13 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Polity in the UPSC 2025 Prelims. 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 11–13 of 13 questions
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UPSC 2025Polity · Schedules
Q11. Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule 1. the State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration 2. the Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circum- stances on the recommendations of the Governor Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: When an area in a State is declared as a Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the State Government does not lose its executive power. Instead, the Governor is given special responsibilities for administering such areas, including the power to modify or exclude the application of laws. A local body does not assume total administration; rather, a Tribal Advisory Council may be constituted to advise on matters related to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Union Government cannot take over the total administration of Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule simply based on the Governor’s recommendation. While the Governor submits an annual report to the President regarding the administration of such areas, the executive powers remain with the State Government unless a separate constitutional mechanism like President’s Rule under Article 356 is invoked, which is unrelated to the Fifth Schedule provisions. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter: Scheduled and Tribal Areas
Exam tip:
Absolutist phrases like "loses all power" or "Union takes over" are usually traps. The Indian Constitution is designed to balance autonomy and oversight -- not to enable such total transfers of authority. For S1, The phrase "loses executive power" is extreme and totalitarian, which is unconstitutional in India’s quasi-federal system. Hence S1 is likely false due to the absolutism it suggests. For S2, The expression "Union can take over administration" implies an extraordinary breakdown, which isn’t the purpose of the Fifth Schedule. In reality, such a takeover would require constitutional machinery failure, not just Scheduled Area status. Hence likely false.
UPSC 2025Polity · Constitutional Amendment
Q12. Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: 1. List I-Union List, in the Seventh Schedule 2. Extent of the executive power of a State 3. Conditions of the Governor’s office For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: An amendment that relates to List I - Union List in the Seventh Schedule affects the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States. As per Article 368(2) of the Constitution, any such amendment requires ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States.
Statement 2 is correct: The extent of the executive power of a State is a subject where any constitutional amendment requires ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures, as it affects the balance of power between the Union and the States under Article 368(2).
Statement 3 is incorrect: Amendments regarding the conditions of the Governor’s office do not require ratification by State Legislatures. These can be passed by a special majority in Parliament alone, without involving the States.
Exam tip:
For S3, Governor = Nominee of the President (appointed by Union).The post exists in the state, but the "conditions" of office (like tenure, salary, powers) are controlled by the Union, not the State. Keyword red flag: "Conditions" "Federal distribution of power". Conditions (salary, tenure, allowances, immunities) are administrative. They do not change who governs what. So, unless the actual division of powers is altered, no state ratification is needed. Hence S3 is likely false, giving option A as correct.
UPSC 2025Polity · Governor
Q13. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. 2. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office. 3. Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: As per Article 361(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. This provision ensures the dignity and independence of the constitutional office.
Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 361(2), no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor in any court during their term of office. Additionally, they shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that time.
Statement 3 is correct: According to Article 194(2) of the Constitution, members of a State Legislature shall not be liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote given by them in the Legislature or any committee thereof. This is part of the parliamentary privileges granted to legislators.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2025
(d) Neither I nor II
12
2025
(a) I and II only
13
2025
(d) I, II and III
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Polity?
This page covers 13 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Polity in the UPSC 2025 Prelims, 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 Polity?
Questions on Polity in the UPSC 2025 Prelims are available for 30 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
