Q. 1. Who gave the idea of a Constituent Assembly firstly for the formation of Constitution for India? (I.A.S. Pre, 1996)

(a) Swaraj Party in 1934

(b) Congress Party in 1936

(c) Muslim League in 1942

(d) All Parties Conference in 1946

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The first formal demand for a Constituent Assembly was made by the Swaraj Party at its Ranchi Conference in May 1934.
  2. The intellectual origin of the idea is generally credited to M.N. Roy, but the first formal political demand was made by the Swaraj Party.
  3. Option (a) is correct because the question asks about the first political demand for formation of Constitution by a Constituent Assembly.
  4. Option (b) is incorrect because the Indian National Congress officially accepted the demand later.
  5. Option (c) is incorrect because the Muslim League did not first demand a Constituent Assembly in 1942.
  6. Option (d) is incorrect because the All Parties Conference was not the first source of this demand.

Hence, option a is correct.


Q. 2. With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: (I.A.S. Pre, 2022)

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? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. The Cripps Mission came to India in March 1942. It proposed Dominion Status after World War II and a Constitution-making body for India.
  2. Statement 1 is incorrect because the proposed Constituent Assembly was to have members elected by Provincial Assemblies, while representatives of Princely States were to be nominated by rulers. Provincial members were not to be nominated. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  3. Statement 2 is correct because the Cripps proposals allowed any province unwilling to accept the new Constitution to retain its existing constitutional position and make a separate agreement with Britain. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option b is correct.


Q. 3. Indian Constituent Assembly was established under — (U.P. Lower Sub. Pre, 2009)

(a) Government of India Act, 1935

(b) Cripps Mission, 1942

(c) Cabinet Mission, 1946

(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The Constituent Assembly was constituted in November 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946.
  2. Option (a) is incorrect because the Government of India Act, 1935 provided the provincial electoral framework, but it did not create the Constituent Assembly.
  3. Option (b) is incorrect because the Cripps Mission, 1942 only proposed a Constitution-making body, but its proposals were rejected.
  4. Option (c) is correct because the actual scheme of composition, indirect election and seat allocation came through the Cabinet Mission Plan.
  5. Option (d) is incorrect because the Indian Independence Act, 1947 made the Assembly sovereign, but did not originally establish it.
  6. Under the Cabinet Mission Plan, roughly one representative for every 10 lakh population was provided.

Hence, option c is correct.


Q. 4. With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were — (I.A.S. Pre, 2013)

(a) Directly elected by the people of those Provinces

(b) Nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League

(c) Elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies

(d) Selected by the government for their expertise in constitutional matters

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. Members from British Indian Provinces were indirectly elected by the elected members of Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
  2. The election followed proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
  3. Option (a) is incorrect because the Constituent Assembly was not directly elected by the people and was not based on universal adult franchise.
  4. Option (b) is incorrect because Congress and Muslim League contested elections, but did not simply nominate members.
  5. Option (c) is correct because Provincial Legislative Assemblies formed the electoral college.
  6. Option (d) is incorrect because the members were not selected by the government for expertise, although experts like B.N. Rau assisted the Assembly.

Hence, option c is correct.


Q. 5. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true in relation to Constituent Assembly? (I.A.S. Pre, 1993)

1. Assembly was based on adult suffrage.

2. The assembly was a result of direct election.

3. Assembly was a multiparty body.

4. Assembly worked through various committees.

Choose the correct answer by using the code given below: 

Code: 

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946. Its provincial members were indirectly elected by Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
  2. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Assembly was not based on adult suffrage. Voting under the Government of India Act, 1935 was limited by property, tax and educational qualifications. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  3. Statement 2 is incorrect because the people did not directly elect the Assembly. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  4. Statement 3 is correct because the Assembly was a multiparty body with Congress, Muslim League, independents and minority representatives. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  5. Statement 4 is correct because the Assembly functioned through several committees such as Drafting Committee, Union Powers Committee, Union Constitution Committee, Provincial Constitution Committee, and Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option  c is correct.


Q. 6. Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over? (I.A.S. Pre, 2024)

(a) C. Rajagopalachari

(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

(c) T.T. Krishnamachari

(d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

  1. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9 December 1946 in the Constitution Hall, New Delhi.
  2. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, being the oldest member, was chosen as the temporary or provisional President.
  3. Option (a) is incorrect because C. Rajagopalachari was not the provisional President.
  4. Option (b) is incorrect because Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
  5. Option (c) is incorrect because T.T. Krishnamachari later became a member of the Drafting Committee.
  6. Option (d) is correct because Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha chaired the first sitting.
  7. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected permanent President on 11 December 1946.

Hence, option d is correct.


Q. 7. The first Session of Constituent Assembly was held on — (66th B.P.S.C. Pre Re-Exam, 2020)

(a) 9th December, 1946

(b) 15th August, 1947

(c) 26th November, 1949

(d) 26th January, 1946

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

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The first session of the Constituent Assembly began on 9 December 1946.
  2. It was attended by 207 members, as the Muslim League boycotted the first meeting.
  3. Option (a) is correct because 9 December 1946 marks the first meeting of the Assembly.
  4. Option (b) is incorrect because 15 August 1947 is the date of Indian Independence.
  5. Option (c) is incorrect because 26 November 1949 is the date of adoption of the Constitution.
  6. Option (d) is incorrect because 26 January 1946 has no such constitutional significance.
  7. Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objectives Resolution on 13 December 1946.

Hence, option a is correct.


Q. 8. When did Nehru introduce the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly? 

(a) 9th December, 1946

(b) 28th April, 1947

(c) 22nd January, 1947

(d) 13th December, 1946

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objectives Resolution on 13 December 1946.
  2. The Objectives Resolution laid down the philosophy and guiding principles of the Constitution.
  3. Option (a) is incorrect because 9 December 1946 was the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly.
  4. Option (b) is incorrect because 28 April 1947 relates to the period when representatives of Princely States gradually began joining the Assembly.
  5. Option (c) is incorrect because 22 January 1947 was the date when the Objectives Resolution was adopted, not introduced.
  6. Option (d) is correct because Nehru presented it on 13 December 1946.
  7. Important fact: The Objectives Resolution later became the basis of the Preamble.

Hence, option d is correct.


Q. 9. Who was the Constitutional Adviser at the time of the formation of the Constitution? (U.P.P.C.S. Pre, 2014)

(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(c) B.N. Rau

(d) K.M. Munshi

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. B.N. Rau was appointed as the Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly.
  2. Option (a) is incorrect because Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
  3. Option (b) is incorrect because Dr. Rajendra Prasad was President of the Constituent Assembly.
  4. Option (c) is correct because B.N. Rau prepared the initial draft and advised the Assembly after studying comparative constitutions.
  5. Option (d) is incorrect because K.M. Munshi was a member of the Drafting Committee, not Constitutional Adviser.
  6. The first draft was prepared by B.N. Rau and placed before the Drafting Committee.

Hence, option c is correct.


Q. 10. Consider the following events and arrange these in correct chronological order starting from the earliest to the last activity: (U.P.P.C.S. Pre, 2023)

I. Appointment of the Drafting Committee

II. Indian Constitution was adopted and enacted

III. Date of commencement of Indian Constitution

IV. Constituent Assembly first met

(a) IV, I, II, III

(b) I, II, IV, III

(c) IV, I, III, II

(d) III, II, I, IV

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946.
  2. The Drafting Committee was appointed on 29 August 1947 under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
  3. The Constitution was adopted, enacted and given to the people on 26 November 1949.
  4. The Constitution fully commenced on 26 January 1950.
  5. Therefore, the correct chronological order is IV, I, II, III.

Hence, option a is correct.


Q. 11. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: (I.A.S. Pre, 2023)

Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. Statement-I is correct because Constitution Day, also called Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated on 26 November to mark the adoption of the Constitution and promote constitutional values. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
  2. Statement-II is incorrect because the Drafting Committee was not set up on 26 November 1949. It was set up on 29 August 1947. Hence, Statement-II is incorrect.
  3. 26 November 1949 is connected with adoption, enactment and giving of the Constitution, not with creation of the Drafting Committee.

Hence, option c is correct.


Q. 12. Constitution of India came into force on — (U.P.P.C.S. Pre, 1990)

(a) 26 January, 1950

(b) 23 January, 1950

(c) 15 August, 1947

(d) 26 December, 1949

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, but it came fully into force on 26 January 1950.
  2. Option (a) is correct because 26 January 1950 is the date of commencement of the Constitution.
  3. Option (b) is incorrect because 23 January 1950 has no such constitutional significance.
  4. Option (c) is incorrect because 15 August 1947 was the date of Independence, not commencement of the Constitution.
  5. Option (d) is incorrect because 26 December 1949 is not the relevant constitutional date.
  6. Important fact: 26 January was chosen to honour the Purna Swaraj Declaration of the Lahore Session of Congress, 1929.

Hence, option a is correct.


Q. 13. How much time did the Constituent Assembly take to frame the Constitution of India? (68th B.P.S.C. Pre, 2022)

(a) 2 years, 11 months, 18 days

(b) 2 years, 7 months, 23 days

(c) 3 years, 4 months, 14 days

(d) 3 years, 11 months, 5 days

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Constituent Assembly sat for the first time on 9th December 1946. Over the next 2 years, 11 months and 18 days, the Assembly sat for a total of 167 days to frame the Indian Constitution. 
  2. The final session of the Constituent Assembly took place on 24th January 1950.The Assembly held 11 sessions for Constitution-making.

Hence, option a is correct.


Q. 14. Consider the following statements regarding the Constituent Assembly of India:

(i) The final session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 24th January, 1950.

(ii) Dr. Rajendra Prasad was declared to be duly elected to the office of President of India in this final session.

(a) Neither (i) nor (ii) is correct

(b) Both (i) and (ii) are correct

(c) Only (ii) is correct

(d) Only (i) is correct

(e) Question not attempted

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Statement (i) is correct because the final meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 24 January 1950. Hence, statement (i) is correct.
  2. Statement (ii) is correct because Dr. Rajendra Prasad was declared elected as the first President of India during this final meeting. Hence, statement (ii) is correct.
  3. On 24 January 1950, members signed the Constitution and the Assembly adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and Vande Mataram as the National Song.

Hence, option b is correct.


Q. 15. B.R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from — (I.A.S. Pre, 1996)

(a) West Bengal

(b) Bombay Presidency

(c) Middle India

(d) Punjab

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was initially elected from Bengal. After Partition, that seat went to Pakistan.
  2. He was later elected from Bombay Presidency after M.R. Jayakar resigned.
  3. Option (a) is incorrect as the commonly tested final answer is Bombay Presidency, though he was initially elected from Bengal.
  4. Option (b) is correct because Ambedkar entered the Assembly after Partition from Bombay Presidency.
  5. Option (c) and option (d) are incorrect because Ambedkar was not elected from Middle India or Punjab.
  6. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee and is known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

Hence, option b is correct.


Q. 16. Consider the following statements: (I.A.S. Pre, 2009)

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? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. Statement 1 is correct because the Round Table Conferences contributed to the constitutional discussions that eventually resulted in the Government of India Act, 1935. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  2. Statement 2 is correct because the Government of India Act, 1935 provided for an All India Federation consisting of British Indian Provinces and Princely States. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  3. The federation under the 1935 Act never came into operation because the required accession of Princely States did not happen.

Hence, option c is correct.


Q. 17. Which of the following correctly matches the committee with its chairman?

(a) Drafting Committee — Jawaharlal Nehru

(b) Union Constitution Committee — Jawaharlal Nehru

(c) Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

(d) Provincial Constitution Committee — B.N. Rau

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Option (a) is incorrect because the Drafting Committee was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
  2. Option (b) is correct because Jawaharlal Nehru chaired the Union Constitution Committee.
  3. Option (c) is incorrect because the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas was chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  4. Option (d) is incorrect because the Provincial Constitution Committee was chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, while B.N. Rau was Constitutional Adviser.

Hence, option b is correct.


Q. 18. Which statement best explains the sovereign character of the Constituent Assembly after 15 August 1947?

(a) It became subordinate to the British Parliament.

(b) It became a fully sovereign Constitution-making body and also functioned as the Dominion Legislature.

(c) It ceased to exist after Independence.

(d) It became a committee of the Indian National Congress.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. After the Indian Independence Act, 1947, the Constituent Assembly became a sovereign body.
  2. Option (a) is incorrect because British parliamentary control ended with Independence.
  3. Option (b) is correct because the Assembly performed two roles after Independence: Constitution-making and functioning as the Dominion Legislature.
  4. Option (c) is incorrect because the Assembly continued after Independence.
  5. Option (d) is incorrect because, although Congress had a majority, the Assembly was not a Congress committee.

Hence, option b is correct.


Q. 19. Which of the following provisions came into force on 26 November 1949 itself?

(a) Entire Constitution

(b) Citizenship and transitional provisions

(c) Fundamental Rights only

(d) Directive Principles only

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. The entire Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, but some provisions came into force immediately on 26 November 1949.
  2. Option (a) is incorrect because full commencement occurred on 26 January 1950.
  3. Option (b) is correct because provisions relating to citizenship, elections, provisional Parliament, temporary provisions and transitional provisions came into force on 26 November 1949.
  4. Option (c) is incorrect because Fundamental Rights became enforceable with full commencement on 26 January 1950.
  5. Option (d) is incorrect because Directive Principles of State Policy did not independently come into force on 26 November 1949.

Hence, option b is correct.