Introduction
The Indian Constitution is the backbone of India’s democratic system and one of the most important subjects for competitive examinations in India. Questions related to constitutional articles, amendments, fundamental rights, directive principles, and constitutional bodies are frequently asked in exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, Police, State PCS, and UPSC.
The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 and is the longest written constitution in the world, containing Articles, Parts, Schedules, and Amendments. Understanding the most important articles is crucial for scoring well in the General Knowledge / Polity section.
This article provides a complete list of important articles of the Indian Constitution, explained in a simple and exam-focused manner.
Structure of the Indian Constitution (Quick Overview)
Preamble
Parts: 25 (originally 22)
Articles: 448 (originally 395)
Schedules: 12
Amendments: 100+ (as of recent years)
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution
The Preamble reflects the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution.
Key Words in the Preamble:
Sovereign
Socialist
Secular
Democratic
Republic
Justice
Liberty
Equality
Fraternity
📌 The words “Socialist, Secular and Integrity” were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
Part I – The Union and Its Territory (Articles 1–4)
🔹 Article 1 – Name and Territory of the Union
India is described as a “Union of States”.
🔹 Article 2 – Admission of New States
Parliament can admit new states into the Union.
🔹 Article 3 – Formation of New States
Parliament can:
Create new states
Change boundaries
Change names of states
📌 Asked frequently in exams.
Part III – Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)
Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced by courts.
🔹 Article 12 – Definition of State
Defines “State” for Fundamental Rights.
🔹 Article 13 – Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
Any law violating Fundamental Rights is void.
Right to Equality (Articles 14–18)
Article 14 – Equality before law
Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment
Article 17 – Abolition of Untouchability
Article 18 – Abolition of Titles
📌 Article 17 is unique to India.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)
Article 19 – Six freedoms (speech, assembly, movement, residence, profession)
Article 20 – Protection in respect of conviction
Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Article 21A – Right to Education (6–14 years)
Article 22 – Protection against arrest and detention
📌 Article 21 is the most interpreted article by the Supreme Court.
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)
Article 23 – Prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour
Article 24 – Prohibition of child labour in hazardous work
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)
Article 25 – Freedom of conscience
Article 26 – Manage religious affairs
Article 27 – No tax for religious promotion
Article 28 – No religious instruction in state institutions
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)
Article 29 – Protection of minority culture
Article 30 – Right of minorities to establish educational institutions
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
Article 32 – Right to move Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights
📌 Called the “Heart and Soul” of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51)
DPSPs are non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.
Important DPSP Articles:
Article 38 – Social welfare
Article 39 – Equal livelihood, equal pay
Article 40 – Panchayati Raj
Article 44 – Uniform Civil Code
Article 45 – Early childhood care
Article 48 – Cow protection
Article 50 – Separation of judiciary from executive
Article 51 – Promotion of international peace
📌 Inspired by the Irish Constitution.
Part IVA – Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
There are 11 Fundamental Duties.
Examples:
Respect the Constitution
Promote harmony
Protect the environment
Develop scientific temper
📌 Non-enforceable by courts.
Part V – The Union Government (Articles 52–151)
President of India
Article 52 – President of India
Article 53 – Executive power of the Union
Article 54 – Election of President
Article 61 – Impeachment of President
Vice-President
Article 63 – Vice-President of India
Article 64 – Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Prime Minister & Council of Ministers
Article 74 – Council of Ministers to aid President
Article 75 – Appointment of Prime Minister
📌 Real executive power lies with the Prime Minister.
Parliament
Article 79 – Constitution of Parliament
Article 80 – Rajya Sabha
Article 81 – Lok Sabha
Article 83 – Duration of Houses
Article 85 – Sessions of Parliament
Judiciary
Article 124 – Supreme Court of India
Article 125 – Salaries of judges
Article 130 – Seat of Supreme Court
Article 136 – Special Leave Petition (SLP)
Article 141 – Supreme Court judgments binding
Part VI – State Governments (Articles 152–237)
Article 153 – Governor
Article 154 – Executive power of Governor
Article 163 – Council of Ministers
Article 164 – Chief Minister
Article 165 – Advocate General
Article 213 – Governor’s Ordinance power
Part IX – Panchayati Raj (Articles 243–243O)
Article 243G – Powers of Panchayats
Article 243H – Finance Commission for Panchayats
📌 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Part IXA – Municipalities (Articles 243P–243ZG)
📌 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Part XIV – Services under Union & States
Article 309 – Recruitment of civil servants
Article 311 – Protection to civil servants
Part XVIII – Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360)
Article 352 – National Emergency
Article 356 – President’s Rule
Article 360 – Financial Emergency
📌 Article 356 is frequently asked in exams.
Part XX – Amendment of the Constitution
Article 368 – Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution
📌 Basic Structure Doctrine limits this power.
Important Articles Asked Frequently in Exams (Quick List)
Article 14 – Equality
Article 19 – Freedoms
Article 21 – Right to Life
Article 32 – Constitutional Remedies
Article 44 – Uniform Civil Code
Article 74 – Council of Ministers
Article 110 – Money Bill
Article 123 – Ordinance by President
Article 124 – Supreme Court
Article 356 – President’s Rule
Article 368 – Amendment Power
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is a core subject for all competitive exams. A strong understanding of important articles, their meanings, and related amendments can significantly boost exam scores. Aspirants should revise these articles regularly and practice MCQs based on constitutional provisions.
