TKDL, Geographical Indication, AYUSH governance and institutional bodies (CCRAS, CCRH, etc.) MCQs With Answer

This blog presents a focused set of multiple-choice questions on TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library), Geographical Indications, and AYUSH governance with institutional bodies such as CCRAS and CCRH—tailored for M.Pharm students. The questions explore legal, regulatory and practical aspects: how TKDL prevents misappropriation of traditional formulations, the scope and mechanics of GI protection for medicinal and herbal products, and the roles of central research councils and regulatory commissions within the AYUSH ecosystem. Use these MCQs for revision, self-assessment, or classroom quizzes; detailed options and correct answers help consolidate conceptual clarity and application-level understanding relevant to Indian systems of medicine.

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)?

• Commercialize traditional medicine formulations globally
• Create an open public database for all traditional knowledge texts
• Translate and codify traditional formulations into a patent-friendly format to prevent biopiracy and assist patent examiners
• Standardize clinical trial protocols for AYUSH products

Correct Answer: Translate and codify traditional formulations into a patent-friendly format to prevent biopiracy and assist patent examiners

Q2. Which organization developed the TKDL in collaboration with Indian ministries?

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Government of India (Ministry of AYUSH)
• Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
• National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)

Correct Answer: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Government of India (Ministry of AYUSH)

Q3. The classification scheme used by TKDL that maps traditional remedies to a patent-compatible taxonomy is called:

• Ayurvedic Patent Index (API)
• Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification (TKRC) adapted from the International Patent Classification (IPC)
• Herbal International Classification (HIC)
• Ethno-Medical Classification System (EMCS)

Correct Answer: Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification (TKRC) adapted from the International Patent Classification (IPC)

Q4. Which systems of traditional medicine are included in the scope of TKDL?

• Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa
• Homeopathy and Allopathy only
• Traditional Chinese Medicine only
• Biomedicine and modern pharmacology

Correct Answer: Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa

Q5. Access to TKDL is primarily provided to which group under confidentiality agreements?

• General public via an open website
• Patent office examiners and selected international patent offices under non-disclosure agreements
• All pharmaceutical companies for free access
• Only to Ayurvedic practitioners registered in India

Correct Answer: Patent office examiners and selected international patent offices under non-disclosure agreements

Q6. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in which year in India?

• 1950
• 1999
• 2005
• 2014

Correct Answer: 1999

Q7. How long does a Geographical Indication (GI) registration remain valid in India before renewal is required?

• 5 years non-renewable
• 10 years, renewable every 10 years
• 25 years non-renewable
• Lifetime protection without renewal

Correct Answer: 10 years, renewable every 10 years

Q8. Where is the Geographical Indications Registry located in India?

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Kolkata

Correct Answer: Chennai

Q9. Which of the following is a key advantage of GI protection for herbal or traditional medicine products?

• It grants an individual inventor an exclusive patent-like monopoly
• It legally links product reputation and specific quality attributes to a defined geographic origin, protecting collective producer interests
• It allows any manufacturer worldwide to use the name after paying a fee
• It replaces the need for quality control and standards

Correct Answer: It legally links product reputation and specific quality attributes to a defined geographic origin, protecting collective producer interests

Q10. Which condition is essential for obtaining a Geographical Indication for an AYUSH product?

• The product must be completely synthetic with no natural ingredients
• The product’s quality, reputation or other characteristics should be essentially attributable to its geographic origin
• The product must have been patented earlier
• The product must be exported to at least three countries

Correct Answer: The product’s quality, reputation or other characteristics should be essentially attributable to its geographic origin

Q11. Which ministry is responsible for policy, planning and promotion of AYUSH systems in India?

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Ministry of Science & Technology
• Ministry of AYUSH
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Correct Answer: Ministry of AYUSH

Q12. The modern Ministry of AYUSH, created to strengthen traditional systems, was established as a separate ministry in which year?

• 1995
• 2008
• 2014
• 2020

Correct Answer: 2014

Q13. CCRAS stands for which of the following?

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
• Central Commission for Regulation of Ayurvedic Standards
• Council for Clinical Research in AYUSH Systems
• Central Committee for Ayurvedic Safety

Correct Answer: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences

Q14. CCRH is the acronym for which research body?

• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy
• Central Committee for Research in Herbalism
• Council for Clinical Research in Homoeopathy
• Central Commission for Regulation of Homoeopathy

Correct Answer: Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy

Q15. A primary mandate of research councils such as CCRAS and CCRH includes which activity?

• Issuing licenses for AYUSH manufacturing plants
• Conducting, coordinating and promoting scientific research in respective traditional medicine systems
• Certification of individual AYUSH practitioners
• Patenting herbal products for private companies

Correct Answer: Conducting, coordinating and promoting scientific research in respective traditional medicine systems

Q16. Which regulatory commission replaced the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) for education and professional regulation of Indian systems of medicine?

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
• National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
• National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)
• AYUSH Accreditation Board (AAB)

Correct Answer: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)

Q17. Which statutory body is currently responsible for regulation of homoeopathy education and professional standards in India?

• Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH)
• National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)
• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)
• Homoeopathy Accreditation Authority (HAA)

Correct Answer: National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)

Q18. What is the core role of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)?

• Regulate patent filings for AYUSH formulations
• Coordinate conservation, cultivation and sustainable use of medicinal plants
• Grant licenses for AYUSH pharmacies
• Conduct clinical trials for all AYUSH drugs

Correct Answer: Coordinate conservation, cultivation and sustainable use of medicinal plants

Q19. How does TKDL practically assist international patent offices during examination?

• By granting patents on behalf of Indian practitioners
• By providing prior-art translations and classification to demonstrate lack of novelty or inventive step for patent applications claiming traditional knowledge
• By enforcing Indian law in foreign jurisdictions
• By offering commercialization licenses to foreign firms

Correct Answer: By providing prior-art translations and classification to demonstrate lack of novelty or inventive step for patent applications claiming traditional knowledge

Q20. Which central research council focuses specifically on Yoga and Naturopathy research under the Ministry of AYUSH?

• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
• Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN)
• Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)
• National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN)

Correct Answer: Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN)

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