Parliamentary Devices are important procedural tools used by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Parliament of India to ensure accountability of the executive, raise urgent public issues, and participate effectively in law-making. For NDA & CDS aspirants, understanding these devices is essential as questions are frequently asked from Polity in the General Knowledge section.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK – Parliamentary Devices
1. Question Hour
- The first hour of a sitting of Parliament.
- MPs ask questions to ministers regarding government policies and actions.
- It promotes transparency and accountability.
Types of Questions:
- Starred Question – Requires an oral answer and allows supplementary questions.
- Unstarred Question – Requires a written answer; no supplementary questions.
- Short Notice Question – Asked on matters of urgent public importance with shorter notice.
2. Zero Hour
- Begins immediately after Question Hour.
- Not mentioned in the Constitution or Rules of Procedure.
- Allows MPs to raise urgent matters without prior notice.
- An Indian innovation in parliamentary practice.
3. Adjournment Motion
- Introduced to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
- Requires support of at least 50 members in the Lok Sabha.
- If admitted, it interrupts normal business.
- Can lead to criticism of the government.
4. No-Confidence Motion
- Moved to test the majority support of the Council of Ministers in the Lok Sabha.
- If passed, the government must resign.
- Only applicable in the Lok Sabha, not in the Rajya Sabha.
5. Calling Attention Motion
- Enables a member to call the attention of a minister to an urgent matter.
- The minister makes a statement, followed by clarifications.
6. Cut Motions
Moved during the discussion of Demands for Grants in the Budget.
Types:
- Policy Cut Motion – Amount reduced to ₹1.
- Economy Cut Motion – Amount reduced by a specific sum.
- Token Cut Motion – Amount reduced by ₹100.
7. Censure Motion
- Moved to criticize specific policies or actions of the government.
- Unlike a No-Confidence Motion, it need not state reasons for resignation.
- If passed, the government is expected to seek confidence.
8. Privilege Motion
- Moved when a member feels that a minister has committed a breach of parliamentary privilege.
9. Half-Hour Discussion
- Raised to seek clarification on matters already discussed.
10. Guillotine
- Used during Budget session.
- Undiscussed demands for grants are put to vote at once after the allotted time.
Importance for NDA & CDS Aspirants
- Frequently asked in Polity section.
- Conceptual clarity is important (difference between No-Confidence & Censure, Starred & Unstarred questions, etc.).
- Linked to topics like Parliament, Executive accountability, and Budget process.
MCQs on Parliamentary Devices (NDA & CDS 1 2026 Level)
1. The Zero Hour is:
(a) Mentioned in the Constitution
(b) Mentioned in the Rules of Procedure
(c) An Indian innovation not formally mentioned in rules
(d) Conducted before Question Hour
Answer: (c)
2. Which motion requires the support of at least 50 members for admission?
(a) Censure Motion
(b) Adjournment Motion
(c) Cut Motion
(d) Calling Attention Motion
Answer: (b)
3. A Starred Question differs from an Unstarred Question because:
(a) It requires written answer only
(b) Supplementary questions are allowed
(c) It cannot be asked during Question Hour
(d) It is asked in Rajya Sabha only
Answer: (b)
4. A No-Confidence Motion can be introduced only in the:
(a) Rajya Sabha
(b) Joint Sitting
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Either House
Answer: (c)
5. A Policy Cut Motion reduces the demand to:
(a) ₹100
(b) ₹1
(c) Zero
(d) Half the amount
Answer: (b)
6. Guillotine is associated with:
(a) Removal of judges
(b) Budget voting procedure
(c) Constitutional amendment
(d) Privilege proceedings
Answer: (b)
7. Calling Attention Motion is primarily meant to:
(a) Remove the government
(b) Reduce budget allocation
(c) Draw minister’s attention to urgent matters
(d) Amend the Constitution
Answer: (c)
8. Which motion tests the majority of the government?
(a) Privilege Motion
(b) Censure Motion
(c) No-Confidence Motion
(d) Adjournment Motion
Answer: (c)
9. Zero Hour usually begins:
(a) Before Question Hour
(b) After Question Hour
(c) During Budget Session only
(d) At midnight
Answer: (b)
10. Cut Motions are moved during:
(a) Question Hour
(b) Budget discussion
(c) Constitutional amendment
(d) Election of President
Answer: (b)
