Question map
Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002 : Statement-I : One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm. Statement-II : The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3: 2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4 because Statement-I is incorrect, while Statement-II is correct according to the Flag Code of India, 2002.
- Statement-I is incorrect: The Flag Code specifies nine standard sizes for the National Flag. These are 6300x4200, 3600x2400, 2700x1800, 1800x1200, 1350x900, 900x600, 450x300, 225x150, and 150x100 (all in mm). The dimensions 600 mm x 400 mm are not among the officially prescribed standard sizes.
- Statement-II is correct: Paragraph 1.1 of the Flag Code explicitly states that the shape of the National Flag shall be rectangular and the ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
Since the specific dimensions mentioned in Statement-I do not exist in the official list, but the ratio mentioned in Statement-II is a fundamental rule of the flag's design, Option 4 is the only logically sound choice.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis question is a classic 'Current Affairs derived Static' trap. The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign (2022) brought the Flag Code into focus. While the ratio (3:2) is standard knowledge, Statement I is a 'Math Trap'—600x400 fits the ratio but is NOT a legally defined standard size. You must distinguish between mathematical correctness and statutory lists.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Provides an explicit list of standard flag dimensions in mm (e.g., 6300x4200, 900x600, 450x300, 150x100) and states the length:height ratio is 3:2.
A student can compare the listed sizes to 600x400 to see if that exact size appears; additionally, since the ratio is 3:2, they can check whether 600x400 conforms to the prescribed ratio.
Contains a test-item that specifically names the assertion 'One of the standard sizes ... is 600 mm x 400 mm' as Statement‑I to be evaluated against the Flag Code.
A student could use this to focus their verification efforts on whether the Flag Code's explicit list (as in snippet 2) includes 600x400 or not.
Gives examples of intended uses for certain standard sizes (450x300 for aircraft/VIP flights, 225x150 for motor-cars, 150x100 for tables), reinforcing that the Code specifies particular discrete standard sizes.
A student can infer the Code prefers specific canonical dimensions (not arbitrary ones) and therefore check whether 600x400 is among those canonical entries.
Reiterates the rule about correct display and mentions the flag's orientation/condition rules; together with ratio info elsewhere, it underscores that proportions and proper prescribed dimensions matter.
A student could combine this with the ratio claim to verify if 600x400 is proportionally acceptable (3:2) even if not listed as a standard size.
- Direct sentence specifying: 'The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the flag shall be 3:2.'
- Immediately followed by a list of standard dimensions whose proportions are consistent with 3:2, reinforcing the ratio as the prescribed standard.
- [THE VERDICT]: Trap / Moderate. Found in Laxmikanth (Appendices/National Symbols) and the Flag Code of India text.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 2022 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign and the 2021 Amendment to the Flag Code (allowing polyester).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 9 specific standard sizes: 6300×4200, 3600×2400, 2700×1800, 1800×1200, 1350×900, 900×600, 450×300, 225×150, 150×100. Also, check the National Emblem (State Emblem of India Act 2005) and National Anthem vs. Song adoption dates (Jan 24, 1950).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a question cites a specific 'Code' or 'Act', do not rely on derivation (e.g., calculating 600/400 = 3/2). You must verify if the specific value exists in the statutory schedule. If a number looks 'clean' but isn't in your memorized list, be skeptical.
The national flag has a prescribed length-to-height ratio of 3:2 and an explicit list of standard dimensions.
High-yield for prelims MCQs and mains questions on symbols and statutory codes; mastering this helps eliminate incorrect size options and understand how legal specifications are presented. Connects to topics on statutory rules and constitutional symbols, and enables precise answers on regulated dimensions and ratios.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PART I GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL FLAG > p. 731
Certain smaller standard sizes are designated for particular uses such as aircraft, motor-cars and table displays.
Useful for quick recall in objective questions and for descriptive answers on protocol; links practical display guidance to the formal schedule of sizes and helps in answering application-based questions about official protocol.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PART I GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL FLAG > p. 732
The code lists prohibitions like not displaying damaged flags, not dipping the flag, not allowing it to touch the ground, and restrictions on relative placement with other flags.
Frequent theme in polity and ethics questions linking fundamental duties, constitutional respect for national symbols, and legal protocol; equips aspirants to handle both MCQs and essay/substantive questions on flag etiquette and civic duties.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > Secti_ IV: Incorrect Display > p. 734
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > Section VII : Display with Flags of other Nations and of United Nations > p. 735
Defines the 3:2 length-to-height ratio and enumerates standard flag dimensions (e.g., 6300x4200, 3600x2400) that implement that proportion.
High-yield for UPSC polity: questions often ask prescribed dimensions or proportions of national symbols. Mastering this helps answer direct fact-based items and eliminate distractors in MCQs; connects to study of official codes and specifications.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PART I GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL FLAG > p. 731
Covers prohibited practices such as dipping the flag, letting it touch the ground, using it as covering or ornament, and placement constraints when displayed with other flags.
Useful for UPSC questions on national symbols, etiquette and legal restrictions; links to fundamental duties and laws preventing insult to national honour and improper use. Enables handling application-style questions on correct/incorrect flag usage.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > Secti_ IV: Incorrect Display > p. 734
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > Section I > p. 732
Records material-related guidance and notes an amendment to paragraph 1.2 (relating to cloth specification), indicating that Flag Code provisions can be amended.
Important for questions on administrative law and how executive orders or notifications modify statutory or quasi-statutory codes; helps frame answers about the evolving nature of official symbols and their regulation.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PART I GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL FLAG > p. 731
The 2021 Amendment to the Flag Code. Before Dec 2021, only hand-spun/hand-woven wool/cotton/silk/khadi was allowed. The amendment permitted machine-made and polyester flags. This was the actual trigger for the question.
The 'Redundancy Check'. If Statement II says the ratio is 3:2, and Statement I gives a size (600x400) that is exactly 3:2, a naive student marks both correct. UPSC rarely wastes a statement just to demonstrate the math of the other. The trap is usually that the math works, but the legal provision does not exist.
Mains GS-II (Polity & Governance) and GS-IV (Ethics): Link this to Fundamental Duties (Article 51A(a) - to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem) and the 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'.