In India, Constitutional Bodies are institutions that are directly created and empowered by the Constitution of India. Their powers, functions, composition, and independence are defined in the Constitution itself, which gives them a special and authoritative status in the governance framework.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK – Constitutional Bodies
These bodies are essential for maintaining democracy, ensuring accountability, and protecting citizens’ rights. Since they derive their authority from the Constitution, they cannot be abolished or significantly altered by an ordinary law of Parliament.
Some important Constitutional Bodies in India include:
- Election Commission of India – Conducts free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
- Union Public Service Commission – Conducts examinations for recruitment to All India and Central Services.
- Finance Commission of India – Recommends the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the States.
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India – Audits the accounts of the Union and State governments.
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes – Safeguards the interests of Scheduled Castes.
Thus, Constitutional Bodies play a crucial role in strengthening India’s democratic structure by ensuring transparency, fairness, and constitutional governance.
1. Which of the following bodies is NOT a Constitutional Body?
A. Finance Commission
B. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
C. National Human Rights Commission
D. Election Commission of India
Answer: C
Explanation:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Whereas:
- Finance Commission – Article 280
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Article 338
- Election Commission of India (ECI) – Article 324
are Constitutional bodies.
2. With reference to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, consider the following statements:
- CAG is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
- CAG can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
- CAG audits only Union Government accounts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct (Article 148)
- Statement 2 – Correct
- Statement 3 – Incorrect → CAG audits Union, State governments, and bodies substantially financed by government.
3. The Election Commission of India derives its powers from:
A. Article 324 only
B. Articles 324–329
C. Representation of the People Act only
D. Both Constitution and statutory law
Answer: D
Explanation:
The ECI is established under Article 324, but its detailed functions are governed by the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 & 1951. Hence, both constitutional and statutory provisions apply.
4. Which of the following statements regarding the Finance Commission is correct?
A. It is a permanent body.
B. It is constituted every three years.
C. It makes recommendations on distribution of taxes between Centre and States.
D. Its recommendations are binding on the Government.
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Article 280 provides for Finance Commission.
- It is constituted every five years (not permanent).
- Recommendations are advisory, not binding.
5. Consider the following bodies:
- Union Public Service Commission
- State Public Service Commission
- Joint State Public Service Commission
Which of the above are Constitutional bodies?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
Articles 315–323 provide for UPSC, State PSC, and Joint PSC — all are Constitutional bodies.
6. Which Constitutional body submits its annual report to the President, who then lays it before Parliament along with a memorandum of action taken?
A. UPSC
B. Finance Commission
C. Election Commission
D. Attorney General
Answer: A
Explanation:
Under Article 323, UPSC submits its report to the President, who places it before Parliament with an explanatory memorandum.
7. The removal procedure of the Chief Election Commissioner is similar to that of:
A. CAG
B. Supreme Court Judge
C. Attorney General
D. Finance Commission Chairman
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge (Article 324).
8. Which of the following Constitutional bodies has the power to regulate its own procedure?
A. Election Commission
B. UPSC
C. Finance Commission
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation:
All these bodies are empowered under the Constitution to regulate their own procedure within constitutional limits.
9. Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):
- It was created by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act.
- It was bifurcated from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- It is provided under Article 338A.
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 created NCST.
- It separated SC and ST Commissions.
- Article 338A provides for NCST.
10. Which of the following bodies does NOT submit its report directly to the President?
A. CAG
B. UPSC
C. Finance Commission
D. Attorney General
Answer: D
Explanation:
Attorney General (Article 76) is the chief legal advisor to the Government and does not submit annual constitutional reports like CAG, UPSC, or Finance Commission.
11. The salary and service conditions of the CAG are:
A. Determined by Parliament and can be varied to his disadvantage after appointment
B. Determined by President
C. Determined by Parliament and cannot be varied to his disadvantage after appointment
D. Fixed by Finance Commission
Answer: C
Explanation:
Under Article 148, salary and conditions are determined by Parliament and cannot be varied to his disadvantage after appointment.
12. Which of the following Constitutional bodies has both advisory and quasi-judicial functions?
A. Finance Commission
B. Election Commission
C. UPSC
D. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Answer: D
Explanation:
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338) has powers of a civil court while investigating complaints — giving it quasi-judicial status — along with advisory functions.
