Indian Polity · Chapter 19 of 36

Rajya Sabha: BPSC Prelims PYQs

15 previous-year questions on Rajya Sabha, asked 1992–2025. Each one opens to its answer and explanation.

1. 1. 53rd–55th BPSC Prelims 2011

   The Rajya Sabha consists of-

   1. A280 members of which 20 members are nominated by the President of India
   2. B275 members of which 18 members are nominated by the President of India
   3. C250 members of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India
   4. D252 members of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India
   Answer and explanation →

2. 2. 68th BPSC Prelims 2023

   The representation in the Rajya Sabha includes

   1. Amembers nominated by the President of India
   2. Bmembers directly elected by citizens
   3. Cmembers indirectly elected by citizens through their representatives
   4. DMore than one of the above
   5. ENone of the above
   Answer and explanation →

3. 3. 48th–52nd BPSC Prelims 2008

   According to our Constitution, the tenure of Rajya Sabha -

   1. Ais dissolved once in two years
   2. Bis dissolved every five years
   3. Cis dissolved every six years
   4. Dis not subject to dissolution
   Answer and explanation →

4. 4. 42nd BPSC Prelims 1997

   Member of Rajya Sabha is elected-

   1. AFor four years
   2. BFor five years
   3. CFor six years
   4. DFor life long
   Answer and explanation →

5. 5. 41st BPSC Prelims 1996 · 47th BPSC Prelims 2005

   Rajya Sabha is called Permanent House because –

   1. AAll members are lifelong
   2. BIt cannot be dissolved
   3. CSome members retire after every two years
   4. DBoth
   Answer and explanation →

6. 6. 40th BPSC Prelims 1995

   Right to dissolve the Rajya Sabha is vested in –

   1. APresident
   2. BVice-President
   3. CSupreme Court
   4. DNone of the above
   Answer and explanation →

7. 7. 53rd–55th BPSC Prelims 2011

   Of the following statements, which one is not correct?

   1. AThe Rajya Sabha is powerless in money matters
   2. BMoney Bill is introduced in the Rajya Sabha
   3. CThe Rajya Sabha has to pass the Money Bill within 14 days after it has been passed by the Lok Sabha
   4. DThe Rajya Sabha may pass or return the Money Bill with some recommendations to the Lok Sabha
   Answer and explanation →

8. 8. 41st BPSC Prelims 1996

   The word 'cabinet' has been used only once in the Constitution and that is -

   1. AArticle 352
   2. BArticle 74
   3. CArticle 356
   4. DArticle 76
   Answer and explanation →

9. 9. 38th BPSC Prelims 1992

   The Representation of States in Council of States is based on –

   1. AEqual for all States
   2. BRatio of their Population
   3. CRatio of their Area
   4. DRatio of their Revenue
   Answer and explanation →

10. 10. 45th BPSC Prelims 2001

    Zero Hour in political jargon refers to-

    1. ADay when no business in Parliament is done
    2. BSuspended motion
    3. CAdjourned time
    4. DQuestion-answer session
    Answer and explanation →

11. 11. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    Consider the following statements:

    • 1. The summoning of the House means convocation
    • 2. Prorogation ends a session
    • 3. Dissolution terminates a House
    • 4. Prorogation of a session can be effected by the leader of the House alone

    Out of these, which is not true?

    1. A1 and 3
    2. B2 and 3
    3. COnly 2
    4. DOnly 4
    Answer and explanation →

12. 12. 40th BPSC Prelims 1995

    A joint session of both the Houses of Parliament is held—

    • 1. For the election of the President of India
    • 2. For the election of the vice-President of India
    • 3. To pass the Bill relating to the amendment of Constitution
    • 4. To discuss and pass such a Bill where both Houses have different opinion

    Select your answer from the following code–

    1. A1 and 4
    2. B3 and 4
    3. C1 and 2
    4. Donly 4
    Answer and explanation →

13. 13. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2005

    How many members can the President nominate to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively?

    1. A12, 2
    2. B2, 12
    3. C2, 10
    4. D10, 2
    Answer and explanation →

14. 14. 41st BPSC Prelims 1996

    The number of members nominated by the President in Rajya Sabha is–

    1. A10
    2. B15
    3. C12
    4. D20
    Answer and explanation →

15. 15. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2005

    Who has the power to promulgate ordinances during the intersession of Parliament?

    1. ACouncil of Ministers
    2. BEssential Legislative Committee of Parliament
    3. CThe President
    4. DPrime Minister
    Answer and explanation →