UPSC Prelims(20260 Practice Questions

1. With reference to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), consider the following statements:

1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education.

2. It prepares the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

3. It conducts the National Achievement Survey (NAS).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• NCERT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education → Correct.

• It prepares the National Curriculum Framework → Correct.

• NAS is conducted by the Ministry of Education (earlier through NCERT support) → Statement 3 not correct for strict UPSC framing.

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2. Consider the following organizations:

1. University Grants Commission

2. National Council for Teacher Education

3. National Council of Educational Research and Training

Which of the above are statutory bodies?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• UGC → statutory body under UGC Act 1956

• NCTE → statutory body

• NCERT → autonomous organization (not statutory)

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3. The power of judicial review in India is derived from which of the following?

1. Article 13

2. Article 32

3. Article 226

4. Article 368

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

Explanation:

Judicial review is derived mainly from:

• Article 13 → laws inconsistent with fundamental rights void

• Article 32 → Supreme Court enforcement of rights

• Article 226 → High Court writ jurisdiction

Article 368 deals with constitutional amendment, not directly judicial review.

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4. Which of the following statements about Judicial Review in India is correct?

A. It was explicitly borrowed from the British Constitution.

B. It was introduced by the Supreme Court through interpretation.

C. It is explicitly provided in the Constitution and reinforced by judicial interpretation.

D. It is exercised only by the Supreme Court.

Answer: C

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5. With reference to Article 19 of the Constitution, consider the following statements:

1. It guarantees six freedoms to citizens.

2. These freedoms are available to both citizens and foreigners.

3. The freedoms under Article 19 are subject to reasonable restrictions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 1 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Article 19 rights are only for citizens → Statement 2 incorrect.

• They are subject to reasonable restrictions → Statement 3 correct.

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6. Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) can be restricted on which of the following grounds?

1. Sovereignty and integrity of India

2. Public order

3. Contempt of court

4. Friendly relations with foreign states

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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7. Which of the following best describes Judicial Activism?

A. Strict interpretation of the Constitution without intervention

B. Judicial intervention to protect rights and ensure justice

C. Judiciary refusing to hear public interest litigation

D. Legislature delegating powers to judiciary

Answer: B

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8. Which of the following situations may be considered Judicial Overreach?

1. Courts directing government policy in administrative matters

2. Courts striking down unconstitutional laws

3. Courts monitoring policy implementation for long periods

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

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9. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India was significantly expanded during the tenure of which of the following judges?

A. H. J. Kania

B. P. N. Bhagwati

C. S. R. Das

D. A. M. Ahmadi

Answer: B

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10. Consider the following statements regarding Separation of Powers in India:

1. The Constitution explicitly provides strict separation of powers among the three organs.

2. Judicial review helps maintain the balance of power among organs.

3. Judicial activism sometimes leads to debates about separation of powers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 2 and 3 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

India does not have strict separation of powers, but a system of checks and balances.