SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 34

Solution: The correct answer is Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic Republic.
Explanation:
☛ The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic" to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens.
☛ It is based on the 'Objectives Resolution' introduced in the Constituent Assembly by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947.
☛ Originally, India was declared a "Sovereign Democratic Republic"; the terms 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
☛ The Constitution along with its Preamble was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into full effect on 26 January 1950.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Supreme Court held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368 without altering the 'Basic Structure'.
☛ Berubari Union Case (1960): In this earlier judgment, the Supreme Court had ruled that the Preamble was not a part of the Constitution.
☛ Nature of the Preamble: The Preamble is non-justiciable, meaning its provisions are not enforceable by courts of law.
☛ The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity were borrowed from the French Revolution, while the ideal of Justice (Social, Economic, and Political) was taken from the Russian Revolution.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who termed the Preamble as the 'Identity Card of the Constitution'? → N. A. Palkhivala
☛ Which country was the first in the world to begin its Constitution with a Preamble? → USA
☛ How many times has the Preamble of the Indian Constitution been amended so far? → Only once (in 1976)
☛ Which case established that the Preamble can be amended under Article 368? → Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
☛ From which country was the language and style of the Indian Preamble influenced? → Australia