Home The Constitution Part XIV Article 308

Art. 308 Part XIV: Services Under the Union and the States

Interpretation

Exact text — Constitution of India

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, the expression 'State' does not include the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A short interpretive Article that historically excluded Jammu & Kashmir from this Part's ordinary civil service provisions, reflecting J&K's special status under the (now substantially inoperative) Article 370. With that special status effectively ended in 2019, this exclusion's practical significance has changed considerably.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is a good example of how a single interpretive Article can carry major real-world consequences — it determined whether the standard Union/State civil service framework applied uniformly, or whether a specific state needed separate treatment due to its unique constitutional position.

Read alongside this one

Art. 370 — Temporary Provisions for Jammu and Kashmir

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 308

Is this exclusion still practically significant after Article 370's effective abrogation?

Following the 2019 reorganisation and the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling upholding it, J&K's special constitutional position has substantially changed, which affects how provisions like this one apply in practice today.

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The text above reproduces Article 308 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.