UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 7

Correct answer: Option C. The Directive Principles of State Policy provide constitutional goals for establishing social and economic democracy and guiding the state toward welfare-oriented governance. Under Article 37, they are not enforceable by any court, although they are fundamental in governance. Thus both statements capture important constitutional features of the Directive Principles. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “2 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “Both 1 and 2” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option D: “Neither 1 nor 2” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.