The minimum strength of the Council of Ministers in a state as per the Indian Constitution is ________ .

This question was previously asked in
SSC CPO 2024 Official Paper-I (Held On: 29 Jun, 2024 Shift 2)
View all SSC CPO Papers >
  1. 15 persons
  2. 13 persons
  3. 14 persons 
  4. 12 persons

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : 12 persons
Free
SSC CPO : General Intelligence & Reasoning Sectional Test 1
5.3 K Users
50 Questions 50 Marks 35 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is 12 persons.

Key Points

  • Minimum Strength: The Council must have at least 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister.
  • It must constitute at least 10% of the state's Legislative Assembly. 
  • Maximum Strength: It cannot exceed 15% of the total Assembly strength.
  • This rule was introduced by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. 

Additional Information

  • 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003:
    • Limit on Ministers: The Council of Ministers cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the legislative body, but must have at least 12 ministers.
    • Anti-Defection: Strengthened the anti-defection law, disqualifying MPs/MLAs who defect from holding ministerial positions.
    • No Exemption for Splits: Removed the provision allowing splits in parties by one-third of members.
    • Disqualification: Defectors cannot be appointed to ministerial or remunerative political positions until re-elected.
    • The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, meaning they must maintain the confidence of the majority to remain in power.
    • Each minister is responsible for their own actions and for the administration of their department.
    • Ministers are required to take an oath of office and secrecy before assuming their duties, administered by the Governor.
Latest SSC CPO Updates

Last updated on May 28, 2025

-> The SSC has released the new SSC CPO exam calendar which includes Notification Details. According to the notification, SSC CPO application will be active from 16th June 2025 to 7th July 2025.

-> The SSC CPO Exam Dates will be conducted from 1st September 2025 to 6th September 2025.  

-> The selection process for SSC CPO includes a Tier 1, Physical Standard Test (PST)/ Physical Endurance Test (PET), Tier 2, and Medical Test.

-> The salary of the candidates who will get successful selection for the CPO post will be from ₹35,400 to ₹112,400.     

-> Prepare well for the exam by solving SSC CPO Previous Year Papers. Also, attempt the SSC CPO Mock Tests

-> Attempt SSC CPO Free English Mock Tests Here!

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti cash game teen patti 51 bonus teen patti real teen patti master gold teen patti star apk