The Everyday Science section in FPSC exams—whether for CSS, PMS, or other federal-level tests—is a consistent and high-scoring area for well-prepared candidates. Analysis of past papers from 2000 to 2025 reveals a clear pattern: certain questions appear year after year with remarkable frequency . Whether you're preparing for the CSS MPT or the written GSA paper, mastering these repeated MCQs can give you a decisive edge.
This comprehensive guide presents the 50 most frequently asked Everyday Science MCQs, organized by subject area, with detailed explanations to help you understand the "why" behind each answer. We've drawn from extensive analysis of FPSC past papers spanning two decades .
Why Everyday Science Matters in FPSC Exams
The General Science & Ability (GSA) paper in CSS consists of 20 compulsory MCQs worth 20 marks . In FPSC and PPSC tests, you can expect 15–20 science-based MCQs . These questions are designed to test your basic understanding of scientific concepts that affect our daily lives—not advanced specialized knowledge.
According to trend analysis, Human Biology & Health topics appear most frequently, followed closely by Modern Technology and Environmental Science . Understanding these patterns allows you to prioritize your preparation strategically.
50 Most Repeated Everyday Science MCQs with Explanations
Section 1: Physics & Measurement (Questions 1-10)
1. A light year is a unit of:
- A) Time
- B) Distance
- C) Speed
- D) Light intensity
Answer: (B) Distance
Explanation: This is perhaps the most repeated question in FPSC history, appearing in 2024, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2012, 2010, and 2005 . A light year is the distance light travels in one year at a speed of approximately 300,000 km/s. Despite the word "year," it measures distance, not time.
2. The speed of light in vacuum is approximately:
- A) 300,000 km/h
- B) 300,000 m/s
- C) 300,000 km/s
- D) 3,000 km/s
Answer: (C) 300,000 km/s
Explanation: Light travels at approximately 299,792 km/s, commonly rounded to 300,000 km/s in competitive exams. This fundamental constant appears regularly in physics questions .
3. The blue color of the sky is due to:
- A) Reflection of light
- B) Refraction of light
- C) Rayleigh scattering
- D) Diffraction of light
Answer: (C) Rayleigh Scattering
Explanation: This question appeared in 2021, 2018, and 2017 . Rayleigh scattering occurs when sunlight interacts with atmospheric particles. Blue light has shorter wavelengths and is scattered more than red light, making the sky appear blue.
4. Sound waves cannot travel through:
- A) Solid
- B) Liquid
- C) Gas
- D) Vacuum
Answer: (D) Vacuum
Explanation: Sound requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation as it travels through molecular vibrations. In a vacuum, there are no molecules to vibrate, so sound cannot travel—unlike light, which can.
5. The unit of electrical resistance is:
- A) Volt
- B) Ampere
- C) Ohm
- D) Watt
Answer: (C) Ohm
Explanation: Named after German physicist Georg Simon Ohm, the ohm (Ω) measures electrical resistance. This is a fundamental unit question frequently tested .
6. RADAR works on the principle of:
- A) Reflection of sound waves
- B) Reflection of radio waves
- C) Refraction of light waves
- D) Diffraction of waves
Answer: (B) Reflection of radio waves
Explanation: RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging) emits radio waves that reflect off objects and return to the receiver. The time delay determines the object's distance . This works on the same principle as echo.
7. The device used to measure blood pressure is called:
- A) Thermometer
- B) Barometer
- C) Sphygmomanometer
- D) Hydrometer
Answer: (C) Sphygmomanometer
Explanation: This medical instrument measures blood pressure and consists of an inflatable cuff and a mercury or aneroid gauge. It's a commonly tested device .
8. The unit of force in the SI system is:
- A) Joule
- B) Newton
- C) Pascal
- D) Watt
Answer: (B) Newton
Explanation: One newton is the force required to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s². Other units: joule (energy), pascal (pressure), watt (power) .
9. Which waves are used in sonography (ultrasound imaging)?
- A) Radio waves
- B) X-rays
- C) Ultrasonic waves
- D) Infrared waves
Answer: (C) Ultrasonic waves
Explanation: Ultrasonic waves have frequencies above 20,000 Hz (beyond human hearing). They are used in medical imaging because they reflect differently from various tissues, creating detailed images .
10. SONAR uses which type of waves for depth measurement?
- A) Radio waves
- B) Light waves
- C) Ultrasonic waves
- D) Electromagnetic waves
Answer: (C) Ultrasonic waves
Explanation: Appearing in 2018, 2017, and 2010 , SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) uses ultrasonic waves to detect objects underwater and measure depth by calculating the time taken for echoes to return.
Section 2: Chemistry & Materials (Questions 11-20)
11. The chemical name of common salt is:
- A) Potassium chloride
- B) Sodium chloride
- C) Calcium chloride
- D) Magnesium chloride
Answer: (B) Sodium chloride
Explanation: Common table salt is NaCl (sodium chloride), formed by ionic bonding between sodium and chlorine atoms .
12. The chemical formula of chalk is:
- A) CaO
- B) CaCO₃
- C) Ca(OH)₂
- D) CaSO₄
Answer: (B) Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
Explanation: Chalk is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is also the main component of limestone and marble .
13. The permanent hardness of water is caused by the presence of:
- A) Calcium bicarbonate
- B) Magnesium bicarbonate
- C) Calcium sulfate
- D) Sodium chloride
Answer: (C) Calcium sulfate
Explanation: This question appeared in 2019 and 2014 . Temporary hardness is caused by bicarbonates (removed by boiling), while permanent hardness is caused by sulfates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium (cannot be removed by boiling).
14. Bronze is an alloy of:
- A) Copper and zinc
- B) Copper and tin
- C) Copper and nickel
- D) Iron and carbon
Answer: (B) Copper and tin
Explanation: Appearing in 2019 and 2010 , bronze consists mainly of copper (approximately 88%) and tin (approximately 12%). Brass, in contrast, is copper and zinc.
15. The most abundant element in the Earth's crust is:
- A) Oxygen
- B) Silicon
- C) Aluminum
- D) Iron
Answer: (A) Oxygen
Explanation: Oxygen makes up about 46.6% of the Earth's crust by mass, followed by silicon at 27.7%. This is a fundamental geography-chemistry crossover question.
16. The smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties is:
- A) Molecule
- B) Atom
- C) Electron
- D) Proton
Answer: (B) Atom
Explanation: An atom is the basic unit of an element. Molecules are combinations of atoms, while electrons and protons are subatomic particles.
17. Isotopes of an element have the same number of:
- A) Neutrons
- B) Protons
- C) Electrons
- D) Nucleons
Answer: (B) Protons
Explanation: Appearing in 2024, 2022, and 2013 , isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons (thus different atomic masses).
18. The main constituents of China Clay (Kaolin) are:
- A) Silica and alumina
- B) Silica and magnesia
- C) Alumina and potash
- D) Silica and iron
Answer: (A) Silica and alumina
Explanation: China clay (kaolin) primarily contains silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃), along with small amounts of magnesia, potassium, sodium, calcium, and water .
19. Which gas is used in the manufacture of electric bulbs?
- A) Oxygen
- B) Hydrogen
- C) Nitrogen
- D) Argon
Answer: (D) Argon
Explanation: Argon, an inert gas, is used in electric bulbs to prevent the filament from oxidizing and burning out. It doesn't react with the hot tungsten filament.
20. The formula of heavy water is:
- A) H₂O
- B) H₂O₂
- C) D₂O
- D) HO₂
Answer: (C) D₂O
Explanation: Heavy water contains deuterium (D), an isotope of hydrogen with one neutron, instead of regular hydrogen. It's used in nuclear reactors as a moderator.
Section 3: Biology & Human Body (Questions 21-35)
21. Which vitamin is produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight?
- A) Vitamin A
- B) Vitamin B
- C) Vitamin C
- D) Vitamin D
Answer: (D) Vitamin D
Explanation: This is one of the most repeated questions . When skin is exposed to UV-B radiation, it converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
22. Which vitamin is stored in the minimum amount in the human body?
- A) Vitamin A
- B) Vitamin B
- C) Vitamin C
- D) Vitamin D
Answer: (C) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is water-soluble and cannot be stored in large quantities in the body. Excess is excreted in urine, requiring daily intake through diet .
23. Deficiency of Vitamin A causes:
- A) Rickets
- B) Night blindness
- C) Scurvy
- D) Beriberi
Answer: (B) Night blindness
Explanation: Vitamin A deficiency leads to night blindness (nyctalopia), xerophthalmia, and keratomalacia. It's essential for rhodopsin formation in the retina .
24. Deficiency of Iron in the human body causes:
- A) Rickets
- B) Anemia
- C) Goiter
- D) Scurvy
Answer: (B) Anemia
Explanation: Iron is essential for hemoglobin production. Deficiency leads to iron-deficiency anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath .
25. Deficiency of Iodine causes:
- A) Anemia
- B) Goiter
- C) Rickets
- D) Scurvy
Answer: (B) Goiter
Explanation: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. Deficiency causes enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) and can hinder mental and physical development .
26. The study of weather is called:
- A) Geology
- B) Meteorology
- C) Ecology
- D) Climatology
Answer: (B) Meteorology
Explanation: Meteorology focuses on short-term atmospheric phenomena (weather), while climatology studies long-term patterns .
27. The normal boiling point of water in Celsius is:
- A) 90°C
- B) 100°C
- C) 110°C
- D) 120°C
Answer: (B) 100°C
Explanation: At standard atmospheric pressure (sea level), water boils at 100°C (212°F). This varies with altitude .
28. The main function of red blood cells (RBCs) is:
- A) Fighting infection
- B) Blood clotting
- C) Transporting oxygen
- D) Producing antibodies
Answer: (C) Transporting oxygen
Explanation: RBCs contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body.
29. The largest part of the human brain is:
- A) Cerebellum
- B) Cerebrum
- C) Medulla oblongata
- D) Brain stem
Answer: (B) Cerebrum
Explanation: The cerebrum constitutes about 85% of the brain's weight and is responsible for higher functions like thought, action, and sensory processing.
30. Which enzyme breaks down starch into sugar?
- A) Pepsin
- B) Trypsin
- C) Amylase
- D) Lipase
Answer: (C) Amylase
Explanation: Amylase, produced in the salivary glands and pancreas, breaks down starch into maltose and glucose .
31. Pepsin is secreted in which part of the human body?
- A) Mouth
- B) Stomach
- C) Small intestine
- D) Pancreas
Answer: (B) Stomach
Explanation: Pepsin is a digestive enzyme secreted by stomach glands that breaks down proteins into polypeptides and peptones .
32. Which organ purifies blood in the human body?
- A) Heart
- B) Liver
- C) Kidneys
- D) Lungs
Answer: (C) Kidneys
Explanation: Kidneys filter waste products from blood, producing urine. This is a fundamental biology concept frequently tested .
33. The most common cause of heart attack is:
- A) High blood pressure
- B) Blockage of coronary arteries
- C) Stress
- D) Smoking
Answer: (B) Blockage of coronary arteries
Explanation: Heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) occur when coronary arteries become blocked by plaque (atherosclerosis), cutting off oxygen supply to heart muscle .
34. Antibiotics are used to treat:
- A) Viral infections
- B) Bacterial infections
- C) Fungal infections
- D) All of the above
Answer: (B) Bacterial infections
Explanation: Antibiotics specifically target bacteria. They are ineffective against viruses. This distinction is critical in medicine .
35. The main cause of antibiotic resistance is:
- A) Using expired antibiotics
- B) Incomplete course of antibiotics
- C) Taking antibiotics with food
- D) Generic antibiotics
Answer: (B) Incomplete course of antibiotics
Explanation: Appearing in 2018 and 2014 , incomplete antibiotic courses allow surviving bacteria to develop resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
Section 4: Earth Science & Environment (Questions 36-44)
36. The Earth was formed about ________ years ago:
- A) 4.5 million
- B) 5.5 million
- C) 4.5 billion
- D) 5.5 billion
Answer: (C) 4.5 billion years
Explanation: Scientific evidence places Earth's formation at approximately 4.5 billion years ago .
37. According to the Big Bang Theory, the universe began about:
- A) 10-20 billion years ago
- B) 20-30 billion years ago
- C) 30-40 billion years ago
- D) 4-5 billion years ago
Answer: (A) 10-20 billion years ago
Explanation: The current scientific consensus estimates the universe's age at approximately 13.8 billion years, falling within the 10-20 billion year range .
38. The ozone layer protects Earth from:
- A) Infrared rays
- B) Ultraviolet rays
- C) Visible light
- D) Cosmic rays
Answer: (B) Ultraviolet rays
Explanation: The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs 97-99% of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on Earth .
39. The main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming is:
- A) Oxygen
- B) Nitrogen
- C) Carbon dioxide
- D) Hydrogen
Answer: (C) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: While other gases like methane are more potent, CO₂ is the most abundant and significant greenhouse gas due to human activities (burning fossil fuels) .
40. Wind is caused by:
- A) Rotation of Earth
- B) Revolution of Earth
- C) Difference in atmospheric temperature
- D) Difference in atmospheric pressure
Answer: (D) Difference in atmospheric pressure
Explanation: Wind flows from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. Temperature differences create pressure differences .
41. Sea tides on Earth are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the:
- A) Sun
- B) Moon
- C) Both equally
- D) Earth's rotation
Answer: (B) Moon
Explanation: While both sun and moon affect tides, the moon's closer proximity makes its gravitational effect about twice as strong as the sun's .
42. The orbital paths of comets are generally:
- A) Circular
- B) Parabolic
- C) Elliptical
- D) Highly elliptical
Answer: (D) Highly elliptical
Explanation: Comets follow highly elliptical orbits, bringing them close to the sun at perihelion and far away at aphelion .
43. Mangrove forests grow in:
- A) Polar regions
- B) High altitude areas
- C) Tropical regions only
- D) Tropical and subtropical regions
Answer: (D) Tropical and subtropical regions
Explanation: Mangroves thrive in coastal intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions, providing crucial ecosystem services .
44. Which of the following causes earthquakes?
- A) Volcanic eruptions
- B) Tectonic plate movement
- C) Underground nuclear tests
- D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
Explanation: Earthquakes can result from tectonic plate movements (most common), volcanic activity, and human activities like mining or nuclear tests .
Section 5: Modern Technology & Computers (Questions 45-50)
45. Optical fiber works on the principle of:
- A) Total internal reflection
- B) Refraction
- C) Diffraction
- D) Dispersion
Answer: (A) Total internal reflection
Explanation: Optical fibers transmit light signals through repeated total internal reflection, enabling high-speed data transmission . This question appeared in 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025 .
46. GPS stands for:
- A) Global Positioning System
- B) General Positioning System
- C) Geographical Positioning System
- D) Global Projection System
Answer: (A) Global Positioning System
Explanation: GPS is a satellite-based navigation system providing location and time information anywhere on Earth .
47. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to:
- A) Advanced computer hardware
- B) Machines mimicking human intelligence
- C) Internet of Things
- D) Cloud computing
Answer: (B) Machines mimicking human intelligence
Explanation: AI involves creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving .
48. A hexadecimal number AF in binary requires how many bits?
- A) 4 bits
- B) 6 bits
- C) 8 bits
- D) 16 bits
Answer: (C) 8 bits
Explanation: This question appeared in 2019 and 2014 . Each hexadecimal digit represents 4 bits. AF has two digits (A=1010, F=1111), so it requires 8 bits total.
49. Pre-released software for testing is called:
- A) Alpha
- B) Beta
- C) Gamma
- D) Delta
Answer: (B) Beta
Explanation: Appearing in 2019 and 2014 , beta software is released to a limited audience for testing before final release. Alpha testing is done internally by developers.
50. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
- A) Solar
- B) Wind
- C) Natural gas
- D) Hydropower
Answer: (C) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is a fossil fuel (non-renewable), while solar, wind, and hydropower are renewable sources. This question appeared in multiple years .
Topic-Wise Frequency Analysis (2000-2025)
Understanding which topics appear most frequently helps prioritize your study time:
| Topic Area | Frequency | Priority | |:---|:---:|:---:| | Human Biology & Health | 24 years | Highest | | Modern Technology & IT | 22 years | Highest | | Earth Sciences & Geophysics | 23 years | High | | Environment & Climate | 17 years | High | | Physics: Fundamentals | 19 years | Medium | | Chemistry & Materials | 13 years | Medium |
*Source: Analysis of CSS GSA papers 2000-2025 *
Most Repeated Question Topics
The following specific topics have appeared most frequently:
| Topic / Question | Years Appeared | Frequency | |:---|:---:|:---:| | Energy Sources (Renewable vs. Non-renewable) | 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2025 | 12 | | Muslim Scientists' Contributions | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 | 11 | | Earthquakes / Tsunamis | 2000, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024, 2025 | 9 | | Global Warming / Greenhouse Effect | 2001, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022 | 9 | | Optical Fiber | 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 | 8 | | Antibiotics and Vaccines | 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 | 8 |
*Source: CSS Prep analysis *
Smart Study Strategies for Everyday Science MCQs
The "Spaced Repetition" Approach
Instead of cramming all 50 questions at once, use this 7-day study plan :
| Day | Focus Area | Task | |:---|:---|:---| | Day 1 | Physics | Review questions 1-10, understand formulas | | Day 2 | Chemistry | Master questions 11-20, memorize formulas | | Day 3 | Biology | Study questions 21-35, understand systems | | Day 4 | Earth Science | Cover questions 36-44, environmental concepts | | Day 5 | Technology | Learn questions 45-50, modern applications | | Day 6 | Revision | Re-attempt all questions without looking | | Day 7 | Mock Test | Take a timed quiz of 50 MCQs |
Understanding > Memorization
The FPSC has shifted from testing simple recall to evaluating conceptual understanding . For each MCQ, ensure you understand:
- Why the correct answer is right
- Why the other options are wrong
- Real-world applications of the concept
Resource Recommendations
- Past Papers: Practice with authentic FPSC papers from 2000-2025
- Standard Books: Caravan's "Everyday Science (Smart Study Series)" offers targeted preparation
- Mobile Apps: Apps with 95,000+ MCQs allow practice on the go
Conclusion: Your Path to 20/20 in MCQs
The 50 questions compiled here represent the most frequently tested concepts in FPSC Everyday Science papers over the past two decades. Mastering these gives you a significant advantage—studies suggest that 17-18 out of 20 MCQs are often repeated from previous years .
However, remember that FPSC now emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization . Use these questions as a starting point, but ensure you understand the underlying principles. When you encounter a question about Rayleigh scattering, don't just remember "blue sky = Rayleigh scattering"—understand why blue light scatters more than red.
With consistent practice and conceptual clarity, the Everyday Science section can become your highest-scoring area in the CSS MPT and written GSA paper. Start with these 50 questions, master them completely, then expand your preparation to related concepts.
Pro Tip: Create flashcards for the questions you find difficult. Review them weekly using spaced repetition software or simple paper cards. This technique dramatically improves long-term retention.
Which of these 50 questions did you find most challenging? Share in the comments below, and check back for more subject-wise MCQ compilations for FPSC preparation!