What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?
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Answer: B. On 26 January 1950, the Preamble described India as a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added later by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
Watch for: Today's Preamble wording tempts students to pick D; it reflects the 1976 change.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because 'Sovereign' was in the original Preamble.
- C. Wrong because 'Secular' was added only in 1976.
- D. Wrong because 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added in 1976.
Source to check: Constitution of India, Preamble; 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.