Indian Polity: Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQ PYQ.
UPSC Prelims Indian Polity previous year questions in the "Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQ" question pattern — real questions with answers and explanations.
5 questions · sorted by year
2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQFundamental Rights & Liberties
'X' was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. Y pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:
A.'X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
B.The view of Y that 'law' included custom is not correct.
C.The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct.
D.The view of only 'Y' is correct.
Explanation: * Only Y's view is correct: Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution defines "law" broadly and explicitly, stating that it includes ordinances, orders, bye-laws, rules, regulations, notifications, and custom or usage having the force of law within India's territory. * X's understanding is legally incomplete because it ignores custom, which is explicitly written into the constitutional text and confirmed by landmark judicial rulings like Sant Ram v. Labh Singh.
Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?
A.C. Rajagopalachari
B.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C.T.T. Krishnamachari
D.Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Explanation: * (d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha is correct: During the inaugural assembly meeting on December 9, 1946, Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was elected as the temporary/provisional President of the Constituent Assembly because he was the oldest member present, following historical French parliamentary convention. Later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was formally elected as the permanent President of the assembly.
Which one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India?
A.Inter-State trade and commerce is a State subject under the State List.
B.Inter-State migration is a State subject under the State List.
C.Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List.
D.Corporation tax is a State subject under the State List.
Explanation: * Option (a) is incorrect: Inter-State trade and commerce is explicitly enumerated in the Union List (List I) of the Seventh Schedule. * Option (b) is incorrect: Entry 81 of the Union List covers Inter-State migration. * Option (c) is correct: Entry 81 of the Union List handles Inter-State migration and inter-State quarantine. * Option (d) is incorrect: Corporation Tax is designated under Entry 85 of the Union List, making it a Union subject rather than a State subject.
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📌 Federal SystemRelevance 85%
2024Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQJudiciary & Constitutional Law
Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
A.Article 15
B.Article 16
C.Article 19
D.Article 21
Explanation: * (d) Article 21 is correct: In the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India, a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India unanimously declared that the Right to Privacy is protected as an essential fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In doing so, it explicitly overruled older historic verdicts from the M.P. Sharma (1958) and Kharak Singh (1961) cases.
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📌 Fundamental RightsRelevance 85%
2024Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQJudiciary & Constitutional Law
A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:
A.a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
B.the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
C.the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
D.the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
Explanation: * (c) is correct: The Writ of Prohibition is a judicial order issued by a superior court (Supreme Court or High Courts) directed to lower courts, tribunals, or quasi-judicial bodies to halt or prohibit them from continuing proceedings that exceed their judicial authority or jurisdiction. It mandates judicial inactivity (unlike mandamus which commands action) and cannot be issued against administrative officials, private individuals, or legislative bodies.
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📌 Supreme CourtRelevance 95%
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