Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II : On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Why the answer is (c)

• Statement-I is correct: since 2015 the Government has observed 26 November as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to promote constitutional values, marking the day the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution in 1949.

• Statement-II is incorrect: the Drafting Committee under Dr Ambedkar was set up on 29 August 1947, not on 26 November 1949; on that later date the Assembly adopted and signed the completed Constitution.

• The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.

• Hence Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation…: Statement-II is wrong: the Drafting Committee was formed in August 1947.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct…: Statement-II is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct: Statement-I is correct: 26 November is Constitution Day.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.