Citizenship is one of the foundational concepts of Indian Polity, enshrined in Part II of the Indian Constitution (Articles 5 to 11). It defines who is recognized as an Indian citizen, the provisions related to acquisition and termination, and the powers of Parliament to legislate on citizenship.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a set of exam-relevant Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Citizenship, each accompanied by clear answers and detailed explanations. These questions are especially useful for those preparing for UPSC CSE, State PSCs, SSC, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams where Polity is a key component.
Citizenship MCQs and Answers with Explanations
1. Part II of the Indian Constitution, dealing with Citizenship, consists of Articles:
a) 1 to 4
b) 5 to 11
c) 12 to 35
d) 36 to 51
Answer: (b) 5 to 11
Explanation: Part II of the Indian Constitution, titled “Citizenship,” encompasses Articles 5 through 11.
2. Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution deals with citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution?
a) Article 5
b) Article 6
c) Article 7
d) Article 8
Answer: (a) Article 5
Explanation: Article 5 defines who would be a citizen of India at the time the Constitution came into force (January 26, 1950). It includes persons domiciled in India who were born in India, or whose parents were born in India, or who had been ordinarily resident in India for not less than five years immediately preceding the commencement.
3. Article 6 of the Indian Constitution makes special provisions for the citizenship of:
a) Persons who migrated to India from Pakistan before the commencement of the Constitution.
b) Persons who migrated to Pakistan from India after March 1, 1947, and subsequently returned.
c) Persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
d) Persons who migrated to India from Pakistan after the commencement of the Constitution.
Answer: (a) Persons who migrated to India from Pakistan before the commencement of the Constitution.
Explanation: Article 6 lays down conditions for citizenship for those who migrated to India from territories now included in Pakistan before July 19, 1948, based on their birth or domicile and residence in India.
4. Article 7 of the Indian Constitution deals with the citizenship of:
a) Persons born in India.
b) Persons of Indian origin residing abroad.
c) Persons who migrated to Pakistan from India after March 1, 1947.
d) Persons who migrated to India from Pakistan after the commencement of the Constitution.
Answer: (c) Persons who migrated to Pakistan from India after March 1, 1947.
Explanation: Article 7 states that persons who migrated to Pakistan from India after March 1, 1947, shall not be deemed to be citizens of India. However, it also includes a provision for those who subsequently returned to India under a permit for resettlement or permanent return.
5. Article 8 of the Indian Constitution makes provisions for the citizenship of:
a) Persons born in India.
b) Persons who migrated to Pakistan.
c) Persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
d) Persons who migrated to India after the commencement of the Constitution.
Answer: (c) Persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
Explanation: Article 8 grants citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who are residing in any country outside India, provided they or their parents or grandparents were born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935, and they have registered themselves as citizens of India with the Indian diplomatic or consular representative in that country.
6. Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution states that no person shall be a citizen of India if they have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state?
a) Article 9
b) Article 10
c) Article 11
d) Article 5
Answer: (a) Article 9
Explanation: Article 9 clearly stipulates that any person who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country shall cease to be a citizen of India. This embodies the principle of single citizenship in India.
7. Article 10 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
a) The commencement of citizenship.
b) The continuance of the rights of citizenship.
c) The acquisition of citizenship after the commencement of the Constitution.
d) The deprivation of citizenship.
Answer: (b) The continuance of the rights of citizenship.
Explanation: Article 10 states that every person who is or becomes a citizen of India shall continue to be a citizen, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament. This ensures the continuity of citizenship unless altered by parliamentary law.
8. Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship?
a) Article 9
b) Article 10
c) Article 11
d) Article 5
Answer: (c) Article 11
Explanation: Article 11 vests the Parliament with the exclusive power to enact laws regulating the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters related to it. This article serves as the basis for the Citizenship Act, 1955, and its subsequent amendments.
9. The Citizenship Act, 1955, prescribes which of the following ways of acquiring Indian citizenship?
a) Birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and incorporation of territory.
b) Birth, descent, registration, and naturalization only.
c) Birth, descent, and registration only.
d) Birth and descent only.
Answer: (a) Birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and incorporation of territory.
Explanation: The Citizenship Act, 1955, as amended, provides five ways in which Indian citizenship can be acquired: by birth, by descent, by registration, by naturalization, and by the incorporation of territory into India.
10. According to the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), a person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, but before July 1, 1987, is a citizen of India:
a) If either of their parents is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
b) If their father is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
c) If their mother is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
d) By birth, irrespective of the citizenship of their parents at the time of their birth.
Answer: (d) By birth, irrespective of the citizenship of their parents at the time of their birth.
Explanation: For those born in India between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987, citizenship was acquired by birth, irrespective of the nationality of their parents.
11. As per the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), a person born in India on or after July 1, 1987, but before December 3, 2004, is a citizen of India if:
a) Either of their parents is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
b) Both of their parents are citizens of India at the time of their birth.
c) Their father is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
d) Their mother is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
Answer: (a) Either of their parents is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
Explanation: For those born in India between July 1, 1987, and December 3, 2004, they are citizens of India if either of their parents was a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
12. According to the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), a person born in India on or after December 3, 2004, is a citizen of India only if:
a) Either of their parents is a citizen of India and the other is not an illegal migrant at the time of their birth.
b) Both of their parents are citizens of India at the time of their birth.
c) Their father is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
d) Their mother is a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
Answer: (a) Either of their parents is a citizen of India and the other is not an illegal migrant at the time of their birth.
Explanation: For those born in India on or after December 3, 2004, they are citizens of India only if both parents are citizens of India or if one parent is a citizen and the other is not an illegal migrant at the time of their birth.
13. Citizenship by descent under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), applies to persons born outside India if:
a) Their father was a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
b) Either of their parents was a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
c) Their grandparents were citizens of India.
d) They register their birth with the Indian consulate within one year of birth.
Answer: (b) Either of their parents was a citizen of India at the time of their birth.
Explanation: Citizenship by descent is granted to a person born outside India if either of their parents was a citizen of India at the time of their birth. However, rules regarding registration with the Indian consulate have varied with amendments.
14. Registration as a citizen of India under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), is available to:
a) Persons of Indian origin who are ordinary residents of India for seven years before application.
b) Persons of full age and capacity who are married to a citizen of India and are ordinary residents for seven years.
c) Minor children of persons who are citizens of India.
d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: The Citizenship Act, 1955, provides for registration as a citizen of India for various categories, including PIOs, spouses of Indian citizens, and minor children of Indian citizens, subject to certain conditions and periods of residency.
15. Citizenship by naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), can be granted by the Central Government to a person who:
a) Is ordinarily resident in India for twelve months immediately preceding the date of application.
b) Has resided in India or been in government service for an aggregate period of not less than eleven years in the fourteen years preceding the twelve months.
c) Possesses good character and an adequate knowledge of one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule.
d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: Naturalization requires fulfilling several conditions, including a specified period of residency in India, good character, knowledge of an official language, and an intention to reside in India.
16. The term ‘illegal migrant’ is defined in the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), as a foreigner who has entered India:
a) With a valid passport but without a visa.
b) With a valid visa but has overstayed beyond the permitted time.
c) Without a valid passport or other travel documents or with forged documents.
d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: An ‘illegal migrant’ is defined broadly to include foreigners who have entered India without valid documents or who have overstayed their visa.
17. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants eligibility for Indian citizenship to illegal migrants belonging to which of the following religious communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan?
a) Muslims, Christians, Sikhs
b) Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians
c) Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians
d) Buddhists, Muslims, Parsis, Jains
Answer: (b) Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians
Explanation: The CAA 2019 provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian illegal migrants who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and have resided in India for a specified period, with a cut-off date of December 31, 2014.
18. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, does NOT apply to tribal areas of which of the following states as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution?
a) Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura
b) Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram
c) Assam, Tripura, Mizoram
d) Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
Answer: (d) Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
Explanation: The CAA 2019 has specific exemptions for the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, as well as the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland where the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime is in place.
19. Which of the following grounds for termination of citizenship is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Citizenship Act, 1955?
a) Renunciation
b) Termination by the Central Government
c) Deprivation by the Central Government
d) Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship by a minor
Answer: (d) Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship by a minor
Explanation: The Act specifies renunciation by a citizen of full age and capacity, termination of citizenship when a citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country, and deprivation of citizenship by the Central Government under certain circumstances (like fraud, disloyalty, imprisonment, etc.). Voluntary acquisition by a minor is not a separate ground; their citizenship would usually follow that of their parents.
20. The power to grant, refuse, or terminate citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955, primarily rests with:
a) The President of India
b) The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
c) The Supreme Court of India
d) The Election Commission of India
Answer: (b) The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Explanation: The Central Government, primarily through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is vested with the authority to grant, refuse, or terminate citizenship under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the rules framed thereunder.
21. Which of the following principles is enshrined in Article 9 of the Indian Constitution regarding citizenship?
a) Principle of equality in citizenship.
b) Principle of single citizenship.
c) Principle of citizenship by birth.
d) Principle of citizenship by descent.
Answer: (b) Principle of single citizenship.
Explanation: Article 9 explicitly prohibits a person from being a citizen of India if they have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state, thus upholding the principle of single citizenship in India.
22. The provisions related to citizenship in Part II of the Constitution were primarily intended to address:
a) The issue of fundamental rights of individuals.
b) The question of who would be considered citizens of India at the time of its independence and commencement of the Constitution.
c) The framework for future laws on citizenship acquisition and termination.
d) Both (b) and (c).
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c).
Explanation: The articles on citizenship in Part II dealt with defining citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution, particularly in the context of the partition, and also laid the groundwork for Parliament to enact comprehensive laws on citizenship in the future (as done through Article 11).
23. A person registered as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, enjoys which of the following rights?
a) Right to vote in Indian elections.
b) Right to hold constitutional posts.
c) Right to acquire agricultural land in India.
d) Multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India.
Answer: (d) Multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India.
Explanation: OCIs are granted various privileges, including the right to travel to, work in, and study in India, but they do not have the right to vote, hold constitutional posts, or acquire agricultural land.
24. The concept of ‘domicile’ plays a significant role in determining citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution under:
a) Article 6.
b) Article 7.
c) Article 5.
d) Article 8.
Answer: (c) Article 5.
Explanation: Article 5 grants citizenship to persons who had their domicile in the territory of India and fulfilled one of the other conditions (birth in India, parentage, or five years of residency).
25. Which of the following is NOT a ground for deprivation of citizenship by the Central Government under the Citizenship Act, 1955?
a) Obtaining citizenship by fraud.
b) Showing disaffection towards the Constitution of India.
c) Lawfully residing outside India for a continuous period of seven years.
d) Being convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to imprisonment for two years.
Answer: (c) Lawfully residing outside India for a continuous period of seven years.
Explanation: While continuous absence from India for seven years can be a ground for termination of citizenship if the citizen has not maintained certain connections with India (like registration at an Indian consulate), lawful residence outside India is not a ground for deprivation of citizenship by the government.
26. The Citizenship Rules, 2009, framed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, lay down the procedures for:
a) Granting asylum to refugees.
b) Implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
c) Registration and naturalization of citizens.
d) Deportation of illegal migrants.
Answer: (c) Registration and naturalization of citizens.
Explanation: The Citizenship Rules, 2009, provide the detailed procedures for various aspects of acquiring Indian citizenship through registration and naturalization, as well as for matters related to termination and deprivation of citizenship.
27. Which of the following constitutional provisions implicitly recognizes the possibility of future laws on citizenship by the Parliament?
a) Article 5
b) Article 9
c) Article 10
d) Article 11
Answer: (d) Article 11
Explanation: Article 11 explicitly states that Parliament shall have the power to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship, thus laying the foundation for future laws on the subject.
28. The concept of ‘jus soli’ (right of the soil) was a primary basis for citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955, for those born in India:
a) Before January 26, 1950.
b) Between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987.
c) On or after July 1, 1987.
d) On or after December 3, 2004.
Answer: (b) Between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987.
Explanation: During this period, the principle of ‘jus soli’ largely prevailed, meaning that birth in India was sufficient for citizenship, irrespective of the parents’ nationality. Subsequent amendments have introduced stricter conditions based on the citizenship status of the parents.
29. The term ‘Person of Indian Origin’ (PIO) has been largely replaced by which of the following categories?
a) Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
b) Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
c) Citizen of India by registration
d) Citizen of India by naturalization
Answer: (a) Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Explanation: The PIO card scheme was merged with the OCI card scheme in 2015 to provide a unified status for people of Indian origin residing outside India.
30. Which of the following scenarios would NOT lead to the acquisition of Indian citizenship by descent under the current provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended)?
a) A child born outside India to Indian citizen parents who register the birth with the Indian consulate within one year.
b) A child born outside India to one Indian citizen parent and one foreign national parent, where the birth is registered with the Indian consulate.
c) A child born outside India to Indian citizen grandparents, where the parents are foreign nationals.
d) A child born outside India to an Indian citizen father and a foreign national mother, where the birth is registered with the Indian consulate.
Answer: (c) A child born outside India to Indian citizen grandparents, where the parents are foreign nationals.
Explanation: Current rules for citizenship by descent generally require at least one parent to be an Indian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Grandparents’ citizenship alone is usually not sufficient.
31. The power of the Parliament to legislate on citizenship matters under Article 11 is:
a) Subject to the fundamental rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution.
b) Not subject to any limitations imposed by the Constitution.
c) Subject to the basic structure doctrine as propounded by the Supreme Court.
d) Concurrent with the legislative powers of the State Legislatures.
Answer: (a) Subject to the fundamental rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution.
Explanation: While Article 11 grants broad powers to Parliament, any law made under it must be consistent with the fundamental rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution.
32. Which of the following is a valid ground for the Central Government to terminate the citizenship of a person who has acquired it by naturalization?
a) If the person has been ordinarily resident in India for less than five years after naturalization.
b) If the person has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India.
c) If the person has travelled abroad for more than six months in a year.
d) If the person has failed to learn an official language of India within three years of naturalization.
Answer: (b) If the person has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India.
Explanation: Showing disaffection towards the Constitution is a specific ground for deprivation of citizenship for those who acquired it by naturalization or registration.
33. The primary objective of the provisions related to citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution (Articles 5-8) was to:
a) Define a uniform law for future citizenship acquisition.
b) Determine who would be the citizens of the newly formed Republic of India, especially in the context of the partition.
c) Grant voting rights to all residents of India.
d) Establish rules for dual citizenship.
Answer: (b) Determine who would be the citizens of the newly formed Republic of India, especially in the context of the partition.
Explanation: These initial articles were crucial for establishing the citizenry of India immediately after independence and the complexities arising from the partition and migration.
34. Which of the following categories of persons, though residing in India, were NOT automatically granted citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution under Article 5?
a) Those born in India and domiciled in India.
b) Those whose parents were born in India and domiciled in India.
c) Those who had been ordinarily resident in India for five years and were domiciled in India, but were not born in India and whose parents were not born in India.
d) Those who had voluntarily acquired citizenship of Pakistan before the commencement of the Constitution.
Answer: (d) Those who had voluntarily acquired citizenship of Pakistan before the commencement of the Constitution.
Explanation: Article 5 applied to persons domiciled in India who met certain birth or residency criteria. Those who had already acquired citizenship of another country (like Pakistan) would be subject to Article 9.
35. The registration of birth with the Indian consulate for children born outside India to Indian citizens is crucial for:
a) Determining their eligibility for OCI status.
b) Claiming citizenship by birth in India.
c) Acquiring citizenship by descent.
d) Obtaining an Indian passport immediately after birth.
Answer: (c) Acquiring citizenship by descent.
Explanation: For children born outside India to Indian citizens, registration of their birth at the Indian consulate within a specified time is a key requirement for claiming citizenship by descent under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
36. Which of the following scenarios could lead to the termination of Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955?
a) Obtaining a foreign passport for travel purposes.
b) Expressing critical views about the government’s policies while residing abroad.
c) Voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of another country.
d) Marrying a foreign national.
Answer: (c) Voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of another country.
Explanation: Article 9 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, clearly state that voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of another country leads to the termination of Indian citizenship.
37. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, has faced criticism primarily on the ground that it:
a) Makes the process of acquiring citizenship too easy for all foreigners.
b) Discriminates based on religion in granting a pathway to citizenship.
c) Violates the provisions of Article 11 of the Constitution.
d) Does not apply to all states and union territories of India.
Answer: (b) Discriminates based on religion in granting a pathway to citizenship.
Explanation: The CAA 2019 offers a special route to citizenship for illegal migrants belonging to specific religious communities (excluding Muslims) from three neighboring countries, leading to accusations of religious discrimination.
38. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam was primarily carried out under the provisions of:
a) The Citizenship Act, 1955, as amended by the CAA 2019.
b) The Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
c) Article 11 of the Constitution and a Supreme Court order.
d) The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Citizenship Rules, 2009.
Answer: (b) The Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
Explanation: The NRC process in Assam was primarily conducted as per the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Rules, 2003, in accordance with a Supreme Court order, to identify illegal immigrants, mainly those who entered after the cut-off date of March 24, 1971, as per the Assam Accord.
39. Which of the following is NOT a condition for acquiring citizenship by naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955?
a) Being of good character.
b) Having an adequate knowledge of an official language of India.
c) Having resided in India for a specified period.
d) Having close relatives who are citizens of India.
Answer: (d) Having close relatives who are citizens of India.
Explanation: While having a spouse who is an Indian citizen can facilitate registration, having other close relatives who are citizens is not a direct condition for naturalization.
40. The articles on citizenship in the Indian Constitution reflect a departure from the principle of ‘jus sanguinis’ (right of blood) and ‘jus soli’ (right of the soil) in their pure forms by:
a) Solely relying on descent for determining citizenship.
b) Solely relying on birth within the territory for determining citizenship.
c) Combining elements of domicile, birth, descent, and registration, especially for citizenship at the commencement.
d) Not recognizing any form of citizenship by registration or naturalization.
Answer: (c) Combining elements of domicile, birth, descent, and registration, especially for citizenship at the commencement.
Explanation: The initial articles on citizenship used a combination of factors like domicile, birth within the territory, parentage (descent), and residency (akin to registration) to determine who would be a citizen at the time the Constitution came into force.
41. The concept of ‘illegal migrant’ under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended), is significant in the context of:
a) Granting voting rights to all residents.
b) Implementing the fundamental right to freedom of movement.
c) Differentiating between legitimate residents and those liable for deportation.
d) Facilitating the registration of Persons of Indian Origin.
Answer: (c) Differentiating between legitimate residents and those liable for deportation.
Explanation: The definition of ‘illegal migrant’ is crucial for identifying individuals who have entered or stayed in India unlawfully and are thus liable to be dealt with under the relevant laws, including potential deportation.
42. Which of the following rights is NOT exclusively available to citizens of India but is also extended to some non-citizens?
a) Right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
b) Right to hold certain public offices, such as President or Governor.
c) Right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19.
d) Right to equality before the law under Article 14.
Answer: (d) Right to equality before the law under Article 14.
Explanation: Article 14 states that “the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India,” and the term ‘person’ includes both citizens and non-citizens. The other rights listed are generally reserved for citizens.
43. The provisions of Article 7 regarding migration to Pakistan and subsequent return were primarily aimed at:
a) Encouraging the return of all migrants to ensure national unity.
b) Defining the citizenship status of those who had moved to Pakistan during the partition but later came back.
c) Facilitating the exchange of populations between India and Pakistan.
d) Granting dual citizenship to those who had migrated and returned.
Answer: (b) Defining the citizenship status of those who had moved to Pakistan during the partition but later came back.
Explanation: Article 7 addressed the complex issue of citizenship for individuals who had migrated to Pakistan after March 1, 1947, but subsequently returned to India, laying down specific conditions for their potential re-acquisition of Indian citizenship.
44. The power of the Parliament to make laws on citizenship under Article 11 is plenary, but it must be exercised:
a) In accordance with the wishes of the State Legislatures.
b) Subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
c) Only during a state of national emergency.
d) With the prior approval of the President.
Answer: (b) Subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
Explanation: While Parliament has broad powers to legislate on citizenship, these laws are subject to judicial review to ensure they are consistent with the Constitution, including the fundamental rights and the basic structure doctrine.
45. Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to be considered by the Central Government while granting citizenship by naturalization?
a) The applicant’s knowledge of an Indian language.
b) The applicant’s property ownership in India.
c) The applicant’s good moral character.
d) The applicant’s intention to reside in India.
Answer: (b) The applicant’s property ownership in India.
Explanation: While residency in India is a key factor, mere property ownership is not a primary consideration for naturalization. Good character, language proficiency, and intention to reside are more relevant criteria.
46. The concept of ‘illegal migrant’ under the Citizenship Act, 1955, has become particularly contentious due to its implications for:
a) The rights of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
b) The implementation of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme.
c) The ongoing debates surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
d) The process of granting citizenship by descent to those born abroad.
Answer: (c) The ongoing debates surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
Explanation: The definition and identification of ‘illegal migrants’ are central to the NRC process and the debates around the CAA, as the latter offers a pathway to citizenship for specific religious minorities who entered India illegally from certain countries before a specific date.
47. The provisions related to citizenship in the Indian Constitution are unique in that they:
a) Provide for dual citizenship.
b) Detail a comprehensive code of citizenship law within the Constitution itself.
c) Primarily address the citizenship status at the time of the Constitution’s commencement and empower Parliament to legislate further.
d) Grant citizenship based solely on birth within the territory.
Answer: (c) Primarily address the citizenship status at the time of the Constitution’s commencement and empower Parliament to legislate further.
Explanation: Unlike some constitutions that lay down a detailed citizenship code, the Indian Constitution’s Part II mainly dealt with the immediate aftermath of independence and empowered the Parliament to enact comprehensive laws on citizenship, which was subsequently done through the Citizenship Act, 1955.
48. Which of the following is NOT a way in which Indian citizenship can be lost under the Citizenship Act, 1955?
a) Renunciation.
b) Termination by the government due to voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship.
c) Deprivation by the government on specified grounds.
d) Continuous lawful residence outside India for less than seven years.
Answer: (d) Continuous lawful residence outside India for less than seven years.
Explanation: While prolonged absence (seven years or more without certain connections) can lead to termination, lawful residence for a shorter period is not a ground for loss of citizenship under the Act.
49. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, has been defended by the government on the grounds that it aims to:
a) Provide a uniform process for citizenship for all illegal migrants.
b) Offer refuge to persecuted religious minorities from specific neighboring countries.
c) Simplify the process of naturalization for all foreign nationals.
d) Bring Indian citizenship laws in line with international conventions on refugees.
Answer: (b) Offer refuge to persecuted religious minorities from specific neighboring countries.
Explanation: The government’s stated objective behind the CAA 2019 is to provide a pathway to citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and have sought refuge in India.
50. The interpretation and application of the citizenship provisions in the Indian Constitution and the Citizenship Act, 1955, are ultimately subject to the scrutiny of:
a) The President of India.
b) The Parliament of India.
c) The Supreme Court of India.
d) The Ministry of External Affairs.
Answer: (c) The Supreme Court of India.
Explanation: As the guardian of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the final authority to interpret the provisions related to citizenship and to review the validity of laws and administrative actions concerning citizenship.
The topic of Citizenship often features in both static and current affairs-based questions, making it a high-priority area for any exam aspirant. We hope this MCQ set has strengthened your understanding and clarified the core constitutional provisions related to Indian citizenship.
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