UPSC Notes

Federal Structure & Centre-State Relations

PYQs

14

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding the dynamics of Centre-State relations is fundamental to comprehending the functioning of Indian polity, governance challenges, and the evolution of federalism, which impacts policy implementation, resource allocation, and political stability.

India's Constitution establishes a federal system with a division of powers between the Union and State governments, encompassing legislative, administrative, and financial aspects. This relationship is characterized by both cooperation and potential friction, particularly concerning the extent of central control over state affairs.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Articles 245-263 define legislative and administrative relations; Articles 268-281 define financial relations.

Quasi-Federal Nature

India is often described as 'quasi-federal' or 'federal with a strong unitary bias' due to the Centre's overriding powers.

Administrative Control

The Union government exercises administrative control over states in various matters, including approval for foreign visits of state functionaries.

Key Commissions

Sarkaria Commission (1983) and Punchhi Commission (2007) extensively reviewed Centre-State relations.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)Regulates/approves foreign visits of state functionaries
Prime Minister's Office (PMO)Directs/approves high-level decisions concerning state functionaries' foreign engagements
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • India's federalism is characterized by a strong Centre, with states having distinct but not entirely independent powers.
  • Administrative relations cover executive powers, inter-state cooperation, and central directives to states.
  • The Governor acts as a crucial link and sometimes a point of friction between the Centre and the State.
  • Central approval for foreign travel of state CMs is a long-standing administrative practice.
  • Commissions like Sarkaria and Punchhi have recommended measures to strengthen cooperative federalism.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance

It is wrong to cancel Telangana CM’s US visit

25 Aug 2026 · Indian federalism involves a constitutional division of powers between Centre and States, with administrative relations often leading to points of contention, such as central approval for state functionaries' foreign travel.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 14 linked questions on Federal Structure & Centre-State Relations in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Federal Structure & Centre-State Relations

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

2025·Indian Polity
Solve

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the -

2016·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements: 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation base...

2024·Modern History
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

2025·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own disc...

2025·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements 1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by the introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only. 2. If su...

2013·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day a...

2023·Indian Polity
Solve

The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

2013·Indian Polity
Solve

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

2017·Indian Polity
Solve

Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense pol...

2019·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. 2. A com...

2024·Indian Polity
Solve

Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President’s rule in a State? 1. Dissolution of the State Legislative ...

2017·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to 'Scheduled Areas' in India, consider the following statements: 1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place...

2023·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances...

2023·Indian Polity
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality