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Constitutional Development — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions
20 free solved previous year questions on Constitutional Development, papers from 1997 to 2026, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, State PCS, covering statement-based, direct, match and assertion questions. Every answer key has been checked again against published sources and solved independently, and each explanation is written fresh.
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- #1UPSC CSE 2026Consider the following assertion :The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ?1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates.Select the answer using the code given below :
- A1 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 2 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3Explanation
The assertion says community-based politics began with the 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
Statement 1 supports it. The Act retained separate electorates and extended them to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans.
Statement 2 supports it. The British saw separate electorates as a way to weaken a growing Indian nationalism.
Statement 3 supports it. Deprived classes organised around these special concessions.
So 1, 2 and 3 all support the assertion.
Remember: the 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms first gave Muslims separate electorates.Source: Bipan Chandra et al., India's Struggle for Independence; Laxmikanth, Indian Polity (Historical Background)
- #2UPSC CSE 2024Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?
- AC. Rajagopalachari
- BDr. B.R. Ambedkar
- CT.T. Krishnamachari
- DDr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Answer: (D) Dr. Sachchidananda SinhaExplanation
The Constituent Assembly met first on 9 December 1946. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, its oldest member, was chosen as the Provisional (temporary) President. This followed the French practice of the senior-most member presiding first.
Two days later, on 11 December 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the permanent President.
Rajagopalachari, Ambedkar and T.T. Krishnamachari were members but did not preside first. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
Remember: Sinha was the Provisional President; Prasad was the permanent one.Source: M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity (Making of the Constitution); Constituent Assembly Debates
- #3UPSC CSE 2024With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States.2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is correct. The 1935 Act proposed an All India Federation of British Indian provinces and princely states. The federation never came into being because the princes did not agree.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Defence and foreign affairs were 'reserved' subjects. The Governor-General controlled them, not the federal legislature.
So only statement 1 is correct.
Remember: the 1935 Act ended dyarchy in the provinces and introduced it at the Centre.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence; Spectrum Modern India (Government of India Act, 1935)
- #4UPSC CSE 2023By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?
- AThe Regulating Act
- BThe Pitt's India Act
- CThe Charter Act of 1793
- DThe Charter Act of 1833
Answer: (D) The Charter Act of 1833Explanation
The Charter Act of 1833 centralised the administration of British India.
It made the Governor General of Bengal the Governor General of India.
Lord William Bentinck became the first Governor General of India.
The Regulating Act of 1773 created the post of Governor General of Bengal.
Pitt's India Act and the 1793 Act did not change this title.
Remember: 1773 Bengal; 1833 India.Source: Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India
- #5UPSC CSE 2022Consider the following statements:1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. Under the Cripps proposals, provincial assemblies would elect the members of the Constituent Assembly by proportional representation. Only the Princely States would nominate their members.
Statement 2 is correct. The proposals allowed any province unwilling to join the Indian Union to stay out. Such a province could sign a separate agreement with Britain on its future status.
Remember: this non-accession clause was widely seen as opening the way to Pakistan.Source: Cripps Mission Draft Declaration, March 1942; Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #6UPSC CSE 2022In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into "Reserved" and "Transferred" subjects. Which of the following were treated as "Reserved" subjects?1. Administration of Justice2. Local Self-Government3. Land Revenue4. PoliceSelect the correct answer using the code given below:
- A2, 3 and 4
- B1, 2 and 3
- C1, 3 and 4
- D1, 2 and 4
Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 4Explanation
The 1919 Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces.
Statement 1 is correct. Justice was a reserved subject.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Local self-government was transferred to elected ministers.
Statement 3 is correct. Land revenue was reserved.
Statement 4 is correct. Police was reserved.
Reserved subjects were run by the Governor with his executive council.
Remember: Education, health and local government were transferred.Source: Government of India Act 1919; Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India
- #7UPSC CSE 2021Consider the following statements:1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. The 1919 reforms did not give votes to all women above 21.
They left the matter to provincial councils, and the vote stayed limited by property and education.
Statement 2 is correct. The 1935 Act reserved seats for women in the legislatures and widened the women's vote.
Remember: Franchise was still limited in 1935; about 10 percent of the population could vote.Source: Government of India Act 1935; Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India
- #8UPSC CSE 2017In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to
- ADivision of the central legislature into two houses.
- BIntroduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
- CHaving two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
- DDivision of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Answer: (D) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.Explanation
Dyarchy means rule by two. The Government of India Act 1919 introduced it in the provinces.
Provincial subjects were divided into two lists. Transferred subjects went to Indian ministers responsible to the legislature. Reserved subjects stayed with the Governor and his executive council.
The other options describe bicameralism, federalism and British control, not dyarchy.Source: Government of India Act 1919; Laxmikanth, Indian Polity
- #9UPSC CSE 2017The objective of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to?
- ADefine the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.
- BDefine the powers of the Secretary of State for India.
- CImpose censorship on national press.
- DImprove the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.
Answer: (D) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.Explanation
The Butler Committee (Indian States Committee, 1927) studied the relationship between the Government of India and the princely states. It held that paramountcy must remain paramount. It said states should deal with the Viceroy, not the Government of India's departments.
The Simon Commission, not this committee, dealt with provincial and central jurisdiction and the press.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #10UPSC CSE 2016The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
- AIndia should be granted complete independence.
- BIndia should be partitioned into two before granting independence.
- CIndia should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth.
- DIndia should be given Dominion status.
Answer: (D) India should be given Dominion status.Explanation
The Cripps Mission came in March 1942. It offered India Dominion status after the war, with a Constituent Assembly to frame the constitution. Provinces could opt out of the Union.
It did not offer complete independence or a republic. It did not propose partition outright.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #11UPSC CSE 2009Consider the following statements: The 'Cripps' proposals include the provision for:1. Full independence for India.2. Creation of Constitution-making body.Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) Only 2Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Cripps proposals offered Dominion status, not full independence.
Statement 2 is correct. They promised a Constituent Assembly to frame the constitution after the war.
Remember: provinces could opt out of the Union.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #12UPSC CSE 2009Consider the following statements:1. The discussions in the Third Round Table Conference eventually led to the passing of the Government of India Act, 1935.2. The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the establishment of an All India Federation to be based on a Union of the Provinces of British India and the Princely States. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2Explanation
Statement 1 is correct. The Third Round Table Conference (1932) was followed by the White Paper (1933). A Joint Parliamentary Committee examined it, and the Government of India Act 1935 followed.
Statement 2 is correct. The 1935 Act provided for an All India Federation of British Indian provinces and princely states.
The federation never came into being, because the required number of princely states did not join.
Remember: The 1935 Act introduced provincial autonomy.Source: Government of India Act 1935; Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #13UPSC CSE 2007Consider the following statements:1. Robert Clive was the first Governor General of Bengal.2. William Bentinck was the first Governor-General of India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal, from 1773 under the Regulating Act. Clive was only Governor of Bengal.
Statement 2 is correct. The Charter Act of 1833 made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India. William Bentinck was the first to hold that title.
Remember: Lord Canning was the first Viceroy, in 1858.Source: Regulating Act 1773; Charter Act 1833
- #14UPSC CSE 2006Consider the following statements:1. The Charter Act, 1853 abolished East India Company monopoly of Indian trade.2. Under the Government of India Act, 1858 the British Parliament abolished the East India Company altogether and undertook the responsibility of ruling India directly.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Charter Act of 1813 ended the Company's trade monopoly except in tea and China trade.
The Charter Act of 1833 ended its trade activities altogether.
The 1853 Act dealt with other issues such as the Law Member and open competition.
Statement 2 is correct. The 1858 Act ended Company rule and transferred power to the Crown.
Remember: 1813 ended monopoly; 1833 ended trade; 1858 ended the Company.Source: Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India
- #15UPSC CSE 2002Match List-I (Acts of Colonial Government of India) with List-II (Provisions) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:A. Charter Act, 1813B. Regulating Act, 1773C. Act of 1858D. Pitt's India Act, 17841. Set up a Board of Control in Britain to fully regulate the East India Company.2. Company's trade monopoly in India was ended.3. The power to govern was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.4. The Company's directors were asked to present to the British Government all correspondence and documents pertaining to the administration of the company.Code (A B C D):
- A2 4 3 1
- B1 3 4 2
- C2 3 4 1
- D1 4 3 2
Answer: (A) 2 4 3 1Explanation
A matches 2. The Charter Act of 1813 ended the Company's trade monopoly in India.
B matches 4. The Regulating Act of 1773 required directors to show correspondence to the Crown.
C matches 3. The 1858 Act transferred power to the Crown.
D matches 1. Pitt's India Act of 1784 set up the Board of Control.
So the code is 2 4 3 1.Source: Spectrum, A Brief History of Modern India
- #16UPSC CSE 2002Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-I (Person) List-II (Events)A. Macdonald 1. Doctrine of LapseB. Linlithgow 2. Communal AwardC. Dalhousie 3. August OfferD. Chelmsford 4. DyarchyCode: A B C D
- A3 2 1 4
- B3 2 4 1
- C2 3 1 4
- D2 3 4 1
Answer: (C) 2 3 1 4Explanation
Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award in 1932.
Lord Linlithgow made the August Offer in 1940.
Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse.
Lord Chelmsford was Viceroy when dyarchy began under the Act of 1919.
So the match is A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4.
Remember: The Communal Award led to the Poona Pact of 1932.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #17UPSC CSE 1997Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-IA. Butler Committee ReportB. Hartog Committee ReportC. Hunter Inquiry Committee ReportD. Muddiman Committee ReportList-II1. Jallianwala Bagh massacre2. Relationship between the Indian State and Paramount Power3. Working of Dyarchy as laid down in the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms4. The growth of education in British India and potentialities of its further progress
- A3 2 1 4
- B1 4 2 3
- C2 1 3 4
- D2 4 1 3
Answer: (D) 2 4 1 3Explanation
Butler Committee (1927) studied the relationship between the Indian States and the Paramount Power. So A matches 2.
Hartog Committee (1929) reviewed the growth of education in British India. So B matches 4.
Hunter Committee (1919-20) inquired into the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Punjab disturbances. So C matches 1.
Muddiman Committee (1924) examined the working of Dyarchy under the 1919 reforms. So D matches 3.
The code is 2, 4, 1, 3.
The last option was cut off in the scan and has been restored from the correct matching.
Remember: Hunter Inquiry Committee (Jallianwala) is different from the Hunter Education Commission of 1882.Source: Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and committees of the 1920s, Spectrum/Bipan Chandra, Modern India
- #18UPPCS 2010 (Pre)Consider the following statements:Assertion (A): The Congress boycotted the Simon Commission.Reason (R): The Simon Commission did not have a single Indian member.Select the correct answer by using the code given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true, but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. The Congress boycotted the Commission in 1927-28 and showed black flags.
Reason (R) is true. All seven members were British. No Indian was included.
Indians saw this as a denial of their right to decide their own constitution.
So R is the correct explanation of A.
Remember: 'Simon Go Back' slogan, 1928.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #19UPPCS 2005 (Mains)Consider the following statements:Assertion (A): The Poona Pact defeated the purpose of Communal Award.Reason (R): It paved the way for reservation of seats in the Parliament and the State Assemblies for the SC and ST people.Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true, but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. The Communal Award gave separate electorates to the Depressed Classes.
The Poona Pact of September 1932 replaced them with joint electorates and reserved seats.
Reason (R) is true. Seats were reserved for the Depressed Classes in provincial and central legislatures.
This reservation is the reason separate electorates were given up.
So R explains A.
Remember: Poona Pact was signed by Ambedkar and Madan Mohan Malaviya.Source: Bipan Chandra, India's Struggle for Independence
- #20UPPCS 2003Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists:List-IA. Establishment of Board of ControlB. Establishment of Supreme CourtC. Permission to English Missionaries to work in IndiaD. Appointment of Law Member in Governor-General's CouncilList-II1. Regulating Act, 17732. Pitt's India Act, 17843. Charter Act, 18134. Charter Act, 1833Code:A B C D
- A1 2 3 4
- B2 1 3 4
- C1 2 4 3
- D2 4 1 3
Answer: (B) 2 1 3 4Explanation
The Board of Control was set up by Pitt's India Act, 1784, so A matches 2.
The Supreme Court at Calcutta was set up by the Regulating Act, 1773, so B matches 1.
The Charter Act, 1813 allowed Christian missionaries to work in India, so C matches 3.
The Charter Act, 1833 added a Law Member to the Governor-General's Council, so D matches 4.
The code is 2 1 3 4.
Remember: The first Law Member was Thomas Babington Macaulay.Source: Regulating Act 1773; Pitt's India Act 1784; Charter Acts 1813 and 1833
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