Q10. Which statement about the Preamble to the Constitution of India is NOT correct?
[UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants), Paper I, 8 August 2021]
(A) The term “Secular Democratic Republic” was not there in the Preamble originally.
(B) The Preamble contains the basic structure of the Constitution of India.
(C) By itself, the Preamble is not enforceable in a court of law.
(D) The Supreme Court has held that the Preamble cannot aid interpretation when constitutional language is ambiguous.
Answer: (D) The Supreme Court has held that the Preamble cannot aid interpretation when constitutional language is ambiguous.
Explanation: The Preamble can indeed help courts interpret uncertain constitutional wording, making the fourth statement incorrect. It conveys foundational values and is not independently enforceable. “Secular” was inserted in 1976; the Preamble also guides understanding of the Constitution’s basic structure.
Q9. Which of the following statements about the Constitution of India is NOT correct?
[UPSC NDA-I (General Ability Test), 18 April 2021]
(A) “Socialist” and “Secular” were not originally part of the Constitution.
(B) The Preamble states the objectives of the Constitution of India.
(C) The Preamble is enforceable in a court of law.
(D) A republic refers to the people as the source of authority under the Constitution.
Answer: (C) The Preamble is enforceable in a court of law.
Explanation: The Preamble is not independently enforceable in court, so option three is incorrect. It announces constitutional objectives and reflects popular sovereignty. The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were inserted later, by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.
Q8. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:
[UPSC CSE Prelims (General Studies Paper I), 2020]
(A) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect
(B) Not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either
(C) A part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part
(D) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Answer: (D) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Explanation: The Supreme Court regards the Preamble as part of the Constitution, especially following Kesavananda Bharati (1973). Yet the Preamble does not itself create enforceable powers or rights. It helps explain the Constitution’s intent and must operate alongside substantive provisions.
Q7. What is the legal nature of the Preamble of the Constitution?
[UPPSC Civil Services Prelims (General Studies Paper I), 2019]
(A) It is enforceable
(B) It is not enforceable
(C) It may be enforced in special circumstances
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) It is not enforceable
Explanation: The Preamble announces ideals and objectives but is not independently justiciable. Courts cannot award a remedy solely because a general Preamble aspiration is unmet. It nevertheless has interpretive value and forms part of the Constitution, subject to basic-structure limits.
Q6. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (General Studies Paper I), 2017]
(A) Liberty of thought
(B) Economic liberty
(C) Liberty of expression
(D) Liberty of belief
Answer: (B) Economic liberty
Explanation: The Preamble names liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. It mentions “economic” under justice, not liberty. Consequently, economic liberty is not one of its expressly enumerated objectives, even though economic rights and freedoms arise in other constitutional contexts.
Q5. The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (General Studies Paper I), 2017]
(A) The Preamble
(B) The Fundamental Rights
(C) The Directive Principles of State Policy
(D) The Fundamental Duties
Answer: (A) The Preamble
Explanation: The Preamble offers a concentrated statement of the framers’ aims and constitutional philosophy. It sets out the nature of the Indian republic and its commitments to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Other provisions implement aspects of these overarching goals.
Q4. “Economic Justice” as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in:
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2013]
(A) The Preamble and the Fundamental Rights
(B) The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(C) The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation: Economic justice is named expressly in the Preamble and pursued through the Directive Principles, especially Articles 38 and 39. These direct state policy toward reducing inequality, fair distribution of resources and equal livelihood opportunities. The question tests this constitutional linkage.
Q3. Consider the statements about the Preamble:
1. Nehru’s Objectives Resolution finally became the Preamble.
2. It is non-justiciable.
3. It cannot be amended.
4. It cannot override specific constitutional provisions.
Which are correct?
[UPPSC Civil Services Prelims, 2009]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1, 2 and 4 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3 only
(D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: The Preamble grew from Nehru’s Objectives Resolution and cannot independently be enforced or override clear constitutional text. However, it can be amended under Article 368 within the limits of the basic structure doctrine. Therefore statement 3 alone is incorrect.
Q2. Which one of the following describes India as a secular State?
[UPPCS Mains, General Studies Paper II, 2005]
(A) Fundamental Rights
(B) Preamble to the Constitution
(C) Ninth Schedule
(D) Directive Principles of State Policy
Answer: (B) Preamble to the Constitution
Explanation: The Preamble expressly calls India a “Secular” Republic, following the 42nd Amendment of 1976. Fundamental Rights protect religious freedom, but the state’s secular character is stated directly in the Preamble. The Ninth Schedule and Directive Principles perform different constitutional roles.
Q1. The Constitution of India was adopted on:
[WBCS Prelims, 2002]
(A) 26 January 1950
(B) 26 January 1949
(C) 26 November 1949
(D) 31 December 1949
Answer: (C) 26 November 1949
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949, the date recorded at the end of the Preamble. It commenced generally on 26 January 1950, later celebrated as Republic Day. Adoption and commencement must not be confused.
