UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — EC will ensure free, fair and transparent election in Bengal: CEC

Q1. With reference to the powers and structure of the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The number of Election Commissioners other than the Chief Election Commissioner is not fixed by the Constitution but is determined by the President from time to time.
  2. The Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners are alike removable from office only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  3. The superintendence, direction and control of elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President are vested in the Election Commission along with elections to Parliament and State legislatures.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Under Article 324, the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of which of the following elections is/are vested in the Election Commission of India? Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Elections to both Houses of Parliament
  2. Elections to the Legislature of every State
  3. Election to the office of the President of India
  4. Elections to Municipalities and Panchayats
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the Search Committee that prepares a panel of five persons for the consideration of the Selection Committee is headed by which one of the following?

  • A. The Cabinet Secretary
  • B. The Prime Minister
  • C. The Union Law Minister
  • D. The Chief Justice of India

Q4. In the two-phase 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, the first phase (23 April 2026) accounted for the larger share of constituencies. How many of the 294 Assembly constituencies went to the polls in this larger phase?

  • A. 142
  • B. 152
  • C. 293
  • D. 294

Q5. With reference to the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election as compared with the previous (2021) election, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. As in 2021, all 294 seats of the Assembly went to the polls in 2026.
  2. The 2026 election was conducted in fewer phases than the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election.
  3. Counting of votes for the 2026 election was held on 4 May 2026.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. Which one of the following correctly describes the point at which the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force?

  • A. On the date the election is formally notified by the President
  • B. Immediately on the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India
  • C. On the last date for filing of nominations by candidates
  • D. From the date on which the election results are declared

Q7. With reference to the evolution and legal character of the Model Code of Conduct, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Model Code of Conduct was first adopted in Kerala in 1960 before being circulated by the Election Commission to parties nationally.
  2. Unlike the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Model Code of Conduct does not enjoy statutory backing.
  3. The portion of the Code specifically regulating the conduct of the 'party in power' was added in 1979.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. Consider the following measures said to have been adopted by the Election Commission of India for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Deployment of over 3.5 lakh security personnel across the State
  2. Optional home voting for electors aged 85 years and above and persons with benchmark disability
  3. Association of the National Investigation Agency for the first time in a State election
  4. Compulsory internet (i-)voting for all migrant workers registered outside the State
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 4 only

Q9. With reference to the change in the composition of the Election Commission of India over time, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. From its establishment in 1950 the Commission remained a single-member body until two Election Commissioners were first appointed in 1989.
  2. The two posts of Election Commissioners created in 1989 were abolished in 1990, reverting the Commission to a single-member body.
  3. Since 1993 the Commission has functioned as a multi-member body, and where the Commissioners differ, a matter is decided by majority.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. As per the interim mechanism laid down by the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the committee to recommend appointment of Election Commissioners was to comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and which one of the following?

  • A. The Chief Justice of India
  • B. The Vice-President of India
  • C. A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
  • D. The Cabinet Secretary

Q11. In the context of West Bengal's electoral malpractices, the practice of 'chhappa' voting, which the Election Commission has pledged to prevent, refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Impersonation of dead or migrated electors at the polling booth
  • B. Fraudulent mass pre-stamping/casting of ballots in favour of a particular candidate
  • C. Physically preventing voters from reaching the polling booth
  • D. Tampering with the memory of electronic voting machines