67 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Parliament make this the largest Polity chapter here, spread across 23 exam years from 1997 to 2025. UPSC keeps returning to Money Bill and Finance Bill, joint sittings, parliamentary committees, the Speaker, and the special powers of the Rajya Sabha. Every explanation names the Article or rule that decides the answer.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 21–30 of 67 questions
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UPSC 2018Polity · Parliament
Q21. Consider the following statements: 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Communist Party of India (CPI) was the single largest opposition party in the First General Election. CPI won in 16 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) won a landslide victory, winning 364 of the 489 seats and nearly 45% of the total votes polled.
Statement 2 is correct: In 1969, an official leader of the opposition was recognized for the first time. However, it was given statutory recognition in 1977. They are also entitled to the salary, allowances and other facilities equivalent to that of a cabinet minister.
Statement 3 is incorrect: In order to receive the status of opposition party and Consequent Leader of Opposition in Loksabha tag a party should secure 10% of the total strength of the House i.e. 55 seats in the Lok Sabha.
UPSC 2018Polity · Parliament
Q22. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinise and report to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?
Explanation
Committee on Subordinate Legislation scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by Parliament are being properly exercised by the executive within the scope of such delegation. It ensures that the Executive properly exercises powers to make regulations, rules, and by-laws within the scope of delegation from Parliament. It scrutinizes subordinate legislation to ensure it aligns with the intent of the parent legislation and does not exceed the authority granted.
Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
The Committee on Government Assurances examines the assurances, promises, and undertakings given by ministers in the Parliament and reports on their implementation. The committee in the Lok Sabha comprises 15 members, while in the Rajya Sabha, it consists of 10 members. It was constituted in 1953. Rules Committee assists in the framing and amendment of the rules of procedure for the conduct of business in Parliament. The Lok Sabha committee comprises 15 members, with the Speaker serving as the ex-officio chairman. In the Rajya Sabha, the committee consists of 16 members, including the Chairman as the ex-officio chairman. The Business Advisory Committee allocates time for the consideration of bills and other business in the Parliament and decides the schedule for parliamentary sessions. The Lok Sabha committee comprises 15 members, with the Speaker serving as the chairman. In the Rajya Sabha, it consists of 11 members, with the Chairman acting as the ex-officio chairman.
UPSC 2018Polity · Parliament
Q23. Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct?
Explanation
Article 110 of the Constitution states that a bill is deemed to be a money bill if it contains ‘only’ provisions dealing with all or any of the following matters:
The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax; The regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union government; The custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India, the payment of moneys into or the withdrawal of money from any such fund; The appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India; Declaration of any expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or increasing the amount of any such expenditure; The receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India, or the custody or issue of such money, or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a state; Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified above.
UPSC 2017Polity · Parliament
Q24. For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by:
Explanation
For a candidate to stand for election to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament), certain eligibility criteria must be met, as stipulated by the Section 33 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Constitution of India such as:
1. The candidate must be a citizen of India
2. The age of the candidate should not less than 25 years of age
3. The candidate must be registered as an elector for a parliamentary constituency.
Exam tip:
For A, "Residing" is too generic. Even a foreign national or a minor may reside in India -- does that qualify them to contest Lok Sabha? Clearly no. Hence false. For B, PM Modi contested from Varanasi despite being from Gujarat. Hence likely false. For D, A 5 year old is a Citizen of India, can S/He contest? Clearly No! Hence most logical choice left is option C.
UPSC 2017Polity · Parliament
Q25. Consider the following statements: 1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected. 2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Indian constitution adopts the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system of elections where a candidate is declared elected if he/she gets a plurality of the votes, not necessarily 50 percent of the total votes polled. This means that the candidate with the highest number of votes among all contenders is declared the winner, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Under Article 93, Speaker and Deputy speaker are elected by the house. This is a convention (not constitutional provision) that usually the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition. This is an established convention to maintain a balance of power and ensure that the ruling party does not control both the key positions.
Exam tip:
For Option A, just required normal observation, Have candidates ever won elections even when many others contested, and they got only 30-35% votes?" Yes, frequently -- especially in multi-cornered contests. Hence S1 likely false. For S2, The phrase "as per the Constitution" is the trap.
UPSC 2017Polity · Parliament
Q26. The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through 1. Adjournment motion 2. Questions hour 3. Supplementary questions Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The Parliament of India exercises control over the Council of Ministers (including the Prime Minister and other ministers) through various mechanisms such as:
Adjournment Motion is introduced to draw attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance which is definite, factual, urgent, matter of recent occurrence. It needs the support of 50 members to be admitted. It involves an element of censure against the government and hence Rajya Sabha is not permitted to make use of this device. Question Hour is a crucial tool used by the members of Parliament to question the Council of Ministers regarding their decisions, actions, and the functioning of their departments. During Question Hour (usually the first hour of every sitting in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), members can ask both oral and written questions on any matter within the jurisdiction of the government. In addition to the ministers, the questions can also be asked to the private members. It has been mentioned in the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. Supplementary questions are follow-up questions asked by members of Parliament after the initial answer provided by the Minister during Question Hour. These allow for further probing and clarification on issues raised in the original question. This process enables greater scrutiny and oversight of the functioning of the Council of Ministers. Three types of Question are asked namely:- Starred Question: Require oral answer and Supplementary question can be asked. Unstarred Question: Require written answer and Supplementary question cannot be asked. Short Notice Question: Answered orally and asked on short notice of less than 10 days.
UPSC 2017Polity · Parliament
Q27. With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements: 1. A private member’s bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India. 2. Recently, a private member’s bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: A Private Member bill can be introduced by any member of the Parliament other than a minister. A bill introduced by a Minister in the Parliament is generally called a government bill. A Private member bill generally reflects the stand of the opposition party on public matters. There is less likelihood that the Parliament will adopt it. Its rejection by the House has no implication on the parliamentary confidence in the government or its resignation A 1-month notice is required before introducing the Bill. They are discussed only on Fridays in both Houses of Parliament during Private Members’ Business hours. Constitutional Amendment can be moved by Private member bill.
Statement 2 is incorrect: As of now around 14 private member’s bills have been passed since independence in Indian Parliament. Examples: The Hindu Marriage (Amendment) Bill 1956, The Orphanages & Other Charitable Homes (Supervision & Control) Bill 1960. Marine Insurance Bill 1959 etc. None have been passed in both Houses since 1970.
Exam tip:
For S1, trap lies in the phrase "not elected but only nominated", which tries to narrow the definition of "private member" to nominated MPs only. For S2, "For the first time in its history" Extreme/absolute phrase trap. Parliament has existed for decades since 1950s. Is it logical that not even one private member’s bill was ever passed before?
UPSC 2016Polity · Parliament
Q28. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:
Explanation
According to Article 249 of the Constitution.
Parliament can legislate on a matter enumerated in the State List if a resolution is passed by the Rajya Sabha.The resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting. This means the majority is calculated based on the number of members present and voting, not the total membership of the Rajya Sabha. This is subject to the National Interest clause. The Parliament can legislate on State List matters when it is required in the national interest.
UPSC 2016Polity · Parliament
Q29. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: As per Article 107(3), No bill lapses on prorogation. Prorogation does not affect the bills pending before the House.
Statement 2 is correct: A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Conditions under which Bill lapses:
1. Bills pending in the Lok Sabha (whether originating in the Lok Sabha or transmitted to it by the Rajya Sabha)
2. Bills passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha. (Note - A bill originating in Lok Sabha lapses) Conditions under which Bills does not lapse:
1. Bill not passed by the two Houses due to disagreement and if the president has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha
2. Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha.
3. Bill passed by both Houses but pending assent of the president.
4. Bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration of Houses.
UPSC 2015Polity · Parliament
Q30. Consider the following statements: 1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill. 2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants. 3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: According to Article 109 of the Constitution of India Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject the Money Bill.The Rajya Sabha can keep the Money Bill for a maximum period of 14 days. It should return the bill with or without recommendation to Lok Sabha and after which Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendation.
Statement 2 is correct: The Demands for Grants (which are the detailed estimates of expenditure) are voted in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to vote on these demands, although it can discuss them. According to Article 113 of the Constitution, only the Lok Sabha has the power to approve or reject the Demands for Grants. No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Rajya Sabha enjoys equal status with the Lok Sabha on the matter of discussion of Annual Financial Statement (Article 112). While the Rajya Sabha can discuss the budget, it cannot vote on it or pass it. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha can either accept or reject. The main power to approve the budget lies with the Lok Sabha.
Exam tip:
For S3, The word "discuss" is the key trap. Ask yourself: "Even if Rajya Sabha has no power to vote on money matters, does that mean it can’t even discuss them?" Clearly No! as it would be extreme, hence likely false.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
21
2018
(b) 2 only
22
2018
(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
23
2018
(c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of money out of the Contingency Fund of India.
24
2017
(c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
25
2017
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
26
2017
(d) 1, 2 and 3
27
2017
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
28
2016
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting
29
2016
(b) 2 only
30
2015
(b) 1 and 2 only
What UPSC has tested in Parliament
A Money Bill (Article 110) can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha; the Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes, within fourteen days.
A joint sitting under Article 108 is not available for a Money Bill or a Constitution Amendment Bill.
There is no mention of a no-confidence motion in the Constitution; it arises from collective responsibility and the Lok Sabha’s rules.
The Rajya Sabha can empower Parliament to legislate on a State List subject by a two-thirds resolution of members present and voting (Article 249).
The Estimates Committee is the largest parliamentary committee; the Speaker appoints the Public Accounts Committee’s chairman.
A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution; a bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha also lapses.
Four Delimitation Commissions have been constituted so far, under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Parliament?
This page covers 67 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Parliament (Polity), asked from 1997 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
What is a Money Bill and who can introduce it?
A bill dealing only with matters in Article 110, such as taxation and Consolidated Fund spending. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha on the President’s recommendation, and the Speaker certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill.
When can a joint sitting of Parliament be held?
Under Article 108, when the Houses disagree on an ordinary or financial bill after specified delays. It is not allowed for Money Bills or Constitution Amendment Bills. Only three joint sittings have occurred: 1961, 1978 and 2002.
Which is the largest committee of Parliament?
The Estimates Committee, with thirty members, all drawn from the Lok Sabha. The Public Accounts Committee has twenty-two members, fifteen from the Lok Sabha and seven from the Rajya Sabha.
What happens to pending bills when the Lok Sabha is dissolved?
A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses, as does a bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse.
Which special powers does the Rajya Sabha have?
It can pass a resolution by two-thirds of members present and voting that Parliament legislate on a State List subject in the national interest (Article 249), and can authorise the creation of new All-India Services (Article 312).
