Indian Polity : Parliament

Q 1 / 51

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Consider the following statements in respect of questions asked by the Members in the Parliament of India:

  1. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House.
  2. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer.
  3. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question.
Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is C. There is only one correct statement.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

The Question Hour is a parliamentary device used by Members of Parliament to hold the executive accountable. Questions are categorized into Starred, Unstarred, and Short Notice questions based on the nature of the response required and the procedure followed.

Statement-wise Analysis

  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: Unstarred questions are those for which a written answer is desired by the Member. These answers are laid on the table of the House by the concerned Minister and do not require an oral response during Question Hour.
  • Statement 2 is Incorrect: Starred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House. These are distinguished by an asterisk (*) mark. Since the answer is given orally, it allows for further deliberation.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: In the case of unstarred questions, since the reply is provided in a written format and not discussed orally on the floor of the House, no supplementary questions can be asked. Supplementary questions are permitted only for Starred questions following the Minister's oral response.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: Starred questions require oral answers and allow supplementary questions, whereas Unstarred questions require written answers and do not permit supplementary questions.

SOURCEUpsc Cse Prelims Gs Paper I 2026