Q40. The Preamble to the Constitution of India declares which of the following dates for the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly?
[DSSSB MTS, 28 July 2026, Shift 2]
(A) 26 November 1950
(B) 26 November 1947
(C) 26 November 1949
(D) 26 November 1948
Answer: (C) 26 November 1949
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, and this date appears in the Preamble itself. Most provisions took effect on 26 January 1950. The adoption date and commencement date are therefore different constitutional milestones.
Q39. Which of the following cases for the first time held the Preamble to be part of the Constitution?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 16 June 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Golaknath Case, 1967
(B) Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973
(C) S. R. Bommai Case, 1994
(D) Berubari Case, 1960
Answer: (B) Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973
Explanation: In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), the Supreme Court recognised the Preamble as part of the Constitution and developed the basic structure doctrine. Earlier, the Berubari advisory opinion (1960) had regarded it as outside the Constitution. The Preamble nevertheless creates no independently enforceable rights.
Q38. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is primarily based on which resolution drafted and introduced by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 15 June 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Fundamental Rights Resolution
(B) Objectives Resolution
(C) Directive Principles Resolution
(D) Fundamental Duties Resolution
Answer: (B) Objectives Resolution
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946. Adopted on 22 January 1947, it expressed the ideals of popular sovereignty, justice and equality. Its underlying principles later shaped the Constitution’s Preamble.
Q37. Which term in the Preamble indicates that India has an elected head of state, not a hereditary one?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 14 June 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Secular
(B) Socialist
(C) Sovereign
(D) Republic
Answer: (D) Republic
Explanation: A republic has a head of state whose office is not inherited. In India, the President is indirectly elected for a fixed term. This distinguishes the constitutional republic from a hereditary monarchy, while democracy describes the people’s role in political authority.
Q36. Which term in the Preamble best illustrates that India has no official state religion and treats religions equally?
[OSSSC Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable, 30 April 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Sovereign
(B) Secular
(C) Democratic
(D) Socialist
Answer: (B) Secular
Explanation: Secularism means that the Indian state has no official religion and upholds equal religious freedom and protection. Although freedom of religion was present in the original Constitution, the word “Secular” was explicitly inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment.
Q35. The Preamble declares India to be which of the following?
[RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-I, 25 March 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Sovereign, Federal, Secular, Democratic, Republic
(B) Sovereign, Socialist, Federal, Democratic, Republic
(C) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
(D) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Union
Answer: (C) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
Explanation: The Preamble identifies India as a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. “Socialist” and “Secular” entered this description through the 42nd Amendment of 1976. Although India has a federal constitutional system, the word “Federal” does not appear in its Preamble.
Q34. The Preamble primarily serves as which of the following?
[RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-I, 17 March 2026, Shift 3]
(A) A schedule to the Constitution
(B) A guiding principle for interpretation
(C) A financial guideline
(D) An enforceable part of law
Answer: (B) A guiding principle for interpretation
Explanation: The Preamble expresses the Constitution’s philosophy and objectives, helping courts interpret unclear provisions. It forms part of the Constitution but does not independently confer enforceable rights or governmental powers. Specific constitutional articles, rather than the Preamble alone, supply legal authority.
Q33. Which of the following words is mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution regarding “Justice”?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 14 November 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Secular
(B) Socialist
(C) Sovereign
(D) Economic
Answer: (D) Economic
Explanation: The Preamble specifies three aspects of justice: social, economic and political. Economic justice seeks to reduce inequalities in resources and opportunities. “Secular”, “Socialist” and “Sovereign” describe the nature of the Indian state, not the separate dimensions of justice.
Q32. The Preamble secures “liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship”. This is a key provision for:
[DSSSB TGT (Social Science), 10 November 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Imposing a single culture
(B) Accommodating social and religious diversity
(C) Restricting social differences
(D) Promoting only economic equality
Answer: (B) Accommodating social and religious diversity
Explanation: These liberties recognise the freedom of individuals to think, express ideas and follow different faiths. They support a plural society rather than uniform beliefs. Constitutional safeguards, including freedom of religion and expression, give practical effect to these Preamble commitments.
Q31. Which of the following statements with reference to the Preamble are correct?
1. “Secular” comes before “Socialist”.
2. “Justice” comes before “Equality”.
3. “Fraternity” comes after “Liberty”.
[UPSC CDS-II (General Knowledge), 14 September 2025]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The state description reads “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”, so statement 1 is false. The constitutional ideals follow the sequence Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Thus Justice precedes Equality, and Fraternity follows Liberty; statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q30. Which terms were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?
[SSC Stenographer, 8 August 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Socialist and Secular
(B) Sovereign and Democratic
(C) Republic and Democratic
(D) Justice and Liberty
Answer: (A) Socialist and Secular
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment inserted “Socialist” and “Secular” into the description of India. It also introduced “Integrity” into the phrase concerning national unity. The other terms in the options were already present in the Preamble adopted in 1949.
Q29. The Preamble, also called the face of the Constitution, was decorated by which of the following personalities?
[Telangana High Court Junior Assistant, 16 April 2025]
(A) Acharya Nandalal Bose
(B) Beohar Rammanohar Sinha
(C) Prem Behari Narain
(D) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Answer: (B) Beohar Rammanohar Sinha
Explanation: Beohar Rammanohar Sinha is credited with the artistic decoration of the original Preamble page. Prem Behari Narain Raizada performed the celebrated calligraphy of the handwritten Constitution, while Nandalal Bose oversaw its broader artistic illustrations. Their contributions should not be confused.
Q28. Which of the following is NOT mentioned under “Liberty” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
[SSC MTS, 4 November 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Faith and worship
(B) Thought
(C) Trust and hope
(D) Expression
Answer: (C) Trust and hope
Explanation: The Preamble enumerates liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. “Trust and hope” are not among its stated categories. This distinction is useful because examinations frequently substitute attractive expressions for the Preamble’s exact constitutional language.
Q27. The Preamble of the Constitution describes India as:
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 9 July 2024, Shift 1]
(A) A unitary state
(B) A federal state
(C) A secular state
(D) An atheist state
Answer: (C) A secular state
Explanation: The Preamble expressly describes India as secular, meaning the state does not establish an official religion and protects religious freedom. India also has federal characteristics, but “federal state” is not the term used in the Preamble; neither is “atheist state”.
Q26. When was the Preamble to the Indian Constitution amended?
[SSC Selection Post (Matriculation), 26 June 2024, Shift 1]
(A) 1981
(B) 1976
(C) 1974
(D) 1980
Answer: (B) 1976
Explanation: The Preamble has been amended only once, through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. That amendment inserted “Socialist” and “Secular” and changed the national-unity expression to include “Integrity”. It was enacted during the Emergency period.
Q25. Who called the Preamble of the Indian Constitution “The Political Horoscope of our Constitution”?
[SSC Selection Post (Matriculation), 21 June 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Dr. K. M. Munshi
(B) Sir Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer
(C) M. Hidayatullah
(D) Sir Ernest Barker
Answer: (A) Dr. K. M. Munshi
Explanation: K. M. Munshi, a member of the Constituent Assembly, described the Preamble as the Constitution’s political horoscope. The expression highlights how its brief text announces the future republic’s foundational principles, including popular sovereignty, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Q24. Which is the correct order of the following terms in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
[UPPSC RO/ARO (General Studies), 11 February 2024]
(A) Socialist, Secular, Sovereign, Democratic
(B) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic
(C) Secular, Socialist, Sovereign, Democratic
(D) Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic
Answer: (B) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic
Explanation: The Preamble describes the Indian state in the sequence “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”. Sovereignty denotes independence; socialism expresses social and economic aims; secularism concerns religious equality; and democracy signifies government deriving authority from the people.
Q23. Consider the statements:
1. India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
2. India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government.
Which is/are correct?
[CGPSC Prelims (General Studies), 11 February 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: India has 28 states and eight Union Territories. Its Preamble declares a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic, while its institutional arrangements establish parliamentary government. The word “parliamentary” comes from the constitutional framework, although it is not itself written in the Preamble.
Q22. By which Constitutional Amendment was the term “Socialist” included in the Preamble?
[MPPSC State Services Prelims (GS), 17 December 2023]
(A) First Constitutional Amendment
(B) Second Constitutional Amendment
(C) Forty-second Constitutional Amendment
(D) Forty-fourth Constitutional Amendment
Answer: (C) Forty-second Constitutional Amendment
Explanation: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added the word “Socialist” to the Preamble along with “Secular”. It also added “Integrity” to the expression on national unity. The change reflected an express commitment to social and economic justice.
Q21. Which of the following is mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution of India?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 27 July 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship
(B) Fraternity assuring human dignity
(C) Equality of status and employment
(D) Justice, social, economic and administrative
Answer: (A) Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship
Explanation: The first option reproduces the five liberties specified in the Preamble. The actual text promises fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual, equality of status and opportunity, and justice that is social, economic and political—not administrative.
Q20. The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution drafted and moved by whom?
[MP Forest Guard/Jail Prahari Combined Exam, 18 June 2023, Shift 2]
(A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(B) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
(C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru placed the Objectives Resolution before the Constituent Assembly in December 1946. The Assembly adopted it in January 1947. Its principles provided the philosophical basis for the Preamble, while Ambedkar chaired the separate Drafting Committee.
Q19. According to the Preamble of the Constitution of India, which term is not included?
[RPSC EO/RO, 14 May 2023, Shift 2]
(A) Parity
(B) Justice
(C) Fraternity
(D) Liberty
Answer: (A) Parity
Explanation: The Preamble explicitly promises justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Although “parity” may suggest equality in ordinary language, it is not the constitutional term used. Questions of this kind test recognition of the Preamble’s precise vocabulary rather than approximate synonyms.
Q18. In the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, ______ assures the dignity of the individual.
[SSC MTS (2022 cycle), 2 May 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Liberty
(B) Fraternity
(C) Equality
(D) Justice
Answer: (B) Fraternity
Explanation: The Preamble links fraternity with two specific goals: dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the nation. Fraternity means a spirit of common brotherhood. It supports respect among citizens across social, linguistic, cultural and religious differences.
Q17. Who moved the Objectives Resolution that was later adapted as the Preamble of the Constitution of India?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 2 December 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Rajendra Prasad
(B) J. B. Kripalani
(C) Jawaharlal Nehru
(D) B. R. Ambedkar
Answer: (C) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution on 13 December 1946, and the Constituent Assembly adopted it on 22 January 1947. The Resolution expressed a commitment to popular sovereignty, justice, freedom and equality, later reflected in the Preamble.
Q16. How many times has the Preamble of the Indian Constitution been amended so far?
[OSSC BSSO, 4 November 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Two
(B) One
(C) Three
(D) Four
Answer: (B) One
Explanation: Only one constitutional amendment has changed the Preamble: the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. It inserted the expressions “Socialist”, “Secular” and “Integrity”. Amendments to other provisions of the Constitution should not be confused with an amendment to the Preamble itself.
Q15. Which word in the Preamble to the Constitution of India implies an “elected Head of the State”?
[RRB Group D, 1 September 2022, Shift 2]
(A) Democratic
(B) Sovereign
(C) Socialist
(D) Republic
Answer: (D) Republic
Explanation: The word “Republic” signifies that India’s head of state is not a hereditary monarch. The President is elected indirectly by a constitutional electoral college. “Democratic” concerns popular political participation, while “Sovereign” expresses independence from outside authority.
Q14. Which of the following is not included in the Preamble?
[WBCS Mains 2021, Paper V (held May 2022)]
(A) Sovereign
(B) Socialist
(C) Democratic
(D) Federal
Answer: (D) Federal
Explanation: The Preamble includes Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic, but not the word “Federal”. Nevertheless, India’s Constitution divides powers between the Union and states and has federal features. Examinations distinguish an expressly stated term from an underlying constitutional characteristic.
Q13. Which statements about the Preamble are correct?
1. Equality of status and equality of opportunity find mention in it.
2. The expression “unity and integrity of the Nation” was not there in it from the beginning.
[UPSC CDS-I (General Knowledge), 10 April 2022]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Preamble explicitly guarantees equality of status and opportunity. Originally, fraternity referred to the unity of the nation; the 42nd Amendment in 1976 inserted “Integrity”. Therefore both statements accurately describe the Preamble’s wording and historical development.
Q12. In the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, which forms of justice are provided to all citizens?
[UPPSC RO/ARO (General Studies), 5 December 2021]
(A) Social, Religious and Political
(B) Social, Economic and Cultural
(C) Social, Political and Cultural
(D) Social, Economic and Political
Answer: (D) Social, Economic and Political
Explanation: The Preamble enumerates social, economic and political justice. Social justice opposes discriminatory hierarchies; economic justice addresses material inequalities; political justice supports equal participation in public affairs. “Religious”, “Cultural” and “Administrative” are not listed as its three categories of justice.
Q11. Consider the statements:
(a) The Preamble sets out constitutional objectives and aids interpretation where language is ambiguous.
(b) Unlike other parts, the Preamble was not enacted by the Constituent Assembly.
Which is correct?
[MPSC Subordinate Services Prelims 2020 (held 4 September 2021)]
(A) Statement (a) is correct
(B) Statement (b) is correct
(C) Both statements are correct
(D) Both statements are incorrect
Answer: (A) Statement (a) is correct
Explanation: Statement (a) is correct because the Preamble provides constitutional goals and interpretive guidance. Statement (b) is false: the Constituent Assembly also enacted the Preamble, after settling the main constitutional text. It is part of the Constitution but independently unenforceable.
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.