Indian Polity & Constitution – Complete Concept Guide for CGL 2026

Master Indian Polity & Constitution with this comprehensive study guide designed specifically for CGL aspirants. This guide covers key concepts, shortcuts, and includes 10 practice MCQs to test your understanding.

The Indian Constitution – Key Facts

The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950. It is the world's longest written constitution.

Important Features

  • Preamble: Declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic (Socialist and Secular added by 42nd Amendment, 1976).
  • Parts & Articles: Originally 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. Currently 448 articles, 25 parts, 12 schedules.
  • Borrowed Features: Parliamentary system (UK), Fundamental Rights (USA), DPSP (Ireland), Emergency provisions (Germany), Federal structure (Canada).

Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)

  • Right to Equality (14–18)
  • Right to Freedom (19–22)
  • Right against Exploitation (23–24)
  • Right to Freedom of Religion (25–28)
  • Cultural and Educational Rights (29–30)
  • Right to Constitutional Remedies (32) – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the "Heart and Soul" of the Constitution

Key Constitutional Bodies

BodyArticleKey Role
Election Commission324Conduct free & fair elections
CAG148Audit of government accounts
UPSC315Civil services recruitment
Finance Commission280Centre-State financial relations

Memory Shortcuts

  • FREER-CC: Fundamental Rights – Freedom, Religion, Equality, Exploitation, Right to Remedies, Cultural, Constitutional
  • 42nd Amendment = Mini Constitution (added Socialist, Secular, Integrity to Preamble)
  • Article 32 = Heart and Soul (remember: 32 = 3+2 = 5 Fundamental Rights, 32 is the remedy)

Practice MCQs: Indian Polity & Constitution

Test your understanding with these 10 targeted MCQs based on the concepts above.

Q1. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:

  • A. 26 January 1950
  • B. 15 August 1947
  • C. 26 November 1949
  • D. 2 October 1948

Correct Answer: C

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day). It came into force on 26 January 1950.

Q2. Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?

  • A. Article 14
  • B. Article 15
  • C. Article 17
  • D. Article 18

Correct Answer: C

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form a punishable offence.

Q3. The concept of Directive Principles of State Policy was borrowed from:

  • A. USA
  • B. UK
  • C. Canada
  • D. Ireland

Correct Answer: D

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) were borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland (Article 45 of Irish Constitution).

Q4. Who is called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'?

  • A. Jawaharlal Nehru
  • B. Mahatma Gandhi
  • C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  • D. Sardar Patel

Correct Answer: C

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.

Q5. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment is also known as:

  • A. People's Amendment
  • B. Mini Constitution
  • C. Emergency Amendment
  • D. Socialist Amendment

Correct Answer: B

The 42nd Amendment (1976) is called the 'Mini Constitution' as it made sweeping changes including adding 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble.

Q6. Right to Education (Article 21A) was added by which amendment?

  • A. 83rd Amendment
  • B. 84th Amendment
  • C. 86th Amendment
  • D. 91st Amendment

Correct Answer: C

The 86th Constitutional Amendment (2002) inserted Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14 years.

Q7. Which article empowers the President to impose National Emergency?

  • A. Article 352
  • B. Article 356
  • C. Article 360
  • D. Article 370

Correct Answer: A

Article 352 empowers the President to proclaim a National Emergency (due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion).

Q8. The Finance Commission is constituted under Article:

  • A. 265
  • B. 275
  • C. 280
  • D. 312

Correct Answer: C

Article 280 provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission every 5 years to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and States.

Q9. Which Fundamental Right was described as the 'Heart and Soul' of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar?

  • A. Right to Freedom
  • B. Right to Equality
  • C. Right to Constitutional Remedies
  • D. Right to Education

Correct Answer: C

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) the 'Heart and Soul' of the Constitution because it enables citizens to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.

Q10. How many schedules does the Indian Constitution currently have?

  • A. 8
  • B. 10
  • C. 12
  • D. 14

Correct Answer: C

The Indian Constitution currently has 12 schedules. Originally it had 8 schedules; 4 more were added through amendments.

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