UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ECI issues directions for strict implementation of Model Code of Conduct for the general elections in 5 States/UT and bye-elections in 6 States

Q1. The Model Code of Conduct in its present consolidated form began to be strictly enforced by the Election Commission of India from which year?

  • A. 1968
  • B. 1979
  • C. 1991
  • D. 2014

Q2. The Election Commission of India enforces the Model Code of Conduct on the strength of its powers of superintendence, direction and control of elections vested under which Article of the Constitution?

  • A. Article 280
  • B. Article 324
  • C. Article 338
  • D. Article 243ZA

Q3. With reference to the Model Code of Conduct, which one of the following correctly describes the point from which it comes into force?

  • A. From the date of issue of the formal gazette notification calling the election
  • B. From the date on which the Election Commission announces the election schedule
  • C. From the last date for withdrawal of candidatures
  • D. From the date of poll

Q4. Under the 'party in power' provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, which of the following are correctly identified as restrictions imposed once elections are announced?

  1. Use of government transport and official machinery for electioneering by ministers.
  2. Announcement of new financial grants or the laying of foundation stones of projects/schemes.
  3. Holding of public meetings and election rallies by contesting candidates.
  4. Sanction of payments by ministers out of discretionary funds.
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. The Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct document is organised into how many parts/sections?

  • A. Six
  • B. Seven
  • C. Eight
  • D. Nine

Q6. The general elections to Legislative Assemblies announced by the Election Commission in March 2026, which triggered immediate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, covered how many States/Union Territories?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Eight

Q7. Which of the following are correctly identified as matters covered by the Election Commission's March 2026 directions for strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-going States/UT?

  1. Removal of defacement of public and private property.
  2. Curbing misuse of official vehicles and government accommodation.
  3. Prohibition on announcement of new schemes or policy decisions for the poll-going jurisdictions.
  4. Immediate suspension of all ongoing welfare payments to existing beneficiaries.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. Following the Supreme Court's direction in S. Subramaniam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu (2013), which of the following are correctly identified as manifesto guidelines incorporated into the Model Code of Conduct?

  1. Parties should avoid promises that vitiate the purity of the election process or exert undue influence on voters.
  2. Manifestos should broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements of the promises.
  3. Manifestos should reflect the rationale behind the promises made.
  4. Every manifesto must be submitted to the Election Commission for prior approval before its public release.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. The power of superintendence, direction and control over the conduct of elections to Parliament and the State Legislatures under Article 324 is vested in which one of the following bodies?

  • A. The Election Commission of India
  • B. The State Election Commissions
  • C. The Delimitation Commission of India
  • D. The Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice