GK Questions with Answers - Polity and Constitution
Indian Polity and the Constitution of India form a core part of the general studies syllabus for almost all competitive exams, including UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. This subject helps students understand how the Indian government functions, the distribution of powers, fundamental rights and duties, and the structure of various constitutional bodies. A clear understanding of Indian Polity not only strengthens your general knowledge but also improves your ability to answer questions related to current events and governance in India.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Indian Polity and Constitution GK Questions with Answers, specially designed for students preparing for competitive exams 2025. Each multiple-choice question (MCQ) is followed by a brief explanation to help you understand the logic and concept behind the answer. These questions cover key topics such as the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Parliament, Judiciary, President, Prime Minister, and Constitutional Amendments. Practicing these Polity GK questions and answers will help you enhance your conceptual clarity and boost your performance in the general awareness section of your exams.
GK Questions with Answers - Polity and Constitution
1. How many states are there in India?
- 28
- 29
- 27
- 26
Answer: A) 28
Explanation: As of 2025, India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. The latest change occurred in 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. No new states have been formed since then.
2. How many Union Territories are there in India?
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 6
Answer: B) 8
Explanation: India currently has 8 Union Territories. Earlier there were 9 UTs, but in 2020, Dadra and Nagar Haveli merged with Daman and Diu to form a single UT named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The eight UTs as of 2025 are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi (National Capital Territory), Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
3. What is the capital of India?
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- New Delhi
Answer: D) New Delhi
Explanation: New Delhi is the capital of India and serves as the seat of the Central Government. It was officially inaugurated as the capital of India in 1931, replacing Calcutta (Kolkata). New Delhi is part of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Designed by: Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.
4. Who was the first President of India?
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: B) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He served from 1950 to 1962, making him the longest-serving President in Indian history. Before becoming President, he was an active freedom fighter and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Only President to serve two terms.
5. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
- Sarojini Naidu
- Pratibha Patil
- Indira Gandhi
- Sushma Swaraj
Answer: C) Indira Gandhi
Explanation: Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, became India’s first woman Prime Minister in 1966. She served from 1966–1977 and again from 1980–1984. She was known for her strong leadership, nationalization of banks (1969), and for declaring the Emergency (1975–77).
6. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India, serving from 15th August 1947 till his death on 27th May 1964. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent lawyer and leader of the Indian National Congress. He laid the foundation of India’s parliamentary democracy and adopted a socialist economic model.
7. How many Fundamental Rights are there in the Constitution of India?
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Answer: B) 6
Explanation: The Constitution of India guarantees 6 Fundamental Rights to all citizens under Part III (Articles 12–35). Initially, there were 7 Fundamental Rights, but the Right to Property was removed in 1978 (by the 44th Amendment) and made a legal right instead. The 6 Fundamental Rights are: 1.Right to Equality (Articles 14–18) 2.Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22) 3.Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24) 4.Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28) 5.Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30) 6.Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32).
8. The Constitution of India was adopted on:
- 15th August 1947
- 26th January 1950
- 26th November 1949
- 2nd October 1947
Answer: C) 26th November 1949
Explanation: The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949, and came into force on 26th January 1950. 26th November is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) every year in India. The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution. Chairman of Drafting Committee: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
9. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
- President of India
- Prime Minister of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Lok Sabha Speaker
Answer: A) President of India
Explanation: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India under Article 324 of the Constitution. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. The CEC has a tenure of 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
10. Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha before its term ends?
- Prime Minister of India
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Chief Justice of India
- President of India
Answer: D) President of India
Explanation: The President of India has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha before the completion of its 5-year term, under Article 85(2)(b) of the Constitution. This is usually done on the advice of the Prime Minister or when no stable government can be formed. Once dissolved, fresh general elections are held.