
For the RRB Group D examination, General Knowledge and General Studies play an important role. One of the most asked areas in Indian Polity is the topic of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. This topic is closely linked with the parliamentary system of India. Questions are usually direct and concept-based. A clear understanding helps candidates score confidently.
The Indian Constitution explains how the executive works at the Union level. The President, Prime Minister, and ministers together form the executive structure. However, real powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and the ministers. This makes the topic highly relevant for competitive exams like RRB Group D.
In RRB Group D GK GS, questions from the polity test basic constitutional awareness. Topics related to the Prime Minister And Council Of Ministers are frequently included because they reflect how governance works in India. These questions do not need deep legal knowledge. They need clarity of concepts.
Candidates are often asked about articles of the Constitution, appointment procedures, accountability, and tenure. Questions are also framed to check the difference between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers. This makes focused study essential.
Also Read:
The Prime Minister is the head of the government in India and the real executive authority. Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, formulates government policies, and ensures the smooth functioning of administration under the parliamentary system.
The Prime Minister is the supreme executive officer in the Indian system of governance.
Forms the Council of Ministers: The PM decides who will be ministers.
Allocates Portfolios: The PM distributes and reshuffles ministries among ministers.
Head of the Council of Ministers: The PM presides over Council of Ministers and Cabinet meetings, guiding their decisions.
Determines Government Policy: The PM plays a pivotal role in formulating the country's domestic and foreign policy.
The Council of Ministers is the highest executive body of the Indian government. It consists of the Prime Minister and other ministers appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Council helps in policy-making, administration, and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The Council of Ministers is the key executive body in India. It helps the Prime Minister run the government and implement policies effectively.
Structure: The Council of Ministers comprises the Prime Minister and all three categories of ministers: Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
Appointment of the Prime Minister: As per Article 75(1), the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The Prime Minister is appointed (नियुक्त), not elected or selected. The President appoints the leader of the party that secures a majority in the Lok Sabha elections.
Appointment of Other Ministers: Other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister allocates portfolios (departments) to the ministers.
Responsibility of Ministers: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President. The Council of Ministers has two forms of accountability:
Individual Responsibility: Each minister is individually responsible to the President.
Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers as a whole is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The Indian Constitution defines the roles of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers through specific articles. You must memorize these for your exam:
Article 53: It states that the executive power of the Union is vested in the President. However, the President uses this power based on advice.
Article 74: This mandates that there shall be a Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President. The President must act according to this advice.
Article 75: It explains the appointment, tenure, and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
It is crucial to understand the difference between the Council of Ministers (मंत्रिपरिषद) and the Cabinet (मंत्रिमंडल).
| Difference Between Council of Ministers vs Cabinet | ||
| Feature | Council of Ministers (मंत्रिपरिषद) | Cabinet (मंत्रिमंडल) |
| Size | Larger body. | Smaller, core body. |
| Composition | Comprises three types of ministers: Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. | Comprises only the senior-most ministers (Cabinet Ministers). |
| Power | Theoretically holds power, but decision-making is concentrated in the Cabinet. | The most powerful body, responsible for most major policy decisions. |
| Constitutional Origin | The term is mentioned in the original Constitution. | The term was not in the original Constitution. Added by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978, requiring a written recommendation of the Cabinet for a national emergency. |
To rank well in your exam, keep these specific points about the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in mind:
Size Limit: According to the 91st Amendment Act (2003), the total number of ministers cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
Collective Responsibility: The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If a "No-Confidence Motion" passes, the entire team must resign.
+1
Membership: A minister must be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. If a non-member is appointed, they must get elected to Parliament within six months.
The "Cabinet" Term: The word "Cabinet" was not in the original Constitution. it was added by the 44th Amendment Act (1978).
Real vs. Nominal Head: The President is the nominal (De Jure) head of the state. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers represent the real (De Facto) executive power.
PW provides Railway exam content, including Railway Exam Blogs, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today on Railway Online Coaching for preparation.