Indian Constitution Articles Finder & Revision Tool
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Name and territory of the Union
India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. Territory of India includes States, Union Territories, and territories that may be acquired.
Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names
Parliament can by simple majority form a new State, increase or diminish the area of any State, or alter the boundary or name of any State, upon President’s prior recommendation.
Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution
Determines citizenship at the date of Constitution commencement (26 January 1950) based on domicile, birth, or parentage.
Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law
Gives plenary power to Parliament to legislate on acquisition and termination of citizenship and all matters relating thereto.
Definition of State for Fundamental Rights
Defines "the State" to include the Government and Parliament of India, Government and Legislature of States, local authorities, and other statutory/non-statutory authorities under government control.
Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of Fundamental Rights
Declares any law that violates or abridges fundamental rights to be void. Provides the constitutional basis for Judicial Review.
Equality before law and Equal protection of the laws
Guarantees equality before the law (British concept, negative) and equal protection of laws (US concept, positive) to all persons (citizens and foreigners). Prohibits arbitrary state action.
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
Prohibits state discrimination only on specific grounds. Permits special provisions for women, children, socially & educationally backward classes (SC/ST/OBC), and EWS (Art 15(6)).
Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
Guarantees equal opportunity in State employment without discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Permits reservations for backward classes not adequately represented.
Abolition of Untouchability
Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is an offence punishable by law (Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955).
Abolition of titles
Prohibits the State from conferring any title except military or academic distinctions. Citizens cannot accept foreign titles without Presidential assent.
Protection of 6 freedoms (Speech, Assembly, Association, Movement, Residence, Profession)
Guarantees 6 democratic freedoms to Indian citizens: 19(1)(a) Speech & expression, (b) Peaceful assembly, (c) Associations/unions/cooperatives, (d) Free movement across India, (e) Residence anywhere, (g) Practice any profession. Subject to reasonable restrictions under 19(2)-19(6).
Protection in respect of conviction for offences
Provides 3 vital protections to accused persons: (1) No ex-post facto criminal laws, (2) No double jeopardy (cannot be prosecuted twice for same offence), (3) No self-incrimination (cannot be compelled to be a witness against oneself).
Protection of life and personal liberty
No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Expanded through judicial interpretation to include dignity, privacy, clean environment, health, shelter, and speedy trial.
Right to free and compulsory education (Ages 6 to 14)
The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may determine by law (operationalized by RTE Act, 2009).
Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases
Grants rights to arrested persons under ordinary law (right to be informed of grounds, right to consult lawyer, produced before magistrate within 24 hours). Also regulates preventive detention laws (maximum 3 months without advisory board approval).
Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour (Begar)
Prohibits human trafficking, begar (unpaid forced labour), and similar forms of bonded labour. State can impose compulsory public service (e.g. military conscription) without discriminating on religion, race, caste, or class.
Prohibition of employment of children in factories and hazardous work
Prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mine, or other hazardous employment (Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986).
Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
Guarantees to all persons freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. Right to propagate does not include right to forcibly convert.
Freedom to manage religious affairs
Every religious denomination or section has the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage its own affairs in matters of religion, and own and acquire property.
Protection of interests of minorities (Language, Script, Culture)
Any section of citizens residing in India having a distinct language, script, or culture of its own has the right to conserve the same. No citizen shall be denied admission into state-aided educational institutions on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language.
Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions
All minorities, whether based on religion or language, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
Remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights (Writs)
Right to move the Supreme Court directly for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Supreme Court can issue 5 types of Writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo-Warranto, and Certiorari. Called "Heart and Soul of the Constitution" by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Definition of State in DPSP
Unless the context otherwise requires, "the State" in Part IV has the same meaning as defined in Article 12 (Part III).
Application of the principles contained in this Part (Non-justiciable)
DPSPs are non-justiciable (not enforceable by any court), but they are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.
Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State
Directs state policy towards: 39(a) Adequate means of livelihood, 39(b) Distribution of material resources for common good, 39(c) Prevention of concentration of wealth, 39(d) Equal pay for equal work for men and women, 39(e) Health of workers, 39(f) Healthy development of children.
Equal justice and free legal aid
State shall ensure that legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, and provide free legal aid to ensure justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities (enacted Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 / NALSA).
Organisation of village panchayats
The State shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government (Gandhian Principle).
Uniform Civil Code for the citizens
The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India (covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption across religions).
Provision for early childhood care and education to children below 6 years
The State shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life
The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.
Separation of judiciary from executive
The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
Promotion of international peace and security
State shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
Fundamental Duties (11 duties of every citizen)
Sets out 11 civic and moral duties of every citizen, including respecting National Flag and Anthem, cherishing freedom struggle ideals, upholding sovereignty, promoting harmony, renouncing practices derogatory to women, preserving heritage, protecting environment (51A(g)), developing scientific temper (51A(h)), safeguarding public property, striving for excellence, and parent’s duty to educate child aged 6-14 (51A(k)).
The President of India
There shall be a President of India. Head of State and First Citizen of India.
Election of President (Electoral College)
President is elected by an electoral college consisting of: (a) Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha), and (b) Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Sabha) of the States and UTs of Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K.
Procedure for impeachment of the President
President can be impeached ONLY for "violation of the Constitution". Charge can be initiated in either House of Parliament with 1/4th members signing 14-day advance notice, passed by special majority of not less than 2/3rd of total membership of the House, and investigated and passed by second House with 2/3rd total membership.
Power of President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions or commute sentences
President has power to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, remission, or commute sentence of any person convicted of an offence: (a) in court-martial cases, (b) under Union laws, (c) in all death sentence cases.
Council of Ministers to aid and advise President
There shall be a Council of Ministers with Prime Minister as head to aid and advise President, who shall act in accordance with such advice. President may require Council of Ministers to reconsider advice once, but must act on reconsidered advice.
Other provisions as to Ministers (Appointment, Tenure, Collective Responsibility)
Prime Minister appointed by President; other ministers appointed by President on PM’s advice. Ministers hold office during pleasure of President. Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Art 75(3)). Total ministers cannot exceed 15% of Lok Sabha strength.
Attorney-General for India
Highest law officer of Government of India. Appointed by President, must be qualified to be appointed Supreme Court judge. Holds office during pleasure of President. Has right of audience in all courts in India and right to speak/participate in proceedings of both Houses of Parliament without right to vote (Art 88).
Joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in certain cases
President can summon joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to resolve deadlocks on ordinary bills after 6 months. Presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha (or Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha). Bill passed by simple majority of members present and voting.
Definition of "Money Bill"
Bill dealing solely with taxation, government borrowing, Consolidated Fund of India custody, or incidental matters. Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill (decision is final). Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha with President’s prior recommendation.
Annual financial statement (Union Budget)
The President shall in respect of every financial year cause to be laid before both Houses of Parliament the "Annual Financial Statement" showing estimated receipts and expenditures of Government of India.
Power of President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament
President can issue Ordinances when either House is not in session and circumstances require immediate action. Ordinance has same force as Act of Parliament, but must be approved by Parliament within 6 weeks of reassembly, or it ceases to operate. Maximum life is 6 months + 6 weeks.
Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court of India
Establishes Supreme Court. Judges appointed by President after consultation with judges (Collegium system). Retirement age 65 years. Removal (impeachment) by President after address supported by special majority of each House on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.
Supreme Court to be a court of record (Power to punish for contempt)
Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Exclusive original jurisdiction of Supreme Court in disputes between: (a) Government of India and one or more States, (b) Union and States on one side and other States on other side, (c) two or more States, involving any legal right.
Special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court (SLP)
Supreme Court may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order in any cause or matter passed by any court or tribunal in India (except Armed Forces tribunals).
Law declared by Supreme Court to be binding on all courts
The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India (doctrine of Stare Decisis).
Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme Court (Complete Justice)
Supreme Court may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing "complete justice" in any cause or matter pending before it. Enforceable throughout India.
Power of President to consult Supreme Court (Advisory Jurisdiction)
President may refer to Supreme Court for opinion on question of law or fact of public importance. SC may report opinion (not binding on President). On pre-constitution treaty matters (143(2)), SC is bound to give opinion.
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG)
Guardian of the public purse. Appointed by President. Removed only in like manner and on like grounds as a Supreme Court judge. Ineligible for further government office after retirement. Audits accounts of Union, States, and public sector entities.
Governors of States
There shall be a Governor for each State. 7th Amendment (1956) permitted appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.
Power of Governor to grant pardons, reprieves, respites and remissions
Governor can grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment for offences against laws relating to matters to which the executive power of the State extends.
Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor
Council of Ministers with Chief Minister as head aids and advises Governor, except in so far as he is by or under the Constitution required to exercise his functions in his discretion. Governor’s decision in his discretion is final.
Assent to Bills passed by State Legislature
When a bill is passed by State Legislature, Governor has 4 options: (1) give assent, (2) withhold assent, (3) return bill for reconsideration (if not Money Bill), (4) reserve bill for consideration of the President (Art 201).
Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature
Governor can issue Ordinances when State Legislature is not in session. Must be approved within 6 weeks of reassembly. In certain cases, requires President’s instructions before promulgation.
Power of High Courts to issue certain writs
High Courts have power to issue directions, orders or writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, Certiorari) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights AND for "any other purpose" (ordinary legal rights).
Gram Sabha
Gram Sabha comprises all persons registered in electoral rolls of a village within Panchayat area. Village-level deliberative body exercising powers provided by State Legislature.
Reservation of seats in Panchayats
Mandatory reservation of seats for SC and ST in proportion to population. Mandatory reservation of not less than 1/3rd (33%) of total seats and offices of chairpersons for women. State legislatures may reserve for backward classes (OBC).
Elections to the Panchayats (State Election Commission)
Superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of all elections to Panchayats vested in State Election Commission. SEC appointed by Governor, removed only in like manner and grounds as High Court Judge.
Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys
Parliament may by law provide for adjudication of any dispute regarding water of inter-state rivers and exclude jurisdiction of Supreme Court and other courts (Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956).
Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council)
Joint constitutional forum of Centre and States to make recommendations on GST rates, exemptions, threshold limits. Chaired by Union Finance Minister; members are Union MoS Finance and State Finance Ministers. Centre has 1/3rd voting weight; States together have 2/3rd weight; decisions require 3/4th majority.
Finance Commission
President constitutes a Finance Commission every 5th year consisting of a Chairman and 4 members. Recommends: (a) distribution of net proceeds of taxes between Union and States (vertical devolution) and among States (horizontal devolution), (b) principles governing grants-in-aid to States (Art 275), (c) measures to augment Consolidated Fund of States for Panchayats and Municipalities.
Persons not to be deprived of property save by authority of law (Right to Property)
No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. Converted the Right to Property from a Fundamental Right (former Art 19(1)(f) and Art 31) into a legal and constitutional right.
All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS)
Parliament can create new All-India Services common to Union and States if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than 2/3rd of members present and voting declaring it necessary in national interest.
Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States (UPSC & SPSC)
Provides for a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the Union and a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) for each State. Two or more states can have a Joint PSC (created by Act of Parliament).
Superintendence, direction and control of elections (Election Commission of India)
Vests superintendence, direction, and control of preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission of India. Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed except in like manner and grounds as Supreme Court Judge.
Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to be on the basis of adult suffrage
Elections to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas shall be on basis of adult suffrage. Every citizen not less than 18 years of age and not disqualified by law has the right to register as a voter.
Proclamation of Emergency (National Emergency)
President can proclaim National Emergency when security of India or any part is threatened by War, External Aggression, or Armed Rebellion. Requires written recommendation of Union Cabinet. Must be approved by Parliament within 1 month by special majority (2/3rd present & voting + majority total membership). In force for 6 months at a time.
Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States (President’s Rule)
If President on receipt of report from Governor or otherwise is satisfied that governance of a State cannot be carried on in accordance with Constitution, President may assume State executive functions and declare state legislative powers exercisable by Parliament. Approved within 2 months by simple majority; maximum 3 years with periodic approvals.
Provisions as to Financial Emergency
President can proclaim Financial Emergency if satisfied that financial stability or credit of India or any part is threatened. Approved within 2 months by simple majority. President can issue directions to reduce salaries of public servants, including Supreme Court and High Court judges.
Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor
Parliament may in exercise of constituent power amend any provision of Constitution. Types: (1) By special majority (majority total membership + 2/3rd present & voting), (2) Special majority + ratification by not less than 1/2 of State Legislatures (for federal provisions like President election, Supreme Court, Seventh Schedule). Cannot alter "Basic Structure" of Constitution.
Official language of the Union
Official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. Form of numerals shall be international form of Indian numerals. English was permitted to continue alongside Hindi.
Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir
Granted temporary special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. Operative provisions were abrogated on 5 August 2019 via Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 (C.O. 272 & C.O. 273).
Special provisions with respect to Maharashtra and Gujarat
Special responsibility of Governor for development boards in Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, and Kutch.
Mastering Indian Constitution Articles for UPSC & SSC CGL
Indian Polity is one of the highest-scoring subjects across UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, State PSCs, and judicial examinations. Rather than memorizing all 395+ original articles sequentially, competitive exam toppers focus on the top 50 high-yield articles along with their landmark Supreme Court rulings and historical amendments.
Part III: Fundamental Rights
Articles 12 through 35. Core focus: Articles 14, 19, 21 (due process & privacy), 21A, and 32 (constitutional writs).
Part IV & IVA: DPSP & Duties
Articles 36 to 51A. Core focus: Article 39A (Free Legal Aid), Article 40 (Panchayats), Article 44 (UCC), and 51A (11 Duties).
Constitutional Bodies
Articles 76 (Attorney General), 148 (CAG), 279A (GST Council), 280 (Finance Commission), and 324 (Election Commission).
Top 5 Golden Rules for Polity Questions
- Distinguish Citizens vs Foreigners: Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, and 30 are available ONLY to Indian citizens. Articles 14, 20, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are available to all persons.
- Pardoning Powers: President (Art 72) can pardon court-martial and death sentences; Governor (Art 161) cannot pardon death or court-martial sentences.
- Emergency Immunities: During a National Emergency (Art 352), Articles 20 and 21 can NEVER be suspended under Article 359 (44th Amendment Act, 1978).
- Writs Jurisdiction: Article 32 (Supreme Court) is a Fundamental Right itself; Article 226 (High Court) is wider in scope as it covers legal rights too, but is discretionary.
- Basic Structure Doctrine: Established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), preventing Parliament from destroying the core identity of the Constitution under Article 368.
Polity Articles: Frequently Asked Questions
Which articles of the Indian Constitution are most frequently asked in UPSC Prelims?
The most frequently tested articles are Article 14 (Equality), Article 19 (6 Freedoms), Article 21 (Life & Liberty / Privacy), Article 21A (Education), Article 32 (Writs), Article 40 (Panchayats), Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code), Article 72 & 161 (Pardoning), Article 110 (Money Bill), Article 123 (Ordinance), Article 280 (Finance Commission), Article 324 (Election Commission), Article 352, 356 (Emergency), and Article 368 (Amendment).
Can Articles 20 and 21 be suspended during a National Emergency?
No. Following the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978, the right to protection in respect of conviction for offences (Article 20) and the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) cannot be suspended by Presidential order under Article 359 even during a National Emergency.
What is the key difference between Article 32 and Article 226?
Article 32 is a Fundamental Right enforceable only through the Supreme Court for violations of Part III rights. Article 226 is a constitutional power vested in High Courts, which can issue writs for fundamental rights as well as ordinary legal rights ("any other purpose"). Hence, High Court writ jurisdiction is wider in scope.
What are the 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A?
Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee (borrowed from the USSR Constitution) with 10 duties. The 11th duty—providing education opportunities for children aged 6 to 14—was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002.