Practice paper — Constitution Part XIV — Services under the Union and the States

1.According to Article 308, how is the expression "State" treated in this Part of the Constitution?

• (A) It includes the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
• (B) It does not include the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
• (C) It excludes all States other than Jammu and Kashmir.
• (D) The term "State" is left undefined in this Part.

2.Does Article 308 make the exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir from the term "State" absolute within this Part?

• (A) Yes — the exclusion is absolute and cannot be overridden.
• (B) Yes — but only if Parliament expressly confirms it.
• (C) No — the exclusion can be overridden if the context otherwise requires.
• (D) Only during a proclaimed emergency is the exclusion effective.

3.Within this Part, if a specific provision's language requires that the word "State" include Jammu and Kashmir, what does Article 308 permit?

• (A) It prohibits inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir under any circumstance.
• (B) It permits inclusion only after a parliamentary resolution.
• (C) It permits inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir when the context otherwise requires.
• (D) It permits inclusion only with the consent of the Jammu and Kashmir legislature.

4.Which statement best captures the meaning of the phrase "unless the context otherwise requires" in Article 308?

• (A) The term 'State' will include Jammu and Kashmir only when another Article explicitly names Jammu and Kashmir.
• (B) The term 'State' may include Jammu and Kashmir when the surrounding context in this Part compels such an interpretation.
• (C) The exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir can be changed only by a constitutional amendment.
• (D) The phrase is idle and cannot alter how 'State' is interpreted.

5.Who is competent under the proviso to make rules regulating recruitment and conditions of service for services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union until the appropriate Legislature provides otherwise?

• (A) The Prime Minister or such person as he may direct.
• (B) Parliament or the appropriate legislature.
• (C) The President or such person as he may direct.
• (D) The Supreme Court of India.

6.If rules made by the President under the proviso to Article 309 conflict with a later Act of the appropriate Legislature on recruitment, which statement correctly describes their legal relationship?

• (A) The President's rules override the later Act.
• (B) The later Act's provisions prevail over the earlier rules.
• (C) Both the Act and the rules operate equally even if inconsistent.
• (D) The rules continue unchanged unless expressly revoked by the President.

7.What is the legal status of rules made by the Governor under the proviso to Article 309 for State services once the appropriate Legislature makes provision by or under an Act under this article?

• (A) They continue to have effect but only subject to the provisions of that Act (i.e., to the extent not inconsistent).
• (B) They automatically lapse and have no further effect the moment an Act is passed.
• (C) They override the Act unless the Governor expressly revokes them.
• (D) They require separate confirmation by the Legislature to remain effective.

8.According to Article 310(1), a person who is a member of a defence service or of a civil service of the Union holds office during:

• (A) the pleasure of the President
• (B) a fixed five-year term
• (C) the discretion of the Prime Minister
• (D) parliamentary approval

9.Per Article 310(2), can the President provide for payment of compensation to a person appointed under contract to a civil post under the Union if the post is abolished before the agreed period?

• (A) No, compensation is not permitted under Article 310
• (B) Yes, the President/Governor may provide compensation if deemed necessary to secure services of a person with special qualifications
• (C) Yes, but only if the person is a member of the civil service
• (D) Only Parliament can authorize such compensation

10.If a person is a member of an all-India service, Article 310(1) indicates they hold office during the pleasure of:

• (A) the Governor
• (B) Parliament
• (C) the Prime Minister
• (D) the President

11.Under Article 311(1) of the Constitution, which of the following persons shall not be dismissed or removed by an authority subordinate to that by which he was appointed?

• (A) A person who is a member of a civil service of the Union or an all‑India service or a civil service of a State or holds a civil post under the Union or a State
• (B) Any person employed in the armed forces of India
• (C) A private contractor engaged by the State
• (D) Any person irrespective of the service or post

12.According to Article 311(2), what is required before a person in the civil service can be dismissed, removed or reduced in rank?

• (A) Immediate dismissal by the appointing authority without inquiry
• (B) An inquiry in which he has been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being heard
• (C) A prior criminal conviction as a prerequisite for dismissal
• (D) Automatic approval by the President or Governor in every case

13.Which of the following is NOT listed as a 'Provided further' exception to the inquiry requirement in Article 311(2)?

• (A) Where the person's conduct has led to his conviction on a criminal charge
• (B) Where the authority empowered is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to hold such inquiry and records reasons in writing
• (C) Where the President or the Governor is satisfied that in the interest of the security of the State it is not expedient to hold such inquiry
• (D) Where the person has not completed a minimum period of service

14.If a question arises whether it is reasonably practicable to hold the inquiry referred to in clause (2), whose decision is final under Article 311(3)?

• (A) The decision of the authority empowered to dismiss or remove such person or to reduce him in rank
• (B) The decision of the President or the Governor
• (C) The decision of the Supreme Court
• (D) The decision of Parliament

15.Which services are expressly deemed by Article 312(2) to be services created by Parliament under Article 312 at the commencement of the Constitution?

• (A) The Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service
• (B) All-India judicial service and Indian Administrative Service
• (C) All Central civil services existing at commencement
• (D) Only State civil services in existence at commencement

16.Under Article 312(3), can the all-India judicial service include posts lower than the post of district judge (as defined in Article 236)?

• (A) Yes — Parliament may include posts below district judge if it so directs
• (B) No — the all-India judicial service shall not include any post inferior to that of a district judge
• (C) Yes — but only if State legislatures pass resolutions consenting to such inclusion
• (D) No — unless Article 236 is amended by Parliament

17.Which of the following best describes the effect of the opening phrase 'Notwithstanding anything in Chapter VI of Part VI or Part XI' in Article 312(1) together with the remainder of that clause?

• (A) Parliament may create all-India services only if it first amends Chapter VI and Part XI under Article 368
• (B) Parliament may never create services that are inconsistent with Chapter VI or Part XI
• (C) Parliament may create all-India services but only for the Union, not for the States
• (D) Parliament may provide for creation of one or more all-India services despite anything in those Chapters, provided the Council of States passes the required two-thirds resolution

18.Under Article 312A(1)(a), Parliament may by law do which of the following in relation to persons appointed by the Secretary of State to a civil service of the Crown in India who continue to serve after the commencement of the Constitution (Twenty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1972?

• (A) Only increase remuneration prospectively
• (B) Only change disciplinary rights retrospectively
• (C) Vary or revoke, whether prospectively or retrospectively, conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave and pension and rights as respects disciplinary matters
• (D) Abolish their service without passing a law

19.Clause (3) of Article 312A states that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in which of the following disputes?

• (A) Disputes arising out of any covenant, agreement or similar instrument entered into by persons referred to in clause (1) relating to their appointment or continuance in service
• (B) Any dispute in respect of any right, liability or obligation under article 314 as originally enacted
• (C) Both (1) and (2)
• (D) Disputes about appointments made after the Twenty-eighth Amendment only

20.Does Article 312A affect the power of any Legislature or other authority under any other provision of the Constitution to regulate the conditions of service of the persons referred to in clause (1)?

• (A) Yes — it completely removes that power from all Legislatures and authorities
• (B) No — it does not affect that power except to the extent Parliament provides by law under this article
• (C) Yes — but only in respect of pension matters
• (D) No — and courts retain exclusive power to regulate such service conditions

21.What is the primary subject of Article 313 of the Constitution of India as quoted above?

• (A) Provision for emergency powers
• (B) Transitional provision preserving pre‑Constitution laws
• (C) Procedure for appointment to public service
• (D) Repeal of all pre‑Constitution laws

22.Which category of laws does Article 313 say will continue in force after the commencement of the Constitution?

• (A) Only laws enacted after commencement
• (B) Only laws concerning fundamental rights
• (C) All laws in force immediately before commencement applicable to any public service or post that continues to exist
• (D) Only laws enacted by the Union Parliament

23.Does Article 313 apply to public services or posts created after the commencement of the Constitution?

• (A) Yes, it applies to services/posts created at any time
• (B) Yes, but only if later declared All‑India services
• (C) Yes, but only for Union services
• (D) No; it applies to laws applicable to services or posts that "continue to exist after the commencement" (i.e., those in existence immediately before commencement)

24.What is the temporal character of the continuation of pre‑Constitution laws under Article 313?

• (A) It permanently entrenches those pre‑Constitution laws
• (B) It applies only to Union services and not to States
• (C) It is transitional: those laws continue "until other provision is made in this behalf under this Constitution"
• (D) It permits such laws to override any conflicting constitutional provision

25.Under Article 315, can two or more States agree to have one Public Service Commission for that group of States?

• (A) No, each State must always have its own Commission
• (B) Yes — if the States agree, pass the required resolution(s) and Parliament by law provides for a Joint State Public Service Commission
• (C) Yes automatically whenever two or more States request it
• (D) Only with the prior approval of the President

26.If the Governor of a State requests the Union Public Service Commission to serve the State's needs, what does Article 315(4) require before the UPSC may agree?

• (A) Approval of the President
• (B) A law passed by Parliament
• (C) A resolution of the State Legislature
• (D) Approval of the Chief Minister

27.How are references in the Constitution to the Union Public Service Commission or a State Public Service Commission to be construed under Article 315(5)?

• (A) They always refer only to the originally established Union or State Commission even if another Commission is serving the matter
• (B) Unless the context otherwise requires, they are to be construed as references to the Commission serving the needs of the Union or State for that particular matter
• (C) They refer only to Joint Commissions created by Parliament
• (D) They require a separate parliamentary statute to clarify which Commission is meant

28.Who appoints the Chairman and other members of the Union Public Service Commission or a Joint Commission under Article 316?

• (A) The President
• (B) The Governor
• (C) The Parliament
• (D) The Prime Minister

29.A person aged 63 enters upon office as a member of the Union Public Service Commission. Under Article 316(2), how long will he hold office?

• (A) For six years from the date of entry
• (B) Until he attains the age of 67 years
• (C) Until he attains the age of 65 years
• (D) Until he attains the age of 62 years

30.If the office of the Chairman of a Public Service Commission becomes vacant or the Chairman is unable to perform duties, who is empowered under Article 316(1A) to appoint a member to perform the Chairman's duties?

• (A) The senior-most member of the Commission automatically
• (B) Any member elected by majority of the Commission
• (C) The President in all cases
• (D) Such one of the other members as the President (for Union/Joint) and the Governor (for State) may appoint

31.Under Article 317(1), who can remove the Chairman or any other member of a Public Service Commission on the ground of misbehaviour?

• (A) The President by order, after the Supreme Court has, on reference, reported that the member ought to be removed
• (B) The Governor of the State by order after an inquiry
• (C) The Supreme Court directly by its own judgment
• (D) The Chairman of the Commission by internal resolution

32.Article 317(2) provides for suspension of a member in respect of whom a reference has been made to the Supreme Court. Who may suspend such a member?

• (A) Only the President in all cases
• (B) Only the Governor in all cases
• (C) The President in the case of the Union or a Joint Commission, and the Governor in the case of a State Commission
• (D) The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned

33.If a member is found to be concerned in a contract with the Government (other than as a member in common with other members of an incorporated company), what is the correct consequence under Article 317?

• (A) The President can remove him immediately under clause (3)
• (B) The Governor may remove him without reference to the Supreme Court
• (C) He must be impeached by Parliament before removal
• (D) He shall, for the purposes of clause (1), be deemed guilty of misbehaviour and removal would follow the clause (1) procedure (Supreme Court reference and Presidential order)

34.A member of a State Public Service Commission has been suspended under Article 317(2) after a reference to the Supreme Court. How long may the suspension lawfully continue?

• (A) Until the Governor of the State passes orders on the report
• (B) Until the Supreme Court itself orders removal
• (C) Until the President has passed orders on receipt of the report of the Supreme Court on such reference
• (D) For a fixed maximum of six months as prescribed elsewhere

35.Under Article 318 clause (a), regulations may determine which of the following regarding Commission members?

• (A) Only the method of appointment of members
• (B) The number of members and their conditions of service
• (C) The judicial powers of members
• (D) The territorial jurisdiction of the Commission

36.Who may, under Article 318, make regulations for a State Commission?

• (A) The President of India
• (B) The State Legislature
• (C) The Governor of the State
• (D) The Chief Minister

37.What is the legal effect of the proviso to Article 318 about variation of conditions of service?

• (A) It prohibits any change to a member's conditions of service after appointment, whether favourable or unfavourable
• (B) It prohibits varying a member's conditions of service to his disadvantage after appointment
• (C) It prohibits varying staff conditions of service to their disadvantage after appointment
• (D) It allows variation of a member's conditions only with the approval of the President

38.According to Article 319 of the Constitution, which person on ceasing to hold office is ineligible for further employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State?

• (A) Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
• (B) Chairman of a State Public Service Commission
• (C) A member other than the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
• (D) A member other than the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission

39.Can a person who was a member (other than the Chairman) of the Union Public Service Commission be reappointed as a member (not chairman) of the Union Public Service Commission after ceasing to hold office?

• (A) Yes — they may be reappointed as a member of the Union PSC
• (B) Yes — they may be reappointed to any government post
• (C) No — they may only be appointed as the Chairman of the Union PSC or as Chairman of a State PSC and not to other employment
• (D) No — they are completely barred from any further government appointment

40.After ceasing to be a member (other than the Chairman) of a State Public Service Commission, which of the following is expressly prohibited by Article 319?

• (A) Appointment as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
• (B) Appointment as Chairman of that or any other State Public Service Commission
• (C) Appointment as a member of the Union Public Service Commission
• (D) Accepting any other employment under the Government of India or under a State

41.According to Article 321, which Public Service Commission(s) may be provided additional functions by an Act?

• (A) Only the Union Public Service Commission
• (B) Only the State Public Service Commission
• (C) Both the Union Public Service Commission and the State Public Service Commission
• (D) Neither; Article 321 does not permit additional functions

42.Who may make the Act that provides for the exercise of additional functions under Article 321?

• (A) Parliament or, as the case may be, the Legislature of a State
• (B) Only Parliament
• (C) Only a State Legislature
• (D) Any authority of the executive

43.Does Article 321 permit extending PSC functions to private entities that are not "constituted by law"?

• (A) Yes, it includes all private entities
• (B) No, it limits extension to bodies "constituted by law" or public institutions
• (C) Yes, but only with Parliament's specific permission
• (D) Only if the entity is within the Union list

44.May a subordinate legislation or executive order (not an Act) provide for the exercise of additional functions by a Public Service Commission under Article 321?

• (A) Yes, subordinate legislation may provide for such additional functions
• (B) No — Article 321 requires an Act of Parliament or the Legislature of a State to provide for them
• (C) Yes, but only if later validated by the Legislature
• (D) Only Parliament can provide; State Legislatures cannot

45.Which of the following items is expressly included within the 'expenses' of a Public Service Commission under Article 322?

• (A) Only the general administrative costs of the Commission
• (B) Grants to candidates appearing for examinations
• (C) Salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of the members or staff of the Commission
• (D) Capital expenditure for Commission buildings

46.If an expense is payable in respect of the staff of a State Public Service Commission, where does Article 322 require it to be charged?

• (A) Consolidated Fund of India
• (B) Consolidated Fund of the State
• (C) Public Account of the State
• (D) State Contingency Fund

47.Under Article 322, can expenses of a State Public Service Commission be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India?

• (A) No; they are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State
• (B) Yes; all Public Service Commission expenses are on the Consolidated Fund of India
• (C) Yes; but only if authorised by Parliament
• (D) Only pensions of State Commission members can be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India

48.To whom must the Union Commission present its annual report under Article 323?

• (A) The Prime Minister
• (B) The President
• (C) Each House of Parliament directly
• (D) The Lok Sabha Speaker

49.A Joint Public Service Commission serving several States must present annual reports to:

• (A) The President for transmission to the States
• (B) The Governor of only the State where the Commission's headquarters are located
• (C) The Chief Minister of each State it serves
• (D) The Governor of each of the States the needs of which are served by the Joint Commission, a report as to the work done in relation to that State

50.On receipt of a State Commission's annual report, who is required to cause a copy together with the explanatory memorandum to be laid before the State Legislature?

• (A) The State Commission itself
• (B) The Chief Minister
• (C) The Governor
• (D) The President