Key Takeaways for Quick Revision
- DPSP are contained in Part IV (Articles 36–51) of the Indian Constitution
- Borrowed from the Irish Constitution (which borrowed from Spain)
- Non-justiciable but fundamental to governance (Article 37)
- Three classifications: Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual
- Key amendment: 42nd CAA (1976) added several new directives
- Minerva Mills case (1980): Harmony between FR and DPSP is basic structure
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are one of the most frequently tested topics in UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL/CHSL, RRB NTPC, State PCS, and Banking exams. Every year, 2–3 questions appear from this section alone. This article presents 30 carefully curated MCQs including previous year questions (PYQs) with detailed explanations to help you master this crucial topic.
Quick Revision: DPSP at a Glance
| Aspect | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Source | Irish Constitution (Article 45) |
| Part of Constitution | Part IV (Articles 36–51) |
| Nature | Non-justiciable but fundamental in governance |
| Purpose | Establish a welfare state / socio-economic democracy |
| Classification | Socialistic, Gandhian, Liberal-Intellectual |
| Key Amendment | 42nd Amendment (1976) — added Articles 39A, 43A, 48A |
| Landmark Case | Minerva Mills (1980) — FR + DPSP harmony is basic structure |
| Conflicting Case | Champakam Dorairajan (1951) — FR prevail over DPSP |
Classification of Directive Principles
| Category | Articles | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Socialistic Principles | 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47 | Social and economic justice, welfare state |
| Gandhian Principles | 40, 43, 46, 47, 48 | Rural development, cottage industries, prohibition, cow protection |
| Liberal-Intellectual Principles | 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51 | Uniform civil code, education, separation of judiciary, international peace |
30 MCQs on Directive Principles of State Policy
1. Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in which Part of the Indian Constitution?
- Part III
- Part IV
- Part IV-A
- Part V
Answer: Part IV (Articles 36–51)
Explanation: Part III contains Fundamental Rights. Part IV-A contains Fundamental Duties (added by 42nd Amendment). Part V deals with the Union Executive.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2018, SSC CGL 2020
2. From which country's Constitution did India borrow the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy?
- USA
- UK
- Ireland
- Canada
Answer: Ireland
Explanation: The Irish Constitution (1937) had a similar provision under Article 45 titled 'Directive Principles of Social Policy'. India adapted and expanded this concept in Part IV of its Constitution.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2016, SSC CHSL 2021
3. Which Article of the Indian Constitution declares that DPSP are fundamental in the governance of the country?
- Article 36
- Article 37
- Article 38
- Article 39
Answer: Article 37
Explanation: Article 37 states: "The provisions contained in this Part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws."
📌 PYQ Source: SSC CGL 2019, UPSC Prelims 2014
4. Which of the following is NOT a Socialistic Principle under DPSP?
- Article 38 — Welfare state
- Article 39 — Equal distribution of resources
- Article 40 — Panchayati Raj
- Article 41 — Right to work
Answer: Article 40 — Panchayati Raj
Explanation: Article 40 (organisation of village panchayats) is a Gandhian Principle, not a Socialistic Principle. The Gandhian Principles reflect Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Gram Swaraj.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2019
5. Which Article directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens?
- Article 42
- Article 43
- Article 44
- Article 45
Answer: Article 44
Explanation: Article 44 states: "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." This is a Liberal-Intellectual Principle under DPSP.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2015, SSC CPO 2020
6. The provision for 'free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years' was originally in which Article of DPSP?
- Article 44
- Article 45
- Article 46
- Article 47
Answer: Article 45
Explanation: Originally, Article 45 directed the State to provide free and compulsory education for all children up to age 14 within 10 years of the Constitution's commencement. This was later modified, and now Article 21A (Fundamental Right) guarantees free education for 6–14 year olds. Article 45 now covers early childhood care.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2013, SSC CGL 2018
7. Which Amendment Act transferred the subject of 'education' from the State List to the Concurrent List?
- 42nd Amendment
- 44th Amendment
- 86th Amendment
- 73rd Amendment
Answer: 42nd Amendment (1976)
Explanation: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act transferred five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, including education, forests, and population control.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2017
8. Which Article of DPSP directs the State to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs?
- Article 46
- Article 47
- Article 48
- Article 48A
Answer: Article 47
Explanation: Article 47 directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living, and to improve public health. It specifically mentions prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs that are injurious to health. This is a Gandhian Principle.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC MTS 2021
9. Which of the following pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?
- Article 39A — Free legal aid
- Article 43A — Workers' participation in management
- Article 48A — Protection of environment and wildlife
- Article 50 — Uniform Civil Code
Answer: Article 50 — Uniform Civil Code
Explanation: Article 50 deals with the separation of the judiciary from the executive. Uniform Civil Code is covered under Article 44.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2020, SSC CGL 2021
10. The Directive Principles of State Policy are:
- Justiciable
- Non-justiciable
- Partially justiciable
- Enforceable by courts
Answer: Non-justiciable
Explanation: DPSP are non-justiciable (not enforceable by any court) as per Article 37. However, they are 'fundamental in the governance of the country'.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2012, SSC CPO 2019
11. Which landmark case established the harmony between Fundamental Rights and DPSP as part of the basic structure of the Constitution?
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
- Minerva Mills (1980)
- Golaknath (1967)
- Shankari Prasad (1951)
Answer: Minerva Mills (1980)
Explanation: The Supreme Court in Minerva Mills v. Union of India held that the harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP is an essential feature of the basic structure of the Constitution. Neither can be sacrificed for the other.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2019
12. Which Article of DPSP deals with the promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and OBCs?
- Article 44
- Article 45
- Article 46
- Article 47
Answer: Article 46
Explanation: Article 46 directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, especially SCs, STs, and OBCs, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2014, SSC CHSL 2020
13. Which Article of DPSP was added by the 42nd Amendment to provide for free legal aid?
- Article 39
- Article 39A
- Article 43A
- Article 48A
Answer: Article 39A
Explanation: Article 39A (Free Legal Aid) was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. It directs the State to provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen due to economic or other disabilities.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC CGL 2020
14. What is the primary purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy?
- To protect individual rights
- To establish a welfare state and socio-economic democracy
- To define the structure of the government
- To protect the sovereignty of India
Answer: To establish a welfare state and socio-economic democracy
Explanation: While Fundamental Rights establish political democracy, DPSP aim to establish socio-economic democracy by directing the State to create welfare measures and reduce inequalities.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2017
15. Which Article directs the State to separate the judiciary from the executive?
- Article 49
- Article 50
- Article 51
- Article 52
Answer: Article 50
Explanation: Article 50 directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This is a Liberal-Intellectual Principle aimed at ensuring judicial independence.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC CGL 2019
16. Which of the following is a Gandhian Principle under DPSP?
- Article 38 — Welfare state
- Article 41 — Right to work
- Article 40 — Panchayati Raj
- Article 44 — Uniform Civil Code
Answer: Article 40 — Panchayati Raj
Explanation: Gandhian Principles reflect the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and include Article 40 (village panchayats), Article 43 (cottage industries), Article 46 (uplift of weaker sections), Article 47 (prohibition), and Article 48 (cow slaughter prohibition).
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2016
17. What is the significance of Article 38 of the Indian Constitution?
- It defines the Union Judiciary
- It directs the State to promote the welfare of the people
- It guarantees freedom of speech
- It establishes the Election Commission
Answer: It directs the State to promote the welfare of the people
Explanation: Article 38(1) directs the State to strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which justice — social, economic, and political — shall inform all institutions of national life. Article 38(2) was added by the 44th Amendment to minimize inequalities.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2015
18. Which Article directs the State to secure the right to adequate means of livelihood?
- Article 39(a)
- Article 39(b)
- Article 39(c)
- Article 39(d)
Answer: Article 39(a)
Explanation: Article 39(a) directs the State to secure that citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood. This is part of the Socialistic Principles of DPSP.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC CHSL 2021
19. Which of the following statements about DPSP is INCORRECT?
- DPSP are non-justiciable
- DPSP are fundamental in governance
- DPSP are taken from the French Constitution
- DPSP aim to establish a welfare state
Answer: DPSP are taken from the French Constitution
Explanation: DPSP were borrowed from the Irish Constitution, not the French Constitution. The French Revolution inspired the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2018
20. Article 48 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to:
- Prohibit cow slaughter and improve animal husbandry
- Establish village panchayats
- Provide free legal aid
- Protect the environment
Answer: Prohibit cow slaughter and improve animal husbandry
Explanation: Article 48 directs the State to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, and to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle. This is a Gandhian Principle.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2017, SSC CPO 2020
21. Which Article was added by the 42nd Amendment to protect the environment?
- Article 48
- Article 48A
- Article 49
- Article 50
Answer: Article 48A
Explanation: Article 48A was added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). It directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. This was influenced by the UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972).
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2015
22. Which Article of DPSP says that the ownership of material resources should be distributed to serve the common good?
- Article 39(a)
- Article 39(b)
- Article 39(c)
- Article 39(d)
Answer: Article 39(b)
Explanation: Article 39(b) directs the State to ensure that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good. This is a socialistic principle aimed at preventing economic exploitation.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2011, SSC CGL 2019
23. The concept of 'equal pay for equal work' under DPSP applies to:
- Only men
- Only women
- Both men and women
- Government employees only
Answer: Both men and women
Explanation: Article 39(d) states: "equal pay for equal work for both men and women." This is a fundamental directive to eliminate gender-based wage discrimination.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC MTS 2021
24. Which Article of the Indian Constitution defines the term 'State' for the purpose of DPSP?
- Article 12
- Article 36
- Article 37
- Article 38
Answer: Article 36
Explanation: Article 36 defines 'State' for Part IV (DPSP) with the same meaning as in Part III (Fundamental Rights), as defined in Article 12. The 'State' includes the Government and Parliament of India, State governments and legislatures, and all local and other authorities.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2021
25. Which of the following Article directs the State to promote international peace and security?
- Article 48A
- Article 49
- Article 50
- Article 51
Answer: Article 51
Explanation: Article 51 directs the State to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. This is a Liberal-Intellectual Principle.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2018
26. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court hold that Fundamental Rights would prevail over DPSP?
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
- Champakam Dorairajan (1951)
- Minerva Mills (1980)
- Golaknath (1967)
Answer: Champakam Dorairajan (1951)
Explanation: In the Champakam Dorairajan case, the Supreme Court held that in case of conflict between Fundamental Rights and DPSP, Fundamental Rights would prevail. This led to the First Constitutional Amendment (1951) which added Article 31A and 31B (9th Schedule).
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2014
27. How many Fundamental Duties were originally added by the 42nd Amendment?
- 8
- 10
- 11
- 12
Answer: 10
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 10 Fundamental Duties under Part IV-A (Article 51A). The 11th duty (parental duty to provide education) was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2019
28. Which Article of DPSP deals with the living wage and decent standard of life for workers?
- Article 41
- Article 42
- Article 43
- Article 43A
Answer: Article 43
Explanation: Article 43 directs the State to secure a living wage, a decent standard of life, and social and cultural opportunities for all workers — agricultural, industrial, or otherwise. It also promotes cottage industries on an individual or cooperative basis.
📌 PYQ Source: SSC CGL 2020
29. Which Article of DPSP deals with the protection of monuments, places, and objects of national importance?
- Article 48
- Article 48A
- Article 49
- Article 50
Answer: Article 49
Explanation: Article 49 directs the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest which is declared to be of national importance from destruction, disfigurement, removal, or export.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2016
30. Which of the following DPSP Articles was added by the 42nd Amendment to ensure workers' participation in the management of industries?
- Article 39A
- Article 43A
- Article 48A
- Article 51
Answer: Article 43A
Explanation: Article 43A was added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). It directs the State to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments, or other organisations engaged in any industry.
📌 PYQ Source: UPSC Prelims 2017, SSC CHSL 2021
Answer Key
| Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer | Q No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Part IV | 11 | Minerva Mills (1980) | 21 | Article 48A |
| 2 | Ireland | 12 | Article 46 | 22 | Article 39(b) |
| 3 | Article 37 | 13 | Article 39A | 23 | Both men and women |
| 4 | Article 40 | 14 | To establish a welfare state | 24 | Article 36 |
| 5 | Article 44 | 15 | Article 50 | 25 | Article 51 |
| 6 | Article 45 | 16 | Article 40 | 26 | Champakam Dorairajan |
| 7 | 42nd Amendment | 17 | Article 38 | 27 | 10 |
| 8 | Article 47 | 18 | Article 39(a) | 28 | Article 43 |
| 9 | Article 50 — UCC | 19 | French Constitution | 29 | Article 49 |
| 10 | Non-justiciable | 20 | Prohibit cow slaughter | 30 | Article 43A |
PYQ Source Breakdown
The above MCQs include previous year questions from:
| Exam | Questions |
|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | Q1 (2018), Q2 (2016), Q3 (2014), Q4 (2019), Q5 (2015), Q7 (2017), Q9 (2020), Q11 (2019), Q12 (2014), Q14 (2017), Q16 (2016), Q17 (2015), Q19 (2018), Q20 (2017), Q21 (2015), Q22 (2011), Q24 (2021), Q25 (2018), Q26 (2014), Q28 (2019), Q29 (2016), Q30 (2017) |
| SSC CGL | Q1 (2020), Q3 (2019), Q6 (2018), Q9 (2021), Q10 (2019), Q13 (2020), Q15 (2019), Q22 (2019) |
| SSC CHSL | Q2 (2021), Q12 (2020), Q18 (2021), Q30 (2021) |
| SSC CPO | Q5 (2020), Q10 (2019), Q20 (2020) |
| SSC MTS | Q8 (2021), Q23 (2021) |
| Other Examinations | Q27, Q28, Q29 |
Common Tricks & Traps in Exams
🔴 Trap 1: Article Number Confusion
| Trap Statement | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| "Article 36 defines DPSP" | Article 36 defines 'State' for DPSP; DPSP are Articles 36–51 |
| "Article 44 deals with education" | Article 44 = Uniform Civil Code; Article 45 = Education (originally) |
| "Article 48 deals with environment" | Article 48 = Cow slaughter; Article 48A = Environment |
🔴 Trap 2: Country Source Confusion
Trap: "DPSP were borrowed from the USA Constitution"
Truth: Borrowed from Ireland, which borrowed from Spain
🔴 Trap 3: Justiciability
Trap: "DPSP are enforceable in court"
Truth: DPSP are non-justiciable (Article 37). FR are justiciable.
🔴 Trap 4: Classification Mix-up
| Article | Often Mistaken As | Actually Belongs To |
|---|---|---|
| Article 40 | Socialistic | Gandhian |
| Article 44 | Gandhian | Liberal-Intellectual |
| Article 48A | Gandhian | Liberal-Intellectual (or Socialistic, per some scholars) |
| Article 51 | Gandhian | Liberal-Intellectual |
🔴 Trap 5: Amendment Association
Trap: "The 44th Amendment added DPSP articles"
Truth: The 42nd Amendment (1976) added Articles 39A, 43A, and 48A
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Memorise the classification — Learn which articles belong to Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual categories
- Focus on Articles 39(b) and 39(c) — These are the most frequently tested
- Know the 42nd Amendment — It added more DPSP articles than any other amendment
- Remember the three landmark cases — Champakam Dorairajan (1951), Kesavananda Bharati (1973), Minerva Mills (1980)
- Link FR and DPSP — Understanding their relationship is crucial (FR + DPSP harmony = basic structure)
- Compare with Irish Constitution — The original source is frequently tested
Articles 36–51: Quick Reference Table
| Article | Subject | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Definition of State | — |
| 37 | Nature of DPSP (non-justiciable but fundamental) | — |
| 38 | Welfare state, minimise inequalities | Socialistic |
| 39 | Equal livelihood, resources, anti-concentration, equal pay | Socialistic |
| 39A | Free legal aid (added by 42nd CAA) | Socialistic |
| 40 | Village panchayats | Gandhian |
| 41 | Right to work, education, public assistance | Socialistic |
| 42 | Just and humane work conditions, maternity relief | Socialistic |
| 43 | Living wage, cottage industries | Gandhian |
| 43A | Workers' participation in management (42nd CAA) | Socialistic |
| 44 | Uniform Civil Code | Liberal-Intellectual |
| 45 | Early childhood care and education | Liberal-Intellectual |
| 46 | Welfare of SC/ST/OBC | Gandhian |
| 47 | Nutrition, public health, prohibition | Gandhian |
| 48 | Agriculture, animal husbandry, cow slaughter prohibition | Gandhian |
| 48A | Environment protection (42nd CAA) | Liberal-Intellectual |
| 49 | Protection of national monuments | Liberal-Intellectual |
| 50 | Separation of judiciary from executive | Liberal-Intellectual |
| 51 | International peace and security | Liberal-Intellectual |
Why This Topic Matters for Your Exam
Directive Principles of State Policy are one of the highest-yield topics in Indian Polity. Across major competitive exams:
- UPSC Prelims: 2–3 questions every year
- SSC CGL/CHSL: 1–2 questions in General Awareness
- RRB NTPC/JE: 1 question frequently
- State PCS: Consistently asked
- Banking Exams (IBPS/SBI): Regular appearance in GA section
- NDA/CDS: Important for polity section
Relationship Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP
| Aspect | Fundamental Rights (Part III) | DPSP (Part IV) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Negative obligations (State shall NOT do) | Positive obligations (State SHALL do) |
| Justiciability | Justiciable (enforceable by courts) | Non-justiciable (not enforceable) |
| Type | Political democracy | Socio-economic democracy |
| Source | USA Constitution | Irish Constitution |
| Conflict | Earlier: FR prevail (Champakam Dorairajan) | Later: Harmony is basic structure (Minerva Mills) |
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