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Topic Pardoning power
Asked 4 times across 3 UPSC exams over 7 years (2018–2025), peaking in 2025.
Key insights
- Most tested in LDCE — 2 of 4 PYQs
- First appeared in CAPF 2018 — 7 years before CSE 2025 (allied exams preview CSE)
- Most asked in 2025
- Recurs across 4 years (2018–2025)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CAPF 2018 → LDCE 2023 → CSE 2025
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (4 of 4) 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.
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
LDCE2024
Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India empowers the President to grant pardons of punishment to any person ?
- A Article 27
- B Article 41
- C Article 72 ✓
- D Article 91
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Polity & Governance › Union & State Executive
LDCE2023
Which of the following does not come under the power of the President of India to pardon?
- Commutation of punishment or the sentence of any person
- Remission of punishment or the sentence of any person
- Continuation of punishment or the sentence of any person
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A 1, 2 and 3
- B 2 only
- C 3 only
- D 1 only ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Polity & Governance › Union & State Executive
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