Consider the following statements about the "Concurrent List": 1. Both Union and State Legislatures can make laws on these matters. 2. It includes subjects like Education and Transfer of Property other than Agricultural land. 3. In case of a conflict, the State law always prevails if it was passed earlier. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 2 only. Explanation The Constitution of India provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Union and the States under the Seventh Schedule (Article 246). The Concurrent List (List III) enumerates matters on which both the Parliament and State Legislatures have the competence to legislate. - Statement 1 is Correct: Under Article 246(2), both the Parliament and the Legislature of any State have the power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III (Concurrent List). This ensures uniformity in legislation while allowing for state-specific modifications. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union and the States. Education was originally in the State List but was transferred to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 (Entry 25). Transfer of Property other than agricultural land is explicitly mentioned under Entry 6 of the Concurrent List. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: According to Article 254(1), in case of a conflict (repugnancy) between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, the Central law prevails, regardless of whether it was passed before or after the State law. The State law prevails only if it has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent (Article 254(2)). Even in this case, Parliament retains the power to enact a law adding to, amending, varying, or repealing the law so made by the State Legislature. Therefore, the State law does not "always" prevail based on earlier passage. Key Takeaway: In the Concurrent List, parliamentary law generally prevails over state law in case of conflict (Doctrine of Repugnancy), unless the state law has received Presidential assent, which grants it validity only within that specific state.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 2: Federalism

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Consider the following statements about the "Concurrent List":

Both Union and State Legislatures can make laws on these matters.
It includes subjects like Education and Transfer of Property other than Agricultural land.
In case of a conflict, the State law always prevails if it was passed earlier.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

The Constitution of India provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Union and the States under the Seventh Schedule (Article 246). The Concurrent List (List III) enumerates matters on which both the Parliament and State Legislatures have the competence to legislate.

Statement 1 is Correct: Under Article 246(2), both the Parliament and the Legislature of any State have the power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III (Concurrent List). This ensures uniformity in legislation while allowing for state-specific modifications.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union and the States. Education was originally in the State List but was transferred to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 (Entry 25). Transfer of Property other than agricultural land is explicitly mentioned under Entry 6 of the Concurrent List.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: According to Article 254(1), in case of a conflict (repugnancy) between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, the Central law prevails, regardless of whether it was passed before or after the State law. The State law prevails only if it has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent (Article 254(2)). Even in this case, Parliament retains the power to enact a law adding to, amending, varying, or repealing the law so made by the State Legislature. Therefore, the State law does not "always" prevail based on earlier passage.

Key Takeaway: In the Concurrent List, parliamentary law generally prevails over state law in case of conflict (Doctrine of Repugnancy), unless the state law has received Presidential assent, which grants it validity only within that specific state.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Federalism

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of state boundaries in India: 1. At the time of independence, the provinces were organized primarily based on linguistic distinctiveness to ensure cultural homogeneity. 2. The integration of princely states involved their merger into existing provinces or the creation of new administrative units. 3. The renaming of states, such as Mysore to Karnataka, reflects the constitutional flexibility regarding the identity of constituent units. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the essential characteristics of a federal system, consider the following statements: 1. It mandates a system of dual citizenship to foster regional and national loyalties simultaneously. 2. It requires a written constitution that serves as the supreme source of power for both the central and regional governments. 3. It necessitates an independent judiciary to adjudicate disputes regarding the division of powers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which statement best describes the Indian Constitution's approach to federalism?

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Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as:

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Federalism

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The correct option is 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Under Article 246(2), both the Parliament and the Legislature of any State have the power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III (Concurrent List). This ensures uniformity in legislation while allowing for state-specific modifications.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union and the States. Education was originally in the State List but was transferred to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 (Entry 25). Transfer of Property other than agricultural land is explicitly mentioned under Entry 6 of the Concurrent List.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: According to Article 254(1), in case of a conflict (repugnancy) between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, the Central law prevails, regardless of whether it was passed before or after the State law. The State law prevails only if it has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent (Article 254(2)). Even in this case, Parliament retains the power to enact a law adding to, amending, varying, or repealing the law so made by the State Legislature. Therefore, the State law does not "always" prevail based on earlier passage.