When was the Constitution of India adopted, and when did it come into force?

Adopted: 26 November 1949. Came into force: 26 January 1950.

How many Articles, Parts, and Schedules did the original Constitution contain?

395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.

How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Constitution?

2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.

What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution declare India to be? (List all six adjectives)

Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic — securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Which amendment added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble?

42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution? What does Supreme Court hold?

Yes. The Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368, but the basic structure cannot be altered.

What is the source of the Preamble's philosophy?

The Objectives Resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947.

List the major sources borrowed from foreign constitutions.

UK: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Single citizenship, Cabinet system. USA: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independent Judiciary, Impeachment of President, Removal of SC/HC judges, Vice-President. Ireland: DPSP, Method of Presidential election, Nomination to Rajya Sabha. Canada: Federation with strong Centre, Residuary powers, Appointment of Governors. Australia: Concurrent List, Joint sitting of Parliament, Trade & commerce. Weimar Germany: Emergency provisions. USSR: Fundamental Duties, Ideal of justice. France: Republic, Liberty/Equality/Fraternity. South Africa: Amendment procedure, Election of RS members. Japan: Procedure established by law.

List all 22 original Parts of the Constitution and their subjects.

I: The Union and its Territory (Arts 1–4). II: Citizenship (5–11). III: Fundamental Rights (12–35). IV: DPSP (36–51). V: The Union (52–151). VI: The States (152–237). VII: [Repealed by 7th Amendment, 1956 — was Part B States]. VIII: The Union Territories (239–242). IX: The Panchayats (243–243O). X: The Scheduled and Tribal Areas (244–244A). XI: Relations between Union and States (245–263). XII: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits (264–300A). XIII: Trade, Commerce, Intercourse (301–307). XIV: Services under the Union and States (308–323). XV: Elections (324–329A). XVI: Special provisions for SC, ST, OBC, Anglo-Indian (330–342). XVII: Official Language (343–351). XVIII: Emergency Provisions (352–360). XIX: Miscellaneous (361–367). XX: Amendment of the Constitution (368). XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions (369–392). XXII: Short title, commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, repeals (393–395).

What does the First Schedule contain?

Names of States and Union Territories and their territorial extent.

What does the Second Schedule contain?

Salaries, allowances, and emoluments of: President, Vice-President, Speaker/Deputy Speaker, Governors, Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

What does the Third Schedule contain?

Forms of Oaths and Affirmations for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges, and the CAG.

What does the Fourth Schedule contain?

Allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to each State and Union Territory.

What does the Fifth Schedule contain?

Provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes (in States other than the Sixth Schedule areas).

What does the Sixth Schedule contain?

Provisions for the administration of Tribal Areas in the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (via Autonomous District Councils).

What does the Seventh Schedule contain?

Three lists distributing legislative powers between Union and States — Union List (List I, 97 subjects originally; ~100 currently), State List (List II, 66 originally; ~61 currently), Concurrent List (List III, 47 originally; ~52 currently).

What does the Eighth Schedule contain? Name the languages.

22 official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

What does the Ninth Schedule contain?

Acts and Regulations (mostly relating to land reforms and abolition of zamindari) which cannot be challenged in court for violating Fundamental Rights.

What does the Tenth Schedule contain?

Provisions relating to disqualification of MPs and MLAs on grounds of defection (Anti-Defection Law).

What does the Eleventh Schedule contain?

29 functional items of the Panchayats (rural local self-government).

What does the Twelfth Schedule contain?

18 functional items of the Municipalities (urban local self-government).

Which is the longest written constitution in the world? Approximately how many words?

The Constitution of India, with approximately 145,000 words in the English version.

Why is the Indian Constitution described as 'partly rigid, partly flexible'?

Because Article 368 prescribes three different procedures for amendment: simple majority (for some provisions), special majority of Parliament, and special majority plus ratification by half the State Legislatures.

What are the three pillars of the basic structure doctrine?

Established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973). Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368, but cannot destroy its 'basic structure' or essential features.

What is the difference between citizenship by birth and by descent under Indian law?

By birth (Sec 3, Citizenship Act 1955): Person born in India between 26 Jan 1950 and 1 July 1987 is a citizen by birth (regardless of parents' nationality). After 1 July 1987, at least one parent must be Indian. After 3 Dec 2004, both parents must be Indian or one parent Indian and the other not an illegal migrant. By descent (Sec 4): Person born outside India whose parent(s) are Indian citizens at the time of birth.

Does India recognize dual citizenship?

No. India recognizes only single citizenship. The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status is not full citizenship — it is a long-term visa with specific rights.

Article 1 of the Constitution: How does it describe India?

'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.'

Article 2 vs Article 3 — what's the difference?

Article 2 deals with admission/establishment of NEW States (i.e., territory not part of India earlier — e.g., Sikkim in 1975). Article 3 deals with formation, alteration, name change, or boundary alteration of EXISTING States.

Which are the territories of India under Article 1?

(a) The territories of the States, (b) The Union Territories specified in the First Schedule, (c) Such other territories as may be acquired.

How many fundamental features make Indian federalism 'quasi-federal'?

Indian federalism has both federal features (dual polity, written constitution, division of powers, supremacy of Constitution, rigid Constitution, independent judiciary, bicameralism) AND unitary features (strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, all-India services, emergency provisions, appointment of Governors by President, Governor as Centre's agent, residuary powers with Centre, Parliament's power to alter State boundaries).

What is the philosophy of the Constitution as expressed in the Objectives Resolution?

To proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic, guarantee justice (social, economic, political), liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), equality (of status and opportunity), and fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation).

Match: 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' is borrowed from which country's constitution?

France (the French Revolution).

What is meant by 'Republic' in the Preamble?

The head of the state (President) is elected — directly or indirectly — for a fixed term, and there is no hereditary ruler. All public offices are open to every citizen without discrimination.

What is the meaning of 'Secular' in the Indian context?

India treats all religions equally and does not have a state religion (positive secularism). Articles 25–28 guarantee religious freedom; the State maintains equidistance from all religions.

Which case ruled that the Preamble can be amended?

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) — 13-judge bench, 7:6 majority.

What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?

(1) Lengthiest written constitution. (2) Drawn from various sources. (3) Blend of rigidity and flexibility. (4) Federal system with unitary bias. (5) Parliamentary form of government. (6) Synthesis of Parliamentary sovereignty and Judicial supremacy. (7) Rule of law. (8) Integrated and independent judiciary. (9) Fundamental Rights. (10) Directive Principles. (11) Fundamental Duties. (12) Indian secularism. (13) Universal adult franchise. (14) Single citizenship. (15) Independent bodies (EC, CAG, UPSC). (16) Emergency provisions. (17) Three-tier government (Centre-State-Local).

Public deck

Indian Constitution: Foundations

Preamble, Parts, Schedules, sources of the Constitution, and key structural features. Anchored in the Constitution of India and Laxmikanth's Indian Polity.

Author: by NeverCram Editorial
Cards: 38 cards
Views: 0 views
Published: Published Apr 25, 2026

UPSCPolityConstitutionGS-IIPrelims

Save this deck and study with spaced repetition

Clone this deck to your NeverCram library. Study with FSRS, track your streak, and never forget what you learn.

Clone to your library

All cards (38)

#1
Front
When was the Constitution of India adopted, and when did it come into force?
Back
Adopted: 26 November 1949. Came into force: 26 January 1950.
Explanation
26 November is observed as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) since 2015. 26 January was chosen to commemorate the 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration of the Indian National Congress. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble & Article 394.
#2
Front
Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?
Back
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Explanation
The Drafting Committee was set up on 29 August 1947 with seven members: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman), N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, Dr. K. M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, N. Madhav Rao (replaced B. L. Mitter), and T. T. Krishnamachari (replaced D. P. Khaitan). Source: Constituent Assembly Debates.
#3
Front
Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?
Back
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha served as the temporary (interim) Chairman; Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected permanent President on 11 December 1946. Constitutional Adviser: Sir B. N. Rau.
#4
Front
How many Articles, Parts, and Schedules did the original Constitution contain?
Back
395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.
Explanation
As of the latest enacted amendment (106th, 2023), the Constitution effectively contains over 450 Articles (original numbering retained, with insertions like 21A, 39A, 51A and the 243A–243ZT Panchayat/Municipalities series), 25 Parts (Part VII repealed; IVA, IXA, IXB, XIVA added later), and 12 Schedules. Source: Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. 'Salient Features'.
#5
Front
How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft the Constitution?
Back
2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
Explanation
The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions and met for 165 days. The drafting cost approximately ₹64 lakh. Source: Constituent Assembly of India Debates, Vol. XII.
#6
Front
What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution declare India to be? (List all six adjectives)
Back
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic — securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
Explanation
Original Preamble (1949): 'Sovereign Democratic Republic'. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble.
#7
Front
Which amendment added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble?
Back
42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
Explanation
The 42nd Amendment is also called the 'Mini-Constitution' due to the scale of changes. It was enacted during the Emergency (1975–77) under PM Indira Gandhi.
#8
Front
Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution? What does Supreme Court hold?
Back
Yes. The Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368, but the basic structure cannot be altered.
Explanation
In Berubari Union case (1960), SC held the Preamble was NOT part of the Constitution. This was overturned in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), where SC ruled the Preamble IS part of the Constitution and is subject to amendment, but the basic structure is inviolable. Source: AIR 1973 SC 1461.
#9
Front
What is the source of the Preamble's philosophy?
Back
The Objectives Resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947.
Explanation
The Objectives Resolution outlined the ideals of the Constitution and formed the basis of the Preamble.
#10
Front
List the major sources borrowed from foreign constitutions.
Back
UK: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law, Single citizenship, Cabinet system. USA: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, Independent Judiciary, Impeachment of President, Removal of SC/HC judges, Vice-President. Ireland: DPSP, Method of Presidential election, Nomination to Rajya Sabha. Canada: Federation with strong Centre, Residuary powers, Appointment of Governors. Australia: Concurrent List, Joint sitting of Parliament, Trade & commerce. Weimar Germany: Emergency provisions. USSR: Fundamental Duties, Ideal of justice. France: Republic, Liberty/Equality/Fraternity. South Africa: Amendment procedure, Election of RS members. Japan: Procedure established by law.
Explanation
Government of India Act 1935 contributed the largest single share — federal scheme, judiciary, public service commissions, emergency provisions, administrative details. Source: Laxmikanth, 'Salient Features of the Constitution'.
#11
Front
List all 22 original Parts of the Constitution and their subjects.
Back
I: The Union and its Territory (Arts 1–4). II: Citizenship (5–11). III: Fundamental Rights (12–35). IV: DPSP (36–51). V: The Union (52–151). VI: The States (152–237). VII: [Repealed by 7th Amendment, 1956 — was Part B States]. VIII: The Union Territories (239–242). IX: The Panchayats (243–243O). X: The Scheduled and Tribal Areas (244–244A). XI: Relations between Union and States (245–263). XII: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits (264–300A). XIII: Trade, Commerce, Intercourse (301–307). XIV: Services under the Union and States (308–323). XV: Elections (324–329A). XVI: Special provisions for SC, ST, OBC, Anglo-Indian (330–342). XVII: Official Language (343–351). XVIII: Emergency Provisions (352–360). XIX: Miscellaneous (361–367). XX: Amendment of the Constitution (368). XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions (369–392). XXII: Short title, commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, repeals (393–395).
Explanation
Added later: Part IVA Fundamental Duties (51A) by 42nd Amendment, 1976; Part IXA Municipalities (243P–243ZG) by 74th Amendment, 1992; Part IXB Co-operative Societies (243ZH–243ZT) by 97th Amendment, 2011; Part XIVA Tribunals (323A, 323B) by 42nd Amendment, 1976.
#12
Front
What does the First Schedule contain?
Back
Names of States and Union Territories and their territorial extent.
Explanation
As of 2024: 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Source: Constitution of India, First Schedule.
#13
Front
What does the Second Schedule contain?
Back
Salaries, allowances, and emoluments of: President, Vice-President, Speaker/Deputy Speaker, Governors, Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
#14
Front
What does the Third Schedule contain?
Back
Forms of Oaths and Affirmations for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges, and the CAG.
#15
Front
What does the Fourth Schedule contain?
Back
Allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to each State and Union Territory.
#16
Front
What does the Fifth Schedule contain?
Back
Provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes (in States other than the Sixth Schedule areas).
#17
Front
What does the Sixth Schedule contain?
Back
Provisions for the administration of Tribal Areas in the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (via Autonomous District Councils).
#18
Front
What does the Seventh Schedule contain?
Back
Three lists distributing legislative powers between Union and States — Union List (List I, 97 subjects originally; ~100 currently), State List (List II, 66 originally; ~61 currently), Concurrent List (List III, 47 originally; ~52 currently).
Explanation
Subjects can shift between lists via constitutional amendment. Education, Forests, Weights & Measures, Wildlife & Birds, Administration of Justice were moved from State List to Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment. Source: Article 246, Seventh Schedule.
#19
Front
What does the Eighth Schedule contain? Name the languages.
Back
22 official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Explanation
Sindhi added by 21st Amendment (1967); Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali by 71st Amendment (1992); Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali by 92nd Amendment (2003).
#20
Front
What does the Ninth Schedule contain?
Back
Acts and Regulations (mostly relating to land reforms and abolition of zamindari) which cannot be challenged in court for violating Fundamental Rights.
Explanation
Added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951. In I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007), SC held that any law placed in the 9th Schedule after 24 April 1973 (Kesavananda Bharati judgment date) is open to judicial review if it violates the basic structure. Source: AIR 2007 SC 861.
#21
Front
What does the Tenth Schedule contain?
Back
Provisions relating to disqualification of MPs and MLAs on grounds of defection (Anti-Defection Law).
Explanation
Added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985. The 91st Amendment (2003) deleted the provision exempting splits (1/3 defection rule) and now requires a merger of 2/3rd members.
#22
Front
What does the Eleventh Schedule contain?
Back
29 functional items of the Panchayats (rural local self-government).
Explanation
Added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 24 April 1993).
#23
Front
What does the Twelfth Schedule contain?
Back
18 functional items of the Municipalities (urban local self-government).
Explanation
Added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 1 June 1993).
#24
Front
Which is the longest written constitution in the world? Approximately how many words?
Back
The Constitution of India, with approximately 145,000 words in the English version.
Explanation
For comparison: US Constitution ~7,500 words; Australian Constitution ~12,000 words. The detailed nature owes to incorporation of administrative provisions, peculiarities of India, and provisions for SCs/STs.
#25
Front
Why is the Indian Constitution described as 'partly rigid, partly flexible'?
Back
Because Article 368 prescribes three different procedures for amendment: simple majority (for some provisions), special majority of Parliament, and special majority plus ratification by half the State Legislatures.
Explanation
Detailed by K. C. Wheare. Compare USA (very rigid: 2/3 Congress + 3/4 States) and UK (very flexible: simple majority).
#26
Front
What are the three pillars of the basic structure doctrine?
Back
Established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973). Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368, but cannot destroy its 'basic structure' or essential features.
Explanation
Examples of basic features identified across cases: Supremacy of Constitution, Republican & Democratic form of government, Secular character, Federalism, Separation of powers, Judicial review, Free & fair elections, Rule of law, Independence of judiciary, Parliamentary system, Welfare state. Citation: AIR 1973 SC 1461.
#27
Front
What is the difference between citizenship by birth and by descent under Indian law?
Back
By birth (Sec 3, Citizenship Act 1955): Person born in India between 26 Jan 1950 and 1 July 1987 is a citizen by birth (regardless of parents' nationality). After 1 July 1987, at least one parent must be Indian. After 3 Dec 2004, both parents must be Indian or one parent Indian and the other not an illegal migrant. By descent (Sec 4): Person born outside India whose parent(s) are Indian citizens at the time of birth.
Explanation
Source: Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended). Constitutional basis: Articles 5–11.
#28
Front
Does India recognize dual citizenship?
Back
No. India recognizes only single citizenship. The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status is not full citizenship — it is a long-term visa with specific rights.
Explanation
Article 9: Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship causes loss of Indian citizenship. OCI was introduced via the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003.
#29
Front
Article 1 of the Constitution: How does it describe India?
Back
'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.'
Explanation
Dr. Ambedkar explained 'Union of States' (rather than 'Federation') signifies that (a) the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among states, and (b) states have no right to secede. Source: Constituent Assembly Debates.
#30
Front
Article 2 vs Article 3 — what's the difference?
Back
Article 2 deals with admission/establishment of NEW States (i.e., territory not part of India earlier — e.g., Sikkim in 1975). Article 3 deals with formation, alteration, name change, or boundary alteration of EXISTING States.
Explanation
Under Article 3, a Bill must be introduced only on the President's recommendation, and the President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views (not concurrence). Source: Articles 2, 3, 4.
#31
Front
Which are the territories of India under Article 1?
Back
(a) The territories of the States, (b) The Union Territories specified in the First Schedule, (c) Such other territories as may be acquired.
Explanation
Note: 'Territory of India' is a wider term than 'Union of India'. Acquired territories don't automatically become States or UTs; their status is decided by Parliament.
#32
Front
How many fundamental features make Indian federalism 'quasi-federal'?
Back
Indian federalism has both federal features (dual polity, written constitution, division of powers, supremacy of Constitution, rigid Constitution, independent judiciary, bicameralism) AND unitary features (strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, all-India services, emergency provisions, appointment of Governors by President, Governor as Centre's agent, residuary powers with Centre, Parliament's power to alter State boundaries).
Explanation
K. C. Wheare called it 'quasi-federal'. Granville Austin called it 'co-operative federalism'. SC in S. R. Bommai (1994) declared federalism part of basic structure.
#33
Front
What is the philosophy of the Constitution as expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
Back
To proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic, guarantee justice (social, economic, political), liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), equality (of status and opportunity), and fraternity (assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation).
Explanation
Moved by Pt. Nehru on 13 Dec 1946; adopted on 22 Jan 1947. Forms the basis of the Preamble.
#34
Front
Match: 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' is borrowed from which country's constitution?
Back
France (the French Revolution).
#35
Front
What is meant by 'Republic' in the Preamble?
Back
The head of the state (President) is elected — directly or indirectly — for a fixed term, and there is no hereditary ruler. All public offices are open to every citizen without discrimination.
#36
Front
What is the meaning of 'Secular' in the Indian context?
Back
India treats all religions equally and does not have a state religion (positive secularism). Articles 25–28 guarantee religious freedom; the State maintains equidistance from all religions.
Explanation
Indian secularism differs from Western (separation of state and church) — it is one of equal respect for all religions. SC in S. R. Bommai (1994) declared secularism a basic feature.
#37
Front
Which case ruled that the Preamble can be amended?
Back
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) — 13-judge bench, 7:6 majority.
Explanation
The same case birthed the Basic Structure Doctrine. The 42nd Amendment subsequently amended the Preamble (added 'Socialist', 'Secular', 'Integrity'). Citation: AIR 1973 SC 1461.
#38
Front
What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?
Back
(1) Lengthiest written constitution. (2) Drawn from various sources. (3) Blend of rigidity and flexibility. (4) Federal system with unitary bias. (5) Parliamentary form of government. (6) Synthesis of Parliamentary sovereignty and Judicial supremacy. (7) Rule of law. (8) Integrated and independent judiciary. (9) Fundamental Rights. (10) Directive Principles. (11) Fundamental Duties. (12) Indian secularism. (13) Universal adult franchise. (14) Single citizenship. (15) Independent bodies (EC, CAG, UPSC). (16) Emergency provisions. (17) Three-tier government (Centre-State-Local).
Explanation
Source: Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. 4.