Q1. What is the full form of ‘A. P. J.’ in Dr Kalam’s name?

1. a) Avul Jakir Jalaluddin
2. b) Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen
3. c) Abdul Sakir Jainulabdeen
4. d) Abdul Pasha Jakir

Q2. Dr Kalam was born in which state of India?

1. a) Kerala
2. b) Karnataka
3. c) Tamil Nadu
4. d) Andhra Pradesh

Q3. Before becoming the President, Dr Kalam was associated with two major scientific organisations. Which are they?

1. a) BARC and ISRO
2. b) DRDO and ISRO
3. c) HAL and ISRO
4. d) ISRO and IIT

Q4. What significant project was Dr Kalam the Project Director for at ISRO, leading to the launch of the Rohini satellite?

1. a) PSLV
2. b) GSLV Mk III
3. c) SLV-III
4. d) Chandrayaan-1

Q5. Dr Kalam played a pivotal role as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister during which nuclear test series?

1. a) Pokhran-I (Smiling Buddha)
2. b) Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti)
3. c) Operation Brasstacks
4. d) Operation Vijay

Q6. Dr Kalam is widely known by the nickname “Missile Man of India”. Which missile programme is this nickname primarily associated with?

1. a) Akash
2. b) Trishul
3. c) Agni and Prithvi
4. d) BrahMos

Q7. Which book is the autobiography of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

1. a) India 2020
2. b) Ignited Minds
3. c) Wings of Fire
4. d) The Luminous Sparks

Q8. Dr Kalam was the ___ President of India.

1. a) 9th
2. b) 10th
3. c) 11th
4. d) 12th

Q9. In which year did Dr Kalam receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award?

1. a) 1990
2. b) 1997
3. c) 2002
4. d) 2007

Q10. Dr Kalam studied aerospace engineering at which institution?

1. a) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
2. b) Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
3. c) Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai
4. d) National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli

Q11. The birth anniversary of Dr Kalam on October 15 is observed as:

1. a) National Science Day
2. b) World Students’ Day
3. c) National Youth Day
4. d) World Environment Day

Q12. What was the name of Dr Kalam’s mother?

1. a) Ashiamma Jainulabdeen
2. b) Kalam Aysha
3. c) Janaki Ammal
4. d) Ashiamma Marakayar

Q13. Dr Kalam’s first job after graduation was in which organisation?

1. a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
2. b) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO
3. c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
4. d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Q14. Which university has been renamed after Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

1. a) Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka
2. b) Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
3. c) Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala
4. d) Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU), Lucknow

Q15. The “People’s President of India” is another nickname of Dr Kalam. This is due to:

1. a) His work for the people as a scientist.
2. b) His simple lifestyle and accessibility to the public, especially students.
3. c) His role in leading the space program.
4. d) His long tenure in the presidential office.

Q16. Dr Kalam collaborated with Dr V. S. Arunachalam on which book?

1. a) The Luminous Sparks
2. b) India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
3. c) Envisioning an Empowered Nation
4. d) Scientific Indian

Q17. The low-cost coronary stent developed by Dr Kalam and Dr Soma Raju is known as:

1. a) Kalam-Raju Stent
2. b) Chettinad Stent
3. c) Dhanush Stent
4. d) Rameswaram Stent

Q18. Dr Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at which institution?

1. a) IIT Madras
2. b) IIM Ahmedabad
3. c) IIM Shillong
4. d) IISc Bangalore

Q19. Which former President of India did Dr Kalam succeed in the 2002 Presidential election?

1. a) Shankar Dayal Sharma
2. b) Venkataraman
3. c) R. Narayanan
4. d) Pratibha Patil

Q20. What was Dr Kalam’s father’s profession?

1. a) Fisherman
2. b) Farmer
3. c) Boat owner and Imam
4. d) Teacher

Q21. The Indian government honoured Dr Kalam with the Padma Vibhushan in which year?

1. a) 1981
2. b) 1990
3. c) 1997
4. d) 2007

Q22. What was the name of the project that Dr Kalam was initially involved in at DRDO, where he designed a miniature hovercraft?

1. a) Project Devil
2. b) Project Valiant
3. c) Project Nandi
4. d) Project Pushpak

Q23. Which book by Dr Kalam is a collection of his speeches and thoughts aimed at motivating students?

1. a) Indomitable Spirit
2. b) Turning Points
3. c) You Are Born to Blossom
4. d) Ignited Minds

Q24. The ___ missile development program was the brainchild of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

1. a) Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
2. b) Ballistic Missile Defence Programme (BMDP)
3. c) Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme
4. d) Strategic Forces Command (SFC)

Q25. Where is the ‘Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial’ located?

1. a) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
2. b) Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
3. c) Wheeler Island, Odisha
4. d) New Delhi

Q26. Which musical instrument did Dr Kalam enjoy playing in his personal time?

1. a) Flute
2. b) Sitar
3. c) Veena
4. d) Tabla

Q27. The book My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions by Dr Kalam was published in which year?

1. a) 2002
2. b) 2011
3. c) 2013
4. d) 2015

Q28. Which Indian Prime Minister’s Chief Scientific Adviser was Dr Kalam from 1992 to 1999?

1. a) V. Narasimha Rao
2. b) K. Gujral
3. c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
4. d) All of the above

Q29. What was the subject of the lecture Dr Kalam was delivering when he collapsed?

1. a) Sustainable Development
2. b) Creating a Livable Planet Earth
3. c) What Can I Give?
4. d) The Future of Space Technology

Q30. In which city did Dr Kalam obtain his degree in Physics?

1. a) Madras
2. b) Rameswaram
3. c) Tiruchirappalli
4. d) Thiruvananthapuram

Q31. Which of the following is NOT an award received by Dr Kalam?

1. a) Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration
2. b) Hoover Medal
3. c) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize
4. d) King Charles II Medal

Q32. Which aerospace system did Dr Kalam and his team successfully develop to support India’s nuclear missile program?

1. a) Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)
2. b) Agni-V
3. c) Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
4. d) BrahMos

Q33. What was the title of the paper co-founded by Dr Kalam to provide content to the youth?

1. a) India Vision
2. b) Youth Buzz
3. c) Billion Beats
4. d) Knowledge Mission

Q34. Dr Kalam’s full term as the President of India was from:

1. a) 2001 to 2006
2. b) 2002 to 2007
3. c) 2003 to 2008
4. d) 2000 to 2005

Q35. The Presidential election of 2002 saw Dr Kalam defeat whom as the opposing candidate?

1. a) R. Narayanan
2. b) Lakshmi Sahgal
3. c) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
4. d) Krishan Kant

Q36. Dr Kalam’s primary school was in which town?

1. a) Rameswaram
2. b) Dhanushkodi
3. c) Ramanathapuram
4. d) Madurai

Q37. Which of the following books is co-authored by Dr Kalam and Y.S. Rajan?

1. a) Turning Points
2. b) Envisioning an Empowered Nation
3. c) India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
4. d) The Luminous Sparks

Q38. What was the initial ambition of Dr Kalam before he became a scientist?

1. a) Doctor
2. b) Civil Servant
3. c) Fighter Pilot
4. d) Professor

Q39. What did Dr Kalam design for his senior class project in aerospace engineering?

1. a) Jet Engine
2. b) Piston Engine
3. c) Hovercraft
4. d) Fighter Aircraft

Q40. Dr Kalam was the ___ scientist to become the President of India.

1. a) First
2. b) Second
3. c) Third
4. d) Fourth

Q41. Which of these is a book of poems written by Dr Kalam?

1. a) The Luminous Sparks
2. b) Spirit of India
3. c) Mission India
4. d) Target 3 Billion

Q42. Wheeler Island, which was renamed after Dr Kalam, is located off the coast of which Indian state?

1. a) West Bengal
2. b) Andhra Pradesh
3. c) Odisha
4. d) Tamil Nadu

Q43. Which research fellowship did the DRDO establish in his honour?

1. a) DRDO-Abdul Kalam Research Fellowship
2. b) DRDO-Kalam Defence Technology Research
3. c) DRDO-Kalam Research Centre
4. d) DRDO-Kalam Science & Technology Centre

Q44. What was the name of Dr Kalam’s project team responsible for the development of ballistic missiles?

1. a) Team Agni
2. b) Project Devil & Project Valiant
3. c) Project Prithvi
4. d) Team Shakti

Q45. The quote “Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action” is associated with which book by Dr Kalam?

1. a) Wings of Fire
2. b) Ignited Minds
3. c) Indomitable Spirit
4. d) You Are Born to Blossom

Q46. Dr Kalam passed away in the year:

1. a) 2012
2. b) 2014
3. c) 2015
4. d) 2016

Q47. Dr Kalam’s contribution was also significant in developing which medical device, along with Dr Soma Raju?

1. a) Low-cost ventilator
2. b) Low-cost coronary stent
3. c) Low-cost pacemaker
4. d) Low-cost dialysis machine

Q48. Which President preceded Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

1. a) Shankar Dayal Sharma
2. b) Giani Zail Singh
3. c) Venkataraman
4. d) R. Narayanan

Q49. The title of Dr Kalam’s book that focuses on his Presidential experiences is:

1. a) Spirit of India
2. b) Turning Points
3. c) My Presidential Years
4. d) Mission India

Q50. Dr Kalam’s birthplace, Rameswaram, is an island town in Tamil Nadu. It is located on which island?

1. a) Krusadai Island
2. b) Sriharikota Island
3. c) Pamban Island
4. d) Kattupalli Island

Q51. Dr Kalam received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in which year?

1. a) 1981
2. b) 1990
3. c) 1997
4. d) 2007

Q52. The term “PURA” (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) was advocated by Dr Kalam as a strategy for national development. This was part of which vision document?

1. a) Vision 2020
2. b) Rural Development Plan
3. c) National Knowledge Mission
4. d) Make in India

Q53. Dr Kalam’s mentor, who guided him during his initial years in space research, was:

1. a) Satish Dhawan
2. b) Homi Bhabha
3. c) Vikram Sarabhai
4. d) V. Raman

Q54. Which of the following is an award given to Dr Kalam by the Royal Society, UK?

1. a) Albert Einstein Medal
2. b) King Charles II Medal
3. c) Royal Gold Medal
4. d) Faraday Medal

Q55. Dr Kalam’s vision for India was to transform it into a developed nation by the year:

1. a) 2015
2. b) 2020
3. c) 2025
4. d) 2030

Q56. What was the name of the e-paper that Dr Kalam started to inspire the youth?

1. a) India Now
2. b) Billion Beats
3. c) Youth Power
4. d) The National Mission

Q57. Dr Kalam completed his studies in Physics from which college?

1. a) Loyola College, Chennai
2. b) Presidency College, Chennai
3. c) Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli
4. d) IIT Kanpur

Q58. What was the primary cause of Dr Kalam’s death?

1. a) Stroke
2. b) Cardiac Arrest
3. c) Road Accident
4. d) Multi-organ Failure

Q59. The book Mission India: A Vision for Indian Youth was co-authored by Dr Kalam with:

1. a) S. Rajan
2. b) Arun Tiwari
3. c) Sivathanu Pillai
4. d) V. Kishore

Q60. Dr Kalam was the ___ President of India to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna before assuming the presidency.

1. a) First
2. b) Second
3. c) Third
4. d) Fourth

Q61. Dr Kalam initiated the development of which indigenous missile system to counter the threat of enemy missiles?

1. a) Trishul
2. b) Nag
3. c) Akash
4. d) Ballistic Missile Defence Program (BMDP)

Q62. In which year did the Prime Minister inaugurate the memorial of Dr Kalam in Rameswaram?

1. a) 2015
2. b) 2016
3. c) 2017
4. d) 2018

Q63. Dr Kalam served as Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during the years:

1. a) 1980-1990
2. b) 1992-1999
3. c) 2000-2002
4. d) 1985-1995

Q64. What was the title of Dr Kalam’s last book, released posthumously?

1. a) Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future
2. b) The Life Tree
3. c) Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity
4. d) Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji

Q65. Dr Kalam’s family belonged to the ____ community in Rameswaram.

1. a) Hindu
2. b) Christian
3. c) Muslim Marakayar
4. d) Jain

Q66. The United Nations declared Dr Kalam’s birth anniversary as World Students’ Day in which year?

1. a) 2007
2. b) 2009
3. c) 2010
4. d) 2015

Q67. What was the name of the programme at DRDO that aimed to develop a series of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles?

1. a) Project Valiant
2. b) Project Devil
3. c) IGMDP
4. d) SLV-III

Q68. Dr Kalam was the first President of India to visit which high-altitude military post?

1. a) Kargil
2. b) Siachen Glacier
3. c) Nathu La Pass
4. d) Tawang

Q69. The book You Are Born to Blossom: Take My Journey Beyond was co-authored by Dr Kalam with:

1. a) Arun Tiwari
2. b) S. Rajan
3. c) Sivathanu Pillai
4. d) K. Prasad

Q70. Dr Kalam served as a professor at which university after his presidential term?

1. a) Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
2. b) Anna University, Chennai
3. c) University of Delhi
4. d) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

Q71. Which quote by Dr Kalam is often used to inspire students to aim high?

1. a) “The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom.”
2. b) “Confidence and hard work are the best medicine to kill the disease called failure.”
3. c) “A life is a search for eternal knowledge.”
4. d) All of the above

Q72. Dr Kalam’s full name, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen, reflects which cultural roots?

1. a) Hindi-Sanskrit
2. b) Arabic-Tamil
3. c) Telugu-Kannada
4. d) Malayalam-Sanskrit

Q73. Which platform did Dr Kalam use extensively to interact with the youth?

1. a) Facebook
2. b) Twitter
3. c) YouTube
4. d) Blog/E-paper (Billion Beats)

Q74. Which book on rural development did Dr Kalam co-author with Srijan Pal Singh?

1. a) My Life
2. b) The Scientific Indian
3. c) Target 3 Billion
4. d) Spirit of India

Q75. Dr Kalam was nominated for the President’s post by which political alliance?

1. a) United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
2. b) National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
3. c) Third Front
4. d) Communist Party of India (CPI)

Q76. Which of the following are awards given to Dr Kalam by the United States?

1. a) International von Karman Wings Award
2. b) Albert Einstein World Award of Science
3. c) Hoover Medal
4. d) Both a and c

Q77. The theme of “E-governance” was a key part of Dr Kalam’s book:

1. a) Governing the Ungovernable
2. b) The Scientific Indian
3. c) Transcendence
4. d) India 2020

Q78. What was the name of the school where Dr Kalam received his early education?

1. a) Joseph’s Higher Secondary School
2. b) Schwartz Higher Secondary School
3. c) Raja High School
4. d) Mary’s School

Q79. Which former US President paid tribute to Dr Kalam as a great scientist and statesman?

1. a) Bill Clinton
2. b) George W. Bush
3. c) Barack Obama
4. d) Donald Trump

Q80. Dr Kalam was the ___ bachelor to occupy the post of President of India.

1. a) First
2. b) Second
3. c) Third
4. d) Fourth

Q81. The book The Luminous Sparks contains Dr Kalam’s poems and:

1. a) Scientific research papers
2. b) Biographical anecdotes
3. c) Quotations from his speeches
4. d) Philosophical essays

Q82. Which of the following quotes reflects Dr Kalam’s message about self-reliance in technology?

1. a) “We should not give up, and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
2. b) “Creative mind is the ultimate weapon.”
3. c) “Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us.”
4. d) All of the above

Q83. Dr Kalam’s family ran what type of business to support the family?

1. a) Newspaper distribution
2. b) Grocery store
3. c) Boat/ferry service
4. d) Fishing business

Q84. The phrase “What Can I Give?” is associated with Dr Kalam’s:

1. a) An early project at DRDO
2. b) A foundation he started
3. c) A key message to the youth
4. d) His philosophy on governance

Q85. Dr Kalam served as an Honorary Fellow of which prestigious scientific society in the UK?

1. a) Royal Society
2. b) Royal Society of Edinburgh
3. c) Royal Academy of Engineering
4. d) Institute of Physics

Q86. Dr Kalam received the ___ in 1981.

1. a) Padma Vibhushan
2. b) Padma Bhushan
3. c) Bharat Ratna
4. d) Padma Shri

Q87. The term “Knowledge Society” was frequently used by Dr Kalam to describe:

1. a) India’s IT sector growth
2. b) The future role of teachers
3. c) India’s vision for 2020
4. d) The role of the Internet

Q88. Dr Kalam’s death anniversary is observed on:

1. a) October 15
2. b) July 27
3. c) August 15
4. d) July 17

Q89. Which book by Dr Kalam focuses on his spiritual dialogue with Pramukh Swami Maharaj?

1. a) Ignited Minds
2. b) Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji
3. c) Spirit of India
4. d) The Family and the Nation

Q90. Dr Kalam narrowly missed becoming a fighter pilot as he ranked ___ in the Indian Air Force qualifiers.

1. a) Eighth
2. b) Ninth
3. c) Tenth
4. d) Seventh

Q91. Dr Kalam was the Chief Project Coordinator for the first Indian indigenous strategic missile, which was:

1. a) Agni
2. b) Prithvi
3. c) Akash
4. d) Nag

Q92. The “Technology Vision 2020” document that Dr Kalam was instrumental in creating was for which body?

1. a) ISRO
2. b) DRDO
3. c) TIFAC (Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council)
4. d) Prime Minister’s Office

Q93. The ___ was a key achievement of Dr Kalam at ISRO.

1. a) Development of a cryogenic engine
2. b) Development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III)
3. c) Successful launch of Chandrayaan-1
4. d) Development of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)

Q94. Dr Kalam’s work in missile technology was instrumental during the tenure of which Prime Minister when India achieved a major milestone in testing?

1. a) Indira Gandhi
2. b) Rajiv Gandhi
3. c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
4. d) Manmohan Singh

Q95. The book “Indomitable Spirit” is a collection of:

1. a) Scientific research papers
2. b) Biographical essays
3. c) Speeches and essays
4. d) Philosophical musings

Q96. Dr Kalam received an honorary doctorate in science in 1995 from which university?

1. a) University of Madras
2. b) Jadavpur University
3. c) Aligarh Muslim University
4. d) Banaras Hindu University

Q97. Dr Kalam’s philosophy on education emphasised the importance of:

1. a) Rote learning and discipline
2. b) Research and innovation
3. c) Practical skills over theoretical knowledge
4. d) Humanities over science

Q98. The ___ was a tablet computer developed by Dr Kalam and Dr Soma Raju for rural healthcare.

1. a) Kalam-Raju Tablet
2. b) Rural Health Tab
3. c) Village Computer
4. d) Medical Access Device

Q99. The ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test, in which Dr Kalam was involved in the technical preparations, occurred in:

1. a) 1974
2. b) 1998
3. c) 1971
4. d) 1980

Q100. Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a close friend of a prominent Hindu priest in Rameswaram, symbolising:

1. a) Political Unity
2. b) Religious Harmony
3. c) Economic Cooperation
4. d) Social Stratification

Answer Key with Explanations

No.	Ans.	Explanation
1	(b)	Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen. The full name of Dr Kalam is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.
2	(c)	Tamil Nadu. He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
3	(b)	DRDO and ISRO. Dr Kalam primarily worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
4	(c)	SLV-III. He was the Project Director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully launched the Rohini satellite into near-Earth orbit in July 1980.
5	(b)	Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti). He was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the DRDO during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
6	(c)	Agni and Prithvi. He is widely known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his work on the development and operationalisation of the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
7	(c)	Wings of Fire. ‘Wings of Fire’ is the autobiography of Dr Kalam, co-written with Arun Tiwari.
8	(c)	11th. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
9	(b)	1997. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 for his contributions to scientific research and the development of India’s defence technology.
10	(c)	Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai. He completed his aerospace engineering degree from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in Chennai.
11	(b)	World Students’ Day. His birthday, October 15, was declared World Students’ Day by the United Nations in 2010.
12	(a)	Ashiamma Jainulabdeen. His mother’s name was Ashiamma.
13	(b)	Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. After graduating, he joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.
14	(d)	Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU), Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU) in Lucknow was renamed A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU).
15	(b)	His simple lifestyle and accessibility to the public, especially students.. He was known as the “People’s President” for his connection with ordinary people, his simplicity, and his frequent interactions with students and youth.
16	(c)	Envisioning an Empowered Nation. ‘Envisioning an Empowered Nation’ was co-authored by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr V. S. Arunachalam.
17	(a)	Kalam-Raju Stent. The ‘Kalam-Raju Stent’ was a low-cost coronary stent designed by Dr Kalam and Dr Soma Raju in 1998.
18	(c)	IIM Shillong. He passed away on July 27, 2015, after suffering a cardiac arrest while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong.
19	(c)	K. R. Narayanan. Dr Kalam succeeded K. R. Narayanan as the 11th President of India.
20	(c)	Boat owner and Imam. Dr Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and an Imam of a local mosque.
21	(b)	1990. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
22	(c)	Project Nandi. His first notable work at DRDO was on the design and development of a miniature hovercraft, Project Nandi.
23	(d)	Ignited Minds. ‘Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India’ is a collection of his thoughts on empowering the nation’s youth.
24	(a)	Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was conceived and managed by Dr Kalam in the 1980s.
25	(b)	Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The memorial was built by DRDO in his hometown, at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
26	(c)	Veena. Dr Kalam was a fond lover of music and played the Veena.
27	(c)	2013. My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions was published in 2013.
28	(d)	All of the above. He served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister during the tenures of P. V. Narasimha Rao, H. D. Deve Gowda, I. K. Gujral, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
29	(b)	Creating a Livable Planet Earth. He was delivering a lecture titled “Creating a Livable Planet Earth” at IIM Shillong.
30	(c)	Tiruchirappalli. He graduated in Physics from St Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.
31	(c)	Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is not listed among the major awards received by Dr Kalam, though he did receive the others.
32	(a)	Prithvi Air Defence (PAD). Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) was part of the Ballistic Missile Defence Program, which he spearheaded.
33	(c)	Billion Beats. Dr Kalam founded the e-paper ‘Billion Beats’ to reach out to the youth of the nation.
34	(b)	2002 to 2007. He held office from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007.
35	(b)	Lakshmi Sahgal. He defeated Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, the candidate of the Left parties.
36	(a)	Rameswaram. He attended school in Rameswaram before moving on to higher education.
37	(c)	India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium. India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium was co-authored by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Y.S. Rajan.
38	(c)	Fighter Pilot. He narrowly missed his dream of becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force.
39	(d)	Fighter Aircraft. For his senior class project, he was tasked with designing a low-level attack aircraft, which he completed.
40	(a)	First. He was the first scientist to occupy the post of President of India.
41	(a)	The Luminous Sparks. The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours is a book of his poems.
42	(c)	Odisha. The island, which is a missile testing facility, is located off the coast of Odisha.
43	(b)	DRDO-Kalam Defence Technology Research. The DRDO established the ‘DRDO-Kalam Defence Technology Research’ fellowship for scientists.
44	(b)	Project Devil & Project Valiant. Project Devil and Project Valiant were two early projects initiated by Kalam for the development of ballistic missiles.
45	(b)	Ignited Minds. This famous quote is from his book Ignited Minds.
46	(c)	2015. He died on July 27, 2015.
47	(b)	Low-cost coronary stent. The low-cost coronary stent is his most famous medical device contribution. Besides the stent, they also developed a rugged tablet computer for rural healthcare.
48	(d)	K. R. Narayanan. K. R. Narayanan served as the 10th President of India (1997-2002) before Dr Kalam.
49	(b)	Turning Points. Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges chronicles his presidential years.
50	(c)	Pamban Island. Rameswaram is situated on Pamban Island.
51	(a)	1981. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981.
52	(a)	Vision 2020. PURA was a key strategy outlined in India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium.
53	(c)	Vikram Sarabhai. Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space programme, was a key mentor to Dr Kalam.
54	(b)	King Charles II Medal. He was an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and received the King Charles II Medal in 2007.
55	(b)	2020. His vision was captured in his book India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium.
56	(b)	Billion Beats. He co-founded the e-paper ‘Billion Beats’ to connect with and inspire the youth.
57	(c)	St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli. He graduated in Physics from St. Joseph’s College in 1954.
58	(b)	Cardiac Arrest. He died due to a cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015.
59	(c)	A. Sivathanu Pillai. The book Mission India was co-authored by Dr Kalam and A. Sivathanu Pillai.
60	(c)	Third. He was the third President to receive the award before his presidency, after Dr S. Radhakrishnan and Dr Zakir Husain.
61	(d)	Ballistic Missile Defence Program (BMDP). He spearheaded the development of India’s indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence Program (BMDP).
62	(c)	2017. The Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial was inaugurated in July 2017.
63	(b)	1992-1999. He was the Secretary of DRDO from July 1992 to December 1999.
64	(d)	Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji. Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji was the last book released after his death.
65	(c)	Muslim Marakayar. His family was a Tamil Muslim family of the Marakayar community.
66	(c)	2010. The UN officially recognised his birthday, October 15, as World Students’ Day in 2010.
67	(c)	IGMDP. The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) covered five missile systems: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.
68	(b)	Siachen Glacier. He was the first Indian President to visit the Siachen Glacier in 2004.
69	(d)	R. K. Prasad. You Are Born to Blossom was co-authored by Dr Kalam and R. K. Prasad.
70	(b)	Anna University, Chennai. After demitting office in 2007, he became a visiting professor at several universities, including Anna University.
71	(d)	All of the above. All three are popular inspiring quotes attributed to Dr Kalam.
72	(b)	Arabic-Tamil. The name is rooted in Arabic and Tamil cultural traditions.
73	(d)	Blog/E-paper (Billion Beats). While he was active on later platforms, his dedicated effort to reach out was through his personal website and the e-paper ‘Billion Beats’.
74	(c)	Target 3 Billion. Target 3 Billion was co-authored by Dr Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh, focusing on development in rural areas.
75	(b)	National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He was nominated by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
76	(d)	Both a and c. He received the International von Karman Wings Award in 2009 and the Hoover Medal in 2009.
77	(d)	India 2020. E-governance was outlined as a key component for national development in India 2020.
78	(b)	Schwartz Higher Secondary School. He attended the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram.
79	(c)	Barack Obama. Barack Obama paid tribute to him as a great scientist and statesman.
80	(a)	First. He was the first bachelor to occupy the post of President of India.
81	(b)	Biographical anecdotes. It includes a collection of his poems and personal biographical anecdotes.
82	(c)	“Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us.”. This quote strongly reflects his emphasis on national strength and technological self-reliance.
83	(c)	Boat/ferry service. His father was a boat owner and ran a ferry service.
84	(c)	A key message to the youth. “What Can I Give?” was a moral theme and a key message he often conveyed to the nation’s youth.
85	(b)	Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
86	(b)	Padma Bhushan. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981.
87	(c)	India’s vision for 2020. He envisioned India as a developed nation and a Knowledge Society by 2020.
88	(b)	July 27. He passed away on July 27, 2015.
89	(b)	Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji. The book details his spiritual experiences and dialogue with Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
90	(b)	Ninth. He was ranked ninth, and only eight positions were available.
91	(b)	Prithvi. He was the Chief Project Coordinator for the first indigenous surface-to-surface missile, Prithvi.
92	(c)	TIFAC (Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council). He was deeply involved with TIFAC in drafting the Technology Vision 2020.
93	(b)	Development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III). He was the Project Director for the SLV-III, a significant milestone in Indian space technology.
94	(c)	Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Pokhran-II tests, in which he played a pivotal role, occurred during the tenure of PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
95	(c)	Speeches and essays. Indomitable Spirit is a collection of Dr Kalam’s speeches and essays on his thoughts for the nation.
96	(b)	Jadavpur University. Jadavpur University awarded him a D.Sc. (Honoris Causa) in 1995.
97	(b)	Research and innovation. He constantly emphasised the need for creativity, innovation, and research in the education system.
98	(a)	Kalam-Raju Tablet. The ‘Kalam-Raju Tablet’ was a rugged, low-cost tablet computer designed to support rural healthcare.
99	(a)	1974. While his primary role was in Pokhran-II (1998), he was associated with the technical preparations for the first nuclear test, Pokhran-I (‘Smiling Buddha’), in 1974.
100	(b)	Religious Harmony. Their friendship is remembered as a symbol of religious harmony.

Early Life, Family & Education

Q1: What was the full name of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam?

A: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.

Q2: When and where was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam born?

A: October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.

Q3: What were the names of Abdul Kalam’s parents?

A: His father was Jainulabdeen and his mother was Ashiamma.

Q4: What did Abdul Kalam’s father do for a living?

A: He was a boat owner and the imam of a local mosque in Rameswaram.

Q5: How did young Abdul Kalam help supplement his family’s income?

A: He distributed newspapers in his hometown after school hours.

Q6: Which school did Kalam attend for his secondary education?

A: Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu.

Q7: Where did Dr. Kalam complete his graduation in Physics?

A: St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli (affiliated with the University of Madras) in 1954.

Q8: Where did Dr. Kalam study Aerospace Engineering?

A: Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai, graduating in 1960.

Q9: What was Dr. Kalam’s initial career ambition that he narrowly missed?

A: Becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) — he ranked 9th when only 8 slots were available.

Q10: Which classical Indian musical instrument did Dr. Kalam enjoy playing?

A: The Veena.

Scientific Career & Achievements

Q11: Which organization did Dr. Kalam join at the beginning of his scientific career in 1958?

A: Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q12: When Dr. Kalam transferred to ISRO in 1969, what major position was he assigned?

A: Project Director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).

Q13: Which satellite was successfully deployed into orbit under Kalam’s direction in 1980?

A: The Rohini satellite (Rohini RS-1).

Q14: Which two premier scientific organizations in India was Dr. Kalam primarily associated with?

A: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Q15: What role did Dr. Kalam play in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in May 1998?

A: Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO; served as the chief coordinator of the testing operations.

Q16: Who was Dr. Kalam’s primary scientific mentor during his early years at ISRO?

A: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.

Q17: What medical innovation did Dr. Kalam co-develop with cardiologist Dr. B. Soma Raju in 1998?

A: The “Kalam-Raju Stent,” a low-cost coronary stent that significantly reduced the cost of heart surgery in India.

Q18: What was the name of the low-cost healthcare tablet computer co-designed by Kalam and Dr. Soma Raju in 2012?

A: The “Kalam-Raju Tablet,” designed for rural healthcare workers.

Q19: What position did Dr. Kalam hold from 1992 to 1999 in the Government of India?

A: Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO.

Q20: Why is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam widely known as the “Missile Man of India”?

A: For his pioneering role in developing indigenous ballistic missile technology and launch systems in India.

Missile Programs & Defense Projects

Q21: What does the acronym IGMDP stand for?

A: Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Q22: Which five key missiles were developed under the IGMDP led by Dr. Kalam?

A: Agni, Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.

Q23: Which missile developed under Kalam’s leadership was India’s first surface-to-surface tactical missile?

A: Prithvi.

Q24: Which intermediate-range ballistic missile family remains one of Dr. Kalam’s most celebrated achievements?

A: The Agni missile series.

Q25: What were “Project Devil” and “Project Valiant”?

A: Early classified missile projects initiated in the 1970s aimed at developing indigenous liquid-fueled rockets and missile tech.

Q26: Which anti-tank guided missile was produced under the IGMDP project?

A: Nag.

Q27: What is the supersonic cruise missile joint venture co-developed by India and Russia named after two rivers?

A: BrahMos (named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers).

Q28: Which island missile testing facility off the coast of Odisha was renamed “Abdul Kalam Island” in 2015?

A: Wheeler Island.

Presidency & Public Life

Q29: During which years did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam serve as the President of India?

A: July 25, 2002 to July 25, 2007.

Q30: Dr. Kalam was which numbered President of the Republic of India?

A: The 11th President.

Q31: Whom did Dr. Kalam defeat in the 2002 Indian presidential election?

A: Captain Lakshmi Sahgal.

Q32: What affectionate title was given to Dr. Kalam during his tenure as President?

A: “The People’s President”.

Q33: Who was the President of India immediately preceding Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?

A: K. R. Narayanan.

Q34: Who succeeded Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as the President of India in 2007?

A: Pratibha Patil.

Q35: What core national roadmap did Dr. Kalam promote throughout his public career?

A: “India 2020” — a vision to transform India into a developed nation through technology, education, and economic growth.

Q36: What initiative did Dr. Kalam conceptualize to bridge the rural-urban divide in India?

A: PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas).

Books, Writings & Quotes

Q37: What is the title of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s famous autobiography?

A: Wings of Fire.

Q38: Who co-authored Wings of Fire alongside Dr. Kalam?

A: Arun Tiwari.

Q39: Which book co-authored by Dr. Kalam and Y. S. Rajan outlines the action plan for India’s development?

A: India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium.

Q40: In which book did Dr. Kalam write: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action”?

A: Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India.

Q41: Name four other inspirational books written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

A: Turning Points, Target 3 Billion, My Journey, and Indomitable Spirit.

Q42: According to Dr. Kalam’s famous acronym, what does “FAIL” stand for?

A: “First Attempt In Learning”.

Q43: What was Dr. Kalam’s belief regarding the youth of a nation?

A: He believed the youth are the most powerful resource for building a developed and prosperous nation.

Awards, Demise & Legacy

Q44: In which year was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna?

A: 1997.

Q45: Which other two major Indian civilian honors did Dr. Kalam receive prior to the Bharat Ratna?

A: Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990).

Q46: When and where did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam pass away?

A: July 27, 2015, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

Q47: What was the subject of the lecture Dr. Kalam was delivering at IIM Shillong when he collapsed?

A: “Creating a Livable Planet Earth”.

Q48: Where was Dr. Kalam laid to rest with full state honors?

A: Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

Q49: Which international commemorative day is celebrated every year on October 15, marking Dr. Kalam’s birthday?

A: World Students’ Day.

Q50: Which major missile research facility in Hyderabad was renamed in honor of Dr. Kalam in 2015?

A: The DRDO Missile Complex was renamed the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.