This page gives a part-wise quick revision list of the most important Articles of the Indian Constitution. It is meant for fast recall, prelims revision, and answer-writing support.
For detailed notes on Part III, read: Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Indian Constitution
At a Glance #
| Part | Articles | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | 1-4 | Union and its Territory |
| Part II | 5-11 | Citizenship |
| Part III | 12-35 | Fundamental Rights |
| Part IV | 36-51 | Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Part IVA | 51A | Fundamental Duties |
| Part V | 52-151 | Union Government |
| Part VI | 152-237 | State Government |
| Part VII | 238 | Repealed |
| Part VIII | 239-242 | Union Territories |
| Part IX | 243-243O | Panchayats |
| Part IXA | 243P-243ZG | Municipalities |
| Part IXB | 243ZH-243ZT | Cooperative Societies |
| Part X | 244-244A | Scheduled and Tribal Areas |
| Part XI | 245-263 | Centre-State Relations |
| Part XII | 264-300A | Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits |
| Part XIII | 301-307 | Trade, Commerce and Intercourse |
| Part XIV | 308-323 | Services under Union and States |
| Part XIVA | 323A-323B | Tribunals |
| Part XV | 324-329A | Elections |
| Part XVI | 330-342A | Special Provisions for Certain Classes |
| Part XVII | 343-351 | Official Language |
| Part XVIII | 352-360 | Emergency Provisions |
| Part XIX | 361-367 | Miscellaneous |
| Part XX | 368 | Amendment of the Constitution |
| Part XXI | 369-392 | Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions |
| Part XXII | 393-395 | Short Title, Commencement and Repeals |
Part I: Union and its Territory #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 1 | Name and territory of the Union | India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. |
| Article 2 | Admission or establishment of new States | Parliament may admit new States into the Union. |
| Article 3 | Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names | Parliament can reorganize States by law. |
| Article 4 | Laws under Articles 2 and 3 | Such laws are not treated as constitutional amendments under Article 368. |
Part II: Citizenship #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Articles 5-8 | Citizenship at commencement of the Constitution | Covered domicile, migration, and persons of Indian origin abroad. |
| Article 9 | Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship | Such a person ceases to be an Indian citizen. |
| Article 10 | Continuance of citizenship | Subject to laws made by Parliament. |
| Article 11 | Parliament’s power over citizenship | Basis for the Citizenship Act, 1955. |
Related note: Citizenship in India: Constitutional and Legal Provisions
Part III: Fundamental Rights #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 12 | Definition of State | Important for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. |
| Article 13 | Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights | Provides doctrine of judicial review over ordinary laws. |
| Articles 14-18 | Right to Equality | Includes equality before law, anti-discrimination, abolition of untouchability and titles. |
| Articles 19-22 | Right to Freedom | Includes freedoms, life and liberty, education, and safeguards against arrest. |
| Articles 23-24 | Right against Exploitation | Prohibits forced labour and child labour in hazardous work. |
| Articles 25-28 | Freedom of Religion | Protects conscience, practice, propagation, and religious management. |
| Articles 29-30 | Cultural and Educational Rights | Protects minority interests and institutions. |
| Article 32 | Constitutional Remedies | Called the heart and soul of the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. |
| Articles 33-35 | Other FR provisions | Parliament’s power regarding armed forces, martial law, and related laws. |
Detailed note: Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Indian Constitution
Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 36 | Definition of State | Same meaning as in Part III unless context requires otherwise. |
| Article 37 | Nature of DPSPs | Non-justiciable but fundamental in governance. |
| Article 38 | Social order for welfare | Promotes social, economic and political justice. |
| Article 39 | Principles of policy | Includes livelihood, equal pay, distribution of resources, and protection of children. |
| Article 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid | Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. |
| Article 40 | Gram Panchayats | Basis for local self-government. |
| Article 41 | Work, education and public assistance | Subject to State’s economic capacity. |
| Article 42 | Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief | Important for labour welfare and social justice. |
| Article 43 | Living wage and decent standard of life | Important for labour welfare. |
| Article 43A | Participation of workers in management of industries | Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. |
| Article 43B | Cooperative societies | Promotion of voluntary and democratic cooperatives. |
| Article 44 | Uniform Civil Code | Often asked in polity and current affairs. |
| Article 45 | Early childhood care and education | For children below six years. |
| Article 46 | SC, ST and weaker sections | Promotion of educational and economic interests. |
| Article 47 | Nutrition, standard of living and public health | Also linked with prohibition of intoxicating drinks. |
| Article 48 | Agriculture and animal husbandry | Organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. |
| Article 48A | Environment and wildlife | Protection and improvement of environment. |
| Article 49 | Protection of monuments and places of national importance | Duty of the State to protect national heritage. |
| Article 50 | Separation of judiciary from executive | Important for independence of judiciary. |
| Article 51 | International peace and security | Promotes respect for international law and treaties. |
Part IVA: Fundamental Duties #
Fundamental Duties are listed under Article 51A. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The duty under Article 51A(k) was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 51A(a) | Respect the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem | Also includes respect for constitutional ideals and institutions. |
| Article 51A(b) | Cherish the ideals of the freedom struggle | Important for civic and national values. |
| Article 51A(c) | Uphold sovereignty, unity and integrity of India | Linked with national integration. |
| Article 51A(d) | Defend the country and render national service when called upon | Duty connected with national security. |
| Article 51A(e) | Promote harmony and brotherhood | Rejects practices derogatory to the dignity of women. |
| Article 51A(f) | Preserve composite culture | Protects India’s rich heritage and cultural diversity. |
| Article 51A(g) | Protect environment and show compassion for living creatures | Includes forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife. |
| Article 51A(h) | Develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry | Important for rational and reform-oriented citizenship. |
| Article 51A(i) | Safeguard public property and abjure violence | Often linked with public order and civic discipline. |
| Article 51A(j) | Strive for excellence | Aims to raise national achievement in all spheres. |
| Article 51A(k) | Provide education to children aged 6 to 14 years | Duty of parent or guardian; added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002. |
Part V: The Union #
Union Executive #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 52 | President of India | Constitutional head of the Union. |
| Article 53 | Executive power of the Union | Vested in the President. |
| Article 54 | ** Election of President** | Elected by an electoral college. |
| Article 55 | Manner of election of President | Ensures uniformity among States and parity between Union and States. |
| Article 56 | Term of office of President | Holds office for five years. |
| Article 58 | Qualifications for election as President | Citizen of India, 35 years of age, and qualified for Lok Sabha membership. |
| Article 59 | Conditions of President’s office | President cannot hold any office of profit. |
| Article 60 | Oath or affirmation by the President | Administered by the Chief Justice of India, or senior-most Supreme Court judge available. |
| Article 61 | Impeachment of President | For violation of the Constitution. |
| Article 62 | Time of holding presidential election | Election to fill vacancy must be completed within the prescribed time. |
| Article 63 | Vice-President of India | Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. |
| Article 64 | ** Vice-President as Chairman of Rajya Sabha** | Vice-President is ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States. |
| Article 66 | Election of Vice-President | Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament. |
| Article 67 | Term of office of Vice-President | Holds office for five years. |
| Article 69 | Oath or affirmation by the Vice-President | Administered by the President or a person appointed by the President. |
| Article 71 | Election disputes of President and Vice-President | Decided by the Supreme Court. |
| Article 72 | Pardoning power of President | Includes pardon, reprieve, respite, remission, suspension and commutation. |
| Article 73 | Extent of executive power of the Union | Extends to matters on which Parliament can make laws. |
| Article 74 | Council of Ministers to aid and advise President | President acts on ministerial advice. |
| Article 75 | Other provisions as to Ministers | Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha. |
| Article 76 | Attorney General of India | Highest law officer of India. |
| Article 77 | Conduct of business of Government of India | Executive actions are taken in the name of the President. |
| Article 78 | Duties of Prime Minister | Communication link between President and Council of Ministers. |
Parliament #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 79 | Constitution of Parliament | President, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. |
| Article 80 | Rajya Sabha | Council of States. |
| Article 81 | Lok Sabha | House of the People. |
| Article 83 | Duration of Houses of Parliament | Lok Sabha has a normal term of five years; Rajya Sabha is permanent. |
| Article 84 | Qualifications for membership of Parliament | Citizenship, age and other qualifications prescribed by law. |
| Article 85 | Sessions, prorogation and dissolution | Six-month gap rule between sessions. |
| Article 86 | President’s right to address and send messages | President may address either House or both Houses. |
| Article 87 | Special address by President | Address at first session after general election and first session each year. |
| Article 93 | Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha | Presiding officers of Lok Sabha. |
| Article 100 | Voting in Houses | Decisions usually by majority of members present and voting. |
| Article 102 | Disqualifications for membership | Includes office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency and other legal disqualifications. |
| Article 105 | Powers and privileges of Parliament | Parliamentary privileges. |
| Article 107 | Provisions as to introduction and passing of Bills | General legislative procedure. |
| Article 108 | Joint sitting | Used to resolve deadlock on ordinary bills. |
| Article 109 | Special procedure for Money Bills | Rajya Sabha has limited power over Money Bills. |
| Article 110 | Money Bill | Speaker’s decision is important. |
| Article 111 | Assent to Bills | President may assent, withhold, or return non-money bills. |
| Article 112 | Annual Financial Statement | Union Budget. |
| Article 113 | Demands for grants | Voted by Lok Sabha. |
| Article 114 | Appropriation Bills | Authorizes withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of India. |
| Article 117 | Special provisions for Financial Bills | Prior recommendation of President may be required. |
| Article 118 | Rules of procedure | Each House may make rules for its procedure. |
| Article 122 | Courts not to inquire into parliamentary proceedings | Protects validity of proceedings from procedural challenges. |
| Article 123 | Ordinance-making power of President | Used when Parliament is not in session. |
Union Judiciary and CAG #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 124 | Establishment of Supreme Court | Includes appointment of Supreme Court judges. |
| Article 126 | Appointment of acting Chief Justice | President may appoint a judge to act as CJI. |
| Article 127 | Ad hoc judges | Used when quorum of Supreme Court judges is not available. |
| Article 128 | Attendance of retired judges | Retired Supreme Court or High Court judges may sit in Supreme Court. |
| Article 129 | Supreme Court as Court of Record | Power to punish for contempt. |
| Article 130 | Seat of Supreme Court | Delhi or other place appointed by Chief Justice with President’s approval. |
| Article 131 | Original jurisdiction of Supreme Court | Centre-State and inter-State disputes. |
| Article 132 | Appellate jurisdiction in constitutional cases | Appeals involving substantial constitutional questions. |
| Article 133 | Appellate jurisdiction in civil cases | Civil appeals to Supreme Court. |
| Article 134 | Appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases | Criminal appeals to Supreme Court. |
| Article 136 | Special Leave Petition | Discretionary appellate power. |
| Article 137 | Review power of Supreme Court | Review of its own judgments. |
| Article 139 | Power to issue certain writs | Parliament may confer additional writ powers on Supreme Court. |
| Article 139A | Transfer of certain cases | Supreme Court may transfer cases involving same legal questions. |
| Article 141 | Law declared by Supreme Court | Binding on all courts in India. |
| Article 142 | Complete justice | Supreme Court may pass necessary orders. |
| Article 143 | Advisory jurisdiction | President may seek opinion of Supreme Court. |
| Article 144 | Civil and judicial authorities to aid Supreme Court | All authorities must act in aid of Supreme Court. |
| Article 145 | Rules of Court | Supreme Court may make rules with President’s approval. |
| Article 146 | Officers and servants of Supreme Court | Appointments and service conditions. |
| Article 148 | Comptroller and Auditor General of India | Guardian of the public purse. |
| Article 149 | Duties and powers of CAG | Prescribed by Parliament. |
| Article 150 | Form of Union and State accounts | Prescribed by President on CAG’s advice. |
| Article 151 | CAG reports | Submitted to President or Governor. |
Part VI: The States #
State Executive #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 153 | Governor of States | Same person may be Governor for two or more States. |
| Article 154 | Executive power of State | Vested in the Governor. |
| Article 161 | Pardoning power of Governor | Does not extend to death sentence pardon. |
| Article 163 | Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor | Includes limited discretionary powers. |
| Article 164 | Other provisions as to Ministers | Collective responsibility to Legislative Assembly. |
| Article 165 | Advocate General for the State | Highest law officer of the State. |
| Article 167 | Duties of Chief Minister | Communication link between Governor and Council of Ministers. |
State Legislature and High Courts #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 168 | State Legislature | Governor and one or two Houses. |
| Article 169 | Legislative Councils | Creation or abolition by Parliament on State Assembly resolution. |
| Article 170 | Legislative Assemblies | Composition of Vidhan Sabha. |
| Article 171 | Legislative Councils | Composition of Vidhan Parishad. |
| Article 174 | Sessions, prorogation and dissolution | State legislature session rule. |
| Article 178 | Speaker and Deputy Speaker | Presiding officers of Legislative Assembly. |
| Article 194 | Powers and privileges | State legislature privileges. |
| Article 200 | Governor’s assent to Bills | Assent, withholding, return, or reservation. |
| Article 213 | Ordinance-making power of Governor | Used when State legislature is not in session. |
| Article 214 | High Courts for States | Establishment of High Courts. |
| Article 217 | Appointment of High Court judges | Appointed by President. |
| Article 226 | Writ jurisdiction of High Courts | Wider than Article 32. |
| Article 227 | Superintendence over subordinate courts | High Court supervisory jurisdiction. |
| Article 233 | District judges | Appointment by Governor in consultation with High Court. |
Part VII: Repealed #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 238 | Repealed | Removed by the 7th Amendment Act, 1956. |
Part VIII: Union Territories #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 239 | Administration of Union Territories | Administered by President through an Administrator. |
| Article 239A | Local legislatures or Council of Ministers for certain UTs | Important for UT governance. |
| Article 239AA | Special provisions for Delhi | Provides Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers for NCT Delhi. |
| Article 240 | President’s power to make regulations for certain UTs | Legislative power for specified UTs. |
| Article 241 | High Courts for Union Territories | Parliament may constitute or declare a High Court for a UT. |
Part IX, IXA and IXB: Local Government #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 243 | Definitions for Panchayats | Introduces Part IX terminology. |
| Article 243B | Constitution of Panchayats | Three-tier Panchayati Raj system. |
| Article 243D | Reservation of seats | Includes reservation for SCs, STs and women. |
| Article 243G | Powers and responsibilities of Panchayats | Linked with Eleventh Schedule. |
| Article 243K | State Election Commission | Conducts Panchayat elections. |
| Article 243ZD | District Planning Committee | Consolidates local plans. |
| Article 243P | Definitions for Municipalities | Introduces Part IXA terminology. |
| Article 243Q | Constitution of Municipalities | Urban local bodies. |
| Article 243T | Reservation of seats in Municipalities | Includes SC, ST and women reservation. |
| Article 243W | Powers and responsibilities of Municipalities | Linked with Twelfth Schedule. |
| Article 243ZA | Municipal elections | Superintendence by State Election Commission. |
| Article 243ZH-243ZT | Cooperative Societies | Constitutional framework for cooperatives. |
Part X: Scheduled and Tribal Areas #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 244 | Administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas | Links to Fifth and Sixth Schedules. |
| Article 244A | Autonomous State in Assam | Special provision for certain tribal areas. |
Part XI: Relations Between Union and States #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 245 | Extent of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures | Territorial jurisdiction of laws. |
| Article 246 | Subject matter of laws | Union, State and Concurrent Lists. |
| Article 246A | GST legislative power | Special power to make laws on GST. |
| Article 249 | Parliament’s power on State List in national interest | Requires Rajya Sabha resolution. |
| Article 250 | Parliament’s power during National Emergency | Can legislate on State List. |
| Article 252 | Parliament’s power with consent of States | Applies to consenting States and adopting States. |
| Article 253 | Laws for international agreements | Parliament can implement treaties. |
| Article 256 | Obligation of States and Union control | State executive power must comply with Union laws. |
| Article 262 | Inter-State water disputes | Parliament may provide adjudication. |
| Article 263 | Inter-State Council | Coordination between Union and States. |
Part XII: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 265 | Taxes only by authority of law | No tax can be imposed without law. |
| Article 266 | Consolidated Funds and Public Accounts | Union and State financial accounts. |
| Article 267 | Contingency Fund | For urgent unforeseen expenditure. |
| Article 268-281 | Distribution of revenues | Centre-State financial relations. |
| Article 275 | Grants-in-aid from Union to States | Statutory grants charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. |
| Article 279A | GST Council | Constitutional body for GST recommendations. |
| Article 280 | Finance Commission | Recommends tax distribution and principles governing grants-in-aid under Article 275. |
| Article 282 | Discretionary grants | Union or State may make grants for any public purpose, even outside its legislative field. |
| Article 292 | Borrowing by Government of India | Union borrowing power. |
| Article 293 | Borrowing by States | State borrowing power. |
| Article 300 | Suits and proceedings | Government may sue and be sued. |
| Article 300A | Right to property | Constitutional/legal right, not a Fundamental Right. |
Part XIII: Trade, Commerce and Intercourse #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 301 | Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse | Applies throughout India. |
| Article 302 | Parliament’s power to impose restrictions | In public interest. |
| Article 304 | State restrictions on trade | Subject to constitutional conditions. |
| Article 307 | Authority for carrying out Part XIII | Parliament may appoint authority. |
Part XIV and XIVA: Services and Tribunals #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 309 | Recruitment and conditions of service | For Union and State services. |
| Article 310 | Doctrine of pleasure | Civil servants hold office during pleasure of President or Governor. |
| Article 311 | Safeguards to civil servants | Protection against dismissal, removal or reduction in rank. |
| Article 312 | All India Services | Rajya Sabha resolution required for creation. |
| Article 315 | Public Service Commissions | UPSC and State PSCs. |
| Article 320 | Functions of Public Service Commissions | Recruitment and advisory functions. |
| Article 323A | Administrative Tribunals | For service matters. |
| Article 323B | Tribunals for other matters | Includes tax, labour, land reforms and elections. |
Part XV: Elections #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 324 | Election Commission of India | Superintendence, direction and control of elections. |
| Article 325 | One general electoral roll | No exclusion on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex. |
| Article 326 | Adult suffrage | Elections based on universal adult franchise. |
| Article 327 | Parliament’s power over elections | Law-making power for elections. |
| Article 329 | Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters | Election disputes through election petitions. |
Part XVI: Special Provisions for Certain Classes #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 330 | Reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha | Political reservation. |
| Article 332 | Reservation of seats for SCs and STs in State Assemblies | State-level political reservation. |
| Article 335 | Claims of SCs and STs to services | Balanced with administrative efficiency. |
| Article 338 | National Commission for Scheduled Castes | Constitutional body. |
| Article 338A | National Commission for Scheduled Tribes | Constitutional body. |
| Article 338B | National Commission for Backward Classes | Constitutional status through 102nd Amendment. |
| Article 340 | Commission to investigate backward classes | Basis for backward class commissions. |
| Article 341 | Scheduled Castes | Presidential specification. |
| Article 342 | Scheduled Tribes | Presidential specification. |
| Article 342A | Socially and educationally backward classes | Linked with SEBC identification. |
Part XVII: Official Language #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 343 | Official language of the Union | Hindi in Devanagari script. |
| Article 345 | Official language of State | State Legislature may adopt language. |
| Article 348 | Language of Supreme Court, High Courts and laws | English is used unless otherwise provided. |
| Article 350A | Instruction in mother tongue | For linguistic minority children at primary stage. |
| Article 350B | Special Officer for linguistic minorities | Reports to President. |
| Article 351 | Directive for development of Hindi | Union’s duty to promote Hindi. |
Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 352 | National Emergency | War, external aggression or armed rebellion. |
| Article 353 | Effect of National Emergency | Extension of Union executive and legislative power. |
| Article 356 | President’s Rule | Failure of constitutional machinery in States. |
| Article 358 | Suspension of Article 19 | Only for emergency on war or external aggression. |
| Article 359 | Suspension of enforcement of Fundamental Rights | Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended. |
| Article 360 | Financial Emergency | Never used so far. |
Part XIX: Miscellaneous #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 361 | Protection of President and Governors | Immunity for official acts. |
| Article 361A | Publication of parliamentary proceedings | Protection for substantially true reports. |
| Article 363 | Bar to interference in disputes from treaties or agreements | Related to pre-Constitution arrangements. |
| Article 365 | Effect of failure to comply with Union directions | May support action under Article 356. (President’s Rule) |
| Article 367 | Interpretation | Applies General Clauses Act principles. |
Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 368 | Amendment power and procedure | Parliament can amend the Constitution, subject to the basic structure doctrine. |
Part XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 369 | Temporary power of Parliament on State List matters | Transitional provision. |
| Article 370 | Jammu and Kashmir | Special provision; its abrogation was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023. |
| Article 371-371J | Special provisions for certain States | Important for asymmetric federalism. |
| Article 372 | Continuance of existing laws | Pre-Constitution laws continue until altered or repealed. |
| Article 392 | Power of President to remove difficulties | Transitional power. |
Related note: Landmark Judgments of the Indian Constitution
Part XXII: Short Title, Commencement and Repeals #
| Article | Provision | Exam Point |
|---|---|---|
| Article 393 | Short title | Constitution of India. |
| Article 394 | Commencement | Certain provisions came into force immediately. |
| Article 394A | Authoritative text in Hindi | Hindi version of the Constitution. |
| Article 395 | Repeals | Repealed the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and Government of India Act, 1935. |