UPSC CSE Prelims
Rajya Sabha Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Rajya Sabha with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — amending the Constitution
The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in the matter of constitutional amendments under Article 368. For any constitutional amendment to be valid, it must be passed by a special majority (majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting) in both Houses of Parliament. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha has limited or no powers in matters of creating All India Services (only recommendatory role), removal of government (only Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion), and making cut motions (exclusively a Lok Sabha privilege on money matters).
📝 Short Notes: Powers of Rajya Sabha vs Lok Sabha
| Matter | Rajya Sabha Powers | Lok Sabha Powers |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendments (Article 368) | Equal powers - must pass with special majority | Equal powers - must pass with special majority |
| Money Bills (Article 109) | Can only recommend amendments (14 days); Lok Sabha may accept or reject | Exclusive power to originate; final authority |
| Removal of Government (No-confidence Motion) | Cannot move no-confidence motion | Can move and pass no-confidence motion |
| Cut Motions (Budget) | Cannot move cut motions | Exclusive right to move cut motions |
| Creating All India Services (Article 312) | Must pass resolution by 2/3rd majority supporting creation | Parliament then creates the service by law |
| Impeachment of President | Equal powers - must pass with special majority | Equal powers - either House can initiate |
| Ordinary Bills | Equal powers (except Money Bills) | Equal powers (except Money Bills) |
Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Option 2 – Correct: Article 249 empowers the Rajya Sabha to pass a resolution (by 2/3rd majority of members present and voting) enabling Parliament to legislate on State List subjects in national interest. Article 312 empowers the Rajya Sabha to pass a resolution (by 2/3rd majority) authorizing Parliament to create All India Services.
❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: Article 3 grants power to Parliament (both Houses) to alter boundaries/names of states, not an exclusive power of Rajya Sabha.
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Presidential election procedure amendment requires Constitutional Amendment (Article 368) by both Houses; President's pension is determined by Parliament (both Houses) under Article 59(3).
❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Article 324(2) empowers the President (not Rajya Sabha) to determine the number of Election Commissioners; their conditions of service are regulated by Parliament (both Houses).
Consider the following statements:
- Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.
- It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes.
- According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Article 80 provides that Union Territories are represented in Rajya Sabha. Currently, Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir send representatives to Rajya Sabha.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Election disputes are adjudicated by High Courts under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, not by the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission conducts elections but does not have judicial powers.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Article 79 states that Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha. The President is an integral part of Parliament as no bill becomes law without Presidential assent.
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