is also structured as a ten-year scheme. 3. The first flight under the original UDAN connected Delhi with Jodhpur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The original RCS-UDAN was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, whereas Modified UDAN was approved by the Union Cabinet for implementation from FY 2026-27.
  2. Like the original UDAN, which envisaged a ten-year horizon, the Modified UDAN is also structured as a ten-year scheme.
  3. The first flight under the original UDAN connected Delhi with Jodhpur.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, launched on 21 October 2016, was conceptualised under which one of the following policy frameworks?

  • A. National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
  • B. National Civil Aviation Policy, 2020
  • C. Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), 2015
  • D. Aircraft Rules, 1937

Q4. The Tourism Routes introduced under UDAN 3.0 were incorporated in coordination with which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Tourism
  • B. Ministry of Culture
  • C. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q5. Under UDAN 5.0, the term 'Category-2' aircraft refers exclusively to aircraft with which one of the following seating capacities?

  • A. 20 to 80 seats
  • B. Fewer than 20 seats only
  • C. More than 80 seats only
  • D. Exactly 100 seats and above

Q6. Under the RCS-UDAN framework, the waiver of Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on regional connectivity flights is granted by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Airports Authority of India
  • B. Directorate General of Civil Aviation
  • C. Airports Economic Regulatory Authority
  • D. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

Q7. With reference to the institutional and financial support architecture of the RCS-UDAN scheme, which of the following is/are NOT correctly stated?

  1. The Airports Authority of India waives Terminal Navigation Landing Charges on RCS flights.
  2. Viability Gap Funding is extended to airline operators on regional routes.
  3. Discounted Route Navigation and Facilitation Charges are applied to RCS flights.
  4. The Reserve Bank of India provides interest-free working-capital loans to RCS airlines.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 4 only
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 2 only

Q8. A defining feature of UDAN's affordability was the fare cap of about Rs.2,500. This capped fare applied to a fixed-wing flight of approximately which of the following?

  • A. One hour, covering about 500 km
  • B. Two hours, covering about 1,000 km
  • C. Half an hour, covering about 250 km
  • D. Three hours, covering about 1,500 km

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding UDAN's cumulative achievements: 1. As of the July 2026 milestone, over 669 routes had been operationalised under UDAN. 2. The number of operational airports in India grew from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024. 3. As of the July 2026 milestone, UDAN had benefited fewer than one crore passengers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. As of the July 2026 milestone, over 669 routes had been operationalised under UDAN.
  2. The number of operational airports in India grew from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024.
  3. As of the July 2026 milestone, UDAN had benefited fewer than one crore passengers.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat push of Modified UDAN, the indigenous Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft proposed for induction are manufactured solely by which one of the following?

  • A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  • B. Defence Research and Development Organisation
  • C. Bharat Electronics Limited
  • D. Indian Space Research Organisation

Q11. With reference to the launch of the Modified UDAN scheme, which of the following is/are NOT correctly stated?

  1. The launch event was held at Jodhpur Airport.
  2. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  3. The Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu participated in the event.
  4. The Modified UDAN scheme was launched on 21 October 2016.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4