Introduction
Cinema is not just entertainment—it’s a cultural force. The UPSC and State PSC exams often include questions related to Indian cinema’s historical, social, and cultural influence. In this second installment of our series on UPSC Cinema GK MCQs, we bring you 10 carefully selected multiple-choice questions that are directly based on previous year questions asked in exams. These will help you revise, reflect, and strengthen your preparation.
Missed Part 1?
Explore the earlier questions asked in UPSC & PSC exams. 👉 Read Part 1 Now
UPSC Cinema GK MCQs – Part 2
Q1. Which was the first Indian film submitted for the Academy Awards (Oscars)?
A. Guide
B. Mother India
C. Do Bigha Zamin
D. Salaam Bombay
✅ Answer: B. Mother India
📝 Explanation: Mother India (1957) was the first Indian film submitted for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars. It received a nomination.
Q2. Who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’?
A. V. Shantaram
B. Satyajit Ray
C. Dadasaheb Phalke
D. Raj Kapoor
✅ Answer: C. Dadasaheb Phalke
📝 Explanation: Dadasaheb Phalke made India’s first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra in 1913.
Q3. What was India’s first talkie (sound film)?
A. Kalidas
B. Shirin Farhad
C. Raja Harishchandra
D. Alam Ara
✅ Answer: D. Alam Ara
📝 Explanation: Released in 1931, Alam Ara was the first Indian movie with synchronized sound.
Q4. Who directed the internationally acclaimed movie ‘Pather Panchali’?
A. Mrinal Sen
B. Bimal Roy
C. Ritwik Ghatak
D. Satyajit Ray
✅ Answer: D. Satyajit Ray
📝 Explanation: Pather Panchali (1955) marked Ray’s debut and won international awards including at Cannes.
Q5. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given for contribution to which field?
A. Sports
B. Literature
C. Music
D. Cinema
✅ Answer: D. Cinema
📝 Explanation: It is India’s highest award in cinema, instituted in 1969.
UPSC Cinema GK MCQs Set Continues ⬇️
Q6. Which Indian film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes?
A. Lagaan
B. Neecha Nagar
C. Salaam Bombay
D. Pather Panchali
✅ Answer: B. Neecha Nagar
📝 Explanation: Neecha Nagar (1946) won the Palme d’Or at the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946.
Q7. Who was the music composer for the film ‘Mughal-e-Azam’?
A. Naushad
B. S.D. Burman
C. R.D. Burman
D. Madan Mohan
✅ Answer: A. Naushad
📝 Explanation: Naushad’s compositions in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) remain timeless classics.
Q8. Which Hindi film is based on R.K. Narayan’s novel?
A. Shatranj Ke Khiladi
B. Swami
C. Guide
D. Masoom
✅ Answer: C. Guide
📝 Explanation: Guide (1965), starring Dev Anand, was based on R.K. Narayan’s novel of the same name.
Q9. Who was India’s first female film director?
A. Fatma Begum
B. Durga Khote
C. Devika Rani
D. Leela Chitnis
✅ Answer: A. Fatma Begum
📝 Explanation: Fatma Begum directed Bulbul-e-Paristan in 1926.
Q10. Which 1951 film is considered a pioneering effort in Indian neo-realism?
A. Do Bigha Zamin
B. Awara
C. Jagte Raho
D. Shree 420
✅ Answer: A. Do Bigha Zamin
📝 Explanation: Directed by Bimal Roy, this film was inspired by Italian neo-realism and won international awards.
🧠 Summary Table of Answers To UPSC Cinema GK MCQs And Their Explanations
| Q.No | Correct Answer | Key Concept |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mother India | Oscars Submission |
| 2 | Dadasaheb Phalke | Founder of Indian Cinema |
| 3 | Alam Ara | First Talkie |
| 4 | Satyajit Ray | Pather Panchali |
| 5 | Cinema | Dadasaheb Phalke Award |
| 6 | Neecha Nagar | Cannes Film Festival |
| 7 | Naushad | Film Music |
| 8 | Guide | Literature and Cinema |
| 9 | Fatma Begum | Women in Cinema |
| 10 | Do Bigha Zamin | Neo-Realism |
❓ FAQs – UPSC Cinema GK MCQs
Q1. Are cinema-based questions common in UPSC exams?
Yes, UPSC and State PSCs frequently include cinema questions under the Art & Culture section of General Studies.
Q2. How should I prepare Cinema GK for UPSC?
Focus on landmark films, national awards, major directors, film history, and India’s presence in global cinema.
Q3. Can these questions be useful for state PSC exams too?
Absolutely. Many State PSCs also include similar questions from Indian cinema in their exams.
Hope you liked this short article on UPSC Cinema GK MCQs based on cinema related questions and their answers.
📚 Love Cinema + GK? Browse our full collection of questions for UPSC, PSC, and more. 👉 Explore Reel GK
