Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

Q.1.The ideal of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its (2015)

(a) Preamble

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) Seventh Schedule

Ans: (b)

Exp:

The concept of a Welfare State implies that the State assumes responsibility for promoting the social and economic well-being of its citizens. In the Indian constitutional framework, this ideal is most explicitly articulated in Part IV (Articles 36–51) — the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Under the Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 38 provides the most direct linkage to the Welfare State concept.
Article 38(1):
The State shall 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 the institutions of national life.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.2.The Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution of India is taken from the Constitution

of which country? Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003

(a) Australia

(b) America

(d) Ireland

Ans: (d)

Exp:

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Constitution of India were borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland.
Specifically, they were inspired by the Directive Principles of Social Policy contained in the 1937 Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann).
The framers of the Indian Constitution adopted this concept to establish a welfare state, where the State is obligated to promote social and economic justice, even though these principles are non-justiciable (not enforceable by courts).
Therefore,option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.3. Which one of the following is not the objective of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

(U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013)

(a) To establish a welfare State.

(b) To ensure socio-economic Justice

(d) To establish a Secular State

Ans: (c)

Exp: The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51) lay down guidelines for the State to achieve social and economic democracy. They are fundamental in the governance of the country (Article 37), though non-justiciable.

To establish a Welfare State
The DPSPs explicitly aim at building a welfare state.
Article 38 directs the State to promote the welfare of the people and reduce inequalities.
To ensure Socio-economic Justice
Socio-economic justice is central to DPSPs.
Articles 39, 41, 42, 43, and 47 collectively aim to secure economic equity, social justice, public health, and dignified living conditions.
To establish a Religious State
The Indian Constitution does not envisage a theocratic or religious state.
India follows the principle of secularism, meaning the State has no official religion and maintains principled distance from all religions.
To establish a Secular State
Although secularism is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution of India (added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976), DPSPs support secular governance indirectly — for example:
Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code)
Article 46 (Protection of weaker sections)
Therefore,option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.4.The “Instruments of Instructions” contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as (UPSC,2010)

(a) Fundamental Rights

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) Conduct of business of the Government of India.

Ans: (b)

Exp:

The “Instruments of Instructions” under the Government of India Act 1935 were directives issued to the Governor-General and Governors. These instructions:

Guided them in the exercise of executive powers.
Emphasized governance in public interest.
Were not legally enforceable, but morally binding.

When the Constitution of India came into force in 1950, these guiding principles were incorporated in a modified and democratic form as the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV).

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explicitly stated in the Constituent Assembly that the DPSPs are analogous to the Instruments of Instructions under the 1935 Act.

Therefore,option B is the correct answer.

Q.5. How are the Directive Principles of State Policy different from Fundamental Rights? I.A.S. (Pre) 2009

(a) Former is for Union Government and later is for state Government.

(b) Former is a part of the Constitution whereas later is not.

(d) None of these.

Ans: (c)

Exp:

The difference between Fundamental Rights (Part III) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) lies primarily in justiciability.

Fundamental Rights (FRs) are justiciable and can be enforced.
If violated, a citizen can directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 or High Courts under Article 226.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are non-justiciable.
As per Article 37, they are fundamental in governance but not enforceable by any court.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.6. Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy: (2015)

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Exp

While Fundamental Rights ensure political democracy, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) lay the foundation for social and economic democracy.

DPSPs aim to establish social and economic justice.
They seek to reduce inequalities (Article 38).
They promote equitable distribution of resources (Article 39).
They ensure the right to work, education, public assistance (Article 41).

“Therefore,the Principles (DPSPs) spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.” Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

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

Article 37 clearly states that DPSPs are non-justiciable.
They are fundamental in the governance of the country, but courts cannot enforce them.Hence,statement 2 is correct.
Therefore,option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.7.Which of the following is/are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy? I.A.S. (Pre) 2008

1. Prohibition of Trafficking in human beings and forced labour.

2. Prohibition of consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of other drugs which are injurious to health.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither nor 2

Ans: (b)

Exp:

“Prohibition of trafficking in human beings and forced labour”
This is provided under Article 23, which is part of Fundamental Rights (Right against Exploitation).
It prohibits trafficking, begar, and forced labour.
It is justiciable and enforceable by courts.Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
“Prohibition of consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.” —
This is mentioned in Article 47, which is part of the Directive Principles.
It directs the State to improve public health.
It mandates prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs harmful to health.
It is non-justiciable. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Therefore,option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.8.Which one of the following is not a Directive Principle of State Policy ? U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010

(a) Prohibition of the consumption of Intoxicating Drinks

(b) Cow-Protection

(d) Free Education to children up to the age of fourteen (14)

Ans:(d)

Exp:

Prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks
This is included in the Directive Principles under Article 47.
It directs the State to improve public health and to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health except for medicinal purposes.
Cow Protection
This is provided under Article 48.It directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern lines and to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.
Hence, this is also a Directive Principle.
Environment Protection
This was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 as Article 48A.
It directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
Thus, it is a Directive Principle.
Free Education up to fourteen years
Originally, Article 45 (a Directive Principle) provided for free and compulsory education up to the age of fourteen years.
However, after the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years became a Fundamental Right under Article 21A. Article 45 was amended and now relates to early childhood care and education for children below six years.
Therefore, free education up to fourteen years is no longer a Directive Principle in the present constitutional framework.
Therefore,option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.9. Which of the following was not added to the Directive Principles by the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution?

U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998

(a) Protection of Children and youth from exploitation

(b) Equal justice and free legal aid

(d) Participation of workers in the management of industries

Ans:(c)

Exp:

The Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976 expanded the scope of the Directive Principles of State Policy by inserting four additional principles into Part IV of the Constitution of India. The newly added Directive Principles require the State:

Article 39(f) – To ensure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and are protected against exploitation and moral and material abandonment.
Article 39A – To promote equal justice and provide free legal aid, ensuring that access to justice is not denied on the basis of economic or other disabilities.
Article 43A – To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries.
Article 48A – To protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

Article 44, which deals with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), was included in the original Constitution of 1950 itself under Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy).The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) did not add Article 44; it was already part of the constitutional scheme from the very beginning.

Therefore,option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.10. Which of the following is/are listed among the Directive Principles in Part-IV of the Constitution of India?

B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016

I. Equal Pay for Equal Work

II. Uniform Civil Code

III. Small family norm

IV. Education through mother tongue at primary level.

Code:

(a) I, II and III

(b) I and II

(d) I, II and IV

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans:(b)

Exp:

Equal Pay for Equal Work: This is included under Article 39(d) of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
It directs the State to secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women.Hence, Statement I is correct.
Uniform Civil Code :This is provided under Article 44.It directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India.Hence, Statement II is correct.
Small family norm : The Constitution does not mention “small family norm” in Part IV.
While population control policies may exist at the policy level, they are not explicitly listed as a Directive Principle. Hence, Statement III is not correct.
Education through mother tongue at primary level
The Constitution does not list this as a Directive Principle under Part IV.
Provisions relating to mother tongue instruction appear in other parts of the Constitution (such as cultural and educational rights), but not within DPSPs. Hence, Statement IV is not correct.
Therefore,option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.11.According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country? (2013)

(a) Fundamental Rights

(b) Fundamental Duties

(d) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Ans: (c)

Exp:

The phrase “fundamental in the governance of the country” is explicitly mentioned in Article 37 of the Constitution of India.

Article 37 states that:

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not enforceable by any court,
But they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and
It shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

Thus, the Constitution itself uses this exact terminology only for Directive Principles, not for Fundamental Rights or Fundamental Duties.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.12. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? I.A.S. (Pre) 2020

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 law by the State.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans: (d)

Exp:

Article 37 clearly states that the provisions contained in Part IV shall not be enforceable by any court. Therefore, courts cannot compel the State to implement Directive Principles. They are non-justiciable in nature.Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
The Constitution explicitly provides that Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts.Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Article 37 further declares that the principles laid down in Part IV are fundamental in the governance of the country and that it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
This means that although Directive Principles are not legally enforceable, they are intended to guide legislative and executive action. They serve as constitutional directives for establishing a welfare state.Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Therefore,option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.13. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the : (2014)

(a) Preamble to the Constitution

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) Ninth Schedule

Ans: (b)

Exp:

The promotion of international peace and security is mentioned in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which contains the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Article 51 of the Constitution specifically directs the State to:

Promote international peace and security
Maintain just and honourable relations between nations
Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations
Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration

Since Article 51 is placed under Part IV, the subject clearly falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Therefore,option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.14.With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principle of State Policy constitute limitations

upon : I.A.S. (Pre) 2017

1. legislative function.

2. executive function.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Exp:

Article 37 clearly states two things:
The Directive Principles shall not be enforceable by any court.
They are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it shall be the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
This shows that DPSPs are positive obligations and guiding principles, not legal restrictions.
Directive Principles do not restrict or limit the legislative power of Parliament or State Legislatures. Instead, they guide and direct the legislature in policy-making. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
They are meant to shape laws, not limit law-making authority.
DPSPs do not impose legal restraints on the executive. Rather, they provide goals and policy directions that the executive should strive to implement while governing
Fundamental Rights operate as limitations on State power, because laws or executive actions violating them can be struck down by courts.
Directive Principles, on the other hand, operate as constitutional directives, not enforceable restrictions. They aim to establish a welfare state but do not legally curtail legislative or executive authority.
Therefore,option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.15. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (2012)

1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code

2. Organizing village Panchayats

3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas

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

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Exp: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Constitution of India are broadly classified into three categories: Socialist, Gandhian, and Liberal–Intellectual principles.

The Gandhian Principles embody Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of decentralized governance, village self-reliance, promotion of cottage industries, prohibition, and upliftment of weaker sections.
Securing for citizens of India a Uniform Civil Code : This is provided under Article 44. It reflects the idea of national integration and legal uniformity. It belongs to the Liberal–Intellectual category, not Gandhian principles. Hence,statement 1 is not correct.
Organizing village Panchayats : Article 40 directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority. This reflects the Gandhian concept of Gram Swaraj, emphasizing decentralized village governance.Hence,statement 2 is correct.
Promoting cottage industries in rural areas : Article 43 encourages the promotion of cottage industries on an individual or cooperative basis in rural areas. This directly reflects Gandhi’s emphasis on rural self-reliance and khadi-based village economy.Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Securing for all workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities: This provision is also under Article 43 and reflects worker welfare and social justice. It is categorized under Socialist principles rather than Gandhian principles.Hence,statement 4 is not correct.
Therefore,option (b) is the correct answer

Q.16.Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates I.A.S. (Pre) 2021

(a) the Right to Equality

(b) the Directive Principles of State Policy

(d) the concept of Welfare

Ans: (b)

Exp:

Under Article 39(b) and 39(c) of the Constitution of India (Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy), the State is directed to ensure:

Ownership and control of material resources are distributed to subserve the common good.
The economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.

Thus, prevention of concentration of wealth is explicitly a Directive Principle, not a Fundamental Right.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.17. Match List -I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists :

List - I List - II

A. Formation of Village Panchayat 1. Article 44

B. Uniform Civil Code 2. Article 48

C. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 3. Article 50

D. Separation of Judiciary from Executive 4. Article 51

E. Promotion of International Peace 5. Article 40

Codes :

(a) A B C D E

3 4 2 1 5

(b) A B C D E

5 1 2 3 4

2 3 5 4 1

(d) A B C D E

1 5 3 4 2

(e) None of the above / More than one of the above

Ans: (b)

Exp:

List–I	Provision	Correct Article	List–II Code
A	Formation of Village Panchayat	Article 40	5
B	Uniform Civil Code	Article 44	1
C	Agriculture and Animal Husbandry	Article 48	2
D	Separation of Judiciary from Executive	Article 50	3
E	Promotion of International Peace	Article 51	4

Therefore,option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.18. Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?

Subject	Related Articles
(a) To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life	Article 48 A
(b) The promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes	Article 46
(c) The promotion of Co-operative Societies	Article 43A
(d) To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor	Article 39 A

Ans: (c)

Exp:

Article 48A : Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. It was inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
Article 46 : Article 46 mandates the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
Article 43A : Article 43A deals with workers’ participation in management of industries, not promotion of co-operative societies.
Promotion of Co-operative Societies is provided under Article 43B (inserted by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011).Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Article 39A : Article 39A provides for equal justice and free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen due to economic or other disabilities. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.
Therefore,option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.19. “The Directive Principles of State Policy is a cheque which is paid on Bank’s Convenience," Who said it?

U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007

(a) B.R. Ambedkar

(b) K.M. Munshi

(d) K.T. Shah

Ans: (d)

Exp:

The statement was made by K. T. Shah during the debates in the Constituent Assembly of India.
He criticized the non-justiciable nature of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), arguing that since they are not legally enforceable in courts, their implementation depends upon the will of the government—hence the metaphor of a cheque payable at the bank’s convenience.
Therefore,option (d) is the correct answer.