Today’s practice
Five questions on Fundamental Rights, a chapter UPSC has asked 27 times since 1996 (weight: very high). 3 are actual UPSC Prelims questions and the rest are Prelims Lab practice MCQs. Try each one before you open the answer.
Fundamental Rights in one line
Six rights in Part III, enforceable straight in the Supreme Court (Art 32). They can be amended, but not the basic structure.
Remember it
6 rights · 2 never suspended (20, 21) · 5 citizens-only (15, 16, 19, 29, 30) · 4 against private persons too (15(2), 17, 23, 24).
Trap of the day
| UPSC’s trap (false) | The truth |
|---|---|
| Art 19 auto-suspends only for war or external aggression (358); others need a Presidential order (359); 20, 21 never |
Read the full chapter with every UPSC PYQ: Fundamental Rights notes. For timed tests on this chapter, practise in the app.
Today's 5 questions
UPSC Prelims 2026: 'X' was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, and even rules and regulations. 'Y' pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:
- 'X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
- The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct.
- The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct.
- The view of only 'Y' is correct.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) The view of only 'Y' is correct.. Article 13(3)(a) defines 'law' to include any ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, and custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law. Y is right. X was right about ordinances and rules but wrong to reject custom, so X's overall view is not correct.
UPSC Prelims 2024: A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:
- a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
- the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
- the lower court prohibiting the continuation of proceedings in a case.
- the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
Answer and explanation
Answer: (c) the lower court prohibiting the continuation of proceedings in a case.. Prohibition goes to a lower court or tribunal to stop pending proceedings. Not to officers, legislatures or the government.
UPSC Prelims 2024: Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
- Article 15
- Article 16
- Article 19
- Article 21
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Article 21. Puttaswamy (2017): privacy is part of Article 21 (and of Part III freedoms).
Article 21A provides free and compulsory education to children of the age of:
- 3 to 14 years
- 6 to 14 years
- 6 to 18 years
- 5 to 15 years
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 6 to 14 years. Added by the 86th Amendment, 2002, and given effect by the RTE Act, 2009 from 1 April 2010.
When imposing compulsory service under Article 23(2), the State cannot discriminate on grounds of:
- religion, race, caste or class
- sex only
- age
- residence
Answer and explanation
Answer: (a) religion, race, caste or class. Article 23(2) bars discrimination on religion, race, caste or class only. Sex, age, residence are not listed.