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Topic Judicial review
Asked 21 times across 5 UPSC exams over 45 years (1981–2026), peaking in 2023.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 8 of 21 PYQs
- Most asked in 2023
- Recurs across 10 years (1981–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1981 → CDS 2014 → CAPF 2021 → CISF 2022 → LDCE 2023
How the concept evolved
181
114
215
117
319
421
222
523
125
126
Rising — more than half its appearances (17 of 21) are since 2016.
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.
CSE2026
X was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. X explained that the meaning of 'law' was very comprehensive, including ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. Y pointed out that 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which X was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion:
- A X is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
- B The view of Y that 'law' included custom is not correct.
- C The views of both X and Y are correct.
- D The view of only Y is correct. ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Polity & Governance › FR/DPSP/Duties
CSE2025
Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India
- The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review
- The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A I only ✓
- B II only
- C Both I and II
- D Neither I nor II
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Polity & Governance › Union & State Executive
CDS2023
The landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case Subhash Sharma v. Union of India (1991) refers to which one of the following basic features of the Constitution of India ?
- A Judicial Review ✓
- B Rule of Law
- C Free and fair elections
- D Fundamental Rights
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Polity & Governance › Judiciary
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