Soft Skills & Corporate Readiness Interview - Tips & Techniques General English Language Logical Reasoning / Analytical Ability Quantitative Aptitude Computer Aptitude General Knowledge / Current Affairs Reference Books, Websites & Study Sources.
Learning Modules
Topics
Soft Skills & Corporate Readiness Interview - Tips & Techniques General English Language Logical Reasoning / Analytical Ability Quantitative Aptitude Computer Aptitude General Knowledge / Current Affairs Reference Books, Websites & Study Sources.
Chapters
Current Affairs Indian History & National Movement Indian Polity & Constitution Indian Geography World Geography Indian Economy Banking & Financial Awareness General Science Science & Technology Environment & Ecology Art & Culture Sports & Games Static GK Government Schemes & Policies Computer Awareness International Organizations & Relations India & Neighbouring Countries Important Places & Monuments Defence & Security Awareness Agriculture & Rural Development Census, Reports & Indexes Miscellaneous GK

Static GK

Practice MCQs

Important days, books and authors, awards, firsts, national symbols, monuments, personalities, dances, festivals, and tribes.

General Knowledge Static GK Competitive Exams

Static GK covers important facts that usually remain unchanged for a long time. It includes important days, books and authors, awards, firsts, national symbols, monuments, personalities, dances, festivals, tribes, organizations, headquarters and other frequently asked general awareness facts.

What is Static GK?

Static GK refers to general knowledge facts that are mostly fixed and do not change frequently. Unlike current affairs, which changes daily or monthly, Static GK remains useful for a long period. Questions from this area are common in competitive exams because they test memory, awareness and basic knowledge of India and the world.

Static GK questions are usually direct, matching-based or statement-based. Examples include: “Which day is observed as World Environment Day?”, “Who wrote Gitanjali?”, “Which is the national animal of India?”, “Where is the Sun Temple located?” and “Which dance form belongs to which state?”

Simple idea: Static GK is the collection of permanent or long-lasting facts that every exam aspirant should remember.
Area What to Learn Examples
Important Days Date and theme/purpose of observance. World Environment Day, National Science Day
Books and Authors Book title and writer. Gitanjali - Rabindranath Tagore
Awards Award name, field and importance. Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prize, Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Firsts First person, event or achievement. First President, first woman Prime Minister
National Symbols National animal, bird, flower, tree, anthem and emblem. Tiger, peacock, lotus, banyan
Culture Facts Dances, festivals, monuments, tribes and personalities. Kathakali, Onam, Taj Mahal, Santhal

“Static GK becomes easier when facts are grouped by topic, state, field, date and personality.”

Exam Preparation Tip
Key areas
  • Important national and international days
  • Books and authors
  • Major awards and honours
  • Important firsts in India and world
  • National symbols of India
  • Monuments and heritage sites
  • Famous personalities
  • Dances, festivals and tribes
Days Books Awards Firsts Symbols

Important National and International Days

Important days are frequently asked in exams. Students should learn the date, purpose and broad theme of the day. Some days are national, some are international, and some are linked with important personalities or historical events.

Date Important Day Exam Focus
12 January National Youth Day Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
24 January National Girl Child Day Awareness about rights and welfare of girl child.
26 January Republic Day of India Constitution came into effect.
30 January Martyrs’ Day Associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
28 February National Science Day Associated with discovery of Raman Effect.
8 March International Women’s Day Women’s rights and equality.
22 March World Water Day Water conservation and awareness.
7 April World Health Day Public health awareness.
22 April Earth Day Environmental protection.
1 May International Labour Day Workers’ rights and labour welfare.
5 June World Environment Day Environmental protection and awareness.
21 June International Day of Yoga Yoga, health and wellness.
15 August Independence Day of India India’s independence from British rule.
5 September Teachers’ Day in India Birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
2 October Gandhi Jayanti / International Day of Non-Violence Mahatma Gandhi and non-violence.
31 October National Unity Day Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
14 November Children’s Day in India Birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
10 December Human Rights Day Human rights awareness.
Shortcut: 28 February - Science Day, 5 June - Environment Day, 21 June - Yoga Day, 2 October - Gandhi Jayanti.
Visual Understanding: Static GK Revision Method
Static GK Date Person Place Field Remember facts by connecting date, person, place and field
Static GK becomes easier when information is grouped and revised repeatedly.

Important Books and Authors

Books and authors are a very common Static GK area. Questions are usually direct, but they may also be asked in reverse form: “Who wrote this book?” or “Which book was written by this author?” For better memory, revise books according to ancient, medieval, modern, freedom movement and contemporary categories.

Book / Work Author / Associated Person Exam Clue
Ramayana Valmiki Ancient Indian epic.
Mahabharata Vyasa Ancient Indian epic.
Arthashastra Kautilya / Chanakya Statecraft, economy and administration.
Abhijnanasakuntalam Kalidasa Sanskrit drama.
Meghaduta Kalidasa Sanskrit poetry.
Indica Megasthenes Account related to ancient India.
Gitanjali Rabindranath Tagore Poetry collection.
Anandamath Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Associated with Vande Mataram.
Discovery of India Jawaharlal Nehru History and civilization of India.
My Experiments with Truth Mahatma Gandhi Autobiography.
Godan Premchand Hindi novel and social realism.
Wings of Fire A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Autobiographical work.
Train to Pakistan Khushwant Singh Partition-themed novel.
The Guide R. K. Narayan Indian English literature.
Interpreter of Maladies Jhumpa Lahiri Short stories.
Exam shortcut: Arthashastra-Chanakya, Gitanjali-Tagore, Anandamath-Bankim, Discovery of India-Nehru, Wings of Fire-Kalam.

Important Awards and Honours

Awards are asked in Static GK as well as current affairs. Static GK usually focuses on the field, importance and basic purpose of an award. Current affairs focuses on the latest winners.

Award Field / Purpose Exam Focus
Bharat Ratna Highest civilian award of India. Exceptional service in any field.
Padma Vibhushan High civilian honour of India. Exceptional and distinguished service.
Padma Bhushan Civilian honour of India. Distinguished service of high order.
Padma Shri Civilian honour of India. Distinguished service in various fields.
Nobel Prize International award in specific fields. Peace, Literature, Science, Economics.
Booker Prize Literature. English-language fiction.
Jnanpith Award Indian literature. Major literary award in India.
Sahitya Akademi Award Literature. Indian languages and literary works.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award Cinema. Highest award in Indian cinema.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Sports. Highest sporting honour in India.
Arjuna Award Sports. Outstanding performance in sports.
Dronacharya Award Sports coaching. Outstanding coaches.
Param Vir Chakra Military gallantry. Highest wartime gallantry award of India.
Ashoka Chakra Military / civilian gallantry. Highest peacetime gallantry award of India.
Shortcut: Bharat Ratna-civilian, Dadasaheb Phalke-cinema, Jnanpith-literature, Khel Ratna-sports, Param Vir Chakra-wartime gallantry.
How to Study Books and Authors
  • Group books by author.
  • Group books by period: ancient, modern, contemporary.
  • Learn autobiographies separately.
  • Connect freedom movement books with leaders.
  • Revise Indian English literature separately.
  • Make reverse questions: author to book and book to author.
How to Study Awards
  • Learn field and importance of each award.
  • Separate civilian, sports, literature, cinema and gallantry awards.
  • Revise latest winners from current affairs separately.
  • Remember highest award in each field.
  • Learn Indian and international awards separately.
  • Practise matching award with field.

Important Firsts in India

“First in India” questions are frequently asked in Static GK. These questions test awareness of important personalities, offices, achievements, institutions and historical milestones.

First in India Person / Institution Exam Clue
First President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad Constitutional head of India.
First Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru First head of government after independence.
First Woman Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi First woman to hold the office.
First Vice President of India Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Later became President of India.
First Indian Governor-General of Independent India C. Rajagopalachari Important constitutional office.
First Woman President of India Pratibha Patil First woman President.
First Indian Woman to Win Nobel Prize Mother Teresa Nobel Peace Prize.
First Indian to Win Nobel Prize Rabindranath Tagore Nobel Prize in Literature.
First Indian in Space Rakesh Sharma Space mission milestone.
First Woman IPS Officer of India Kiran Bedi Police service milestone.
First Woman Governor of an Indian State Sarojini Naidu Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
First Indian Woman to Climb Mount Everest Bachendri Pal Mountaineering milestone.
First Indian Olympic Individual Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Shooting.
First Indian Woman Olympic Medallist Karnam Malleswari Weightlifting.
Exam tip: Firsts are best revised in categories: politics, science, sports, women achievers, literature and defence.

National Symbols of India

National symbols represent the identity, heritage and values of India. These facts are highly important for school-level exams, GK tests and competitive exams.

Symbol National Symbol Important Point
National Flag Tiranga Saffron, white, green with Ashoka Chakra.
National Emblem Lion Capital of Ashoka Adopted from Sarnath Lion Capital.
National Anthem Jana Gana Mana Written by Rabindranath Tagore.
National Song Vande Mataram Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
National Animal Bengal Tiger Symbol of strength and wildlife heritage.
National Bird Indian Peacock Known for beauty and cultural importance.
National Flower Lotus Symbol of purity and beauty.
National Tree Banyan Tree Symbol of longevity and shelter.
National Fruit Mango Popular tropical fruit of India.
National River Ganga Major sacred and cultural river.
National Aquatic Animal Ganges River Dolphin Important river biodiversity symbol.
National Calendar Saka Calendar Official national calendar of India.
Shortcut: Tiger-animal, peacock-bird, lotus-flower, banyan-tree, mango-fruit, Ganga-river.
Important World Firsts
World First Person / Event Exam Clue
First Man in Space Yuri Gagarin Space exploration.
First Woman in Space Valentina Tereshkova Space exploration.
First Person on the Moon Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 mission.
First Woman Prime Minister in the World Sirimavo Bandaranaike Sri Lanka.
First Secretary-General of the United Nations Trygve Lie United Nations.
First Nobel Prize Winner in Literature from Asia Rabindranath Tagore Gitanjali.
First Person to Reach South Pole Roald Amundsen Polar exploration.
First Person to Climb Mount Everest Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Mountaineering milestone.

Important Monuments of India

Monument-based questions usually ask location, state, builder, dynasty, architectural style or special feature. It is better to revise monuments state-wise and theme-wise.

Monument / Site Location / State Important Feature
Taj Mahal Agra, Uttar Pradesh Mughal architecture; marble monument.
Qutub Minar Delhi Indo-Islamic architecture.
Red Fort Delhi Mughal fort architecture.
India Gate New Delhi War memorial.
Sanchi Stupa Madhya Pradesh Buddhist monument.
Khajuraho Temples Madhya Pradesh Temple sculpture and Nagara style.
Konark Sun Temple Odisha Chariot-shaped Sun temple.
Ajanta Caves Maharashtra Buddhist caves and paintings.
Ellora Caves Maharashtra Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave monuments.
Hampi Karnataka Vijayanagara heritage.
Gateway of India Mumbai, Maharashtra Colonial-era monument.
Charminar Hyderabad, Telangana Historic monument and city landmark.
Mysore Palace Karnataka Royal palace and architectural landmark.
Victoria Memorial Kolkata, West Bengal Colonial monument and museum.
Exam approach: For monuments, remember name, state, builder/dynasty, style and special feature.

Important Personalities and Fields

Personality-based questions are usually matching questions. Learn the personality with field, title, famous work or major contribution.

Personality Field Exam Clue
Mahatma Gandhi Freedom movement Father of the Nation; non-violence.
Jawaharlal Nehru Politics / freedom movement First Prime Minister of India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National integration Iron Man of India.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Constitution / social reform Chairman of Drafting Committee.
Rabindranath Tagore Literature Gitanjali; Nobel laureate.
C. V. Raman Science Raman Effect.
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science / public life Missile Man of India.
Mother Teresa Social service Nobel Peace Prize.
Homi J. Bhabha Nuclear science Indian nuclear programme.
Vikram Sarabhai Space science Father of Indian space programme.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Social reform Brahmo Samaj and social reform.
Swami Vivekananda Spirituality / youth inspiration National Youth Day.
Shortcut: Ambedkar-Constitution, Patel-Integration, Raman-Science, Kalam-Missile, Sarabhai-Space.
Important Organizations and Headquarters
Organization Headquarters Field
United Nations New York International cooperation.
UNESCO Paris Education, science and culture.
WHO Geneva Health.
ILO Geneva Labour.
FAO Rome Food and agriculture.
IMF Washington, D.C. International finance.
World Bank Washington, D.C. Development finance.
WTO Geneva International trade.
International Court of Justice The Hague International law.
Interpol Lyon International police cooperation.

Important Classical and Folk Dances

Dance-based Static GK questions are usually state-based. Students should learn classical dances separately from folk dances. Classical dances are codified and rule-based, while folk dances are community-based and linked with local festivals or traditions.

Dance Form State / Region Type / Clue
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu Classical dance.
Kathak North India Classical dance; footwork and spins.
Kathakali Kerala Classical dance-drama; elaborate makeup.
Mohiniyattam Kerala Classical dance; graceful movements.
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh Classical dance-drama.
Odissi Odisha Classical dance; tribhangi posture.
Manipuri Manipur Classical dance; Ras Leela tradition.
Sattriya Assam Classical dance linked with Satras.
Bhangra Punjab Folk dance; harvest celebration.
Garba Gujarat Folk dance during Navratri.
Ghoomar Rajasthan Folk dance with circular movement.
Lavani Maharashtra Folk performance with strong rhythm.
Bihu Assam Folk dance linked with Bihu festival.
Yakshagana Karnataka Dance-drama tradition.
Chhau Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal Martial dance tradition.
Shortcut: Bharatanatyam-Tamil Nadu, Kathakali-Kerala, Odissi-Odisha, Sattriya-Assam, Garba-Gujarat.

Important Festivals and States

Festival-based questions usually ask the state, season, community or special feature. Harvest festivals are especially important because many Indian states have their own agricultural celebrations.

Festival State / Region Important Feature
Onam Kerala Harvest festival and cultural celebration.
Pongal Tamil Nadu Harvest festival.
Bihu Assam Agricultural festival cycle.
Lohri Punjab Winter harvest festival.
Durga Puja West Bengal Major cultural and religious festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi Maharashtra and other regions Festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Hornbill Festival Nagaland Celebrates tribal culture.
Hemis Festival Ladakh Buddhist monastery festival.
Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Cattle and cultural fair.
Losar Ladakh, Sikkim, Himalayan regions Tibetan New Year tradition.
Wangala Meghalaya Harvest festival of Garo community.
Chapchar Kut Mizoram Spring festival.
Shortcut: Onam-Kerala, Pongal-Tamil Nadu, Bihu-Assam, Hornbill-Nagaland, Pushkar-Rajasthan.
Important Tribes and Regions

Tribe-based questions are often asked by matching tribe with state or region. Some tribes are spread across more than one state. For exams, learn the commonly associated region.

Tribe / Community Commonly Associated Region Exam Clue
Santhal Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha region Large tribal community of eastern India.
Gond Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra region Central Indian tribal community.
Bhil Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh region Western and central India.
Munda Jharkhand region Eastern India.
Khasi Meghalaya Northeast India.
Garo Meghalaya Wangala festival association.
Naga Tribes Nagaland Hornbill Festival association.
Toda Nilgiri region, Tamil Nadu Pastoral community.
Jarawa Andaman and Nicobar Islands Indigenous community.
Bhutia Sikkim and Himalayan region Himalayan community.
Lepcha Sikkim region Himalayan community.
Irula Tamil Nadu and Kerala region South Indian tribal community.
Exam approach: Tribe questions usually ask tribe-state matching. Some communities live across more than one state, so learn the most commonly associated region.

High-Yield Revision Bank

Static GK should be revised through repeated short tables. Do not try to memorize randomly. Group facts by topic and revise in small sets: days, books, awards, symbols, firsts, monuments, personalities, dances, festivals and tribes.

Important Days Must-Remember
  • 12 January - National Youth Day
  • 26 January - Republic Day
  • 28 February - National Science Day
  • 8 March - International Women’s Day
  • 22 March - World Water Day
  • 5 June - World Environment Day
  • 21 June - International Yoga Day
  • 2 October - Gandhi Jayanti
Books and Awards Must-Remember
  • Gitanjali - Rabindranath Tagore
  • Arthashastra - Chanakya
  • Discovery of India - Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Wings of Fire - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
  • Bharat Ratna - highest civilian award
  • Dadasaheb Phalke - cinema
  • Jnanpith - literature
  • Khel Ratna - sports
Symbols and Culture Must-Remember
  • Tiger - national animal
  • Peacock - national bird
  • Lotus - national flower
  • Banyan - national tree
  • Bharatanatyam - Tamil Nadu
  • Onam - Kerala
  • Hornbill - Nagaland
  • Santhal - eastern India

Common Types of Questions

Date-Based Questions

Questions asking important days and dates.

  • National Science Day
  • World Environment Day
  • Yoga Day
  • Republic Day
Matching Questions

Questions matching two columns.

  • Book - Author
  • Award - Field
  • Dance - State
  • Tribe - Region
Firsts-Based Questions

Questions asking first person or first event.

  • First President
  • First Prime Minister
  • First Indian in space
  • First woman IPS officer
Location-Based Questions

Questions asking monument, festival or tribe location.

  • Konark
  • Hampi
  • Pushkar Fair
  • Khasi tribe
Exam approach: Identify whether the question asks for date, author, field, first person, national symbol, place, state, personality or tribe.

Practice

A) Multiple Choice Questions
  1. National Science Day is observed on:
    28 February 5 June 21 June 15 August
  2. Gitanjali was written by:
    Rabindranath Tagore Premchand Kalidasa Tulsidas
  3. The national animal of India is:
    Bengal Tiger Lion Elephant Peacock
  4. Bharatanatyam is mainly associated with:
    Tamil Nadu Punjab Assam Rajasthan
  5. Dadasaheb Phalke Award is associated with:
    Cinema Sports Science Gallantry
B) Higher-Order Questions
  1. Differentiate between Static GK and Current Affairs. (Hint: Long-lasting facts versus recent events.)
  2. Explain how to remember books and authors effectively. (Hint: Group by author, period, language and theme.)
  3. Why are national symbols important? (Hint: Identity, unity, heritage and national pride.)
  4. Differentiate between classical dance and folk dance. (Hint: Formal codified tradition versus community tradition.)
  5. Classify the following: Hampi, Onam, Santhal, Bharat Ratna. (Hint: Monument, festival, tribe, award.)
Show Suggested Answers
Multiple Choice
  1. 28 February
    National Science Day is observed on 28 February.
  2. Rabindranath Tagore
    Gitanjali was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
  3. Bengal Tiger
    Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India.
  4. Tamil Nadu
    Bharatanatyam is mainly associated with Tamil Nadu.
  5. Cinema
    Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest award in Indian cinema.
Higher-Order Answers
  1. Static GK and Current Affairs:
    Static GK consists of facts that remain stable for a long time, such as national symbols, important books, monuments and awards. Current affairs includes recent events, latest appointments, latest winners, schemes and reports.
  2. Books and authors:
    Books and authors can be remembered by grouping them under ancient, modern, freedom movement, autobiography, Indian English literature and regional literature categories.
  3. National symbols:
    National symbols represent the identity, heritage, unity and values of a country. They promote national pride and cultural awareness.
  4. Classical and folk dance:
    Classical dances are formal, codified and rule-based. Folk dances are community-based and are usually performed during festivals, harvests or social occasions.
  5. Classification:
    Hampi is a monument/heritage site. Onam is a festival. Santhal is a tribe. Bharat Ratna is a civilian award.
Concept Matching
  1. National Science Day → 28 February
  2. Gitanjali → Rabindranath Tagore
  3. Bharat Ratna → Highest civilian award
  4. Konark Sun Temple → Odisha
  5. Onam → Kerala
  6. Santhal → Eastern India

Static GK becomes easier when each fact is linked with date, person, place, field, state, book, award or cultural category.

Practice MCQs