25 Vital Parts of Indian Constitution: Your Essential Guide

An Overview of the Key Parts of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law that outlines the country’s political, social, and economic framework. Initially, there were 22 parts of Indian Constitution with only 8 schedules. Over time, amendments have added new parts and repealed some. Currently, there are 25 parts of Indian Constitution and 12 schedules. These parts define the rights of Indian citizens and outline the procedures, duties, and principles of the government.

The parts of the Indian Constitution cover a wide range of topics, including union and territory, citizenship, fundamental rights and duties, directive principles, union and state governments, union territories, panchayats, municipalities, cooperative societies, scheduled and tribal areas, relations between the union and states, finance, trade, services, tribunals, elections, and temporary provisions.

Parts of the Indian Constitution: Schedules

Schedules are supplementary lists that provide additional details and explanations to the main text of the Constitution of India. There are a total of twelve (12) schedules, each with a specific purpose.

Functions of Schedules:

Schedules play a crucial role in clarifying and elaborating on various aspects of the Constitution. They typically contain lists, forms of oaths or affirmations, and specific provisions that wouldn’t fit well within the main articles.

The Twelve Schedules:

Schedules in the Indian Constitution
Schedules	Features of Schedules
1st Schedule	The provisions about allowances, privileges, and emoluments of: the President of India Governors of The Indian States Speaker of Lok Sabha & Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Chairman of Rajya Sabha & Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assemblies of The Indian States Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils of the Indian States
2nd Schedule	It contains the names of States and Union Territories. The Territorial Jurisdiction of states is also included
3rd Schedule	It contains the name of States and Union Territories. The Territorial Jurisdiction of states is also included
4th Schedule	It contains the forms of oath and affirmation for Union Ministers of India Parliament Election Candidates Members of Parliament (MPs) Supreme Court Judges Comptroller and Auditor General State Ministers State Legislature Elections’ Candidates State Legislature Members High Court Judges
5th Schedule	It contains the provisions about the allocation of seats for States and Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha
6th Schedule	It contains provisions about the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes
7th Schedule	This schedule deals with the three legislative lists
8th Schedule	It deals with the 22 official languages recognized by the Constitution:
9th Schedule	It deals with the state acts and regulations that deal with land reforms and the abolition of the Zamindari system. It also deals with the acts and regulations of the Parliament dealing with other matters.
10th Schedule	It contains provisions relating to the disqualification of the members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the grounds of defection.
11th Schedule	It contains the provisions that specify Panchayats’ powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats.
12th Schedule	It deals with the provisions that specify the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities.

Constitution of India: List of All Articles (1-395) and Parts (1-22)      

The Constitution of India is a comprehensive document containing 448 articles, numbered from 1 to 395, with several having multiple clauses or sub-clauses. In addition to these articles, the Constitution also includes 25 parts and 12 schedules, each addressing a specific aspect of governance and administration.

Exploring the Constituent parts of indian constitution

The Indian Constitution, which originally comprised 22 parts, has been amended to now include 25 parts. Each part plays a pivotal role in outlining the structure and operation of the Indian government. Below is a detailed breakdown of these parts:

Part	Subject	Description
1	The Union and its Territory	Part 1 of The Indian constitution defines India as a union of states and empowers parliament to admit, establish, or reorganize states
2	Citizenship	Part 2 of The Indian constitution lays down criteria and procedures for citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, or incorporation of territory
3	Fundamental Rights	Part 3 of The Indian constitution enshrines fundamental rights for individual liberty and dignity.
4	Directive Principles of State Policy	Part 4 of The Indian constitution outlines directive principles for social justice, economic welfare, international peace, etc.
4A	Fundamental Duties	Adds fundamental duties for citizens.
5	The Union	Part 5 of The Indian constitution deals with the union government and its executive, legislative and judicial organs.
6	The States	Part 6 of The Indian constitution deals with the state governments and their executive, legislative, and judicial organs such as the governor, chief minister, state legislature, high court, etc.
7	Repealed	Part 7 of The Indian constitution was repealed by the 7th amendment in 1956 which reorganized the states on a linguistic basis.
8	The Union Territories	Deals with administration of union territories by central government through administrators appointed by the President
9	The Panchayats	Part 9 of The Indian constitution deals with panchayats as local self-government at the village level, and provides for their constitution, powers and functions
9A	The Municipalities	Deals with municipalities as local self-government at the urban level and provides for their constitution, powers, and functions
9B	The Co-operative Societies	Deals with cooperative societies as autonomous associations for mutual benefit and provides for their incorporation, regulation, and management
10	The Scheduled and Tribal Areas	Part 10 of The Indian constitution deals with the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes requiring special protection due to their backwardness or cultural identity
11	Relations between the Union and the States	Deals with relations between unions and states in legislative and administrative matters.
12	Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits	Deals with financial aspects.
13	Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse within the Territory of India	Deals with the regulation of trade, commerce, and intercourse within India and prohibits discrimination or preference among states
14	Services under the Union and the States	Deals with services under unions and states such as recruitment, conditions of service, tenure, disciplinary action, etc.
14A	Tribunals	Deals with tribunals for adjudication of disputes relating to taxation, service matters, foreign exchange, etc.
15	Elections	Deals with the conduct of elections to parliament, state legislatures, and offices of president and vice-president by an independent election commission
16	Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes	Deals with special provisions for certain classes such as reservation of seats or posts for scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), and other backward classes (OBCs) in public services or educational institutions
17	Official Language	Deals with the official languages of unions and states. It also deals with the development of Hindi as an official language of unions along with English as an associate official language
18	Emergency Provisions	Deals with emergency provisions empowering the president to declare an emergency.
19	Miscellaneous Provisions	Relating to Certain Authorities Established by this Constitution or under any Law made by Parliament under this Constitution.
20	Amendment of the Constitution	Part 9 of The Indian constitution deals with panchayats as local self-government at the village level and provides for their constitution, powers and functions
21	Temporary Transitional And Special Provisions	Deals with temporary transitional and special provisions for certain states or regions such as Jammu & Kashmir; Andhra Pradesh & Telangana; Sikkim; Nagaland; Assam; Manipur; Tripura; Mizoram; Arunachal Pradesh; Goa; Karnataka; Maharashtra & Gujarat
22	Short Title Commencement Authoritative Text In Hindi And Repeals	Deals with short title commencement authoritative text in Hindi and repeals such as India that is Bharat shall be a Union of States; This Constitution may be called the Constitution of India; The Constitution of India shall come into force on the twenty-sixth day of January 1950

Parts of Indian Constitution Added as Amendments     

Since its adoption in 1950, the Indian Constitution has been amended more than 100 times. Some have added new parts and some changed or deleted existing parts. This section talks about these amendments and their impact on the Constitution.

Part	Amendment	Year	Content	Impact
IVA	42nd	1976	Fundamental Duties – Lists 10 duties for citizens	Made it a constitutional obligation for citizens to perform their duties along with enjoying their rights.
IVA	86th	2002	Added an 11th duty for parents or guardians to provide education to their children between six and fourteen years.	Promoted the right to education and made it a duty of parents or guardians.
IX	73rd	1992	The Panchayats – Provides for panchayats as local self-government at the village level.	Made it a constitutional obligation for citizens to perform their duties while enjoying their rights.
IXA	74th	1992	The Municipalities – Provides for municipalities as local self-government at the urban level.	It strengthened democratic decentralization and participatory governance in India.
IXB	97th	2011	The Co-operative Societies – Provides for co-operative societies as autonomous associations for mutual benefit.	It strengthened democratic decentralization and participatory governance in India.

What Are the 25 Parts of Indian Constitution?      

The 25 parts of Indian Constitution are the main divisions of the supreme law that define the country’s structure.  

Part	Subject	Articles
I	The Union and its Territory	1-4
II	Citizenship	5-11
III	Fundamental Rights	12-35
IV	Directive Principles of State Policy	36-51
IVA	Fundamental Duties	51A
V	The Union	52-151
VI	The States	152-237
VII	Repealed by the 7th Amendment in 1956	–
VIII	The Union Territories	239-242
IX	The Panchayats	243-243O
IXA	The Municipalities	243P-243ZG
IXB	The Co-operative Societies	243ZH-243ZT
X	The Scheduled and Tribal Areas	244-244A
XI	Relations between the Union and the States	245-263
XII	Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits	264-300A
XIII	Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within India	301-307
XIV	Services under the Union and the States	308-323
XIVA	Tribunals	323A-323B
XV	Elections	324-329A
XVI	Special Provisions for Certain Classes	330-342
XVII	Official Language	343-351
XVIII	Emergency Provisions	352-360
XIX	Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Certain Authorities Established by this Constitution or under any Law made by Parliament under this Constitution.	361-367
XX	Amendment of the Constitution	368
XXI	Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions	369-392
XXII	Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals	393-395

All Parts of Indian Constitution in Detail

Keep reading if you want to learn about the importance of all parts of Indian Constitution, the amendments, and the changes made.

Part I: The Union and its Territory (Articles 1 to 4)

Part 1 of the Indian constitution helps define the territorial boundaries of India and its identity as a union of states. With its help, the parliament can re-organize or admit states and establish new territories as per its terms and conditions. It is meant to reflect India’s sovereignty, federalism, flexibility, and expansion.

Part II: Citizenship (Articles 5 to 11)

Part 2 of the Indian constitution helps define the criteria of Indian Citizenship. It includes Articles 5 to 11.

1. (Articles 5 to 8): Defined the eligibility criteria for citizenship.
2. (Articles 9 to 11): How individuals can obtain or lose citizenship.

2nd Part of the Indian constitution includes rights for people who have domiciled in India, people who migrated from and to Pakistan, people who live in foreign countries but originated from India, and people who are obtaining or losing citizenship.

Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12 to 35)

Part 3 of the Indian Constitution helps define the fundamental rights every Indian citizen has. It includes Articles 14 to 35. These articles have been categorized into 6 groups.

1. (Articles 14 to 18): Right to Equality
2. (Articles 19 to 22): Right to Freedom
3. (Articles 23 to 24): Right against Exploitation.
4. (Articles 25 to 28): Right of Freedom of Religion.
5. (Articles 29 to 30): Cultural and Education Rights.
6. (Articles 32 to 35): Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Part IV: Directive Principles (Articles 36 to 51)

When creating new policies and laws, one must follow the rules outlined in Part 4 of the Indian Constitution. They focus on the people’s welfare to ensure that they create a just and equitable society.

Part IV A: Fundamental Duties (Article 51 A)

During the 42nd Constitution amendment, Part 4A of the Indian Constitution was introduced. It only consisted of Article 51A. It describes the 11 fundamental rights of the Indian citizen.

Part V: The Union (Articles 52 to 151)

Chapter I – The Executive (Articles 52 to 78)

The Executive includes the elections, oaths, qualifications, and all the duties of the President, Vice-President of India, Council of Ministers, and Attorney General.

Chapter II – Parliament (Articles 79 to 122)

• (Articles 79 to 88): Includes the general information of the Parliament and the houses of the Parliament. It also outlines the rights and duties of ministers and Attorney-General.
• (Articles 89 to 98): Officers of the Parliament.
• (Articles 99 & 100): Conduct of Business (Oaths by the Members and Voting).
• (Articles 101 to 106): Disqualifications of the members. 
• (Articles 107 to 111): Legislative Procedures.
• (Articles 112 to 117): Procedures in Financial Matters (Bills).
• (Articles 118 to 122): Procedure Generally.

Chapter III – Legislative Powers of President (Article 123)

(Article 123) is about the power of the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament.

Chapter IV – The Union Judiciary (Articles 124 to 147)

Articles 124 to 147 deal with the Union Judiciary, that is, the Supreme Court. It gives all the information related to the Supreme Court.

Chapter V – Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (Articles 148 to 151)

In these articles, it talks about:

• The duties and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
• Form of accounts of the Union and the State.
• Audit Reports.

Part VI: The States (Articles 152 to 237)

Chapter I – General (Article 152)

Article 152- Definition.

Chapter II – The Executive (Articles 153 to 167)

The Executive powers of the State are in the hands of-

1. Governor
2. Council of Ministers
3. Advocate General

• (Articles 153 to 161) – Describes all the powers of the Governor.
• (Articles 162 & 163)- Executive Power of the state (Council of Ministers).
• (Articles 164 & 165)- Other provisions to the Advocate General of the State.
• (Articles 166 & 167)- Conduct of Government Business.

Chapter III – The State Legislature (Articles 168 to 212)

• (Articles 168 to 177): This Article constitutes the Constitution, Abolition, Composition of the Legislative Assemblies and the Legislative Councils, Duration of the State Legislature, Rights of the Ministers, and Advocate-General.
• (Articles 178 to 187): Officers of the State Legislature
• The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Their powers).
• The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council (Their Powers, salaries).
• Secretariat of the State Legislature.
• (Articles 188 & 189): Conduct of Business.
• (Articles 190 to 193): Disqualifications of the Members
• (Articles 194 & 195): Powers, privileges, and immunities of the State Legislature and their Members.
• (Articles 196 to 200): Legislative Procedures. (Bills)
• (Article 201): Bills reserved for consideration.
• (Articles 202 to 207): Procedure in Financial Matters.
• (Articles 208 to 212): Procedure Generally (Rules and Regulations).

Chapter IV – Legislative Powers of Governor (Article 213)

(Article 213) tells us about the Powers of the Governor to promulgate Ordinances during the recess of the Legislature.

Chapter V – The High Courts (Articles 214 to 232)

These Articles tell us about the powers of the High Courts and the Judge of the High Court.

Chapter VI – Subordinate Courts (Articles 233 to 237)

These articles tell us about the appointment, and validation of the district judges.

Part VII- State in the B part of the First Schedule Repealed by Const. (7th Amendment) Act, 1956 [Article- 238 (Repealed)]

Part 7 of the Indian Constitution deals with the states under Part B of the first schedule. It focused on the princely states. The 7th Amendment repealed this part in 1956.

Part VIII- The Union Territories (Articles 239 to 242)

Part 8 of the Indian Constitution includes Articles 239 to 242, which deals with Union Territories and their administration. The President administers them until the Parliament says otherwise, as they have the ultimate jurisdiction.

Regarding Delhi, Part 8 of the Indian Constitution has special provisions. Article 239-AA named Delhi and its administrator as the Lieutenant Governor.

Part IX- The Panchayats (Articles 243 to 243O)

Part 9 of the Indian Constitution includes the provisions for the self-government available at the rural level. The Panchayati Raj has a lot of powers and functions. They mainly help with the area’s development and socio-economic growth. 

Part IX A- The Municipalities (Articles 243P to 243ZG)

Part 9A of the Indian Constitution specifies information related to Municipalities. They are urban local bodies that provide civic services and amenities to their citizens. This part mentions that the roles and functions will differ based on the size and population of the municipality.

Part IX B- Co-operative Societies (Articles 243ZH to 243ZT)

One type of self-help group is a cooperative society. It is a crucial instrument for safeguarding citizens against capitalist exploitation and advancing the objectives of social and economic justice as stated in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. The Constitution (97th Amendment) Act of 2011 added Articles 243ZH to 243ZT to Part IX-B, which followed Part IX-A. Cooperative societies are the main topic of this new section.

Part X- The Scheduled and Tribal Areas (Articles 244 to 244A)

Part 10 of the Indian Constitution includes Article 244, which deals with administrating and controlling the Scheduled and Tribal areas in all states. However, the Sixth schedule applied to the states that are an exception, namely, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and Tripura.

Tribal Areas have autonomous district or regional councils, which have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over various matters concerning the tribes.

Part XI- Relations between the Union and the States (Article 245 to 263)

Part 11 of the Indian Constitution deals with the relations between the Unions and the States regarding 3 matters. These are Legislative relations, Financial relations, and Administration relations.

Part XII- Finance, Property, Contracts, and Suits (Article 264 to 300A)

Part 12 defines the roles and responsibilities of the Finance Commission. It tells the President about the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the States.

Part XIII- Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse within the Territory of India (Articles 301 to 307)

Part XIII covers the provisions related to the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout the territory of India. It also helps the Parliament and the State Legislatures to impose restrictions on trade and commerce in the public interest.  

Part XIV- Services under the Union and the States (Articles 308 to 323)

It covers the provisions related to regulating the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State. 

Part XIV A – Tribunal (Articles 323A to 323B)

Role and significance of administrative tribunals: They are significant because they provide a speedy, inexpensive, and accessible alternative to the regular courts for resolving service matters.

Ensuring efficient and specialised dispute resolution: Part XIVA also empowers the appropriate Legislature to provide for the adjudication or trial by tribunals.

Part XV – Elections (Articles 324 to 329A)

Conducting free and fair elections in India: It empowers the Parliament and the State Legislatures to impose restrictions on trade, commerce, and intercourse in the public interest, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

Part XVI- Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes (Article 300-342)

Articles 330 to 342 provide the special benefits of Reservation of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Anglo-Indians, and Backward Classes. The number of seats designated for such castes and tribes in any State or Union territory shall be determined by their total population. Special Provisions with respect to educational grants are provided to the Anglo-Indian Community.

Part XVII- Official Language (Article 343-351)

Chapter I – Language of the Union (Articles 343-344)

• (Article 343): This article deals with the Official Language of the Union.
• (Article 344): This article deals with the Commission and Committee of Parliament on Official Language.

Chapter II – Regional Languages (Articles 345-347)

These Articles deal with the Official Language of a State.

Chapter III-Language of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and so on (Articles 348-349)

The Language used in the Supreme Court and the High Court and for Bills, Acts, etc.

Chapter IV-Special Directives (Articles 350-351)

In (Articles 350 to 351) the facilities for the use of the mother-tongue are given at the primary stage. A directive for the development of the Hindi language has been made. A special officer for linguistic minorities is also appointed.

Part XVIII – Emergency Provisions (Article 352-360)

There are three types of emergencies in the Indian Constitution:

1. National emergency
2. State emergency
3. Financial emergency

The proclamation of emergency can be announced on the below grounds:

1. War
2. External aggression
3. Armed rebellion

Part XIX- Miscellaneous (Article 361-367)

• Protection of the President and governors.
• Bar to hindrance by courts in controversies arising out of certain covenants, agreements, etc.
• Special provinces as to major ports and airdromes.
• Effect of failure to misbehave with or to give effect to directions given by the Union.
• Some definitions come under Article 366
• Interpretation

Part XX- Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)

In this Article, it deals with the Power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution and the Procedure for it.

Part XXI- Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provinces (Article 369–392)

• In this article, it deals with the temporary power of the parliament to make laws with respect to some matters in the State List and in the Concurrent List.
• Special provinces are there with respect to the states of Maharastra, Gujrat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa.
• Some provisions are there for judges of the High Court, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Public Service Commissions.

Part XXII- Short title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi, and Repeals (Articles 393 to 395)

These articles are a collection of Legislation, consisting of articles regarding the short title, date of commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, and repeals.

Parts of the Indian Constitution for UPSC Aspirants      

The Indian Constitution is one of the most important topics for UPSC aspirants. This section covers the relevance of this topic and how to prepare it. 

Relevance for Civil Services Examination:

A thorough knowledge of All Parts of Indian Constitution is essential for UPSC aspirants. The questions on this topic can test the candidates’ understanding of the Constitution’s historical evolution, making, features, structure, and functioning.

Key Concepts for UPSC Preparation:

If you are preparing for UPSC, you need to know about the Constitution of India and its different concepts. The most important concepts you need to keep in mind are:

• The parts of Indian Constitution and its schedules and articles.
• Over time, we added the new parts.
• The amendments made to it over the years, including any repeals made.
• The documents that helped influence the Constitution.

Essential 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 enforcement of fundamental rights
Article 40	Organization 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	Qualification 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 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	Decriminalization of homosexuality

Tips and Tricks to Remember the Indian Constitution

The Parts of Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document that lays the foundation of the world’s largest democracy. It can be challenging to remember its intricate details, especially for those preparing for competitive exams like the IAS. Here are some tips and tricks to help you remember the Indian Constitution effectively.

Understand the Structure

The Indian Constitution is divided into Articles, Parts, and Schedules. Understanding this structure can help you remember the content more effectively. For instance, knowing that the Fundamental Rights are covered in Part III and Articles 12-35 can help you quickly recall these rights when needed.

Break Down the Articles of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution consists of more than 470 articles. Breaking them down into categories can make it easier to remember. For example, you can group articles related to the President of India, Parliament, or State Legislatures together. This way, you can remember them as a collective unit rather than individual articles.

Use Mnemonics for Important Amendments of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution has been amended 105 times as of 2021. Remembering all these amendments can be daunting. Using mnemonics can simplify this task. For instance, you can remember the 42nd Amendment, which added the words “Secular” and “Socialist” to the Preamble, by associating it with the year it was enacted (1976) or its nickname, the “Mini Constitution“.

Relate Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution to Real-Life Scenarios

The Fundamental Rights are an integral part of Indian Constitution. To remember them, try relating each right to a real-life scenario or current event. This not only helps in remembering the rights but also in understanding their application and significance.

Incorporate the Indian Constitution in Your IAS Preparation Strategy

For IAS aspirants, the Indian Constitution is a crucial part of the syllabus. Incorporate it into your daily study routine. Make concise notes, use flashcards for important articles and amendments, and regularly revise these notes. Also, solving previous years’ question papers can give you a good understanding of how questions related to the Indian Constitution are framed.

Summing Up

India has a long and interesting past and culture, as seen in the different parts of Indian constitution. It stands for what the Indian citizens believe in. The constituent assembly took a long time to establish the constitution after discussing every important issue that may arise. It is the epitome of our country’s democratic values and rights that every citizen should know about. Our job is to support its ideals and principles and ensure it improves over time.

If you want to know more about the “Parts of Indian Constitution” then Click on the Link to get the PDF.

Also Read :-

Salient Features of Indian Constitution: An Overview

Preamble of Indian Constitution | A Brief Overview

Constituent Assembly of India: An Overview

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s ): Parts of indian constitution