Classes of heirs — MCQs

All questions with answers and explanations

Read the full set here, or use the practice card above to test yourself one question at a time.

1. "Per stirpes" distribution means:

   • Each individual gets an equal share regardless of branch
   • A branch collectively takes the one share its parent would have taken (correct answer)
   • Only the eldest child inherits
   • Distribution is decided by lottery

   Explanation. Per stirpes fixes the number of shares by branch, before those shares are split among individuals.

2. Under section 10, Rule 1, if the intestate leaves more than one widow, the widows take:

   • One share each
   • One share between them (correct answer)
   • No share
   • Half a share each

   Explanation. Rule 1 of section 10 gives the widow, or all the widows together, one share.

3. Where is the father placed in the Schedule?

   • Class I
   • Class II, entry I (correct answer)
   • Class II, entry V
   • Among the agnates

   Explanation. The father is in class II, entry I. The mother is in class I.

4. If a Class II heir named in Entry II is dead, and Entry II still has one living heir:

   • Entry III heirs share with the living heir
   • Entry II is skipped entirely
   • The estate goes to the living heir in Entry II alone; later entries are never reached (correct answer)
   • Entry IV automatically applies instead

   Explanation. An earlier entry is preferred to a later entry (section 9), so the living heir in Entry II takes everything and later entries are not reached.

5. Among two agnates with equal degrees of ascent, preference goes to:

   • Fewer degrees of descent (correct answer)
   • More degrees of descent
   • The elder of the two
   • Whoever asks first

   Explanation. Once ascent is tied, fewer degrees of descent breaks the tie in favour of the closer relative.

6. If both ascent and descent are equal between two agnates:

   • The senior one takes all
   • They take simultaneously, in equal shares (correct answer)
   • The property escheats to the state
   • Cognates are then considered instead

   Explanation. When both ascent and descent are tied, the agnates take the property simultaneously and equally.

7. The four Class I entries added by the 2005 Amendment all relate to:

   • A predeceased son's line
   • A predeceased daughter's line (correct answer)
   • Agnates
   • Cognates

   Explanation. All four new entries extend multi-generation representation to a predeceased daughter's own descendants.

8. Under the female scheme, the source of property can change who inherits; under the male scheme (Sections 8–13):

   • Source also matters equally
   • Source is never relevant — the same order applies regardless of acquisition (correct answer)
   • Only agricultural land has a special rule
   • Only self-acquired property is covered

   Explanation. The male scheme's four-class order applies uniformly, with no source-based diversion like Section 15(2).