UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Which one of the following is correct regarding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, according to the report?

  1. They can vote and contest elections in India
  2. They hold Indian citizenship automatically
  3. They receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa but cannot vote or contest elections
  4. They have unrestricted access to all public employment reserved for Indian citizens

Answer

Correct Answer

They receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa but cannot vote or contest elections

Explanation

The report says OCI provides a lifelong multiple-entry visa but does not confer Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders cannot vote or contest elections and are excluded from several constitutional offices and most public employment reserved for citizens. Thus options A, B and D overstate their rights.

Topics: citizenship, oci privileges and political rights, overseas citizens of india, polity