Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
Ready to check the official UPSC Answer Key?
Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.
Correct Answer: Option (A) — Need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses within six months
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedOption (a) is correct: Under Article 75(5) of the Constitution, a Minister (including the Prime Minister) who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of either House of Parliament ceases to be a Minister at the expiration of that period. In 1997, the Supreme Court held that a person who is not a member of either House can be appointed Prime Minister for six months, within which time they must get elected to either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
Practice Full-Length & Sectional Prelims Mocks on this Interface
50 simulated tests in the APT Prelims Test Series (₹1,493) or 1-on-1 Mentorship with Avinash Sir.