International Women's Day 2025: GK Quiz on India’s Women Pioneers

Women’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women in various fields. In India, women have broken barriers and set numerous records, making history in politics, science, sports, business, and many other sectors. From being the first woman Prime Minister to the first woman pilot, Indian women have continuously paved the way for future generations.

To celebrate Women’s Day, let’s take a look at some important quiz questions and answers on "Female Firsts of India." This quiz will help you learn about the remarkable women who achieved milestones for the first time in Indian history. 

Why is it Important to Learn About Female Firsts in India?

Understanding the contributions of women in India is crucial for recognizing their role in shaping society. These trailblazing women have overcome social, economic, and cultural barriers to achieve greatness. Their stories serve as an inspiration for young girls and women across the country. Additionally, knowing about their achievements helps in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests where questions related to women achievers are often asked.

1. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?

a) Indira Gandhi
b) Sarojini Naidu
c) Pratibha Patil
d) Sonia Gandhi

Answer: a) Indira Gandhi

Explanation: Indira Gandhi became India’s first and only female Prime Minister in 1966, serving four terms in total.

2. Who was the first woman President of India?

a) Sushma Swaraj
b) Indira Gandhi
c) Meira Kumar
d) Pratibha Patil

Answer: d) Pratibha Patil

Explanation: Elected in 2007, Pratibha Patil was the first woman to hold the position of President in India.

3. Who was the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state?

a) Mayawati
b) Mamata Banerjee
c) Sucheta Kripalani
d) Jayalalithaa

Answer: c) Sucheta Kripalani

Explanation: Sucheta Kripalani became the first woman Chief Minister, leading Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967.

4. Who was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

a) Sarojini Naidu
b) Vijay Lakshmi Pandit
c) Indira Gandhi
d) Pratibha Patil

Answer: a) Sarojini Naidu

Explanation: Sarojini Naidu was appointed as the first female Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 1947.

5. Who was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

a) Indira Gandhi
b) Sumitra Mahajan
c) Meira Kumar
d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer: c) Meira Kumar

Explanation: Meira Kumar became India’s first female Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 2009.

6. Who was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India?

a) Fathima Beevi
b) Leila Seth
c) R. Banumathi
d) Indira Jaising

Answer: a) Fathima Beevi

Explanation: Appointed in 1989, Justice Fathima Beevi broke barriers in the Indian judiciary.

7. Who was the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India?

a) Fathima Beevi
b) R. Banumathi
c) Indira Jaising
d) Leila Seth

Answer: d) Leila Seth

Explanation: Leila Seth became the first female Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 1991.

8. Who was the first woman Defence Minister of India?

a) Indira Gandhi
b) Nirmala Sitharaman
c) Sushma Swaraj
d) Pratibha Patil

Answer: b) Nirmala Sitharaman

Explanation: Nirmala Sitharaman became India’s first full-time female Defence Minister in 2017.

9. Who was the first woman Minister in the Union Cabinet?

a) Vijay Lakshmi Pandit
b) Indira Gandhi
c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
d) Sushma Swaraj

Answer: c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur

Explanation: Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was India’s first Health Minister in 1947.

10. Who was the first woman Election Commissioner of India?

a) V. S. Ramadevi
b) Anna Chandy
c) Indira Gandhi
d) Leila Seth

Answer: a) V. S. Ramadevi

Explanation: V. S. Ramadevi served as the first woman Chief Election Commissioner in 1990.

11. Who was the first Indian woman to go to space?

a) Sunita Williams
b) Kalpana Chawla
c) Rakesh Sharma
d) Indira Gandhi

Answer: b) Kalpana Chawla

Explanation: Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-origin woman astronaut in 1997.

12. Who was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal?

a) PV Sindhu
b) Saina Nehwal
c) Mary Kom
d) Karnam Malleswari

Answer: d) Karnam Malleswari

Explanation: In 2000, weightlifter Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics, becoming India’s first female Olympic medalist.

13. Who was the first Indian woman to win a silver medal at the Olympics?

a) Saina Nehwal
b) Mary Kom
c) PV Sindhu
d) Sakshi Malik

Answer: c) PV Sindhu

Explanation: PV Sindhu won a silver medal in badminton at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making history for Indian sports.

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