Anti-Defection Law Explained | Constitution UPSC Prelims

Constitutional basis
10th Schedule of the Constitution

Inserted by
52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985

Purpose
• To prevent political defections motivated by personal gain.
• To ensure stability of elected governments.

When does disqualification apply?

  1. Voluntarily giving up membership of the political party.
  2. Voting or abstaining against party whip without prior permission.
  3. Independent member joining a political party after election.
  4. Nominated member joining a political party after 6 months.

Decision-making authority
• Speaker / Chairman of the House (subject to judicial review).

Key update
91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
• Removed protection for splits.
• Only mergers supported by at least 2/3rd members are allowed

PYQ – 2025 ( Ans: D )
PYQ – 2022 ( Ans: B )
PYQ – 2019 ( Ans: D )

About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and esteemed examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam comprises three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview) — designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, decision-making, and leadership skills.


How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent revision, structured answer writing, and smart test-taking strategies. The Prelims test analytical and conceptual clarity, the Mains focuses on critical thinking, articulation, and subject mastery, while the Interview assesses presence of mind, ethical judgment, and personality traits relevant to public service.

At UnderStand UPSC, we empower aspirants with a personalized and focused approach to each stage of the exam.


Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

UnderStand UPSC is a mentorship-driven platform offering a clear, clutter-free strategy to tackle the Civil Services Examination. Our programs like Transform (for beginners and intermediate learners) and Conquer (for advanced mains preparation) provide structured study plans, syllabus-wise video content, interactive live sessions, and answer writing support.

We emphasize:

  • Concept clarity through topic-wise lectures

  • Test series designed around real UPSC standards

  • Personalized mentorship in small groups

  • Regular performance tracking and peer benchmarking

  • Doubt-clearing sessions, current affairs analysis, and monthly magazines


Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

Our mission is to make UPSC preparation less overwhelming and more strategic. We combine mentorship, discipline, and academic rigor to help you clear CSE with confidence. Whether you’re preparing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or a remote village — our online-first model ensures quality guidance reaches every corner of India.

Join the thousands of aspirants who trust UnderStand UPSC to guide their journey toward becoming civil servants.

Stay connected with us through our Telegram, YouTube, and Instagram channels for daily tips, strategies, and updates.

Copyright © 2026 USARAMBHA EDUCATION (UnderStand UPSC). All Rights Reserved.

Join the Success Journey!