UPSC Prelims 2025 Q52: Indian Polity – States & Union Territories
Consider the following pairs:
State : Description
I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks
II. Nagaland : The State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act
III. Tripura : Initially a Part ‘C’ State, it became a centrally administered territory with the reorganization of States in 1956 and later attained the status of a full - fledged State
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All the three
- (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
Three north-eastern States
| Pair | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| I. Arunachal Pradesh: the capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks | Correct | Itanagar is named after the Ita Fort; the parks are Namdapha and Mouling |
| II. Nagaland: the State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act | Incorrect | It was created by the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, an ordinary law; the 13th Amendment only added special provisions (Article 371A) |
| III. Tripura: initially a Part 'C' State, it became a centrally administered territory in 1956 and later a full-fledged State | Correct | Union Territory in 1956; State in 1972 |
When the north-eastern States were formed:
| State | Year |
|---|---|
| Nagaland | 1963 |
| Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya | 1972 |
| Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram | 1987 |
Answer: (b) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pairs I and III are both correct, so more than one.
- (b) CORRECT. Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura are correctly described.
- (c) Incorrect. Nagaland was created by an ordinary Act of Parliament, not by an amendment.
- (d) Incorrect. Two of the pairs are correctly matched.
Key point
Itanagar is named after Ita Fort; Arunachal has Namdapha and Mouling National Parks. Nagaland: State of Nagaland Act, 1962. Tripura: Part C State, UT in 1956, State in 1972.
Remember
Nagaland was created by an Act, not an Amendment.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a new State needs a Constitutional Amendment; Article 3 needs only a law.
- Confusing the 13th Amendment (Article 371A) with the creation of Nagaland.
- Forgetting Mouling, the second National Park of Arunachal Pradesh.
Exam tip
New States are made under Article 3 by ordinary law. An amendment is not required.
Sources
- State of Nagaland Act, 1962
- North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971