The Preamble to the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. Which of these terms were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Socialist, Secular.
• The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble during the Emergency period.
Information Booster:
• Enacted under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• “Socialist” emphasizes economic equality and social justice.
• “Secular” ensures the State has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
• The amendment is also called the “Mini Constitution”.
• It also inserted Fundamental Duties (Part IVA).
Additional Knowledge:
• Original Preamble was adopted on 26 November 1949.
• Preamble is part of the Constitution (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).
• Cannot be amended to alter the basic structure.
• Other key words: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity — inspired by the French Revolution.