UPSC Prelims(2026) Practice MCQs (Topic: Labour Codes & Employment Reforms)

 

UPSC Prelims(2026) Practice MCQs

(Topic: Labour Codes & Employment Reforms)

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1. With reference to labour law reforms in India, the four Labour Codes replaced which of the following?

1. 29 central labour laws

2. 44 central labour laws

3. Separate wage, industrial relations, safety, and social security laws

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

India consolidated 29 central labour laws into four labour codes.

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2. Which of the following are the four Labour Codes passed by Parliament?

1. Code on Wages, 2019

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

3. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

4. Code on Social Security, 2020

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

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3. The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumed which of the following earlier laws?

1. Minimum Wages Act, 1948

2. Payment of Wages Act, 1936

3. Payment of Bonus Act, 1965

4. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: C

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4. Consider the following statements regarding the Industrial Relations Code, 2020:

1. It allows fixed-term employment across sectors.

2. Prior government approval for layoffs is required for establishments with 300 or more workers.

3. It abolishes trade unions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Trade unions continue to exist; they are not abolished.

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5. Which Labour Code deals with working conditions, safety standards, and occupational health of workers?

A. Code on Wages

B. Industrial Relations Code

C. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code

D. Social Security Code

Answer: C

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6. With reference to the Code on Social Security, 2020, consider the following statements:

1. It extends social security benefits to gig and platform workers.

2. It provides for a social security fund for gig workers.

3. Only government contributes to the fund.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Both government and aggregators/platform companies contribute.

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7. The concept of “National Floor Wage” is introduced under which legislation?

A. Industrial Relations Code

B. Code on Social Security

C. Code on Wages

D. Occupational Safety Code

Answer: C

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8. Consider the following statements regarding fixed-term employment under labour codes:

1. Workers hired under fixed-term contracts receive wages and benefits similar to permanent workers.

2. Fixed-term employment allows employers to hire workers for a specific duration without permanent employment obligations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

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9. Under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, the definition of a factory was revised to:

1. 20 workers with power

2. 40 workers without power

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

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10. Which of the following objectives are associated with the labour codes?

1. Simplification of labour laws

2. Ease of doing business

3. Formalisation of employment

4. Universal basic income for workers

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

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Quick Revision for UPSC

Labour Code	Key Focus
Code on Wages	Minimum wage, equal remuneration
Industrial Relations Code	Trade unions, layoffs, strikes
OSH Code	Safety and working conditions
Social Security Code	EPF, gig workers, welfare