The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is India’s premier intelligence agency, responsible for national security and foreign intelligence operations. Learning about RAW’s role, history, and operations is essential for those interested in intelligence agencies and global security. Here you will learn the 20 key MCQs about RAW of India, covering its establishment, functions, notable missions, and impact on national security. Whether you are a student, researcher, or competitive exam aspirant, these multiple-choice questions will enhance your knowledge of India’s intelligence agency and its role in global affairs.
Find below the 20 key MCQs about the RAW.
Key MCQs about the RAW
1. When was RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) of India established?
A. 1947
B. 1956
C. 1968
D. 1975
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Details: RAW was established in 1968 as India’s external intelligence agency to handle foreign intelligence gathering and national security threats.
2. Who was the first chief of RAW?
A. Rameshwar Nath Kao
B. Vikram Sood
C. Ajit Doval
D. Samant Goel
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Details: Rameshwar Nath Kao was the founding chief of RAW and played a crucial role in structuring India’s external intelligence operations.
3. What is the primary objective of RAW?
A. Domestic law enforcement
B. Internal intelligence gathering
C. Foreign intelligence and counter-terrorism
D. Cybersecurity within India
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Details: RAW primarily focuses on foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, and strategic security threats outside India.
4. Which war highlighted the need for RAW’s formation?
A. Indo-Pak War of 1947
B. Indo-China War of 1962
C. Indo-Pak War of 1965
D. Kargil War of 1999
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Details: India’s failure in the Indo-China War of 1962 exposed the need for a strong foreign intelligence agency, leading to RAW’s creation in 1968.
5. RAW directly reports to which government official?
A. Home Minister
B. National Security Advisor
C. Prime Minister
D. Defence Minister
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Details: RAW operates directly under the Prime Minister of India, ensuring high-level secrecy and political independence in intelligence operations.
6. What is the headquarters location of RAW?
A. Mumbai
B. Bangalore
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
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Details: RAW’s headquarters is located in New Delhi, where it coordinates its national and international intelligence operations.
7. Which of the following agencies is NOT associated with RAW?
A. IB (Intelligence Bureau)
B. NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation)
C. CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
D. MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service of the UK)
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Details: MI6 is the intelligence agency of the United Kingdom, whereas RAW is India’s external intelligence agency.
8. Which major military operation was supported by RAW in 1971?
A. Operation Blue Star
B. Operation Vijay
C. Operation Cactus
D. Operation Jackpot
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Details: RAW played a key role in Operation Jackpot, which supported the Mukti Bahini forces during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
9. RAW is mainly involved in intelligence gathering related to which country?
A. China
B. Pakistan
C. Bangladesh
D. All of the above
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Details: RAW focuses on intelligence gathering related to India’s neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.
10. Which department within RAW handles cyber intelligence?
A. Aviation Research Centre
B. Special Operations Division
C. Technical Intelligence Wing
D. Cyber Intelligence Bureau
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Details: The Technical Intelligence Wing within RAW specializes in electronic surveillance and cyber intelligence operations.
11. RAW played a role in which nuclear test conducted by India in 1998?
A. Smiling Buddha
B. Pokhran-II
C. Agni-III
D. Shakti Mission
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Details: RAW provided intelligence support to ensure the secrecy and success of India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
12. What is the recruitment process for RAW officers?
A. Direct hiring through UPSC
B. Selection from intelligence agencies and military
C. Campus recruitment from IITs
D. Public examinations conducted annually
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Details: RAW recruits officers from intelligence agencies, military personnel, and civil servants rather than through direct public exams.
13. Which of the following is an official branch of RAW?
A. National Intelligence Service
B. Special Security Division
C. Aviation Research Centre
D. Cyber Police Force
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Details: The Aviation Research Centre (ARC) is a technical intelligence division under RAW that handles aerial reconnaissance.
14. RAW’s involvement in Sri Lanka was linked to which group?
A. LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)
B. Maoists
C. Al-Qaeda
D. Hezbollah
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Details: RAW was involved in intelligence operations concerning LTTE during Sri Lanka’s civil war, both supporting and countering its activities.
15. Which Indian Prime Minister expanded RAW’s operations globally?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Indira Gandhi
C. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D. Narendra Modi
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Details: Indira Gandhi expanded RAW’s reach, particularly during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
16. What is the role of the Special Operations Division within RAW?
A. Gathering open-source intelligence
B. Conducting covert operations
C. Investigating financial fraud
D. Handling border security
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Details: The Special Operations Division within RAW is responsible for secret missions and intelligence gathering abroad.
17. Which RAW officer is credited with infiltrating Pakistan’s nuclear program?
A. Rameshwar Nath Kao
B. Rabinder Singh
C. Ravindra Kaushik
D. Ajit Doval
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Details: Ravindra Kaushik, known as “The Black Tiger,” successfully infiltrated Pakistan’s military and provided intelligence on its nuclear program.
18. RAW played a role in India’s intervention in which country’s 1988 coup attempt?
A. Nepal
B. Sri Lanka
C. Maldives
D. Afghanistan
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Details: RAW played a key role in India’s intervention in the 1988 coup attempt in the Maldives under Operation Cactus.
19. What is the motto of RAW?
A. Truth Alone Triumphs
B. Strength Through Knowledge
C. The Silent Warriors
D. None, RAW has no official motto
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Details: Unlike other intelligence agencies, RAW does not have an officially declared motto.
20. Which division of RAW is responsible for cyber intelligence and security?
A. Counter Intelligence Unit
B. Special Operations Division
C. Radio Research Centre
D. Cyber Operations and Signals Intelligence (COSINT)
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Details: COSINT handles cybersecurity threats, electronic surveillance, and digital espionage for RAW.
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