150 UPSC-Level MCQs & Rapid-Fire Question Bank on GFR 2017, CCS Rules, DFPR 2024, POSH & CSMOP

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UPSC DRDO SAO • UPSC Admin Officer • UPSC Store Officer • SO/SSA LDCE
⚡ Quick Answer & AI Exam Snapshot (TL;DR)

In UPSC Senior Administrative Officer (DRDO SAO Grade-II), UPSC Administrative Officer (GSI/BRO/ICMR/Naval HQ), Store Officer, and DoPT SO/SSA LDCE examinations, Central Government Service & Financial Rules + Office Procedure account for 25 to 40 direct factual questions. This 150-point master revision matrix consolidates every rule number, form number, monetary threshold, and statutory time limit across GFR 2017, DFPR 2024, CCS (Conduct/CCA/Leave/Joining Time/Pension/LTC) Rules, FR & SR, POSH Act, CVC/Lokpal, and CSMOP.

1. Module A — GFR 2017, Public Procurement (GeM) & DFPR 2024 (Questions 1–40)

Q# Rule / Exam Question Exact Statutory Answer
1 Total number of Chapters and Rules in GFR 2017: 12 Chapters and 324 Rules (Issued by Dept. of Expenditure, MoF).
2 Rule of GFR 2017 codifying the 4 ‘Standards (Canons) of Financial Propriety’: Rule 21.
3 Period after which a financial sanction lapses if no payment in whole or part is made (Rule 30): 12 Months from the date of issue of sanction.
4 Threshold of loss of public money/stores (not due to fire/theft/fraud) that must be reported to Audit (Rule 33): Exceeding ₹50,000 (Exceeding ₹10,000 if caused by fire, theft, fraud, or negligence).
5 Rule 62 of GFR 2017 strictly prohibits what practice in the month of March? Rush of Expenditure in the closing month of the financial year.
6 Corpus of the Contingency Fund of India under Article 267(1) (enhanced in 2021): ₹30,000 Crore (40% placed at disposal of Expenditure Secretary).
7 Basis on which Government of India accounts are maintained under Rule 74 of GFR 2017: Cash Basis.
8 15-Digit, 6-Tier coding structure of Government Accounts under Rule 79: Major Head (4) + Sub-Major (2) + Minor (3) + Sub-Head (2) + Detailed (2) + Object Head (2) = 15 Digits.
9 Rule of GFR 2017 making procurement mandatory on Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Rule 149.
10 GeM Direct Online Purchase limit without comparison (Rule 149(i), amended May 2024): Up to ₹50,000 (was ₹25,000; up to ₹1,00,000 for Automobiles).
11 GeM L-1 Purchase limit comparing at least 3 different OEMs (Rule 149(ii), amended May 2024): Above ₹50,000 up to ₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh) (was ₹25k to ₹5L).
12 GeM Online Bidding / Reverse Auction mandatory threshold (Rule 149(iii), amended May 2024): Above ₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh) (was above ₹5L).
13 Purchase of Non-GeM goods WITHOUT quotation limit (Rule 154, amended May 2024): Up to ₹50,000 (and up to ₹1,00,000 for Scientific Ministries/DRDO).
14 Purchase of goods via 3-member Local Purchase Committee (LPC) limit (Rule 155, amended May 2024): Above ₹50,000 up to ₹5,00,000 (₹5 Lakh) (was ₹25k to ₹2.5L).
15 Limited Tender Enquiry (LTE) ceiling and minimum number of registered vendors (Rule 162): Up to ₹50,00,000 (₹50 Lakh) (was ₹25L); sent to MORE THAN 3 (i.e., ≥4) vendors.
16 Advertised Tender Enquiry (ATI) mandatory threshold (Rule 161, amended May 2024): ₹50,00,000 (₹50 Lakh) and above (was ₹25L and above).
17 Minimum bid submission time in Advertised Tender Enquiry vs Global Tender Enquiry (Rule 161): 3 Weeks (21 days) for Domestic ATI; 4 Weeks (28 days) for Global Tender Enquiry (GTE).
18 Ceiling up to which Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) is disallowed without Cabinet Secretariat / DoE nod: Up to ₹200 Crore (Rule 161(iv)).
19 Bid Security (Earnest Money Deposit — EMD) percentage & validity period beyond bid validity (Rule 170): 2% to 5% of estimated value; valid for 45 days beyond final bid validity.
20 Who is exempt from furnishing Bid Security (EMD) under Rule 170? MSEs (Micro & Small Enterprises), DPIIT-recognized Start-ups, and Central/State PSUs.
21 Performance Security (PBG) percentage & validity period beyond completion/warranty obligations (Rule 171): 3% to 5% (up to 10%) of contract value; valid for 60 days beyond completion of all obligations including warranty.
22 Maximum Advance Payment to Private Firms vs PSUs/Govt Agencies under Rule 172: Private Firms: Max 30%; PSUs / Govt Agencies: Max 40% of contract value (AMC: max 6 months).
23 Maximum weightage allowed for Technical Parameters under QCBS for hiring Consultants (Rule 192): Maximum 80% (Financial cost weightage must be at least 20%).
24 Frequency of physical verification of Fixed Assets & Consumable Goods (Rule 213): At least ONCE EVERY YEAR.
25 Frequency of physical verification of Library Books (Rule 215): ≤20,000 books: Every Year; 20,001 to 50,000: Once in 3 Years; >50,000: Sample once in 3 Years.
26 Permissible reasonable loss of Library Books & single-book investigation threshold (Rule 215): 5 volumes per 1,000 issued/consulted per year; any book costing > ₹1,000 must be investigated.
27 Forms for Fixed Assets Register, Consumables Stock Register & Historical/Artistic Assets: GFR-22 (Fixed Assets), GFR-23 (Consumables), GFR-24 (Historical/Artistic Assets).
28 Residual value threshold above which unserviceable/surplus stores must be sold via Tender/Auction (Rule 217): Above ₹2,00,000 (₹2 Lakh).
29 Form and time limit for Utilization Certificate (UC) for Grants-in-Aid (Rule 238): Form GFR 12-A within 12 Months from the closure of the financial year.
30 Ceiling on Central Government incremental Guarantees in any financial year (Rule 253 / FRBM): 0.5% of GDP.
31 Effective date of the new Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPR), 2024: 1st April 2024 (replacing DFPR, 1978).
32 Appraisal forum for Central Schemes costing ₹100 Cr–₹500 Cr vs above ₹500 Cr (DFPR 2024): ₹100–500 Cr: SFC (Chaired by Administrative Secretary); >₹500 Cr: EFC (Chaired by Expenditure Secretary).
33 Appraisal forum for Capital Projects costing ₹100 Cr–₹500 Cr vs above ₹500 Cr (DFPR 2024): ₹100–500 Cr: DIB (Chaired by Administrative Secretary); >₹500 Cr: PIB (Chaired by Expenditure Secretary).
34 Approving authority for Schemes/Projects up to ₹100 Cr vs ₹100–500 Cr vs ₹500–1,000 Cr vs >₹1,000 Cr: ≤₹100 Cr: Secretary; ₹100–500 Cr: Minister-in-Charge; ₹500–1,000 Cr: Minister + Finance Minister; >₹1,000 Cr: Cabinet/CCEA.
35 Can funds be re-appropriated between Revenue and Capital sections or Voted and Charged heads (DFPR Rule 10)? Strictly Prohibited under all circumstances.
36 Under DRDO PM-2020, up to what tender value are Bid Security (EMD) and Performance Security waived? Up to ₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh) (and zero EMD for Development Contracts).
37 Liquidated Damages (LD) rate and cap for Development Contracts under DRDO PM-2020: 0.25% per week of delay, capped at 5% of contract value.
38 Maximum grant per project under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: Up to ₹50 Crore (covering up to 90% of project cost for Indian MSMEs/Start-ups).
39 Highest priority capital acquisition category under DAP-2020 and its minimum Indigenous Content: Buy (Indian – IDDM) with minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC).
40 Minimum contract value above which 30% Defence Offset obligations apply under DAP-2020: ₹2,000 Crore or more (exempt for IGA, FMS, and Single-Vendor).

2. Module B — CCS (Conduct), CCS (CCA), POSH Act & Vigilance (Questions 41–95)

Q# Rule / Exam Question Exact Statutory Answer
41 Constitutional Article under which CCS (Conduct), CCS (CCA), and CCS (Leave) Rules are framed: Proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
42 Core duties under Rule 3(1) of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964: Maintain absolute integrity, maintain devotion to duty, and do nothing unbecoming of a Govt servant.
43 Rule of CCS (Conduct) Rules prohibiting Sexual Harassment of Working Women: Rule 3C.
44 Rule prohibiting taking part in Politics and Elections vs Demonstrations and Strikes: Rule 5 (Politics & Elections); Rule 7 (Demonstrations & Strikes).
45 Gift reporting limits on Weddings/Anniversaries/Religious functions (Rule 13(2)): Group A: > ₹25,000; Group B: > ₹15,000; Group C: > ₹7,500.
46 Gift prior-sanction limits on ordinary occasions (Rule 13(3)): Group A & B: > ₹5,000; Group C: > ₹2,000.
47 Rule prohibiting giving, taking, or demanding Dowry: Rule 13A.
48 Deemed permission period to contest election to a Cooperative Society vs a Sports Body (Rule 15): Cooperative Society: 15 Days; Sports Body: 30 Days.
49 Annual share/mutual fund transaction threshold requiring intimation by 31st January (Rule 16): Exceeding 6 Months’ Basic Pay during the calendar year.
50 Deemed permission period for Immovable Property transaction under Rule 18(2): 30 Days.
51 Threshold and time limit for reporting a Movable Property transaction under Rule 18(3): Value exceeding 2 Months’ Basic Pay — must be reported within 1 Month.
52 Last date every year to file Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) for Group A & B officers: 31st January.
53 Deemed permission period under Rule 19 (Vindication of Official Acts & Character): 3 Months (90 Days).
54 Rule prohibiting outside political/MP influence for transfers/promotions: Rule 20.
55 Rule prohibiting Bigamy (plural marriage) vs Child Labour below 14 years: Rule 21 (Marriage/Bigamy); Rule 22A (Employment of Children below 14 years).
56 Constitutional safeguard that no civil servant shall be dismissed/removed by an authority subordinate to Appointing Authority: Article 311(1).
57 Period of custody or imprisonment sentence that triggers automatic ‘Deemed Suspension’ (CCS CCA Rule 10(2)): Exceeding 48 Hours.
58 Mandatory period before expiry of which Suspension must be reviewed by Review Committee (Rule 10(6)): Before expiry of 90 Days (subsequent extensions max 180 Days at a time).
59 Maximum total period of suspension where NO Charge Sheet has been issued: 270 Days (90 days + 180 days).
60 Subsistence Allowance rate during first 3 months of suspension and review limits after 3 months (FR 53): First 3 months: 50% of Basic Pay; After 3 months: up to 75% (+50%) or down to 25% (−50%).
61 Five Minor Penalties under Rule 11(i) to (iv) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965: (i) Censure, (ii) Withholding promotion, (iii) Recovery from pay, (iiia) Reduction by 1 stage for ≤3 yrs without cumulative effect, (iv) Withholding increments.
62 Five Major Penalties under Rule 11(v) to (ix) of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965: (v) Reduction to lower stage with cumulative effect, (vi) Reduction to lower time-scale/grade/post, (vii) Compulsory Retirement, (viii) Removal, (ix) Dismissal.
63 Exact distinction between ‘Removal from Service’ and ‘Dismissal from Service’: Removal is NOT a disqualification for future Govt employment; Dismissal IS a disqualification for future Govt employment.
64 Statutory time limit for Inquiry Officer to complete a Rule 14 Major Penalty Inquiry (Rule 14(24)): Within 6 Months (180 Days) from appointment (extendable by 6 months at a time).
65 Time given to Charged Officer to submit written representation on the Inquiry Report under Rule 15: 15 Days.
66 Maximum pending disciplinary cases a serving vs retired Govt servant can have as a Defence Assistant: Serving Govt Servant: Max 3 cases; Retired Govt Servant: Max 7 cases.
67 Rule of CCS (CCA) Rules governing Common Proceedings (2+ employees) vs Special Procedure (No Inquiry): Rule 18 (Common Proceedings); Rule 19 (Special Procedure — Art 311(2) Proviso).
68 Period of limitation for filing an Appeal under Rule 25 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965: 45 Days from receipt of order.
69 Time limit for Appellate Authority to exercise Revision power (Rule 29) & who holds Review power (Rule 29A): Appellate Authority Revision: Within 6 Months; Review under Rule 29A: President ONLY (on new evidence).
70 Minimum employee strength requiring an Internal Committee (IC) under Section 4 of POSH Act, 2013: 10 or more employees (fewer than 10 or against Employer → District Local Committee under Sec 6).
71 Minimum women percentage, tenure of members, and quorum of Internal Committee (POSH Act): At least 50% Women; Max Tenure: 3 Years; Inquiry Quorum: 3 Members (including Presiding Officer).
72 POSH Act timelines: Filing Complaint → Inquiry Completion → Report Submission → Employer Action → Appeal: Complaint: 3+3 Months; Inquiry: 90 Days; Report: 10 Days; Employer Action: 60 Days; Appeal: 90 Days.
73 Maximum paid Special Leave recommended by IC to aggrieved woman during POSH inquiry (Sec 12): Up to 3 Months (90 Days) in addition to regular leave.
74 Penalty on employer for failing to constitute an Internal Committee under Section 26 of POSH Act: Fine up to ₹50,000 (double penalty + license cancellation on repeat offence).
75 Composition and Tenure of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC Act, 2003): 1 CVC + max 2 VCs (3 members); Tenure: 4 Years or 65 Years of age.
76 Composition and Tenure of Lokpal (Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013): 1 Chairperson + max 8 Members (50% Judicial, 50% SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Women); Tenure: 5 Years or 70 Years.
77 Limitation period for filing complaints before the Lokpal (Section 53) and under Whistle Blowers Act: 7 Years from the date of alleged offence.
78 DoPT & CVC mandatory rule on Anonymous and Pseudonymous complaints: Take NO action and file them straightaway.
79 Designated Agency under the PIDPI Resolution, 2004 for receiving Whistleblower complaints: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) (and Chief Vigilance Officers).
80 Time limit for Competent Authority to decide on prior investigation approval under Sec 17A of PC Act, 1988: 3 Months (extendable by 1 Month).

3. Module C — CCS (Leave), Joining Time, Pension/UPS, FR&SR, LTC & CSMOP (Questions 81–150 Summary)

Q# Rule / Exam Question Exact Statutory Answer
81–85 Earned Leave (EL) Rules: Advance credit, max accumulation, max spell in India, and EOL deduction rate: 15 days on 1 Jan & 1 Jul (2.5/month); Max 300 days; Max 180 days at a time; Deduct 1/10th of EOL/Dies-Non (max 15 days).
86–90 HPL, Commuted Leave & Leave Not Due (LND): Advance credit, EOL deduction, and career LND ceiling: HPL: 10 days on 1 Jan & 1 Jul (unlimited cap; deduct 1/18th of Dies-Non); Commuted: 2 HPL per 1 day (60 days without MC after Maternity); LND Max: 360 Days in career.
91–95 Maternity, Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Paternity Leave: Exact durations & child limit: Maternity: 180 days (<2 surviving children); Miscarriage: 45 days in entire career; Stillbirth: 60 days; Paternity: 15 days (within 6 months).
96–100 Child Care Leave (CCL — Rule 43-C) & Study Leave (Rule 50): Max days, pay rate, spells & Study Leave limit: CCL: 730 days (100% pay first 365 days, 80% next 365 days; max 3 spells/yr or 6 spells for single female); Study Leave: 24 months (36 months for CHS doctors; min 5 yrs service).
101–105 Maximum Continuous Absence (Rule 11) & LTC Leave Encashment (Rule 38-A): Max Continuous Leave: 5 Years; LTC Encashment: 10 days per occasion (max 60 days in career; min 30 days EL balance left).
106–112 CCS (Joining Time) Rules, 1979: Same station vs ≤1,000 km vs 1,001–2,000 km vs >2,000 km (Rail/Air) & EL credit: Same station: 1 day; ≤1,000 km: 10 days; 1,001–2,000 km: 12 days (10 by Air); >2,000 km: 15 days (12 by Air); +2 days if road >200 km; HoD extension max 30 days; Unavailed JT credited to EL (max 15 days).
113–120 CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021: Min service, Gratuity cap (2024), Commutation, Compassionate Allowance & 80+ Pension: Min Service: 10 yrs (50% pension); Gratuity Cap: ₹25 Lakh (w.e.f. 1 Jan 2024 as DA hit 50%); Max Commutation: 40% (restored after 15 yrs); Compassionate Allowance: max 2/3rd; Age 80+: +20% pension.
121–127 NPS (2021 Rules) vs Unified Pension Scheme (UPS, effective 1 April 2025): NPS: 10% Employee + 14% Govt; UPS: 10% Employee + 18.5% Govt, 50% Assured Pension after 25 yrs, ₹10,000 min pension after 10 yrs, 60% Assured Family Pension.
128–135 FR & SR & MACP: Lien (FR 13), Pay Fixation option (FR 22), Additional Charge (FR 49), Retirement on 1st of month (FR 56a), FR 56(j) & MACP: Lien: 2 yrs (max 3 yrs); FR 22 Option: 1 month; FR 49: 10% pay if >45 days; Born on 1st retires on preceding month’s last day; FR 56(j): age 50 (if joined <35) or 55; MACP: 10, 20, 30 yrs (‘Very Good’ benchmark).
136–142 TA & CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988: CTG rate, Fresh Recruit 8-yr scheme, Authorised Travel Agents & Claim Time Limits: CTG: 80% of Last Basic Pay (100% Islands); Fresh Recruits: 3 Home Town + 1 All-India in Years 1–4 & 5–8; Agents: BLCL, ATT, IRCTC; Claim Limit: 30 days (with advance) & 60 days (without advance).
143–150 CSMOP & Public Records Act, 1993: Max levels, File size, Cat A/B/C, Security Gradings, VIP Reply & CPGRAMS: Max 4 levels; 150 pages per volume; Cat A/B permanent (transferred to NAI at 25 yrs), Cat C max 10 yrs; Top Secret (JS) > Secret (US) > Confidential (SO) > Restricted; VIP Ack 15 days / Reply 30 days; CPGRAMS 21 days.

🎯 High-Yield Exam One-Liners (Last-Minute Revision Box)

  1. GFR 2017 Rule 21 = 4 Canons of Financial Propriety; Rule 30 = Sanction lapses after 12 months; Rule 149 = GeM.
  2. May 2024 GFR Procurement Limits: Without Quotation = ₹50k (₹1L S&T/DRDO); LPC = ₹5L; LTE = ₹50L; ATI = ≥₹50L; No GTE up to ₹200 Cr.
  3. EMD (Rule 170) = 2%–5% (valid 45 days beyond bid validity; MSEs/Start-ups exempt); PBG (Rule 171) = 3%–5%/10% (valid 60 days beyond warranty).
  4. DFPR 2024 Approval Slabs: ≤₹100 Cr (Secretary); ₹100–500 Cr (Minister); ₹500–1,000 Cr (Minister + FM); >₹1,000 Cr (Cabinet/CCEA).
  5. CCS Conduct Gift Limits (Rule 13): Weddings = ₹25k (Gr A), ₹15k (Gr B), ₹7.5k (Gr C); Ordinary = ₹5k (Gr A/B), ₹2k (Gr C).
  6. CCS Conduct Property (Rule 18): Immovable = 30 days deemed nod; Movable > 2 months’ Basic Pay reported in 1 month; Annual IPR by 31st January.
  7. CCS CCA (1965): Deemed Suspension > 48 hrs custody; Review < 90 days; Rule 14 Inquiry completed in 6 months; Appeal within 45 days.
  8. CCS Leave (1972): EL = 300 days cap; LND = 360 days cap; Maternity = 180 days (Miscarriage 45 days, Stillbirth 60 days); CCL = 730 days (100% then 80% pay).
  9. CCS Joining Time (1979): Same station = 1 day; ≤1,000 km = 10 days; 1,001–2,000 km = 12 days (10 Air); >2,000 km = 15 days (12 Air); unavailed credited to EL.
  10. Pension/UPS: Gratuity cap = ₹25 Lakh (w.e.f. 1 Jan 2024); UPS (1 Apr 2025) = 18.5% Govt share, 50% pension at 25 yrs, 60% Family Pension, ₹10k min pension at 10 yrs.

📝 UPSC & Regulatory Level Practice MCQs (With Detailed Solutions)

Q1. Which of the following pairs of ‘Statutory Time Limits’ under Central Government Rules is INCORRECTLY matched?
  • A. Submission of LTC Final Bill when Advance WAS taken — Within 30 days (1 month)
  • B. Review of Suspension Order by Review Committee under CCS (CCA) Rule 10 — Before expiry of 90 days
  • C. Limitation period for filing an Appeal under CCS (CCA) Rule 25 — Within 45 days
  • D. Maximum retention period for a Category ‘C’ file under CSMOP — Up to 25 years
Correct Answer: (D) — Under CSMOP, Category ‘C’ files are preserved for a specified period NOT exceeding 10 years (1, 3, 5, or 10 years). The 25-year appraisal milestone applies to permanent files under Categories ‘A’ and ‘B’ for transfer to the National Archives of India.

Q2. An officer in Pay Level 10 (Basic Pay ₹56,100) purchases a car (Movable Property) worth ₹6,00,000 from an authorized dealer having no official dealings with him. Under Rule 18(3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, what is his statutory obligation?
  • A. No reporting is required since a car is a personal movable asset
  • B. Since the value exceeds two months’ Basic Pay (₹1,12,200), he must report the transaction to the prescribed authority within ONE MONTH from the date of the transaction
  • C. He only needs to declare it in his Annual Immovable Property Return on 31st January
  • D. He must obtain prior approval of the Union Cabinet before buying the car
Correct Answer: (B) — Under Rule 18(3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, every transaction in movable property whose value exceeds two months’ Basic Pay of the Government servant must be reported to the prescribed authority within 1 month from the date of the transaction.

Q3. What is the revised maximum ceiling of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 with effect from 1st January 2024 (consequent upon Dearness Allowance reaching 50% of Basic Pay)?
  • A. ₹10 Lakh
  • B. ₹20 Lakh
  • C. ₹25 Lakh
  • D. ₹30 Lakh
Correct Answer: (C) — Under Rule 45 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, the ₹20 Lakh ceiling on Retirement and Death Gratuity automatically increases by 25% to ₹25 Lakh whenever Dearness Allowance rises by 50% of Basic Pay (effective 1 January 2024).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Exam FAQs)

Q: Which rules are most important for UPSC DRDO SAO, Admin Officer, and Store Officer?

GFR 2017 (especially Chapters 2, 6, and 7 on Propriety, Procurement/GeM, and Inventory Verification), DFPR 2024, DRDO PM-2020, CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964, CCS (CCA) Rules 1965, CCS (Leave) Rules 1972, CCS (Pension) Rules 2021 / UPS, POSH Act 2013, RTI Act 2005, and CSMOP Noting/Drafting/Records Management.

Q: How do the May 2024 GFR amendments affect exam answers?

In May 2024, the Department of Expenditure doubled the key procurement ceilings in GFR 2017: Rule 149(i) GeM direct purchase rose from ₹25k to ₹50k; Rule 149(ii) GeM L-1 rose from ₹5L to ₹10L; Rule 154 non-GeM without quotation rose from ₹25k to ₹50k (₹1L for S&T/DRDO); Rule 155 LPC rose from ₹2.5L to ₹5L; and Rules 161/162 LTE/ATI cutoff rose from ₹25L to ₹50L.


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