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Govt Programme Public Distribution System
Asked 3 times across 2 UPSC exams over 19 years (2004–2023), peaking in 2004.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 2004
- Recurs across 2 years (2004–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2004 → CDS 2023
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (2 of 3) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2023
Consider the following statements about the Public Distribution System
- The Public Distribution System is operated under the joint responsibility of Centre and State/Union Territories
- Food Corporation of India has assumed the responsibility for procurement, storage and transportation of food grains to the State Governments
- Both Centre and State have the joint responsibility to identify eligible beneficiaries
- Some States also distribute additional items of mass consumption through the PDS outlets such as pulses, edible oil, etc
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
- A 2 and 3 only
- B 1, 2 and 4 ✓
- C 1 and 2 only
- D 3 and 4 only
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Economy › Economic Schemes
CSE2004
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- A Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at subsidized price. ✓
- B Under Annapurna Scheme, indigent senior citizens of 65 years of age or above eligible for National Old Age Pension but not getting pension can get 10 kg of food grains per person per month free of cost
- C Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has scheme in which indigent people living in welfare institutions like orphanages are given 15 kg of food grains per person per month of BPL rates
- D Ministry of Human Resource Development gives financial support to Mid-day Meal Scheme for the benefit of class I to V students in Government or Government aided School
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Social Issues & Welfare › Welfare Schemes & Programmes
CSE2004
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- A Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per
- B Under Annapurna Scheme, indigent senior citizens of 65 years of age or above eligible for National Old Age Pension
- C Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has scheme in which indigent people living in welfare institutions like
- D Ministry of Human Resource Development gives financial support to Mid-day Meal Scheme for the benefit of class I
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Social Issues & Welfare › Welfare Schemes & Programmes
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