Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims (2020 - 2024) - Polity Questions in UPSC Prelims

Polity forms a crucial part of the  General Studies Paper II  in the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Analyzing polity questions in UPSC prelims reveals that they assess not only theoretical understanding but also the practical application of constitutional principles. Topics range from the Constitution, governance, political institutions, and rights issues to contemporary developments in Indian polity. Going through polity UPSC prelims questions over the years shows a consistent focus on both static fundamentals and dynamic governance-related updates. Solving polity PYQ UPSC prelims helps aspirants grasp the question pattern, frequently tested concepts, and the analytical depth required. Thus, consistent practice of polity previous year questions UPSC prelims is essential for enhancing conceptual clarity and building a robust preparation strategy.

Download Free UPSC Polity Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF!

Polity Previous Year Questions in UPSC Prelims 

Q1: How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023?

Options:

• (a) One
   
• (b) Two
   
• (c) Three
   
• (d) Four
   

Answer: (d) Four

Explanation: The Government of India has constituted Delimitation Commissions four times—in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002—under different Delimitation Acts. 

Read article on Delimitation Commission for your UPSC Preparation

Q.2: The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages?

1. Konkani
    
2. Manipuri
    
3. Nepali
    
4. Maithili
    

Options:

• (a) 1, 2 and 3
   
• (b) 1, 2 and 4
   
• (c) 2, 3 and 4
   
• (d) 1, 3 and 4
   

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: The 71st Amendment added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Maithili was added later by the 92nd Amendment in 2003. 

Check out the article on the topic List of Languages in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution!

Q. 3: The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:

Options:

• (a) The number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.
   
• (b) The number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.
   
• (c) The birth rate minus death rate.
   
• (d) The average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age
   

Answer: (d) The average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.

Explanation: Total fertility rate represents the average number of children a woman would bear during her reproductive years, assuming she experiences the current age-specific fertility rates.

Check out the article on Total Fertility Rate to know in more detail!

Q.4: Consider the following statements:

• Statement-I: There is instability and a worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
   
• Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
   

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options:

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   
• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   
• (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
   
• (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
   

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Explanation: The Sahel region has experienced multiple military coups in recent years, contributing to its instability and deteriorating security situation.

Q.5 : According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), what proportion of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally?

Options:

• (a) One-fourth
   
• (b) One-third
   
• (c) One-half
   
• (d) Two-third

Answer: (b) One-third

Explanation: The FAO reports that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, leading to significant environmental impacts, including land degradation and excessive groundwater extraction.

Check out an article on the topic Food and Agriculture Organization!

Q.6: Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India?

1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution.
2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution.
3. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution.

Options:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
   
• (b) 2 and 3 only
   
• (c) 1 and 3 only
   
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements:

1. In India, Non-Banking Financial Companies can access the Liquidity Adjustment Facility window of the Reserve Bank of India.
    
2. In India, Foreign Institutional Investors can hold Government Securities (G-Secs).
    
3. In India, Stock Exchanges can offer separate trading platforms for debts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
   
• (b) 3 only
   
• (c) 1, 2 and 3
   
• (d) 2 and 3 only
   

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Q.7 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: India does not import apples from the United States of America.
 

Statement-II: In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options:

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   
• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   
• (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
   
• (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
   

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Check out article on the topic India US Relations

Q.8 Consider the following statements:

• Statement-I: The European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
   
• Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options:

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   
• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   
• (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
   
• (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
   

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Q.9 : With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
    

How many of the above statements are correct?

Options:

• (a) Only one
   
• (b) Only two
   
• (c) All three
   
• (d) None
   

Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation: While stupas are associated with Buddhism and served as relic repositories, the concept predates Buddhism. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Q.10: With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as:

Options:

• (a) Capital cities
   
• (b) Ports
   
• (c) Centres of iron-and-steel making
   
• (d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
   

Answer: (b) Ports

Explanation: These towns were renowned port cities during the Sangam period, crucial for trade.