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Act / Law Ilbert Bill
Asked 6 times across 2 UPSC exams over 4 years (2013–2017), peaking in 2013.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 5 of 6 PYQs
- Most asked in 2013
- Recurs across 2 years (2013–2017)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2013 → CDS 2017
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (5 of 6) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2017
Which of the following statements about the Ilbert Bill (1883) is/are correct?
- It proposed to grant limited criminal jurisdiction to native officials
- It proposed to grant complete civil and criminal jurisdiction to native officials
- The proposed Bill generated opposition from England's European subjects in India
- In spite of opposition to the Bill, it was passed without any modifications
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1 and 2
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 ✓
- D 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (C)
History › Freedom Struggle (1857–1947)
CSE2013
The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the
- A imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
- B imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
- C removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans ✓
- D removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
✓ Correct answer: (C)
History › Freedom Struggle (1857–1947)
CSE
Ilbert Bill was prepared for abolishing judicial disqualification based on racial distinction. The bill was vehemently criticised by the Europeans living in India. Who was the Governor-General at that time?
- A Lord Ripon ✓
- B Lord Dalhousie
- C Lord Curzon
- D Lord Chelmsford
✓ Correct answer: (A)
History › Freedom Struggle (1857–1947)
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