Patriotism, Citizenship and Constitutional Values
This domain tests the constitutional and symbolic framework of citizenship and the habits of patriotism the exam expects you to name precisely.
Constitutional base
The Preamble declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Fundamental Rights sit in Part III (Articles 12–35), Directive Principles in Part IV, and Fundamental Duties in Part IVA, Article 51A - eleven duties, added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation, the eleventh coming with the 86th Amendment (2002) on education.
Symbols and dates
- National Flag adopted 22 July 1947; ratio 3:2; Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes.
- National Anthem adopted 24 January 1950, playing time about 52 seconds; Vande Mataram is the national song.
- 15 January Army Day, 8 October Air Force Day, 4 December Navy Day, 26 July Kargil Vijay Diwas, 16 December Vijay Diwas, 26 January Republic Day.
Gallantry awards
Param Vir Chakra (highest wartime award; first recipient Major Somnath Sharma, 1947), Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra; Ashoka Chakra (peacetime), Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.
Worked example
"In which Part of the Constitution are Fundamental Duties?" Reasoning: Part III rights, Part IV directive principles, Part IVA duties - so the answer is Part IVA, Article 51A. Fixing the sequence III, IV, IVA in the mind prevents the common mix-up.
Traps
- Confusing the National Anthem with the National Song.
- Placing duties in Part IV.
- Quoting the Flag ratio as 2:3 instead of 3:2 (length to height).