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Topic Respiration
Asked 10 times across 5 UPSC exams over 47 years (1979–2026), peaking in 2026.
Key insights
- Most tested in NDA — 4 of 10 PYQs
- Most asked in 2026
- Recurs across 6 years (1979–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1979 → CAPF 2020 → NDA 2021 → CISF 2021 → GEO 2026
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (7 of 10) are since 2016.
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.
NDA2026
Which of the following properties of alveoli is/are helpful in gaseous exchange during respiration in human beings?
- The epithelial lining of alveoli is very thin
- Elastic fibres are present in alveolar wall
- Wall of alveoli is surrounded by many blood capillaries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A I and II only
- B I and III only
- C III only
- D I, II and III ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
NDA2026
In which of the following parts of organisms, the process of gaseous exchange during respiration does not take place?
- A Skin of earthworms
- B Bronchi of humans ✓
- C Gills of Pila
- D Alveoli of humans
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
GEO2026
Which of the following statements about the process of respiration is/are correct?
- During inspiration, the diaphragm gets relaxed
- During expiration, external intercostal muscles contract
- A healthy human adult breathes 12-16 times per minute at rest. Select the answer
using the code given below.
- A I only
- B I and II
- C II and III
- D III only
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
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