State Government PYQs – Polity, SSC & Railway

Answer: Option 3 — Governor
Under Article 164(1) the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, who by convention invites the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Legislative Assembly.
The other ministers are then appointed by the Governor on the Chief Minister's advice.
Revision note — The Chief Minister and the state executive
• Article 163 — there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at its head to aid and advise the Governor, except where he acts in his discretion.
• Article 164(1) — the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on the CM's advice, the other ministers, who hold office during the Governor's pleasure.
• Article 164(1A), inserted by the 91st Amendment, 2003 — the state Council of Ministers including the CM must not exceed 15 per cent of the Assembly's strength, subject to a minimum of 12.
• Article 164(2) — the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, not to the Legislative Council.
• Article 167 — the Chief Minister must communicate every decision of the Council to the Governor and furnish any information he calls for.
• The Governor himself is appointed by the President under Article 155 and holds office during the President's pleasure under Article 156, the normal term being five years.
• A person who is not yet a member of the legislature may be appointed Chief Minister, but must get elected within six months.
Do not mix these up
• Who appoints whom — the President appoints the Governor; the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and the Advocate General (Article 165).
• Article 164 vs Article 75 — 164 governs the state Council of Ministers; Article 75 governs the Union Council of Ministers, which answers to the Lok Sabha.
Also asked from this topic: who appoints the Chief Minister of a state (the Governor); who appoints the Governor (the President, Article 155); who appoints the Advocate General (the Governor, Article 165).

Answer: Option 1 — Chief Minister
Article 163 provides a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at its head to aid and advise the Governor.
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, but the head of the Council of Ministers — the real executive — is the Chief Minister.
Revision note — The State Executive
• Article 153 — there shall be a Governor for each state; Article 154 vests the executive power of the state in him.
• Article 163 — a Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister aids and advises the Governor, except where he must act in his discretion, and his decision on what is discretionary is final.
• Article 164 — the Governor appoints the Chief Minister, and the other ministers on the Chief Minister's advice; ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
• Article 164(2) — the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the state.
• Article 164(1A), added by the 91st Amendment Act, 2003, caps the Council including the Chief Minister at 15 per cent of the Assembly's strength, with a minimum of 12.
• Article 167 — it is the Chief Minister's duty to communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the Governor.
Do not mix these up
• Governor vs Chief Minister — the Governor is the nominal head of the state; the Chief Minister is the real executive head.
• Article 74 vs Article 163 — Article 74 creates the Union Council of Ministers under the Prime Minister; Article 163 the state Council under the Chief Minister.
Also asked from this topic: the article on collective responsibility (Article 164(2), SSC CGL 2025); the body it answers to (State Legislative Assembly, SSC GD 2026).

Topic: Powers of Governor - Dissolution of Vidhan Sabha
Constitutional Provision:
Under Article 174, the Governor has the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
Key Point:
The Governor exercises this power on the advice of theChief Ministerand the Council of Ministers.
The Chief Minister, being the head of the state government, recommends dissolution when necessary (e.g., loss of majority, political instability).
Answer: Option 3 → Chief Minister

Topic: State Legislature
Vidhan Sabha is thelower houseof the state legislature.
It is officially called theLegislative Assembly.
Members are directly elected by the people of the state.
Vidhan Parishad (upper house) = Legislative Council.
Answer: Option 2 → Legislative Assembly

Topic: Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
Constitutional Provision:
Article 182 deals with Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council.
Election Process:
The Chairman is elected by the members of Vidhan Parishad from amongst themselves.
Similar to Rajya Sabha electing its Chairman (Vice President is ex-officio).
Key Point:
It is an internal election by council members, not external appointment.
Answer: Option 1 → Elected by members of the Vidhan Parishad

Topic:Election of Speaker of Vidhan Sabha
Constitutional Provision: Article 178
The Speaker is elected by the members of the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) from amongst themselves.
Similar to Lok Sabha Speaker election process.
The Deputy Speaker is also elected in the same manner.
Answer: Option 4 → By the members of the Vidhan Sabha

Article 164(1A) - Council of Ministers Size Limit
Constitutional Provision:
Added by 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
Key Rule:
Total Ministers (including CM) ≤15% of total MLAs
Exception: Minimum 12 ministers allowed even if 15% < 12
Purpose: Prevent oversized cabinets and reduce expenditure
Answer: Option 2 → 15% of the strength of the Legislative Assembly

Constitutional Position of State Head
Article 153: Governor is the constitutional head of a state.
De jure head = Head in law/theory (Governor)
De facto head = Head in practice (Chief Minister)
Governor is appointed by President under Article 155.
Chief Minister is the real executive authority.
Answer: Option 4 → Governor

Topic: Constitutional Amendment - Article 171(1)
Article 171(1):Deals with composition of Legislative Councils
Seventh Amendment Act, 1956:
Modified the total strength of Legislative Council
Key Change:
Original: Total members =one-fourthof Legislative Assembly
After Amendment: Total members =one-thirdof Legislative Assembly
This increased the maximum size of State Legislative Councils
Answer: Option 3 → Term "one-fourth" was replaced with "one-third"

Topic:State Legislature - Term of MLA
As perArticle 172of Indian Constitution:
State Legislative Assembly term =5 yearsfrom first meeting
Can be dissolved earlier by Governor on CM's advice
President's Rule can also suspend the assembly
Answer: Option 4 → 5 years

Correct Answer: Article 212 — Option (c)
Article 212 of the Indian Constitution is titled 'Courts not to inquire into proceedings of Legislature.' About Article 212: Title: Courts not to inquire into proceedings of Legislature; Part: Part VI (The States), Chapter III (The State Legislature); Content: No proceedings of a Legislature of a State shall be called in question in any court on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure; A member of a legislature is not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or vote given in the legislature; Significance: Protects legislative privilege — legislators can speak freely without fear of court interference; Ensures separation of powers — courts cannot review the internal proceedings of the legislature; This is the doctrine of parliamentary privilege; Parallel provision for Parliament: Article 122: Courts not to inquire into proceedings of Parliament (same concept for Parliament); Article 212 applies to State Legislatures while Article 122 applies to Parliament; About other articles: Article 208: Rules of procedure (state legislature); Article 211: Restriction on discussion in the State Legislature — no discussion of conduct of judges of Supreme Court or High Courts in the State Legislature; Article 212: Courts not to inquire into proceedings of Legislature (CORRECT ANSWER); Article 213: Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature; About legislative privilege: Parliament/Legislatures have the privilege of freedom of speech within their premises; Court jurisdiction over legislative proceedings is excluded to maintain the independence of the legislature.
Option (a) Article 213 — Incorrect: Article 213 deals with the 'Power of the Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature' — it allows the Governor to issue ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session; it has nothing to do with courts inquiring into legislative proceedings. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (b) Article 211 — Incorrect: Article 211 deals with 'Restriction on discussion in the Legislature' — specifically that no discussion shall take place in the Legislature of a State with respect to the conduct of any judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court in the discharge of their duties; it is related to restriction on discussion about judges, NOT about courts inquiring into legislative proceedings.
Option (d) Article 208 — Incorrect: Article 208 deals with 'Rules of Procedure' of the State Legislature — it relates to each House of the Legislature making rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business; it is about the legislature's internal rules, NOT about courts being prohibited from inquiring into legislative proceedings.

Correct Answer: Article 213 — Option (a)
Article 213 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor's power to promulgate Ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session. About Article 213: Heading: 'Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature'; Conditions for promulgating an Ordinance: The Legislature (either or both Houses of State Legislature) is NOT in session; The Governor is satisfied that circumstances exist that require immediate action; Governor's satisfaction: The decision is at the discretion of the Governor (acting on advice of the Council of Ministers); Duration of Ordinance: An ordinance must be laid before the Legislature when it reassembles; It ceases to operate at the expiry of 6 weeks from the reassembly of the Legislature; OR if both Houses pass resolutions disapproving it, it ceases before 6 weeks; Limitation: Governor cannot promulgate an ordinance without instructions from the President if: The same matter would require prior sanction of the President if it were a Bill; A Bill containing the same provisions would be deemed to reserve for consideration of the President; About the parallel at the Centre: Article 123: Power of the President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament (Centre-level equivalent); About other Articles: Article 208: Rules of Procedure — Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in State Legislatures; Article 210: Language to be used in the Legislature — business in Parliament/State Legislature to be transacted in Hindi or English or native language; Article 211: Restriction on discussion in Legislature — prohibition on discussion in State Legislature regarding conduct of Judges of HC and SC; Article 213: Governor's ordinance-making power ← CORRECT.
Option (b) Article 211 — Incorrect: Article 211 restricts discussion in the State Legislature regarding the conduct of judges of the Supreme Court or High Court; it has nothing to do with the Governor's power to promulgate Ordinances; the correct article is 213.
Option (c) Article 210 — Incorrect: Article 210 deals with the language to be used in the Legislature — it allows business to be conducted in Hindi, English, or the official language of the state; it has no relation to the Governor's ordinance-making power.
Option (d) Article 208 — Incorrect: Article 208 deals with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Houses of State Legislature; it empowers each House to make rules for regulating its procedure — it has no connection to the Governor's power to promulgate Ordinances, which is governed by Article 213.

Correct Answer: Bihar — Option (d)
Bihar has a bicameral (two-house) state legislature, consisting of the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly — lower house) and the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council — upper house). Under Article 168 of the Constitution, some states may have a bicameral legislature. States with Vidhan Parishad include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan have unicameral legislatures with only the Vidhan Sabha.
Option (a) Haryana — Incorrect: Haryana has a unicameral legislature — only the Vidhan Sabha. It does not have a Vidhan Parishad.
Option (b) Rajasthan — Incorrect: Rajasthan has a unicameral legislature — only the Vidhan Sabha. While there have been legislative discussions about creating a Vidhan Parishad, at the time of this exam, Rajasthan had a unicameral legislature.
Option (c) Himachal Pradesh — Incorrect: Himachal Pradesh has a unicameral legislature — only the Vidhan Sabha. It does not have a Vidhan Parishad.

Topic: State Legislature under Indian Constitution
Article 168provides for the constitution of state legislatures.
Two types allowed:
1.Unicameral(Single House) - Legislative Assembly only
2.Bicameral(Two Houses) - Legislative Assembly + Legislative Council
State can choose either system. Parliament can create/abolish Legislative Council underArticle 169on state's request.
Currently, 6 states have bicameral legislatures (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, AP).
Answer: Option 1 → Either a single-house or two-house systems

Correct Answer: Governor — Option (c)
Under Article 165 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor of each state appoints the Advocate General of the State. The Advocate General is the highest law officer of the state, analogous to the Attorney General of India at the central level. The person appointed must be qualified to be a judge of a High Court. The Advocate General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor and advises the state government on legal matters.
Option (a) Chief Minister — Incorrect: While the Chief Minister may recommend a name, the constitutional power to appoint the Advocate General vests in the Governor under Article 165.
Option (b) State Legislature — Incorrect: The State Legislature has no role in appointing the Advocate General; this is an executive appointment made by the Governor.
Option (d) President — Incorrect: The President appoints the Attorney General of India (Article 76), not the Advocate General of a State. State-level appointment is by the Governor.

Correct Answer: Article 213 — Option (b)
Article 213 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Governor of a state to promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session. The Governor can issue an ordinance only on the advice of the Council of Ministers and when immediate legislative action is required. An ordinance has the same force as a state law but must be laid before the state legislature and ceases to operate six weeks after reassembly unless approved.
Option (a) Article 200 — Incorrect: Article 200 deals with the Governor giving assent to bills passed by the state legislature, not promulgation of ordinances.
Option (c) Article 356 — Incorrect: Article 356 deals with the imposition of President's Rule (State Emergency) in a state.
Option (d) Article 368 — Incorrect: Article 368 deals with the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution, not the Governor's ordinance-making power.

Correct Answer: Parliament — Option (c)
The salary, allowances, and other emoluments of the Governor are determined by Parliament and charged to the Consolidated Fund of the concerned state. Under the Second Schedule of the Indian Constitution, Parliament is empowered to fix the remuneration of the Governor. This ensures that the Governor's salary is not subject to the vote of the state legislature.
Option (a) President — Incorrect: The President appoints the Governor but does not determine their salary; Parliament does.
Option (b) Prime Minister — Incorrect: The Prime Minister has no constitutional role in fixing the Governor's salary.
Option (d) Finance Commission — Incorrect: The Finance Commission deals with the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and states, not the salary of Governors.

Correct Answer: Governor — Option (a)
The Governor has the power to summon and prorogue the State Legislature. Constitutional basis: Article 174 of the Indian Constitution states: '(1) The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. (2) The Governor may from time to time — (a) prorogue the Houses or either House; (b) dissolve the Legislative Assembly.' Key powers of the Governor regarding the State Legislature: Summoning: The Governor convenes/calls the legislative assembly to meet (Article 174); Proroguing: The Governor terminates a session of the legislature (Article 174); Dissolving: The Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Council of Ministers; Addressing the Legislature: The Governor addresses the first session of each year and after general elections (Article 175); Sending messages: The Governor can send messages to the Houses of the Legislature (Article 175).
Option (b) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly — Incorrect: The Speaker presides over the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and maintains order, but does NOT have the power to summon or prorogue the legislature — those powers rest exclusively with the Governor under Article 174.
Option (c) Chief Minister — Incorrect: While the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (headed by the Chief Minister) in exercising most functions, the constitutional power to summon and prorogue the legislature is formally vested in the Governor, not the Chief Minister.
Option (d) President — Incorrect: The President has similar powers for Parliament (Articles 85 and 86) but does NOT have the power to summon or prorogue State Legislatures; those powers belong to the Governor of the respective state under Article 174.

Correct Answer: State Legislature — Option (d)
As per Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution, the Council of Ministers in a state is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of that state. This means the state government must enjoy the confidence of the state legislature and not of any individual authority like the Governor.
Option (a) President — Incorrect: The President appoints the Governor but does not hold state ministers collectively responsible.
Option (b) Supreme Court — Incorrect: The Supreme Court has no role in the political accountability of state ministers.
Option (c) Governor — Incorrect: Ministers are individually appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, but collective responsibility is to the legislature, not the Governor.

Correct Answer: Chief Justice of the High Court — Option (c)
The oath of office to the Governor is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of the concerned state. Constitutional basis: Article 159 of the Indian Constitution states: 'Every Governor and every person discharging the functions of the Governor shall, before entering upon his office, make and subscribe in the presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to the State, or, in his absence, the senior-most Judge of that Court available, an oath or affirmation in the following form...' The form of oath taken by the Governor: The Governor swears (or affirms) to faithfully execute the office of Governor and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law; and to devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of the State. Key distinction: The President's oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (Article 60), while the Governor's oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the concerned State High Court.
Option (a) President — Incorrect: The President administers the oath to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other Constitutional functionaries, but NOT to the Governor; the Governor's oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court under Article 159.
Option (b) Prime Minister — Incorrect: The Prime Minister does not administer the oath to anyone under the Constitution; the Prime Minister's own oath is administered by the President; the Governor's oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Option (d) Chief Minister — Incorrect: The Chief Minister has no role in administering the oath to the Governor; in fact, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister — the constitutional hierarchy does not permit the Chief Minister to administer the Governor's oath.

Correct Answer: Governor — Option (d)
When no single party secures a clear majority in the State Legislative Assembly (a 'hung assembly' situation), the Governor exercises discretionary powers to appoint the Chief Minister. In such situations, the Governor: Invites the leader of the single largest party to form the government; OR invites the leader of the pre-poll alliance with the most seats; OR invites whoever can demonstrate the ability to command a majority on the floor of the House. The Governor asks the appointed Chief Minister to prove majority within a specified time by winning a floor test (vote of confidence) in the assembly. This discretionary power of the Governor is governed by constitutional convention and has been the subject of several Supreme Court rulings. The Bommai case (1994) and subsequent judgments have tried to define the limits of gubernatorial discretion in such cases.
Option (a) President — Incorrect: The President appoints the Prime Minister at the Centre in cases of no clear majority, but at the state level, it is the Governor who appoints the Chief Minister; the President has no direct role in state-level government formation.
Option (b) Speaker of the Assembly — Incorrect: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is elected by the members and presides over legislative proceedings; the Speaker does not have constitutional power to appoint the Chief Minister.
Option (c) Prime Minister — Incorrect: The Prime Minister heads the Union government and has no constitutional authority to appoint state-level Chief Ministers; state government formation is within the domain of the Governor.

Topic: Indian Constitution - State Legislature
Article 182deals with the presiding officers of the State Legislative Council.
It provides for the election ofChairman and Deputy Chairmanof the State Legislative Council.
The Council elects two members as Chairman and Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Similar to Rajya Sabha's Chairman and Deputy Chairman at the central level.
Answer: Option 2 → Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council

Topic: Article 239AA - Status of Delhi
Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991:
Inserted Article 239AA in the Constitution.
Key Provision:
Designated Delhi asNational Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT).
Provided special status with Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers.
Delhi has unique status - neither full state nor ordinary UT.
Answer: Option 4 → National Capital Territory of Delhi

Topic: Constitutional Amendments - Delhi
69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991
Key provisions:
• Redesignated Delhi asNational Capital Territory (NCT)
• Provided special status to Delhi
• Created Legislative Assembly for Delhi
• Added Articles 239AA and 239AB
Came into effect:1st February 1992
Answer: Option 3 → 69th Constitutional Amendment

Topic: Article 171 - State Legislative Council
Constitutional Provision:
Article 171 deals with composition of Legislative Councils in states.
Key Facts:
1. Maximum strength: Not more than1/3rdof Legislative Assembly members.
2. Minimum strength: Not less than40 members.
3. Only 6 states currently have Legislative Councils.
Answer: Option 2 → One-third

Topic: Constitutional Status of Delhi
Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991granted Delhi the status of National Capital Territory with a Legislative Assembly.
Key provisions: Created 70-member Legislative Assembly, established Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister.
Note: 69th Constitutional Amendment (1991) inserted Article 239AA giving special status to Delhi.
Answer: Option 3 → Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991

Topic:Governor's Tenure (Article 156)
Article 156deals with the term of office of Governor.
Key provisions:
• Governor holds office during pleasure of President
• Normal term: 5 years from date of assumption
• Can resign by writing to President
• Can be removed by President at any time
Other Articles:
Article 155 → Appointment of Governor
Article 157 → Qualifications for Governor
Article 158 → Conditions of Governor's office
Answer: Option 1 → Article 156

TheConstitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991inserted Article 239AA.
Article 239AA provides special provisions with respect to Delhi.
It renamed the Union Territory of Delhi asNational Capital Territory of Delhi.
This article also provides for a Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers for Delhi.
Answer: Option 2 → 239AA

The minimum age to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
is 25 years, as prescribed in the Constitution of India.
Constitutional Provisions:
• Article 173 → Qualifications for membership of State Legislature.
• A person must be not less than 25 years of age for Vidhan Sabha.
• A person must be not less than 30 years of age for Vidhan Parishad (if any).
Compare:
• Lok Sabha MP → minimum 25 years.
• Rajya Sabha MP → minimum 30 years.
• President → minimum 35 years.
Answer: Option 1 → 25 years

The correct answer is Article 187 (Option 1). Article 187 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Secretariat of the State Legislature — it provides that each House of the Legislature of a State shall have a separate secretarial staff. Option 2 (Article 182) relates to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council. Option 3 (Article 189) deals with voting in Houses and quorum. Option 4 (Article 185) deals with the Speaker not presiding while a resolution for his removal is under consideration.

The correct answer is (a) Diplomatic power.
Under the Indian Constitution, the Governor possesses Executive power (Article 154), Legislative power (Articles 168, 174, 175), and Judicial power (Article 161 - pardoning power). However, the Governor does NOT possess Diplomatic power. Diplomatic power (conducting foreign affairs, signing treaties, appointing ambassadors) is exclusively vested in the President of India, not the Governor.
(b) Executive power: The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and exercises executive power under Article 154.
(c) Legislative power: The Governor is an integral part of the state legislature — summons, prorogues and dissolves the Assembly, addresses the legislature, gives assent to bills.
(d) Judicial power: Under Article 161, the Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and remissions for offences against state law.

The correct answer is (c) Article 164.
Article 164 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment and terms of office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. Article 164(3) specifically states: 'Before a Minister enters upon his office, the Governor shall administer to him the oaths of office and of secrecy.'
(a) Article 163: Deals with the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor; does not specifically address the oath-taking ceremony.
(b) Article 165: Deals with the appointment of the Advocate-General of the State.
(d) Article 167: Deals with the duties of the Chief Minister regarding furnishing information to the Governor.

Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution specifically provides for the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Legislative Assembly of the State. It states: 'The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.'
(a) Incorrect: Article 163 deals with the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor; it does not specifically state collective responsibility to the Legislative Assembly.
(b) Incorrect: Article 168 deals with the Constitution of Legislatures in states (composition of state legislatures), not collective ministerial responsibility.
(c) Incorrect: Article 171 deals with the composition of the Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishad) of states, not collective ministerial responsibility.

Article 163 of the Indian Constitution provides for a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor, and also specifies that in certain matters where the Governor is required to act in his discretion, his decision shall be final.
(a) Incorrect: Article 153 merely states that there shall be a Governor for each State.
(b) Incorrect: Article 154 vests executive power of the State in the Governor.
(c) Incorrect: Article 167 relates to the duties of the Chief Minister with respect to furnishing information to the Governor.

The correct answer is Governor (Option 2).
The Governor is the constitutional head of a state in India. Under Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, every state shall have a Governor who acts as the nominal executive head. The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Option 1 - Chief Minister: The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government, but not the constitutional (nominal) head.
Option 3 - Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the Union government, not of a state.
Option 4 - President: The President is the constitutional head of India (the Union), not of individual states.

The correct answer is President of India (Option 3).
Under Article 155 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India. The Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President (Article 156) and serves as the constitutional head of the state.
Option 1 - Chief Minister: The Chief Minister is the head of the state government and is appointed by the Governor, not the other way around.
Option 2 - Parliament: Parliament does not appoint Governors; this is an executive function of the President.
Option 4 - Prime Minister: While the Prime Minister advises the President (as per constitutional convention), it is the President who formally appoints Governors.

The correct answer is During the pleasure of the Governor (Option 2).
Under Article 165 of the Indian Constitution, the Advocate-General of a State holds office during the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor appoints a person qualified to be a High Court judge as Advocate-General, who can be removed at any time by the Governor.
Option 1 - Fixed 5-year term: The Advocate-General has no fixed term; he/she serves at the pleasure of the Governor.
Option 3 - Till age 65: The age of 65 years is the retirement age for Supreme Court judges; it does not apply to the Advocate-General.
Option 4 - Subject to confirmation by the High Court: The Advocate-General is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor; High Court confirmation is not required.

Under Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution, 'The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.' This means the state cabinet must maintain the confidence of the Vidhan Sabha (State Legislative Assembly) — if it loses a vote of no-confidence, the entire council of ministers must resign. Option 4 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: While the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers on the CM's advice and they formally hold office during the Governor's pleasure, the Constitution mandates their collective responsibility to the State Legislative Assembly — not to the Governor.
Option 2 is wrong: The President of India is the head of the Union; State Councils of Ministers are collectively responsible to their respective State Legislative Assemblies, not to the President of India.
Option 3 is wrong: The State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is the upper house that exists only in a few states (bicameral states); collective responsibility of the State Council of Ministers is to the elected lower house — the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), not the upper house.

Under Article 199 of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) has the final authority to decide whether a bill is a money bill in the state legislature, and that decision is conclusive. Option 1 is correct.
Option 2 is wrong: The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) proposes financial legislation but does not have the authority to certify a bill as a money bill.
Option 3 is wrong: The Finance Minister presents the budget and financial bills but does not have constitutional authority to certify money bills.
Option 4 is wrong: The Governor does not decide on money bill classification; under Article 200, the Governor may give assent or withhold it, but the Speaker certifies the bill's nature.

Under Article 201 of the Indian Constitution, when a State Bill is reserved by the Governor for the President's consideration under Article 200, the Bill becomes law only when the President gives assent to it. The President may return the Bill for reconsideration or withhold assent. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: If the Governor has already reserved the Bill for the President, the Governor's approval is no longer relevant at this stage — it requires the President's assent to become law.
Option 2 is wrong: The Chief Minister leads the State Cabinet and can request reconsideration of a bill, but a State Bill reserved for the President becomes law only upon the President's assent, not the Chief Minister's recommendation.
Option 4 is wrong: The Speaker of the State Legislature certifies money bills and presides over Assembly proceedings; the Speaker's certification is not the requirement for a Presidential-reserved bill to become law.

The WRONG statement is: 'Governor can promulgate ordinances when State Legislature is in session.' Under Article 213 of the Constitution, the Governor can promulgate ordinances ONLY when the State Legislature (or at least one House thereof) is NOT in session. If the Legislature is in session, the Governor cannot issue an ordinance — the government must introduce a Bill.
Option 1 is correct (not the wrong statement): Under Article 200, the Governor can reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President. This applies to any Bill, not just money bills (e.g., if a Bill affects High Court powers under Article 201).
Option 2 is correct (not the wrong statement): The Governor does act as an agent of the Centre in certain matters — for example, the Centre can entrust executive functions to the Governor under Article 258A.
Option 3 is correct (not the wrong statement): Under Article 200, the Governor can withhold assent or reserve a Bill even against the advice of the Council of Ministers, particularly when the Bill is reserved for Presidential consideration.

Under Article 164 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister of a state is appointed by the Governor. Conventionally, the Governor appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the State Legislative Assembly as Chief Minister. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state.
Option 1 is incorrect: The President appoints the Prime Minister and other central government officials, not state Chief Ministers.
Option 2 is incorrect: The Prime Minister has no constitutional role in the appointment of state Chief Ministers.
Option 4 is incorrect: The Chief Justice has no role in appointing Chief Ministers; the judiciary is separate from executive appointments.

The correct answer is Only 1 . The Governor is indeed the constitutional head of the state (Article 153). He represents the Union in the state and formally exercises executive powers in the name of the Governor. However, statement 2 is not fully correct. Though the Governor usually acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister (Article 163), he is not bound solely by it in all matters. The Constitution provides him with certain discretionary powers , such as recommending President’s Rule (Article 356), reserving bills for the President’s consideration, and appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority. Hence, while statement 1 is correct, statement 2 is only partially true, not absolute.

The provision for the appointment of Governors in the states of India is contained in Article 155 of the Constitution. According to this Article, “The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.” Article 154, on the other hand, deals with the executive power of the State, Article 168 deals with the constitution of State Legislatures, and Article 170 deals with the composition of the Legislative Assemblies. Therefore, the correct answer is Article 155 .

Under Article 200 of the Indian Constitution , the Governor enjoys the discretionary power to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President . This is a unique power because in this matter, the Governor is not bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers. The President can then approve, withhold, or return the bill. This provision ensures that laws passed by states do not conflict with national interest or constitutional provisions. Other powers mentioned in the options (granting pardons, summoning and dissolving the legislature, sending reports for President’s Rule) are constitutional duties but not discretionary in the same sense as reserving a bill for the President. Hence, the correct answer is Option 4 .

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Only I
Only a Money Bill (I) cannot originate in the State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). Under Article 198 of the Indian Constitution, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). An Ordinary Bill (II), however, can originate in either the Vidhan Sabha or the Vidhan Parishad.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Only II): Ordinary Bills can originate in the Legislative Council; only Money Bills cannot. The candidate incorrectly selected this.
Option 3 (Both I and II): Ordinary Bills can originate in Vidhan Parishad, so Both is incorrect.
Option 4 (Neither I nor II): Money Bills definitely cannot originate in Vidhan Parishad.

Rajasthan does not have a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). Rajasthan is a unicameral state, meaning it has only one house of the legislature — the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
The states with Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishad) include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra all have Legislative Councils.

As per Article 171(3)(a) of the Indian Constitution, as nearly as may be, 1/3 of the total membership of the State Legislative Council shall be elected by electorates consisting of members of municipalities, district boards, and other local authorities specified by Parliament.
1/12 of members are elected by graduates.
1/12 of members are elected by teachers.
1/6 of members are nominated by the Governor.
1/3 of members are elected by the Legislative Assembly.

Article 200 of the Indian Constitution provides that when a Bill passed by the State Legislature is presented to the Governor, the Governor shall assent, withhold assent, return the Bill for reconsideration (except a Money Bill), or reserve it for the President's consideration.
Article 201 deals with Bills reserved for the President's consideration.
Article 202 relates to the Annual Financial Statement (State Budget).
Article 203 deals with the procedure in the Legislature with respect to estimates.

Correct Answer: State Legislative Assembly (Option 3)
Under Article 169 of the Indian Constitution, the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) of a state can be created or abolished by Parliament, but only if the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority (majority of total membership and not less than 2/3 of members present and voting). Parliament then enacts a law to create or abolish the council.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - Governor of the state: The Governor cannot independently recommend the creation of a Legislative Council.
Option 2 - President: The President cannot directly recommend it; Parliament acts on the recommendation of the State Assembly.
Option 4 - Chief Minister of the state: The Chief Minister alone cannot recommend it; it requires a formal resolution of the State Legislative Assembly.

Correct Answer: Governor
The Governor of a state has the constitutional power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) before its term ends. Under Article 174(2)(b), the Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister/Council of Ministers, or in certain circumstances, using discretionary powers.
Why other options are wrong:
- Chief Minister: Can only advise the Governor to dissolve the Assembly; cannot dissolve it directly.
- Speaker: Presides over the Assembly; has no power to dissolve it.
- President: Can dissolve the Lok Sabha (Parliament) but not a State Legislative Assembly directly.

Correct Answer: Governor
As per Article 267(2) of the Indian Constitution, the State Legislature can establish a Contingency Fund for the state. The Contingency Fund of the State is held by the Governor. This fund is used to meet unforeseen expenditures before Parliament/State Legislature approval. (Similarly, at the Union level, the Contingency Fund of India is held by the President.)
Why other options are wrong:
- Chief Minister: Heads the state cabinet but does not hold the Contingency Fund.
- Finance Minister: Presents the budget and manages finances but does not hold the Contingency Fund.
- State Legislature Speaker: Presides over the legislative assembly; has no role in holding the Contingency Fund.

Anandiben Patel has been serving as the 20th Governor of Uttar Pradesh since July 2019.
She also served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat earlier.

Under Article 200 of the Constitution, a State Governor can reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President of India.
Hence the answer is the President.

Article 164(2) states that the State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.
Article 163 deals with the Council aiding the Governor; Article 154 vests executive power in the Governor; Article 169 deals with abolition/creation of Legislative Councils.
Hence Article 164 is correct.

• Statement 1: Article 356(1) allows the President to impose President's Rule based on the Governor's report. The Governor's discretionary power to send this report is indeed embedded in this article. ✓
• Statement 2: The 41st Constitutional Amendment (1976) dealt with immunities for certain officials. It did NOT reduce the Governor's term. The Governor's term remains 5 years (subject to pleasure of President). ✗
• Statement 3: The Sarkaria Commission (1983–88) recommended that Governors should ordinarily be allowed to complete their 5-year term and should not be removed except in rare and compelling circumstances. ✓
• Answer: 1 & 3 correct

• Indian Polity - Constitutional provisions:
• President: Elected by an Electoral College (Article 54) comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
• Governor: Appointed by the President of India under Article 155 of the Constitution.
• Governor serves at the pleasure of the President (Article 156).
• Answer: Appointed by the President

• Indian Polity - Constitutional powers:
• Statement 1: The Governor CAN dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister OR under Article 356 (President's Rule) — CORRECT ✓
• Statement 2: The President CAN dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister (Article 85). So the statement that 'President has no such power' is INCORRECT — FALSE.
• Answer: Only 1 is correct

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a bicameral legislature consisting of: the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly — lower house, 288 members) and the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council — upper house, 78 members). As of 2025, only 6 states have bicameral legislatures: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. All other states have unicameral (single house) legislatures.
Option 1 (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu abolished its Legislative Council in 1986 and now has only the Vidhan Sabha (unicameral).
Option 2 (West Bengal): West Bengal has only the Vidhan Sabha (unicameral) since it abolished its upper house in 1969.
Option 4 (Gujarat): Gujarat has only the Vidhan Sabha (unicameral) since its creation in 1960.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Governor of the State
Under Article 164 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor. Conventionally, the Governor appoints the leader of the majority party/alliance in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister. The Governor's role is largely ceremonial in clear majority situations but becomes discretionary in a hung assembly (no single party has majority). The Governor administers the oath of office to the Chief Minister.
Option 1 (President of India): The President appoints the Prime Minister (Article 75) — not the Chief Minister of a state.
Option 2 (Prime Minister): The PM has no constitutional role in appointing state CMs; the Governor is the constitutional authority.
Option 3 (Chief Justice of India): The CJI administers the oath to the President and has no role in CM appointments.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Article 168
Article 168 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Constitution of Legislatures in States. It provides for the establishment of the State Legislature for each state, comprising the Governor and one or two Houses (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad where bicameral). The State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is specifically the lower/sole house of the State Legislature. Article 168 defines the framework: every state shall have a Legislature of the Governor and the House/s of the Legislature.
Option 2 (Article 170): Deals with the Composition of the Legislative Assemblies — specifying the number of seats in each Vidhan Sabha (not exceeding 500 and not less than 60 members).
Option 3 (Article 172): Deals with the Duration of State Legislatures — the Vidhan Sabha continues for 5 years from the date of its first sitting (unless dissolved earlier).
Option 4 (Article 174): Deals with Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution — the Governor summons, prorogues, or dissolves the State Legislature under this article.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 500
Article 170 of the Indian Constitution specifies that the Legislative Assembly of each state shall consist of not more than 500 members and not less than 60 members, chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies. The actual number for each state is determined by the Delimitation Commission based on population. The largest State Legislative Assembly is Uttar Pradesh's Vidhan Sabha with 403 seats.
Option 1 (450): Below the constitutional maximum; not the correct figure.
Option 3 (550): The Lok Sabha has a maximum of 552 members (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian nominated, now removed by 104th Amendment); this figure is sometimes confused with state assemblies but the state limit is 500.
Option 4 (600): Exceeds the constitutional maximum of 500 for state assemblies.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 2 only
Statement 1 (FALSE): The President CANNOT dissolve the Lok Sabha on his own discretion. Under Article 85(2)(b), the President dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister/Council of Ministers. The President acts as a constitutional head — dissolution on personal discretion would be unconstitutional. The Bommai case (1994) and constitutional conventions make this clear.
Statement 2 (TRUE): When no single party/alliance commands a majority in a State Legislative Assembly (hung assembly), the Governor has the discretionary power to invite a leader who can prove majority support to form the government and appoints them as Chief Minister. This is one of the few genuine discretionary powers of a Governor — the Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission have discussed conventions for this.
Statement 3 (FALSE): The Governor plays a direct role in Money Bills. Under Article 207, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly with the prior recommendation/permission of the Governor. Additionally, the Governor assents to Money Bills (Article 200). So the Governor has a role — Statement 3 is false.
Only Statement 2 is correct.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Chief Minister
The Chief Minister acts as the constitutional link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers. Under Article 167 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister is duty-bound to: (a) communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration and legislation, (b) furnish information regarding administration and legislative proposals that the Governor may call for, and (c) submit for the Council's consideration any matter that the Governor requires. The Chief Minister is the primary channel of communication between the Governor and the Cabinet.
Option 1 (Chief Secretary): The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the state bureaucracy; acts as a link between the government and bureaucracy, not constitutionally between the Governor and Council of Ministers.
Option 3 (Speaker): The Speaker presides over the Legislative Assembly; has no role as a link between Governor and Council of Ministers.
Option 4 (Advocate General): The Advocate General is the state's chief legal officer under Article 165; not a constitutional link between Governor and Council of Ministers.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 5 years
Under Article 156 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor of a state holds office for a term of 5 years from the date of assuming office. However, the Governor serves at the pleasure of the President (Article 156(1)), meaning the President can remove the Governor before the completion of 5 years. The Governor can also resign before completing the term.
Option 1 (3 years): Not the constitutional tenure; 3 years is the tenure of Panchayat elected members in some states.
Option 3 (6 years): 6 years is the term of Rajya Sabha members; not the Governor's tenure.
Option 4 (Until retirement): The Supreme Court Judges hold office until the age of 65 (retirement); Governors serve a 5-year term (subject to President's pleasure).

Answer: Option 1 — Article 239 AA
Article 239AA makes special provisions for Delhi: it names it the National Capital Territory of Delhi and provides a Legislative Assembly elected directly from territorial constituencies.
It was inserted by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991.
Revision note — Union Territories in Part VIII (Articles 239–241)
• Article 239 — UTs are administered by the President through an Administrator.
• Article 239A — Parliament may create local legislatures / Council of Ministers for certain UTs (used for Puducherry; added by the 14th Amendment, 1962).
• Article 239AA — Delhi: Legislative Assembly (70 seats), Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister, and a Lieutenant Governor.
• Article 239AB — the President may suspend 239AA if the constitutional machinery in Delhi fails.
• Article 239B — the Administrator's power to issue ordinances when the UT legislature is not in session.
• Delhi's Assembly cannot make laws on public order, police and land — these stay with the Centre.
• The Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 put the 69th Amendment into effect.
Do not mix these up
• 239A vs 239AA — 239A is the general enabling article (Puducherry); 239AA is Delhi alone.
Also asked from this topic: the amendment that re-designated Delhi as the National Capital Territory (69th Amendment, 1991); the Act that gave Delhi a legislative assembly (Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991).