i am trying to make an if statement that accomplishes something like, If c1=b1 then d1 = pick a choice from the data validation list(drop down list) that is from e1 to e5. else pick a choice from the data validation list(drop down list) that is from f1 to f5.

i am new to running macros in excel. pls advise how i need to insert a macro for a particular cell and then copy it to the other cells below it i.e for d2,d3..etc to chk for c2,c3,..etc

Am not sure whether I have understood your question correctly
according to me no need of a macro

you have validation in the cells E1 to E5 and also F1 to F5

type the following formula in D1
=IF(C1=B1,E1,F1)
if there is not entry in E1 or F1 (that is if you have not used the validation) then D1 will be zero
once you choose a validation is used to enter a value in E1 or F1 then D1 will change accordingly. try some experiments

copyp D1 down upto D5.