UPSC Prelims PYQ on DPSP

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) form a crucial part of the Indian Constitution, guiding the government in establishing a welfare state. Though non-justiciable, they influence governance, lawmaking, and judicial interpretations.

In UPSC Prelims, questions on DPSP often test conceptual clarity, historical amendments, classification, and their relationship with Fundamental Rights. Practicing Previous Year Questions (PYQs) helps aspirants understand recurring themes, factual details, and the application of DPSPs in governance and policymaking.

This section provides a comprehensive set of UPSC Prelims PYQs on DPSP, ensuring a strong grasp of this essential topic for effective exam preparation.

UPSC Prelims PYQ on DPSP

 

 

Q1. Matching Constitutional Provisions

[UPSC 2025 / A-55]

Question: Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None

✅ Correct Answer: (c) All the three

Explanation:

• Article 50 (DPSP) → Separation of Judiciary from Executive

• Article 51A(f) → Preserve rich heritage of composite culture

• Article 24 (FR) → Prohibition of child labour below 14 years

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Q2. Concentration of Wealth

UPSC CSE 2021 (Prelims)

Question: Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates:

(a) Right to Equality
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Right to Freedom
(d) Concept of Welfare

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Article 39(b) and 39(c) of the DPSP aim to prevent concentration of wealth and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

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Q3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims)

Question: Other than Fundamental Rights, which parts of the Constitution reflect the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

1. Preamble

2. Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:

• Preamble reflects liberty, equality, dignity

• DPSPs reflect socio-economic rights

• Fundamental Duties reflect civic responsibilities

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Q4. Welfare State

UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims)

Question: Which part of the Constitution declares the ideal of a Welfare State?

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
(b) Fundamental Rights
(c) Preamble
(d) Seventh Schedule

✅ Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation:
DPSPs aim to establish social and economic justice, forming the foundation of a welfare state.

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Q5. Nature of DPSPs

UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims)

Question: With reference to Part IV of the Constitution, which statements are correct?

1. They are enforceable by courts

2. They are not enforceable by any court

3. They influence law-making

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:
DPSPs are non-justiciable but serve as guiding principles for governance and legislation.

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Q6. Separation of Judiciary and Executive

UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims)

Question: In India, separation of judiciary from executive is enjoined by:

(a) Preamble
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Seventh Schedule
(d) Convention

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Article 50 (DPSP) directs the State to separate judiciary from executive in public services.

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Q7. Fundamental Duties – Enforcement

UPSC CSE 2017 (Prelims)

Question: Which statements are true regarding Fundamental Duties?

1. Legislative process exists to enforce them

2. They are correlative to legal duties

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:
Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable and lack direct enforcement mechanisms.

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Q8. DPSP added by 42nd Amendment

UPSC CSE 2017 (Prelims)

Question: Which principle was added to DPSP by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment?

(a) Equal pay for equal work
(b) Workers’ participation in management
(c) Right to work
(d) Living wage

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Article 43A (Workers’ participation) was added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

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Q9. DPSPs as Limitations

UPSC CSE 2017 (Prelims)

Question: DPSPs constitute limitations upon:

1. Legislative function

2. Executive function

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both
(d) Neither

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:
DPSPs are advisory; they do not legally restrict legislative or executive powers.

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Q10. Sovereignty, Unity & Integrity

UPSC CSE 2015 (Prelims)

Question:  “To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India” is mentioned in:

(a) Preamble
(b) DPSP
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Fundamental Duties

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:
Article 51A(c) lists this as a Fundamental Duty.

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Q11. International Peace & Security

UPSC CSE 2014 (Prelims)

Question: Promotion of international peace and security is included in:

(a) Preamble
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Ninth Schedule

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Article 51 (DPSP) deals with international peace and friendly relations.

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Q12. Economic Justice

UPSC CSE 2013 (Prelims)

Question: Economic Justice’ is provided in:

(a) Preamble and FR
(b) Preamble and DPSP
(c) FR and DPSP
(d) None

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Economic justice is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble and elaborated in DPSPs.

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Q13. Fundamental for Governance

UPSC CSE 2013 (Prelims)

Question: Which are fundamental for governance of the country?

(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Fundamental Duties
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) FR and FD

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation:
Article 37 declares DPSPs as fundamental in governance.

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Q14. Gandhian Principles in DPSP

UPSC CSE 2012 (Prelims)

Question: Which of the following are Gandhian Principles?

1. Village Panchayats

2. Cottage industries

3. Uniform Civil Code

4. Leisure for workers

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Village Panchayats (Art. 40) and Cottage Industries (Art. 43) are Gandhian ideals.

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Q15. Fundamental Duties

UPSC CSE 2012 (Prelims)

Question: Which are Fundamental Duties?

1. Preserve composite culture

2. Protect weaker sections

3. Scientific temper

4. Strive for excellence

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

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Q16. NOT a Fundamental Duty

UPSC CSE 2011 (Prelims)

Question: Which is NOT a Fundamental Duty?

(a) To vote
(b) Scientific temper
(c) Safeguard public property
(d) Respect Constitution

✅ Correct Answer: (a)

DPSPs Overview:

• Enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36-51)
  of the Indian Constitution.
• Guide the State in policymaking to
  establish a just and welfare-oriented society.
• Non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.

Key Features

• Nature:
  Non-enforceable but serve as moral guidelines.
• Source:
  Inspired by the Irish Constitution, Gandhian principles, socialist
  ideals, and liberal democracy.
• Objective: Ensure social, economic, and political justice for a
  welfare state.

Classification of DPSPs

1. Socialist Principles:
   • Article 38: Promote social order with justice.
   • Article 39: Equal pay, resource distribution, child and worker protection.
   • Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance.
   • Article 42: Humane working conditions and maternity relief.
2. Gandhian Principles:
   • Article 40: Village panchayats as self-governing units.
   • Article 43: Promote cottage industries.
   • Article 46: Educational and economic upliftment of weaker sections.
   • Article 47: Ban on intoxicating substances.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles:
   • Article 44: Uniform Civil Code.
   • Article 45: Early childhood education.
   • Article 48: Modernize agriculture and animal husbandry.
   • Article 49: Protect national monuments.
   • Article 50: Separate judiciary from the executive.
   • Article 51: Promote international peace.

Significance of DPSPs

• Guide governance for social and economic justice.
• Balance rights and duties, complementing Fundamental Rights.
• Reflect constitutional morality and ethical values.
• Assist judicial interpretation, especially in welfare cases.

Criticism of DPSP

• Non-justiciable, limiting enforcement.
• Potential conflicts with Fundamental Rights.
• Broad and vague, making implementation difficult.

Important Amendments Related to DPSP

• 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Articles 39A (legal aid), 43A (workers’ participation),
  48A (environment protection).
• 44th Amendment (1978): Added Article 38(2) to reduce inequalities.
• 86th Amendment (2002): Made elementary education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A)
  and revised Article 45 for early childhood education.

DPSP & Fundamental Rights

• Harmonious interpretation by courts (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).
• Courts try to balance conflicts
  between them.

Implementation of DPSP

• Key policies:
  • MGNREGA (2005) – Right to work (Article 41).
  • Right to Education Act
    (2009) – Free education (Article
    45).
  • Panchayati Raj
    Institutions – Local governance
    (Article 40).
• Judicial activism expands Fundamental Rights using DPSPs.

Conclusion

DPSPs form the soul of the Constitution, shaping India’s welfare policies. Though non-enforceable, they provide a moral and policy framework to achieve justice and equity. Understanding DPSPs is crucial for UPSC aspirants as they influence governance and legal interpretations.