Introduction
Indian Polity is an important area of UPSC Prelims preparation because questions can test constitutional provisions, Parliament, constitutional bodies, fundamental rights, governance institutions and other aspects of the Indian political system.
This practice set brings together 75 Polity questions covering important constitutional provisions and concepts, followed by 15 selected UPSC Previous Year Questions for additional practice. The questions are intended to help aspirants revise key topics, test their recall and identify areas that require further study.
Use this practice set alongside the UPSC syllabus, standard Polity books and previous-year question papers rather than treating MCQ practice as a substitute for conceptual preparation.
How to Use This Practice Set
Try to answer each question before checking the answer. After completing a section, review the explanations and note the constitutional provisions, institutions or concepts that require further revision. The 15 PYQs at the end can then be used to test your understanding against actual UPSC question patterns.
📌 Why Polity is Important for UPSC Prelims
Indian Polity is an important area of UPSC Prelims because questions can test constitutional provisions, Parliament, constitutional bodies, fundamental rights, governance institutions and the functioning of the political system. Regular revision of these areas, combined with previous-year question analysis, can help aspirants identify recurring concepts and improve their preparation.
75 Important Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims
Practice the following Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims carefully.
Question 1-20: Fundamental Constitutional Concepts
Question 1
Who is known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. B. R. Ambedkar
C. Rajendra Prasad
D. Sardar Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
Question 2
Which part of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights?
A. Part II
B. Part III
C. Part IV
D. Part V
Answer: B
Explanation: Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution.
Question 3
Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
A. Lok Sabha Speaker
B. President
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Rajya Sabha Chairman
Answer: B
Explanation: The President of India appoints the Prime Minister.
Question 4
Which article abolishes untouchability?
A. Article 15
B. Article 16
C. Article 17
D. Article 18
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 17 abolishes untouchability.
Question 5
How many schedules are currently in the Constitution?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 14
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution presently has 12 schedules.
Practicing polity questions for UPSC prelims is one of the most effective ways to revise important constitutional concepts and exam topics.
Question 6
Which body conducts elections in India?
A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. Election Commission
D. Cabinet Secretariat
Answer: C
Explanation: The Election Commission of India conducts elections.
Question 7
Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?
A. Prime Minister
B. Vice President
C. Speaker
D. President
Answer: B
Explanation: The Vice President of India presides over Rajya Sabha.
Question 8
Which amendment introduced the Goods and Services Tax?
A. 101st Amendment
B. 97th Amendment
C. 104th Amendment
D. 95th Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act introduced GST.
Question 9
Which article provides for constitutional remedies?
A. Article 32
B. Article 21
C. Article 19
D. Article 14
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 32 allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court for protection of fundamental rights.
Question 10
Who appoints the Governor of a state?
A. Prime Minister
B. Chief Minister
C. President
D. Parliament
Answer: C
Explanation: The Governor of an Indian state is appointed by the President.
These polity questions for UPSC prelims cover important topics such as fundamental rights, constitutional amendments, and governance institutions.
For effective UPSC preparation, aspirants must also develop a strong understanding of all core subjects through these Highly Recommended standard books-
Question 11
Which amendment introduced the Right to Education?
A. 86th Amendment
B. 91st Amendment
C. 97th Amendment
D. 44th Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act made education a fundamental right.
Question 12
The Directive Principles of State Policy are inspired by which country’s constitution?
A. USA
B. Ireland
C. Canada
D. Australia
Answer: B
Explanation: Directive Principles are borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
Regular practice of polity questions for UPSC prelims improves accuracy and conceptual clarity.
Question 13
Which article guarantees equality before law?
A. Article 14
B. Article 15
C. Article 16
D. Article 17
Answer: A
Question 14
The minimum age to become Prime Minister is:
A. 21
B. 25
C. 30
D. 35
Answer: B
Question 15
Which schedule contains the Union List, State List and Concurrent List?
A. Fifth Schedule
B. Sixth Schedule
C. Seventh Schedule
D. Ninth Schedule
Answer: C
These polity questions for UPSC prelims help aspirants test their understanding of important constitutional provisions and governance concepts.
Question 16
Which body interprets the Constitution?
A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. Election Commission
D. Finance Commission
Answer: B
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India interprets the Constitution.
Question 17
The term of Lok Sabha is:
A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. 7 years
Answer: B
Question 18
Which article deals with the amendment of the Constitution?
A. Article 356
B. Article 368
C. Article 370
D. Article 352
Answer: B
Question 19
The concept of judicial review in India is derived from:
A. USA
B. UK
C. Canada
D. France
Answer: A
Question 20
Which amendment introduced Panchayati Raj institutions?
A. 73rd Amendment
B. 74th Amendment
C. 86th Amendment
D. 101st Amendment
Answer: A
Explanation: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act established Panchayati Raj.
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are among the most important constitutional areas for UPSC Prelims. For focused practice on these topics, aspirants can also attempt our 100 Fundamental Rights and DPSP MCQs for UPSC Prelims 2027.
Questions 21–50: Parliament, Constitutional Bodies and Governance
These polity questions for UPSC prelims help aspirants revise important constitutional provisions and exam-relevant topics.
- Which amendment introduced municipal governance in cities?
Answer: 74th Constitutional Amendment - Who is the guardian of the Constitution?
Answer: Supreme Court - What is the quorum required in Lok Sabha?
Answer: One-tenth of total membership - Which article deals with emergency provisions?
Answer: Article 352 - Who administers the oath to the President?
Answer: Chief Justice of India - What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha?
Answer: 552 - Which body recommends distribution of tax revenue between Centre and States?
Answer: Finance Commission - Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18 years?
Answer: 61st Amendment - Which article deals with President’s Rule in states?
Answer: Article 356 - Which institution audits government expenditure?
Answer: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) - What is the tenure of the President of India?
Answer: 5 years - Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?
Answer: President - Which amendment added Fundamental Duties?
Answer: 42nd Amendment - Which schedule deals with tribal areas in Northeast India?
Answer: Sixth Schedule - Which house of Parliament cannot be dissolved?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Who presides over joint sessions of Parliament?
Answer: Speaker of Lok Sabha - Which article provides freedom of speech?
Answer: Article 19 - Which body resolves disputes between states?
Answer: Supreme Court - Which amendment introduced the Anti-Defection Law?
Answer: 52nd Amendment - Which article establishes the Election Commission?
Answer: Article 324 - What is the retirement age of Supreme Court judges?
Answer: 65 years - Which amendment introduced GST Council?
Answer: 101st Amendment - Who appoints the Attorney General of India?
Answer: President - Which article guarantees life and personal liberty?
Answer: Article 21 - Which amendment introduced women reservation in legislatures?
Answer: 106th Constitutional Amendment Act - Who is the head of the Union Executive?
Answer: President - Which body conducts the census in India?
Answer: Registrar General of India - Which article deals with the Vice President?
Answer: Article 63 - What is the minimum age to become President?
Answer: 35 years - Which amendment removed the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right?
Answer: 44th Amendment
Question 51-75: Advanced Polity Practice
Attempt the following Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims 2027 carefully. These additional questions are designed for advanced practice.
Q51. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution deals with the Right to Constitutional Remedies?
A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 32
D. Article 226
✅ Answer: C
Q52. The concept of Judicial Review in India is borrowed from:
A. UK
B. USA
C. Canada
D. Australia
✅ Answer: B
Q53. Which of the following is not a Fundamental Duty?
A. To protect the sovereignty of India
B. To safeguard public property
C. To vote in elections
D. To promote harmony
✅ Answer: C
Q54. The President of India can be removed by:
A. Supreme Court
B. Parliament through impeachment
C. Prime Minister
D. Election Commission
✅ Answer: B
Q55. Which Schedule of the Constitution deals with Anti-Defection Law?
A. 8th Schedule
B. 9th Schedule
C. 10th Schedule
D. 11th Schedule
✅ Answer: C
Q56. The power to amend the Constitution is vested in:
A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. President
D. State Legislatures
✅ Answer: A
Q57. Which of the following bodies conducts elections in India?
A. UPSC
B. Election Commission
C. Parliament
D. Law Commission
✅ Answer: B
Q58. The minimum age to become the Prime Minister of India is:
A. 25 years
B. 30 years
C. 35 years
D. No minimum age specified
✅ Answer: A
Q59. Which Article deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy?
A. Article 12
B. Article 36
C. Article 51
D. Article 368
✅ Answer: B
Q60. The Vice-President of India is elected by:
A. Only Lok Sabha
B. Only Rajya Sabha
C. Both Houses of Parliament
D. State Assemblies
✅ Answer: C
Q61. The term of the Lok Sabha is:
A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. 7 years
✅ Answer: B
Q62. Which of the following is a Constitutional Body?
A. NITI Aayog
B. Finance Commission
C. CBI
D. Planning Commission
✅ Answer: B
Q63. The Attorney General of India is appointed by:
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Parliament
✅ Answer: A
Q64. Which Article deals with Emergency provisions?
A. Article 352
B. Article 370
C. Article 356
D. Article 360
✅ Answer: A
Q65. The Panchayati Raj system is mentioned in which part of the Constitution?
A. Part IX
B. Part VIII
C. Part X
D. Part XI
✅ Answer: A
Q66. The Supreme Court of India was established in:
A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1952
D. 1949
✅ Answer: B
Q67. Which of the following is not a part of the Parliament?
A. President
B. Lok Sabha
C. Rajya Sabha
D. Supreme Court
✅ Answer: D
Q68. Which Article deals with Citizenship?
A. Article 5
B. Article 14
C. Article 21
D. Article 32
✅ Answer: A
Q69. The Governor of a state is appointed by:
A. Chief Minister
B. President
C. Parliament
D. Supreme Court
✅ Answer: B
Q70. Which of the following is a feature of Federalism?
A. Unitary power
B. Division of powers
C. Single government
D. No constitution
✅ Answer: B
Q71. The Finance Commission is constituted every:
A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years
✅ Answer: C
Q72. Which Article deals with the Election Commission?
A. Article 324
B. Article 326
C. Article 330
D. Article 356
✅ Answer: A
Q73. The concept of Secularism means:
A. State religion
B. Equal respect to all religions
C. No religion
D. Only one religion
✅ Answer: B
Q74. Which of the following is not a Directive Principle?
A. Equal pay for equal work
B. Right to education
C. Promotion of cottage industries
D. Uniform Civil Code
✅ Answer: B
Q75. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by:
A. President
B. Members of Lok Sabha
C. Prime Minister
D. Rajya Sabha
✅ Answer: B
📌 15 Selected UPSC Polity Previous Year Questions
The following 15 questions are selected UPSC Polity Previous Year Questions from 2009 to 2023. Use them to understand the type of conceptual and analytical questions asked in the examination.
Carefully Tackle the following Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims 2027. These are real Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims asked in previous years.
Q1. (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Consider the following statements:
- The Constitution of India defines its basic structure.
- The Supreme Court has the power to review its own judgments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Q2. (UPSC Prelims 2022)
With reference to India, consider the following statements:
- Government law officers and legal firms are recognized as advocates.
- Communications through e-mails are considered valid for contracts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: C
Q3. (UPSC Prelims 2021)
Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
A. The independence of judiciary is safeguarded
B. The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units
C. The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties
D. The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts
✅ Answer: B
Q4. (UPSC Prelims 2020)
Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?
A. Fundamental Rights
B. Directive Principles of State Policy
C. Preamble
D. Seventh Schedule
✅ Answer: B
Q5. (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Consider the following statements:
- The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced the provision of Fundamental Duties.
- The Constitution of India originally provided for Fundamental Rights.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Q6. (UPSC Prelims 2018)
Which one of the following reflects the best description of the term “constitutional morality”?
A. Adherence to the core principles of the Constitution
B. Rule of law
C. Separation of powers
D. Judicial review
✅ Answer: A
Q7. (UPSC Prelims 2017)
Which of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?
A. Dual polity
B. Written Constitution
C. Supremacy of Constitution
D. Rigid Constitution
✅ Answer: D
Q8. (UPSC Prelims 2016)
Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
- Sending a report to the President recommending President’s Rule
- Reserving certain bills for the consideration of the President
- Making rules to conduct business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Q9. (UPSC Prelims 2015)
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through:
- Adjournment motion
- Question hour
- Supplementary questions
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. None
✅ Answer: C
Q10. (UPSC Prelims 2014)
Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”?
- Limitation of powers
- Equality before law
- People’s responsibility to the Government
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Q11. (UPSC Prelims 2013)
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Indian Constitution?
- It is partly rigid and partly flexible
- It provides for parliamentary form of government
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
✅ Answer: C
Q12. (UPSC Prelims 2012)
The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in:
A. President
B. Parliament
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Law Commission
✅ Answer: B
Q13. (UPSC Prelims 2011)
The “basic structure doctrine” was propounded in which case?
A. Golaknath Case
B. Kesavananda Bharati Case
C. Minerva Mills Case
D. Shankari Prasad Case
✅ Answer: B
Q14. (UPSC Prelims 2010)
Who among the following has the authority to declare a Financial Emergency?
A. Prime Minister
B. President
C. Parliament
D. Supreme Court
✅ Answer: B
Q15. (UPSC Prelims 2009)
The concept of “Public Interest Litigation” originated in:
A. UK
B. USA
C. India
D. France
✅ Answer: B
Solving previous year Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims helps in understanding exam trends.
Most Important Resources for UPSC Prelims 2027
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Why Practicing Polity Questions is Important for UPSC
MCQ practice can help aspirants revise constitutional provisions, test factual recall and identify areas that need further study. Previous Year Questions are particularly useful because they show how Polity concepts have been tested in the examination.
For effective preparation, combine question practice with conceptual study, the UPSC syllabus and regular revision of previous-year questions.
Regular practice combined with conceptual clarity can significantly improve performance in the UPSC Prelims examination.
External Resources
Conclusion: Why Practicing Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims is Important
This practice set brings together 75 polity questions for UPSC prelims covering important constitutional provisions, institutions and concepts, followed by 15 selected UPSC Previous Year Questions. Together, they provide a structured way to revise key areas of Indian Polity and understand how constitutional concepts have been tested in the examination.
Use these questions for revision and self-assessment, but return to the relevant constitutional provisions or standard reference material whenever a concept is unclear. Regular practice combined with conceptual understanding and previous-year question analysis can make Polity preparation more systematic.
FAQ
How many polity questions are asked in UPSC Prelims?
Polity questions can form a significant part of the General Studies Paper I syllabus, although the number and distribution can vary from year to year.
About the Author
Vijay Kumar Sinha is a writer and researcher focused on UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains for General Studies topics like Governance, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity and All other topics (including CSAT) relevant for UPSC and State Civil Services Exam preparation.Through “Knowledge Chronicles Plus”, he aims to simplify complex political and administrative developments to help aspirants connect current events with their examination preparation.
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