Constitution of India
Essential Concepts for SSC GD Exams
1. Introduction
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It lays down the framework of governance, division of powers, fundamental rights, duties, and the structure of government bodies. It is one of the most important Polity topics for SSC GD.
Simple Definition
The Constitution of India is the highest law book that defines how India is governed, what rights citizens have, and how the government works.
2. Formation of the Indian Constitution
2.1. Constituent Assembly
- Formed: 1946
- Members: 389 (later 299)
- Task: Write the Constitution
2.2. Drafting Committee
Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Father of the Indian Constitution)
2.3. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Constituent Assembly formed | 1946 |
| Drafting Committee formed | 29 Aug 1947 |
| Constitution adopted | 26 Nov 1949 |
| Constitution enforced | 26 January 1950 |
Why 26 Jan?
Because Purna Swaraj Day (1930) was celebrated on 26 Jan.
3. Size & Features of Indian Constitution
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Longest written constitution in the world | Yes |
| Original Articles | 395 |
| Present Articles | 470+ |
| Original Schedules | 8 |
| Present Schedules | 12 |
| Amendments | 100+ (till date) |
Memory Trick:
"A–S–A" → Articles–Schedules–Amendments
4. Sources of Indian Constitution
Borrowed from different countries.
| Country | Borrowed Feature |
|---|---|
| UK | Parliamentary system |
| USA | Fundamental Rights |
| Ireland | DPSP (Directive Principles) |
| Canada | Federal system |
| USSR | Fundamental Duties |
| Australia | Concurrent List |
Memory Trick:
"U-U-I-C-U-A" → UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, USSR, Australia
5. Preamble of India
Preamble = Introduction of the Constitution.
The Preamble declares India as:
- Sovereign
- Socialist
- Secular
- Democratic
- Republic
Objectives:
- Justice
- Liberty
- Equality
- Fraternity
Amended by 42nd Amendment (1976)
Added words Socialist, Secular, Integrity
6. Union & Its Territories (Basic Structure)
India is a Union of States.
6.1. Types of Territories
- States (28)
- Union Territories (8)
- Acquired Territories
6.2. Important Articles
- Article 1 → India = Union of States
- Article 3 → Parliament can create/alter states
7. Citizenship (Articles 5–11)
NOT asked in-depth in SSC GD, but basics needed.
7.1. Four ways to acquire citizenship
- By birth
- By descent
- By registration
- By naturalization
7.2. Important Note
India does NOT allow dual citizenship.
8. Schedules of Indian Constitution (SSC Favourite)
| Schedule | Content |
|---|---|
| 1st | States & UTs |
| 2nd | Salaries of govt officials |
| 3rd | Oaths |
| 4th | Rajya Sabha seats |
| 5th | Tribal areas |
| 6th | North-East tribal areas |
| 7th | Union-State-Concurrent Lists |
| 8th | 22 official languages |
| 9th | Land reform laws |
| 10th | Anti-defection |
| 11th | Panchayati Raj |
| 12th | Municipalities |
Memory Trick:
"S–S–O–R–T–N–L–L–A–P–M" (States–Salaries–Oaths–Rajya Sabha–Tribes–NE–Lists–Languages–Anti-defection–Panchayat–Municipality)
9. Types of Government in India
| Level | Body |
|---|---|
| Union Government | Central Govt (PM, President) |
| State Government | CM, Governor |
| Local Government | Panchayats & Municipalities |
India has: Federal system (Centre + States)
India has: Parliamentary system (PM = head of govt)
10. Important Constitutional Articles
| Article | Importance |
|---|---|
| Art 14 | Equality |
| Art 19 | Six freedoms |
| Art 21 | Right to life |
| Art 32 | Constitutional remedies |
| Art 51A | Fundamental Duties |
| Art 368 | Amendment process |
| Art 370 | Special status to J&K (Removed in 2019) |
11. Important Amendments
| Amendment | Importance |
|---|---|
| 42nd (1976) | Mini Constitution; added Socialist, Secular |
| 44th (1978) | Restored rights |
| 52nd (1985) | Anti-defection |
| 61st (1988) | Voting age → 21 to 18 |
| 73rd (1992) | Panchayati Raj |
| 74th (1992) | Municipalities |
| 101st (2016) | GST Act |
12. Special Features of Indian Constitution
Written
Longest constitution
Parliamentary system
Federal + unitary power
Independent judiciary
Single citizenship
Secular state
Emergency provisions
Master Constitution of India for Competitive Exams!
Join Courage Library for comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
Be a Couragian!