Anand Classes provides detailed Polity Notes on Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Finance Commission, Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and State Public Service Commission (SPSC) for NDA preparation. These notes cover constitutional provisions, roles, powers, and functions of these important constitutional bodies, along with exam-focused solved MCQs to strengthen your NDA GK. Click the print button to download study material and notes.

Constitutional Bodies of India

Constitutional bodies are institutions established directly by the Constitution of India. Their powers, responsibilities, structure, and authority are defined in the Constitution itself, which ensures their independence and protects them from arbitrary control by the government.

Attorney General of India (Article 76)

The Attorney General (AG) is the highest legal authority of India.

• Appointment:
  • Appointed by the President of India under Article 76.
  • Must be a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court (i.e., must have been a judge of a High Court for 5 years or an advocate of a High Court for 10 years or an eminent jurist).
• Functions & Powers:
  • Acts as the chief legal advisor to the Government of India.
  • Appears and represents the Government of India in the Supreme Court and other courts in important cases.
  • Has the right of audience in all courts in India.
  • Can take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament, but cannot vote.
• Tenure:
  • Holds office during the pleasure of the President, meaning there is no fixed term.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

The CAG ensures financial accountability of the Union and the States.

• Appointment:
  • Appointed by the President of India.
• Main Functions:
  • Audits the accounts of the Union and the States to ensure transparency.
  • Keeps a vigilant watch on the finances of both the Union and the States.
  • Submits periodic reports to the President and Governors, which are placed before the Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Ensures that the money voted by the legislature is spent properly under the appropriate heads and that expenditure does not exceed the sanctioned amount.

Finance Commission (Article 280)

The Finance Commission ensures fair distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the States.

• Composition:
  • Established within two years of the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter every 5 years.
  • Consists of a Chairman and four other members, all appointed by the President of India.
• Functions:
  • Recommends the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the States.
  • Suggests the principles governing grants-in-aid to States from the Consolidated Fund of India.
  • Recommends measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of the States to strengthen their financial position.
  • Handles any other matter referred by the President in the interest of sound finance.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The UPSC is India’s central recruiting agency for civil services.

• Nature:
  • It is a constitutional body established under the Constitution of India.
• Composition:
  • Consists of a Chairman and other members appointed by the President of India.
• Tenure:
  • Members hold office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • They can resign by submitting a resignation to the President.
• Removal:
  • Can be removed by the President on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity (subject to an inquiry).

State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

The SPSC performs a similar role at the state level as UPSC does at the Union level.

• Appointment:
  • Consists of a Chairman and members appointed by the Governor of the State.
• Tenure:
  • Hold office for 6 years or until the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Can resign by addressing their resignation to the Governor.
• Removal:
  • Though appointed by the Governor, only the President can remove the Chairman or members on the grounds of misbehaviour (after an inquiry).

Election Commission of India (Article 324)

The Election Commission (EC) ensures free and fair elections in India.

• Composition:
  • Consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
  • All are appointed by the President of India.
• Tenure:
  • Hold office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal:
  • The CEC can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge (i.e., by Parliament with a special majority on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity).
  • Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.
• Fact:
  • First Chief Election Commissioner of India was Sukumar Sen.

Key Takeaways

• All these bodies are created by the Constitution, ensuring independence from the executive.
• They play a critical role in maintaining democracy, financial discipline, and fairness in India’s governance.
• The President of India plays a central role in appointments for most of these bodies.

NDA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Constitutional Bodies of India for SSB Preparation

FAQ 1: What is the meaning of Constitutional Bodies in India?

Answer:
Constitutional Bodies are institutions that are directly established by the Constitution of India. Their powers, functions, and independence are guaranteed by constitutional provisions, making them more secure than statutory bodies created by laws passed in Parliament. Examples include the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Finance Commission, UPSC, State Public Service Commissions, and Election Commission.
These bodies play a vital role in maintaining democracy, financial discipline, and administrative fairness, which is why they are an important part of the Indian Polity syllabus for exams like UPSC NDA, where understanding the constitutional framework is crucial. Aspirants can strengthen their preparation by using resources like Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, and UPSC NDA polity notes preparation.

FAQ 2: Who appoints the Attorney General of India and what are his key functions?

Answer:
The Attorney General of India (AG) is appointed by the President of India under Article 76. The AG must be qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court. The AG is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and represents the Union Government in important legal matters before the Supreme Court and other courts. He has the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings but cannot vote. The AG holds office during the pleasure of the President, meaning there is no fixed term.
This topic is frequently asked in UPSC NDA Polity questions, making it essential to practice with reliable resources such as Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation.

FAQ 3: What is the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India?

Answer:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) acts as the guardian of public funds in India. Appointed by the President of India, the CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and the States, ensuring that public money is spent according to the laws passed by the legislature. The CAG submits periodic reports to the President and Governors, which are placed before Parliament and State Legislatures to maintain financial transparency and accountability.
For UPSC NDA exam preparation, candidates must study the powers and functions of the CAG carefully using trusted resources like Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation.

FAQ 4: What are the main functions of the Finance Commission of India?

Answer:
The Finance Commission, established under Article 280, is constituted by the President of India every five years. It consists of a Chairman and four members. Its main duty is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and to suggest the principles for grants-in-aid from the Centre to the States. It also advises on measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of the States for better financial stability.
This subject is highly relevant for UPSC NDA Polity questions. Students are advised to refer to Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation to master this topic effectively.

FAQ 5: What is the importance of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

Answer:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency for prestigious government posts such as IAS, IPS, and defence services including NDA. Established as a constitutional body, the UPSC conducts various examinations to recruit candidates for All India Services and Central Services. The Chairman and members are appointed by the President and enjoy a secure tenure of 6 years or until the age of 65 years. They can only be removed by the President on specific grounds like misbehaviour or incapacity, ensuring the independence of the recruitment process.
For NDA aspirants, understanding the constitutional role of UPSC is critical for the UPSC NDA polity section. Use resources like Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation for effective learning.

FAQ 6: How is the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) different from the UPSC?

Answer:
The State Public Service Commission (SPSC) performs a similar recruitment role as the UPSC but at the state level. The Governor of the State appoints the Chairman and members, but they can be removed only by the President of India. Their tenure is 6 years or until the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. SPSC conducts exams for state administrative services and other government posts within the state.
This comparison between UPSC and SPSC is a favourite question in UPSC NDA Polity exams. Candidates should revise it using reliable notes like Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation.

FAQ 7: What is the structure and function of the Election Commission of India?

Answer:
The Election Commission of India, established under Article 324, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners, all appointed by the President of India. They serve for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The CEC can only be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge, ensuring independence.
This is one of the most important topics for the Indian Polity section in the UPSC NDA exam. Candidates should practice using Anand Classes download UPSC NDA notes, download UPSC NDA study material pdf, UPSC NDA polity notes preparation to boost their chances of scoring high.

NDA Polity GK – Constitutional Bodies (MCQs with Explanations)

Attorney General of India

Q1. The Attorney General of India must be qualified to be:
(a) A High Court Judge
(b) A Supreme Court Judge
(c) A District Judge
(d) A Law Secretary

Answer: (b) A Supreme Court Judge
Explanation: As per Article 76, the Attorney General must be qualified to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court, i.e., he must be a citizen of India with at least 5 years’ experience as a High Court judge or 10 years as a High Court advocate.

Q2. The Attorney General can:
(a) Take part in proceedings of Parliament without the right to vote
(b) Vote in both Houses of Parliament
(c) Contest elections as a member of Lok Sabha
(d) Not attend Parliament at all

Answer: (a) Take part in proceedings of Parliament without the right to vote
Explanation: He has the right to speak in Parliament and participate in its proceedings but has no right to vote.

Q3. The Attorney General submits his resignation to:
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Prime Minister
(c) President
(d) Speaker of Lok Sabha

Answer: (c) President
Explanation: The AGI is appointed by and holds office during the pleasure of the President, so he resigns to the President.

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Q4. Who is called the “Guardian of the Public Purse” in India?
(a) Finance Minister
(b) Comptroller and Auditor General
(c) Reserve Bank Governor
(d) Finance Commission

Answer: (b) Comptroller and Auditor General
Explanation: The CAG audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the States, ensuring accountability.

Q5. The salary of the CAG is:
(a) Decided by Parliament
(b) Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
(c) Voted annually by Lok Sabha
(d) Decided by Finance Commission

Answer: (b) Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
Explanation: Like judges of the SC, his salary is not subject to vote of Parliament to ensure independence.

Q6. CAG of India audits the accounts of:
(a) Union and State Governments only
(b) Union, States, and Local Bodies
(c) Union, States, Government Companies, and Authorities financed from government revenues
(d) Only Union Government

Answer: (c) Union, States, Government Companies, and Authorities financed from government revenues
Explanation: The CAG’s audit extends beyond Union and States to include bodies substantially financed by government.

Finance Commission

Q7. The first Finance Commission of India was constituted in:
(a) 1947
(b) 1950
(c) 1951
(d) 1952

Answer: (c) 1951
Explanation: The first Finance Commission was set up in 1951 under the chairmanship of K.C. Neogy.

Q8. The Finance Commission recommends:
(a) Division of taxes between Union and States
(b) Principles governing grants-in-aid to States
(c) Measures to augment State resources
(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Article 280 empowers the Finance Commission to recommend on tax distribution, grants-in-aid, and augmentation of State finances.

Q9. The Chairman of the Finance Commission is usually:
(a) An economist
(b) A High Court judge
(c) A political leader
(d) A member of Planning Commission

Answer: (a) An economist
Explanation: By convention, the Chairman is a distinguished economist, although the Constitution does not mandate it.

Election Commission of India

Q10. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed by:
(a) Prime Minister
(b) President on recommendation of Parliament
(c) President alone
(d) Supreme Court

Answer: (b) President on recommendation of Parliament
Explanation: Like SC judges, the CEC can be removed only by a resolution of both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.

Q11. Which Article of the Constitution deals with the Election Commission?
(a) Article 320
(b) Article 324
(c) Article 326
(d) Article 330

Answer: (b) Article 324
Explanation: Article 324 vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission.

Q12. The Election Commission of India is a:
(a) Statutory body
(b) Constitutional body
(c) Extra-constitutional body
(d) Judicial body

Answer: (b) Constitutional body
Explanation: It is established under Article 324, making it a constitutional body.

UPSC

Q13. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) consists of:
(a) Chairman and 6 members
(b) Chairman and 10 members
(c) Chairman and such members as the President may determine
(d) Fixed 12 members

Answer: (c) Chairman and such members as the President may determine
Explanation: The Constitution (Article 315) does not fix the number of members; it is left to the President.

Q14. The UPSC submits its annual report to the:
(a) Prime Minister
(b) President
(c) Parliament directly
(d) Cabinet

Answer: (b) President
Explanation: The UPSC submits its report to the President, who then lays it before Parliament.

Q15. The members of the UPSC hold office for a term of:
(a) 3 years or until 60 years of age
(b) 5 years or until 60 years of age
(c) 6 years or until 65 years of age
(d) 7 years or until 65 years of age

Answer: (c) 6 years or until 65 years of age
Explanation: UPSC members serve for 6 years or until they reach 65 years, whichever is earlier.

SPSC

Q16. State Public Service Commission is constituted under which Article?
(a) Article 312
(b) Article 315
(c) Article 316
(d) Article 317

Answer: (b) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment of SPSC in each state.

Q17. The members of SPSC are appointed by:
(a) President
(b) Governor
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Prime Minister

Answer: (b) Governor
Explanation: Members of the State Public Service Commission are appointed by the Governor.

Q18. The SPSC submits its annual report to:
(a) State Legislature
(b) Governor
(c) President
(d) Supreme Court

Answer: (b) Governor
Explanation: The report is submitted to the Governor, who places it before the State Legislature.

Mixed Questions (Tricky/Conceptual)

Q19. Which of the following is a non-constitutional body?
(a) Attorney General of India
(b) Election Commission of India
(c) Finance Commission
(d) Planning Commission

Answer: (d) Planning Commission
Explanation: The Planning Commission (now replaced by NITI Aayog) was an extra-constitutional body, unlike the others.

Q20. Who among the following is not appointed by the President?
(a) Attorney General
(b) CAG
(c) Chairman of UPSC
(d) Chairman of SPSC

Answer: (d) Chairman of SPSC
Explanation: Chairman and members of SPSC are appointed by the Governor.

Q21. Which body recommends the distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and States?
(a) Election Commission
(b) CAG
(c) Finance Commission
(d) NITI Aayog

Answer: (c) Finance Commission
Explanation: Under Article 280, Finance Commission recommends financial distribution.

Q22. The maximum tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner is:
(a) 5 years or 65 years of age
(b) 6 years or 65 years of age
(c) 5 years or 70 years of age
(d) 6 years or 70 years of age

Answer: (b) 6 years or 65 years of age
Explanation: Tenure is 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Q23. Which of the following constitutional authorities is considered part of the “Union Executive”?
(a) Attorney General
(b) CAG
(c) UPSC Chairman
(d) Finance Commission Chairman

Answer: (a) Attorney General
Explanation: Article 76 places the AGI as part of the Union Executive.

Q24. Who audits the accounts of Panchayati Raj institutions?
(a) CAG directly
(b) State Legislature
(c) State CAG (under the control of CAG)
(d) Finance Commission

Answer: (c) State CAG (under the control of CAG)
Explanation: The accounts of local bodies are audited by the State Auditor General under CAG’s guidance.

Q25. Which one is true regarding UPSC and SPSC?
(a) UPSC advises the President, SPSC advises the Governor
(b) Both UPSC and SPSC submit reports to Parliament
(c) Both are statutory bodies
(d) UPSC is independent, SPSC is under Governor’s control

Answer: (a) UPSC advises the President, SPSC advises the Governor
Explanation: UPSC advises the Union Government (President), while SPSC advises the State Government (Governor).

📚 Buy Study Material & Join Our Coaching

For premium study materials specially designed for NDA Exam, visit our official study material portal:
👉 https://publishers.anandclasses.co.in/

For JEE/NEET Notes : Visit https://anandclasses.in/

For SSC Notes : Visit https://ssc.anandclasses.in/

To enroll in our offline or online coaching programs, visit our coaching center website:
👉 https://anandclasses.co.in/

📞 Call us directly at: +91-94631-38669

💬 WhatsApp Us Instantly

Need quick assistance or want to inquire about classes and materials?

📲 Click below to chat instantly on WhatsApp:
👉 Chat on WhatsApp

🎥 Watch Video Lectures

Get access to high-quality video lessons, concept explainers, and revision tips by subscribing to our official YouTube channel:
👉 Neeraj Anand Classes – YouTube Channel