UPSC Prelims 2023 Q84: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the
Flag Code of India, 2002 :
Statement - I :
One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm x 400 mm.
Statement - II :
The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II is the correct explanation for Statement - I
- (b) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II is not the correct explanation for Statement - I
- (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
- (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct
Explanation
National Flag sizes — Flag Code of India, 2002
Ratio: length to height (width) must be 3:2.
Standard sizes (in mm):
| Size no. | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6300 × 4200 |
| 2 | 3600 × 2400 |
| 3 | 2700 × 1800 |
| 4 | 1800 × 1200 |
| 5 | 1350 × 900 |
| 6 | 900 × 600 |
| 7 | 450 × 300 |
| 8 | 225 × 150 |
| 9 | 150 × 100 |
Statement I — incorrect. 600 × 400 mm follows the 3:2 ratio but is not one of the nine standard sizes.
Statement II — correct. The ratio is 3:2.
Answer: (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement I is false; 600 × 400 mm is not on the list of standard sizes.
- (b) Incorrect. Both are not correct; only the 3:2 ratio statement is true.
- (c) Incorrect. It is the reverse: Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
- (d) CORRECT. The ratio is 3:2, but 600 × 400 mm is not one of the nine standard sizes.
Key point
Flag Code 2002: ratio 3:2; nine standard sizes from 6300 × 4200 to 150 × 100 mm — 600 × 400 is not one.
Remember
The flag ratio is 3:2, and 600 × 400 mm is not a standard size.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any size in a 3:2 ratio is standard; the Code lists nine specific sizes.
- Confusing 900 × 600 (standard) with 600 × 400 (not standard).
- Forgetting the 2021–22 amendments allowing polyester and machine-made flags and day-and-night display.
Exam tip
Check sizes against the list, not just the ratio. UPSC tests the exact table.
Sources
- Flag Code of India, 2002 — Ministry of Home Affairs
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971