UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Poll body to deploy Central forces in West Bengal from March 1

Q1. With reference to the central forces ordered to be deployed in West Bengal from March 1, 2026 and the forces covered under the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, consider the following forces. Which of the above is/are correctly identified as a Central Armed Police Force figuring in the 2026 deployment/Bill?

  1. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  2. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  3. Assam Rifles
  4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. The Election Commission of India's plenary power of superintendence, direction and control of elections, under which it ordered the pre-poll deployment of Central forces in West Bengal in 2026, is derived from which one of the following provisions of the Constitution?

  • A. Article 324
  • B. Article 326
  • C. Article 329
  • D. Article 243K

Q3. In the first phase of the Central force deployment in West Bengal from March 1, 2026, which one of the following CAPFs contributed the single largest number of companies?

  • A. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • B. Border Security Force (BSF)
  • C. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
  • D. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Q4. Consider the following statements comparing the 2026 West Bengal Central force arrangements with the related statutory framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The pre-poll CAPF deployment in West Bengal in 2026 began on March 1, well before the start of polling, with an initial allotment of about 480 companies.
  2. Under the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, all posts in the ranks of Director General and Special Director General are to be filled by deputation of IPS officers.
  3. The same Bill mandates that a minimum of 50% of the posts in the rank of Additional Director General be filled by deputation of IPS officers.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3