UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies
Question 39: Polity and Governance
If a new State of the Indian Union is to be created, which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution must be amended?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The First Schedule lists the States and Union Territories with their territories, so a new State must be entered there. Article 4 says a law creating a State under Articles 2 and 3 will amend the First Schedule (and the Fourth Schedule, for its Rajya Sabha seats), and that this is not a constitutional amendment under Article 368, so a simple majority is enough. Remember: new State, First Schedule.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: the First Schedule lists the States and Union Territories.
- (b) The Second Schedule deals with salaries of the President, Governors, judges and the CAG.
- (c) The Third Schedule contains the forms of oaths and affirmations.
- (d) The Fifth Schedule deals with Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.