Infrastructure MCQs for UPSC Prelims — March 2026

Q1. The Modified UDAN 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 Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • D. Ministry of Tourism

Q2. The Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN, including its 2026 modified version, is framed under which one of the following policy/legal instruments?

  • A. National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
  • B. Aircraft Act, 1934
  • C. Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
  • D. National Transport Development Policy, 2014

Q3. In the context of the UDAN scheme, the term 'Viability Gap Funding' (VGF) most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A subsidy paid to airlines to cover the revenue shortfall arising from operating regional routes at capped (below-cost) fares
  • B. A capital grant given to the Airports Authority of India to construct new terminal buildings
  • C. A concessional loan extended to state governments to acquire land for greenfield airports
  • D. A tax rebate offered to passengers travelling on Tier-2 and Tier-3 city routes

Q4. Under the Modified UDAN scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026, how many airports are targeted to be developed from existing unserved airstrips?

  • A. 50
  • B. 100
  • C. 200
  • D. 663

Q5. The development of 100 airports from unserved airstrips and the connecting of Tier-2/Tier-3 cities under the Modified UDAN scheme is operationalised by which one of the following as the implementing agency?

  • A. Airports Authority of India
  • B. Directorate General of Civil Aviation
  • C. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
  • D. Pawan Hans Limited

Q6. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and institutional architecture of the Modified UDAN scheme, consider the following pairings/elements: 1. HAL Dhruv helicopters — for Pawan Hans. 2. HAL Dornier (Do-228) aircraft — for Alliance Air. 3. Airports Authority of India — implementing agency of the scheme. 4. HAL Tejas aircraft — for IndiGo. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified under the scheme?

  1. HAL Dhruv helicopters — for Pawan Hans.
  2. HAL Dornier (Do-228) aircraft — for Alliance Air.
  3. Airports Authority of India — implementing agency of the scheme.
  4. HAL Tejas aircraft — for IndiGo.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 4 only

Q7. Under the Modified UDAN scheme, for how many years is an airline provided Viability Gap Funding support on an awarded route?

  • A. 3 years
  • B. 5 years
  • C. 8 years
  • D. 10 years

Q8. With reference to the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism under the UDAN scheme, consider the following statements: 1. VGF compensates airlines for the gap between operating cost and expected revenue on otherwise unviable regional routes. 2. Under the original scheme, the VGF requirement was met through a Regional Connectivity Fund financed by a levy on certain domestic flights. 3. Under Modified UDAN, VGF support to an airline on a route is provided for five years, tapering from the third year. 4. Under Modified UDAN, route exclusivity for the operator extends for the entire ten-year duration of the scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. VGF compensates airlines for the gap between operating cost and expected revenue on otherwise unviable regional routes.
  2. Under the original scheme, the VGF requirement was met through a Regional Connectivity Fund financed by a levy on certain domestic flights.
  3. Under Modified UDAN, VGF support to an airline on a route is provided for five years, tapering from the third year.
  4. Under Modified UDAN, route exclusivity for the operator extends for the entire ten-year duration of the scheme.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. Which one of the following was the first flight to be inaugurated under the original RCS-UDAN scheme in April 2017?

  • A. Shimla–Delhi
  • B. Kadapa–Hyderabad
  • C. Nanded–Hyderabad
  • D. Bareilly–Delhi

Q10. With reference to the cumulative achievements of the original RCS-UDAN scheme as on 28 February 2026, consider the following statements: 1. More than 700 routes had been operationalised under the scheme. 2. The scheme had operationalised 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes taken together. 3. The scheme had carried 162.47 lakh passengers across more than 3.41 lakh flights. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. More than 700 routes had been operationalised under the scheme.
  2. The scheme had operationalised 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes taken together.
  3. The scheme had carried 162.47 lakh passengers across more than 3.41 lakh flights.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q11. With reference to the successive rounds of the original RCS-UDAN, consider the following statements: 1. UDAN 2.0 connected helipads under the scheme for the first time. 2. UDAN 3.0 introduced tourism routes and seaplane connectivity to water aerodromes. 3. UDAN 5.1 was a dedicated bidding round designed specifically for fixed-wing Category-3 (above 80 seats) aircraft. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. UDAN 2.0 connected helipads under the scheme for the first time.
  2. UDAN 3.0 introduced tourism routes and seaplane connectivity to water aerodromes.
  3. UDAN 5.1 was a dedicated bidding round designed specifically for fixed-wing Category-3 (above 80 seats) aircraft.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q12. Under UDAN 5.0, the earlier cap on the distance between the origin and destination of a flight — fixed at how many kilometres — was removed?

  • A. 400 km
  • B. 500 km
  • C. 600 km
  • D. 800 km

Q13. With reference to the component-wise allocation under Modified UDAN, consider the following statements: 1. The Viability Gap Funding component of Rs.10,043 crore is spread over the full ten-year period of the scheme. 2. The development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips is allocated Rs.12,159 crore over eight years. 3. The development of 200 modern helipads, allocated Rs.3,661 crore, is to be carried out over the full ten-year period of the scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Viability Gap Funding component of Rs.10,043 crore is spread over the full ten-year period of the scheme.
  2. The development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips is allocated Rs.12,159 crore over eight years.
  3. The development of 200 modern helipads, allocated Rs.3,661 crore, is to be carried out over the full ten-year period of the scheme.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q14. Which one of the following components has been allocated the LARGEST share of the Rs.28,840 crore outlay under the Modified UDAN scheme?

  • A. Development of 100 airports from unserved airstrips
  • B. Viability Gap Funding for airlines
  • C. Development of 200 modern helipads
  • D. Operation and Maintenance support for aerodromes

Q15. With reference to how the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN differs from the original RCS-UDAN, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike the original scheme, whose Viability Gap Funding was financed through a Regional Connectivity Fund levy, Modified UDAN is funded entirely through the budgetary support of the Government of India. 2. Modified UDAN is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, whereas the original UDAN was implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 3. Modified UDAN has a ten-year horizon extending up to FY 2035-36. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike the original scheme, whose Viability Gap Funding was financed through a Regional Connectivity Fund levy, Modified UDAN is funded entirely through the budgetary support of the Government of India.
  2. Modified UDAN is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, whereas the original UDAN was implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  3. Modified UDAN has a ten-year horizon extending up to FY 2035-36.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q16. Over how many financial years is the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN, approved by the Union Cabinet, to be implemented?

  • A. 8 financial years
  • B. 9 financial years
  • C. 10 financial years
  • D. 12 financial years

Q17. With reference to the policy anchoring and recognition of the UDAN/Modified UDAN scheme, consider the following statements: 1. UDAN was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016. 2. UDAN received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2020. 3. The Modified UDAN scheme is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 4. UDAN's Prime Minister's Award was conferred under the category 'Innovation (General) – State'. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. UDAN was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016.
  2. UDAN received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2020.
  3. The Modified UDAN scheme is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  4. UDAN's Prime Minister's Award was conferred under the category 'Innovation (General) – State'.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q18. Which one of the following ministries is the implementing ministry for the UDAN scheme, including its focus areas in the North-East, hilly and island regions?

  • A. Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • B. Ministry of Tourism
  • C. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • D. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

Q19. With reference to the cumulative performance and recognition of the UDAN scheme, consider the following statements: 1. More than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated under the scheme. 2. About 162.47 lakh passengers have been carried under the scheme. 3. The scheme has connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes. 4. The scheme received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2024. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. More than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated under the scheme.
  2. About 162.47 lakh passengers have been carried under the scheme.
  3. The scheme has connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
  4. The scheme received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2024.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q20. As on 28 February 2026, how many routes have been operationalised over nine years of the UDAN scheme?

  • A. 453
  • B. 517
  • C. 663
  • D. 95

Q21. The inaugural flight of the UDAN scheme, marking the first operationalised regional connectivity route, connected which one of the following city pairs?

  • A. Shimla – Delhi
  • B. Kadapa – Hyderabad
  • C. Nanded – Hyderabad
  • D. Bhatinda – Delhi

Q22. With reference to the infrastructure and operator-support provisions of the Modified UDAN scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It targets the development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips. 2. It proposes 200 modern helipads for hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions. 3. Airline operators are to receive Viability Gap Funding for three years, identical to the period of route exclusivity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It targets the development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips.
  2. It proposes 200 modern helipads for hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions.
  3. Airline operators are to receive Viability Gap Funding for three years, identical to the period of route exclusivity.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q23. Under the Modified UDAN scheme, operation and maintenance (O&M) support is expected to be extended to approximately how many aerodromes?

  • A. 200
  • B. 441
  • C. 663
  • D. 95

Q24. Within the institutional architecture of the UDAN scheme, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) functions principally as which one of the following?

  • A. The nodal implementing agency that bids out regional routes and disburses Viability Gap Funding
  • B. The economic regulator that determines tariffs at major airports
  • C. The safety regulator that licenses airlines and certifies aircraft
  • D. The competition authority that approves airline route exclusivity

Q25. Among the major financial components of the Modified UDAN scheme, which one carries the single largest proposed outlay?

  • A. Development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips
  • B. Viability Gap Funding for airline operators
  • C. Development of 200 modern helipads
  • D. Operation and maintenance (O&M) support for aerodromes

Q26. In the context of the Modified UDAN scheme, the term 'Viability Gap Funding (VGF)' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Financial support paid to airline operators to bridge the gap between the cost of operating thin regional routes and the revenue earned from capped fares
  • B. A one-time capital grant to State governments for constructing terminal buildings at new airports
  • C. A subsidy paid directly to passengers travelling on regional connectivity routes
  • D. Operation and maintenance assistance disbursed to airport operators for running aerodromes

Q27. With reference to the successive versions of the UDAN scheme, consider the following pairings of a version with the feature it introduced: 1. UDAN 2.0 – connecting of helipads for the first time 2. UDAN 3.0 – inclusion of tourism routes and seaplanes for water aerodromes 3. UDAN 4.0 – extension of operations to hilly regions and islands 4. UDAN 5.0 – round designed specifically for helicopter routes Which of the above pairings is/are NOT correctly matched?

  1. UDAN 2.0 – connecting of helipads for the first time
  2. UDAN 3.0 – inclusion of tourism routes and seaplanes for water aerodromes
  3. UDAN 4.0 – extension of operations to hilly regions and islands
  4. UDAN 5.0 – round designed specifically for helicopter routes
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q28. Under which one of the following policy documents was the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN originally conceptualised?

  • A. National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
  • B. Vision 2040 for the Civil Aviation Sector in India
  • C. Route Dispersal Guidelines, 1994
  • D. Open Sky Air Services Policy, 1992

Q29. The development of 100 airports from unserved airstrips and the connecting of Tier-2/Tier-3 cities under the Modified UDAN scheme is operationalised by which one of the following as the implementing agency?

  • A. Airports Authority of India
  • B. Directorate General of Civil Aviation
  • C. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
  • D. Pawan Hans Limited

Q30. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and institutional architecture of the Modified UDAN scheme, consider the following pairings/elements: 1. HAL Dhruv helicopters — for Pawan Hans. 2. HAL Dornier (Do-228) aircraft — for Alliance Air. 3. Airports Authority of India — implementing agency of the scheme. 4. HAL Tejas aircraft — for IndiGo. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified under the scheme?

  1. HAL Dhruv helicopters — for Pawan Hans.
  2. HAL Dornier (Do-228) aircraft — for Alliance Air.
  3. Airports Authority of India — implementing agency of the scheme.
  4. HAL Tejas aircraft — for IndiGo.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 4 only
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