GK Quiz on NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog is one of the most talked about institutions in India. This institution is known to be the core of how India plans for the future. From improved schools and hospitals, to new technology and innovation, NITI Ayog takes care of the most important factors of the nation. It is known as the government's primary policy think tank, meaning it is established to analyze problems, generate policy ideas and then make recommendations to the working government so that they can take required action. 

NITI Aayog is different because it operates not as an individual entity but as a team. It unites all the central and state governments on one platform, letting them all have their say in the movement of the country. 

The work of NITI Aayog is quite crucial. From helping out the least developed districts of India to monitoring India's progress toward global goals, it serves as an important organisation that shapes everyday life across the country.

General Knowledge Quiz on NITI Ayog

Q1. The full form of NITI Aayog is?

A) National Institute for Trade and Industry
B) National Institution for Transforming India
C) National Integration and Technology Initiative
D) None of the above

Answer: B) National Institution for Transforming India

Explanation: NITI is a Hindi word which means policy. The long form provides the essence of this body and its help to make India grow and change for good, with smart planning. 

Q2. On which date was NITI Aayog established?

A) 15 March 1950
B) 26 January 2014
C) 1 January 2015
D) 17 August 2014

Answer: C) 1 January 2015

Explanation: NITI Aayog started its journey on New Year’s Day 2015. Many students have confused this with August 17, 2014 when the old Planning Commission was closed. In other words, first they closed the old body and a few months later they opened the new one.

Q3. NITI Aayog was set up to replace which body?

A) Finance Commission
B) Election Commission
C) Planning Commission
D) National Development Council

Answer: C) Planning Commission

Explanation: Prior to NITI Aayog, the Planning Commission which was set up in 1950 existed in India. It made Five-Year Plans for the country. It was outdated and Narendra Modi closed it down in 2014. It was replaced by NITI Aayog which brought a new approach of planning.

Q4. Which among the following is the Chairperson of NITI Aayog?

A) Vice President of India
B) Finance Minister of India
C) Chief Justice of India
D) Prime Minister of India

Answer: D) Prime Minister of India

Explanation: The PM of India is always the head of NITI Aayog. This will happen automatically based on position, rather than by appointment. At this moment, it's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Q5. Who is the current Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog (as of 2026)?

A) Suman Bery
B) Arvind Panagariya
C) Rajiv Kumar
D) Ashok Kumar Lahiri

Answer: D) Ashok Kumar Lahiri

Explanation: The NITI Aayog website mentions: “Ashok Lahiri is currently Vice Chairman Niti Aayog. He was a member of the 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly (2021-2026). He was Chairman of the Governing Council of Indian Statistical Institute between 30 September 2020 and 17 September 2022.”

Q6. What method is adopted by NITI Aayog as compared to the Planning Commission?

A) Top-down approach
B) Bottom-up approach
C) Mixed economy approach
D) Centrally planned approach

Answer: B) Bottom-up approach

Explanation: Earlier Planning Commission used to take all the decisions in Delhi and will bring it down to states. This is the opposite of what NITI Aayog does. It hears the States first and then formulates plans based on the States needs. This is known as the bottom-up approach.

Q7. What was the last Five-Year Plan that the Planning Commission made?

A) 10th Five-Year Plan
B) 11th Five-Year Plan
C) 12th Five-Year Plan
D) 13th Five-Year Plan

Answer: C) 12th Five-Year Plan

Explanation: India was having Five Year Plans from 1951. These plans determined the country's expenditure of funds in roadways, schools, hospitals, and so forth. The last one was the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17). India has not been using Five-Year Plans since the formation of the NITI Aayog. There are no plans for a 13th FYP.

Q8. How many districts are part of the Aspirational Districts Programme?

A) 50
B) 75
C) 100
D) 112

Answer: D) 112 districts

Explanation: There are areas in India which are lagging behind in terms of education, health and basic facilities. NITI Aayog identified 112 such districts in 2018 and started the Aspirational Districts Programme to bring them up to speed. Progress in these districts is regularly reviewed by the government to ensure that things are improving 

Q9. Under which body does the Atal Innovation Mission function?

A) Ministry of Education
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) NITI Aayog
D) CSIR

Answer: C) NITI Aayog

Explanation: Launched in 2016 by NITI Aayog, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) aims to spark new ideas and creativity among the young generation of Indians. Atal Tinkering Labs is one of the most popular programmes, with special labs being established in schools that allow students to engage in science, technology, and create new products. 

Q10. Which index does NITI Aayog publish to track India's progress on UN goals?

A) Human Development Index
B) SDG India Index
C) Global Innovation Index
D) Ease of Doing Business Index

Answer: B) SDG India Index

Explanation: The United Nations made a list of 17 goals for all countries to achieve by 2030. These are known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These issues involve elimination of poverty, improving education, protecting the environment and more. The SDG India Index is published annually by NITI Aayog to monitor the progress of each Indian state towards achieving these SDGs.