Economics Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations
Economics Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. An autonomous increase in expenditure should result in an increase in a country’s real GNP only if ?
[A] The country’s balance of trade is negative
[B] The country’s economy is working under conditions of less than full employment
[C] It is government expenditure
[D] The multiplier is at least 1.5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The country’s economy is working under conditions of less than full employment]
Notes:
When the economy is working under conditions of less than full employment, the GDP gap is positive and the economy operates at less than potential. At this point, an increase in expenditure would result in an increase in a country’s real GNP.
2. Which among the following is considered the main determinant of the level of income and output in Keynesian theory?
[A] Level of taxation
[B] Aggregate demand (aggregate expenditure)
[C] Planned saving
[D] Factor mobility
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aggregate demand (aggregate expenditure)]
Notes:
In Keynesian macroeconomics, equilibrium national income is determined by aggregate demand, also called aggregate expenditure. At the equilibrium level, total planned spending equals output and income. Taxation can influence aggregate demand, but it is not the primary direct determinant in the basic income-determination model.
3. Which among the following is a suitable term for the state of economy in which economic activity is slowing down but wages and prices continue to rise ?
[A] Inflation
[B] Deflation
[C] Skweflation
[D] Stagflation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Stagflation]
Notes:
Stagflation refers to persistent high inflation coupled with high unemployment and stagnant demand /growth in economy.
High Inflation + Low Economic Growth {or conditions of recession} + Low Employment Generation = Stagflation
4. Which among the following bodies estimates the national income of India?
[A] Office of the Economic Advisor
[B] National Statistical Office (NSO)
[C] Central Statistical Office
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Statistical Office (NSO)]
Notes:
India’s national income and related macroeconomic estimates are now compiled by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The earlier Central Statistical Office (CSO) was merged with the National Sample Survey Office in 2019 to form the NSO.
5. Which among the following phrases generally denotes National Income?
[A] Gross National Product at Market Prices
[B] Net National Product at Market Prices
[C] Gross National Product at Factor Cost
[D] Net National Product at Factor Cost
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Net National Product at Factor Cost]
Notes:
Net National Product at Factor Cost generally denotes National Income.
6. In context with the macroeconomics , Philips Curve is a relationship between the rates of ___?
[A] Unemployment & Exim trade
[B] Unemployment and Inflation
[C] Unemployment and Demand
[D] Unemployment and Poverty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Unemployment and Inflation]
Notes:
Phillips curve developed by A. W. Phillips says that the inflation and unemployment have a stable and inverse relationship; which means that higher inflation is associated with lower unemployment and vice versa. However, later it was proved that this curve is applicable only in the short-run, and in long-run, inflationary policies would not decrease unemployment.
7. In economy, which among the following can be measured by calculating concentration ratios?
[A] Devlopment
[B] Inflation
[C] Competition
[D] Social Security
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Competition]
Notes:
Competition is generally measured by calculating concentration ratios. Concentration ratios indicate whether an industry consists of a few large firms or many small firms. Two of the most commonly used metrics are the Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) and the N-firm concentration ratio.
8. Which of the following items is characterised by highest income elasticity of demand among others?
[A] Car
[B] Milk
[C] Paddy
[D] Tobacco
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Car ]
Notes:In case of High-income elasticity of demand, an increase in income is accompanied by a relatively larger increase in quantity demanded for normal goods. Thus, among the given options Car has highest income elasticity of demand.
- Car: A luxury good with high income elasticity; demand rises sharply with an increase in income.
- Milk: A necessity good with low to moderate income elasticity.
- Paddy: A basic necessity and staple food, with very low income elasticity.
- Tobacco: Considered an addictive good with low or even negative income elasticity in some cases, as demand is less income-sensitive.
9. Which one of the following is NOT generally considered a sign of economic development?
[A] Changing structure of GDP in favour of industry and services
[B] Larger share of GDP coming from the primary sector
[C] Improved infrastructure and institutional changes in an economy
[D] Rising per capita income and productivity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Larger share of GDP coming from the primary sector]
Notes:
Economic development is usually associated with structural transformation: the share of agriculture/primary sector declines, while industry and services expand. It is also reflected in better institutions, infrastructure, higher productivity and rising per capita income. A larger GDP share from the primary sector generally indicates a less developed economic structure.
10. A transfer payment is a payment that is __:
[A] made by the government to its current workers
[B] made to people who are needy
[C] For in-kind services provided to the government
[D] For which no services or goods are rendered
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ For which no services or goods are rendered ]
Notes:
Transfer Payment is the payment exchanged for return of no goods or services. It generally describes the welfare expenditure of the government such as subsidies, pensions, grants etc.
