UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Which of the following ideals is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Dignity — This question asks which fundamental ideal is absent from the explicit text of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution explicitly mentions the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, along with sovereignty and secularism. Among the given options, "Dignity" is notably absent from the original language of the Preamble, though it has become an important constitutional principle through judicial interpretation and amendments. Sovereignty, Secularism, and Liberty are all directly stated in the Preamble ("We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Democratic Republic"), whereas Dignity, though a core constitutional value, is not explicitly written in the Preamble's text itself. The correct answer is (C) Dignity, as it is not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

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A. Sovereignty

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B. Secularism

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D. Liberty

Question 2

Consider the following statements regarding Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): 1. DPSP are enforceable through courts 2. DPSP provide guidance for legislation and administration 3. DPSP take precedence over Fundamental Rights 4. DPSP aim to establish a welfare state Which stateme

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. 2 and 4 — This question tests knowledge of the fundamental characteristics and nature of Directive Principles of State Policy under the Indian Constitution. The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-enforceable constitutional provisions that guide the state in framing laws and policies to achieve social and economic justice. Let me analyze each statement: Statement 1: DPSP are enforceable through courts — This is INCORRECT. DPSP are explicitly non-justiciable, meaning courts cannot enforce them directly. Article 37 of the Constitution clearly states that no court can order their enforcement. However, courts can use them as interpretive aids while deciding cases involving Fundamental Rights. Statement 2: DPSP provide guidance for legislation and administration — This is CORRECT. The primary purpose of DPSP is to guide the state in making laws and implementing policies. Article 37 mandates that while DPSP are not enforceable by courts, they are fundamental in governance and must inform legislative and administrative decisions. Statement 3: DPSP take precedence

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A. 1 and 3

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C. 1, 2 and 4

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D. All of the above

Question 3

The power to approve the resignation of a Minister lies with:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. President of India — This question asks about the constitutional authority responsible for accepting a Minister's resignation in India. The power to approve the resignation of a Minister lies with the President of India because Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President as per Article 75(1) of the Indian Constitution. While a Minister typically submits their resignation to the Prime Minister, the formal acceptance and approval of that resignation is a constitutional power vested with the President. The Speaker of Lok Sabha has no role in this matter, the Prime Minister can only recommend but cannot formally accept resignations, and the Chief Justice of India has no constitutional authority over executive appointments or resignations. The correct answer is (B) President of India, as the President is the constitutional authority empowered to approve ministerial resignations under Article 75(1) of the Indian Constitution.

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A. Speaker of Lok Sabha

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C. Prime Minister

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D. Chief Justice of India

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the 42nd Amendment (Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976) is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. It reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years — # Solution: 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution This question asks which statement about the 42nd Amendment (1976) is incorrect by identifying the false claim among four options. The 42nd Amendment, also known as the "Mini Constitution," was passed during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and made significant changes to the Constitution. Option (A) - Adding 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble: CORRECT The 42nd Amendment inserted the words "Socialist" and "Secular" into the Preamble of the Constitution, along with changing "Union of India" to "Sovereign Democratic Republic." Option (C) - Limiting judiciary's power to review laws: CORRECT The 42nd Amendment curtailed the power of courts to review laws by adding Article 31C, which prevented judicial review of laws related to property and socio-economic rights. Option (D) - Removing Right to Property from Fundamental Rights: CORRECT The 42nd Amendment removed the Right to Property from Part III (Fundamental Rights) and demoted it to Part

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A. It added 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble

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C. It limited the power of judiciary to review laws

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D. It removed Right to Property from Fundamental Rights

Question 5

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, which provides the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights, is itself considered a Fundamental Right. Which of the following best describes why this is significant?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. It provides a direct remedy mechanism to protect other Fundamental Rights — This question examines the constitutional significance of Article 32 as a fundamental right that enables the enforcement of all other fundamental rights. Article 32 of the Indian Constitution is itself a Fundamental Right because it creates the mechanism through which citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court to enforce their other Fundamental Rights. This is significant because without this right, other fundamental rights would lack a direct and accessible remedy mechanism. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and can issue writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto) to protect citizens when their fundamental rights are violated. By making Article 32 itself a fundamental right, the Constitution ensures that the enforcement machinery for fundamental rights cannot be suspended or removed, even during emergencies, making it the foundation upon which all other fundamental rights rest. The correct answer is (C) because Article 32 provi

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A. It allows citizens to challenge constitutional amendments

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B. It makes the Supreme Court a constitutional body with original jurisdiction

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D. It grants immunity to the Supreme Court from legislative override

Question 6

Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which of the following is NOT a mandatory function of Gram Panchayats?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Collection of income tax from citizens — This question tests knowledge of the mandatory functions assigned to Gram Panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act established a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj and defined the powers and functions of Gram Panchayats through the 11th Schedule of the Constitution. The mandatory functions listed in the 11th Schedule focus on local development, social welfare, and community services. Options (A), (B), and (C) are all explicitly mentioned as mandatory functions: collection of agricultural statistics and census data supports rural planning, maintenance of community assets ensures public infrastructure upkeep, and organization of adult education promotes literacy and skill development at the grassroots level. Option (D), collection of income tax from citizens, is NOT a mandatory function of Gram Panchayats. Income tax collection is a function of the Union Government's revenue department, not local governance bodies. Gram Panchayats operate under the fiscal framework de

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A. Collection of agricultural statistics and census data

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B. Maintenance of community assets

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C. Organization of adult education

Question 7

A bill is passed by both houses of Parliament with the required majority, but the President returns it without assent along with a message. The bill is then re-passed by both houses with a 2/3 majority. What is the constitutional status of this bill?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. It becomes law without Presidential assent — This question concerns the constitutional procedure when a bill is rejected by the President and subsequently re-passed by Parliament with a special majority. Step 1: Understanding Presidential Veto Power When the President returns a bill without assent along with a message, this is called a "veto." The President is exercising constitutional discretion under Article 111 of the Indian Constitution. Step 2: Re-passage with 2/3 Majority Requirement According to Article 111, if both houses of Parliament re-pass the bill with a majority of not less than 2/3 of members present and voting, the bill must be presented to the President again. 	ext{Required Majority} = \frac{2}{3} 	ext{ of members present and voting} Step 3: Automatic Assent After 2/3 Re-passage When a bill is re-passed with the constitutionally mandated 2/3 majority, the President has no option but to give assent. The bill becomes law automatically without requiring Presidential consent—the 2/3 majority effectively overrides the Presidential veto. The bill becom

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B. It requires the President's assent to become law

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C. It is rejected and cannot be reintroduced in the same session

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D. It becomes law only if the President assents after reconsideration

Question 8

In the context of the division of powers between Union and States, which of the following subjects is in the CONCURRENT LIST?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Criminal law and procedure — This question tests knowledge of India's constitutional division of legislative powers between the Union and States through the three lists in the Seventh Schedule. Criminal law and procedure is correctly placed in the Concurrent List because both Union and State governments need authority to maintain law and order within their respective jurisdictions. The Indian Constitution divides subjects into three lists: - Union List (List I): Subjects under exclusive Union control like Defense, Foreign Affairs, Currency, and Coinage—these cannot be legislated by States. - State List (List II): Subjects under exclusive State control like police, public order, and agriculture. - Concurrent List (List III): Subjects where both Union and States can legislate, with Union law prevailing in case of conflict. Criminal law and procedure is here because States handle most criminal cases while the Union sets the Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code framework. Analyzing the options: Defense (A), Currency and coinage (C), and Foreign affairs (D) are

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A. Defense

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C. Currency and coinage

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D. Foreign affairs

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions