This page lists 17 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Polity in the UPSC 2021 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Explanations state facts as they stood in the year each question was asked, so words like “recently” or “currently” refer to that year, not today. For the present position, check the latest Current Affairs.
Showing 11–17 of 17 questions
UPSC 2021Polity · Systems of Government
Q11. 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
Q12. 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).
UPSC 2021Polity · Constitutional Bodies
Q13. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
Explanation
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The ministry deals with forest and livelihood objectives at the national level.
UPSC 2021Polity · Governance
Q14. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: 1. The N. Gopalaswamy Iyenger Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it. 2. In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: In the report ‘Reorganisation of the Machinery of Central Government’ (1950) Sh. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar, suggested the grouping of ministries, improvement in the capabilities of the personnel, and also in the working of the Organisation and Method(O&M) Division. It nowhere mentions that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it. Moreover, it was the 1st ARC that suggested a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
Statement 2 is correct: In 1970, on the basis of the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission, the Department of Personnel was set up.
Exam tip:
For S1, "Designated solely" is an extreme phrase and thus highly improbable to be true. Designating someone of such a high post for such small specific task, is too impractical to be suggested by a committee, hence likely false.
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q15. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/ her right. 2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Parole is not a right but a privilege granted by prison authorities. Parole is a discretionary relief granted to prisoners under specific conditions. The decision to grant parole lies with the prison authorities or state authorities, and they may deny parole even if a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, depending on factors such as security risks or the nature of the crime committed.
Statement 2 is correct: Each state has its own parole rules, governed by respective State Prison Manuals and the Prisons Act, 1894. These rules outline eligibility criteria, conditions, and the authority responsible for granting parole.
Exam tip:
For S1, Trap phrase: "cannot be denied" an absolute phrase implying parole becomes a right. But in India:
Parole is not a Fundamental Right, nor is it automatically granted. Even if a "sufficient case" is made, granting parole is at the discretion of the competent authority. Hence likely false.
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q16. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail. 2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Judicial custody does not mean detention in a police station. Instead, the accused is sent to jail under the magistrate’s orders. Police custody, on the other hand, involves detention at a police station for investigation. Judicial custody ensures that the accused is under judicial supervision and not directly handled by the police.
Statement 2 is correct: During judicial custody, the police cannot interrogate the accused without prior approval from the court. This provision protects the accused from undue pressure or custodial violence while ensuring due process.
Additional insight:
Judicial custody refers to a situation where an accused person is under the custody of the court and housed in a jail, whereas police custody means the accused is detained at a police station for investigation. These are governed by provisions under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
Aspect
Judicial custody
Police custody
Authority
Under the jurisdiction of the court.
Under the jurisdiction of the police for investigation.
Detention location
The accused is sent to jail (prison or judicial lock-up).
The accused is kept in a police station lock-up.
Purpose
Ensures the accused does not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses while awaiting trial.
Allows police to interrogate the accused, gather evidence and proceed with the investigation.
Duration
Can extend up to 90 days for serious offences and 60 days for others.
Maximum 15 days, after which the accused must be presented before a magistrate.
Interrogation rights
Police need court permission to interrogate the accused in jail.
Police can directly question the accused without seeking court permission.
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q17. With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: EPF coverage is not universal for all casual workers. It applies to workers in establishments with 20 or more employees and only if they meet the eligibility criteria under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Many temporary, seasonal, or casual workers may not qualify.
Statement 2 is correct: Casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment as per the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Factories Act, 1948. These laws ensure that all workers, including casual labourers, have regulated working hours and are paid overtime wages at stipulated rates if they work beyond the prescribed hours.
Statement 3 is correct: The government can mandate wage payments through banking channels under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, which was amended by the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Act, 2017. This amendment allows the government to require industries and establishments to pay wages electronically or through bank transfers to enhance transparency and prevent exploitation.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2021
(c) Both 1 and 2
12
2021
(a) 1 only
13
2021
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
14
2021
(b) 2 only
15
2021
(b) 2 only
16
2021
(b) 2 only
17
2021
(b) 2 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Polity?
This page covers 17 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Polity in the UPSC 2021 Prelims, asked between 1996 to 2024. 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 Polity?
Questions on Polity in the UPSC 2021 Prelims are available for 29 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
