Microtheme: 5th & 6th Schedules —
10 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] Consider the following statements about provisions pertaining to SC/STs in India:
   1. Provisions for Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are in the Fifth Schedule.
   2. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes.
   3. The Constitution provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to SCs and STs.
   • (a) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2
   • (b) There are two correct statements, that are statements 1 and 3
   • (c) There is only one correct statement
   • (d) All three statements are correct
   Correct Answer: (A) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2
2. [2025] Consider the following statements:
   With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule:
   I. The State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration.
   II. The Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on the recommendations of the Governor.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
3. [2024] Consider the following statements:
   1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
   2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
4. [2023] With reference to ‘Scheduled Areas’ in India, consider the following statements :
   1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President.
   2. The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block.
   3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas
   in the States.
   How many of the above statemnents are correct?
   • (a) Only one
   • (b) Only two
   • (c) All three
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (A) Only one
5. [2022] If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it ?
   • (a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
   • (b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
   • (c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
   • (d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.
   Correct Answer: (A) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
6. [2019] Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?
   • (a) Third Schedule
   • (b) Fifth Schedule
   • (c) Ninth Schedule
   • (d) Twelfth Schedule
   Correct Answer: (B) Fifth Schedule
7. [2015] The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
   • (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
   • (b) determine the boundaries between States
   • (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
   • (d) protect the interests of all border States
   Correct Answer: (A) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
8. [2013] The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996.
   Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?
   • (a) To provide self-governance
   • (b) To recognize traditional rights
   • (c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
   • (d) To free tribal people from exploitation
   Correct Answer: (C) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
9. [2012] In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?
   1. Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
   2. Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
   3. Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting license or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 1 and 2 only
   • (c) 2 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
10. [2008] Which schedule of the Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States?
    • (a) Third
    • (b) Fifth
    • (c) Seventh
    • (d) Ninth
    Correct Answer: (B) Fifth