Question PaperPolity
UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions — Polity
Topic-wise compilation of Polity questions from recent Prelims papers, with answer keys and short explanations.
Open resource10 Sep 2026
Clear with IQUPSC Civil Services preparation
Article-wise notes on Part III of the Constitution with landmark judgments, exceptions and a quick revision table.
Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35) guarantees Fundamental Rights. They are described as the Magna Carta of India and are justiciable — a citizen can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 or a High Court under Article 226 for their enforcement.
| Category | Articles | Key content |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Equality | 14–18 | Equality before law, non-discrimination, equal opportunity, abolition of untouchability and titles |
| Right to Freedom | 19–22 | Six freedoms, protection in respect of conviction, life and personal liberty, education, arrest and detention |
| Right against Exploitation | 23–24 | Prohibition of trafficking, forced labour and child labour in hazardous employment |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | 25–28 | Freedom of conscience, religious affairs, taxation and religious instruction |
| Cultural and Educational Rights | 29–30 | Protection of minority interests; right of minorities to establish institutions |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | 32 | Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement |
The term State includes the Government and Parliament of India, the Government and Legislature of each State, and all local and other authorities within India or under the control of the Government of India.
Guarantees equality before law (a British concept) and equal protection of the laws (an American concept). It permits reasonable classification but prohibits class legislation.
Article 19 guarantees six freedoms to citizens only:
No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
Through judicial interpretation, Article 21 now includes the right to privacy, the right to a clean environment, the right to livelihood, the right to shelter and the right to a speedy trial, among others.
| Case | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras | 1950 | Narrow reading of 'procedure established by law' |
| Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India | 1978 | Procedure must be fair, just and reasonable |
| K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India | 2017 | Right to privacy is a fundamental right |
Under the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, the enforcement of Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended during a National Emergency.
Topic-wise compilation of Polity questions from recent Prelims papers, with answer keys and short explanations.
A chronological sweep from 1757 to 1947: governors-general, reform movements, the national movement and constitutional developments.
State-wise table of national parks and tiger reserves with flagship species, map pointers and frequently asked facts.
Concepts, measurement (CPI, WPI), types of inflation, the MPC framework and RBI's policy toolkit explained simply.