The Constitution of India, Article by Article
448 Articles across 25 Parts, plus 12 Schedules — every part of the Constitution, explained in plain language, with landmark cases where they matter. Not just the rights chapter: the whole document.
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
"SOCIALIST" and "SECULAR" weren't in the original 1949 text — they were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. Everything else here is exactly as adopted.
Pick a part to explore
Grouped by theme so related parts sit together — from your fundamental rights to how Parliament actually works.
Citizens & Rights
Union Government
Local & Federal Structure
The Panchayats
Articles 243–243O
Full text → IXAThe Municipalities
Articles 243P–243ZG
Full text → IXBThe Co-operative Societies
Articles 243ZH–243ZT
Full text → XScheduled and Tribal Areas
Articles 244–244A
Full text → XIRelations Between the Union and the States
Articles 245–263
Full text →Money, Trade & Elections
Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits
Articles 264–300A
Full text → XIIITrade, Commerce and Intercourse within India
Articles 301–307
Full text → XVElections
Articles 324–329A
Full text → XVISpecial Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
Articles 330–342A
Full text → XVIIOfficial Language
Articles 343–351
Full text →Special & Final Provisions
Emergency Provisions
Articles 352–360
Full text → XIXMiscellaneous
Articles 361–367
Full text → XXAmendment of the Constitution
Article 368
Full text → XXITemporary, Transitional and Special Provisions
Articles 369–392
Full text → XXIIShort Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text, Repeals
Articles 393–395
Full text →The Constitution's detailed appendices
Schedules carry the fine print the main Articles refer to — from the Union/State lawmaking lists to the anti-defection rules. Each one now has its own full page.
The names of India's States and Union Territories, and their territorial extent.
Second ScheduleSalaries, allowances and privileges of the President, Governors, Speaker, judges, CAG and other constitutional authorities.
Third ScheduleThe exact forms of oath or affirmation for ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges and the CAG before they take office.
Fourth ScheduleAllocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) to each State and Union Territory.
Fifth ScheduleSpecial provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes (outside the Northeast).
Sixth ScheduleSpecial provisions for administering tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, via Autonomous District Councils.
Seventh ScheduleThe Union List, State List and Concurrent List — dividing law-making subjects between Parliament and State legislatures.
Eighth ScheduleThe 22 languages officially recognised by the Constitution.
Ninth ScheduleLaws (mostly land reform) originally shielded from judicial review — though the Supreme Court has since limited that protection.
Tenth ScheduleThe "Anti-Defection Law" — disqualifies MPs/MLAs who defect from their party.
Eleventh Schedule29 subjects that can be devolved to Panchayats (rural local government), added by the 73rd Amendment (1992).
Twelfth Schedule18 subjects that can be devolved to Municipalities (urban local government), added by the 74th Amendment (1992).
Looking for how a right actually works day-to-day?
The Constitution sets the principle — our 20 rights categories translate it into real scenarios and who to contact.
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