WBCS Preliminary Question – 2022
38. Which of the following districts of West Bengal has the highest child sex ratio in 2011?
(A) Darjeeling
(B) Howrah
(C) Kolkata
(D) Malda
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Darjeeling
Explanation:
According to Census 2011 data, Darjeeling district recorded the highest child sex ratio in West Bengal. Tribal population, better female survival rate, and lower gender discrimination contribute to this favourable ratio compared to urban districts like Kolkata.
59. The Kasai and Keleghai rivers join to form
(A) the Rupnarayan river
(B) the Haldi river
(C) the Subarnarekha river
(D) the Damodar river
✔ Correct Answer: (B) the Haldi river
Explanation:
The Kasai (Kangsabati) and Keleghai rivers meet near Nandakumar–Tamluk region to form the Haldi river. The Haldi later joins the Hooghly river near Haldia, playing an important role in deltaic drainage.
78. Kumari river is a tributary of
(A) Mahanadi
(B) Damodar
(C) Kansabati
(D) Ajoy
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Kansabati
Explanation:
The Kumari river is a left-bank tributary of the Kansabati river. It flows mainly through Bankura district and contributes to the irrigation network of southwestern West Bengal.
86. Which one of the following is the highest peak of South Bengal?
(A) Sandakphu
(B) Gorgaburu
(C) Pareshnath
(D) Biharinath
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Biharinath
Explanation:
Biharinath (448 m), located in Purulia district, is the highest peak of South Bengal. Sandakphu and Gorgaburu are located in North Bengal, while Pareshnath lies in Jharkhand.
118. How many districts are there in West Bengal? (2017)
(A) 20
(B) 19
(C) 23
(D) 25
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 23
Explanation:
By 2017, West Bengal had 23 districts after the creation of districts like Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Jhargram, and Paschim Bardhaman. Further district reorganisation occurred after 2017.
142. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?
(A) NH-2 – Delhi-Kolkata
(B) NH-35 – Barasat-Bongaon
(C) NH-41 – Kolaghat-Haldia
(D) NH-34 – Sevok-Gangtok
✔ Correct Answer: (D) NH-34 – Sevok-Gangtok
Explanation:
NH-34 runs from Dalkhola to Siliguri, not Sevok to Gangtok. The route to Gangtok is connected mainly by NH-10 (old NH-31A), making option (D) incorrect.
163. The western part of Teesta river in West Bengal is called
(A) Terai
(B) Duars
(C) Bagar
(D) Bhabar
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Terai
Explanation:
The western part of the Teesta river basin is known as the Terai region. It is characterised by marshy land, high groundwater table, and fertile alluvial soil.
WBCS Preliminary Question – 2021
48. The boundary line of Sundarban was demarcated by (1764)
(A) Hamilton Saheb
(B) Major William Tolly
(C) Scott
(D) Dampier and Hodges
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Dampier and Hodges
Explanation:
The Sundarban boundary was demarcated in 1764 by Dampier and Hodges after the Battle of Buxar. Their survey helped the British administration in forest and revenue management.
67. The Sundarban is declared as ‘Ramsar site’ in
(A) 1987
(B) 1972
(C) 2018
(D) 2019
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 2018
Explanation:
The Sundarbans Wetland was designated as a Ramsar site in 2018. It is internationally recognised for its ecological importance, mangrove biodiversity, and wetland ecosystem.
104. Mukutmanipur Dam is located across the following river:
(A) Subarnarekha
(B) Dwarkeswar
(C) Barakar
(D) Kangsabati
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Kangsabati
Explanation:
Mukutmanipur Dam, the second largest earthen dam in India, is built across the Kangsabati river in Bankura district. It is crucial for irrigation and flood control.
117. Punarbhava and Atrai are the distributaries of the following river:
(A) Torsa
(B) Teesta
(C) Jaldhaka
(D) Raidak
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Teesta
Explanation:
Punarbhava and Atrai are distributaries of the Teesta river system. They flow through North Bengal and Bangladesh, playing an important role in regional drainage.
147. In West Bengal, Export Processing Zone (EPZ) has started functioning at (1984)
(A) Raichak
(B) Falta
(C) Kakdwip
(D) Haldia
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Falta
Explanation:
The Falta EPZ, established in 1984 in South 24 Parganas, was India’s first EPZ. It later evolved into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
152. The following river divides West Bengal and Assam:
(A) Raidak
(B) Sankosh
(C) Kaljani
(D) Chel
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Sankosh
Explanation:
The Sankosh river forms part of the boundary between West Bengal and Assam. It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river system.
175. Mica producing district of West Bengal is
(A) Bankura
(B) Paschim Bardhaman
(C) Birbhum
(D) Purulia
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Bankura
Explanation:
Bankura district is known for mica deposits along with other minerals like china clay and quartz. Purulia is also mineral-rich, but mica production is more prominent in Bankura.
WBCS Preliminary Question – 2020
35. First Indian product to get G.I. Tag is
(2004–05)
(A) Cardamom
(B) Darjeeling Tea
(C) Basmati
(D) Gobindobhog
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Darjeeling Tea
Explanation:
Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2004–05. The GI tag protects its unique flavour, aroma, and quality linked to the Darjeeling hills. India’s GI Act came into force in 2003, and Darjeeling Tea became its first registered product.
37. Literacy rate in West Bengal according to Census 2011 is
(A) 97%
(B) 70%
(C) 80%
(D) 77%
✔ Correct Answer: (D) 77%
Explanation:
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of West Bengal is 76.26%, which is conventionally rounded to 77% in MCQ-based exams. Male literacy is higher than female literacy, reflecting gender disparity in education.
38. Which tribal language has been given official status in West Bengal and is regarded as endangered by UNESCO?
(A) Santali language
(B) Kurukh language
(C) Kurmali language
(D) Sadri language
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Santali language
Explanation:
Santali has been accorded official language status in West Bengal and is written in the Ol Chiki script. UNESCO considers Santali vulnerable/endangered due to declining native usage, despite constitutional recognition under the 8th Schedule.
50. How many Indian States touch the border of West Bengal?
(A) 4
(B) 6
(C) 5
(D) 3
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 5
Explanation:
West Bengal shares borders with five Indian states: Assam, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Additionally, it shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, but those are not counted here.
54. In which year was West Dinajpur district divided into North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur?
(A) 1991
(B) 1990
(C) 1992 (1 April)
(D) 1994
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 1992 (1 April)
Explanation:
West Dinajpur district was bifurcated on 1st April 1992 into Uttar Dinajpur (North) and Dakshin Dinajpur (South) for better administrative efficiency and governance.
60. Rank of West Bengal in India with reference to total population according to Census 2011 is
(7.55%)
(A) Tenth
(B) Fourth
(C) Second
(D) Fifth
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Fourth
Explanation:
West Bengal ranks 4th in population among Indian states, after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. It accounts for about 7.55% of India’s total population as per Census 2011.
160. Select from the following rice producing districts of West Bengal in ascending order
(A) Midnapore, East Bardhaman, Murshidabad
(B) Murshidabad, Midnapore, East Bardhaman
(C) Bankura, Murshidabad, East Bardhaman
(D) Bankura, Murshidabad, Midnapore
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Bankura, Murshidabad, East Bardhaman
Explanation:
Bankura produces the least rice among the three, followed by Murshidabad, while East Bardhaman is the highest rice-producing district of West Bengal. Hence, the correct ascending order is Bankura → Murshidabad → East Bardhaman.
177. ‘Gangani’ region of West Bengal has which type of soil?
(Near Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur)
(A) Alluvial Soil
(B) Saline Soil
(C) Laterite Soil
(D) Terai Soil
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Laterite Soil
Explanation:
The Gangani region, often called the “Grand Canyon of Bengal,” is characterised by laterite soil. This soil is rich in iron and aluminium but poor in fertility, formed due to intense weathering under monsoonal climate.
187. The river on which Tilpara Barrage is located is
(Near Suri, Birbhum)
(A) Damodar
(B) Kangsabati
(C) Silabati
(D) Mayurakshi
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Mayurakshi
Explanation:
Tilpara Barrage is constructed across the Mayurakshi River near Suri in Birbhum district. It helps in flood control, irrigation, and water supply for the surrounding areas.
WBCS Preliminary Question – 2019
26. East Kolkata Wetlands have been declared as
(19 August 2002)
(A) Biodiversity site
(B) Tourist site
(C) World Heritage site
(D) Ramsar site
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Ramsar site
Explanation:
East Kolkata Wetlands were declared a Ramsar Site on 19 August 2002 under the Ramsar Convention. It is a unique example of wastewater-fed aquaculture, supporting fisheries and agriculture. It is the only Ramsar site located within a metropolitan city in India.
28. West Bengal Land Reforms Act came into force in
(A) 1956
(B) 1958
(C) 1955
(D) 1959
✔ Correct Answer: (B) 1958
Explanation:
The West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955 came into force in 1958. Its objective was to abolish intermediaries, impose land ceiling, and protect the rights of bargadars (sharecroppers), laying the foundation for agrarian reforms in the state.
29. Headquarter of Central Inland Water Transport Corporation of India is located in
(A) Allahabad
(B) Kolkata
(C) Cochin
(D) Mumbai
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Kolkata
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation (CIWTC) is located in Kolkata. This is due to the historical importance of the Hooghly–Ganga river system in inland water transport during the colonial period.
30. Metro rail was started in Kolkata in
(24 October)
(A) 1984
(B) 1986
(C) 1988
(D) 1989
✔ Correct Answer: (A) 1984
Explanation:
Kolkata Metro, India’s first metro railway, started operations on 24 October 1984 between Esplanade and Bhowanipore (now Netaji Bhavan). It marked the beginning of rapid urban mass transit in India.
33. Dhaniakhali is famous for
(Chinsurah, Hooghly)
(A) Tant industry
(B) Paper industry
(C) Jute industry
(D) Leather industry
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Tant industry
Explanation:
Dhaniakhali in Hooghly district is famous for its tant sarees, known for durability and fine cotton weaving. Dhaniakhali sarees have received Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting their traditional craftsmanship.
34. Western part of Teesta river is known as
(A) Terai
(B) Duars
(C) Tal
(D) Diara
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Terai
Explanation:
The western part of the Teesta river basin is known as the Terai region. It is characterised by marshy land, dense vegetation, and high groundwater table, making it agriculturally fertile but flood-prone.
35. Sundarban is declared as ‘World Heritage Site’ for
(C & D both can be answer)
(A) Tiger reserve
(B) Sundari tree
(C) Mangrove forest
(D) Biodiversity
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Mangrove forest & (D) Biodiversity
Explanation:
UNESCO declared the Sundarbans a World Heritage Site due to its unique mangrove ecosystem and rich biodiversity, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Hence, both options (C) and (D) are correct.
36. Jalpaiguri town is located on the bank of
(A) Tista and Karala river
(B) Tista and Jaldhaka river
(C) Jaldhaka and Raidak river
(D) Tista and Raidak river
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Tista and Karala river
Explanation:
Jalpaiguri town is situated at the confluence of the Teesta and Karala rivers. This strategic location has historically supported trade, agriculture, and urban settlement in North Bengal.
37. Rammam Hydroelectric Power Project is located in
(A) Purulia
(B) Bankura
(C) Jalpaiguri
(D) Darjeeling
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Darjeeling
Explanation:
The Rammam Hydroelectric Project is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is constructed on the Rammam River, a tributary of the Teesta, and contributes to regional power supply.
39. First railway line in West Bengal was started between
(15 August 1854)
(A) Howrah to Hooghly
(B) Howrah to Raniganj
(C) Howrah to Burdwan
(D) Sealdah to Naihati
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Howrah to Raniganj
Explanation:
The first railway line in Bengal—and eastern India—was inaugurated on 15 August 1854 between Howrah and Raniganj. It primarily served coal transportation from Raniganj coalfields.
44. Which of the following district was not in West Bengal at the time of Independence?
(19 January 1950)
(A) Cooch Behar
(B) Howrah
(C) Darjeeling
(D) Murshidabad
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Cooch Behar
Explanation:
Cooch Behar was a princely state at the time of Independence. It merged with West Bengal on 19 January 1950, and hence was not originally part of the state in 1947.
45. Literacy rate of West Bengal is
(76.26% – Census 2011)
(A) 82.67%
(B) 74.04%
(C) 77.08%
(D) 71.16%
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 77.08%
Explanation:
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of West Bengal is 76.26%, which is often rounded and represented as 77.08% in official statistical tables and competitive exams.
46. Mention the state which has the largest boundary with West Bengal
(A) Jharkhand
(B) Bihar
(C) Odisha
(D) Assam
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Bihar
Explanation:
Among Indian states, Bihar shares the longest boundary with West Bengal. This extensive border influences migration, transport connectivity, and socio-economic interactions between the two states.
WBCS Preliminary Question – 2018
34. Murshidabad district is bisected into two halves by
(A) Mahananda river
(B) Jalangi river
(C) Bhagirathi river
(D) Mathabhanga river
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Bhagirathi river
Explanation:
The Bhagirathi River flows almost centrally through Murshidabad district, dividing it into eastern and western parts. Historically, settlements and administrative centres developed along its banks, making it the lifeline of the district.
42. The largest arsenic decontamination / purification plant in West Bengal is located at
(A) Gangasagar
(B) Kolkata
(C) Asansol
(D) Farakka
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Farakka
Explanation:
The largest arsenic purification plant in West Bengal is located at Farakka in Murshidabad district. It was set up to address severe arsenic contamination in groundwater, especially affecting the Ganga–Bhagirathi basin region.
49. Kolkata – Mumbai National Highway via Agra is known as
(A) NH-5
(B) NH-8
(C) NH-3 (old numbering)
(D) NH-6
✔ Correct Answer: (C) NH-3 (old numbering)
Explanation:
Under the old NH numbering system, NH-3 connected Kolkata to Mumbai via Agra (the Grand Trunk route extension). After highway renumbering, the alignment was reorganised, but WBCS questions often use old numbering.
96. Bongaon and Kolkata are connected by
(A) NH-35 (old numbering)
(B) NH-02
(C) NH-06
(D) NH-32
✔ Correct Answer: (A) NH-35 (old numbering)
Explanation:
NH-35 (old numbering) connects Barasat – Bongaon – Petrapole, linking Kolkata with the Indo-Bangladesh border. It is a crucial route for trade, passenger movement, and border connectivity.
122. In West Bengal, rail wagons are manufactured at
(A) Liluah, Kanchrapara and Dum Dum
(B) Hindmotor, Kanchrapara and Durgapur
(C) Chittaranjan, Hindmotor and Durgapur
(D) Kharagpur, Chittaranjan and Dum Dum
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Hindmotor, Kanchrapara and Durgapur
Explanation:
Rail wagon and coach manufacturing units are located at Hindmotor, Kanchrapara, and Durgapur. These centres play an important role in Indian Railways’ rolling stock production and maintenance.
129. The active delta of the Ganga in India lies in
(A) Nadia, North 24 Parganas and Howrah
(B) Sundarbans
(C) North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas
(D) Medinipur East and Howrah
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Sundarbans
Explanation:
The active delta of the Ganga lies in the Sundarbans region, where continuous deposition and channel shifting occur. In contrast, the Bhagirathi–Hooghly delta is considered a mature or inactive delta.
160. In India, Karst landforms are formed in
(A) Jalpaiguri district, hills of Buxa and Jainti
(B) Purnea district of Bihar
(C) Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan
(D) Mysore hills in Karnataka
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Jalpaiguri district, hills of Buxa and Jainti
Explanation:
Karst landforms develop in limestone regions due to chemical weathering. In India, such features are found in the Buxa and Jainti hills of Jalpaiguri district, showing caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage.
195. ‘Dry Port’ of West Bengal is located at
(A) Kolkata
(B) Haldia
(C) Kolkata, Haldia and Digha
(D) Kolkata and Haldia
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Kolkata and Haldia
Explanation:
West Bengal’s dry port facilities are associated with Kolkata and Haldia, facilitating container handling, customs clearance, and inland trade. These ports strengthen the state’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.
WBCS Preliminary Question – 2017
129. Which one of the following is not an administrative division of West Bengal?
(A) Jalpaiguri
(B) Malda
(C) Kolkata
(D) Bardhaman
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Kolkata
Explanation:
West Bengal has administrative divisions such as Jalpaiguri, Malda, and Bardhaman. Kolkata is a district and metropolitan area, but it is not an administrative division. Hence, option (C) is incorrect.
130. In West Bengal, ‘Rarh’ is a physiographic region, part of which is found in the district of
(A) Cooch Behar
(B) Nadia
(C) Paschim Medinipur
(D) South 24 Parganas
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Paschim Medinipur
Explanation:
The Rarh region is a lateritic plateau region extending over parts of Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, and Paschim Medinipur. It is characterised by undulating terrain, laterite soil, and seasonal rivers.
131. Which district of West Bengal has achieved the highest level of Human Development Index (HDI)?
(A) Kolkata
(B) Purba Medinipur
(C) Bardhaman
(D) North 24 Parganas
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Kolkata
Explanation:
Kolkata ranks highest in Human Development Index (HDI) in West Bengal due to better access to education, healthcare, urban infrastructure, and higher per capita income compared to other districts.
132. What was the primary objective of the construction of the Farakka Barrage?
(1975)
(A) Flood control in lower Bengal
(B) Augmentation of water supply in the Hooghly river
(C) Generation of electricity for West Bengal
(D) Inland water transport in Bihar
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Augmentation of water supply in the Hooghly river
Explanation:
The Farakka Barrage was constructed to divert water from the Ganga into the Hooghly river. Its main objective was to flush silt from the Hooghly and maintain the navigability of Kolkata Port.
133. Toto is a primitive tribal community found in the state of
(Bank of Torsa river, Alipurduar)
(A) Arunachal Pradesh
(B) Odisha
(C) West Bengal
(D) Tamil Nadu
✔ Correct Answer: (C) West Bengal
Explanation:
The Toto tribe is one of the smallest and most isolated tribal communities of India. They inhabit villages along the Torsa River in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, near the Indo-Bhutan border.
134. Which one of the following is not mined in the delta region of West Bengal?
(A) Natural gas
(B) Clay
(C) Sand
(D) Ground water
✔ Correct Answer: (D) Ground water
Explanation:
While natural gas, clay, and sand are extracted in the deltaic region, groundwater is not mined in the conventional sense. It is extracted for use but not considered a mined mineral resource.
135. Drought is occasionally experienced in the plateau region of West Bengal because of
(A) Lateritic soil
(B) Extremely low rainfall
(C) Excessive evapotranspiration
(D) Inefficient water management
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Lateritic soil
Explanation:
The plateau region suffers drought mainly due to lateritic soil, which has low water retention capacity. Even with moderate rainfall, rapid runoff and poor moisture retention lead to seasonal drought conditions.
138. The summer monsoon normally arrives in South Bengal during
(A) 1–5 June
(B) 5–10 June
(C) 10–15 June
(D) 15–20 June
✔ Correct Answer: (C) 10–15 June
Explanation:
The southwest monsoon typically reaches South Bengal between 10 and 15 June. Its arrival marks the beginning of the main agricultural season (Kharif) and brings relief from pre-monsoon heat.
142. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is
(A) A Central Government organization
(B) A State Government organization
(C) A joint organization of the Central Government and the Governments of West Bengal and Jharkhand
(D) An organization of West Bengal and Jharkhand only
✔ Correct Answer: (C) A joint organization of the Central Government and the Governments of West Bengal and Jharkhand
Explanation:
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is a statutory body jointly controlled by the Central Government and the state governments of West Bengal and Jharkhand. It manages flood control, irrigation, and power generation in the Damodar basin.
The Cheat Sheet For WB Geography.
1. West Bengal Geography (The “Make or Break” Section)
WBCS asks very specific questions about districts, boundaries, and rivers of WB.
A. Administrative Divisions & Districts
| Feature | Key Fact / Frequent Question |
| Newest Districts | Alipurduar (2014, from Jalpaiguri), Kalimpong (2017, from Darjeeling), Jhargram (2017, from W. Midnapore), E. & W. Bardhaman (2017). |
| North-South Extent | The narrowest part is the “Chicken’s Neck” (Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur) – approx 9 km wide. |
| Tropic of Cancer | Passes through Nadia (Krishnanagar), Purba Bardhaman, Bankura, Purulia. |
| International Borders | Bangladesh (Longest), Nepal (Shortest), Bhutan. |
| State Borders | Jharkhand (Longest), Odisha, Sikkim, Bihar, Assam. |
| Highest Peak | Sandakphu (3636m) in Singalila Range. |
B. Rivers of West Bengal
| River | Origin/Feature | Key Question Asked |
| Teesta | Zemu Glacier / Pauhunri | “Lifeline of North Bengal”; joins Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh. |
| Mahananda | Mahaldiram Hill (Darjeeling) | Flows through Malda; divides into two branches. |
| Damodar | Chota Nagpur Plateau | “Sorrow of Bengal” (formerly); Durgapur Barrage is on it. |
| Rupnarayan | Dwarkeswar + Shilabati | Mundeswari is a distributary of Damodar joining it. |
| Subarnarekha | Chota Nagpur Plateau | Forms boundary between WB and Odisha. |
| Bhagirathi-Hooghly | Murshidabad (Farakka) | Farakka Barrage built to preserve Kolkata Port. |
C. WB Census 2011 (Memorize These Rankings)
- Highest Literacy: Purba Medinipur > Kolkata.
- Lowest Literacy: Uttar Dinajpur.
- Highest Population Density: Kolkata.
- Lowest Population Density: Purulia (often confused with Bankura, but Purulia is lower).
- Highest Sex Ratio: Darjeeling.
- Lowest Sex Ratio: Kolkata.
