Welcome to Cinema GK for UPSC & PSC – Part 1. This post presents carefully selected multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on cinema that have appeared in previous UPSC and State PSC examinations. Practicing these real exam questions will help strengthen your preparation for upcoming competitive exams.
Cinema is not just entertainment—it’s also an important part of India’s cultural and historical landscape. Competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs (BPSC, MPPSC, RPSC, etc.), and PSU recruitment tests often include film-related General Knowledge (GK) questions. This post presents the first set of questions on cinema GK for UPSC and PSC exams.
This post is the first in our Reel GK series, featuring real MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) that have appeared in previous exams. Each question includes the correct answer and a short explanation to help you revise effectively.
🔗 Related Category: Explore More Reel GK Posts »
📘 Related Reading: How Cinema Began: The Journey from Shadows to Screens »
Why Cinema GK Matters in Government Exams
Indian cinema is more than a form of entertainment — it reflects our society, history, and cultural evolution. That’s why many competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs (BPSC, MPPSC, etc.), and PSU recruitment tests often include questions related to films, directors, awards, and cinematic history.
From recognizing contributions of legends like Satyajit Ray to understanding the cultural impact of landmark films, examiners test your ability to link general awareness with cultural literacy. This makes Cinema GK an important — and often scoring — section for aspirants aiming for administrative, academic, or public sector careers.
How to Prepare for Cinema GK For UPSC Questions
To score well in this section, aspirants should focus on:
- A. National award-winning films
- B. Important directors and film movements
- C. Historical milestones in Indian and world cinema
- D. Cinema’s role in social reform or political history
Reading authentic sources, watching curated documentaries, and practicing previous year questions like those in our Reel GK series can give you an edge in exams.
Cinema MCQs Asked in UPSC & PSC Exams
Discover important multiple-choice questions on Indian cinema that were actually asked in previous UPSC and PSC exams. These real examples will help strengthen your preparation in cinema GK for UPSC and related competitive tests.
Q1. Who directed the film Pather Panchali, which won the Best Human Document award at the Cannes Film Festival?
- A. Mrinal Sen
- B. Bimal Roy
- C. Ritwik Ghatak
- D. Satyajit Ray
✅ Correct Answer: D. Satyajit Ray
Explanation: Pather Panchali (1955) marked Ray’s debut and was internationally acclaimed, winning the Cannes award for Best Human Document.
Q2. Which film was India’s first submission to the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film?
- A. Mother India
- B. Do Bigha Zamin
- C. Pather Panchali
- D. Guide
✅ Correct Answer: B. Do Bigha Zamin
Explanation: Directed by Bimal Roy, Do Bigha Zamin (1953) was India’s first official Oscar entry.
Q3. In which year was the Dadasaheb Phalke Award first instituted?
- A. 1955
- B. 1965
- C. 1969
- D. 1971
✅ Correct Answer: C. 1969
Explanation: The award, named after India’s cinematic pioneer Dadasaheb Phalke, was introduced in 1969 and is the highest honour in Indian cinema.
Q4. Who played the role of Bhagat Singh in the 2002 film The Legend of Bhagat Singh?
- A. Ajay Devgn
- B. Bobby Deol
- C. Sonu Sood
- D. Sunny Deol
✅ Correct Answer: A. Ajay Devgn
Explanation: Ajay Devgn portrayed Bhagat Singh in the critically acclaimed film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
More On Cinema GK For UPSC Coming Soon
Stay tuned for:
- 🎞️ Topic-wise MCQs: Awards, Directors, Movements
- 📅 Year-wise Posts: UPSC, BPSC, MPPSC sets from 2010–2024
- ✍️ Descriptive Questions: With model answers in both English and Hindi
📚 Explore more in our Reel GK section and start strengthening your cinema knowledge for exams.
FAQs On Cinema GK For UPSC
Who directed the film Pather Panchali?
Satyajit Ray directed Pather Panchali, his debut film that received international awards including one at Cannes.
What was India’s first Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film?
Do Bigha Zamin (1953), directed by Bimal Roy.
When was the Dadasaheb Phalke Award instituted?
In 1969, as India’s highest cinema honour.
Who played Bhagat Singh in the 2002 film The Legend of Bhagat Singh?
Ajay Devgn played the role in the film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
Final Note
Want more practice on Cinema GK for UPSC, PSC and PSU recruitment tests?
Don’t miss Part 2 of Cinema GK MCQs » and our guide on Indian Cinema’s Golden Era » to deepen your preparation.
