2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on President (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 2025Polity · President
Q1. Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India: I. The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. II. The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: While the President’s pardoning power is broad, it is not absolute. The Supreme Court has held that judicial review is permissible if the decision is arbitrary, mala fide, or based on irrelevant considerations (e.g., political favoritism). In the landmark case of Maru Ram v. Union of India (1980) it was established that courts can intervene if constitutional principles are violated.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In the Maru Ram v. Union of India case, the Supreme Court made it clear that the President’s power to grant pardons under Article 72 is an executive responsibility and must be carried out based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, as required by Article 74. The President does not have the authority to use this power independently.
Exam tip:
For S1, it is a well known fact that "everything" is under Judicial review in India, hence S1 is likely true too. For S2, In India, no discretionary power exists for the President unless the Constitution explicitly says so. Since Article 72 has no such exception, the Council’s advice is mandatory. Hence likely false.
UPSC 2025Polity · President
Q2. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: 1. An Ordinance can amend any Central Act. 2. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right. 3. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Article 123 of the Constitution empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament. These ordinances have the same force and effect as an act of Parliament, but are in the nature of temporary laws.
Statement 1 is correct: An ordinance, issued under Article 123 of the Constitution when Parliament is not in session, has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament. Therefore, it can amend any existing Central Act, just like a regular law passed by Parliament.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Although an ordinance has the force of law, it is subject to constitutional limitations. As per Article 13(2), the State cannot make any law--including an ordinance--that abridges or takes away Fundamental Rights. Any such ordinance would be unconstitutional and liable to be struck down by the judiciary.
Statement 3 is correct: An ordinance can be given retrospective effect, similar to laws passed by the legislature. There is no constitutional bar on making an ordinance effective from a back date, as long as the ordinance explicitly provides for it.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2025
(a) I only
2
2025
(c) I and III only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on President?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on President (Polity), asked from 1996 to 2025. 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 President?
Questions on President (Polity) are available for 9 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
