UPSC Prelims PYQ on DPSP

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) form a crucial part of the Indian Constitution, guiding the government in establishing a welfare state. Though non-justiciable, they influence governance, lawmaking, and judicial interpretations.

In UPSC Prelims, questions on DPSP often test conceptual clarity, historical amendments, classification, and their relationship with Fundamental Rights. Practicing Previous Year Questions (PYQs) helps aspirants understand recurring themes, factual details, and the application of DPSPs in governance and policymaking.

This section provides a comprehensive set of UPSC Prelims PYQs on DPSP, ensuring a strong grasp of this essential topic for effective exam preparation.

UPSC Prelims PYQ on DPSP 

1. Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates (UPSC CSE – 2021 Prelims)

(a) the Right to Equality

(b) the Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) the Right to Freedom

(d) the Concept of Welfare

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Directive Principles guide the government in ensuring social and economic justice for a just society. Article 39 focuses on preventing wealth concentration.

2. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? (UPSC CSE – 2020 Prelims)

1.      Preamble

2.      Directive Principles of State Policy

3.      Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The Preamble’s objectives align with UDHR principles. UDHR emphasizes social security and human dignity, resembling Directive Principles. Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A) reflect civic and moral obligations, including education, as in UDHR.

 

3. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of a Welfare State? (UPSC CSE – 2020 Prelims)

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy

(b) Fundamental Rights

(c) Preamble

(d) Seventh Schedule

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

The Directive Principles of State Policy are the guiding principles for the government to establish social and economic justice in the country. They aim to promote the welfare of people and create a just and equitable society, by facilitating the establishment of a welfare state.

 

4. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE – 2020 Prelims)

1.      They shall be enforceable by courts.

2.      They shall not be enforceable by any court.

3.      The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the state.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

DPSPs are non-justiciable, unlike Fundamental Rights. DPSPs guide governance and influence lawmaking.

 

5. In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by (UPSC CSE – 2020 Prelims)

(a) the Preamble of the Constitution

(b) a Directive Principle of State Policy

(c) the Seventh Schedule

(d) the Conventional Practice

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Article 50 of the Indian Constitution (DPSP, Part IV) directs the State to take steps to separate the Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the state.

 

6. Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen? (UPSC CSE – 2017 Prelims)

1.      A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.

2.      They are correlative to legal duties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Fundamental Duties, like DPSPs, are non-justiciable with no enforcement mechanism. They are not correlative to legal duties.

 

7. Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? (UPSC CSE – 2017 Prelims)

(a) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women

(b) Participation of workers in the management of industries

(c) Right to work, education and public assistance

(d) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) added four DPSPs:

• Child Development (Art. 39)
• Free Legal Aid (Art. 39A)
• Workers' Participation in Industries (Art. 43A)
• Environmental Protection (Art. 48A)

8. Consider the following statements:

With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon

1.      legislative function.

2.      executive function.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE – 2017 Prelims)

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

DPSPs are non-justiciable, so the government cannot be forced to implement them. They do not limit legislative or executive functions.

 

9. The ideal of “Welfare State” in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its (UPSC CSE – 2015 Prelims)

(a) Preamble

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Rights

(d) Seventh Schedule

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

DPSPs outline a comprehensive socio-economic and political framework, embodying the concept of a welfare state.

 

 

10. “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the (UPSC CSE – 2015 Prelims)

(a) Preamble of the Constitute

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Rights

(d) Fundamental Duties

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) uphold India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

 

11. Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy: (UPSC CSE – 2015 Prelims)

1.      The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.

2.      The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

DPSPs outline a welfare state framework for economic and social democracy and are non-justiciable.

 

12. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the: (UPSC CSE – 2014 Prelims)

(a) Preamble of the Constitution

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Duties

(d) Ninth Schedule

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Promotion of international peace and security is included in Article 51 of the Directive Principles of States Policy (DPSP), Part IV of the Indian Constitution.

 

13. ‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of Indian Constitution has been provided in (UPSC CSE – 2013 Prelims)

(a) The Preamble and Fundamental Rights

(b) The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) None of the above

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

'Economic Justice' is enshrined in both the Preamble and DPSPs, aiming to establish a democratic socialist state with social and economic justice.

 

14. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country? (UPSC CSE – 2013 Prelims)

(a) Fundamental Rights

(b) Fundamental Duties

(c) Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Directive Principles of State Policy guide governance with a vision for a welfare state, promoting economic and social democracy. Though fundamental, they are non-justiciable.

 

15. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India:

1.      Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code

2.      Organising village Panchayats

3.      Promoting cottage industries in rural areas

4.      Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities

 

16. Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? (UPSC CSE – 2012 Prelims)

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

 

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Gandhian Principles in Directive Principles of State Policy:

• Village Panchayats: Establish and empower self-governing village bodies (Art. 40).
• Cottage Industries: Promote rural industries on individual or cooperative bases (Art. 43).
• Cooperative Societies: Encourage voluntary, autonomous, and democratic cooperatives.
• Weaker Sections: Safeguard SCs, STs, and other disadvantaged groups from exploitation (Art. 46).
• Prohibition: Ban intoxicating substances harmful to health (Art. 47).
• Cattle Protection: Prohibit cow slaughter and improve cattle breeds (Art. 48).

17. Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

1.      To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

2.      To protect the weaker sections from social injustice

3.      To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry

4.      To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSE – 2012 Prelims)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

·         To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.

·         To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.

·         To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

·         To defend the country and render national service called upon to do so.

·         To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

·         To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.

·         To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

·         To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

·         To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.

·         To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.

·         To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.

 

18. Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a Fundamental Duty? (UPSC CSE – 2011 Prelims)

(a) To vote in public elections

(b) To develop the scientific temper

(c) To safeguard public property

(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

Answer: (a)

 

19. “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the (2015)

a) Preamble of the Constitution

b) Directive Principles of State Policy

c) Fundamental Rights

d) Fundamental Duties

Answer: (d)

 

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Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) - Summary

Overview

• Enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Indian Constitution.
• Guide the State in policymaking to establish a just and welfare-oriented society.
• Non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.

Key Features

• Nature: Non-enforceable but serve as moral guidelines.
• Source: Inspired by the Irish Constitution, Gandhian principles, socialist ideals, and liberal democracy.
• Objective: Ensure social, economic, and political justice for a welfare state.

Classification of DPSPs

1. Socialist Principles:
• Article 38: Promote social order with justice.
• Article 39: Equal pay, resource distribution, child and worker protection.
• Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance.
• Article 42: Humane working conditions and maternity relief.
2. Gandhian Principles:
• Article 40: Village panchayats as self-governing units.
• Article 43: Promote cottage industries.
• Article 46: Educational and economic upliftment of weaker sections.
• Article 47: Ban on intoxicating substances.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles:
• Article 44: Uniform Civil Code.
• Article 45: Early childhood education.
• Article 48: Modernize agriculture and animal husbandry.
• Article 49: Protect national monuments.
• Article 50: Separate judiciary from the executive.
• Article 51: Promote international peace.

Significance of DPSPs

• Guide governance for social and economic justice.
• Balance rights and duties, complementing Fundamental Rights.
• Reflect constitutional morality and ethical values.
• Assist judicial interpretation, especially in welfare cases.

Criticism of DPSP

• Non-justiciable, limiting enforcement.
• Potential conflicts with Fundamental Rights.
• Broad and vague, making implementation difficult.

Important Amendments Related to DPSP

• 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Articles 39A (legal aid), 43A (workers’ participation), 48A (environment protection).
• 44th Amendment (1978): Added Article 38(2) to reduce inequalities.
• 86th Amendment (2002): Made elementary education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A) and revised Article 45 for early childhood education.

DPSP & Fundamental Rights

• Harmonious interpretation by courts (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).
• Courts try to balance conflicts between them.

Implementation of DPSP

• Key policies:
• MGNREGA (2005) – Right to work (Article 41).
• Right to Education Act (2009) – Free education (Article 45).
• Panchayati Raj Institutions – Local governance (Article 40).
• Judicial activism expands Fundamental Rights using DPSPs.

Conclusion

DPSPs form the soul of the Constitution, shaping India's welfare policies. Though non-enforceable, they provide a moral and policy framework to achieve justice and equity. Understanding DPSPs is crucial for UPSC aspirants as they influence governance and legal interpretations.