Prelims 2011 · archive
EasyUnder the constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) To vote in public elections
Article 51A, in Part IVA of the Constitution, lists the Fundamental Duties. It covers developing the scientific temper, safeguarding public property and abiding by the Constitution. It has no duty to vote in public elections. Voting is a legal right of an eligible citizen, not a constitutional duty.
- ✓ (a) Article 51A does not list voting among the duties of a citizen. This is therefore the option that is not a fundamental duty.
- ✗ (b) Article 51A(h) makes it a duty to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- ✗ (c) Article 51A(i) makes it a duty to safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
- ✗ (d) Article 51A(a) makes it a duty to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Remember · Article 51A (Part IVA, added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976) lists the Fundamental Duties. Voting is not among them. Scientific temper is 51A(h) and public property is 51A(i).
Sources
- Text of Article 51A, Fundamental Duties (IGNCA, Ministry of Culture) ↗ “(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;”
- Article 51A, Constitution of India (Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission) ↗ “(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2011, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·