The Constitution of India is not a rigid document that remains unchanged forever.
It can be amended according to the needs of time.
A constitutional amendment means a formal change in the Constitution by adding, changing or removing provisions.
Some amendments have changed Fundamental Rights, some have reorganised states, some have strengthened local self-government, and some have added new constitutional ideas such as Fundamental Duties, GST and women’s reservation.
This chapter covers the major constitutional amendments that are important for exams.
Table of Contents
1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951
The 1st Amendment Act, 1951 was the first major amendment to the Constitution.
It was brought mainly to address issues related to land reforms, backward classes and restrictions on freedom of speech.
Important Provisions Of 1st Amendment
- It empowered the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes.
- It protected laws related to acquisition of estates and similar matters.
- It introduced the Ninth Schedule to protect land reform laws and other included laws from judicial review.
- It added Articles 31A and 31B after Article 31.
- It added three grounds for restricting freedom of speech and expression:
- Public order
- Friendly relations with foreign states
- Incitement to an offence
- It made these restrictions reasonable, which means they became subject to judicial scrutiny.
- It clarified that state trading or nationalisation of any trade or business by the State cannot be invalidated on the ground that it violates the right to trade or business.
Exam Importance
The most important exam point from the 1st Amendment is that it added the Ninth Schedule and Articles 31A and 31B.
7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956
The 7th Amendment Act, 1956 was linked with the reorganisation of states.
It made important changes after the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Important Provisions Of 7th Amendment
- The Second Schedule and Seventh Schedule were amended.
- The old classification of states into Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D was abolished.
- States were reorganised into 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
- The jurisdiction of High Courts was extended to Union Territories.
- Provision was made for a common High Court for two or more states.
- Guidelines were introduced for appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts.
Exam Importance
The 7th Amendment is important because it abolished the old state classification and reorganised India into 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
24th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971
The chapter’s exam section highlights the 24th Amendment Act, 1971 as the amendment that gave Parliament power to amend Fundamental Rights.
Exam Importance
- The 24th Amendment clarified Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
- It is important in relation to the debate between Parliament’s amending power and judicial review.
25th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971
The exercise section of the chapter mentions the 25th Amendment in connection with the Right to Property.
Exam Importance
- The 25th Amendment curtailed the Right to Property.
- It is linked with the constitutional conflict over property rights and social justice laws.
26th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971
The chapter’s questions mention the 26th Amendment in relation to the abolition of Privy Purses.
Important Provision
- The 26th Constitutional Amendment abolished the Privy Purses of former princes.
31st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1973
The chapter’s question section mentions the 31st Amendment Act, 1973.
Important Provision
- It increased the strength of the Lok Sabha from 525 to 545.
36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975
The chapter’s exam section highlights the 36th Amendment Act, 1975.
Important Provision
- It made Sikkim a full-fledged state of India.
42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 is one of the most important amendments in Indian constitutional history.
It had 59 clauses and made several major changes.
Because of its wide impact, it is called the Mini Constitution.
Important Provisions Of 42nd Amendment
- It added three new words to the Preamble:
- Socialist
- Secular
- Integrity
- It introduced Fundamental Duties under a new Part IV-A.
- It made it mandatory for the President to act according to the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- It declared constitutional amendments beyond the scope of judicial review, but this was later reversed.
- It provided that laws made to implement Directive Principles of State Policy could not be invalidated for violating certain Fundamental Rights.
- It added three additional Directive Principles of State Policy.
- It extended the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 5 years to 6 years, but this was later reversed.
- It enabled the creation of an All India Judicial Service.
- It introduced Part XIV-A to provide for administrative tribunals and other specialised tribunals.
Why 42nd Amendment Is Called Mini Constitution
The 42nd Amendment is called the Mini Constitution because it changed many parts of the Constitution at once.
It affected the Preamble, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles, judiciary, Parliament, State Legislatures and tribunals.
44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978
The 44th Amendment Act, 1978 was passed after the 42nd Amendment.
It reversed several changes made by the 42nd Amendment and restored important democratic and judicial safeguards.
Important Provisions Of 44th Amendment
- It restored the original tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies to 5 years.
- It restored provisions related to quorum in Parliament and State Legislatures.
- It removed the provision that made the satisfaction of the President, Governors and Administrators final in issuing Ordinances.
- It restored some judicial powers of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- It replaced the term internal disturbance with armed rebellion in provisions related to National Emergency.
- It required that the President can declare National Emergency only on the written recommendation of the Cabinet.
- It introduced procedural safeguards for imposing National Emergency and President’s Rule.
- It removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights.
- It made the Right to Property a legal right under Article 300A.
- It ensured that Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended during National Emergency.
- It removed provisions that denied courts the power to decide election disputes involving the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Exam Importance
The 44th Amendment is very important for emergency provisions, judicial review and Right to Property.
52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985
The 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 introduced the Anti-Defection Law.
Important Provisions
- It provided for disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection.
- It added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.
- The Tenth Schedule contains details related to anti-defection provisions.
Exam Importance
The 52nd Amendment is directly linked with the Anti-Defection Law and Tenth Schedule.
61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988
The 61st Amendment Act, 1988 changed the voting age in India.
Important Provision
- It reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections.
Exam Importance
This amendment strengthened democratic participation by allowing younger citizens to vote.
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Important Provisions
- It constitutionalised Panchayati Raj.
- It added Part IX to the Constitution.
- It added provisions from Articles 243 to 243-O.
- It added the 11th Schedule.
- The 11th Schedule contains 29 functional items related to Panchayats.
Exam Importance
The 73rd Amendment is important for rural local self-government.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
The 74th Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to urban local governments.
It was passed during the regime of P.V. Narasimha Rao.
It came into force on 1 June 1993.
Important Provisions
- It constitutionalised urban local governments.
- It added Part IX-A to the Constitution.
- It added provisions from Articles 243P to 243ZG.
- It added the 12th Schedule.
- The 12th Schedule contains 18 functional items of Municipalities.
Exam Importance
The 74th Amendment is important for Municipalities and urban local self-government.
86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 made elementary education a Fundamental Right.
Important Provisions
- It made elementary education a Fundamental Right under Article 21A.
- It changed the subject matter of Article 45 under Directive Principles of State Policy.
- It added a new Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(k).
Exam Importance
The 86th Amendment is linked with the Right to Education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
The chapter’s question section highlights the 91st Amendment Act in relation to the size of the Council of Ministers.
Important Provision
- It limited the maximum size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the strength of the legislature.
Exam Importance
The 91st Amendment is important for questions on the Council of Ministers and anti-defection-related reforms.
101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016
The 101st Amendment Act, 2016 introduced the constitutional framework for the Goods and Services Tax.
Important Provisions
- It allowed both the Centre and States to levy the Goods and Services Tax, or GST.
- Before this amendment, taxation powers were divided between the Centre and the States.
Exam Importance
The 101st Amendment is important for GST-related questions.
103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019
The 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 introduced reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.
Important Provisions
- For the first time in independent India, it introduced reservation for Economically Weaker Sections, or EWS.
- The amendment to Article 15 provided 10% reservation for EWS in public employment and education.
Exam Importance
The 103rd Amendment is important because it introduced EWS reservation.
104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2020
The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2020 made important changes related to representation.
Important Provisions
- It discontinued the reserved seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- It extended reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for another 10 years.
Exam Importance
The 104th Amendment is important for Anglo-Indian representation and SC/ST reservation extension.
105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021
The 105th Amendment Act, 2021 restored powers related to Other Backward Classes.
Important Provision
- It restored the power of States and Union Territories to identify and notify Other Backward Classes, or OBCs, within their respective jurisdictions.
Exam Importance
The 105th Amendment is important for OBC identification powers of States and Union Territories.
106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023
The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 is related to women’s reservation.
Important Provision
- It reserves one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
- This includes seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Exam Importance
The 106th Amendment is important for women’s reservation in legislatures.
Major Constitutional Amendments At A Glance
| Amendment | Year | Main Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Amendment | 1951 | Added Ninth Schedule, Articles 31A and 31B |
| 7th Amendment | 1956 | Reorganised states and abolished Part A, B, C, D classification |
| 24th Amendment | 1971 | Gave Parliament power to amend Fundamental Rights |
| 25th Amendment | 1971 | Curtailed Right to Property |
| 26th Amendment | 1971 | Abolished Privy Purses |
| 31st Amendment | 1973 | Increased Lok Sabha strength from 525 to 545 |
| 36th Amendment | 1975 | Made Sikkim a full-fledged state |
| 42nd Amendment | 1976 | Mini Constitution, added Socialist, Secular, Integrity and Fundamental Duties |
| 44th Amendment | 1978 | Restored safeguards, removed Right to Property as Fundamental Right |
| 52nd Amendment | 1985 | Anti-Defection Law, Tenth Schedule |
| 61st Amendment | 1988 | Voting age reduced from 21 to 18 |
| 73rd Amendment | 1992 | Constitutional status to Panchayats |
| 74th Amendment | 1992 | Constitutional status to Municipalities |
| 86th Amendment | 2002 | Right to Education under Article 21A |
| 91st Amendment | 2003 | Limited Council of Ministers size to 15% |
| 101st Amendment | 2016 | GST |
| 103rd Amendment | 2019 | EWS reservation |
| 104th Amendment | 2020 | Removed Anglo-Indian nominated seats, extended SC/ST reservation |
| 105th Amendment | 2021 | Restored State and UT power to identify OBCs |
| 106th Amendment | 2023 | One-third women’s reservation in legislatures |
Important Schedules Added Or Affected
| Schedule | Related Amendment | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Ninth Schedule | 1st Amendment | Protection of land reform and other laws |
| Tenth Schedule | 52nd Amendment | Anti-Defection Law |
| Eleventh Schedule | 73rd Amendment | Panchayat functions |
| Twelfth Schedule | 74th Amendment | Municipal functions |
FAQs On Major Constitutional Amendments
What is a constitutional amendment?
A constitutional amendment is a formal change made to the Constitution by adding, changing or removing constitutional provisions.
Which was the first Constitutional Amendment?
The 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951 was the first amendment.
Which amendment added the Ninth Schedule?
The 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951 added the Ninth Schedule.
Which amendment added Articles 31A and 31B?
The 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951 added Articles 31A and 31B.
Which amendment reorganised states in 1956?
The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 reorganised states and abolished the old Part A, B, C and D classification.
Which amendment is called the Mini Constitution?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 is called the Mini Constitution.
Which words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment?
The words Socialist, Secular and Integrity were added by the 42nd Amendment.
Which amendment added Fundamental Duties?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 added Fundamental Duties.
Which amendment removed Right to Property from Fundamental Rights?
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 removed Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights.
Under which Article is Right to Property now protected?
Right to Property is now a legal right under Article 300A.
Which amendment replaced internal disturbance with armed rebellion?
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 replaced internal disturbance with armed rebellion.
Which amendment introduced Anti-Defection Law?
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985 introduced Anti-Defection Law.
Which Schedule contains Anti-Defection Law?
The Tenth Schedule contains Anti-Defection Law.
Which amendment reduced voting age from 21 to 18?
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18.
Which amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayats?
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayats.
Which amendment gave constitutional status to Municipalities?
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Municipalities.
Which amendment made education a Fundamental Right?
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 made elementary education a Fundamental Right under Article 21A.
Which amendment introduced GST?
The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 introduced the constitutional framework for GST.
Which amendment introduced EWS reservation?
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 introduced EWS reservation.
Which amendment discontinued Anglo-Indian nominated seats?
The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2020 discontinued Anglo-Indian nominated seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Which amendment restored the power of States and Union Territories to identify OBCs?
The 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021 restored this power.
Which amendment provides women’s reservation in legislatures?
The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 provides one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Major Constitutional Amendments
- 1st Amendment, 1951 – Added Ninth Schedule and Articles 31A, 31B.
- 1st Amendment – Added public order, friendly relations with foreign states and incitement to offence as speech restriction grounds.
- 7th Amendment, 1956 – Abolished Part A, B, C, D states.
- 7th Amendment – Reorganised India into 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
- 7th Amendment – Provided common High Court for two or more states.
- 24th Amendment, 1971 – Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights.
- 25th Amendment, 1971 – Curtailed Right to Property.
- 26th Amendment, 1971 – Abolished Privy Purses.
- 31st Amendment, 1973 – Lok Sabha strength increased from 525 to 545.
- 36th Amendment, 1975 – Sikkim became a full-fledged state.
- 42nd Amendment, 1976 – Called Mini Constitution.
- 42nd Amendment – Added Socialist, Secular and Integrity to Preamble.
- 42nd Amendment – Added Fundamental Duties under Part IV-A.
- 42nd Amendment – Added Part XIV-A for tribunals.
- 44th Amendment, 1978 – Restored Lok Sabha and Assembly term to 5 years.
- 44th Amendment – Replaced internal disturbance with armed rebellion.
- 44th Amendment – Made Cabinet’s written recommendation necessary for National Emergency.
- 44th Amendment – Removed Right to Property from Fundamental Rights.
- Article 300A – Right to Property became a legal right.
- 44th Amendment – Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended during National Emergency.
- 52nd Amendment, 1985 – Anti-Defection Law.
- Tenth Schedule – Added by 52nd Amendment.
- 61st Amendment, 1988 – Voting age reduced from 21 to 18.
- 73rd Amendment, 1992 – Panchayati Raj constitutionalised.
- Part IX – Added by 73rd Amendment.
- 11th Schedule – 29 Panchayat functions.
- 74th Amendment, 1992 – Municipalities constitutionalised.
- Part IX-A – Added by 74th Amendment.
- 12th Schedule – 18 Municipal functions.
- 86th Amendment, 2002 – Article 21A, Right to Education.
- 86th Amendment – Changed Article 45 and added Article 51A(k).
- 91st Amendment, 2003 – Council of Ministers limited to 15% of legislature.
- 101st Amendment, 2016 – GST.
- 103rd Amendment, 2019 – EWS reservation.
- 104th Amendment, 2020 – Anglo-Indian nominated seats discontinued.
- 105th Amendment, 2021 – States and UTs regained power to identify OBCs.
- 106th Amendment, 2023 – One-third women’s reservation in Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and Delhi Assembly.