2026 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I

Question 54: Polity and Governance

‘X’ was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term ‘law’ as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. ‘X’ explained that the meaning of the term ‘law’ in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. ‘Y’ pointed out that the term ‘law’ in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which ‘X’ was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below :

a‘X’ is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
bThe view of ‘Y’ that ‘law’ included custom is not correct.
cThe views of both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are correct.
dThe view of only ‘Y’ is correct.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Article 13(3)(a) defines 'law' to include any ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law. X is right that ordinances, orders, rules and regulations are included, but wrong to resist the inclusion of custom or usage. Y's view, that custom with the force of law is covered, is correct, so only Y's view is correct in the disagreement.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: X is wrong on custom, which Article 13 includes.
  • (b) Wrong: custom or usage having the force of law is included in 'law'.
  • (c) Wrong: X's disagreement with Y is mistaken.
  • (d) Right: Article 13(3)(a) includes custom or usage with the force of law.

Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.