This is Set 2 of 42 in the smartvidya question bank on the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Part I: General conduct and core values. This set covers Rule 2: "Government", "Government servant", the deputation Explanation and "members of the family".
Try each question first, then tap Show answer to see the correct option, a short explanation and the rule reference. The gift limits in Rule 13(3) are as revised in 2019, and share-trading intimation follows the DoPT OM of 07.02.2019.
Set 2: Rule 2 – Definitions
1. Under Rule 2 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, "the Government" means:
(a) The Central Government or a State Government, as the case may be
(b) The Ministry in which the Government servant is working
(c) The Central Government
(d) The President acting on the advice of the UPSC
Ans. (c) The Central Government — Explanation: Rule 2(a) defines "the Government" simply as the Central Government. Wherever the rules require the sanction of "the Government", it is the Central Government that gives it, through the competent Ministry or Department. [Ref: Rule 2(a)]
2. Which of the following is part of the definition of "Government servant" in Rule 2?
(a) Any person receiving remuneration from the Consolidated Fund of India
(b) Any person working in a body substantially financed by the Central Government
(c) Only a person holding a permanent post in a Central Ministry
(d) A person appointed by Government to any civil service or post in connection with the affairs of the Union, including a civilian in a Defence Service
Ans. (d) A person appointed by Government to any civil service or post in connection with the affairs of the Union, including a civilian in a Defence Service — Explanation: Rule 2(b) defines a Government servant as a person appointed by Government to any civil service or post in connection with the affairs of the Union, and it includes a civilian in a Defence Service. [Ref: Rule 2(b)]
3. A Central Government servant is sent on deputation to a public sector corporation, which pays his salary from its own funds. For the purpose of the Conduct Rules he is:
(a) Governed only by the corporation's conduct rules
(b) Deemed to be a Government servant serving under the Government
(c) Outside all conduct rules until he returns
(d) Treated as an employee of the corporation only
Ans. (b) Deemed to be a Government servant serving under the Government — Explanation: The Explanation to Rule 2(b) deems a Government servant whose services are placed at the disposal of a company, corporation, organisation or local authority to be serving under the Government, even though his salary comes from sources other than the Consolidated Fund of India. [Ref: Rule 2(b), Explanation]
4. The Explanation to Rule 2(b) applies "notwithstanding that his salary is drawn from sources other than" which fund?
(a) The Consolidated Fund of India
(b) The Public Account of India
(c) The Consolidated Fund of the State
(d) The Contingency Fund of India
Ans. (a) The Consolidated Fund of India — Explanation: The deputationist remains a Government servant for the Conduct Rules even though his salary is not drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India. [Ref: Rule 2(b), Explanation]
5. The deputation Explanation to Rule 2(b) covers services placed at the disposal of which of the following?
(a) Only an international organisation such as the UN
(b) Only a foreign Government
(c) Only a State Government
(d) A company, corporation, organisation or local authority
Ans. (d) A company, corporation, organisation or local authority — Explanation: The Explanation names a company, a corporation, an organisation or a local authority. A Government servant lent to any of these remains bound by the Conduct Rules. [Ref: Rule 2(b), Explanation]
6. Which relation is included in "members of the family" under Rule 2(c) whether or not the person lives with the Government servant?
(a) A wholly dependent brother
(b) The wife or husband
(c) A married son who is self-supporting
(d) A step-daughter who is married and not dependent
Ans. (b) The wife or husband — Explanation: Rule 2(c)(i) includes the wife or husband "whether residing with the Government servant or not". Other relatives must be wholly dependent to count. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(i)]
7. When is a wife or husband NOT treated as a member of the family under Rule 2(c)?
(a) When separated from the Government servant by a decree or order of a competent court
(b) When earning more than the Government servant
(c) When living in a different city for employment
(d) When the couple have been living apart informally for over a year
Ans. (a) When separated from the Government servant by a decree or order of a competent court — Explanation: The spouse is excluded only if separated by a decree or order of a competent court. Living apart without such an order does not take the spouse out of the definition. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(i)]
8. Mrs Kaur, a Section Officer, lives apart from her husband because he works abroad; there is no court order of separation. Is her husband a member of her family under Rule 2(c)?
(a) Only if he has official dealings with her office
(b) Yes, because only a court-ordered separation excludes a spouse
(c) No, because he does not reside with her
(d) No, because he is not dependent on her
Ans. (b) Yes, because only a court-ordered separation excludes a spouse — Explanation: A spouse counts "whether residing with the Government servant or not". Neither dependency nor residence is required for a spouse; only a separation by decree or order of a court excludes him. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(i)]
9. A son or daughter of the Government servant is a member of his family under Rule 2(c) when the child is:
(a) Wholly dependent on the Government servant
(b) Unmarried, whatever the income
(c) Living in the same house, whether dependent or not
(d) Below 25 years of age
Ans. (a) Wholly dependent on the Government servant — Explanation: Rule 2(c)(ii) includes a son, daughter, step-son or step-daughter who is wholly dependent on the Government servant. Age, marital status or residence are not the test; dependency is. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(ii)]
10. Which of the following children is excluded from "members of the family" by Rule 2(c)(ii)?
(a) A wholly dependent daughter studying abroad
(b) A wholly dependent son who lives in a hostel
(c) A wholly dependent step-son
(d) A child of whose custody the Government servant has been deprived by or under any law
Ans. (d) A child of whose custody the Government servant has been deprived by or under any law — Explanation: Rule 2(c)(ii) excludes a child who is no longer in any way dependent, and a child of whose custody the Government servant has been deprived by or under any law. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(ii)]
11. Are step-children covered by the definition of "members of the family"?
(a) Yes, a step-son or step-daughter who is wholly dependent is covered
(b) No, only natural children are covered
(c) Only step-children below 18 years of age are covered
(d) Yes, all step-children are covered whether dependent or not
Ans. (a) Yes, a step-son or step-daughter who is wholly dependent is covered — Explanation: Rule 2(c)(ii) expressly mentions step-sons and step-daughters, on the same condition of being wholly dependent on the Government servant. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(ii)]
12. Under Rule 2(c)(iii), a relative other than a spouse or child is a member of the family if he or she is:
(a) Named as a nominee in the Government servant's service book
(b) Related by blood only and living in the same house
(c) Any relative within three degrees, whether dependent or not
(d) Related by blood or marriage to the Government servant or the spouse, and wholly dependent on the Government servant
Ans. (d) Related by blood or marriage to the Government servant or the spouse, and wholly dependent on the Government servant — Explanation: The residuary clause covers any other person related by blood or marriage to the Government servant or to his wife or her husband, provided that person is wholly dependent on the Government servant. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(iii)]
13. Mr Iyer's widowed mother-in-law has no income and lives wholly on his support. Under Rule 2(c) she is:
(a) Not a member, because she is not related by blood
(b) Not a member, because only parents of the Government servant count
(c) A member only if she lives in his Government quarters
(d) A member of his family, being related by marriage and wholly dependent
Ans. (d) A member of his family, being related by marriage and wholly dependent — Explanation: Rule 2(c)(iii) covers persons related by blood or marriage to the Government servant or to the spouse, if wholly dependent. A dependent mother-in-law qualifies. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(iii)]
14. Mr Verma's younger brother is a practising advocate who earns his own living. Under Rule 2(c), the brother is:
(a) A member of the family only for the purpose of Rule 4
(b) Not a member of the family, since he is not wholly dependent
(c) A member of the family, since he is related by blood
(d) A member of the family if he is unmarried
Ans. (b) Not a member of the family, since he is not wholly dependent — Explanation: A brother is covered only by the residuary clause, which requires the person to be wholly dependent on the Government servant. A self-supporting brother is not a member of the family. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(iii)]
15. Which of the following is correct about the definition of "members of the family" in Rule 2(c)?
(a) It is an inclusive definition that uses the word "includes"
(b) It covers all relatives living in the same household
(c) It covers only persons named in the Government servant's CGHS card
(d) It is an exhaustive list of spouse and minor children only
Ans. (a) It is an inclusive definition that uses the word "includes" — Explanation: Rule 2(c) says "members of the family" in relation to a Government servant "includes" the listed categories: spouse, dependent children and step-children, and other wholly dependent relatives by blood or marriage. [Ref: Rule 2(c)]
16. Consider these statements under Rule 2(c): 1. A wife living separately without any court order is a member of the family. 2. A self-supporting married daughter is a member of the family. 3. A wholly dependent step-son is a member of the family. Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 only
Ans. (a) 1 and 3 only — Explanation: A spouse is excluded only by a court decree or order, and a wholly dependent step-son is expressly covered. A self-supporting married daughter is not dependent, so she is not a member of the family. [Ref: Rule 2(c)]
17. Why does the definition of "members of the family" matter under Rule 13 on gifts?
(a) Only gifts received by the spouse need to be reported
(b) Family members may accept any gift if they have their own income
(c) Gifts to family members are always outside the rules
(d) The Government servant must not permit any member of his family to accept a gift that he himself could not accept
Ans. (d) The Government servant must not permit any member of his family to accept a gift that he himself could not accept — Explanation: Rule 13(1) bars a Government servant from accepting, or permitting any member of his family or any person acting on his behalf to accept, any gift, except as provided in the rules. The definition decides whose gifts are caught. [Ref: Rule 2(c); Rule 13(1)]
18. Mrs Sen's husband, a businessman, buys a flat from his own funds in his own name. Which statement best reflects the position under the Conduct Rules as clarified by the Government?
(a) Mrs Sen must report the purchase within one month as a movable property transaction
(b) Mrs Sen must obtain previous sanction because her husband is a member of her family
(c) A spouse's transactions from his or her own independent funds are not covered by Rule 18
(d) The husband himself must seek previous knowledge of the prescribed authority
Ans. (c) A spouse's transactions from his or her own independent funds are not covered by Rule 18 — Explanation: Government instructions of 11.09.1978 clarify that transactions made by the spouse from his or her own funds, and not from the Government servant's funds, are not covered by Rule 18; the husband is a family member, but the rule covers property acquired in the family member's name by the Government servant. [Ref: Rule 18; GoI decision dt 11.09.1978]
19. Which condition applies to both "sons and daughters" and "other relatives" under Rule 2(c)?
(a) They must be declared as dependants in the service book
(b) They must be minors
(c) They must be wholly dependent on the Government servant
(d) They must live with the Government servant
Ans. (c) They must be wholly dependent on the Government servant — Explanation: Both Rule 2(c)(ii) and Rule 2(c)(iii) require the person to be wholly dependent on the Government servant. The spouse alone is included without a dependency condition. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(ii), (iii)]
20. Mr Khan's son earns a stipend as a research scholar that fully meets his needs, though he lives at home. Under Rule 2(c) the son is:
(a) A member of the family because he is unmarried
(b) A member of the family because he lives with his father
(c) Not a member of the family, since he is no longer dependent on his father
(d) A member of the family for the purposes of Rule 4 only
Ans. (c) Not a member of the family, since he is no longer dependent on his father — Explanation: A child who is no longer in any way dependent on the Government servant is excluded from the definition. Living in the same house does not by itself make him a member of the family. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(ii)]
21. A Government servant's divorced wife, whose marriage was dissolved by a court decree, is:
(a) A member of the family if they have children together
(b) A member of the family until she remarries
(c) Not a member of the family under Rule 2(c)
(d) A member of the family if she receives maintenance from him
Ans. (c) Not a member of the family under Rule 2(c) — Explanation: A spouse separated by a decree or order of a competent court is excluded from the definition, and a divorced spouse is no longer a wife at all. Payment of maintenance does not bring her back into the definition. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(i)]
22. In which of the following rules does the expression "member of his family" NOT play a direct role?
(a) Rule 22A on employment of children below 14 years
(b) Rule 15(3) on family members in trade or business
(c) Rule 18(2) on immovable property held in the name of family members
(d) Rule 4 on employment of near relatives in firms
Ans. (a) Rule 22A on employment of children below 14 years — Explanation: Rule 22A simply bars a Government servant from employing any child below 14 years. Rules 4, 15(3) and 18(2) all turn on transactions or activities of members of the family. [Ref: Rule 2(c); Rules 4, 15(3), 18(2), 22A]
23. A Government servant on foreign service with a State public sector undertaking accepts an expensive gift from a supplier of that undertaking. Can he claim the Conduct Rules do not apply because he is paid by the undertaking?
(a) Yes, provided the undertaking's own rules permit such gifts
(b) Yes, since his salary is not drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India
(c) No, he is deemed to be a Government servant serving under the Government for the purpose of the rules
(d) No, but only Rule 3 applies to him and not Rule 13
Ans. (c) No, he is deemed to be a Government servant serving under the Government for the purpose of the rules — Explanation: The Explanation to Rule 2(b) keeps a deputationist within the Conduct Rules despite being paid from other sources. All the rules, including Rule 13 on gifts, apply to him. [Ref: Rule 2(b), Explanation; Rule 13]
24. Which of the following persons, if wholly dependent on the Government servant, would qualify as a member of the family under the residuary clause of Rule 2(c)?
(a) A friend's son whose education he funds
(b) The Government servant's widowed sister-in-law
(c) A domestic helper who lives with the family
(d) A tenant of his ancestral house
Ans. (b) The Government servant's widowed sister-in-law — Explanation: The residuary clause covers persons related by blood or marriage to the Government servant or the spouse. A sister-in-law is related by marriage; a helper, friend's son or tenant is not a relative at all. [Ref: Rule 2(c)(iii)]
25. The term "Government servant" in Rule 2(b) refers to a person appointed in connection with the affairs of:
(a) Local bodies and municipalities
(b) The Union
(c) Any State or the Union
(d) Public sector undertakings
Ans. (b) The Union — Explanation: The definition speaks of persons appointed to civil services or posts "in connection with the affairs of the Union". State Government servants are covered by their own rules. [Ref: Rule 2(b)]
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These questions are prepared for practice from the text of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and related Government of India instructions. Always check the latest DoPT orders before relying on any point for official decisions.