UPSC Prelims 2007 Q44: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the
following as full States of the Indian Union?
- (a) Sikkim - Arunachal Pradesh - Nagaland - Haryana
- (b) Nagaland - Haryana - Sikkim - Arunachal Pradesh
- (c) Sikkim - Haryana - Nagaland - Arunachal Pradesh
- (d) Nagaland - Arunachal Pradesh - Sikkim - Haryana
Answer: (b) Nagaland - Haryana - Sikkim - Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
Chronological order of statehood
| State | Year attained full statehood |
|---|---|
| Nagaland | 1963 |
| Haryana | 1966 |
| Sikkim | 1975 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1987 |
The correct chronological order is Nagaland → Haryana → Sikkim → Arunachal Pradesh.
Answer: (b) Nagaland - Haryana - Sikkim - Arunachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Places Sikkim before Haryana and Nagaland, which is chronologically wrong.
- (b) CORRECT. Nagaland (1963) → Haryana (1966) → Sikkim (1975) → Arunachal Pradesh (1987).
- (c) Incorrect. Places Haryana before Sikkim correctly but misorders Nagaland.
- (d) Incorrect. Places Nagaland before Arunachal Pradesh correctly but misorders Haryana and Sikkim.
Key point
Statehood order: Nagaland (1963), Haryana (1966), Sikkim (1975), Arunachal Pradesh (1987).
Remember
Statehood chronology: Nagaland-Haryana-Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Sikkim's 1975 full-statehood date (it had a unique associate-state transition) with an earlier date.
- Not memorising the specific years each north-eastern/northern state attained statehood.
- Mixing up Nagaland's 1963 statehood with other 1960s state reorganisations.
Exam tip
Memorise the sequence: Nagaland (1963) → Haryana (1966) → Sikkim (1975) → Arunachal Pradesh (1987).
Sources
- State of Nagaland Act, 1962
- Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
- Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Sikkim)
- State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986