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 41–50 of 67 questions
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UPSC 2012Polity · Parliament
Q41. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements: 1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President. 2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/ her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election. 3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha. Article 93 to 97 of the Constitution of India deals with the provisions of the Presiding officer of the Lok Sabha. Usually, the Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha. There is no role of the President in removing the Speaker. Hence, The Speaker of the Lok Sabha does not hold office during the pleasure of the President. It should be noted here that, whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate his office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.
Statement 2 is incorrect: According to Article 93 of the Constitution, the Speaker must be a member of the Lok Sabha at the time of their election. The condition to become a member within six months applies to ministers under Article 75(5), not to the Speaker.
Statement 3 is correct: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has to vacate his office earlier in any of the following three cases:
If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha; If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker; and If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all, then members of the Lok Sabha. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
UPSC 2012Polity · Parliament
Q42. Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
Explanation
The Rajya Sabha has been given four exclusive or special powers that are not enjoyed by the Lok Sabha:
It can authorise the Parliament to make a law on a subject enumerated in the State List (Article 249). It can authorise the Parliament to create new All-India Services common to both the Centre and states (Article 312). Resolution for the removal of the vice-president can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha not in the Lok Sabha (Article 67). A proclamation for declaring a national emergency, President’s rule, or a financial emergency (under Articles 352, 356, and 360) can remain in effect even if it is approved only by the Rajya Sabha in case the Lok Sabha is dissolved before or during the emergency period.
UPSC 2012Polity · Parliament
Q43. A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of 1. Ordinary Legislation 2. Money Bill 3. Constitution Amendment Bill Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Provision of Joint sitting of two houses of parliament is given under Article 108. It is an extraordinary mechanism to break a deadlock between the two Houses over the passage of a bill. The president can summon joint sitting for the purpose of deliberating and voting on the bill.It is applicable to ordinary bills or financial bills only and not to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills. The quorum to constitute a joint sitting shall be one-tenth of the total number of members of the Houses. The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting. In their absence, the Deputy Speaker takes charge, followed by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. If none are available, members present elect a presiding officer.
UPSC 2012Polity · Parliament
Q44. Which reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: 1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law. 2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in partnership with the Election Commission of India. Composition: Generally, the Delimitation Commission comprises a serving or retired Supreme Court judge as the Chairperson, an Election Commissioner nominated by the Chief Election Commissioner, and the State Election Commissioners of the respective states. Objective: To determine the number and boundaries of constituencies, to identify seats reserved for SC/ST. Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times: 1952, 1963, 1973 and
2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
Statement 1 is correct: The act of Delimitation is redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies to represent changes in population and done on the basis of the preceding Census. Its objective is to ensure that all population groups are fairly represented, with equitable geographic distribution so that no political party benefits. A Delimitation Commission is in charge of carrying out this exercise, and its decisions are binding and cannot be challenged in court. However, in Kishorchandra Chhanganlal Rathod case SC held that constitutional courts have the power to review orders of the Delimitation Commission
Statement 2 is correct: When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.
UPSC 2012Polity · Parliament
Q45. Which of the following are the methods of Parliamentary control over public finance in India? 1. Placing Annual Financial Statement before the Parliament. 2. Withdrawal of money from Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill. 3. Provisions of supplementary grants and vote-on accounts. 4. A periodic or at least a mid-year review of programme macroeconomic forecasts and expenditure by a Parliamentary Budget Office. 5. Introducing the Finance Bill in the Parliament. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Article 112 of the Indian Constitution deals with placing annual financial statements in Parliament. It outlines the estimated revenue and expenditure of the government for the upcoming financial year. It is a key tool for Parliament to examine, debate, and approve the government’s financial plans:
Statement 2 is correct: Article 114 mandates that the government can withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India only after receiving approval from Parliament after passage of the Appropriation Bill.
Statement 3 is correct: If the government needs extra funds, it requests supplementary grants via a Supplementary Appropriation Bill. A Vote-on-Account provides interim funds until the full budget is approved. It is passed (or granted) after the general discussion on budget is over. It is generally granted for two months for an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the total estimation.
Statement 4 is incorrect: There is no such Parliamentary budget office to review programs of Government. The Estimate Committee of parliament reviews policies and continuously examines estimates of programs from time to time throughout the year.
Statement 5 is correct: The Finance Bill is a key legislative instrument that Parliament must pass to give effect to the government’s tax proposals, which are an essential part of the Budget.
UPSC 2011Polity · Parliament
Q46. When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha:
Explanation
If the Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha, it indicates a lack of confidence in the government’s financial proposals. Since the government is responsible for presenting and managing the budget, this failure typically results in a crisis of confidence. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are expected to resign, as the government’s authority is effectively undermined.
UPSC 2011Polity · Parliament
Q47. What is the difference between "vote-on-account" and "interim budget"? 1. The provision of a "vote-on-account" is used by a regular Government, while an "interim budget" is a provision used by a caretaker Government. 2. A "vote-on-account" only deals with the expenditure in the Government’s budget, while an "interim budget" includes both expenditure and receipts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: During the time of approaching elections, it is not practical to present a full budget, therefore the government presents an interim budget. Interim Budget can be presented by all governments whether incumbent or regular or caretaker.
Statement 2 is correct: The Appropriation Bill becomes an Act after Presidential assent, authorizing withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India. Since its enactment takes time, the government cannot withdraw funds beyond March 31. To address this, the Lok Sabha grants a ‘Vote on Account’, allowing advance funds for essential expenses, usually for two months, covering one-sixth of the total estimated expenditure, until the Appropriation Bill is passed. A vote-on-account contains only the expenditure of the government’s budget while an Interim Budget is a complete set of accounts i.e. it includes both expenditure and receipts.
UPSC 2007Polity · Parliament
Q48. Who was the Speaker of the First Lok Sabha?
Explanation
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer and the highest authority of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India. The Speaker is elected generally in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha following general elections and is responsible for conducting the business in the house and maintaining discipline and decorum. G.V. Mavalankar served as the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, from 1952 until his death in 1956.
UPSC 2007Polity · Parliament
Q49. Consider the following statements: 1. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 2. The Committee on Public Accounts comprises Members of Lok Sabha, Members of Rajya Sabha and few eminent persons of industry and trade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was established in 1921, following its initial mention in the Government of India Act, 1919. The committee scrutinizes reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to identify irregularities or inefficiencies in government spending. It is reconstituted annually under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
Statement 1 is correct: Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are elected annually by Parliament through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, ensuring fair representation for all parties. The Speaker appoints the Chairman from among its members.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The committee consists of 22 members-15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. Generally, the Chairman is appointed from the opposition party. It does not comprise any eminent personalities from industry and trade.
UPSC 2006Polity · Parliament
Q50. Consider the following statements: 1. The Rajya Sabha alone has the power to declare that it would be in national interest for the Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List. 2. Resolutions approving the proclamation of Emergency are passed only by the Lok Sabha. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Article 249 empowers the Rajya Sabha to pass a resolution allowing Parliament to legislate on matters in the State List if it is in the national interest. This resolution requires a two-thirds majority and remains in effect for one year, with the possibility of extension through subsequent resolutions.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The proclamation of emergency must be approved by a special majority of both the Houses of Parliament within one month from the date of its issue under article 352(6). If a proclamation of emergency is issued when the Lok Sabha is dissolved, or if it dissolves within one month without approval, the proclamation remains valid for 30 days from the first sitting of the newly reconstituted Lok Sabha, provided the Rajya Sabha approves it in the meantime. If approved by both the houses, the Emergency continues for 6 months and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the Parliament for every six months.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
41
2012
(b) 3 only
42
2012
(b) To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services.
43
2012
(a) 1 only
44
2012
(c) Both 1 and 2
45
2012
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
46
2011
(d) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of Council of Ministers
47
2011
(b) 2 only
48
2007
(b) G.V. Mavalankar
49
2007
(a) 1 only
50
2006
(a) 1 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).
