NMMS National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A student in a remote village is denied admission to a local public school solely based on their caste. This action violates which Fundamental Right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?

Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right against Exploitation
Right to Equality (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Right to Equality

The Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Denying admission to a public school based on caste is a direct violation of Article 15, which is a key component of the Right to Equality.

Question 2: Consider the relationship between 'Dog' and 'Kennel'. Which word has a similar relationship with 'Bird'?

Sky
Tree
Nest (Correct answer)
Fly

Correct answer: Nest

A kennel is a man-made shelter specifically for a dog. A nest is a shelter built by a bird for itself and its young. This represents the 'animal and its dwelling' relationship.

Question 3: A beam of white light passes through a glass prism and splits into a spectrum of colors. Which color of light is bent the most?

Green
Violet (Correct answer)
Yellow
Red

Correct answer: Violet

This phenomenon is called dispersion of light. When white light enters a prism, it refracts. Because the refractive index of glass is slightly different for each color's wavelength, they bend at slightly different angles. Violet light has the shortest wavelength and is slowed down the most, causing it to bend or refract the most. Red light has the longest wavelength and bends the least.

Question 4: Which cognitive skills are typically assessed in the Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

Logical reasoning and problem-solving (Correct answer)
Memory and recall
Mathematical proficiency
Verbal fluency

Correct answer: Logical reasoning and problem-solving

MAT assesses students' logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Question 5: Who is eligible to apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)?

Students with exceptional artistic abilities
University graduates seeking further education
Students from affluent families
Economically disadvantaged students studying in Class 8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Economically disadvantaged students studying in Class 8

The NMMSS scholarship is specifically for economically backward students studying in Class 8.

Question 6: Which of the following non-metals is essential for the process of respiration and is also used in combustion?

Oxygen (Correct answer)
Sulfur
Nitrogen
Carbon

Correct answer: Oxygen

Oxygen is a non-metal that is vital for aerobic respiration in most living organisms. It is also a key reactant in combustion (burning) processes. While nitrogen is abundant in the air and carbon is the basis of life, oxygen is directly involved in both respiration and combustion.

Question 7: A bag contains 5 red balls, 8 blue balls, and 7 green balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is NOT a blue ball?

13/20
3/5 (Correct answer)
2/5
8/20

Correct answer: 3/5

The total number of balls is 5 + 8 + 7 = 20. The number of balls that are not blue (i.e., red or green) is 5 + 7 = 12. The probability of an event is the ratio of favorable outcomes to the total number of outcomes. Therefore, the probability of drawing a ball that is not blue is 12/20, which simplifies to 3/5.

Question 8: Which of the following is a typical component of the Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

Drawing and painting tasks
Essay writing
Multiple-choice questions on reasoning and logic (Correct answer)
Physical fitness assessment

Correct answer: Multiple-choice questions on reasoning and logic

MAT typically consists of multiple-choice questions that test reasoning, logic, and problem-solving abilities.

Question 9: Who among the following social reformers founded the 'Brahmo Samaj' in Calcutta in 1828, a movement that advocated monotheism and campaigned against social evils like Sati and the caste system?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Correct answer)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Swami Vivekananda
Dayanand Saraswati

Correct answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, often called the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance', founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which later became the Brahmo Samaj. The movement was influential in opposing practices like Sati, polygamy, and idol worship, and it promoted modern education.

Question 10: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'. The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble by which constitutional amendment?

42nd Amendment Act (Correct answer)
86th Amendment Act
24th Amendment Act
44th Amendment Act

Correct answer: 42nd Amendment Act

The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular', along with 'and integrity', were added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.

Question 11: Babur founded the Mughal Empire by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in:

1536
1526 (Correct answer)
1516
1546

Correct answer: 1526

Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526, establishing the Mughal Empire in India.

Question 12: Find the next number in the alternating series: 9, 12, 11, 14, 13, 16, ?

17
15 (Correct answer)
14
18

Correct answer: 15

This is an alternating series. There are two separate patterns. The first pattern (9, 11, 13) increases by 2. The second pattern (12, 14, 16) also increases by 2. The next number belongs to the first pattern, so it should be 13 + 2 = 15.

Question 13: A number series is presented as 4, 10, ?, 82, 244. Following the established pattern, what is the missing number?

32
30
24
28 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 28

The pattern is to multiply the previous number by 3 and then subtract 2. 4 x 3 - 2 = 10; 10 x 3 - 2 = 28; 28 x 3 - 2 = 82; 82 x 3 - 2 = 244. The missing number is 28.

Question 14: The 'Right to Freedom' under the Indian Constitution guarantees several rights. Which of the following is NOT included under the Right to Freedom (Article 19-22)?

Right against exploitation and forced labor. (Correct answer)
Right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
Right to practice any profession, occupation, or business.
Right to freedom of speech and expression.

Correct answer: Right against exploitation and forced labor.

The Right to Freedom, covered in Articles 19-22, includes freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and the right to practice any profession. The Right against Exploitation, which prohibits forced labor and child labor, is a separate Fundamental Right covered in Articles 23-24.

Question 15: Which Mughal emperor reimposed the Jizya tax on non-Muslims, reversing Akbar's tolerant policies?

Jahangir
Akbar
Aurangzeb (Correct answer)
Shah Jahan

Correct answer: Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb reimposed the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679, reversing the religious tolerance introduced by Akbar.

Question 16: What is the sum of the algebraic expressions (4m² - 2mn + 7) and (-3mn + 2n² - 5)?

4m² + 5mn + 2n² - 2
4m² - 5mn + 2n² + 2 (Correct answer)
4m² - 5mn + 2n² - 12
m² + n² + 2

Correct answer: 4m² - 5mn + 2n² + 2

To add the expressions, write them out and combine the terms that are alike: 4m² + (-2mn - 3mn) + 2n² + (7 - 5). The m² term (4m²) has no like term. The mn terms combine to -5mn. The n² term (2n²) has no like term. The constant terms combine to +2. The final sum is 4m² - 5mn + 2n² + 2.

Question 17: An algebraic expression that contains exactly two, unlike terms is called a:

Monomial
Trinomial
Binomial (Correct answer)
Polynomial

Correct answer: Binomial

By definition, an algebraic expression with one term is a monomial, two unlike terms is a binomial, and three unlike terms is a trinomial. A polynomial is a general term for an expression with one or more terms.

Question 18: What subjects are typically emphasized for students applying for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)?

Mathematics and social studies
Arts and humanities
Science and technology
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

The NMMSS program does not emphasize specific subjects but focuses on academic performance and economic status.

Question 19: A student observes that a sharp knife cuts vegetables more effectively than a blunt knife. Which of the following principles best explains this observation?

The force applied by a sharp knife is greater than that of a blunt knife.
Friction is greater with a blunt knife, making it harder to cut.
The pressure exerted is inversely proportional to the area over which the force is applied. (Correct answer)
The pressure exerted is directly proportional to the area over which the force is applied.

Correct answer: The pressure exerted is inversely proportional to the area over which the force is applied.

Pressure is defined as force per unit area (P = F/A). A sharp knife has a very small surface area at its cutting edge. For the same amount of force applied, this small area concentrates the force, resulting in a very high pressure that is sufficient to cut through the vegetable. A blunt knife has a larger area, so the same force results in lower pressure, which is often insufficient to cut.

Question 20: The policy of 'Doctrine of Lapse', which allowed the British to annex any Indian state if the ruler died without a natural male heir, is most famously associated with which Governor-General?

Lord William Bentinck
Lord Dalhousie (Correct answer)
Lord Wellesley
Lord Canning

Correct answer: Lord Dalhousie

Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, aggressively applied the 'Doctrine of Lapse' to annex several Indian states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur. This policy was a major cause of resentment that contributed to the Revolt of 1857.

Question 21: What educational level do students need to be at to apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)?

University
High school (Class 12)
Secondary school (Class 8) (Correct answer)
Primary school

Correct answer: Secondary school (Class 8)

NMMSS scholarships are awarded to students studying in Class 8.

Question 22: The ports of Northern Europe, such as those in Norway, often remain ice-free during the winter despite their high latitude. This phenomenon is primarily due to the warming effect of which ocean current?

Labrador Current
Benguela Current
Canary Current
North Atlantic Drift (Correct answer)

Correct answer: North Atlantic Drift

The North Atlantic Drift is a warm ocean current, an extension of the Gulf Stream, that flows towards Northwestern Europe. It brings warmer water to the region, which in turn warms the air and keeps the climate milder than would be expected for the latitude, preventing ports from freezing in winter.

Question 23: What is the primary objective of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) program?

To assess students' proficiency in science and mathematics
To provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students (Correct answer)
To rank students based on artistic talents
To promote sports excellence among students

Correct answer: To provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students

The NMMSS program aims to support economically backward students through scholarships.

Question 24: How does the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) contribute to promoting education among economically disadvantaged students?

By providing vocational training programs
By establishing sports academies
By offering financial support for higher studies (Correct answer)
By organizing cultural festivals

Correct answer: By offering financial support for higher studies

NMMSS provides financial support to economically disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue higher education.

Question 25: Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was built by:

Akbar
Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's wife) (Correct answer)
Shah Jahan
Humayun before his death

Correct answer: Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's wife)

Humayun's Tomb was built by his widow Hamida Banu Begum (also called Bega Begum) between 1565 and 1572; it served as an architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

Question 26: If 'Grapes' are to 'Vine' as 'Oranges' are to a 'Tree', which of the following scenarios demonstrates a flawed analogy?

Stating that a book is to a library as a song is to an album.
Arguing that since a car needs gasoline, a human needs food.
Concluding that a computer's CPU is like a brain for a person.
Claiming that because a feather is light, a stone must be heavy. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Claiming that because a feather is light, a stone must be heavy.

The original analogy is 'fruit : plant it grows on'. The flawed analogy is 'feather : light :: stone : heavy'. This is an analogy of antonyms or opposite characteristics, not a 'part to whole' or 'object to source' relationship like the original example. The other scenarios represent valid analogous reasoning (need/fuel, part/collection, function/organ).

Question 27: What role does the Mental Ability Test (MAT) play in the selection process for the NMMSS scholarship?

It assesses students' mental abilities and potential (Correct answer)
It evaluates students' leadership skills
It focuses solely on extracurricular achievements
It ranks students based on academic performance

Correct answer: It assesses students' mental abilities and potential

MAT helps identify students with strong mental abilities for the scholarship.

Question 28: A student observes a cell under a microscope and notes the presence of a cell wall, a large central vacuole, and chloroplasts. Based on these observations, the student should conclude that the cell is most likely from which type of organism?

A plant (Correct answer)
An animal
A bacterium
A fungus

Correct answer: A plant

The presence of a rigid cell wall, a large central vacuole for maintaining turgor pressure, and chloroplasts for photosynthesis are all hallmark features of a plant cell. Animal cells lack a cell wall, large central vacuole, and chloroplasts. Fungal cells have a cell wall but lack chloroplasts. Bacterial cells have a cell wall but lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles like large vacuoles and chloroplasts.

Question 29: When non-metals react with oxygen, they generally form oxides. What is the typical nature of these non-metallic oxides when dissolved in water?

Neutral
Amphoteric
Basic
Acidic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acidic

Oxides of non-metals are generally acidic in nature. When they dissolve in water, they form acids. For example, sulfur dioxide (SO2), a non-metallic oxide, reacts with water to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3). In contrast, oxides of metals are typically basic.

Question 30: A historian is studying the 'Permanent Settlement', a land revenue system introduced by the British. Which of the following statements accurately describes a key feature of this system?

Revenue was collected from an entire village or estate (mahal).
The revenue amount was revised every 20-30 years.
Revenue was collected directly from the cultivators (ryots).
Landlords (Zamindars) were made owners of the land and had to pay a fixed revenue to the British. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Landlords (Zamindars) were made owners of the land and had to pay a fixed revenue to the British.

The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, recognized Zamindars as the permanent owners of the land. In return, they had to pay a fixed amount of land revenue to the British government. The revenue was fixed permanently and not subject to change.

Question 31: An electrician is choosing a material for the core of an electrical wire. Which property is most crucial for this application, and which material is a suitable choice?

Low density; Sulfur
Brittleness; Carbon
High electrical conductivity; Copper (Correct answer)
High melting point; Phosphorus

Correct answer: High electrical conductivity; Copper

Electrical wires need to conduct electricity efficiently with minimal loss of energy. Therefore, high electrical conductivity is the most important property. Metals like copper and aluminum are excellent electrical conductors and are widely used for wiring. Non-metals like sulfur, carbon, and phosphorus are poor conductors (insulators).

Question 32: The area of a rectangle is given by the expression (8x² + 10x - 3). If its length is (4x - 1), what is its width?

2x + 7
2x - 3
2x + 3 (Correct answer)
4x + 3

Correct answer: 2x + 3

To find the width, you need to find which binomial, when multiplied by the length (4x - 1), gives the area (8x² + 10x - 3). By multiplying the options, we see that (4x - 1)(2x + 3) = 4x(2x) + 4x(3) - 1(2x) - 1(3) = 8x² + 12x - 2x - 3 = 8x² + 10x - 3.

Question 33: A state government is formulating a new policy to ensure that all workers receive a living wage and to provide assistance to the elderly and unemployed. In doing so, the government is applying the principles found in which part of the Indian Constitution?

Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (Correct answer)
Part V: The Union
The Preamble
Part III: Fundamental Rights

Correct answer: Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy, found in Part IV of the Constitution, are guidelines for the state to follow in governance. These principles aim to create a welfare state by securing social and economic justice. Specifically, they include directives to secure a living wage for workers and provide public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, etc.

Question 34: Which of the following is an example of an image formed by a plane mirror?

A virtual, erect, and magnified image.
A virtual, erect, and same-sized image. (Correct answer)
A real, erect, and same-sized image.
A real, inverted, and diminished image.

Correct answer: A virtual, erect, and same-sized image.

A plane mirror always forms an image that is virtual (cannot be projected onto a screen), erect (upright), and the same size as the object. The image is also laterally inverted (left and right are swapped) and appears to be as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.

Question 35: How does the Mental Ability Test (MAT) benefit students participating in the NMMSS scholarship program?

By focusing solely on academic achievements
By providing opportunities for physical fitness training
By excluding students based on extracurricular activities
By assessing students' mental abilities and potential (Correct answer)

Correct answer: By assessing students' mental abilities and potential

MAT helps identify students with strong mental abilities and potential for the scholarship.

Question 36: A student notices that when dough is prepared for making bread, it increases in volume if left in a warm place for a few hours. Which microorganism is responsible for this process, and what is the process called?

Algae, Photosynthesis
Yeast, Fermentation (Correct answer)
Bacteria, Decomposition
Virus, Replication

Correct answer: Yeast, Fermentation

Yeast, a type of fungus, is added to dough to make it rise. The yeast undergoes a process called fermentation, where it converts sugars in the dough into carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. The bubbles of carbon dioxide gas get trapped in the dough, causing it to expand and increase in volume.

Question 37: A circular garden has a circumference of 88 meters. What is the area of the garden? (Use π = 22/7)

154 m²
308 m²
616 m² (Correct answer)
1232 m²

Correct answer: 616 m²

First, find the radius (r) using the circumference formula, C = 2πr. Given C = 88 m, we have 88 = 2 * (22/7) * r, which simplifies to 88 = (44/7) * r. Solving for r gives r = (88 * 7) / 44 = 14 m. Now, calculate the area using the formula A = πr². So, A = (22/7) * (14)² = (22/7) * 196 = 616 square meters.

Question 38: What is the result of subtracting the expression (2x² - 5xy + 3y²) from (7x² + 2xy - y²)?

9x² - 3xy + 2y²
5x² + 7xy - 4y² (Correct answer)
5x² - 3xy + 2y²
-5x² - 7xy + 4y²

Correct answer: 5x² + 7xy - 4y²

To subtract (2x² - 5xy + 3y²) from (7x² + 2xy - y²), you change the sign of each term in the second expression and add it to the first: (7x² + 2xy - y²) + (-2x² + 5xy - 3y²). Combine like terms: (7x² - 2x²) + (2xy + 5xy) + (-y² - 3y²) = 5x² + 7xy - 4y².

Question 39: Which of the following is the correct product of the binomials (3a - 5b) and (3a + 5b)?

6a
9a² - 30ab - 25b²
9a² - 25b² (Correct answer)
9a² + 25b²

Correct answer: 9a² - 25b²

This multiplication follows the special identity (x - y)(x + y) = x² - y². Here, x = 3a and y = 5b. Therefore, the product is (3a)² - (5b)², which simplifies to 9a² - 25b².

Question 40: What criteria are considered for selecting students for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)?

Family income and economic status (Correct answer)
Academic performance in all subjects
Extracurricular achievements
Artistic talents and creativity

Correct answer: Family income and economic status

The primary selection criterion for NMMSS is family income and economic status.

Question 41: Which period in Indian history is called the 'Golden Age of India'?

Mughal period
Gupta period (Correct answer)
Chola period
Maurya period

Correct answer: Gupta period

The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) is called the Golden Age of India due to remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, literature, and art.

Question 42: Which was the largest city of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Harappa
Kalibangan
Lothal
Mohenjo-daro (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro was the largest known urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization, covering an estimated area of 250 hectares.

Question 43: A student is practicing for the NMMS exam and encounters the sequence: 8, 14, 26, 50. To maintain the pattern, which of the following numbers should come next?

100
98 (Correct answer)
94
96

Correct answer: 98

The difference between consecutive numbers is doubling at each step. 14 - 8 = 6; 26 - 14 = 12; 50 - 26 = 24. The next difference should be 24 x 2 = 48. So, the next number is 50 + 48 = 98.

Question 44: Which of the following is NOT typically assessed in the Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

Verbal reasoning
Physical fitness (Correct answer)
Numerical ability
Non-verbal reasoning

Correct answer: Physical fitness

MAT focuses on cognitive abilities and reasoning skills, not physical fitness.

Question 45: How are students selected for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) based on academic criteria?

By meeting specified academic performance criteria (Correct answer)
By scoring highest in standardized tests
By demonstrating leadership skills
By maintaining perfect attendance records

Correct answer: By meeting specified academic performance criteria

Academic performance is one of the criteria considered for NMMSS selection.

Question 46: What type of questions are commonly found in the Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

True or false questions
Multiple-choice questions (Correct answer)
Essay questions
Open-ended questions

Correct answer: Multiple-choice questions

MAT typically consists of multiple-choice questions to assess cognitive abilities.

Question 47: Which of the following statements accurately describes the system of government in India?

A monarchy with a bicameral legislature.
A unitary state with a ceremonial president.
A federal republic with a parliamentary system. (Correct answer)
A presidential republic with a single-tier government.

Correct answer: A federal republic with a parliamentary system.

India is a federal republic, which means power is divided between the central government and state governments. It has a parliamentary system of government, similar to the British model, where the executive (the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament).

Question 48: Who completed the construction of Qutub Minar in Delhi?

Iltutmish (Correct answer)
Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Alauddin Khilji
Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Correct answer: Iltutmish

Although Qutb-ud-din Aibak began its construction, the Qutub Minar was completed by his successor Iltutmish.

Question 49: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was born in the year:

1630 (Correct answer)
1617
1642
1622

Correct answer: 1630

Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra and went on to establish the Maratha Empire.

Question 50: Complete the analogy: 4 : 16 :: 9 : ?

27
81 (Correct answer)
18
36

Correct answer: 81

The relationship between the first pair of numbers is that the second number is the square of the first number (4 x 4 = 16). Applying the same logic to the second pair, the square of 9 is 81 (9 x 9 = 81).

Question 51: Which subject areas are typically covered in the Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

Language and literature
All of the above (Correct answer)
Mathematics and science
Reasoning and logical thinking

Correct answer: All of the above

MAT covers various subject areas, including reasoning and logical thinking.

Question 52: A school bell is made of a metal alloy rather than wood because metals possess a specific property. Which property of metals is primarily responsible for the ringing sound produced by the bell?

Malleability
Lustre
Sonority (Correct answer)
Ductility

Correct answer: Sonority

Sonority is the property of metals that causes them to produce a ringing sound when struck. This makes them ideal for making bells and musical instruments. Ductility is the ability to be drawn into wires, malleability is the ability to be beaten into sheets, and lustre refers to their shiny appearance.

Question 53: Select the pair that has a relationship similar to the original pair: Odometer : Distance

Scale : Weight
Thermometer : Temperature
Compass : Direction (Correct answer)
Clock : Time

Correct answer: Compass : Direction

An odometer is an instrument used to measure distance. Similarly, a compass is an instrument used to determine direction. The other options are also measuring instruments, but the relationship in the question is 'instrument measures X'. A clock measures time, a thermometer measures temperature, and a scale measures weight. However, the most analogous relationship is with the compass, as both are navigational tools providing a specific type of data reading.

Question 54: The Mughal emperor known as 'Zinda Pir' (Living Saint) for his austere and pious lifestyle was:

Aurangzeb (Correct answer)
Shah Jahan
Jahangir
Akbar

Correct answer: Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was called 'Zinda Pir' (Living Saint) for his strict adherence to Islamic laws, simple lifestyle, and deeply religious nature.

Question 55: What is the role of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in the context of the NMMSS program?

To evaluate students' academic potential for college admissions (Correct answer)
To rank students based on athletic abilities
To assess students' proficiency in mathematics and science
To test students' artistic talents

Correct answer: To evaluate students' academic potential for college admissions

The SAT is not directly related to the NMMSS program; it is used for college admissions in the U.S.

Question 56: Which of the following correctly matches the cell organelle with its primary function?

Mitochondrion - Protein synthesis
Nucleus - Controls all cellular activities (Correct answer)
Cell Membrane - Produces lipids
Ribosome - Energy production

Correct answer: Nucleus - Controls all cellular activities

The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and acts as the control center, directing all cellular activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Mitochondria are responsible for energy production (the 'powerhouse'), ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, and the cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Question 57: Most metals are solid at room temperature, hard, and good conductors of electricity. Which of the following pairs represents an exception to these typical metallic properties?

Copper and Silver
Gold and Platinum
Sodium and Mercury (Correct answer)
Iron and Aluminum

Correct answer: Sodium and Mercury

While most metals are hard solids, sodium is a soft metal that can be easily cut with a knife. Mercury is unique as it is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Both are exceptions to the general physical properties of metals.

Question 58: Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal in Agra?

Aurangzeb
Shah Jahan (Correct answer)
Akbar
Jahangir

Correct answer: Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.

Question 59: Which of the following completes the analogy? Doctor : Hospital ::

Patient : Bed
Student : School
Farmer : Farm (Correct answer)
Teacher : Classroom

Correct answer: Farmer : Farm

The relationship is 'a person and their primary workplace'. A Doctor's primary workplace is a Hospital. Similarly, a Farmer's primary workplace is a Farm. While a teacher works in a classroom and a student learns in a school, the farm is the entire domain of the farmer's work, just as the hospital is for the doctor.

Question 60: Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan and is commonly transmitted by mosquitoes?

Cholera
Malaria (Correct answer)
Tuberculosis
Typhoid

Correct answer: Malaria

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Tuberculosis, Cholera, and Typhoid are all caused by bacteria, not protozoa.

Question 61: Who founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE?

Alauddin Khilji
Iltutmish
Balban
Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a slave-general of Muhammad Ghori, founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE, establishing the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty.

Question 62: Commercial jet aircraft typically fly in the lower stratosphere. What is the primary reason for this?

The air is densest in this layer, providing maximum lift.
The temperatures are warmest in this atmospheric layer.
It is above most weather disturbances, allowing for a smoother flight. (Correct answer)
It contains the ozone layer which protects the aircraft from radiation.

Correct answer: It is above most weather disturbances, allowing for a smoother flight.

The stratosphere is located above the troposphere, which is where most weather phenomena like clouds, storms, and turbulence occur. By flying in the calm and stable conditions of the lower stratosphere, aircraft can ensure a smoother ride for passengers and achieve better fuel efficiency.

Question 63: Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?

Solar energy
Coal (Correct answer)
Forests
Wind power

Correct answer: Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient organic matter over millions of years. It cannot be replenished within a human lifespan, making it a non-renewable resource. Solar energy, wind power, and forests (if managed sustainably) are considered renewable.

Question 64: A student places a piece of zinc metal into a blue solution of copper sulfate. After some time, the student observes that the blue color of the solution fades and a reddish-brown coating forms on the zinc strip. Which of the following statements best explains this observation?

The zinc metal dissolves in the solution without any chemical reaction.
Copper is more reactive than zinc and displaces it from the zinc strip.
A double displacement reaction occurs, forming zinc sulfate and copper.
Zinc is more reactive than copper and displaces it from the copper sulfate solution. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Zinc is more reactive than copper and displaces it from the copper sulfate solution.

This is a classic example of a single displacement reaction. The reactivity series of metals shows that zinc is more reactive than copper. Therefore, zinc can displace copper from its salt solution (copper sulfate). The zinc atoms lose electrons to become zinc ions (which are colorless in solution), and the copper ions in the solution gain electrons to become solid copper metal, which appears as a reddish-brown coating.

Question 65: Which of the following numbers would correctly replace the question mark in the series: 5, 6, 10, 19, 35, ?

55
65
50
60 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60

The pattern involves adding the square of consecutive natural numbers, starting from 1, but with a twist. The differences are 1, 4, 9, 16, which are 1^2, 2^2, 3^2, 4^2. So, the next difference is 5^2 = 25. The next number is 35 + 25 = 60.

Question 66: The edicts of Emperor Ashoka were primarily inscribed in which script?

Kharosthi
Devanagari
Sanskrit
Brahmi (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Brahmi

Most of Ashoka's rock and pillar edicts were written in Brahmi script, which was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837.

Question 67: Which of the following is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation and compaction of shells, coral, and the skeletons of marine organisms?

Basalt
Granite
Marble
Limestone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), often originating from the skeletal fragments of marine organisms like coral, molluscs, and foraminifera that accumulate on the seabed. Granite and Basalt are igneous rocks, and Marble is a metamorphic rock.

Question 68: What benefits do students receive under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)?

Access to sports facilities
Financial assistance for higher education (Correct answer)
Cultural exchange programs
Free textbooks and stationery

Correct answer: Financial assistance for higher education

NMMSS provides financial assistance to selected students for pursuing higher education.

Question 69: Who founded the Maurya Empire around 322 BCE?

Chandragupta Maurya (Correct answer)
Ashoka
Chandragupta II
Bindusara

Correct answer: Chandragupta Maurya

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire with the guidance of his minister Chanakya after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.

Question 70: Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between a virus and a bacterium?

Bacteria are multicellular, while viruses are unicellular.
Viruses can reproduce on their own, whereas bacteria require a host cell.
Bacteria have a cellular structure with organelles, while viruses are non-cellular and much simpler. (Correct answer)
Viruses cause diseases like typhoid, while bacteria cause the common cold.

Correct answer: Bacteria have a cellular structure with organelles, while viruses are non-cellular and much simpler.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a complete cellular structure, including a cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasm with ribosomes. Viruses are much simpler and are not considered cells; they consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat and can only replicate by infecting a living host cell. Bacteria are unicellular, not multicellular. Bacteria can reproduce on their own, while viruses require a host. Bacterial diseases include typhoid, while viruses cause the common cold.

Question 71: Muhammad bin Tughluq transferred the capital of the Delhi Sultanate from Delhi to:

Lahore
Daulatabad (Correct answer)
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra

Correct answer: Daulatabad

Muhammad bin Tughluq transferred the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (formerly Devagiri) in 1327, but this proved impractical and the capital was later moved back.

Question 72: The Vijayanagara Empire in South India was founded in the year:

1336 (Correct answer)
1320
1346
1356

Correct answer: 1336

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty in present-day Karnataka.

Question 73: Find the next number in the following series: 3, 7, 16, 35, ?

74 (Correct answer)
65
78
70

Correct answer: 74

The pattern is to multiply the previous number by 2 and then add an increasing consecutive number. 3 x 2 + 1 = 7; 7 x 2 + 2 = 16; 16 x 2 + 3 = 35; Therefore, the next number is 35 x 2 + 4 = 74.

Question 74: The Great Bath, an ancient public bathing structure, was discovered at:

Harappa
Lothal
Mohenjo-daro (Correct answer)
Kalibangan

Correct answer: Mohenjo-daro

The Great Bath, a large water tank believed to have been used for ritual bathing, was found at Mohenjo-daro.

Question 75: The mean score of a student in 5 subjects is 80. When the score of a sixth subject is included, the new mean score becomes 82. What was the student's score in the sixth subject?

88
90
82
92 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 92

The total score for the first 5 subjects is 5 * 80 = 400. The total score for all 6 subjects is 6 * 82 = 492. The score in the sixth subject is the difference between the new total and the old total: 492 - 400 = 92.

Question 76: When a rocket is launched, it pushes hot gases downwards. According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, what is the corresponding reaction force?

The gravitational force pulling the rocket down.
The force of the gases pushing against the launchpad.
The air resistance opposing the rocket's motion.
The rocket accelerating upwards. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The rocket accelerating upwards.

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The 'action' is the force of the rocket expelling hot gases downwards. The 'reaction' is the equal and opposite force of the gases pushing the rocket upwards, causing it to accelerate.

Question 77: Which of the following was the immediate and primary cause for the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905?

The failure of the Cripps Mission
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
The Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon (Correct answer)
The introduction of the Rowlatt Act

Correct answer: The Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon

The Swadeshi Movement was launched as a direct response to the British decision to partition Bengal in 1905. This act was seen by Indian nationalists as a 'divide and rule' policy to weaken the nationalist movement, leading to calls for boycotting British goods and promoting indigenous products.

Question 78: How does the Mental Ability Test (MAT) align with the goals of the NMMSS scholarship program?

By ranking students based on physical fitness
By identifying students with strong cognitive abilities and potential (Correct answer)
By focusing solely on academic performance
By excluding students based on socioeconomic status

Correct answer: By identifying students with strong cognitive abilities and potential

MAT helps identify deserving students with strong mental abilities for the NMMSS scholarship program.

Question 79: A student is analyzing analogies for a test. They see the pair 'Cub : Tiger'. Which of the following pairs BEST matches the relationship?

Joey : Kangaroo (Correct answer)
Calf : Cow
Puppy : Dog
Kitten : Cat

Correct answer: Joey : Kangaroo

A 'Cub' is the specific name for the young of a Tiger. Similarly, a 'Joey' is the specific name for the young of a Kangaroo. While kitten, puppy, and calf are also young animals, 'Joey' is a less common and more specific term, similar to how 'cub' is used for several animals but is strongly associated with tigers, lions, and bears.

Question 80: Which part of the Indian Constitution is referred to as the 'conscience' of the Constitution and protects citizens from the arbitrary exercise of power by the State?

Fundamental Duties
Preamble
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Rights (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fundamental Rights

Part III of the Indian Constitution, which contains the Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35), is often called the 'conscience' of the Constitution. These rights are guaranteed to all citizens and protect them against the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power by the State.

Question 81: Razia Sultana, the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, was the daughter of:

Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Nasir-ud-din
Balban
Iltutmish (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Iltutmish

Razia Sultana was the daughter of Iltutmish and became the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, ruling from 1236 to 1240 CE.

Question 82: The angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 1 : 2 : 3 : 4. What is the measure of the largest angle?

72°
108°
144° (Correct answer)
36°

Correct answer: 144°

The sum of the interior angles of any quadrilateral is 360°. Let the angles be x, 2x, 3x, and 4x based on the given ratio. Their sum is x + 2x + 3x + 4x = 10x. Setting this equal to 360°, we get 10x = 360°, which means x = 36°. The largest angle corresponds to the largest part of the ratio (4), so its measure is 4 * 36° = 144°.

Question 83: The Bhakti Movement saint who composed simple couplets (dohas) promoting Hindu-Muslim unity was:

Kabir Das (Correct answer)
Mirabai
Tukaram
Chaitanya

Correct answer: Kabir Das

Kabir Das, a weaver-saint, composed dohas in simple Hindi that criticized religious hypocrisy and promoted unity between Hindus and Muslims.

Question 84: How does the Mental Ability Test (MAT) contribute to identifying academically talented students for the NMMSS scholarship?

By evaluating students' mental acuity and problem-solving skills (Correct answer)
By ranking students based on social skills
By emphasizing athletic abilities
By assessing students' musical talents

Correct answer: By evaluating students' mental acuity and problem-solving skills

MAT helps identify academically talented students based on their cognitive abilities.

Question 85: The Vedic texts (Vedas) were composed during which period of Indian history?

Vedic/Aryan period (Correct answer)
Indus Valley period
Maurya period
Gupta period

Correct answer: Vedic/Aryan period

The Vedas were composed during the Vedic period, associated with the arrival of Aryan people in the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE.

Question 86: How is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) funded?

Through tuition fees collected from students
Through government grants and funds (Correct answer)
By international organizations
By private donors and corporations

Correct answer: Through government grants and funds

NMMSS is funded by government grants and funds to support economically disadvantaged students.

Question 87: A force of 20 Newtons is applied to an object with a mass of 5 kg. What is the acceleration of the object, assuming no other forces are acting on it?

15 m/s²
100 m/s²
0.25 m/s²
4 m/s² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4 m/s²

This problem uses Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that Force = mass × acceleration (F=ma). To find the acceleration, we can rearrange the formula to a = F/m. Given F = 20 N and m = 5 kg, the acceleration is a = 20 N / 5 kg = 4 m/s².

Question 88: What age group of students is eligible to take the Mental Ability Test (MAT) for the NMMSS scholarship?

College students
All of the above
Elementary school students
High school students (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High school students

MAT is administered to high school students as part of the NMMSS scholarship program.

Question 89: Who administers the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) program?

World Health Organization (WHO)
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) (Correct answer)
Ministry of Education, Government of India
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Correct answer: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

NCERT administers the NMMSS program in India.

Question 90: If p = -3, what is the value of the algebraic expression 2p³ - 4p² + 5p?

-105 (Correct answer)
3
-33
105

Correct answer: -105

Substitute p = -3 into the expression: 2(-3)³ - 4(-3)² + 5(-3). Calculate the powers first: 2(-27) - 4(9) + 5(-3). Then, perform the multiplications: -54 - 36 - 15. Finally, add the numbers: -90 - 15 = -105.

Question 91: Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment at:

Bodh Gaya (Correct answer)
Lumbini
Sarnath
Kushinagar

Correct answer: Bodh Gaya

Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, after which he became the Buddha.

Question 92: The 'Three R's' principle is a fundamental strategy for resource conservation and waste management. Which of the following correctly represents these three principles in their preferred order?

Research, Refine, Regulate
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Correct answer)
Renew, Replant, Restore
Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle

Correct answer: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The 'Three R's' of waste management create a hierarchy for conservation: Reduce (use less to prevent waste), Reuse (use items again to extend their life), and Recycle (convert waste materials into new products). This order prioritizes preventing waste in the first place.

Question 93: A pie chart shows a family's monthly expenditure. If the family's total monthly income is ₹36,000 and the angle of the sector representing 'Rent' is 90°, how much does the family spend on rent?

₹18,000
₹12,000
₹6,000
₹9,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ₹9,000

A complete circle in a pie chart represents 360°. The fraction of the total income spent on rent is the ratio of the sector's angle to the total angle, which is 90°/360° = 1/4. Therefore, the amount spent on rent is 1/4 of the total income, which is (1/4) * ₹36,000 = ₹9,000.

Question 94: What is the purpose of the Mental Ability Test (MAT) in the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) program?

To assess physical fitness
To evaluate cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills (Correct answer)
To rank students based on extracurricular activities
To measure artistic talents

Correct answer: To evaluate cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills

MAT assesses students' mental abilities and reasoning skills for the NMMSS scholarship.

Question 95: Why does a mountaineer climbing at a high altitude often experience nosebleeds?

The atmospheric pressure outside the body is significantly lower than the blood pressure inside. (Correct answer)
The force of gravity is weaker at high altitudes.
The temperature is much lower at high altitudes.
There is less oxygen available, causing blood vessels to expand.

Correct answer: The atmospheric pressure outside the body is significantly lower than the blood pressure inside.

Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the air in the atmosphere. As altitude increases, the amount of air above decreases, so the atmospheric pressure becomes lower. The human body is accustomed to the higher pressure at sea level. At high altitudes, the internal pressure of the blood vessels can be significantly higher than the external atmospheric pressure, which can cause delicate blood vessels, like those in the nose, to rupture.

Question 96: Which Mughal emperor founded the 'Din-i-Ilahi', a syncretic religious movement?

Akbar (Correct answer)
Humayun
Jahangir
Babur

Correct answer: Akbar

Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582, a syncretic religious order incorporating elements from Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity.

Question 97: Which Delhi Sultanate ruler is famous for introducing market reforms to fix commodity prices?

Balban
Muhammad bin Tughluq
Alauddin Khilji (Correct answer)
Iltutmish

Correct answer: Alauddin Khilji

Alauddin Khilji introduced market control reforms that fixed the prices of essential goods, enabling him to maintain a large army at low cost.

Question 98: Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous call of 'Do or Die' ('Karo ya Maro') to the Indian people during which major freedom movement?

Quit India Movement (1942) (Correct answer)
Khilafat Movement (1919)
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)

Correct answer: Quit India Movement (1942)

The 'Do or Die' slogan was given by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, at the start of the Quit India Movement. It was a powerful call for the Indian people to make a final, determined push to end British rule.

Question 99: Identify the missing term in the series: 121, 144, 169, ?, 225.

210
196 (Correct answer)
180
200

Correct answer: 196

The series consists of squares of consecutive integers starting from 11. 11^2 = 121, 12^2 = 144, 13^2 = 169, 14^2 = 196, 15^2 = 225. The missing term is 196.

Question 100: A farmer in the Deccan Plateau region of India wants to cultivate a crop that thrives in black soil (regur soil) and requires a warm, sunny climate with a long frost-free period. Which of the following cash crops is most suitable for these conditions?

Cotton (Correct answer)
Tea
Apples
Jute

Correct answer: Cotton

Cotton grows best in the black soil (regur soil) of the Deccan Plateau. It is a tropical and sub-tropical crop that requires high temperatures, bright sunshine, and at least 210 frost-free days for its growth, making it perfectly suited for the described conditions.

Question 101: A water tank is in the shape of a cuboid with length 5 m, width 2 m, and height 1.5 m. How many liters of water can it hold? (Given: 1 m³ = 1000 liters)

1,500 liters
150 liters
8,500 liters
15,000 liters (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 15,000 liters

First, calculate the volume of the cuboidal tank using the formula V = length × width × height. V = 5 m × 2 m × 1.5 m = 15 cubic meters (m³). Since 1 cubic meter is equivalent to 1000 liters, the capacity of the tank in liters is 15 × 1000 = 15,000 liters.

Question 102: The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held in December 1885 in Bombay. Who was elected as its first President?

Surendranath Banerjee
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (Correct answer)
Dadabhai Naoroji
A.O. Hume

Correct answer: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

While A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, was instrumental in founding the Indian National Congress, the first session held in Bombay in 1885 was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, a prominent barrister from Calcutta.

Question 103: A food scientist is working on a new method of food preservation that involves removing as much water as possible from the food product. This method is effective because it inhibits the growth of microorganisms primarily by:

Lowering the temperature to freezing
Limiting the water available for microbial metabolic processes (Correct answer)
Removing the oxygen that microbes need
Increasing the food's acidity

Correct answer: Limiting the water available for microbial metabolic processes

Microorganisms, like all living things, require water for their metabolic processes, growth, and reproduction. The method of drying or dehydration removes moisture from food, which creates an environment where most bacteria, yeasts, and molds cannot thrive. While changing acidity (pickling), removing oxygen (vacuum packing), and freezing are also preservation methods, dehydration specifically targets the availability of water.

NMMS National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Exam

The NMMS National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Exam is an India-wide scholarship test for Class 8 students, comprising a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) covering science, social science, and mathematics.

180

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

40%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds