365 previous year UPSC Prelims Polity questions are on this page, from 1996 to 2025, across 30 exam years and 29 chapters. Parliament is the largest chapter, followed by Miscellaneous, Fundamental Rights and the Higher Judiciary. Filter by chapter to practise one topic, or by year to see how a single paper treated Polity. Every option opens with its correct answer and a full explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 61–70 of 365 questions
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UPSC 2021Polity · Basic Concepts
Q61. What is the position of the Right to Property in India
Explanation
Originally, the Indian Constitution recognized the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31. Later, the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 abolished the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right. It was then made a legal right under Article 300-A of the Constitution. Article 300-A states: "No person shall be deprived of his property save by Authority of Law." Thus, the Right to Property in India is now a legal right available to any person, not a Fundamental Right.
UPSC 2021Polity · Salient Features of the Constitution
Q62. Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
Explanation
Option (a) is correct: According to K.K. Aziz "Indian federalism reflects a blend of centralization and decentralization, where the Union Government retains significant authority over the states while respecting the federal structure in principle. The essential features of a federation are - Two Government, division of powers, Written Constitution, Supremacy of Constitution, Rigidity of Constitution, Independent Judiciary and
Option (b) is incorrect: The Union Legislature does have representatives from different states and union territories but it is not a defining feature of federalism. In a federal system, legislative powers are typically divided between different levels of government, with both the centre and states having their own legislative bodies. In India, the Union Legislature and State Legislatures are separate and each has specific powers.
Option (c) is incorrect: The Union Cabinet can indeed have representatives from regional parties, but this does not establish India’s federal nature.
Option (d) is incorrect: Fundamental Rights being enforceable by the courts is a crucial feature of India’s democracy but it is not specifically related to federalism. The enforceability of Fundamental Rights is more about protecting individual liberties rather than directly indicating the federal character of the polity.
UPSC 2021Polity · Preamble
Q63. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?
Explanation
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is a brief introductory statement that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people. The ideals behind the Preamble to Indian Constitution is based on ‘Objective Resolution’ which were drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a "Sovereign Democratic Republic". Later, it was amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976), and added three new words-"Socialist, Secular and Integrity".
The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were not in the Preamble on 26 January 1950; they were added in 1976. Options C and D therefore describe the Preamble as it reads today, not the constitutional status on the day the Constitution came into force.
UPSC 2021Polity · Citizenship
Q64. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The Constitution of India addresses the issue of citizenship in Part II (Articles 5 to 11). It provides a framework for determining who would be considered a citizen of India on January 26, 1950.
Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship, where citizens owe allegiance only to the Indian Union. Indian citizenship ends if a person voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship. A person can acquire only one domicile by choice by taking up fixed residence in a state or region.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In India, the Head of the State is the President and as per the Indian constitution both a citizen by birth as well as a naturalised citizen are eligible for the office of President.
Statement 3 is incorrect: A foreigner who has previously received Indian citizenship, can be deprived of his citizenship. The Citizenship Act (1955) provides for acquisition and loss of citizenship. Indian citizenship can be terminated in cases where: the citizenship is obtained by fraud, shown disloyalty to the Constitution of India, unlawfully exchanged goods or information with the enemy while at war, two years of imprisonment in any country within five years of registration or naturalisation, been ordinarily resident out of India for seven years continuously.
Exam tip:
For S3, "absolute language trap" "under any circumstances" No legal system gives irreversible rights with-out any revocation mechanism. If someone turns into a terrorist, enemy agent, etc., can’t the state revoke their citizenship? yes it can!, Hence S3 likely false. For S1, By general observation: Have you ever seen around you anyone with more than 1 citizenship or domicile? Probably not, hence S1 likely true.
UPSC 2021Polity · Fundamental Rights
Q65. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
In K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Court emphasized that privacy is integral to personal dignity and autonomy. It further held that privacy must be protected from arbitrary state actions, marking a significant expansion of constitutional rights in India.
Additional insight:
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring equality for all citizens. Article 19 guarantees fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and movement. Article 29 protects cultural and educational rights, safeguarding the rights of minorities to preserve their language, culture, and script.
UPSC 2021Polity · Fundamental Rights
Q66. A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. If a legislation grants the executive or administrative authorities unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power, it violates the principle of rule of law and equality. This is because such unchecked discretion can lead to arbitrariness, which goes against the very essence of equality and fairness under Article 14. Therefore, any legislation with unrestrained discretionary powers could be deemed unconstitutional under Article 14.
Additional insight:
Article 28 (Fundamental Right): Prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly funded by the State but allows it in institutions administered by religious groups. Article 32 (Fundamental Right): Provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing individuals to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy):
Advocates for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure uniform personal laws across all communities in India.
UPSC 2021Polity · Directive Principles of State Policy
Q67. Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates:
Explanation
Under the Indian Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), found in Part IV, outline the aims and objectives that the State should strive to achieve in order to promote social and economic justice. Among these, certain principles aim to reduce economic disparities and ensure that wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few. Article 38:The State is directed to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on justice, ensuring the distribution of wealth and resources so that there are no inequalities. Article 39 (b):The State should direct its policies towards ensuring that the ownership and control of material resources are distributed in such a way that it serves the common good. Article 39 (c):The State should ensure that the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production in the hands of a few.
UPSC 2021Polity · Systems of Government
Q68. Constitutional government means:
Explanation
A constitutional government is one where the powers of the government are limited by a constitution, ensuring rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights. It operates within legal limits set by the constitution, preventing arbitrary rule and ensuring accountability. Checks and balances are in place to prevent the misuse of power, while fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens remain safeguarded. Although both democratic and non-democratic states can have a constitution, a true constitutional government ensures that all authorities function within legal constraints, upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Exam tip:
If the question asks ’What is a constitutional government?’, then the correct option must logically involve the Constitution. Only option D does that -- so it’s the most likely correct.
UPSC 2021Polity · Systems of Government
Q69. We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model? 1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. 2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Indian Parliamentary system is based on constitutional supremacy, hence power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. Whereas, the British Model is based on Parliamentary sovereignty. So, as regards the legislation, the British Parliament is supreme.
Statement 2 is correct: In India, the Supreme Court has judicial review powers and can examine the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and amendments. Under Article 145(3), Cases involving substantial constitutional questions can be referred to a Constitution Bench. This also ensures that Parliament operates within constitutional limits and cannot amend the Basic Structure (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973). In Britain, the scenario is different, here Parliament is supreme, and no court can question or strike down its laws. Unlike India, there is no concept of judicial review over parliamentary legislation, making Parliament’s decisions final and legally unchallengeable.
Additional insight:
Difference between INDIAN & BRITISH MODELS INDIAN MODEL BRITISH MODEL Republican system: Head of State (President) is indirectly elected. Monarchical system:
Head of State (King/ Queen) is hereditary.
Constitutional supremacy Parliamentary sovereignty The PM may be a member of any of the houses. The PM should be a member of the Lower House. A person who is not a member of any house can be appointed as minister, but only for six months. Usually members of parliament are appointed as ministers. No system of legal responsibility of ministers. Ministers are not required to countersign the official acts. System of legal responsibility of the minister. Ministers are required to countersign the official acts. No Shadow Cabinet Shadow Cabinet by opposition: to balance the ruling cabinet and prepare its members for future ministerial office.
UPSC 2021Polity · Higher Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts
Q70. With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India. 2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: As per Article 128 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India may, at any time, with the previous consent of the President, can request a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired judge of a High Court to sit and act as a Judge of the Supreme Court for a temporary period. Such a judge is entitled to such allowances as the president may determine. He will also enjoy all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges of a judge of the Supreme Court.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Supreme Court possesses of the Constitution. In contrast, High Courts do not have a similar constitutional provision; their power to review their own judgments arises from statutory provisions--specifically, Section 114 and Order 47 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). These statutory powers are limited in scope compared to the constitutional authority of the Supreme Court. Therefore, equating the review powers of High Courts with those of the Supreme Court is not technically accurate. Moreover, the Supreme Court has also evolved the concept of a curative petition, which extends its review jurisdiction and is not available to High Courts. Note: UPSC has given its official answer as (a).
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
61
2021
(b) Legal right available to any person
62
2021
(a) The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded.
63
2021
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
64
2021
(a) 1 only
65
2021
(c) Article 21
66
2021
(a) Article 14
67
2021
(b) the Directive Principles of State Policy
68
2021
(d) A government limited by the terms of the Constitution
69
2021
(c) Both 1 and 2
70
2021
(a) 1 only
What UPSC has tested in Polity
Parliament, Fundamental Rights, the Higher Judiciary and Local Government together account for the largest share of Polity questions in this set.
Recent papers test statements about institutions: the Governor, the President’s ordinance and pardoning powers, Lokpal, Scheduled Areas and the Speaker’s office.
Older papers lean on single-fact recall: which Article, which Amendment, which Schedule.
The 2025 paper’s Polity questions fall in Parliament, President, Governor, Constitutional Amendment, Schedules, Centre-State Relations, Local Government and non-constitutional bodies.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Polity?
This page covers 365 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Polity, asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Which Polity chapters has UPSC asked about most?
In this set, Parliament has the most questions, followed by the Miscellaneous group, Fundamental Rights, the Higher Judiciary, Local Government, the Directive Principles and the constitutional bodies. Small chapters such as Citizenship and Judicial Review have only one question each.
How do I practise Polity PYQs chapter by chapter?
Use the Chapter filter on this page, or open a chapter link such as Preamble or Parliament. Each chapter page gives its own questions, answer key and the facts UPSC has tested, so you can finish one topic before moving to the next.
Does this page include the 2025 UPSC Prelims paper?
Yes. The 2025 paper’s Polity questions are included, and you can open them alone with the Year filter set to 2025. They cover Parliament, the President’s powers, the Governor, Schedules, Panchayats, Lokpal and Centre-State bodies.
Are cancelled or disputed UPSC questions included?
No. Questions UPSC cancelled, and questions where the available answer key is disputed, are left out so that every question here has a single correct answer with an explanation you can rely on.
