Q1. Which of the following statements about Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is correct?Which of the following statements about Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is correct?
- OCI is equivalent to full dual citizenship.
- OCI cardholders can vote in Indian elections.
- OCI cardholders enjoy certain rights similar to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
- OCI cardholders can become Members of Parliament in India.
Correct Option: 3. OCI cardholders enjoy certain rights similar to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Explanation: OCI is not dual citizenship, as Article 9 of the Constitution prohibits it. OCI cardholders enjoy NRI-like benefits (property rights, education, visa-free entry), but not political rights such as voting or holding public office.
Q2. Which of the following countries’ citizens are not eligible for OCI status, even if they are of Indian origin?
- Australia
- USA
- Canada
- Bangladesh
Correct Option: 4. Bangladesh.
Explanation: Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh are explicitly excluded from OCI eligibility under Indian law, regardless of Indian ancestry.
Q3. The OCI and PIO schemes were merged under which Amendment Act?
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
Correct Option: 3. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015.
Explanation: The 2015 Amendment unified the OCI and PIO card schemes to eliminate redundancy and confusion, forming a single OCI Cardholder category.
Q4. Which of the following rights is NOT available to OCI cardholders?
- Right to own non-agricultural property in India
- Right to vote in Lok Sabha elections
- Right to travel to India without a visa
- Right to attend Indian educational institutions under NRI quota
Correct Option: 2. Right to vote in Lok Sabha elections.
Explanation: OCI cardholders do not have political rights like voting, contesting elections, or holding public office. However, they can travel freely, study in India, and invest.
Q5. Under which condition can the OCI status of a person be cancelled by the Central Government?
- If the cardholder applies for an Indian voter ID card
- If the OCI cardholder fails to renew their passport
- If the OCI cardholder has not visited India in the last 10 years
- If the registration was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation
Correct Option: 4. If the registration was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.
Explanation: OCI status can be cancelled for reasons like fraud, showing disaffection to the Constitution, or posing a threat to national security. Not renewing a passport or lack of travel is not a valid ground for cancellation.