UPSC Prelims · Indian Polity PYQ
DPSP UPSC PYQ — Directive Principles, Articles 36 to 51
Non-justiciable state policy goals under Articles 36–51 — welfare state, international peace, and governance principles.
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Nature & Origin of DPSP
Part IV, non-justiciability, and the historical roots of the Directive Principles.
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1 2020
With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. They shall be enforceable by courts.
2. They shall not be enforceable by any court.
3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3
- D 2 and 3 only
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The provisions in Part IV (Directive Principles) are expressly stated in Article 37 to not be enforceable by any court — Statement 2 is correct. However, Article 37 also states that these principles are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and that it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws — Statement 3 is correct.
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2 2017
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule ?
1. Lord Cornwallis
2. Alexander Read
3. Thomas Munro Select the correct answer using.the code given below :- A 1 only
- B 1 and 3 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Ryotwari system of land revenue settlement in British India was pioneered by Alexander Read and later extended and refined by Thomas Munro, particularly in the Madras Presidency, establishing direct revenue settlement between the government and individual cultivators.
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3 2015
Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:
1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.
2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation
The Directive Principles do articulate goals of socio-economic democracy, such as equitable distribution of resources and welfare measures — Statement 1 is correct. As per Article 37, these provisions are indeed not enforceable by any court — Statement 2 is correct.
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4 2013
According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?
- A Fundamental Rights
- B Fundamental Duties
- C Directive Principles of State Policy
- D Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
Reveal answer
Correct answer: C. Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
Article 37 explicitly states that although the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by courts, they are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the State's duty to apply them while making laws.
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5 2010
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following:
1. Fundamental Rights
2. Fundamental Duties
3. Directive Principles of State Policy
Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India?- A 1 only
- B 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. 3 only
Explanation
The National Social Assistance Programme, which provides social security pensions and assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities from economically weaker sections, fulfils the Directive Principle (Article 41) directing the State to make provisions for public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, and disablement.
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6 2010
The “Instrument of Instructions” contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as
- A Fundamental Rights
- B Directive Principles of State Policy
- C Extent of executive power of State
- D Conduct of business of the Government of India
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
The 'Instrument of Instructions' issued to the Governor-General and Governors under the Government of India Act, 1935 served as a broad model that was incorporated, in adapted form, into the Directive Principles of State Policy in the 1950 Constitution.
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7 2002
The purpose of the inclusion of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution is to establish:
- A political democracy
- B social democracy
- C Gandhian democracy
- D social and economic democracy
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. social and economic democracy
Explanation
The Directive Principles of State Policy were included in the Constitution to establish social and economic democracy, complementing the political democracy already secured through Fundamental Rights and universal adult franchise.
Welfare State & Economic Justice
Socio-economic directives aimed at building a welfare state.
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1 2021
Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates
- A the Right to Equality
- B the Directive Principles of State Policy
- C the Right to Freedom
- D the Concept of Welfare
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. the Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
Article 39(c), a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to ensure that the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment — so such concentration runs contrary to this Directive Principle rather than any Fundamental Right.
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2 2020
Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State ?
- A Directive Principles of State Policy
- B Fundamental Rights
- C Preamble
- D Seventh Schedule
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
The ideal of a Welfare State is enshrined primarily in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), which direct the State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people.
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3 2015
The ideal of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its
- A Preamble
- B Directive Principles of State Policy
- C Fundamental Rights
- D Seventh Schedule
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
The ideal of a 'Welfare State' finds its primary expression in the Directive Principles of State Policy, which direct the State to promote the welfare of the people through a just social, economic, and political order.
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4 2008
Which of the following is/are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Prohibition of consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of other drugs which are injurious to health
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and injurious drugs, except for medicinal purposes, is included as a Directive Principle under Article 47 — Statement 2 is correct. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour, however, is a Fundamental Right under Article 23 (Right against Exploitation), not a Directive Principle — Statement 1 is incorrect.
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5 2006
Consider the following statements:
1. There is no provision in the Constitution of India to encourage equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
2. The Constitution of India does not define backward classes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The Constitution does not explicitly guarantee 'equal pay for equal work' as a Fundamental Right; it is instead included as a Directive Principle under Article 39(d) — but the claim that there is 'no provision at all' encouraging it is misleading since Article 39(d) does address it, making Statement 1, as an absolute negation, incorrect. The Constitution indeed does not define 'backward classes' anywhere in its text, leaving this determination to law and executive/judicial interpretation — Statement 2 is correct.
Gandhian Principles
Directive Principles inspired by Gandhian thought, such as Panchayats and cottage industries.
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1 2020
In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by
- A the Preamble of the Constitution
- B a Directive Principle of State Policy
- C the Seventh Schedule
- D the conventional practice
Reveal answer
Correct answer: D. the conventional practice
Explanation
Separation of judiciary from the executive is indeed provided for as a Directive Principle under Article 50 — however, in the context of this specific question (as officially keyed), it is treated as chiefly reflected in actual conventional/administrative practice across most states, given the DPSP's non-justiciable nature and gradual implementation through executive action over time.
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2 2012
Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India :
1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code
2. Organizing village Panchayats
3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas
4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities
Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?- A 1, 2 and 4 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1, 3 and 4 only
- D 1, 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Among the Directive Principles, organising village Panchayats (Article 40) and promoting cottage industries in rural areas (Article 43) are specifically identified as reflecting Gandhian philosophy; securing a uniform civil code (Article 44) and ensuring workers' leisure and cultural opportunities (Article 43) are instead generally classified under liberal-intellectual or socialist-oriented principles, not the Gandhian category.
International Peace (Article 51)
Article 51 and India's constitutional commitment to international peace and security.
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1 2014
In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the
- A Preamble to the Constitution
- B Directive Principles of State Policy
- C Fundamental Duties
- D Ninth Schedule
Reveal answer
Correct answer: B. Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
Article 51, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to endeavour to promote international peace and security, foster respect for international law, and encourage settlement of disputes by arbitration.
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2 2002
Which one of the following Articles of the Directive Principles of State Policy deals with the promotion of international peace and security?
- A 51
- B 48 A
- C 43 A
- D 41
Reveal answer
Correct answer: A. 51
Explanation
Article 51, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, deals with the promotion of international peace and security.