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Indian Polity

425 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2026 · Q76Indian PolityPolitical Theory & Conceptsmoderate

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare. Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X’s actions ?

  1. (a)Esprit de corps
  2. (b)Equity
  3. (c)Accountability
  4. (d)Delegation
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Official answer(c) Accountability

2026 · Q77Indian PolityPolitical Theory & Conceptsmoderate

In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above : 1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. 3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process ?

  1. (a)1, 3 and 4 only
  2. (b)2, 3 and 4 only
  3. (c)1 and 2 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4
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Official answer(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

2026 · Q78Indian PolityPolitical Theory & Conceptsmoderate

Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project — a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city’s reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust. What amongst the following should Ms. X do now ? 1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity 3. Propose a ‘limited disclosure’ to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)3 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 3 only

2026 · Q79Indian PolityFundamental Rightsmoderate

‘X’ was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term ‘law’ as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. ‘X’ explained that the meaning of the term ‘law’ in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. ‘Y’ pointed out that the term ‘law’ in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which ‘X’ was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below :

  1. (a)‘X’ is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
  2. (b)The view of ‘Y’ that ‘law’ included custom is not correct.
  3. (c)The views of both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are correct.
  4. (d)The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.
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Official answer(d) The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.

2026 · Q80Indian PolityConstitutional Framework & Developmentmoderate

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India : 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the ‘Constitution of India’. 2. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed. 3. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26th January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?

  1. (a)All three statements are correct.
  2. (b)There is no correct statement.
  3. (c)There are two correct statements that include statement 3.
  4. (d)There is only one correct statement.
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Official answer(b) There is no correct statement.

2026 · Q81Indian PolitySocial Justice & Vulnerable Sectionsmoderate

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination. 2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology. 3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 and 2
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)1 and 3
  4. (d)1 only
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Official answer(b) 2 only

2026 · Q82Indian PolitySocial Justice & Vulnerable Sectionsmoderate

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes. 3. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?

  1. (a)There are two correct statements, that include statement 2.
  2. (b)There are two correct statements, that are statements 1 and 3.
  3. (c)There is only one correct statement.
  4. (d)All three statements are correct.
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Official answer(a) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2.

2026 · Q83Indian PolityParliament & State Legislaturesmoderate

Consider the following statements in respect of questions asked by the Members in the Parliament of India : 1. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House. 2. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer. 3. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?

  1. (a)All the three statements are correct.
  2. (b)There are two correct statements, that include statement 2.
  3. (c)There is only one correct statement.
  4. (d)There is no correct statement.
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Official answer(c) There is only one correct statement.

2026 · Q84Indian PolityParliament & State Legislaturesmoderate

Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Parliament of India : 1. Although members of this Committee are elected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. 2. Twenty members are elected by the Rajya Sabha and ten members by the Lok Sabha. 3. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee. 4. Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?

  1. (a)There are four correct statements.
  2. (b)There is only one correct statement, that is statement 2.
  3. (c)There are two correct statements, that include statement 1.
  4. (d)There is no correct statement.
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Official answer(d) There is no correct statement.

2026 · Q87Indian PolityJudiciarymoderate

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct ? 1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. 2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. 3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 only
  4. (d)2 only
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Official answer(d) 2 only

2026 · Q88Indian PolityConstitutional & Statutory Bodiesmoderate

With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details : Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union Ministry 1. | Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) | To coordinate between various law enforcement agencies | Ministry of Home Affairs 2. | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) | To investigate complex corporate frauds | Ministry of Finance 3. | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | To preserve values in public life and ensure the health of the national economy | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched ?

  1. (a)1
  2. (b)2
  3. (c)3
  4. (d)None
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Official answer(a) 1

2026 · Q99Indian PolityLocal Government & Panchayati Rajmoderate

Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct ? 1. The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026. 2. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. 3. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all States and Union Territories. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 and 2
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)1 and 3
  4. (d)2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 2 only

2025 · Q54Indian PolityGovernormoderate

Consider the following statements : I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion. II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)I only
  2. (b)II only
  3. (c)Both I and II
  4. (d)Neither I nor II
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Official answer(a) I only

2025 · Q55Indian PolityConstitutional Provisionsmoderate

Consider the following pairs : Provision in the Constitution of India : Stated under I. Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the State : The Directive Principles of the State Policy II. Valuing and preserving of the rich heritage of our composite culture : The Fundamental Duties III. Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories : The Fundamental Rights How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

  1. (a)Only one
  2. (b)Only two
  3. (c)All the three
  4. (d)None
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Official answer(c) All the three

2025 · Q56Indian PolityFederalism & Centre–State Relationsmoderate

Consider the following statements : With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule I. the State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration II. the Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on the recommendations of the Governor Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)I only
  2. (b)II only
  3. (c)Both I and II
  4. (d)Neither I nor II
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Official answer(d) Neither I nor II

2025 · Q58Indian PolityConstitutional Framework & Developmentmoderate

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India : I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State III. Conditions of the Governor's office For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)II and III only
  3. (c)I and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
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Official answer(a) I and II only

2025 · Q59Indian PolityUnion & State Executiveeasy

With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements : I. The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. II. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office. III. Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)II and III only
  3. (c)I and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
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Official answer(d) I, II and III

2025 · Q87Indian PolityParliament & State Legislaturesmoderate

Consider the following statements : I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the House of the People after the dissolution. II. According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, a Member of the House of the People on being elected as Speaker shall resign from his/her political party immediately. III. The Speaker of the House of the People may be removed from his/her office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then Members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)II and III only
  3. (c)I and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
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Official answer(c) I and III only

2025 · Q88Indian PolityElections & Electoral Reformsmoderate

Consider the following statements : I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President’s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final. II. There is no mention of the word ‘political party’ in the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)I only
  2. (b)II only
  3. (c)Both I and II
  4. (d)Neither I nor II
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Official answer(d) Neither I nor II

2025 · Q91Indian PolityPanchayati Rajmoderate

Consider the following statements : I. Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States. II. To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years. III. The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats at the intermediate levels and to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties, leviable by the State, between the State and Panchayats at the intermediate level. Which of the statements given above are not correct?

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)II and III only
  3. (c)I and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
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Official answer(d) I, II and III

2025 · Q98Indian PolityConstitutional & Statutory Bodiesdifficult

Consider the following statements about Lokpal : I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson. III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)III only
  2. (b)II and III
  3. (c)I and IV
  4. (d)None of the above statements is correct
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Official answer(a) III only