Anand Classes provides the best NDA exam preparation notes and study material, specially designed for candidates who want to crack the National Defence Academy written exam with confidence. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is an important topic in the NDA exam syllabus, as it explains the guiding principles of our sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Understanding concepts like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity from the Preamble is crucial for solving NDA exam questions related to Indian Polity and Constitution. At Anand Classes, every concept is explained in detail with MCQs, FAQs, and practice papers so that aspirants can strengthen their NDA exam preparation step by step. Click the print button to download NDA study material and notes.
The Preamble and Its Significance
Meaning of Preamble
- The Preamble is the introduction or preface to the Constitution of India.
- It is not enforceable in a court of law, but it plays a vital role in understanding the spirit and philosophy of the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court has often referred to the Preamble while interpreting the Constitution in cases of doubt.
- It is often called the “Soul of the Constitution.”
Functions of the Preamble
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution:
- Indicates the source of authority – “We, the people of India” → sovereignty lies with the people.
- States the objectives – the ideals and goals which the Constitution seeks to achieve.
Preamble Amendment
So far, the Preamble has been amended only once.
- The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 added three new words:
- Socialist
- Secular
- Integrity
Text of the Preamble
*“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens:
- Justice: Social, Economic and Political;
- Liberty: of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
- Equality: of status and of opportunity;
- Fraternity: assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
In our Constituent Assembly this 26th day of November, 1949, we do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.”*
Key Terms in the Preamble
- Sovereign – India is free from external and internal control; it is independent in decision-making.
- Socialist – Indian socialism is a blend of state and private ownership (mixed economy).
- Secular – The state has no religion of its own and treats all religions equally.
- Democratic – The authority of the government comes from the people; rulers are elected and accountable.
- Republic – The head of the State (President) is elected and not a hereditary ruler.
Objectives of the Preamble
- Justice
- Social Justice – End discrimination on grounds of caste, race, sex, religion.
- Economic Justice – Reduce inequality between rich and poor; stop exploitation.
- Political Justice – Equal political rights and opportunities for participation.
- Liberty
- Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- A democracy cannot exist without liberty.
- Equality
- All citizens enjoy equal status and opportunity.
- Rights have meaning only if equally enjoyed by all.
- Fraternity
- Promotes a sense of brotherhood among citizens.
- Ensures dignity of the individual and unity of the nation.
FAQs on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution (NDA Exam Preparation)
Q1. What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and why is it important?
Answer:
The Preamble of the Constitution of India is the introductory statement that highlights the guiding philosophy and objectives of the Constitution. It is not legally enforceable, but it serves as a key to interpret the spirit of the Constitution. It explains the ideals of Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic and ensures the goals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. For NDA exam preparation, the Preamble is called the soul of the Constitution because it reflects the vision of the Constituent Assembly.
Q2. Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution of India?
Answer:
Yes, the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) declared that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution. Earlier, in the Berubari Union Case (1960), it was held that the Preamble is not part of the Constitution, but this was later corrected. The NDA exam often asks this because the Kesavananda Bharati Case also introduced the basic structure doctrine, linking the Preamble with constitutional interpretation.
Q3. Which important words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?
Answer:
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, also known as the Mini Constitution, inserted three important words into the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity. These additions strengthened India’s commitment to a socialist economy, secular state, and national unity. NDA exam questions frequently test which terms were added by this amendment, so remembering “Socialist, Secular, Integrity” is crucial.
Q4. What are the main objectives of the Preamble?
Answer:
The Preamble lays down four main objectives of the Indian Constitution:
- Justice – social, economic, and political.
- Liberty – of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Equality – of status and opportunity.
- Fraternity – assuring the dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the nation.
These objectives are directly connected to the fundamental rights and directive principles of the Constitution and are a favorite topic in NDA exam questions.
Q5. Why is the Preamble called the ‘Soul of the Constitution’?
Answer:
The Preamble is called the soul of the Constitution because it captures the essence of the Constitution of India in a short statement. It expresses the vision of the Constituent Assembly and sets the direction for justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity in India. Just like a preface explains the theme of a book, the Preamble explains the spirit of the Constitution. NDA exam questions often highlight this phrase to check conceptual clarity.
Q6. How does the Preamble show the democratic nature of India?
Answer:
The Preamble describes India as a Democratic Republic. The word Democratic means that the government is chosen by the people through elections, and the rulers remain accountable to the people. The word Republic means that the head of the State, i.e., the President of India, is elected and not hereditary. Together, these features highlight the democratic foundation of the Constitution. For NDA exam preparation, it is important to link democracy with political justice, equality of opportunity, and sovereignty of the people.
Q7. From which country did India borrow the idea of having a Preamble in its Constitution?
Answer:
The idea of a Preamble in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the Constitution of the United States of America (USA). Both start with the words “We, the people”, signifying that sovereignty lies with the people. In NDA exam questions on borrowed features, the Preamble is always linked with the USA, while other features such as the parliamentary system come from the UK and the fundamental duties from the USSR.
Q8. How does the Preamble promote fraternity in India?
Answer:
The Preamble includes the term Fraternity, which means brotherhood among all citizens of India. It emphasizes the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. This ensures that despite differences of caste, religion, or language, citizens feel connected as one nation. NDA exam questions often relate fraternity to national integration and unity in diversity.
MCQs on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution (NDA Exam Practice Set)
Q1. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India as a:
A) Sovereign, Socialist, Federal, Democratic Republic
B) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
C) Sovereign, Secular, Federal, Democratic Republic
D) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Monarchy
Answer: B) Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
Explanation:
According to the Preamble of the Constitution of India, the country is defined as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic. The Sovereign term shows independence, Socialist reflects a mixed economy with social justice, Secular ensures equality of all religions, Democratic represents people’s participation, and Republic signifies an elected head of state. The words Socialist and Secular were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, an important fact for NDA exam questions.
Q2. Which case of the Supreme Court declared the Preamble as a part of the Constitution?
A) Berubari Union Case (1960)
B) Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
C) Golaknath Case (1967)
D) Minerva Mills Case (1980)
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
Explanation:
In the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), the Supreme Court of India ruled that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be used to interpret constitutional provisions. Earlier, in the Berubari Union Case (1960), it was stated that the Preamble was not a part of the Constitution, but the later judgment clarified its importance. The NDA exam frequently asks about this case because it also introduced the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution.
Q3. Which of the following words was not added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?
A) Socialist
B) Secular
C) Integrity
D) Democratic
Answer: D) Democratic
Explanation:
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, known as the Mini Constitution, inserted the words Socialist, Secular, and Integrity into the Preamble of the Constitution. The word Democratic was already present in the original Constitution adopted on 26th November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. Questions on amendments are common in NDA exam because they test knowledge of constitutional development.
Q4. Which one of the following objectives is not mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution?
A) Justice
B) Liberty
C) Equality
D) Economic Growth
Answer: D) Economic Growth
Explanation:
The objectives of the Preamble of the Constitution are Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), Equality (status and opportunity), and Fraternity (unity and integrity of the nation). While economic justice is specifically mentioned, the phrase economic growth does not appear. NDA exam questions often test this difference between justice and growth.
Q5. The head of the Indian State being elected and not hereditary is reflected in which term of the Preamble?
A) Sovereign
B) Republic
C) Democratic
D) Socialist
Answer: B) Republic
Explanation:
The word Republic in the Preamble of the Constitution of India highlights that the President of India, who is the head of the State, is elected for a fixed term and is not a hereditary monarch. This feature makes India different from monarchies such as the United Kingdom. For NDA exam preparation, it is important to distinguish between Democratic (power of the people) and Republic (elected head of state).
Q6. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is inspired by the Constitution of which country?
A) USA
B) UK
C) France
D) Canada
Answer: A) USA
Explanation:
The idea of a Preamble in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the Constitution of the United States of America. Both Preambles begin with “We, the people”, emphasizing popular sovereignty. In NDA exam questions on borrowed features, the Preamble is always associated with the USA, while other features like Parliamentary system come from the UK and Fundamental Duties from the USSR.
Q7. Which phrase in the Preamble assures a sense of brotherhood among all citizens of India?
A) Justice
B) Liberty
C) Equality
D) Fraternity
Answer: D) Fraternity
Explanation:
The term Fraternity in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution promotes the idea of brotherhood among citizens. It ensures the dignity of the individual and strengthens the unity and integrity of the nation. NDA exam questions often connect fraternity with national integration and the value of respecting each citizen equally.
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