The Constitution of India is the highest law in the country. It outlines the basic political principles. It also details the organisation and functions of government. Additionally, it defines the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
It’s not just a collection of rules. It’s the blueprint of the world’s largest democracy. To truly appreciate its depth, we need to understand how this massive document is organised. It is structured into Parts, Articles, and Schedules.
In this article, we will look into the parts of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, we will also discuss the schedules and articles of the Indian Constitution.
Exam Relevance
The topic of the Indian Constitution’s Parts, Articles, and Schedules is vital for government exams because it forms the foundation of the Indian political system and governance. Questions on Fundamental Rights (Part III), the Schedules (especially 7th and 8th), and the structure of government are mandatory General Awareness components in exams like SSC (Staff Selection Commission), Railways (RRB), and Banks (IBPS, SBI). A deep understanding ensures candidates are aware of their civic duties and the nation’s legal framework, proving essential knowledge for any public service role.
Parts of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules. At the time of its commencement, i.e, 1949, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules.
| Parts of the Indian Constitution | |
| Parts and Subject | Articles |
| Part I – The Union and its Territories | 1 – 4 |
| Part II – Citizenship | 5 -11 |
| Part III – Fundamental Rights | 12 – 35 |
| Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy | 36 – 51 |
| Part IV A – Fundamental Duties | 51A |
| Part V – The Union | 52 – 151 |
| Part VI – The States | 152 – 237 |
| Part VII – The States in Part B of the First Schedule | 238 [Repealed] |
| Part VIII – The Union Territories | 239 – 242 |
| Part IX – The Panchayats | 243 – 243O |
| Part IXA – The Municipalities | 243P – 243ZG |
| Part IXB – The Co-operative Societies | 243ZH – 243ZT |
| Part X – The Scheduled and Tribal Areas | 244 – 244A |
| Part XI – Relation between the Union and the States | 245 – 263 |
| Part XII – Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits | 264 – 300A |
| Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the territory of India | 301 – 307 |
| Part XIV – Services Under the Union and the States | 308 – 323 |
| Part XIVA – Tribunals | 323A – 323B |
| Part XV – Elections | 324 – 329A |
| Part XVI – Special provisions relating to certain classes | 330 – 342 |
| Part XVII – Official language | 343 – 351 |
| Part XVIII – Emergency Provisions | 352 – 360 |
| Part XIX – Miscellaneous | 361 – 367 |
| Part XX – Amendment of the Constitution | 368 |
| Part XXI – Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions | 369 – 392 |
| Part XXII – Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals | 393 – 395 |
Schedules of the Indian Constitution
Schedules were first mentioned in the Government of India Act, 1935. This act included 10 Schedules. Later, when the Indian Constitution was adopted in 1949, it had 8 Schedules. With subsequent amendments to the Indian Constitution, the number of Schedules increased. Currently, there are a total of 12 Schedules in the Constitution of India. Below are the 1 to 12 schedules of the Indian Constitution:
| Schedules of the Indian Constitution | |
| Schedules | Features of Schedules |
| 1st Schedule | It contains the names of States and Union TerritoriesThe Territorial Jurisdiction of states is also included |
| 2nd Schedule | The provisions in relation to allowances, privileges, and emoluments of:President of IndiaGovernors of Indian StatesSpeaker of Lok Sabha & Deputy Speaker of Lok SabhaChairman of Rajya Sabha & Deputy Chairman of Rajya SabhaSpeaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assemblies of Indian StatesChairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Councils of the Indian StatesSupreme Court JudgesHigh Court JudgesComptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) |
| 3rd Schedule | It contains the forms of oath and affirmation for:Union Ministers of IndiaParliament Election CandidatesMembers of Parliament (MPs)Supreme Court JudgesComptroller and Auditor GeneralState MinistersState Legislature Election CandidatesState Legislature MembersHigh Court Judges |
| 4th Schedule | It contains the provisions in relation to the allocation of seats for States and Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha |
| 5th Schedule | It contains provisions in relation to the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes |
| 6th Schedule | It contains provisions in relation to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram |
| 7th Schedule | This schedule deals with the three legislative lists |
| 8th Schedule | It deals with the 22 official languages recognised by the Constitution: |
| 9th Schedule | It deals with the state acts and regulations governing land reforms and the abolition of the Zamindari system. It also deals with the acts and regulations of the Parliament governing other matters. |
| 10th Schedule | It contains provisions relating to the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the grounds of defection. |
| 11th Schedule | It contains provisions that specify Panchayats’ powers, authority, and responsibilities. |
| 12th Schedule | It deals with the provisions that specify the powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities. |
Important Articles of the Indian Constitution
The pillar of our legal and political system is known as the Articles of the Constitution of India. These articles outline the major rights, obligations, and powers within the governance of India. Every UPSC aspirant must be familiar with them. The content of these articles is useful in exams and helps develop a strong conceptual understanding.
| Articles of the Indian Constitution | |
| Article | Brief Description |
| Article 1 | Name and territory of the Union |
| Article 14 | Right to equality |
| Article 19 | Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, expression, etc. |
| Article 21 | Right to life and personal liberty |
| Article 32 | Remedies for the enforcement of fundamental rights |
| Article 40 | Organisation of village panchayats |
| Article 44 | Uniform Civil Code |
| Article 48A | Protection and improvement of the environment |
| Article 50 | Separation of the judiciary from the executive |
| Article 51A | Fundamental duties of citizens |
| Article 72 | Power of the President to grant pardons, etc. |
| Article 74 | Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President |
| Article 75 | Appointment of the Prime Minister and other Ministers |
| Article 78 | Duties of the Prime Minister |
| Article 84 | Qualifications for Membership of the Parliament |
| Article 86 | Right of the President to address and send messages to the Houses of Parliament |
| Article 123 | Power of the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament |
| Article 124 | Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court |
| Article 155 | Appointment of Governor |
| Article 165 | Advocate General for the State |
| Article 356 | President’s rule in states |
| Article 368 | Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution |
| Article 370 | Special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir |
| Article 377 | Decriminalisation of homosexuality |
Conclusion
The brilliance of the Indian Constitution is exemplified in the seamless integration of its various components.
- Part III defines Fundamental Rights.
- Article 19 specifies the Right to Freedom.
- The Seventh Schedule clarifies which level of government (Union or State) has the power to legislate on a specific subject.
The Parts give the Constitution its framework, the articles explain its main points, and the schedules add extra details. Together, they create a strong legal foundation for India. Understanding this structure is key to appreciating the Constitution’s importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the number of articles in the Indian Constitution?
The total number of articles amounts to more than 450.
2. What is Article 21 under the Indian Constitution?
It guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
3. What is the article that grants the prerogative to the constitutional remedies?
This right is given in Article 32. Dr Ambedkar referred to it as the soul of the Constitution.
4. Why are the crucial items of the Indian Constitution worth studying?
Since it assists in learners to have an insight to the structure of the country and it is essential to the UPSC exams.
5. Why does the Article 44 matter?
It discusses the Uniform Civil Code, which is something seen in politics and exams.
6. Do basic obligations have legal force?
No, they are not enforceable, but they are supposed to be adhered to.
7. What is the difference between Article 356 and Article 360?
The article 356 is the state emergency. Article 360 deals with financial emergencies.
8. What was the article that constituted the Election Commission?
It is about the Election Commission in Article 324.
9. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?
They also represent what the government should adhere to when coming up with laws.
10. Which are the most important articles of the Indian Constitution for UPSC?
Article 14, Article 19, Article 21, Article 32, Article 280 and Article 356 are the most significant ones.
