50+ AIBE MCQs on Environmental Law with Answers 2025: Marking Scheme

The AIBE Exam tests basic understanding and application of legal provisions, including key environmental statutes like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water and Air Acts, the Wildlife Protection Act, and landmark judgments passed by Indian courts on ecological justice. Read further to get more details onthe  syllabus, preparation tips, and over 50 MCQs to help AIBE aspirants approach this topic with clarity and confidence.

50+ AIBE MCQs on Environmental Law

Environmental Law has emerged as one of the most dynamic and socially significant branches of legal studies in India. It has laws and policies aimed at protecting the environment, preserving biodiversity, preventing pollution, and ensuring sustainable development. For candidates appearing in the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 20 Exam, Environmental Law is a vital subject in the syllabus prescribed by the Bar Council of India.

The AIBE Exam tests basic understanding and application of legal provisions, including key environmental statutes like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water and Air Acts, the Wildlife Protection Act, and landmark judgments passed by Indian courts on ecological justice. Read further to get more details onthe  syllabus, preparation tips, and over 50 MCQs to help AIBE aspirants approach this topic with clarity and confidence.

AIBE 20 Environmental Law Syllabus 2025 (As per BCI Guidelines)

Environmental Law is covered under Paper Code 15 in the AIBE syllabus. The subject broadly focuses on legal principles and regulatory frameworks that govern environmental protection in India. Check list of topics below:

1. Introduction to Environmental Law

• Definition and scope
• Historical evolution and constitutional perspective (Article 48A & Article 51A(g))

2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• Powers of Central Government
• Penalties for non-compliance

3. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

• Functions of Central and State Pollution Control Boards
• Consent mechanism

4. Penalties

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
• Control of air pollution

5. Role of Pollution Control Boards

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Protected areas: Sanctuaries, National Parks

6. Powers of forest officers

• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
• Restrictions on de-reservation of forests and use of forest land for non-forest purposes

7. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

• Composition and powers of NGT
• Jurisdiction and procedures

8. Environment-related Provisions in the Constitution

• Article 21 (Right to life and clean environment)
• Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties

9. International Environmental Conventions

• Stockholm Conference 1972
• Rio Summit 1992
• Kyoto Protocol
• Paris Agreement

10. Judicial Activism and PIL in Environmental Matters

• Concept of Public Interest Litigation in environmental cases

Best Books to Prepare for AIBE Environmental Law

Looking for the best books for AIBE Environmental Law? Here’s a curated list of top-recommended titles:

Also Read: Effective Preparation Strategies for AIBE 20: Tips and Tricks to Crack the Exam

Tips to Prepare for Environmental Law for AIBE 20 (2025)

Here’s how to maximise your AIBE Preparation for Environmental Law:

1. Start with the Constitution

• Understand Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g)
• Note their interpretation by courts in key judgments

2. Master Bare Acts

• Read each section with the intent and purpose in mind
• Highlight key definitions and penalty clauses

3. Make a Case Law Chart

• Prepare a one-page sheet of 10-12 landmark environmental cases with facts and principles

4. Use Sticky Notes or Tags

• Mark key sections in your books or acts for quick access during the exam

5. Practice MCQs

• Focus on previous year AIBE questions on Environmental Law
• Take online mock tests or use guidebooks for timed practice

6. Revise Frequently

• Keep one day every week just for revision
• Focus on memorising important sections and principles

7. Stay Updated with Current Developments

• Recent judgments by the NGT or Supreme Court may also be asked
• Check legal news portals or summaries from law blogs

Important MCQs on Environmental Law (Based on AIBE Pattern)

We have compiled important MCQs on environmental law based on AIBE Exam Pattern below. Candidates are advised to solve the same to score well in exam.

1. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted under which Article of the Constitution?

A. Article 253

B. Article 21

C. Article 32

D. Article 246

Answer: A. Article 253

2. What is the primary objective of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

A. Protect forests

B. Control industrial growth

C. Provide a framework for environmental protection

D. Promote animal welfare

Answer: C. Provide a framework for environmental protection

3. Which Schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides absolute protection?

A. Schedule I

B. Schedule II

C. Schedule IV

D. Schedule VI

Answer: A. Schedule I

4. The term "hazardous substance" is defined in which section of the EPA, 1986?

A. Section 2(a)

B. Section 2(e)

C. Section 2(f)

D. Section 2(h)

Answer: D. Section 2(h)

Also Read: Effective Preparation Strategies for AIBE 20: Tips and Tricks to Crack the Exam

5. Which principle was laid down in the case of Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India?

A. Sustainable Development

B. Absolute Liability

C. Polluter Pays Principle

D. Precautionary Principle

Answer: C. Polluter Pays Principle

6. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in the year:

A. 1986

B. 1972

C. 1974

D. 1981

Answer: C. 1974

7. Which authority is responsible for declaring ‘Air Pollution Control Areas’?

A. Central Government

B. State Pollution Control Board

C. Ministry of Environment

D. National Green Tribunal

Answer: B. State Pollution Control Board

8. Which international summit led to the adoption of the Rio Declaration?

A. Kyoto Summit

B. Paris Agreement

C. Stockholm Conference

D. Earth Summit, 1992

Answer: D. Earth Summit, 1992

9. Under which section of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is prior Central Government approval required?

A. Section 2

B. Section 3

C. Section 4

D. Section 5

Answer: A. Section 2

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10. Who can file a complaint under the Environment (Protection) Act?

A. Any citizen after 60 days’ notice

B. Only Central Government

C. Only NGOs

D. Only Pollution Control Boards

Answer: A. Any citizen after 60 days’ notice

11. The National Green Tribunal was established in:

A. 2008

B. 2010

C. 2012

D. 2014

Answer: B. 2010

12. Which Schedule of the Wildlife Act contains plants?

A. Schedule I

B. Schedule IV

C. Schedule VI

D. Schedule V

Answer: C. Schedule VI

13. In which case was the Public Trust Doctrine recognised in Indian law?

A. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar

B. MC Mehta v. Kamal Nath

C. Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India

D. T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India

Answer: B. MC Mehta v. Kamal Nath

Also Read: AIBE Previous Year Question Papers (GUJARATI) with Answers : Download For Free

14. “Right to clean environment” is protected under which fundamental right?

A. Article 14

B. Article 19

C. Article 21

D. Article 32

Answer: C. Article 21

15. Which of the following Acts deals with marine pollution?

A. Water Act

B. Air Act

C. Wildlife Act

D. None of the above

Answer: D. None of the above

16. The maximum penalty for violation under EPA, 1986 is:

A. 2 years

B. 3 years

C. 5 years

D. 7 years

Answer: C. 5 years

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17. Under the Air Act, who approves the site of an industry in a pollution control area?

A. Collector

B. Pollution Control Board

C. District Magistrate

D. Central Government

Answer: B. Pollution Control Board

18. The Stockholm Conference on Environment was held in:

A. 1970

B. 1972

C. 1974

D. 1982

Answer: B. 1972

19. Which environmental principle holds that industries must bear the cost of preventing pollution?

A. Precautionary Principle

B. Polluter Pays Principle

C. Absolute Liability

D. Public Trust Doctrine

Answer: B. Polluter Pays Principle

20. The Biodiversity Act was passed in the year:

A. 1999

B. 2000

C. 2002

D. 2003

Answer: C. 2002

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21. The composition of NGT includes:

A. Judges only

B. Scientists only

C. Judges and Environmental Experts

D. IAS officers

Answer: C. Judges and Environmental Experts

22. Which case recognised Sustainable Development as part of Indian law?

A. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action

B. Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum

C. Subhash Kumar

D. Narmada Bachao Andolan

Answer: B. Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum

23. Which principle was invoked in the Oleum Gas Leak case?

A. Strict Liability

B. Absolute Liability

C. Vicarious Liability

D. Product Liability

Answer: B. Absolute Liability

24. Under the Water Act, a sample of water can be collected by:

A. Municipal Officer

B. Police Inspector

C. Pollution Control Board Officer

D. Any private individual

Answer: C. Pollution Control Board Officer

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25. The Forest Act, 1927 is primarily concerned with:

A. Environmental quality

B. Forest conservation

C. Regulation of forest produce

D. Mining operations

Answer: C. Regulation of forest produce

26. Which of the following is not included in the definition of “environment” under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

A. Water

B. Noise

C. Plants

D. Radiation

Answer: C. Plants

27. Under the NGT Act, an appeal against the Tribunal’s decision lies to the:

A. High Court

B. Supreme Court

C. Ministry of Environment

D. Civil Court

Answer: B. Supreme Court

28. Which principle justifies banning an activity even if its harmful effects are not scientifically established?

A. Polluter Pays Principle

B. Public Trust Doctrine

C. Precautionary Principle

D. Sustainable Development

Answer: C. Precautionary Principle

29. Which of the following bodies is responsible for framing standards under the Environment Act?

A. Ministry of Law and Justice

B. Pollution Control Board

C. Central Government

D. NGT

Answer: C. Central Government

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30. The National Environmental Policy was adopted in:

A. 2004

B. 2006

C. 2008

D. 2010

Answer: B. 2006

31. The Supreme Court ordered the phase-out of diesel taxis in NCR in which case?

A. MC Mehta v. Union of India

B. Narmada Bachao Andolan

C. Godavarman Case

D. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action

Answer: A. MC Mehta v. Union of India

32. The Paris Agreement came into force in which year?

A. 2014

B. 2015

C. 2016

D. 2017

Answer: C. 2016

33. Which of the following is not a function of the Central Pollution Control Board?

A. Lay down national standards

B. Monitor industrial effluents

C. Declare Wildlife Sanctuaries

D. Co-ordinate state boards

Answer: C. Declare Wildlife Sanctuaries

34. Under the Air Act, how often must the Board meet?

A. Twice a year

B.Once a month

C. Once every three months

D. Once every six months

Answer: C. Once every three months

35. Who appoints the Chairperson of the NGT?

A. Chief Justice of India

B. President of India

C. Central Government in consultation with CJI

D. Ministry of Law

Answer: C. Central Government in consultation with CJI

Also Read:  AIBE Previous Year Question Papers (HINDI) with Answers : Download For Free

36. Which legislation enables the NGT to enforce environmental laws?

A.Indian Penal Code

B. Civil Procedure Code

C. NGT Act, Schedule I

D. Environment Protection Rules

Answer: C. NGT Act, Schedule I

37. Which of the following conventions focuses on biodiversity?

A. Kyoto Protocol

B.Cartagena Protocol

C. Basel Convention

D. Stockholm Convention

Answer: B. Cartagena Protocol

38. The Kyoto Protocol is associated with:

A. Deforestation

B. Ozone Layer Depletion

C. Climate Change

D. Hazardous Waste

Answer: C. Climate Change

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39. Which case enforced closure of tanneries near Ganga River?

A. Godavarman Case

B. Vellore Citizens Forum

C. MC Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case)

D. M.S. Gill v. Union of India

Answer: C. MC Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case)

40. The “no fault liability” was established under:

A. Environment (Protection) Act

B. Water Act

C. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991

D. Forest Conservation Act

Answer: C. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991

41. In which case did the SC say “Precaution is better than cure”?

A. Vellore Citizens Forum

B. MC Mehta v. Union of India

C. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action

D. Narmada Bachao Andolan

Answer: A. Vellore Citizens Forum

42. Who is the final authority to approve forest land for non-forest use?

A. State Government

B. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

C. Forest Survey of India

D. Central Government

Answer: D. Central Government

43. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognises rights of:

A. NGOs

B. Minorities

C. Forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and OTFDs

D. Landless farmers

Answer: C. Forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers

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44. NGT has how many benches in India?

A. 1

B. 3

C. 5

D. 7

Answer: C. 5

(Principal Bench – Delhi; Zonal benches – Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai)

45. “Sustainable Development” implies:

A. Development without restrictions

B. Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations

C. Economic growth only

D. Industrialisation only

Answer: B. Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations

46. Which Act deals specifically with biomedical waste?

A. Environment Protection Act

B. Water Act

C. Air Act

D. Biomedical Waste Management Rules

Answer: D. Biomedical Waste Management Rules

47. The concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was introduced in:

A. 1981

B. 1986

C. 1994

D. 2002

Answer: C. 1994

48. The apex body for wildlife conservation in India is:

A. National Biodiversity Authority

B. Wildlife Institute of India

C. National Board for Wildlife

D. Ministry of Forests

Answer: C. National Board for Wildlife

49. The Basel Convention deals with:

A. Climate change

B. Protection of wildlife

C. Transboundary movement of hazardous waste

D. Nuclear testing

Answer: C. Transboundary movement of hazardous waste

50. Which court gave legal personhood to rivers in Uttarakhand?

A. Supreme Court

B. Uttarakhand High Court

C. Allahabad High Court

D. Delhi High Court

Answer: B. Uttarakhand High Court

51. The Environment (Protection) Rules were framed in which year?

A. 1986

B. 1988

C. 1991

D. 1992

Answer: A. 1986

52. Who is the competent authority under the Water Act to take samples?

A. Any government servant

B. Police Officer

C. Authorised Officer of Pollution Control Board

D. Gram Panchayat Head

Answer: C. Authorised Officer of Pollution Control Board

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