1
Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Election Commission?
⚖️ Election Commission
Election Commission
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
20 Questions Indian Polity
This quiz covers the constitutional provisions, composition, powers, and functions of the Election Commission of India.
2
The Election Commission of India consists of how many Election Commissioners?
3
What is the tenure of office for the Chief Election Commissioner?
4
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners?
5
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office by:
6
Which elections are NOT under the superintendence, direction, and control of the Election Commission of India?
7
Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India?
8
What is the status of the Election Commission of India?
9
The 'Model Code of Conduct' for the guidance of political parties and candidates is issued by:
10
Which of the following bodies is responsible for the delimitation of constituencies?
11
Which Article of the Constitution specifies that the right to vote is a constitutional right?
12
What is the primary function of the Election Commission regarding political parties?
13
The conditions of service and tenure of office of the Election Commissioners are determined by:
14
Which of the following is NOT a power of the Election Commission?
15
The concept of 'Universal Adult Suffrage' in India implies that the voting age is:
16
In case of a difference of opinion among the Chief Election Commissioner and other two Election Commissioners, the matter is decided by:
17
Which official assists the Election Commission at the district level?
18
Who decides on the disqualification of a member of Parliament on grounds other than the Anti-Defection Law?
19
The power to register a political party is derived from which law?
20
Which of the following is a function of the Election Commission during election time?
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Important Notes — Election Commission
Election Commission of India — Key Facts for UPSC & SSC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent, independent constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is one of the most powerful and respected institutions in Indian democracy, responsible for ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections across the country.
Constitutional Provisions
The Election Commission derives its authority directly from the Constitution. Article 324 empowers it to superintend, direct, and control all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, the office of President, and the office of Vice President. Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities fall under State Election Commissions — a common point of confusion in competitive exams.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) enjoys security of tenure similar to a Supreme Court judge — removal requires an address by both Houses of Parliament. This protection ensures independence from executive pressure. Other Election Commissioners enjoy the same service conditions but can be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.
Composition and Structure
Originally a single-member body, the Election Commission became a multi-member body in 1993 with the addition of two Election Commissioners. In cases of disagreement, decisions are made by majority vote. The Chief Election Commissioner chairs all meetings and proceedings.
Key Powers and Functions
- Electoral rolls — Preparation and revision of voter lists for all elections
- Political parties — Registration and recognition as national or state parties based on poll performance
- Election symbols — Allotment of symbols and resolving disputes related to party splits
- Model Code of Conduct — Issued before every election to ensure a level playing field
- Election schedule — Announcement of election dates, which triggers the Model Code of Conduct
- Disqualification matters — Advisory role when the President/Governor seeks opinion on disqualification of sitting members
Important Landmark Events
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, significantly expanding the electorate. T.N. Seshan (CEC, 1990–96) transformed the Election Commission by strictly enforcing the Model Code of Conduct and introducing photo identity cards for voters.
Frequently Asked Exam Points
- ECI is a constitutional body, not a statutory body
- Delimitation of constituencies is done by the Delimitation Commission, not ECI
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Section 29A) governs registration of political parties
- Anti-Defection disqualification is decided by Speaker/Chairman, not ECI
- Article 103 — disqualification of MPs (other than defection) decided by President in consultation with ECI
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About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
