How can a foreigner who has lived in India for 12 years acquire Indian citizenship?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (b) By naturalisation

Explanation:

• A foreigner who has lived in India for 12 years can acquire Indian citizenship through the process of naturalisation under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• The applicant must have:

  • Resided in India for 11 years out of the last 14 years, and

  • Lived continuously for the 12 months preceding the application.

• Citizenship is granted by the Central Government, subject to conditions like good character and knowledge of Indian language.

Information Booster:

• Naturalisation is governed by Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Citizenship is not automatic; it requires application and approval.

• Applicants may need to renounce their original nationality.

• Language and intent to reside in India permanently are considered.

• The process involves MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) scrutiny.

• A foreigner cannot get citizenship just by long stay unless this process is followed.

Additional Information:

• By birth – Applies to persons born in India under certain conditions (not foreigners residing).

• By descent – For those born abroad to Indian parents (citizenship inherited).

• By registration – For persons of Indian origin or spouses of Indian citizens; not for long-term foreign residents.