UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Question and answer

Q1. With reference to the adoption of the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of February 2026 as compared with established parliamentary convention, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. By convention, the debate on the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha concludes with the Prime Minister's reply before the Motion is put to vote.
  2. In February 2026, the Lok Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks by voice vote without the Prime Minister replying to the debate.
  3. Members of Parliament are not permitted to move any amendments to the Motion of Thanks during its discussion.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the President's Address to Parliament and the subsequent Motion of Thanks, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Article 87 of the Constitution mandates the President's Address at the commencement of the first session of each year.
  2. The content of the President's Address is approved by the Union Cabinet and reflects government policy.
  3. The Motion of Thanks is moved in each House separately, traditionally by a member of the ruling party.
  4. The President's Address is delivered separately in each House on different days, and not as a joint sitting.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is the primary source of the requirement that the President shall address both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of each year?

  • A. Article 85
  • B. Article 86
  • C. Article 87
  • D. Article 88

Q4. In the context of Indian parliamentary practice, what is the 'Motion of Thanks' on the President's Address?

  • A. A formal motion moved in each House of Parliament expressing gratitude for the President's Address, which is debated and then put to vote, with amendments permissible
  • B. A vote of confidence in the Council of Ministers that is moved at the beginning of every Budget Session
  • C. A resolution thanking the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for conducting the proceedings of the previous session
  • D. A constitutional device by which Parliament records its formal approval of the Annual Financial Statement after the Finance Minister's Budget speech

Q5. With reference to the President's Address to Parliament under Article 87 of the Constitution, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The President's Address is delivered to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
  2. Under Article 87, the President's Address must mandatorily precede the moving of any no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha during a session.
  3. The content of the President's Address is determined by the Union Cabinet and constitutes a statement of government policy.
  4. The President addresses both Houses at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 2 and 4
  • D. 3 only