⚖️ GS Paper II — Polity & Governance
Indian Polity &
Constitution 2026
Complete topic-wise notes for both UPSC Prelims & Mains — Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary, Federalism, Constitutional Bodies & more
15–20
Questions in Prelims annually
30
Parliament PYQs (2015–2025)
29
Governance PYQs (2015–2025)
11
Political System PYQs
9
Judiciary PYQs (2015–2025)
Indian Polity consistently accounts for 15–20 questions in UPSC Prelims and forms the backbone of GS Paper II in Mains. It is the most predictable, high-scoring section of the exam — because it is built on a foundation of fixed constitutional text, landmark judgments, and institutional structure. Master the concepts in this guide and Polity will become your highest-scoring subject.
Topics Covered in This Guide
01
Constitution — Making & Features
02
Preamble & Basic Structure
03
Fundamental Rights (Art. 12–35)
04
DPSP & Fundamental Duties
05
Union Executive — President & PM
06
Parliament — Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
07
Judiciary — SC, HC & PIL
08
Federalism & Centre-State Relations
09
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
10
Key Amendments
11
Landmark Judgments
12
15 MCQs + Mains Templates
01
The Making & Salient Features of the Constitution
Constituent Assembly · Sources · Salient Features
The Constituent Assembly — Key Facts
Static GKConstituent Assembly formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan
Total members: 389 (299 after partition); Sessions: 11 Sessions over 2 years, 11 months, 18 days
President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad; Constitutional Advisor: Sir B.N. Rau
Drafting Committee Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — "Father of the Indian Constitution"
Constitution adopted: 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day / National Law Day)
Constitution enforced: 26 January 1950 (Republic Day) — Dr. Rajendra Prasad became 1st President
Original Constitution: 395 Articles, 8 Schedules; Current: 448 Articles, 12 Schedules, 25 Parts
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Key Features — Frequently Asked in Prelims
Longest written constitution: Most elaborate written constitution in the world
Partly rigid, partly flexible: Some provisions require special majority (Art. 368), others by simple majority
Federal with unitary bias: India is a "Union of States" — no right to secede unlike USA. Centre stronger than states.
Parliamentary system: Executive accountable to legislature. PM is real executive, President is nominal head.
Independent Judiciary: Single integrated system with Supreme Court at apex. Power of judicial review.
Single citizenship: Unlike the USA (dual citizenship), Indians have single citizenship of India.
Fundamental Rights + DPSP + Fundamental Duties: Unique triple combination not found in any other constitution.
Emergency provisions: Three types — National (Art. 352), State/President's Rule (Art. 356), Financial (Art. 360)
🧠 Mnemonic — Sources of Indian Constitution
"Big Beautiful Cats Always Jump Slowly Through Long Green Australian Marshes"
British Constitution → Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Cabinet system, Bicameralism
Bharat (Government of India Act 1935) → Federal scheme, Judiciary, Governor, Emergency provisions
Canadian Constitution → Federation with strong Centre, residuary powers with Centre
American Constitution → Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independence of Judiciary, Preamble
Japanese Constitution → Procedure established by law (Article 21)
Soviet (USSR) Constitution → Fundamental Duties (42nd Amendment), Social-Economic-Political Justice in Preamble
The Irish (Eire) Constitution → DPSP, Method of election of President, Nomination of Rajya Sabha members
Liberalism (French) → Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in the Preamble
German (Weimar) Constitution → Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
Australian Constitution → Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade & Commerce, Joint sitting of Parliament
Malaysian Constitution → Concept of "Law" in Article 13 (Right to Property)
British Constitution → Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Cabinet system, Bicameralism
Bharat (Government of India Act 1935) → Federal scheme, Judiciary, Governor, Emergency provisions
Canadian Constitution → Federation with strong Centre, residuary powers with Centre
American Constitution → Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independence of Judiciary, Preamble
Japanese Constitution → Procedure established by law (Article 21)
Soviet (USSR) Constitution → Fundamental Duties (42nd Amendment), Social-Economic-Political Justice in Preamble
The Irish (Eire) Constitution → DPSP, Method of election of President, Nomination of Rajya Sabha members
Liberalism (French) → Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in the Preamble
German (Weimar) Constitution → Suspension of Fundamental Rights during Emergency
Australian Constitution → Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade & Commerce, Joint sitting of Parliament
Malaysian Constitution → Concept of "Law" in Article 13 (Right to Property)
02
Preamble & Basic Structure Doctrine
Art. 368 · Kesavananda Bharati · What Cannot Be Amended
The Preamble — "Identity Card of the Constitution"
The Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). The Preamble is a part of the Constitution (held in Kesavananda Bharati and LIC of India case) but is not enforceable in court.
Sovereign: India is independent, not a dominion of any foreign power
Socialist: Mixed economy; state ownership of key sectors alongside private enterprise
Secular: No state religion; equal respect for all religions (positive secularism)
Democratic: Government of the people, by the people, for the people
Republic: Elected head of state (President), not hereditary
Basic Structure Doctrine — Most Important UPSC Topic
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Supreme Court 13-Judge Bench | Most Important Constitutional Case
Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368, but CANNOT amend the "Basic Structure" of the Constitution. The Basic Structure includes elements so fundamental that their removal would destroy the constitutional identity.
Held: Parliament's amending power is limited by the Basic Structure Doctrine. Even a constitutional amendment cannot destroy the identity of the Constitution.
Elements of Basic Structure (Non-exhaustive — Courts Keep Adding)
Critical for PrelimsSupremacy of the Constitution
Sovereign, Democratic, Republic character
Secular character of the Constitution
Separation of powers between Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary
Federal character of the Constitution
Judicial review
Rule of Law
Principle of equality (not any particular provision)
Free and fair elections
Independence of judiciary
Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution
03
Fundamental Rights — Articles 12–35
Part III · 6 Rights · Writs · Reasonable Restrictions
| Right | Articles | Key Provisions | Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right to Equality | 14–18 | Equality before law (14); No discrimination on religion/race/caste/sex/place of birth (15); Equality of opportunity in public employment (16); Abolition of untouchability (17); Abolition of titles (18) | Reasonable classification allowed |
| Right to Freedom | 19–22 | 6 freedoms under Art. 19: Speech, Assembly, Association, Movement, Residence, Profession. Art. 20: Protection in conviction. Art. 21: Life & Personal Liberty. Art. 21A: Right to Education (6–14 yrs). Art. 22: Protection against arrest | Reasonable restrictions under Art. 19(2)–(6) |
| Right Against Exploitation | 23–24 | Art. 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour. Art. 24: Prohibition of employment of children below 14 in factories, mines, hazardous work | Art. 23 exceptions: compulsory service for public purposes |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | 25–28 | Art. 25: Freedom of conscience, profession, practice, propagation of religion. Art. 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs. Art. 27: Freedom from tax for religious promotion. Art. 28: Freedom from religious instruction in state-aided schools | Public order, morality, health |
| Cultural & Educational Rights | 29–30 | Art. 29: Right of minorities to conserve language/script/culture. Art. 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions | State may regulate; no discrimination in aid |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | 32–35 | Art. 32: Right to move Supreme Court for enforcement of FRs (Dr. Ambedkar called it "Heart and Soul" of Constitution). 5 Writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto | Can be suspended during National Emergency (except Art. 20 and 21) |
The 5 Constitutional Writs — Critical for Prelims
| Writ | Meaning | Issued Against | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habeas CorpusMOST IMP | "You may have the body" | Any person detaining another | Released from illegal detention. Cannot be issued against private individuals except in certain cases. |
| Mandamus | "We command" | Public authority / officials | Commands performance of a public/legal duty. Cannot lie against President/Governor. |
| Prohibition | "To forbid" | Lower courts/tribunals | Prevents inferior court from exceeding jurisdiction. Issued only when proceedings are ongoing. |
| Certiorari | "To certify" | Lower courts/tribunals | Quashes orders made in excess of jurisdiction. After proceedings are complete. |
| Quo Warranto | "By what authority" | Public office holders | Challenges right of a person to hold a public office. Can be filed by any person. |
⚠️ Critical Distinction — Art. 32 vs Art. 226
Article 32 (Supreme Court) = Fundamental Right itself — cannot be suspended except during emergency. Dr. Ambedkar: "Heart and Soul of the Constitution."
Article 226 (High Courts) = Not a Fundamental Right but a Constitutional Right — wider jurisdiction than SC (can issue writs for any legal right, not just FRs). HC can also issue writs against private bodies performing public functions.
Article 226 (High Courts) = Not a Fundamental Right but a Constitutional Right — wider jurisdiction than SC (can issue writs for any legal right, not just FRs). HC can also issue writs against private bodies performing public functions.
04
DPSP & Fundamental Duties
Part IV (Art. 36–51) · Part IV-A (Art. 51-A) · 11 Duties
Fundamental Rights (Part III)
+Justiciable — enforceable in court
+Negative obligations on state (mostly)
+Can be suspended during emergency
+Borrowed from American Bill of Rights
+Political democracy focus
DPSP (Part IV)
+Non-justiciable — not enforceable in court
+Positive obligations on state
+Cannot be suspended
+Borrowed from Irish Constitution (Eire)
+Socioeconomic democracy focus
11 Fundamental Duties — Article 51-A (Part IV-A)
Added by 42nd & 86th AmendmentsOriginally added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee — 10 duties added. The 86th Amendment (2002) added the 11th duty: "To provide opportunities for education to the child between the ages of 6 and 14."
🧠 Mnemonic for 11 Duties — "SUCHA DESH NEPAL"
Solidarity (fraternity, composite culture) · Upheld national struggle · Common heritage (natural env.) · Humanism (renounce practices) · Ambedkar's Constitution (abide by it) · Defend sovereignty · Excel in all activities · Scientific temper · Harmony and spirit of brotherhood · National flag/anthem (respect) · Education to children 6–14 · Protect environment · Armed forces (protect/assist) · Liberty of others (not abridge)
05
Parliament — Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
Composition · Powers · Bills · Anti-Defection
| Feature | Lok Sabha (Lower House) | Rajya Sabha (Upper House) |
|---|---|---|
| Max seats | 552 (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian — now abolished) | 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated by President) |
| Current seats | 543 elected | 245 (233 + 12) |
| Tenure | 5 years (can be dissolved earlier) | Permanent house — 1/3 retire every 2 years; member serves 6 years |
| Quorum | 1/10 of total members | 1/10 of total members |
| Presiding officer | Speaker (elected by members); Deputy Speaker | Vice President (ex-officio Chairman); Deputy Chairman |
| Money Bill | Exclusive power — Rajya Sabha can only suggest, not amend/reject. 14-day limit. | No power; advisory role only |
| Exclusive powers | Vote of No-Confidence against government; Money Bills | Empower Parliament on State List (Art. 249); Create All-India Services (Art. 312) |
Types of Bills — Most Frequently Tested in Prelims
| Type | Article | Key Feature | Rajya Sabha Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Art. 107–108 | Can originate in either house. Deadlock → Joint Session (Art. 108) | Full co-equal power — can amend and reject |
| Money BillIMP | Art. 110 | Only in Lok Sabha. Speaker's certificate mandatory. Taxes, borrowing, appropriation. | Only suggest amendments; cannot reject. 14 days only. |
| Finance Bill | Art. 117 | Contains financial provisions. Not all Finance Bills are Money Bills. | Depends on type — Category A, B, C classification |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Art. 368 | Special majority in both houses. Some need ratification by half the states. | Full equal power — no joint session possible |
Anti-Defection Law — 10th Schedule (52nd Amendment, 1985)
High PYQ frequencyA member is disqualified if: voluntarily gives up party membership OR votes/abstains contrary to party direction without permission
Decision by: Speaker/Chairman — their decision is final but subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan case, 1992)
Merger exception: At least 2/3 of members of the original party must agree to a merger for it to be valid
Disqualification does NOT apply to: Speaker/Deputy Speaker voluntarily leaving party; Nominated members joining a party within 6 months
The 91st Amendment (2003) abolished the split provision (earlier 1/3 split was exempt)
06
Union Executive — President, PM & Council of Ministers
Art. 52–78 · Powers · Pardoning · Pocket Veto
| Feature | President of India | Prime Minister |
|---|---|---|
| Article | Art. 52–62 | Art. 74–75 |
| Election | Electoral College (Elected MPs + MLAs, weighted votes). Single Transferable Vote. Secret ballot. | Appointed by President — leader of majority party in Lok Sabha |
| Term | 5 years (eligible for re-election) | As long as majority in Lok Sabha |
| Removal | Impeachment (Art. 61) — 2/3 majority + 1/4 members initiating | Vote of No-Confidence in Lok Sabha |
| Real executive | Nominal/Constitutional Head — acts on CoM's advice (Art. 74) | Real Executive — leads Council of Ministers, advises President |
| Salary | ₹5 lakh/month | ₹1.6 lakh/month |
President's Pardoning Powers — Article 72
Prelims FavouritePardon: Completely absolves from conviction and punishment. Removes both sentence and conviction.
Commutation: Substitutes one form of punishment for a lighter one
Respite: Grants lesser punishment due to special circumstances (e.g., pregnancy)
Reprieve: Temporary suspension of sentence pending appeal
Remission: Reduces period of sentence without changing its character
President's power applies to: Court martial cases (military courts) + Federal offences. Governor (Art. 161) cannot pardon court martial / death sentence cases.
07
Judiciary — Supreme Court, High Courts & PIL
Art. 124–147 · Judicial Review · Collegium
Supreme Court — Key Facts
Established: 28 January 1950; CJI: D.Y. Chandrachud preceded by current CJI (Sanjiv Khanna, 51st CJI)
Composition: CJI + 33 other judges (maximum). Originally had 7 judges, expanded over time.
Appointment: By President in consultation with collegium (CJI + 4 seniormost judges)
Retirement age: 65 years (HC judges retire at 62)
Jurisdiction: Original (Art. 131), Appellate (Art. 132–136), Advisory (Art. 143), Writ (Art. 32)
SC's law is binding on all courts in India under Article 141
Removal: By impeachment — address by each House by Special Majority (Art. 124(4))
Landmark Judgments — Essential for Mains
Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (Mandal Case), 1992
9-Judge Constitution Bench
Upheld 27% reservation for OBCs. Struck down 10% reservation for economically backward among forward castes (added later by 103rd Amendment for EWS). Total reservation cannot exceed 50% (creamy layer exclusion mandatory).
Held: 50% ceiling on reservations. Creamy layer must be excluded from OBC reservations. No reservation in promotions (overruled partly by 77th Amendment).
S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, 1994
9-Judge Bench — President's Rule
Imposed President's Rule (Art. 356) must be judicially reviewable. President should give the state government an opportunity to prove its majority on the floor of the House before imposition. Secularism is a Basic Structure feature.
Held: Floor test mandatory. President's Rule proclamation is subject to judicial review. Secularism = Basic Structure.
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, 2018
5-Judge Constitution Bench
Decriminalised consensual same-sex relations between adults by reading down Section 377 of the IPC. Recognised that sexual orientation is an intrinsic part of identity — protected under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
Held: Section 377 IPC (to the extent it criminalised consensual adult same-sex conduct) violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017
9-Judge Bench — Right to Privacy
Unanimously held that the Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Overruled M.P. Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh (1963) which had held the contrary. Has wide implications for Aadhaar, data protection, and surveillance.
Held: Privacy is a constitutionally protected right as an intrinsic part of life and personal liberty under Art. 21.
08
Federalism & Centre-State Relations
Union List · State List · Concurrent List · Art. 356
The Three Lists — 7th Schedule
High Frequency PrelimsUnion List (List I): 98 subjects — Defence, Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs, Banking, RBI, Citizenship, Posts, Telegraphs
State List (List II): 59 subjects — Public Order, Police, Land, Agriculture, State Public Services, Local Govt, Irrigation
Concurrent List (List III): 52 subjects — Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Electricity, Drugs, Marriage, Bankruptcy. In conflict, Union law prevails.
Residuary powers (Art. 248): Vest with Parliament — unlike USA where residuary powers are with States
Key shift in Concurrent List: 42nd Amendment moved Education and Forests from State List to Concurrent List
09
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Election Commission · CAG · UPSC · Finance Commission · CBI
| Body | Article | Nature | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Election Commission of India | Art. 324 | Constitutional | Multi-member body (CEC + 2 ECs). CEC can only be removed like a SC judge. ECs can be removed on CEC's recommendation. |
| CAG (Comptroller & Auditor General) | Art. 148 | Constitutional | Friend, philosopher, guide of Parliament. Audits all accounts of Union + States. Serves 6 years or 65 years of age. Not re-eligible for any govt post. |
| UPSC | Art. 315–323 | Constitutional | Recruitment to central services. Chairman + members appointed by President. Cannot hold any govt office after retirement. |
| Finance Commission | Art. 280 | Constitutional (Quasi-judicial) | Constituted every 5 years. Recommends devolution of taxes between Centre and States. 16th FC constituted in 2024. |
| Attorney General | Art. 76 | Constitutional | Highest law officer of India. Appointed by President. Not a member of Cabinet. Has right of audience in all courts. |
| CBI | — | Statutory (DSPE Act, 1946) | NOT a constitutional body. Created by executive order. Supervised by CVC in anti-corruption cases. |
| NHRC | — | Statutory (PHRA, 1993) | Quasi-judicial body. Chairman must be retired CJI. NOT a constitutional body. |
| Lokpal | — | Statutory (Lokpal Act, 2013) | NOT a constitutional body. Covers PM (with restrictions), Ministers, MPs, Group A-D officers. Not state-level (Lokayukta is state-level). |
10
Key Constitutional Amendments
Most Important for Prelims & Mains
1st
1951
Restrictions on FRs; 9th Schedule
Added Art. 31-A, 31-B. Land reform laws put in 9th Schedule beyond judicial review.
7th
1956
States Reorganisation
Reorganised states on linguistic basis. Abolished Part A, B, C, D states.
24th
1971
Parliament's power to amend FRs
Explicitly gave Parliament power to amend FRs under Art. 368. Response to Golaknath case.
42nd
1976
"Mini-Constitution" — Emergency era
Added Socialist, Secular to Preamble. Added FDs. Moved Education, Forests to Concurrent. Anti-defection law. Curtailed judicial review.
44th
1978
Reversed 42nd Amendment
Restored judicial review. Art. 20 & 21 cannot be suspended even in emergency. Right to property became legal right (not FR).
52nd
1985
Anti-Defection Law — 10th Schedule
Added 10th Schedule to prevent political defections.
73rd
1992
Panchayati Raj — Part IX
Constitutional status to PRIs. 11th Schedule (29 subjects). 1/3 reservation for women. 3-tier structure.
74th
1992
Urban Local Bodies — Part IX-A
Constitutional status to municipalities. 12th Schedule (18 subjects). Ward committees.
86th
2002
Right to Education — Art. 21-A
Free and compulsory education for children 6–14 years. Added 11th Fundamental Duty.
97th
2011
Co-operative Societies — Art. 19(1)(c)
Right to form co-operative societies added as FR. Part IX-B added.
101st
2016
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
New Art. 246-A. GST Council established. One nation one tax framework.
103rd
2019
10% EWS Reservation
Added Art. 15(6) and 16(6). 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Upheld by SC in 2022.
11
Mains Answer Writing Templates
GS Paper II · Model Structures · High-Scoring Approach
Mains Q1 — 15 Marks · GS Paper II
"The Directive Principles of State Policy, though non-justiciable, are fundamental in the governance of the country." Discuss with reference to their relevance in the current context. (250 words)
Introduction (30 words)
Define DPSP — Part IV (Art. 36–51), borrowed from Irish constitution. Non-justiciable but "fundamental in governance" under Art. 37. Quote: Dr. Ambedkar — "DPSPs are novel features of the Constitution."
Body Para 1 — Constitutional Relevance (60 words)
Courts use DPSP to harmonise with FRs (Art. 31-C after 25th Amendment). Minerva Mills case (1980): Both FRs and DPSPs are conscience of the Constitution — neither can be made superior. 42nd Amendment wrongly tried to make DPSPs override FRs — SC struck it down.
Body Para 2 — Legislative Implementation (60 words)
MGNREGA (Art. 41: right to work), PMAY (Art. 46: weaker sections), equal pay for equal work (Art. 39(d)), free legal aid under NALSA (Art. 39A), minimum wages legislation (Art. 43). National Food Security Act flows from Art. 47 (raising nutritional levels).
Body Para 3 — Judicial Interpretation (50 words)
Courts interpret FRs expansively using DPSPs — Art. 21 now includes right to livelihood (Olga Tellis), health (Paschim Banga), education (Mohini Jain), environment (Subhash Kumar). DPSPs have transformed the "negative" FR of life into a positive entitlement-based right.
Conclusion (30 words)
DPSPs represent the conscience of social justice. Their non-justiciability does not reduce their importance — legislative action, judicial interpretation, and executive implementation have made them living law guiding India's welfare state.
Mains Q2 — 10 Marks · GS Paper II
"India is quasi-federal in nature." Critically analyse. (150 words)
Introduction
K.C. Wheare called India "quasi-federal." India has federal features — dual government, written constitution, division of powers, independent judiciary, bicameralism. But also strong unitary features — single citizenship, integrated judiciary, All-India Services, Governor as Centre's agent, emergency provisions.
Federal Features
Three lists (7th Schedule), bicameralism, independent judiciary, rigid Constitution, dual citizenship of states technically (though not in practice), and Finance Commission for fiscal federalism.
Unitary Features (More important for exam)
1. Single Constitution 2. Parliament can change state boundaries (Art. 3) 3. Centre can legislate on State List during emergency (Art. 250) 4. President's Rule (Art. 356) 5. All-India Services controlled by Centre 6. Residuary powers with Centre 7. Rajya Sabha can make Parliament legislate on State List (Art. 249)
Conclusion
Dr. Ambedkar: India is "indestructible Union of destructible States." SR Bommai case (1994) strengthened cooperative federalism. India's federalism is a pragmatic arrangement that adapts to national unity needs.
Essential for Every UPSC Aspirant
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (6th Edition) — The Bible for UPSC Polity
Used by 95% of IAS toppers. Covers every topic in this article with full depth. Available in English & Hindi on Amazon India with free delivery.
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6-Week Polity Study Plan for UPSC Prelims 2026
Week 1Foundation: Constitution — Making, Preamble, Salient Features, Sources. Laxmikant Ch. 1–5. NCERT Class 11 "Indian Constitution at Work" (full book). Note all article numbers.
Week 2Rights & Duties: Fundamental Rights (Art. 12–35), DPSP (Art. 36–51), Fundamental Duties. Memorise all 6 FRs with articles. Practise writ distinctions daily. Laxmikant Ch. 7–11.
Week 3Parliament & Executive: President, PM, Cabinet, LS, RS, types of bills, Anti-defection, Parliamentary sessions. Laxmikant Ch. 17–27. Attempt 30 PYQs from Parliament section.
Week 4Judiciary & Federalism: SC, HC, Subordinate courts, Judicial review, PIL, Three Lists, Centre-State relations, Art. 356. Landmark cases — make a separate list. Laxmikant Ch. 28–36.
Week 5Bodies & Amendments: All Constitutional bodies (EC, CAG, UPSC, FC, AG) + Statutory bodies (CBI, NHRC, Lokpal). All key amendments (1st, 7th, 24th, 42nd, 44th, 52nd, 73rd, 74th, 86th, 101st, 103rd).
Week 6Full Revision + MCQs: Re-read all notes. Solve 200 PYQs from Polity (2015–2025). Revise landmark judgments table. For Mains aspirants: practise 5 answer structures from GS II. Revise Quick Revision Table below.
Polity MCQ Quiz — 15 Questions
Based on this guide. Target 12+/15. UPSC Prelims 2026 is on 24 May 2026.
Prelims Level (Questions 1–10)
Q1. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the Preamble of India's Constitution by which amendment?
Topic: Preamble
A) 44th Amendment, 1978
B) 42nd Amendment, 1976
C) 24th Amendment, 1971
D) 52nd Amendment, 1985
Q2. Which of the following writs can be issued against a private individual?
Topic: Writs — Art. 32 & 226
A) Habeas Corpus
B) Mandamus
C) Prohibition
D) Certiorari
Q3. Under the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule), what fraction of members must support a merger for it to be valid?
Topic: Anti-Defection — 10th Schedule
A) Simple majority (more than 50%)
B) 3/4 of the members
C) 2/3 of the members
D) All members unanimously
Q4. Which article of the Indian Constitution was called the "Heart and Soul" of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
Topic: Fundamental Rights
A) Article 14
B) Article 21
C) Article 32
D) Article 19
Q5. Which of the following subjects is in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution?
Topic: 7th Schedule — Federalism
A) Defence of India
B) Public Order
C) Education
D) Agriculture
Q6. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution are borrowed from the constitution of which country?
Topic: Sources of Constitution
A) USA
B) Australia
C) Ireland (Eire)
D) Canada
Q7. The Finance Commission of India is established under which article of the Constitution?
Topic: Constitutional Bodies
A) Article 315
B) Article 324
C) Article 280
D) Article 148
Q8. Under the President's pardoning power (Article 72), which of the following completely removes both the conviction and the sentence?
Topic: President's Powers
A) Commutation
B) Remission
C) Pardon
D) Reprieve
Q9. A Money Bill can only be introduced in which house of Parliament?
Topic: Parliament — Bills
A) Lok Sabha only
B) Rajya Sabha only
C) Either House
D) A joint sitting of both Houses
Q10. In which landmark case did the Supreme Court uphold the Basic Structure Doctrine and limit Parliament's amending power?
Topic: Basic Structure Doctrine
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
C) Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
D) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Mains/Advanced Level (Questions 11–15)
Q11. The Supreme Court in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) held that before imposing President's Rule, the state government must be given opportunity to prove its majority through which mechanism?
Topic: Landmark Cases — Art. 356
A) Presidential address to state legislature
B) Floor test in state assembly
C) Opinion poll or referendum
D) Report by the Governor
Q12. Which constitutional amendment moved "Education" and "Forests" from the State List to the Concurrent List?
Topic: Constitutional Amendments
A) 24th Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 42nd Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Q13. The 11th Fundamental Duty — "to provide opportunities for education to children between 6 and 14 years" — was added by which amendment?
Topic: Fundamental Duties
A) 42nd Amendment (1976)
B) 44th Amendment (1978)
C) 86th Amendment (2002)
D) 97th Amendment (2011)
Q14. The Indra Sawhney judgment (1992) set which ceiling on total reservations in public employment?
Topic: Landmark Judgments — Reservations
A) 33%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) No ceiling — Parliament decides
Q15. Which article gives the Rajya Sabha the exclusive power to pass a resolution enabling Parliament to legislate on a subject in the State List in the "national interest"?
Topic: Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
A) Article 248
B) Article 250
C) Article 249
D) Article 252
Your Score
0 / 15
Quick Revision Table — Last-Minute Polity Notes
| Topic | Key Fact / Article / Case | Critical Detail | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitution Adopted | 26 November 1949 | Constitution Day / National Law Day | Pre |
| Constitution Enforced | 26 January 1950 | Republic Day — Dr. Rajendra Prasad = 1st President | Pre |
| Drafting Committee Chairman | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Called "Father of Indian Constitution" | Pre |
| Preamble amendments | 42nd Amendment, 1976 | Added "Socialist" and "Secular" | Pre |
| Basic Structure | Kesavananda Bharati 1973 | 13-judge bench; limits amending power | Mains |
| "Heart & Soul" of Constitution | Article 32 | Dr. Ambedkar's quote — Right to Constitutional Remedies | Pre |
| Right to Privacy | K.S. Puttaswamy 2017 | 9-judge bench; FR under Art. 21 | Mains |
| Anti-Defection merger rule | 2/3 of party members | 91st Amendment 2003 abolished split provision | Pre |
| Rajya Sabha tenure | 6 years (1/3 retire every 2 yrs) | Permanent house — cannot be dissolved | Pre |
| CAG retirement | 6 years or 65 years of age | Not re-eligible for govt post after retirement | Pre |
| Finance Commission | Article 280 | Constituted every 5 years; 16th FC = 2024 | Mains |
| Reservation ceiling | 50% (Indra Sawhney 1992) | EWS 10% upheld in 2022 as exception | Mains |
| President's Rule | Article 356 | S.R. Bommai: floor test mandatory before imposition | Mains |
| Residuary Powers | Article 248 → Parliament | Unlike USA where residuary = States | Pre |
| CBI | DSPE Act, 1946 | NOT a constitutional body — statutory | Pre |
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