In UPSC Prelims, Polity is the most predictable subject. Every year, 8–12 questions repeat in concept or wording from previous papers. Master these **10 most repeated polity questions** (2020–2025), and you’ll secure **10+ free marks** — no guesswork needed.
All questions are based on Laxmikant’s Indian Polity and past UPSC papers.
1 Which of the following is/are features of Indian federalism?
Answer: All of the above (1, 2, 3, 4)
Appeared in: 2020, 2022, 2024
Indian federalism includes all these features, though it’s “quasi-federal” due to strong Centre.
Indian federalism includes all these features, though it’s “quasi-federal” due to strong Centre.
2 The ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ was propounded by the Supreme Court in which case?
Answer: B. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
Appeared in: 2021, 2023, 2025
This landmark judgment held that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
This landmark judgment held that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
3 Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Finance Commission?
Answer: C. Article 280
Appeared in: 2020, 2022, 2024
Article 280 empowers the President to constitute a Finance Commission every 5 years.
Article 280 empowers the President to constitute a Finance Commission every 5 years.
4 The ‘Doctrine of Pith and Substance’ is used to determine:
Answer: C. The true nature of legislation
Appeared in: 2021, 2023
Used when a law appears to encroach on another list — court examines its “pith and substance”.
Used when a law appears to encroach on another list — court examines its “pith and substance”.
5 Which Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: B. Fourth Schedule
Appeared in: 2020, 2022, 2025
Fourth Schedule specifies Rajya Sabha seats per state. Third = Oaths, Fifth = Scheduled Areas.
Fourth Schedule specifies Rajya Sabha seats per state. Third = Oaths, Fifth = Scheduled Areas.
6 The ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ is enshrined in which Article?
Answer: A. Article 32
Appeared in: 2021, 2023, 2024
Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.
7 Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty?
Answer: C. To pay taxes
Appeared in: 2020, 2022, 2024
Paying taxes is a legal duty, not a Fundamental Duty (Part IVA, Article 51A).
Paying taxes is a legal duty, not a Fundamental Duty (Part IVA, Article 51A).
8 The ‘Special Status’ of Jammu and Kashmir was granted under which Article?
Answer: D. Both B and C
Appeared in: 2020, 2021, 2023
Article 370 granted special status; Article 35A (added via Presidential Order) defined “permanent residents”.
Article 370 granted special status; Article 35A (added via Presidential Order) defined “permanent residents”.
9 Which body is responsible for conducting elections to Panchayats?
Answer: B. State Election Commission
Appeared in: 2022, 2024, 2025
Article 243K mandates State Election Commissions for Panchayat and Municipal elections.
Article 243K mandates State Election Commissions for Panchayat and Municipal elections.
10 The ‘Doctrine of Severability’ implies that:
Answer: A. Only the invalid part of a law is struck down
Appeared in: 2021, 2023, 2025
If a law has valid and invalid parts, only the invalid portion is removed (Article 13).
If a law has valid and invalid parts, only the invalid portion is removed (Article 13).
🎯 How to Use This List
- ✅ Memorize these 10 questions cold — they’ll appear in some form in 2026 too.
- ✅ Understand the concept behind each — UPSC may rephrase the options.
- ✅ Revise weekly — add them to your “must-know” flashcards.
Test your polity knowledge with daily UPSC MCQs — including repeated concepts!
→ Practice UPSC Polity MCQsNote: These questions are derived from official UPSC Prelims papers (2020–2025). Source: UPSC.gov.in