With roughly 20 Prelims questions from 1995–2026, Fundamental Rights remain the most repeatedly probed chapter of Indian Polity. UPSC frames conceptual as well as application-based MCQs on Articles 12-35, doctrine of reasonable restrictions, landmark judgements like Minerva Mills, privacy verdict, and interplay between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs. Aspirants are expected to identify which rights are available to citizens only, decode subtle phraseology such as “procedure established by law” versus “due process”, and evaluate current affairs such as Internet shutdowns or preventive detention under Article 22. Trend analysis shows emphasis on exceptions (Armed Forces restrictions, anti-national activities) and recent amendments (Right to Education via Article 21-A). A tight grasp of constitutional text, Supreme Court interpretations and the latest socio-political debates is essential to score here.
Q: '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, orders 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 :
(a)'X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
(b)The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct.
Q: Consider the following statements :
1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.
2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention.
3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Q: Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?
(a)Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
(b)Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
(c)Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
(d)Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution
Q: Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Abolition of untouchability
3. Protection of the interests of minorities
4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following statements:
1. Article 301 pertains to the Right to Property.
2. Right to Property is a legal right but not a Fundamental Right.
3. Article 300 A was inserted in the Constitution of India by the Congress Government at the Centre by the 44th Constitutional Amendment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Match List I (Articles of the Constitution of India) with List II (Provision) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I
(A) Article 14
(B) Article 15
(C) Article 16
(D) Article 17
List II
1. The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them
2. The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of laws within the territory of India
3. “Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden
4. There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State
Codes:
A B C D
Q: Which Article of the Constitution of India says, “No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment”?
Q: Match List I (Article of Indian Constitution) with List II (Provisions) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I (Article)
A. Article 16(2)
B. Article 29(2)
C. Article 30(1)
D. Article 31(1)
List II (Provisions)
1. No person shall be deprived of his property save by the authority of law
2. No person can be discriminated against in the matter of public appointment on the ground of race, religion or caste
3. All minorities whether based on religion or language shall have the fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice
4. No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State, or receiving State aid, on grounds of religion, race, caste, language or any of them
Codes:
Q: Consider the following statements: No one can be compelled to sing the National Anthem since
I. It will be violative of the Right to freedom of speech and expression.
II. It will be violative of the Right to freedom of conscience and practise and propagation of religion.
III. There is no legal provision obliging any one to sing the National Anthem.
Of these statements
Which Articles should be memorised verbatim for Prelims?▼
Prioritise Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 25-30, 32 and 33. UPSC often lifts phrases directly from the Constitution to frame tricky statements.
How to tackle judgement-oriented questions under Fundamental Rights?▼
Create a one-page chart linking each right with 3–4 landmark cases (e.g., Keshavananda, Maneka Gandhi, Puttaswamy). Focus on the legal principle evolved, not the year or bench strength.
