What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

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UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2021 UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance paper.

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Question

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — A Sovereign Democratic RepublicStep-by-step Solution:On 26 January 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force, India was declared as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic" in the Preamble. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were not present in the original Preamble. These were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 during the Emergency. ✓Thus, in 1950, the constitutional status was Sovereign Democratic Republic (India was a dominion until 26 January 1950, when it became a republic with the Constitution).Why other options are incorrect:Option A: Missing "Sovereign".Option C: "Secular" was added in 1976.Option D: Both "Socialist" and "Secular" were added in 1976.Key Concept: The original Preamble read: "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC..." The 42nd Amendment inserted "SOCIALIST SECULAR" before "DEMOCRATIC" and added "UNITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE NATION" in the fraternity clause.

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

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What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Preamble – Keywords, Amendments & Significance

Frequently Asked Questions