Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Key Categories of DPSP
Economic and Socialistic Principles - Equal pay for equal work, workers' participation in management
2. Gandhian Principles - Village panchayats, prohibition of alcohol, cottage industries
3. Liberal Intellectual Principles - Uniform civil code, separation of judiciary from executive
Schedules in Indian Constitution:
The Constitution has 12 Schedules that contain detailed lists and procedures. Each Schedule deals with specific administrative aspects
Important Schedules
First Schedule - Lists states and union territories
Second Schedule - Salaries of President, Governors, Judges
Third Schedule - Forms of oaths
Seventh Schedule - Distribution of powers between Centre and States (Union, State, Concurrent lists)
Eighth Schedule - Recognized languages (originally 14, now 22)
Tenth Schedule - Anti-defection law
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL frequently asks about specific articles of DPSP, number of schedules, and what each schedule contains. Questions often test which principle belongs to which category or which language was added in which amendment.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
for DPSP Categories:
"ESG" - Economic, Socialistic, Gandhian
Economic - Money related (equal pay, living wage)
Socialistic - Social welfare (health, education)
Gandhian - Village level governance, prohibition
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Identify this is about DPSP (policy directive, not enforceable right)
2
Step 2
Recall it falls under Liberal Intellectual category
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
Students often confuse DPSP with Fundamental Rights. Remember: Fundamental Rights are enforceable in courts (justiciable), DPSP are not enforceable (non-justiciable) but are fundamental in governance. Also, don't mix up schedule numbers - Eighth Schedule is about languages, not the Seventh.
Another common error is thinking all 22 languages were in the original Eighth Schedule.
Originally there were only 14 languages; 8 more were added through amendments.
Key Points to Remember
DPSP are non-justiciable guidelines for government policy making found in Part IV (Articles 36-51)
Three categories: Economic-Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal Intellectual principles
Article 44 deals with Uniform Civil Code under DPSP
Constitution has 12 Schedules containing detailed administrative lists and procedures
Seventh Schedule contains three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent for power distribution
Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages, now has 22 recognized languages
Tenth Schedule contains anti-defection law provisions
First Schedule lists all states and union territories of India
Exam-Specific Tips
Article 40 directs organization of village panchayats under Gandhian principles
Article 39(d) mandates equal pay for equal work for both men and women
Article 47 directs prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs
Eighth Schedule originally contained 14 languages, Sindhi was added by 21st Amendment in 1967
Tenth Schedule was added by 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985
Second Schedule determines salaries of President (Rs. 5 lakh per month)
Article 45 provides free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years
Seventh Schedule has 97 subjects in Union List, 66 in State List, 47 in Concurrent List
Practice MCQs
DPSP & Schedules — Practice Questions
10graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis
The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, also known as the 'Mini Constitution,' made significant changes. Which of the following was NOT introduced by the 42nd Amendment?
Practice 2easy
Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which lists Fundamental Duties, was added by which amendment?
Practice 3easy
Which article of the Indian Constitution lists the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Practice 4medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to privacy?
Practice 5medium
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the powers, duties, and procedures of the Parliament and State Legislatures?
Practice 6medium
Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which lists Fundamental Duties, was introduced by which amendment?
Practice 7medium
Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) explicitly directs the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice—social, economic, and political—shall inform all institutions of national life?
Practice 8hard
Which article of the Indian Constitution was inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, to include the concept of 'Secular' and 'Socialist' in the Preamble?
Practice 9hard
Article 37 of the Indian Constitution states that the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) shall NOT be enforceable in any court of law. However, which of the following articles within DPSP has been given quasi-enforceable status through judicial interpretation?
Practice 10hard
Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution, inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens. Which of the following is NOT listed as a Fundamental Duty under Article 51-A?
60-Second Revision — DPSP & Schedules
Remember: DPSP are non-justiciable, Fundamental Rights are justiciable
Formula: ESG trick - Economic, Socialistic, Gandhian categories of DPSP