Art. 51A(d)
Part IVA: Fundamental Duties
Defend the Country and Render National Service
Exact text — Constitution of India
(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
In Plain English
What this Article actually means
This duty asks citizens to be ready to defend India and perform national service if called upon — India does not currently have compulsory military conscription, so in practice this duty operates more as a value underpinning voluntary service (armed forces, National Cadet Corps, disaster response) than an enforced obligation.
Why This Matters To You
How it shows up in everyday life
This duty's spirit is reflected in India's continued reliance on a volunteer armed forces model, and in schemes like the NCC that encourage youth participation in national service, rather than any compulsory service law.
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Frequently Asked
Quick answers about Article 51A(d)
Is military service compulsory in India?
No — India relies on a voluntary armed forces model; there is no conscription law making military service compulsory for citizens.
The text above reproduces Article 51A(d) 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.