Directive Principles of State Policy: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Directive Principles of State Policy (Polity). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2017Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q1. Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution?
Explanation
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, was enacted during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It significantly altered the Constitution adding in the Preamble socialist, secular, and integrity objectives.
Option (b) is correct: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added three new Directive Principles to the original list and they are:
Article 39 A: To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor. Article 43 A: To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries. Article 48 A: To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
Additional insight:
Other additions to DPSPs were: 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 added Article 38(2): The State shall strive to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities among individuals and groups residing in different areas or engaged in different occupations. 86th Amendment Act of 2002: It modified Article 45 and introduced Article 21A, making elementary education a fundamental right.
UPSC 2017Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q2. Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon 1. legislative function. 2. executive function. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The directive principles are in the nature of instruments of instruction to the government of the day to achieve certain ends by their actions. Directive Principles of State Policy does not impose any limitations on any organ of the State but they act as moral and political obligations for the state to pursue welfare-oriented policies. It is a guideline that the government of the day can use for the welfare of the socially and economically backward classes while framing any rules. It is the fundamental rights that constitute limitations upon state action (whether legislative or executive).
Exam tip:
DPSPs are guiding principles, not binding restrictions. They are meant to guide legislation and executive actions -- not limit them. So logically, "limitation" guidance. Hence both statements are likely false.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2017
(b) Participation of workers in the management of industries
2
2017
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Directive Principles of State Policy?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Directive Principles of State Policy (Polity), asked from 2002 to 2021. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Directive Principles of State Policy?
Questions on Directive Principles of State Policy (Polity) are available for 10 years, from 2002 to 2021. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
