Top 15 Important Constitutional Amendments for UPSC Prelims

The Indian Constitution is like a living document that evolves and adapts over time. Since India gained independence in 1947, the Constitution has been amended 106 times as of 2025. These changes help the Constitution remain relevant to India's evolving needs, from land reforms in the early years to contemporary issues such as digital governance and taxation.

Constitutional Amendments let India solve problems, expand rights, and improve governance without rewriting the whole Constitution. They reflect the democratic spirit where people can change their laws through their elected representatives. In this blog, we’ll see why constitutional amendments matter, their process, and key changes over time.

The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, and that's why we celebrate Republic Day on this date.

• World's longest: Originally, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules, but now it has approximately 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules.
• Took time to make: It took 2 years and 11 months to write, with members sitting for 167 days over 11 sessions to frame it.
• Handwritten constitution: The original constitution was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in beautiful calligraphy, with pages decorated by artists from Shantiniketan under Nandalal Bose's guidance.
• Work of Great Leaders: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution," led the team that wrote it, while Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first person to sign it.

Also read: Members of Drafting Committee: The Minds That Shaped India's Constitution

The Indian Constitution can be updated through amendments explained in Article 368. This process balances flexibility with stability, which means neither too easy nor too hard to change.

Types of Constitutional Amendments

Must-read: Supreme Court Verdict on Stray Dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR)

Constitutional amendments in India follow a clear, step-by-step process laid out in Article 368.

1. Introduction of the Amendment Bill

• A bill proposing one or more amendments can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
• Only a Member of Parliament (minister or private member) can introduce it; state legislatures cannot.

2. First House Approval

• Members debate the bill and vote on each clause.
• It must secure the required majority:

A. Simple majority if the change is outside Article 368 (administrative matters).
B. Special majority (over 50% of total membership plus two-thirds of members present and voting) for most constitutional changes.

3. Second House Approval

• After passing one house, the bill goes to the other house.
• It must be approved there with the same majority conditions.

4. State Ratification (if needed)

• For amendments affecting federal structure (e.g., distribution of powers, state representation), at least half of the state legislatures must approve by a simple majority in their assemblies.
• No Governor’s assent is required at the state level.

5. Presidential Assent

• Once parliamentary and any required state approvals are complete, the bill is sent to the President.
• The President must give assent; there is no power to withhold or return it.

6. Registration and Publication

• The amendment becomes part of the Constitution upon the President’s signature.
• It is then notified in the Official Gazette and takes effect on the date specified.

The following key amendments show how India’s Constitution has been updated over time to strengthen democracy, protect rights, and address new challenges.

1. First Amendment (1951)

• Added Articles 31A and 31B, creating the Ninth Schedule to shield land reforms and social welfare laws from judicial review.
• Introduced "reasonable restrictions" on free speech for public order, foreign relations, and incitement.

2. Seventh Amendment (1956)

• Reorganised states linguistically, abolishing Part A–D and forming the current states and union territories.
• Extended the high court's jurisdiction to union territories and allowed common high courts for multiple states.

3. Twenty-fourth Amendment (1971)

• Affirmed Parliament’s power to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights.
• Prevented courts from striking down constitutional amendments for violating Fundamental Rights.

4. Twenty-fifth Amendment (1971)

• Removed "Right to Property" from Fundamental Rights, making it a statutory right.
• Made land acquisition for public purposes easier by relaxing compensation rules.

5. Forty-second Amendment (1976)

• Known as the "Mini-Constitution," it added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble.
• Introduced Fundamental Duties and extended Lok Sabha and assembly terms to six years.
• Restricted judicial review and protected some Directive Principles from court challenge.

6. Forty-fourth Amendment (1978)

• Reversed Emergency-era changes: restored five-year terms, quorum, and judicial powers.
• Made emergency proclamations need written Cabinet approval; changed "internal disturbance" to "armed rebellion."
• Protected Articles 20 and 21 from suspension, even during emergencies.

7. Fifty-second Amendment (1985)

• Added the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) to tackle "Aya Ram-Gya Ram" politics.
• Disqualifies MPs/MLAs who defect or vote against the party whip.
• Seeks to ensure political stability and stop frequent party switching for personal gain.

8. Sixty-first Amendment (1988)

• Lowered voting age from 21 to 18, expanding youth participation in democracy.

9. Seventy-third Amendment (1992)

• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj by adding Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects).
• Mandated five-year elections, reserved one-third seats for women, and set quotas for SC/STs at all levels.

10. Seventy-fourth Amendment (1992)

• Recognised municipalities by adding Part IX-A and the Twelfth Schedule (18 functions).
• Set up ward and planning committees, regular elections, and reserved one-third seats for women.

11. Eighty-sixth Amendment (2002)

• Made elementary education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A), ensuring free schooling for ages 6–14.
• Revised Article 45 to highlight state responsibility for universal education.

12. One Hundred and First Amendment (2016)

• Introduced GST by adding Articles 246A, 269A, and 279A.
• Formed the GST Council with Union and state finance ministers.
• Unified indirect taxes under a single GST structure, replacing multiple state and central taxes.

13. One Hundred and Third Amendment (2019)

• Introduced a 10% reservation for EWS in jobs and education.
• Amended Articles 15 and 16, adding EWS clauses (15(6), 16(6)), excluding SC/ST/OBC.
• Set eligibility with income below ₹8 lakh and asset limits.

14. One Hundred and Fourth Amendment (2020)

• Extended SC/ST reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for 10 more years.
• Removed reserved seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the legislatures.

15. One Hundred and Sixth Amendment (2023)

• Reserved one-third seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly.
• Includes SC/ST reserved seats within the women's quota.
• Will start after the next census and last 15 years, extendable.

These amendments highlight how India’s Constitution continues to evolve, strengthening democracy, protecting rights, and ensuring governance meets the nation’s changing needs.

A new bill in the Lok Sabha aims to bar ministers under serious criminal trial from holding office. Let’s understand in detail.

• Applies to Union, state, and Delhi ministers under Articles 75, 164, and 239AA.
• Ministers detained for 30 days on charges carrying at least 5-year sentences must be removed.
• PM and state/Delhi CMs must advise removal by day 31, or the minister/CM loses office; the same rule applies to the PM.
• Removed persons can be reappointed after release from custody.
• Comes into effect from a date notified by the central government after enactment.

If passed, this Bill will become the 107th Constitutional Amendment.

Constitutional amendments help keep India’s democracy strong and flexible. They allow policymakers to make important changes to the Constitution as the country grows and faces new challenges. At the same time, these amendments protect the basic values that make India a fair and just society. Understanding these changes is important for UPSC aspirants to understand how our laws stay relevant and serve the people better.

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