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Indian PolityEasyAsked in: SSC MTS · 5 Aug 2019, Shift 2

How many times has National emergency been declared in India?

  1. A.Four times
  2. B.Three times
  3. C.Two times
  4. D.Only once

Correct answer

B. Three times

Explanation

The correct answer is Three times. A National Emergency under Article 352 has been proclaimed three times: in October 1962, when China attacked India; in December 1971, during the war with Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh; and in June 1975, on the ground of "internal disturbance", during Indira Gandhi's government. The first two were external emergencies; the third was the only internal emergency India has had.

The 1975 proclamation came while the 1971 emergency was still in force, so for about two years two emergencies ran side by side; both were revoked in March 1977. That overlap is why "two times" sometimes tempts candidates who think of periods rather than proclamations. "Four times" and "only once" have no basis. Note that the count refers only to National Emergencies: President's Rule under Article 356 has been imposed on States many times, and a Financial Emergency under Article 360 has never been declared.

Read the full article: Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360): Notes and PYQs

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Q3.Indian PolityAsked in: SSC CHSL · 24 Nov 2025, Shift 3Medium

Which of the following amendment act of the Indian constitution replaced the term "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion" in the context of a national emergency?

  1. A.41st Amendment act, 1976
  2. B.44th Amendment act, 1978
  3. C.42nd Amendment act, 1976
  4. D.43rd Amendment act, 1977
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 44th Amendment act, 1978

The Emergency of June 1975 was declared on the ground of "internal disturbance", a phrase so vague that almost any political unrest could be brought under it.

Q5.Indian PolityAsked in: RRB NTPC · 8 May 2026, Shift 2Medium

'Effect of Proclamation of Emergency' is explicitly provided in which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

  1. A.Article 353
  2. B.Article 350
  3. C.Article 256
  4. D.Article 252
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Article 353

While a National Emergency is in force, it extends the executive power of the Union to giving directions to any State on the manner in which its executive power is to be exercised, and it allows Parliament to make laws on any matter, even one in the State List.