OFFICERS IAS ACADEMY

IAS Academy by IAS Officers

Dear Students,

To excel in UPSC preparation, understanding the trend of previous year questions

and practicing effectively are crucial. To help you with this, we will provide
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from both Prelims and Mains, along with a
structured study plan for each test.

We encourage you to:

• Solve Prelims PYQs daily with a timer to improve accuracy and speed.
• Practice Mains answer writing consistently by attempting the questions
provided, focusing on structure and content.

With regular practice, success is well within your reach!

Happy Learning!

1
 PYQs - PRELIMS

POLITY

Constitutional and Non Constitutional Bodies

1. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: [2023]

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above constitutional bodies?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (B)

2. Consider the following: [2023]

1. Demographic performance
2. Forest and ecology
3. Governance reforms
4. Stable government
5. Tax and fiscal efforts
For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of
the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five

Answer: (D)

3. With reference to India, consider the following statements: [2022]

1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognised as advocates, but corporate
lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates.
2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and
recognition of law colleges.
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

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 Answer: (D)

4. Consider the following statements: [2022]

1. Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India are the only officers of the
Government who are allowed to participate in the meetings of the Parliament of India.
2. According to the Constitution of India, the Attorney General of India submits his
resignation when the Government which appointed him resigns.
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: (D)

5. With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements:
[2013]
1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the
society on the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal
programmes and schemes throughout the country.
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)

6. Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution? [2013]
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

7. Consider the following statements : Attorney General of India can [2013]

1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
3. speak in the Lok Sabha

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 4. vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (D)

8. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended
purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG)? [2012]
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India
declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed
by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to frame charges
against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain
judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

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 Centre- State relations, Panchayat Raj

1. 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.

Answer: (C)

2. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in [2017]

(a) Federalism
(b) Democratic decentralization
(c) Administrative delegation
(d) Direct democracy

Answer: (B)

3. Consider the following statements: [2016]

1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder
period.
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: (D)

4. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the
following ? [2015]
1. People's participation in development
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (D)

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5. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Rights) Act, 2006 who shall be the authority to initiate the process for
determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?
[2013]
(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector / Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar / Block Development Officer / Mandal Revenue Officer
(d) Gram Sabha

Answer: (D)

6. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in
1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective? [2013]
(a) To provide self-governance
(b) To recognize traditional rights
(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
(d) To free tribal people from exploitation

Answer: (C)

7. In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996,
what is the role/power of Gram Sabha? [2012]
1. Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
2. Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
3. Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining
lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

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 Emergency Provisions

1. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the
Constitution in respect of a particular State, then [2018]
(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolve
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority
of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.

Answer: (B)

2. Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the
President's rule in a State? [2017]
1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
3. Dissolution of the local bodies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

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 Special Category states

1. Consider the following statements: [2024]

1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State
as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.
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)

2. With reference to Scheduled Areas in India, consider the following statements: [2023]
1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order
of the President.
2. The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest
is the cluster of villages in the Block.
3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the
Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

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 Miscellaneous areas

Schedules

1. If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India,
which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? [2022]
(a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
(b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
(c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
(d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.

Answer: (A)

2. The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime
membership of [2019]
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(c) Indira Gandhi
(d) Morarji Desai

Answer: (C)

3. Under which schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to
private parties for mining be declared null and void? [2019]
(a) Third Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Ninth Schedule
(d) Twelfth Schedule

Answer: (B)

4. Consider the following statements : [2018]

1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the
Constitution of India
2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and
no judgement can be made on it.
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)

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5. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are
made in order to [2015]
(a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
(b) determine the boundaries between States
(c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border States

Answer: (A)

6. Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution does India contain provisions
regarding anti-defection? [2014]
(a) Second Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Eighth Schedule
(d) Tenth Schedule

Answer: (D)

7. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on

Education? [2012]
1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (C)

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 Union Territories

1. Consider the following statements: [2012]

1. Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.
2. It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election
disputes.
3. According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the
Rajya Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None

Answer: (C)

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 Official Languages

1. The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 adds the Eighth Schedule to the
Constitution in which of the following languages? [2024]
1. Konkani
2. Manipuri
3. Nepali
4. Maithili
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A

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 PYQs - MAINS

POLITY

Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies

1. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they
entertain civil as well as criminal cases? [2024]
2. “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of
expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. [2024]
3. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of National Legal Services
Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. [2023]
4. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial
committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? [2023]
5. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of
dominant position by the Multinational Corporations in India. Refer to the recent
decisions. [2023]
6. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the
Model Code of Conduct. [2022]
7. Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its
transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. [2022]
8. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection
of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty
and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial
measures. [2021]
9. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the
States to improve their fiscal position? [2021]
10. Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think
imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure
greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. [2020]
11. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the
autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. [2020]
12. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how
this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of
powers he can exercise. [2018]
13. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious
minority institutions? Examine. [2018]
14. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms
of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. [2018]
15. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that
women facet both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.
[2017]

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 16. Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is
derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the
Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG)
jurisdiction. [2016]
17. For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory
institution remains independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in
recent past. [2015]
18. The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped
Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and
services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed
reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private
container operators. [2014]
19. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its
tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of
a government. In light of the above observation, assess the role of NHRC as an effective
complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human
rights standards. [2014]
20. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting
in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two
regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. [2013]
21. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a
departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government
finances. [2013]
22. ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality
in public affairs.’ Discuss. [2013]

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 Centre-State relations, Panchayat Raj

1. Analyze the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out
the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. [2024]
2. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-
State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre
and the States and for strengthening federalism. [2024]
3. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as
well as financially.” [2023]
4. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralization of power in India changed the
governance landscape at the grassroots? [2022]
5. While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are
in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. [2022]
6. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging FIR and
conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States.
However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain
with special reference to the federal character of India. [2021]
7. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the
nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples, to validate your answer.
[2020]
8. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their
formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of
Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of
their functionality in recent times. [2020]
9. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers
by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have
emerged. Explain. [2019]
10. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government.
Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing
developmental projects? [2018]
11. “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument
of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the
situation. [2017]
12. Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. [2016]
13. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent
years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative
federalism would answer the shortcomings. [2015]
14. In the absence of a well–educated and organised local level government system,
Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not an effective
instrument of governance. Critically Discuss. [2015]
15. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra–constitutional
authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations.
Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the
things right in this regard. [2015]

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 16. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of
its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution
leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong
federalism. [2014]
17. Many States Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like
Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified
that smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. [2013]
18. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to
address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy
or both? Discuss. [2013]

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 Emergency Provisions

1. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President
of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? [2018]

Special Category states

1. Recent directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the
‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in
light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. [2013]
2. To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note
“temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary?
Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. [2016]

Miscellaneous areas

Union Territories

1. Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any,
that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the
institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that
this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of Indian federal politics? (2016)

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