What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

(a) A Democratic Republic
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Why the answer is (b)

• The original Preamble adopted on 26 November 1949 and in force on 26 January 1950 declared India a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic' — option (b).

• The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' (and 'integrity' in the unity clause) were inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency.

• Option (a) omits 'Sovereign'; options (c) and (d) include words added only in 1976.

• The Supreme Court in 2024 upheld the 1976 insertions as part of the basic structure's spirit.

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) A Democratic Republic: 'Sovereign' was in the original Preamble and is omitted here.
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic: 'Secular' was added only in 1976.
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic: 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.

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.