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Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding legal frameworks for social issues, governance challenges in implementation, ethical dimensions of medical technology, role of state in regulating private practice.

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, is an Indian parliamentary act that prohibits sex selection, before or after conception, and regulates the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for detecting genetic abnormalities or sex-linked disorders. Its primary objective is to prevent the misuse of modern medical technologies for sex determination leading to female foeticide.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Enactment

1994, amended in 2003.

Objective

Prohibit sex selection and regulate diagnostic techniques.

Key Provisions

Bans advertisement of sex determination, mandates registration of diagnostic centres, prescribes penalties for violations.

Implementing Authority

Appropriate Authorities at central, state, and district levels.

Reference table

Key Provisions of PC-PNDT Act

ProvisionDescription
Prohibition of Sex SelectionBans any technique for determining the sex of the fetus.
Regulation of Diagnostic CentresMandates registration and regular inspection of ultrasound clinics and genetic counselling centres.
Punishment for ViolationsImposes imprisonment and fines for illegal sex determination and related activities.
Advisory CommitteesEstablishes Central and State Supervisory Boards and Appropriate Authorities for implementation.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Health and Family WelfareNodal ministry
Appropriate Authorities (Central, State, District)Implementation & enforcement
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Enacted 1994, amended 2003.
  • Prohibits sex selection, regulates diagnostic tests.
  • Aims to prevent female foeticide.
  • Mandates registration of centres.
  • Enforced by Appropriate Authorities.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutory — The PC-PNDT Act is a statutory law, not a constitutional provision.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

2023Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2021Factual recall

Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

Modern HistoryOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

EconomyOpen question

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

EconomyOpen question

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Topic timeline

Social Justice & Development
Prelims 2016· Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Open question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Open question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

Open question

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

Open question

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Factual recall

Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Open question

Gurugram sex ratio dips to 862, DC orders intensified campaign against illegal sex determination

27 May 2026 · The PC-PNDT Act, 1994, is a crucial legal framework in India designed to combat female foeticide by prohibiting sex selection and strictly regulating pre-natal diagnostic techniques.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994

Often confused with

Sex Ratio & Female Foeticide

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994 in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

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