With reference to India, consider the following statements : 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3

Why the answer is (a)

• Statement 1 is correct: India provides single citizenship and a single domicile for the whole country; there is no separate State citizenship (unlike the USA).

• Statement 2 is wrong: Article 58 requires the President only to be a citizen of India — by birth or naturalisation — unlike the USA, where only natural-born citizens qualify.

• Statement 3 is wrong: Section 10 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 allows deprivation of citizenship obtained by registration or naturalisation for fraud, disloyalty, trading with an enemy, or certain imprisonment abroad.

• Hence 1 only, option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) 2 only: Statement 2 is wrong: any Indian citizen can become President.
(c) 1 and 3: Statement 3 is wrong: naturalised citizenship can be revoked under Section 10.
(d) 2 and 3: Statements 2 and 3 are both wrong.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.