Where do the answers come from?

Each answer cites a clause, table or annex of NBC 2016 Part 4, Fire and Life Safety, read from page images.

Is NBC 2016 still in force?

BIS withdrew it on 30 April 2026 and replaced it with NBCS 2026 (SP 7:2026). Many state fire rules still name the 2016 text, so its figures remain useful.

Are these NBC part 4 MCQs from past papers?

No. They are Flamekite's own questions. Neither exam notice read for this site lists NBC Part 4 as a syllabus topic.

What is the high-rise height in NBC 2016?

15 m and above, in Annex E, E-1. A state fire law may use another height.

What is the maximum dead end in NBC 2016?

6 m for educational, institutional and assembly buildings and 15 m for other occupancies (cl. 4.4.2.2(c)).

Does the bank cover Table 7 firefighting installations?

No. The questions cover scope, egress, fire resistance and high-rise provisions. Table 7 is on the NBC 2016 page.

Fire exam prep · Question bank

NBC fire safety MCQ: 44 questions on NBC 2016 Part 4, every answer cited to its clause

This bank holds 44 multiple-choice questions on Part 4 (Fire and Life Safety) of the National Building Code of India 2016, in four sets: scope and fire zones, occupant load and travel, doors, stairs and fire resistance, and high-rise provisions. Every explanation names the clause, table or annex it comes from.

Free questions: 16
Full bank: 44
Topic tests: 4
Answers cited: All

Start free practice Free timed mock Read the study notes

By Flamekite Editorial Desk · facts checked against official sources on 2026-10-26

Part 1

Study notes

Overview

NBC 2016 was withdrawn by the Bureau of Indian Standards on 30 April 2026 and replaced by the National Building Construction Standards 2026 (SP 7:2026). Many state fire rules still name the 2016 text, so a question that asks for a figure says "NBC 2016" and tests that edition only. Figures the 2026 standards may have changed are not asked.

Learn the numbers by group: dead ends, travel distances, stair widths and treads all change with occupancy. The traps section lists the mix-ups, and the checklist ends the page.

Every question rests on NBC 2016 Part 4 as read off page images on 25 October 2026, and on no other source. The questions are Flamekite's own, not past papers, and neither exam notice read for this site names NBC Part 4 as a syllabus topic. Nothing here says what NBCS 2026 prints.

NBC fire safety MCQ bank at a glance: 8 facts

The bank is built from NBC 2016 Part 4, read from page images on 25 October 2026.
What	The rule	Source
Code tested	National Building Code of India 2016, Part 4 Fire and Life Safety	NBC 2016, Part 4
Status of the code	Withdrawn 30 April 2026 and replaced by NBCS 2026 (SP 7:2026); still named by many state rules	Gazette of India
Scope (cl. 1.2)	All high-rise buildings and listed special buildings; owners may apply it to others	NBC 2016, Part 4
Fire zones (cl. 3.2)	The Authority marks up to 3 zones by hazard; Zone 3 holds storage and hazardous groups	NBC 2016, Part 4
Egress figures	Tables 3 to 5 give occupant load, width per person and travel distance by group	NBC 2016, Part 4
High-rise annex	Annex E sets refuge areas, shafts, pressurisation and cable shafts	NBC 2016, Annex E
Questions	44 in 4 sets, answer positions mixed	NBC 2016, Part 4
Not covered	Table 7 installation tiers: see the NBC 2016 page; no question tests them here	NBC 2016, Part 4

NBC Part 4 MCQ numbers to memorise from NBC 2016

Eight figures that decide most NBC fire safety questions, each with its clause in the answer sets above.

15 m
height from which a building is high-rise, Annex E, E-1 NBC 2016, Annex E
500 m2
floor area that brings many occupancies into scope, cl. 1.2 NBC 2016, Part 4
240 min
separation between occupancies in a mixed building, cl. 3.1.11 NBC 2016, Part 4
15 m
longest dead end outside educational, institutional and assembly, cl. 4.4.2.2(c) NBC 2016, Part 4
500 mm
one unit of exit width, cl. 4.4.2.3(b) NBC 2016, Part 4
1,000 mm
least exit door width (2,000 mm assembly), cl. 4.4.2.4.1 NBC 2016, Part 4
12 risers
most in one flight, cl. 4.4.2.4.3 NBC 2016, Part 4
24 m
height above which the first refuge area sits, Annex E, E-4(d) NBC 2016, Annex E

NBC fire safety MCQ: how Flamekite's exam pages treat the topic

The two exam notices read for this site do not print a building-code syllabus, so this bank is practice for the job, not a paper prediction.

Telangana Fire Fighter, 2026: The written tests name only general topics such as English, arithmetic and reasoning. NBC Part 4 is not named. TSLPRB notice 189/2026
AAI Junior Assistant (Fire Services): The notices print no topic-wise syllabus, number of questions or marks per subject, so NBC cannot be claimed as tested. AAI NR 01/2025
How to use the bank: Treat it as job knowledge for a fire officer, a building consultant or a candidate preparing for a fire service interview, and check a notice's own syllabus before planning. NBC 2016, Part 4

NBC Part 4 MCQ: 6 common traps and the clause that settles each

Six mix-ups that cost marks, each answered by one clause of NBC 2016 Part 4.

You may have read
NBC 2016 is the current national code.
Myth
What the sources say
BIS withdrew it on 30 April 2026 and replaced it with NBCS 2026 (SP 7:2026). Many state rules still name the 2016 text, which is why this bank tests it. Gazette of India
You may have read
A dead end is 6 m everywhere.
Myth
What the sources say
Cl. 4.4.2.2(c) gives 6 m for educational, institutional and assembly buildings and 15 m for the rest. NBC 2016, Part 4
You may have read
Travel distance is 30 m for every group and every construction type.
Myth
What the sources say
Table 5 gives 22.5 m for Types 3 and 4 in Groups A, B and C, 45 m for Groups G-1 and G-2, and 22.5 m for G-3 and J. Full sprinklers add 50 percent (Note 1). NBC 2016, Part 4
You may have read
Stairs are 250 mm tread and 190 mm riser in every building.
Myth
What the sources say
Cl. 4.4.2.4.3 gives 250 mm treads for residential and 300 mm for other uses; risers are 150 mm, and 190 mm only for Group A-2. NBC 2016, Part 4
You may have read
A stair enclosure needs 60 min walls.
Myth
What the sources say
Cl. 3.3.1 asks for at least 120 min, and Table 1 gives 120 min for exit enclosures in every construction type. NBC 2016, Part 4
You may have read
Refuge areas start at 18 m for every high-rise.
Myth
What the sources say
E-4(d) places the first one at or just above 24 m. The 18 m floor is the rule for Group D-6 (cl. 6.4.2.2(j)). NBC 2016, Annex E

NBC fire safety MCQ: 10-point revision checklist

Ten items to tick before you attempt the 44 questions again.

Scope: 9 m for educational and institutional, over 500 m2 for many groups, over 300 m2 incidental assembly, two basements or one over 500 m2. NBC 2016, Part 4
High-rise is 15 m and above in Annex E; height is measured to the last livable floor's terrace. NBC 2016, Annex E
Firefighting shaft: 120 min enclosure; mixed occupancy: 240 min separation. NBC 2016, Part 4
Fire zones: Zone 1 holds A, B, C, D, E-1 and F; Zone 3 holds storage and hazardous. NBC 2016, Part 4
Dead ends: 6 m for educational, institutional and assembly; 15 m elsewhere. NBC 2016, Part 4
Occupant load per person: residential 12.50, educational 4.00, business 10.00, mercantile street floor 3.00 m2. NBC 2016, Part 4
Exit width: unit 500 mm; doors 1,000 mm, assembly 2,000 mm; revolving door 50 persons. NBC 2016, Part 4
Travel distance: 30 m or 22.5 m by construction type, plus 50 percent when fully sprinklered. NBC 2016, Part 4
Stairs: two at least, tread 250 or 300 mm, riser 150 mm, 12 risers a flight, spiral to 9 m only. NBC 2016, Part 4
Refuge: at or just above 24 m, 0.3 m2 per occupant, ramps no steeper than 1 in 12, 75 mm sign letters. NBC 2016, Annex E

NBC fire safety MCQ: where to read the rule behind each answer

Four Flamekite pages teach the topics in these 44 questions, and the page on the code that replaced them.

Code
NBC 2016 Part 4
Scope, Table 7, exits and refuge areas of the 2016 fire code, as state rules still apply it. NBC 2016, Part 4
Code
National Building Code 2026
What NBCS 2026 is and what changed when NBC 2016 was withdrawn. Gazette of India
Exam
Telangana Fire Fighter exam
The notice, pattern and a mixed fire practice quiz. TSLPRB notice 189/2026
Exam
AAI Junior Assistant Fire Service
The AAI notices, pattern and a topic map. AAI NR 01/2025

NBC fire safety MCQ: what is not confirmed

Three points a reader may expect are not settled in the sources read, so no question tests them.

If What NBCS 2026 prints for dead ends, travel distance or refuge areas
This bank tests NBC 2016 only. Read the 2026 standard before a design or a 2026 exam answer. Gazette of India
If Whether a state reads an undated "NBC" reference as NBCS 2026
Not confirmed for Bihar, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh or Ladakh. Check the state rule itself. NBC 2016, Part 4
If Table 7 installation tiers by group and height
Left out of the quiz sets. The NBC 2016 page covers them; confirm any figure in the text before relying on it. NBC 2016, Part 4

Part 2

Free practice and mock test

16 free questions from the 44-question bank. Practise one at a time with the answer and its clause shown as you go, or sit a timed mock and see your score, accuracy and weak topics at the end. Your progress stays in this browser only.

Question 1 of 16Scope and fire zones

In NBC 2016 Part 4, an educational building falls under the special-building scope from what height?

Pick an option to see the answer and the clause behind it.

Part 3

16 free questions with cited answers

The free sample on one page, for revision: open “Show answer” under any question.

NBC Part 4 MCQ: scope and fire zones (11 questions)

Eleven questions on which buildings Part 4 covers, how height is measured, mixed occupancy and fire zones, from clauses 1.2, 2.6, 2.24, 3.1.11 and 3.2 of NBC 2016.

Q1 In NBC 2016 Part 4, an educational building falls under the special-building scope from what height?
1. 6 m
2. 9 m
3. 12 m
4. 15 m
Show answer
B. 9 m. NBC 2016 Part 4 cl. 1.2 lists educational and institutional buildings of 9 m and above among the special buildings. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q2 What floor area on any one or more floors brings a hotel, business or mercantile building into Part 4 under NBC 2016 cl. 1.2?
1. 300 m2
2. 1,000 m2
3. 2,000 m2
4. More than 500 m2
Show answer
D. More than 500 m2. NBC 2016 cl. 1.2(b) uses more than 500 m2 on any one or more floors for these occupancies. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q3 How much incidental assembly area on any floor makes a building special under NBC 2016 cl. 1.2?
1. 100 m2
2. 200 m2
3. More than 300 m2
4. More than 500 m2
Show answer
C. More than 300 m2. NBC 2016 cl. 1.2 counts more than 300 m2 of incidental assembly on any floor; all assembly buildings are in scope anyway. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q4 Which basement arrangement brings a building into Part 4 on its own, under NBC 2016 cl. 1.2?
1. Two or more basements, or one basement over 500 m2
2. One basement of any size
3. Only basements deeper than 6 m
4. Three or more basements only
Show answer
A. Two or more basements, or one basement over 500 m2. NBC 2016 cl. 1.2 names two or more basements, or one basement larger than 500 m2. NBC 2016, Part 4

NBC fire safety MCQ: occupant load and travel (11 questions)

Eleven questions on dead ends, occupant load, exit width units and travel distance, from clauses 4.3 and 4.4.2 and Tables 3 to 5 of NBC 2016.

Q1 What is the longest dead-end corridor for an assembly building under NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.2(c)?
1. 6 m
2. 10 m
3. 15 m
4. 20 m
Show answer
A. 6 m. Cl. 4.4.2.2(c) allows 6 m for educational, institutional and assembly buildings. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q2 What is the longest dead-end corridor for a business building under NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.2(c)?
1. 6 m
2. 9 m
3. 12 m
4. 15 m
Show answer
D. 15 m. Cl. 4.4.2.2(c) gives 15 m for occupancies other than educational, institutional and assembly. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q3 How many square metres of gross floor area per person does NBC 2016 Table 3 use for residential occupancy?
1. 4.00
2. 7.50
3. 12.50
4. 20.00
Show answer
C. 12.50. Table 3 gives 12.50 m2 per person for residential buildings. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q4 Which area per person does NBC 2016 Table 3 use for educational occupancy?
1. 1.40 m2
2. 4.00 m2
3. 10.00 m2
4. 12.50 m2
Show answer
B. 4.00 m2. Table 3 gives 4.00 m2 per person for educational buildings. NBC 2016, Part 4

NBC Part 4 MCQ: doors, stairs and fire resistance (11 questions)

Eleven questions on exit doors, staircase dimensions and the fire ratings of enclosures and floors, from clauses 3.3, 4.4.2.4 and Table 1 of NBC 2016.

Q1 What is the least width of an exit door under NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.4.1?
1. 800 mm
2. 900 mm
3. 1,000 mm
4. 1,200 mm
Show answer
C. 1,000 mm. Cl. 4.4.2.4.1 asks for exit doors at least 1,000 mm wide and 2,000 mm high. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q2 What is the least exit door width for an assembly building under NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.4.1?
1. 2,000 mm
2. 1,000 mm
3. 1,500 mm
4. 2,500 mm
Show answer
A. 2,000 mm. Cl. 4.4.2.4.1 sets 2,000 mm for assembly occupancies. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q3 How many persons does a revolving door count for as an exit under NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.4.1?
1. 10
2. 25
3. 50
4. 100
Show answer
C. 50. Cl. 4.4.2.4.1 counts a revolving door as 50 persons and wants a hinged door within 3 m. NBC 2016, Part 4
Q4 How many staircases do NBC 2016 cl. 4.4.2.4.3 ask for in every building within the scope of cl. 1.2?
1. One, with a fireman's lift
2. At least two
3. Three
4. As many as the height requires, minimum none
Show answer
B. At least two. Cl. 4.4.2.4.3 asks for at least two staircases in all buildings within cl. 1.2. NBC 2016, Part 4

NBC high-rise MCQ: refuge areas and shafts (11 questions)

Eleven questions on refuge areas, firefighting shafts, pressurisation, fire officers and construction-stage water, from clause 3.4.3.2, 4.10, 6.4.2.2 and Annex E of NBC 2016.

Q1 In a building above 24 m, where does NBC 2016 Annex E, E-4(d) place the first refuge area?
1. At or just above 24 m
2. At 15 m
3. At 30 m exactly
4. On the roof only
Show answer
A. At or just above 24 m. E-4(d) puts the first refuge at or just above 24 m and then about every 15 m. NBC 2016, Annex E
Q2 What refuge area per occupant does NBC 2016 Annex E, E-4(d) use?
1. 0.1 m2
2. 0.3 m2
3. 0.5 m2
4. 1.0 m2
Show answer
B. 0.3 m2. E-4(d) uses 0.3 m2 per occupant, plus wheelchair space. NBC 2016, Annex E
Q3 Whose occupants is a refuge area sized for under NBC 2016 Annex E, E-4(d)?
1. The refuge floor and the floor above
2. Every floor of the building
3. Only the floor above
4. The two floors below
Show answer
A. The refuge floor and the floor above. E-4(d) sizes it for two consecutive floors: the refuge floor and the one above it. NBC 2016, Annex E
Q4 NBC 2016 E-4(d) adds one wheelchair space of 0.9 m2 for how many occupants?
1. 50
2. 100
3. 200
4. 500
Show answer
C. 200. E-4(d) adds one 0.9 m2 space per 200 occupants, or 15 m2 in all, whichever is higher. NBC 2016, Annex E

Part 4

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What the full bank adds, by topic
Topic	In the bank
Scope and fire zones	11
Occupant load and travel	11
Doors, stairs and fire resistance	11
Refuge areas and shafts	11

A study aid, not a guarantee of results. Flamekite is independent of every recruiting board and examining body.

Questions about NBC fire safety MCQ

How many questions are in this NBC fire safety MCQ bank?: 44, in four sets of 11: scope and fire zones, occupant load and travel, doors, stairs and fire resistance, and high-rise provisions.
Where do the answers come from?: Each answer cites a clause, table or annex of NBC 2016 Part 4, Fire and Life Safety, read from page images.
Is NBC 2016 still in force?: BIS withdrew it on 30 April 2026 and replaced it with NBCS 2026 (SP 7:2026). Many state fire rules still name the 2016 text, so its figures remain useful.
Are these NBC part 4 MCQs from past papers?: No. They are Flamekite's own questions. Neither exam notice read for this site lists NBC Part 4 as a syllabus topic.
What is the high-rise height in NBC 2016?: 15 m and above, in Annex E, E-1. A state fire law may use another height.
What is the maximum dead end in NBC 2016?: 6 m for educational, institutional and assembly buildings and 15 m for other occupancies (cl. 4.4.2.2(c)).
Does the bank cover Table 7 firefighting installations?: No. The questions cover scope, egress, fire resistance and high-rise provisions. Table 7 is on the NBC 2016 page.

Keep reading

NBC 2016 Part 4Scope, Table 7, exits and refuge areas by clause.
National Building Code 2026NBCS 2026 and what changed when NBC 2016 was withdrawn.
Fire safety norms in IndiaThe rules that apply to a building, by instrument.
Fire jobs in IndiaEvery fire career, its recruiter and official pay.
Telangana Fire Fighter examNotice, pattern and a mixed fire practice quiz.
Fire alarm system MCQ42 questions on IS 2189:2026, each cited.

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Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Flamekite checks its sources