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Prelims · Polity & governance · 36 questions

Making of the Constitution, Preamble & features

Every UPSC Prelims question on this topic, 2016–2026, newest first. Tap an option to check yourself; the answer and explanation open below it.

Making of the Constitution, Preamble & features questions per year: 2016: 0, 2017: 3, 2018: 2, 2019: 1, 2020: 2, 2021: 5, 2022: 1, 2023: 3, 2024: 4, 2025: 1, 2026: 1 Asked in 10 of 11 years · most in 2021 (5)

UPSC syllabus: “Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.” See the full syllabus →

Prelims 2026 · Q54

Easy Provisional key

‘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:

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.

Article 13(3)(a) defines 'law' to include ordinances, orders, rules, regulations and notifications, and also custom or usage having the force of law in India. So X was right about what 'law' covers but wrong to doubt that custom is included; only Y's view is correct.

  • ✗ (a) X's list is right as far as it goes, but he is wrong to leave out custom or usage, which Article 13(3)(a) expressly includes.
  • ✗ (b) Y's view is exactly what Article 13(3)(a) says, so it cannot be called incorrect.
  • ✗ (c) X's doubt about custom or usage is not sustained, so both cannot be correct.
  • ✓ (d) Only Y is correct: the definition covers ordinances, orders, bye-laws, rules, regulations, notifications and custom or usage having the force of law.

Remember · Art 13(3)(a): 'law' = ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage with the force of law. Any such 'law' that violates a Fundamental Right is void.

Sources

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q55

Easy Provisional key

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India:

  1. 1.There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the ‘Constitution of India’.
  2. 2.There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed.
  3. 3.There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26th January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India.

Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) There is no correct statement.

Each statement denies that a particular Article exists, and each is wrong. Article 393 gives the short title, Article 394 fixes 26 January 1950 as the commencement date, and Article 395 repeals the two 1947 and 1935 Acts.

  • ✗ 1. Article 393 says: 'This Constitution may be called the Constitution of India.'
  • ✗ 2. Article 395 repeals the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 (with enactments amending or supplementing the latter).
  • ✗ 3. Article 394 says the remaining provisions came into force on 26 January 1950, which it calls the commencement of the Constitution.

Remember · Part XXII (Arts 393–395): 393 short title; 394 commencement (26 Jan 1950); 395 repeals the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the Government of India Act 1935.

Sources

  • Constitution of India (Legislative Department, Government of India), Article 393 ↗ “393. Short title.—This Constitution may be called the Constitution of India. … the remaining provisions of this Constitution shall come into force on the twenty-sixth day of January, 1950, which day is referred to in this Constitution as the commencement of this Constitution. … 395. Repeals.— The Indian Independence Act, 1947, and the Government of India Act, 1935, together with all enactments amending or supplementing the latter Act, but not including the Abolition of Privy Council Jurisdiction Act, 1949, are hereby repealed.”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

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