Directive Principles of State Policy: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)
4 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 1–4 of 4 questions
UPSC 2020Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q1. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of a Welfare State?
Explanation
DPSP embodies the concept of a ‘welfare state’. A welfare state refers to a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the economic and social well-being of its citizens. Article 38 (1) states that "The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life".
UPSC 2020Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q2. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. They shall be enforceable by courts. 2. They shall not be enforceable by any court 3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Part IV of the Constitution of India deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which are outlined in Articles 36 to 51.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The DPSP are not enforceable by courts. According to Article 37, the DPSPs are not justiciable (i.e., they cannot be enforced through legal action in courts). They are not legally binding and do not carry any legal consequences if violated.
Statement 2 is correct: The provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court. This means that citizens cannot directly approach the courts for the enforcement of these principles, unlike Fundamental Rights (which are enforceable in court).
Statement 3 is correct: Although DPSPs are not enforceable by courts, they are intended to influence the state’s policies and lawmaking process. They act as guiding principles for the government to ensure that the laws passed are aligned with the values of social justice, equality, and welfare.
Exam tip:
"If DPSPs were enforceable by courts, then what would be the difference between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights?"" That would make Part IV = Part III, which destroys the constitutional balance, hence S1 is likely false. Eliminate options A and C."
UPSC 2020Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q3. In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by
Explanation
Article 50 (Part IV, Directive Principle of State Policy) specifically addresses the separation of the judiciary from the executive. This principle is rooted in liberal-intellectual ideals, which align with the doctrine of separation of powers. The separation ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches function independently, preventing the concentration of power in one branch. By doing so, it helps safeguard individual rights and freedoms, crucial for a functioning democracy.
UPSC 2020Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q4. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following types of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000. 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000. 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000. 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Free legal services are available to the groups of society that are listed under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, they are:
Women and children Members of SC/ST Industrial workmen Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought, earthquake industrial disaster Disabled persons Persons in custody Persons whose annual income does not exceed 1 lakh or may be prescribed by the State Government Beggars or those who have fallen victim to human trafficking.
Statement 2 is correct: Income limit for Transgender is Rs. 2,00,000.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Though there is a provision for free aid to members of SC and ST community, the Legal Services Authority does not mention Other Backward Classes (OBC) while providing free legal services.
Statement 4 is incorrect: The provision of free legal services to Senior Citizens is dependent on the rules framed by the respective state governments who can prescribe income limits. As a result, not all elderly people qualify for free legal assistance.
Exam tip:
For S4, "All Senior citizens" is an absolute claim, with this logic even Tata and Ambanis are also possible beneficiaries!, hence likely false. Eliminate options B and D.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
2
2020
(d) 2 and 3 only
3
2020
(b) A Directive Principle of State Policy
4
2020
(a) 1 and 2 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Directive Principles of State Policy?
This page covers 4 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.
