Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
- (a) 22nd March (or 21st March) ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 15th May (or 16th May)
- (c) 31st March (or 30th March)
- (d) 21st April (or 20th April)
Why the answer is (a)
• The Indian national calendar (Saka Era, adopted 1957) begins the year on Chaitra 1, which falls on 22 March in a normal year and 21 March in a leap year, aligning with the spring equinox — option (a).
• The Saka Era began in 78 CE; 2026 CE is Saka 1948.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 15th May (or 16th May)
- Chaitra 1 is not in May.
- (c) 31st March (or 30th March)
- Chaitra 1 is 22 March, not 31 March.
- (d) 21st April (or 20th April)
- Chaitra 1 is not in April.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.