Prime Minister Of India

VidyaarOctober 17, 20260201 views

150. Which article of the Constitution deals with the Union Council of Ministers?

[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 4 July 2026]

(A) Article 78

(B) Article 75

(D) Article 73

Answer: (C) Article 74

Explanation: Article 74 creates the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to advise the President. Article 75 separately covers appointment, tenure, collective responsibility and related rules. Distinguishing these two articles is essential for constitutional questions.

149. Under Article 75(3), which institution is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-II, 10 July 2026]

(A) Rajya Sabha

(B) Council of Ministers

(D) Finance Commission

Answer: (B) Council of Ministers

Explanation: Article 75(3) places collective responsibility upon the Union Council of Ministers, not an independent institution. The Lok Sabha can withdraw confidence from the government, requiring the entire ministry, including the Prime Minister, to resign.

148. Consider these statements about the Union ministry:
(1) The 15% ceiling excludes the Prime Minister.
(2) The 91st Amendment introduced the cap.
(3) A corresponding 15% ceiling applies to states.
(4) The Union cap uses the combined strength of both Houses.

Which are incorrect?

[OPSC Odisha Civil Services Prelims, 7 June 2026]

(A) 1 and 4

(B) 2 and 3

(D) 2 and 4

Answer: (A) 1 and 4

Explanation: The 15% ceiling includes the Prime Minister and is calculated using Lok Sabha membership alone. The 91st Amendment inserted Article 75(1A); states also have a similar ceiling under Article 164(1A), subject to a minimum of twelve ministers.

147. Which constitutional amendment capped the Union Council of Ministers at 15% of the Lok Sabha’s strength?

[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 19 June 2026]

(A) 42nd Amendment

(B) 99th Amendment

(D) 91st Amendment

Answer: (D) 91st Amendment

Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 added Article 75(1A), placing a numerical ceiling on the Union ministry, including the Prime Minister. It also made certain persons disqualified for defection ineligible for ministerial appointment.

146. Who heads the Union Council of Ministers?

[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 14 June 2026]

(A) Union Home Minister

(B) Attorney General

(D) Prime Minister

Answer: (D) Prime Minister

Explanation: Article 74 expressly puts the Prime Minister at the head of the Council of Ministers. The President is the constitutional head of the Union, whereas day-to-day political leadership and coordination of ministers rest with the Prime Minister.

145. In which governmental system does the Prime Minister function as the real executive?

[SSC GD Constable, 31 May 2026]

(A) Presidential system

(B) Parliamentary system

(D) Federal system

Answer: (B) Parliamentary system

Explanation: A parliamentary system distinguishes the nominal head of state from the political executive. In India, the President is the constitutional head, while the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers exercise executive authority through responsible government.

144. Who formally appoints the Prime Minister of India?

[SSC GD Constable, 4 May 2026]

(A) Parliament

(B) Chief Justice of India

(D) Vice-President of India

Answer: (C) President of India

Explanation: Article 75(1) authorises the President to appoint the Prime Minister. Parliamentary convention generally requires choosing a person capable of commanding a majority in the Lok Sabha. Other Union ministers are appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice.

143. Which article provides for a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President?

[DSSSB MTS, 25 April 2026]

(A) Article 74

(B) Article 80

(D) Article 78

Answer: (A) Article 74

Explanation: Article 74 establishes the Union Council of Ministers and links it to presidential decision-making. Article 78, by contrast, identifies the Prime Minister’s duties to communicate governmental decisions and information to the President.

142. Statements:
(1) The President administers the Prime Minister’s oaths.
(2) The President may arbitrarily dismiss a majority-supported Prime Minister.
(3) A Prime Minister losing Lok Sabha confidence must resign or may be dismissed.

Which are correct?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 25 March 2026]

(A) 1 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

(D) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: The President administers the constitutional oaths before a Prime Minister assumes office. Presidential discretion is constrained by parliamentary majority support. Once the Prime Minister loses the Lok Sabha’s confidence, continued tenure becomes untenable.

141. Which article states that a Prime Minister-led Council of Ministers advises the President?

[RRB ALP CBT-I, 16 February 2026]

(A) Article 70

(B) Article 50

(D) Article 84

Answer: (C) Article 74

Explanation: Article 74 sets out the constitutional arrangement for ministerial advice to the President. It is central to cabinet government, since the President ordinarily acts on this advice and may return it only once for reconsideration.

140. Under which article does the Prime Minister lead the Council of Ministers advising the President?

[MP Police Sub-Inspector, 21 January 2026]

(A) Article 80

(B) Article 75

(D) Article 74

Answer: (D) Article 74

Explanation: Article 74 describes the Prime Minister-headed Council of Ministers. Article 75 then explains appointment of ministers and collective responsibility. Together these provisions underpin India’s parliamentary executive at the Union level.

139. Who appoints the Union Council of Ministers, as the Governor appoints a state’s ministers?

[DSSSB Court Attendant, 18 June 2026]

(A) President of India

(B) All Governors collectively

(D) Prime Minister of India

Answer: (A) President of India

Explanation: The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on that leader’s advice, the other Union ministers under Article 75. The Prime Minister recommends the team but does not personally issue constitutional appointment warrants.

138. Who was India’s Prime Minister during the Eighth Five-Year Plan?

[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 27 November 2025]

(A) Morarji Desai

(B) Indira Gandhi

(D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Answer: (D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Explanation: The Eighth Plan covered 1992–1997, beginning during P. V. Narasimha Rao’s premiership. His government initiated economic reforms in 1991. The plan period later extended beyond his term, so the question refers to its commencement and principal early phase.

137. Sanjaya Baru’s book The Accidental Prime Minister concerns which Indian leader?

[SSC Selection Post, 1 August 2025]

(A) Indira Gandhi

(B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

(D) Manmohan Singh

Answer: (D) Manmohan Singh

Explanation: Sanjaya Baru wrote about Manmohan Singh’s premiership after serving as his media adviser. The book chiefly examines the Prime Minister’s office and political functioning during the first UPA administration beginning in 2004.

136. A person appointed Prime Minister while not an MP must become a member of Parliament within how many months?

[SSC Selection Post, 31 July 2025]

(A) Three

(B) Six

(D) Eight

Answer: (B) Six

Explanation: Article 75(5) allows someone outside Parliament to become a minister, including Prime Minister, for a limited period. Membership of either House must be obtained within six consecutive months or the ministerial office ceases.

135. Which is NOT a normal consideration for selecting Union ministers?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 24 June 2025]

(A) Representation of foreign communities

(B) Personal capability

(D) Representation of disadvantaged groups

Answer: (A) Representation of foreign communities

Explanation: Ministerial selection may balance political experience, competence, regions and social representation. Representation of foreign communities is not a recognised domestic basis for composing India’s Union Council of Ministers. Actual selection also depends on coalition arrangements.

134. Which of these is not a standard category in the Union Council of Ministers?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 23 June 2025 Shift 3]

(A) Deputy Ministers

(B) Ministers of State

(D) Parliamentary Secretaries

Answer: (D) Parliamentary Secretaries

Explanation: Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State are recognised ministerial categories; Deputy Ministers have also historically formed part of the ministry. Parliamentary Secretaries are not a standard constitutional category of Union ministers under Articles 74–75.

133. Which ministerial rank normally stands immediately below the Prime Minister?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 23 June 2025 Shift 2]

(A) Deputy Minister

(B) Parliamentary Secretary

(D) Cabinet Minister

Answer: (D) Cabinet Minister

Explanation: Cabinet Ministers occupy the senior political tier under the Prime Minister, usually leading important ministries and participating in Cabinet decisions. Ministers of State may assist them or hold independent charge of specified portfolios.

132. Who advises the President on appointing members of the Union Council of Ministers?

[OSSSC CRE Preliminary, 9 November 2025]

(A) Chief Justice of India

(B) Prime Minister of India

(D) Rajya Sabha Chairman

Answer: (B) Prime Minister of India

Explanation: Under Article 75(1), the President appoints other ministers on the Prime Minister’s advice. This places political responsibility for assembling the team with the head of government rather than the judiciary or presiding officers.

131. What position did the Prime Minister hold in the former Planning Commission?

[SSC GD Constable, 5 February 2025]

(A) Ex-officio member

(B) Dialogue partner

(D) Secretary

Answer: (C) Ex-officio chairman

Explanation: From its establishment in 1950 until its replacement, the Planning Commission was chaired ex officio by the Prime Minister. The body coordinated national development planning and Five-Year Plans; NITI Aayog took its place in 2015.

130. How many separate terms did Atal Bihari Vajpayee serve as Prime Minister of India?

[MP Excise Constable, 11 September 2025]

(A) Three

(B) One

(D) Two

Answer: (A) Three

Explanation: Vajpayee headed three ministries: briefly in 1996, again from 1998 to 1999, and from October 1999 to May 2004. His last term made him the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete a full five-year term.

129. Which constitutional article concerns the status of the Union Council of Ministers?

[RPF Constable 2024 Paper, held 5 March 2025]

(A) Article 72

(B) Article 74

(D) Article 78

Answer: (B) Article 74

Explanation: Article 74 sets up the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, to advise the President. It differs from Article 72 on pardoning powers, Article 76 on the Attorney General and Article 78 on prime-ministerial duties.

Exam year: 2024

128. Which amendment restricted the Union Council of Ministers to 15% of the Lok Sabha’s strength?

[70th BPSC Preliminary Exam, 13 December 2024]

(A) 92nd Amendment

(B) 95th Amendment

(D) 93rd Amendment

Answer: (C) 91st Amendment

Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act, 2003 introduced Article 75(1A). It limits all Union ministers together, including the Prime Minister, to 15% of the Lok Sabha’s total membership, addressing excessively large ministerial councils.

127. Which body, headed by the Prime Minister, aids and advises the President under Article 74?

[SSC MTS, 30 October 2024]

(A) Council of Ministers

(B) Attorney General

(D) Council of States

Answer: (A) Council of Ministers

Explanation: The Council of Ministers is the constitutional advisory executive headed by the Prime Minister. It advises the President in exercising official powers, connecting executive action to the elected legislature through collective ministerial responsibility.

126. In Indian government, the Prime Minister is best described as which of the following?

[SSC MTS, 22 October 2024]

(A) Nominal executive

(B) Real executive

(D) Head of the judiciary

Answer: (B) Real executive

Explanation: The Prime Minister is the political or real executive, responsible for leading the Council of Ministers and government policy. The President is the nominal constitutional executive and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; the judiciary remains separate.

125. Who is described as head of government in a parliamentary system?

[SSC MTS, 9 October 2024]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) Chief Minister

(D) President

Answer: (A) Prime Minister

Explanation: At Union level, the Prime Minister directs the government and heads the ministry. The President serves as head of state. A Chief Minister has a comparable leadership role at state level rather than for the Union government.

124. Who heads the Council of Ministers mentioned in Article 74(1)?

[SSC MTS, 30 September 2024]

(A) Speaker

(B) Prime Minister

(D) President

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The first clause of Article 74 places the Prime Minister at the head of the Council of Ministers. The President receives its advice, but does not preside over this collective political body.

123. Which statement about the Indian Prime Minister is incorrect?

[SSC Selection Post Higher Secondary, 25 June 2024]

(A) Links President and ministers

(B) Heads the government

(D) Recommends ministerial appointments

Answer: (C) Council is collectively answerable to Rajya Sabha

Explanation: Article 75(3) makes the Council of Ministers collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha. The other statements describe recognised functions: coordinating the executive, advising appointments and communicating with the President.

122. Which constitutional office is advised by the Prime Minister-led Council of Ministers?

[SSC GD Constable, 1 March 2024]

(A) King

(B) President

(D) Home Minister

Answer: (B) President

Explanation: Article 74 provides for advice to the President from the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The President is the Union’s constitutional head, while elected political leadership directs day-to-day administration.

121. Statements:
(1) Union Council is responsible to Lok Sabha.
(2) Ministers may reach 20% of Lok Sabha.
(3) National Emergency requires written Cabinet recommendation.
(4) Every House must supply ministers.

Which are correct?

[IB ACIO Grade II, 17 January 2024]

(A) 1,2,3,4

(B) 2 and 4 only

(D) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (D) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: Collective responsibility belongs to the Lok Sabha and written Cabinet advice is necessary for a national emergency. The ministry is limited to 15%, not 20%, and the Constitution does not require representation from both Houses.

120. Who served the shortest prime-ministerial tenure among Deve Gowda, V. P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar and I. K. Gujral?

[SSC CGL Tier-I, 27 July 2023]

(A) H. D. Deve Gowda

(B) V. P. Singh

(D) I. K. Gujral

Answer: (C) Chandra Shekhar

Explanation: Chandra Shekhar served from November 1990 to June 1991, about seven months, shorter than the other three listed leaders. This is a comparison among the stated options, not a claim about every Prime Minister in Indian history.

119. Who is the real executive head of India under the parliamentary arrangement?

[SSC CGL, 14 July 2023]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) President

(D) Governor

Answer: (A) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers which takes political executive decisions. The President is the formal constitutional head and normally exercises powers on ministerial advice. This distinction is characteristic of parliamentary democracy.

118. What did the 91st Constitutional Amendment provide for?

[MPPSC State Services Preliminary 2022 Paper, held 21 May 2023]

(A) Cap on the Council of Ministers

(B) Freeze of legislative seats till 2026

(D) None of these

Answer: (A) Cap on the Council of Ministers

Explanation: The 91st Amendment imposed a 15% ceiling on the size of Union and state ministries, with a special minimum for state governments. It also reinforced provisions disqualifying defectors from ministerial office.

117. Under the 1 January 2015 NITI Aayog resolution, which of these belong to its composition:
(1) the Prime Minister,
(2) a Governing Council of Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors,
(3) the Rural Development Minister as a mandatory member,
(4) a CEO appointed by the Prime Minister?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 3 September 2023]

(A) 1, 2 and 3

(B) 1, 2 and 4

(D) 3 and 4 only

Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs NITI Aayog, with a Governing Council including chief ministers and lieutenant governors. The chief executive officer is appointed through the approved process by the Prime Minister. A mandatory Rural Development Minister seat is not listed as asserted.

116. What is the minimum constitutionally permitted size of Rajasthan’s Council of Ministers?

[RPSC RAS Preliminary Exam 2023]

(A) 12

(B) 10

(D) 5

Answer: (A) 12

Explanation: Article 164(1A), inserted by the Ninety-first Amendment, stipulates that a state’s ministry, including the Chief Minister, must ordinarily comprise at least twelve members. Its upper limit is fifteen percent of Assembly membership, paralleling the Union ceiling involving the Prime Minister.

115. Who chaired the reconstituted Inter-State Council announced in May 2022?

[SSC CGL, 13 December 2022 Shift 4]

(A) President

(B) Finance Minister

(D) Prime Minister

Answer: (D) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs the Inter-State Council, a platform established under Article 263 to promote consultation and coordination among the Union and states. Its composition includes central and state representatives.

114. Who serves as ex-officio chairperson of NITI Aayog?

[SSC CGL, 13 December 2022 Shift 1]

(A) Home Minister

(B) President

(D) Finance Minister

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister is chairperson of NITI Aayog, established in 2015 as the government’s policy think tank. Unlike the former Planning Commission, NITI Aayog does not allocate plan funds to states.

113. Under India’s parliamentary government, who leads national-level government operations?

[SSC CGL, 12 December 2022 Shift 2]

(A) President and Council jointly as co-heads

(B) President alone

(D) Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Answer: (D) Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Explanation: The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, and together they form the political executive directing Union administration. The President is the constitutional head who ordinarily acts on their advice.

112. Where does actual political executive authority principally lie in India’s constitutional system?

[SSC CPO, 11 November 2022 Shift 1]

(A) Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

(B) Vice-President

(D) President personally

Answer: (A) Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Explanation: The President constitutionally holds executive power, but the Prime Minister and ministry exercise political direction in practice. This division between formal authority and practical responsibility is central to parliamentary government.

111. Which assertion about removal of India’s Prime Minister is incorrect?

[SSC CPO, 11 November 2022 Shift 1]

(A) Prime Minister normally leads the Lok Sabha majority

(B) The President appoints the Prime Minister

(D) Both Houses must pass a two-thirds no-confidence vote

Answer: (D) Both Houses must pass a two-thirds no-confidence vote

Explanation: A no-confidence motion belongs to the Lok Sabha and is decided by a simple majority of members present and voting. The Rajya Sabha does not jointly remove the ministry through a two-thirds vote.

110. The Union Council of Ministers is collectively answerable to which body?

[SSC CPO, 10 November 2022 Shift 3]

(A) Both Houses

(B) Parliament jointly

(D) Lok Sabha

Answer: (D) Lok Sabha

Explanation: Article 75(3) singles out the House of the People. Although ministers answer parliamentary questions in either chamber, survival of the Union government depends on confidence of the Lok Sabha.

109. According to the Constitution, who appoints India’s Prime Minister?

[SSC MTS, 5 July 2022 Shift 3]

(A) Lok Sabha Speaker

(B) Council of Ministers

(D) Chief Justice of India

Answer: (C) President

Explanation: The President formally appoints the Prime Minister under Article 75. Constitutional convention directs the choice toward a leader with Lok Sabha majority support. Ministers other than the Prime Minister are appointed on the latter’s advice.

108. How long may a Union minister remain in office without being a member of either House of Parliament?

[SSC CHSL, 30 May 2022 Shift 3]

(A) Eight consecutive months

(B) Six consecutive months

(D) Three consecutive months

Answer: (B) Six consecutive months

Explanation: Article 75(5) permits a minister to serve without parliamentary membership for only six consecutive months. By that deadline the person must enter either House or cease to hold ministerial office.

107. As of April 2021, who had the longest total tenure as India’s Prime Minister?

[SSC CGL, 12 April 2022 Shift 3]

(A) Jawaharlal Nehru

(B) Indira Gandhi

(D) Narendra Modi

Answer: (A) Jawaharlal Nehru

Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru served from 15 August 1947 until 27 May 1964, nearly seventeen years. This duration exceeds the tenure of all the other leaders named in the question.

106. When may the President exercise limited discretion in appointing a Prime Minister?

[WBCS Mains 2021, held May 2022]

(A) When no party commands a clear Lok Sabha majority

(B) Only whenever Lok Sabha is dissolved

(D) Never

Answer: (A) When no party commands a clear Lok Sabha majority

Explanation: A hung Lok Sabha requires judgment about who can demonstrate majority support. Ordinarily the President appoints an obvious majority leader; discretion is constrained by the need to obtain parliamentary confidence.

105. Who was India’s first Deputy Prime Minister?

[WBCS Mains 2021, held May 2022]

(A) V. R. Gill

(B) R. N. Shukla

(D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Answer: (D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in the first post-independence government headed by Jawaharlal Nehru. The Deputy Prime Minister title has no independent constitutional definition.

104. Who presides over India’s Trade and Economic Relations Committee?

[WBCS Mains 2021, held May 2022]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) Commerce Minister

(D) Finance Secretary

Answer: (A) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Trade and Economic Relations Committee, established in 2005, is chaired by the Prime Minister to coordinate India’s international economic engagement. It brings together senior ministers and advisers concerned with trade and external relations.

103. Who among Lal Bahadur Shastri, Charan Singh, Chandra Shekhar and H. D. Deve Gowda had the shortest tenure as Prime Minister?

[UPSC NDA I General Ability Test, 10 April 2022]

(A) Lal Bahadur Shastri

(B) Charan Singh

(D) H. D. Deve Gowda

Answer: (B) Charan Singh

Explanation: Charan Singh served from 28 July 1979 to 14 January 1980, a shorter period than the other three leaders listed. His administration ended without facing a Lok Sabha confidence vote because political support was withdrawn.

102. Which statement is incorrect:
(1) Union executive action is taken in the President’s name,
(2) Attorney General appointment requires Supreme Court judicial eligibility,
(3) the Union ministry cannot exceed 10% of Lok Sabha membership,
(4) presidential action generally follows ministerial advice?

[UPSC CDS I General Knowledge, 10 April 2022]

(A) Statement 1

(B) Statement 2

(D) Statement 4

Answer: (C) Statement 3

Explanation: Article 75(1A), introduced by the Ninety-first Amendment, sets the Union Council of Ministers ceiling at fifteen percent of Lok Sabha strength, not ten percent. Executive actions are expressed in the President’s name and ministerial advice governs constitutional action.

101. Who was India’s Prime Minister during the Eighth Five-Year Plan?

[RRB Group D, 27 September 2022 Shift 2]

(A) Manmohan Singh

(B) Chandra Shekhar

(D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Answer: (D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Explanation: The Eighth Five-Year Plan began in 1992 during the administration of P. V. Narasimha Rao and continued through 1997. Its emphasis included human development and employment alongside the wider economic liberalisation launched in 1991.

100. Who was Prime Minister of India when the Third Five-Year Plan was formulated?

[RRC Group D, 29 September 2022 Shift 1]

(A) Indira Gandhi

(B) Morarji Desai

(D) Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer: (D) Jawaharlal Nehru

Explanation: The Third Five-Year Plan commenced in 1961 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The 1962 war, subsequent conflict and drought contributed to difficulties in reaching its economic objectives during the plan’s 1961–1966 period.

99. Who heads the Council of Ministers in the Government of India?

[RRB Group D, 15 September 2022 Shift 3]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) Lok Sabha Speaker

(D) Vice-President

Answer: (A) Prime Minister

Explanation: Article 74 expressly states that a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head aids and advises the President. The President is the constitutional head of state; the Prime Minister directs the ministry’s political work.

98. Who became acting Prime Minister following Jawaharlal Nehru’s death in 1964?

[SSC MTS, 26 October 2021 Shift 2]

(A) Morarji Desai

(B) V. P. Singh

(D) Charan Singh

Answer: (C) Gulzarilal Nanda

Explanation: Gulzarilal Nanda temporarily headed the government after Nehru’s death in May 1964. He again served as acting Prime Minister in January 1966 after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death.

97. Which Prime Minister travelled by bus to Lahore in 1999 for a peace initiative?

[SSC MTS, 26 October 2021 Shift 1]

(A) I. K. Gujral

(B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

(D) H. D. Deve Gowda

Answer: (B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Explanation: Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore in February 1999 and joined Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Lahore Declaration. The initiative sought confidence-building and improved bilateral relations.

96. Who was Prime Minister of India in 1978?

[SSC MTS, 18 October 2021 Shift 1]

(A) Gulzarilal Nanda

(B) Morarji Desai

(D) Lal Bahadur Shastri

Answer: (B) Morarji Desai

Explanation: Morarji Desai headed the Janata Party government from March 1977 to July 1979. Charan Singh succeeded him in July 1979, so Desai was the incumbent throughout 1978.

95. Who succeeded Morarji Desai as India’s Prime Minister in 1979?

[SSC CGL, 13 August 2021 Shift 1]

(A) Jagjivan Ram

(B) Chandra Shekhar

(D) Devi Lal

Answer: (C) Charan Singh

Explanation: Charan Singh became Prime Minister on 28 July 1979 after Morarji Desai’s resignation. His government lost its prospective support before facing the Lok Sabha, and he subsequently resigned.

94. Who chaired both the Planning Commission and the National Integration Council?

[SSC CGL, 20 August 2021 Shift 1]

(A) President

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Attorney General

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chaired the Planning Commission during that institution’s existence and chairs the National Integration Council. These roles extend the head of government’s coordination across economic and social policy.

93. A no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha is moved against whom?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 7 February 2021]

(A) An individual minister

(B) The Council of Ministers

(D) A political party

Answer: (B) The Council of Ministers

Explanation: A no-confidence motion tests the confidence of Lok Sabha in the Council of Ministers as a whole. Article 75(3) makes ministers collectively responsible, so an adverse majority vote requires the government to resign.

92. Which is an incorrect description of the Union Cabinet?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 7 February 2021]

(A) It is part of Parliament-based government

(B) It is answerable to Parliament

(D) A person outside Parliament can never become a Cabinet member

Answer: (D) A person outside Parliament can never become a Cabinet member

Explanation: A person who is not yet an MP may become a Cabinet minister, provided parliamentary membership is obtained within six months under Article 75(5). The ministry’s collective constitutional responsibility remains specifically to Lok Sabha.

91. Which amendment imposed the Union Council of Ministers’ 15% ceiling?

[66th BPSC Prelims Re-examination, 2020]

(A) 95th Amendment

(B) 93rd Amendment

(D) 90th Amendment

Answer: (C) 91st Amendment

Explanation: Article 75(1A) was introduced through the 91st Amendment. The ceiling includes the Prime Minister and is linked to total Lok Sabha strength. It aims to restrain oversized ministries and strengthen parliamentary governance.

90. During which years was Lal Bahadur Shastri Prime Minister?

[SSC CPO, 25 November 2020 Shift 1]

(A) 1964–1966

(B) 1977–1979

(D) 1966–1977

Answer: (A) 1964–1966

Explanation: Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru in June 1964 and remained Prime Minister until his death in January 1966. His premiership included the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War and the slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.

89. Who was President of India when Rajiv Gandhi first became Prime Minister?

[SSC CPO, 23 November 2020 Shift 1]

(A) Giani Zail Singh

(B) R. Venkataraman

(D) Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

Answer: (A) Giani Zail Singh

Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister after Indira Gandhi’s assassination on 31 October 1984. President Giani Zail Singh administered the oath. R. Venkataraman succeeded Zail Singh as President only in 1987.

88. Which constitutional provision describes a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister?

[SSC CHSL, 15 October 2020 Shift 3]

(A) Article 74(1)

(B) Article 44

(D) Article 21(1)

Answer: (A) Article 74(1)

Explanation: Article 74(1) establishes the Prime Minister-headed Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President. The other options concern unrelated constitutional subjects, such as uniform civil code and fundamental rights.

87. The Prime Minister’s Office began using that name in 1977. Is it also headed by the Cabinet Secretary?

[UPPSC Prelims 2019]

(A) Only the second statement is true

(B) Both statements are true

(D) Neither statement is true

Answer: (C) Only the first statement is true

Explanation: The Prime Minister’s Secretariat was renamed the Prime Minister’s Office in 1977. The PMO is administratively headed by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, not the Cabinet Secretary.

86. Which article makes the Union Council of Ministers collectively responsible to Lok Sabha?

[SSC CHSL, 11 July 2019 Shift 1]

(A) Article 302

(B) Article 29

(D) Article 35

Answer: (C) Article 75

Explanation: Article 75(3) states the collective responsibility rule explicitly. The ministry must maintain support in the House of the People and resign following loss of that support on a confidence matter.

85. Who was India’s interim Prime Minister following Nehru’s death in 1964?

[SSC CHSL, 11 July 2019 Shift 2]

(A) Morarji Desai

(B) V. P. Singh

(D) Charan Singh

Answer: (C) Gulzarilal Nanda

Explanation: Gulzarilal Nanda served briefly as acting Prime Minister after Nehru’s death and again after Shastri’s death in 1966. These two interregnums ensured uninterrupted national executive leadership.

84. Which amendment restricted the size of the Union ministry to 15% of Lok Sabha?

[SSC MTS, 20 August 2019 Shift 3]

(A) 74th

(B) 91st

(D) 61st

Answer: (B) 91st

Explanation: The 91st Amendment inserted Article 75(1A), limiting total Union ministers, including the Prime Minister, to 15% of Lok Sabha’s total membership. A corresponding rule applies to state ministries.

83. Which Prime Minister initially served for only thirteen days in 1996?

[SSC MTS, 13 August 2019 Shift 2]

(A) Morarji Desai

(B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

(D) Charan Singh

Answer: (B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Explanation: Atal Bihari Vajpayee first took office on 16 May 1996 but resigned after thirteen days when he could not secure a majority. He subsequently returned to head governments in 1998 and 1999.

82. Who was Prime Minister during India’s 1975–1977 Emergency?

[SSC CGL, 7 June 2019 Shift 2]

(A) Rajiv Gandhi

(B) Morarji Desai

(D) Indira Gandhi

Answer: (D) Indira Gandhi

Explanation: Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister when the national Emergency operated from June 1975 to March 1977. The Emergency ended before the 1977 election, after which Morarji Desai formed the Janata government.

81. Who hoists the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day?

[SSC CPO, 16 March 2019 Shift 1]

(A) Chief Justice

(B) Governor

(D) President

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: India’s Prime Minister raises the national flag at the Red Fort on 15 August and addresses the nation. On Republic Day, by contrast, the President is the central constitutional figure in the ceremonial programme.

80. Which former Indian Prime Minister is often called the Chanakya of modern India?

[SSC CPO, 15 March 2019 Shift 2]

(A) V. P. Singh

(B) Charan Singh

(D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Answer: (D) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Explanation: P. V. Narasimha Rao earned the popular comparison because of his political manoeuvring and leadership during major economic change. His term from 1991 to 1996 included far-reaching liberalisation initiatives.

79. Which former Prime Minister and Finance Minister is widely associated with India’s 1991 economic reforms?

[SSC CPO, 16 March 2019 Shift 1]

(A) P. V. Narasimha Rao

(B) Narendra Modi

(D) Yashwant Sinha

Answer: (C) Manmohan Singh

Explanation: Manmohan Singh became Finance Minister under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao in 1991. Together they advanced reforms that changed industrial licensing, foreign investment and trade policy. Singh later served as Prime Minister.

78. Who chairs the National Commission on Population in India?

[SSC MTS, 7 August 2019 Shift 2]

(A) Union Health Minister

(B) President

(D) Department Secretary

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The National Commission on Population was established to support implementation of population policy and is chaired by the Prime Minister. It brings senior central officials and representatives together for national coordination.

77. Under which article is the Prime Minister appointed by the President?

[SSC CPO, 12 December 2019 Shift 1]

(A) Article 85

(B) Article 70

(D) Article 75

Answer: (D) Article 75

Explanation: Article 75(1) provides for presidential appointment of the Prime Minister and appointment of other Union ministers on the Prime Minister’s advice. Article 74 instead sets out the Council’s advisory function.

76. What is the maximum size of the Union Council of Ministers under Article 75(1A)?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 8 September 2019]

(A) 10% of total Parliament membership

(B) 15% of total Parliament membership

(D) 15% of Lok Sabha membership

Answer: (D) 15% of Lok Sabha membership

Explanation: The Constitution fixes the ceiling at fifteen percent of Lok Sabha’s total membership, expressly including the Prime Minister. The Ninety-first Amendment introduced this restriction to prevent excessively large ministerial councils.

75. Which memorial of a former Indian Prime Minister features nine black granite blocks arranged on a lotus-shaped platform?

[UPSC NDA General Ability Test, 21 April 2019]

(A) Shakti Sthal

(B) Shantivan

(D) Veer Bhumi

Answer: (C) Sadaiv Atal

Explanation: Sadaiv Atal is the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Its design uses nine square black granite blocks and symbolic arrangements. Shakti Sthal commemorates Indira Gandhi and Veer Bhumi commemorates Rajiv Gandhi.

74. Which office is not expressly created by India’s Constitution?

[WBCS Prelims 2018]

(A) Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

(B) Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

(D) Deputy Prime Minister

Answer: (D) Deputy Prime Minister

Explanation: Constitutional provisions establish the parliamentary deputy presiding officers, but no article creates an office of Deputy Prime Minister. The title may be granted politically without automatically giving independent constitutional powers.

73. Which bodies are chaired by the Prime Minister:
(1) NITI Aayog,
(2) National Integration Council,
(3) National Board for Wildlife?

[SSC CHSL, 8 March 2018 Shift 2]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: The Prime Minister is chairperson of all three bodies. These chairmanships facilitate coordination in planning, national integration and wildlife conservation; they are distinct from formal ministerial duties under Articles 74–78.

72. Who is both leader of the Union Council of Ministers and the principal leader of government business in Parliament?

[SSC CHSL, 21 March 2018 Shift 2]

(A) Home Minister

(B) Prime Minister

(D) President

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister heads the executive ministry and usually directs the government’s parliamentary agenda. This leadership follows the requirement that the ministry collectively retain support in the Lok Sabha.

71. To which particular House does Article 75 make the Union ministry collectively answerable?

[SSC CHSL, 22 March 2018 Shift 2]

(A) People generally

(B) Lok Sabha

(D) President

Answer: (B) Lok Sabha

Explanation: Article 75(3) specifies the House of the People, meaning Lok Sabha. Ministers from either House share the responsibility, and defeat on a confidence motion imperils the entire Council.

70. Which constitutional amendment fixed a 15% ceiling for the Council of Ministers at Union and state levels?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 4 February 2018]

(A) 91st Amendment

(B) 87th Amendment

(D) 90th Amendment

Answer: (A) 91st Amendment

Explanation: The Ninety-first Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 introduced Article 75(1A) at Union level and Article 164(1A) for the states. The state provision also safeguards a minimum of twelve ministers, subject to special constitutional arrangements.

69. What is the constitutional retirement age for India’s Prime Minister?

[SSC CHSL, 7 January 2017 Shift 3]

(A) 60 years

(B) 70 years

(D) No specified age limit

Answer: (D) No specified age limit

Explanation: The Constitution prescribes no compulsory retirement age for the Prime Minister. Eligibility for parliamentary membership and the capacity to maintain Lok Sabha support determine continued political office, not a retirement-age ceiling.

68. What minimum age must a Rajya Sabha member meet to become Prime Minister?

[SSC CHSL, 31 January 2017 Shift 1]

(A) 18

(B) 25

(D) 35

Answer: (C) 30

Explanation: Rajya Sabha membership requires at least thirty years of age under Article 84. A Prime Minister can belong to either House; therefore a person entering the office via Rajya Sabha must meet that House’s eligibility age.

67. Who is ex-officio chairperson of NITI Aayog?

[SSC CHSL, 22 January 2017 Shift 3]

(A) Home Minister

(B) President

(D) Finance Minister

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs NITI Aayog by virtue of office. Set up in 2015, the institution provides strategic policy advice and fosters coordination among state and Union governments.

66. Who makes the formal appointment of the Prime Minister?

[SSC CPO, 3 July 2017 Shift 1]

(A) Lok Sabha Speaker

(B) Council of Ministers

(D) Chief Justice

Answer: (C) President

Explanation: Article 75(1) identifies the President as the appointing authority. The appointee must be capable of securing Lok Sabha confidence; a parliamentary vote does not directly elect the Prime Minister as a separate office.

65. Which article governs appointment of the Prime Minister and other Union ministers?

[SSC CPO, 5 July 2017 Shift 2]

(A) Article 85

(B) Article 70

(D) Article 75

Answer: (D) Article 75

Explanation: Article 75 establishes the appointment mechanism for the Union ministry. It also addresses the pleasure principle, parliamentary membership and collective responsibility, complementing Article 74’s provisions for ministerial advice.

64. Which House can hold the Union Council of Ministers collectively responsible?

[SSC CPO, 5 July 2017 Shift 1]

(A) Both Houses jointly

(B) Rajya Sabha only

(D) Lok Sabha

Answer: (D) Lok Sabha

Explanation: Although both Houses scrutinise ministers, Article 75(3) makes collective responsibility specific to Lok Sabha. Loss of its confidence requires resignation of the whole ministry, not merely one minister.

63. Which of these is an example of a political executive?

[SSC MTS, 22 October 2017 Shift 1]

(A) Income-tax Commissioner

(B) District Collector

(D) Superintendent of Police

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister is a political executive drawn from democratic leadership, unlike permanent civil servants such as district collectors and police officers. Political executives set policy and bear political accountability for government decisions.

62. Who is India’s head of government?

[SSC MTS, 13 October 2017 Shift 2]

(A) President

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Foreign Secretary

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The President is head of state, while the Prime Minister heads the government. The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers and coordinates implementation of Union policy in the parliamentary executive.

61. Who formerly served as chairman of India’s Planning Commission?

[SSC CHSL, 15 January 2017 Shift 1]

(A) Defence Minister

(B) Attorney General

(D) Finance Minister

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: During its existence from 1950 to 2014, the Planning Commission was headed by the Prime Minister ex officio. This institutional role differed from the ministry’s constitutional responsibility to Lok Sabha.

60. According to the conventional ordinal count used in the exam, Narendra Modi became which Prime Minister of India?

[SSC CHSL, 24 January 2017 Shift 3]

(A) Fifth

(B) Tenth

(D) Eighteenth

Answer: (C) Fourteenth

Explanation: Narendra Modi became Prime Minister on 26 May 2014 and is conventionally described as India’s fourteenth Prime Minister. Ordinal counting typically excludes interim repetitions and treats separately elected officeholders by established governmental convention.

59. Who had served the longest term as Prime Minister among these leaders?

[SSC CHSL, 2 February 2017 Shift 2]

(A) Jawaharlal Nehru

(B) Indira Gandhi

(D) Narendra Modi

Answer: (A) Jawaharlal Nehru

Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru’s uninterrupted tenure from August 1947 to May 1964 remains the longest among the listed leaders. His years in office spanned the post-independence transition and formation of the Republic.

58. Statements:
(1) Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
(2) Union ministers constitutionally hold office at the Prime Minister’s pleasure.

Which is correct?

[UPPSC RO/ARO Preliminary 2016]

(A) Only 1

(B) Both

(D) Only 2

Answer: (A) Only 1

Explanation: Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha is expressly provided by Article 75(3). The Constitution says ministers hold office during the President’s pleasure, although the Prime Minister’s advice is crucial to their continuation.

57. Which Indian Prime Minister’s signature appeared on currency notes due to earlier service at the RBI?

[SSC CPO, 7 June 2016 Shift 1]

(A) Lal Bahadur Shastri

(B) V. P. Singh

(D) Manmohan Singh

Answer: (D) Manmohan Singh

Explanation: Manmohan Singh served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. Banknotes issued while he held that position bore his signature, before he later became Prime Minister in 2004.

56. On whose recommendation is a Union minister ordinarily dismissed by the President?

[SSC CGL, 30 August 2016 Shift 3]

(A) Lok Sabha Speaker

(B) Emergency Cabinet

(D) President without advice

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: Although Union ministers constitutionally hold office during the President’s pleasure, in a parliamentary system removal ordinarily follows the Prime Minister’s recommendation. This preserves the Prime Minister’s responsibility for the ministerial team.

55. Which office automatically chairs NITI Aayog?

[SSC CGL, 28 August 2016 Shift 1]

(A) President

(B) Home Minister

(D) Finance Minister

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs NITI Aayog ex officio, as the Union’s chief political executive. The institution encourages strategic policy thinking and cooperative federalism in place of the former Planning Commission.

54. Who chairs the National Disaster Management Authority?

[SSC CGL, 4 September 2016 Shift 3]

(A) National Security Adviser

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Home Minister

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs the National Disaster Management Authority under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The body sets broad national policies for disaster preparedness, mitigation and response.

53. Whose advice ordinarily governs the President’s summoning of Parliament?

[SSC CGL, 7 September 2016 Shift 1]

(A) Speaker alone

(B) Prime Minister alone

(D) Council of Ministers

Answer: (D) Council of Ministers

Explanation: Parliament is summoned by the President under Article 85, acting according to the constitutional advice of the Union Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister leads that Council, but the decision follows cabinet-government procedure.

52. Which power of the Prime Minister is explicitly stated in India’s Constitution?

[UPSC NDA General Ability Test, 18 September 2016]

(A) Advising the President on appointing other Union ministers

(B) Allocating portfolios directly under the Constitution

(D) Transferring ministers between departments by explicit article

Answer: (A) Advising the President on appointing other Union ministers

Explanation: Article 75(1) expressly provides that other ministers are appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice. Portfolio allocation, Cabinet scheduling and political rearrangements involve rules of business and convention, rather than that specific textual power.

51. Which of the following Prime Ministers lost parliamentary confidence votes:
(1) Morarji Desai,
(2) V. P. Singh,
(3) H. D. Deve Gowda,
(4) Atal Bihari Vajpayee?

[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 14 February 2016]

(A) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(B) 1, 2 and 3 only

(D) 1 and 4 only

Answer: (C) 2, 3 and 4 only

Explanation: V. P. Singh lost a confidence vote in 1990, Deve Gowda in 1997, and Vajpayee in 1999. Morarji Desai resigned in 1979 after losing political support without himself being defeated in the specified floor vote.

50. A Union minister who is not an MP must become a member of either parliamentary House within which period?

[UPPSC Mains 2015]

(A) One year

(B) Six months

(D) One month

Answer: (B) Six months

Explanation: Article 75(5) creates a six-month limit for a minister who is not initially a member of either House. The requirement includes the Prime Minister and prevents indefinite tenure without parliamentary membership.

49. Which of these Prime Ministers was a Lok Sabha member while holding that office?

[UPPSC Prelims 2015]

(A) H. D. Deve Gowda

(B) I. K. Gujral

(D) Manmohan Singh

Answer: (C) Chandra Shekhar

Explanation: Chandra Shekhar represented Ballia in Lok Sabha during his term as Prime Minister. The other leaders listed in the question served from Rajya Sabha or were not Lok Sabha members while in office.

48. Statements:
(1) Union executive power is constitutionally vested in the Prime Minister.
(2) The Prime Minister chairs the Civil Services Board ex officio.

Which are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2015]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) Neither

Answer: (D) Neither

Explanation: Article 53 formally vests Union executive power in the President, not the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Secretary, rather than the Prime Minister, heads the Civil Services Board. Both assertions are therefore incorrect.

47. How many members’ support is required for admission of a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha?

[UP Lower Subordinate Services Prelims 2015]

(A) 30

(B) 40

(D) 60

Answer: (C) 50

Explanation: Under Lok Sabha Rule 198, at least fifty members must support leave for a no-confidence motion. This procedural support is not the majority needed subsequently to pass the motion itself.

46. Who was India’s first Deputy Prime Minister?

[SSC CHSL 2015]

(A) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

(B) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

(D) Gulzarilal Nanda

Answer: (A) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in the first government of independent India. The deputy-premiership is a political designation and not an office separately established by the Constitution.

45. Statements:
(1) The President makes rules for government business and ministerial allocation.
(2) Union executive action is expressed in the Prime Minister’s name.

Which are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2014]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) Neither

Answer: (A) 1 only

Explanation: Article 77(3) authorises rules for conducting Union government business and allocating work. Under Article 77(1), executive action is formally expressed in the name of the President, making the second statement false.

44. Statements:
(1) No-confidence motion is not expressly named in the Constitution.
(2) It can be moved only in Lok Sabha.

Which are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2014]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) Neither

Answer: (C) Both

Explanation: The Constitution establishes collective responsibility but does not explicitly use the phrase no-confidence motion. Lok Sabha’s rules prescribe its procedure; Rajya Sabha cannot bring down the Council of Ministers through such a motion.

43. Match Prime Ministers to periods: Deve Gowda, Chandra Shekhar, Vajpayee, Gujral and V. P. Singh.

[Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims 2014]

(A) 1999–2004, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1996–97, 1997–98

(B) 1997–98, 1996–97, 1990–91, 1989–90, 1999–2004

(D) 1996–97, 1990–91, 1999–2004, 1997–98, 1989–90

Answer: (D) 1996–97, 1990–91, 1999–2004, 1997–98, 1989–90

Explanation: Deve Gowda governed in 1996–97, Chandra Shekhar in 1990–91, Vajpayee’s last ministry in 1999–2004, Gujral in 1997–98 and V. P. Singh in 1989–90. Matching chronologies tests political succession.

42. Article 78 of India’s Constitution specifies the duties of which office?

[UPPSC Revenue Inspector 2014]

(A) Lok Sabha Speaker

(B) Rajya Sabha Chairman

(D) Prime Minister

Answer: (D) Prime Minister

Explanation: Article 78 obliges the Prime Minister to communicate Council decisions and proposed legislation to the President and furnish requested information. It also provides for referring certain individual ministerial decisions to the Council.

41. What is the principal feature of Cabinet government?

[SSC CGL 2014]

(A) Individual ministerial responsibility alone

(B) Collective ministerial responsibility

(D) Governmental irresponsibility

Answer: (B) Collective ministerial responsibility

Explanation: Collective responsibility requires ministers to support Cabinet decisions and answer together to Lok Sabha. Disagreement may lead an individual minister to resign, but the constitutional accountability of the entire Council remains joint.

40. Which thinker described the Prime Minister as first among equals?

[SSC CGL 2014]

(A) Morley

(B) Harcourt

(D) Lowell

Answer: (A) Morley

Explanation: The phrase first among equals conveys that a Prime Minister presides over colleagues within a collectively responsible Cabinet. In practice political leadership can be stronger, but the phrase emphasises collective rather than purely personal rule.

39. Who compared the Cabinet to the steering wheel of the ship of state?

[SSC CGL 2014]

(A) Lowell

(B) Ramsay Muir

(D) Bagehot

Answer: (B) Ramsay Muir

Explanation: The analogy attributed to Ramsay Muir emphasises the Cabinet’s central role in steering government policy. In India’s parliamentary structure, the Prime Minister chairs that collective decision-making body.

38. Which is the correct description of India’s Prime Minister?

[UPPSC Mains 2013]

(A) Nominal head of Council

(B) Not responsible to Parliament

(D) Real head of Council of Ministers

Answer: (D) Real head of Council of Ministers

Explanation: The Prime Minister heads the political executive and coordinates the ministerial team. The President is constitutional head of state, while the ministry remains collectively answerable to the elected Lok Sabha.

37. The Prime Minister of India is formally selected by which method?

[Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims 2013]

(A) Direct election

(B) Administrative selection

(D) Appointment by President

Answer: (D) Appointment by President

Explanation: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President under Article 75(1). Political majority support determines whom the President can appropriately invite to form the government; there is no distinct popular election to this office.

36. Statements:
(1) Union Council is responsible to Parliament collectively.
(2) Ministers hold office during the President’s pleasure.
(3) Prime Minister communicates legislative proposals to the President.

Which are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2013]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(D) All three

Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Collective responsibility is specifically to Lok Sabha, making statement one imprecise. Article 75 provides for the President’s pleasure, while Article 78 requires the Prime Minister to communicate legislative proposals and executive decisions.

35. Which functions belong to the Cabinet Secretariat:
(1) Cabinet meeting agendas,
(2) support to Cabinet committees,
(3) allocation of ministry funds?

[Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims 2013]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The Cabinet Secretariat arranges Cabinet business and assists Cabinet committees. Allocating financial resources to ministries is not its defining responsibility; fiscal allocation follows separate budgetary and administrative processes.

34. Which Prime Minister headed the government during India’s 1991 liberalisation programme?

[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims 2013]

(A) Rajiv Gandhi

(B) V. P. Singh

(D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Answer: (C) P. V. Narasimha Rao

Explanation: P. V. Narasimha Rao became Prime Minister in June 1991 and oversaw liberalisation, privatisation and greater global integration. Finance Minister Manmohan Singh introduced the reform budget and related policy measures.

33. At least how many Lok Sabha members must support allowing a no-confidence motion to be considered?

[UPPSC Mains 2013]

(A) 30

(B) 40

(D) 60

Answer: (C) 50

Explanation: Lok Sabha Rule 198 requires support from fifty members before the House grants leave to bring a no-confidence motion. A successful motion subsequently demonstrates loss of the ministry’s majority support.

32. Must a newly appointed Prime Minister already belong to Parliament?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2012]

(A) No, but must join either House within six months

(B) No, but must join Lok Sabha within six months

(D) Yes, Lok Sabha already

Answer: (A) No, but must join either House within six months

Explanation: A Prime Minister may take office before becoming a member of Parliament but must enter either House within six months under Article 75(5). Membership need not be in Lok Sabha specifically.

31. Collective responsibility of the Union Council of Ministers is:
(1) to Lok Sabha,
(2) constitutionally obligatory,
(3) based on Article 75(3),
(4) based on Article 74(3).

Which are valid?

[UPPSC Mains 2012]

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 1, 2 and 3 only

(D) All four

Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Article 75(3) expressly requires the Council to answer collectively to Lok Sabha. There is no Article 74(3) forming a basis for this responsibility. Hence only the first three assertions are valid.

30. To whom is the Union Council of Ministers collectively responsible?

[UPPSC Prelims 2012]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) President

(D) Lok Sabha

Answer: (D) Lok Sabha

Explanation: Article 75(3) makes the ministry collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. The lower House can withdraw confidence, requiring all ministers to resign together rather than continue individually.

29. Who makes the constitutional appointment of India’s Prime Minister?

[Jharkhand PCS Prelims 2011]

(A) Lok Sabha directly

(B) Parliament collectively

(D) Majority party as a constitutional appointing body

Answer: (C) President

Explanation: Article 75(1) gives the President the appointment power. A party or coalition majority makes the leader politically eligible, but the formal appointment is a presidential constitutional act.

28. Which statement about Union Cabinet membership is incorrect?

[UPPSC Prelims 2011]

(A) India follows parliamentary government

(B) A Cabinet operates within Parliament-based government

(D) The Cabinet depends on Lok Sabha confidence

Answer: (C) Only Lok Sabha members may be Cabinet ministers

Explanation: Cabinet ministers may be MPs from either House. A non-member may also serve briefly subject to the six-month membership rule. Restricting the Cabinet entirely to Lok Sabha would therefore be unconstitutional.

27. Who heads the National Defence Committee?

[BPSC 53rd–55th Prelims 2011]

(A) Home Minister

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Vice-President

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs important high-level executive defence coordination bodies. The President is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces constitutionally, while defence policy is politically directed through the Union ministry.

26. Which Prime Minister was the first among these to visit Siachen?

[SSC CGL 2011]

(A) Rajiv Gandhi

(B) I. K. Gujral

(D) None

Answer: (C) Manmohan Singh

Explanation: Manmohan Singh visited the Siachen Glacier in 2005, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit that high-altitude military area. The visit highlighted service conditions and border security issues.

25. Place these Prime Ministers chronologically: Indira Gandhi, Nehru, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh.

[SSC CHSL 2011]

(A) Indira, Nehru, Desai, Charan

(B) Nehru, Desai, Indira, Charan

(D) Desai, Nehru, Charan, Indira

Answer: (C) Nehru, Indira, Desai, Charan

Explanation: Nehru governed from independence to 1964, Indira Gandhi first came to office in 1966, Morarji Desai began in 1977 and Charan Singh followed in 1979. Thus the third sequence is chronological.

24. Manmohan Singh represented which state in Rajya Sabha while serving as Prime Minister?

[MPPSC Prelims 2010]

(A) Punjab

(B) Punjab as a Lok Sabha MP

(D) Assam

Answer: (D) Assam

Explanation: Manmohan Singh was a Rajya Sabha member representing Assam during his premiership from 2004 to 2014. He represented Rajasthan only later, after his years as Prime Minister.

23. The Union Council of Ministers is collectively answerable to which House?

[MPPSC Prelims 2010]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) President

(D) Lok Sabha

Answer: (D) Lok Sabha

Explanation: The Lok Sabha is the constitutionally specified forum for collective responsibility under Article 75(3). Ministers from Rajya Sabha also share responsibility for retaining the lower House’s confidence.

22. Who presides over the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research?

[Uttarakhand Lower Subordinate Prelims 2010]

(A) President

(B) Vice-President

(D) Science and Technology Minister

Answer: (C) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister is ex-officio President of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. This institutional position links national scientific research administration to the highest level of elected executive leadership.

21. How does a person formally become Prime Minister of India?

[SSC CGL 2010]

(A) Direct election

(B) Presidential appointment

(D) Selection by civil service

Answer: (B) Presidential appointment

Explanation: Article 75(1) provides presidential appointment. In practice the person invited must be able to command Lok Sabha majority confidence, usually as the leader of a majority party or coalition.

20. Which assertion is incorrect following the Union ministry’s resignation?

[UPPSC Mains 2010]

(A) President’s Rule must be imposed at the Union level

(B) President may request an interim caretaker ministry

(D) Outgoing ministry may continue temporarily

Answer: (A) President’s Rule must be imposed at the Union level

Explanation: President’s Rule under Article 356 concerns state constitutional machinery, not the Union government’s resignation. A caretaker arrangement and possible alternative majority are considered while government continuity is maintained.

19. What is the constitutional nature of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office?

[UPPSC Mains 2009]

(A) Created in original Constitution

(B) Extra-constitutional political designation

(D) Created by 85th Amendment

Answer: (B) Extra-constitutional political designation

Explanation: The Constitution creates the office of Prime Minister but not Deputy Prime Minister. The deputy title may be given to a senior minister for political or organisational reasons without automatically bestowing the Prime Minister’s constitutional authority.

18. Statements:
(1) Every Cabinet Minister must be a sitting Lok Sabha member.
(2) Cabinet Secretariat works under Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

Which are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2009]

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) Neither

Answer: (D) Neither

Explanation: Cabinet ministers may come from Rajya Sabha, and non-members have a six-month grace period. The Cabinet Secretariat is not subordinate to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, making both statements false.

17. Which amendment limited the Union ministry, including the Prime Minister, to 15% of Lok Sabha strength?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2009]

(A) 90th

(B) 91st

(D) 93rd

Answer: (B) 91st

Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 inserted Article 75(1A), capping the Union Council of Ministers. This ceiling is calculated with reference to Lok Sabha strength, not combined parliamentary membership.

16. How long can a Prime Minister normally remain in office?

[SSC Tax Assistant 2009]

(A) For the full Lok Sabha term regardless of confidence

(B) Until President’s term expires

(D) Exactly five years

Answer: (C) While commanding Lok Sabha majority support

Explanation: The Prime Minister has no constitutionally fixed personal term of five years. Office continues while the ministry retains Lok Sabha confidence; resignation, death or political change can end a tenure earlier.

15. What minimum age is generally cited for eligibility to become Prime Minister through Lok Sabha?

[SSC Matric Level 2008]

(A) 18 years

(B) 21 years

(D) 35 years

Answer: (C) 25 years

Explanation: The Constitution does not separately state a minimum age for Prime Minister. A Lok Sabha member must be at least twenty-five; someone entering via Rajya Sabha must be at least thirty.

14. Who normally presides over meetings of the Union Council of Ministers?

[SSC Matric Level 2008]

(A) Prime Minister

(B) President

(D) Lok Sabha Speaker

Answer: (A) Prime Minister

Explanation: The Prime Minister is head of the Council of Ministers and presides over its political deliberations. The President is constitutional head of state and does not chair routine meetings of the ministry.

13. During whose pleasure do Union ministers constitutionally hold office?

[SSC Matric Level 2008]

(A) President

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Supreme Court

Answer: (A) President

Explanation: Article 75(2) says ministers hold office during the President’s pleasure. In practice this operates within parliamentary conventions, and dismissal of individual ministers generally follows the Prime Minister’s recommendation.

12. Which official is not a member of the Union Council of Ministers?

[SSC Tax Assistant 2008]

(A) Cabinet Minister

(B) Minister of State

(D) Minister without portfolio

Answer: (C) Cabinet Secretary

Explanation: The Cabinet Secretary is a senior civil servant and not a political minister. Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and ministers without portfolio belong to the political executive when duly appointed.

11. Assertion: Union Council of Ministers is responsible to both Houses. Reason: Ministers may belong to either House. Which is correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2007]

(A) Both true, reason explains

(B) Both true, reason does not explain

(D) Assertion false, reason true

Answer: (D) Assertion false, reason true

Explanation: Ministers can be selected from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, so the reason is true. Collective responsibility is specifically owed to Lok Sabha under Article 75(3), making the assertion incorrect.

10. The Prime Minister continues in office only as long as whose confidence is retained?

[SSC CGL 2007]

(A) Armed Forces

(B) Rajya Sabha

(D) Public opinion alone

Answer: (C) Lok Sabha

Explanation: The Prime Minister and ministry depend on support in the Lok Sabha, the directly elected lower House. A lost confidence vote obliges the government to resign, even if it still enjoys support elsewhere.

9. What is the minimum eligibility age to become Prime Minister through Lok Sabha membership?

[Uttarakhand UDA/LDA Prelims 2007]

(A) 21

(B) 25

(D) 35

Answer: (B) 25

Explanation: There is no stand-alone constitutional age provision for Prime Minister. Article 84 permits Lok Sabha membership from age twenty-five; Rajya Sabha membership requires thirty years.

8. In a parliamentary system, who is the real head of executive government?

[MPPSC Prelims 2006]

(A) Parliament

(B) Prime Minister

(D) Bureaucracy

Answer: (B) Prime Minister

Explanation: Political direction rests with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, while formal executive authority is vested in the President. Ministers collectively answer to Lok Sabha for policy and administration.

7. The Cabinet consists primarily of which ministers?

[Uttarakhand PCS Mains 2006]

(A) Every minister

(B) Cabinet-rank ministers

(D) Ministers of State only

Answer: (B) Cabinet-rank ministers

Explanation: The Cabinet is a smaller, senior subset of the Council of Ministers, chiefly comprising Cabinet-rank ministers and led by the Prime Minister. Ministers of State are Council members but do not automatically sit in Cabinet.

6. Which motion can the Council of Ministers itself move to demonstrate continued majority support?

[UPPSC Prelims 2006]

(A) No-confidence motion

(B) Censure motion

(D) Confidence motion

Answer: (D) Confidence motion

Explanation: A government may introduce a confidence motion in Lok Sabha to prove it retains majority support. A no-confidence motion is brought against the government, ordinarily by members opposing it.

5. Which Prime Minister did not face a parliamentary session during his term?

[SSC Matric Level 2006]

(A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

(B) Chandra Shekhar

(D) Charan Singh

Answer: (D) Charan Singh

Explanation: Charan Singh headed government from July 1979 until January 1980 but resigned before facing a scheduled confidence test. Withdrawal of supporting-party backing prevented his ministry from demonstrating a majority.

4. The Prime Minister heads which government?

[47th BPSC Prelims 2005]

(A) State government

(B) Central government

(D) Neither

Answer: (B) Central government

Explanation: The Prime Minister heads the Union government. State political executives are led by their Chief Ministers. Articles 74 and 75 establish the Prime Minister’s central constitutional position.

3. Which position did Manmohan Singh never hold before becoming Prime Minister?

[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims 2004]

(A) Union Finance Minister

(B) RBI Governor

(D) Representative of India at IMF

Answer: (C) Chairman of Finance Commission

Explanation: Manmohan Singh was Finance Minister and RBI Governor and had important international financial assignments. He was not Chairman of India’s Finance Commission, making that office the correct exclusion.

2. Which of these leaders occupied the prime-ministerial office more than once: Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda and Vajpayee?

[Uttarakhand UDA/LDA Prelims 2003]

(A) Nehru and Indira only

(B) Nehru and Nanda only

(D) All four

Answer: (D) All four

Explanation: Each listed leader headed government on more than one occasion or formed successive ministries. Gulzarilal Nanda twice served as acting Prime Minister, while Vajpayee held three separate terms.

1. Which constitutional amendment empowered the President to return the Council of Ministers’ advice for reconsideration?

[UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2002]

(A) 39th Amendment

(B) 40th Amendment

(D) 44th Amendment

Answer: (D) 44th Amendment

Explanation: The Forty-fourth Amendment enabled the President to require the Council of Ministers to reconsider its advice once. After reconsideration the President must act on the advice tendered. This operates within Article 74’s Prime Minister-led advisory framework.

Exam year: 2024

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