Conceptual Clarity & UPSC Pattern

Why Parts and Schedules Matter for UPSC

UPSC regularly asks matching-type questions in Prelims — "Match the Schedule with the subject" or "Which Part deals with X?" These questions are pure memory but high scoring. Mains GS-II expects you to connect schedules to constitutional provisions (e.g., Seventh Schedule and federalism debates).

How to Study This Topic

Parts: Focus on Part III (FRs), Part IV (DPSP), Part IVA (FDs), Part V (Union), Part VI (States), Part XVIII (Emergency), Part XX (Amendment). These are asked directly and as context in other questions.
Schedules: All 12 must be memorized with their subject matter, the amendment that added them (for Schedules 9–12), and landmark cases (for Schedules 9 and 10).
UPSC Prelims pattern: Expect 2–3 questions each year. Common traps — "Which schedule lists official languages?" (8th, not 7th), "Which schedule was added first?" (9th, by 1st Amendment 1951).
Mains pattern: Seventh Schedule (Centre-State relations, federalism), Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection), Ninth Schedule (judicial review) are Mains-relevant topics.

Key Numbers to Remember: 25 Parts · 12 Schedules · 448 Articles (originally 395 articles + additions) · 22 Official Languages (8th Schedule) · 100 Union List subjects · 61 State List subjects · 52 Concurrent List subjects (approximate current counts)

Parts Added by Amendment

Part IVA

Fundamental Duties (Art 51A)
42nd Amendment 1976

Part IX

Panchayats (Arts 243–243O)
73rd Amendment 1992

Part IXA

Municipalities (Arts 243P–243ZG)
74th Amendment 1992

Part IXB

Co-operative Societies (Arts 243ZH–243ZT)
97th Amendment 2011

Part XIVA

Tribunals (Arts 323A–323B)
42nd Amendment 1976

Part VII

Repealed — Part B States
7th Amendment 1956

All 25 Parts of the Constitution

UPSC Tip: Part numbering uses Roman numerals. Parts IVA, IXA, IXB, and XIVA were inserted later, hence the alphabetical suffixes. Part VII was repealed by the 7th Amendment 1956 (abolished distinction between Part A, B, C states).

Part	Title	Articles	Key Content & Important Articles
Part I	The Union and its Territory	Arts 1–4	Art 1 (India = Union of States; name "India, that is Bharat"); Art 2 (admission of new states); Art 3 (formation/alteration of states — Parliament can change boundaries, names); Art 4 (laws under Arts 2 & 3 not amendments)
Part II	Citizenship	Arts 5–11	Art 5 (citizenship at commencement); Art 10 (continuance of citizenship rights); Art 11 (Parliament to regulate citizenship) — Citizenship Act 1955 enacted under Art 11
Part III	Fundamental Rights	Arts 12–35	Art 12 (definition of State); Art 13 (laws inconsistent with FRs void); Art 14 (equality before law); Art 19 (six freedoms); Art 20 (protection for accused); Art 21 (right to life & personal liberty — most litigated); Art 21A (RTE, added by 86th Amendment 2002); Art 32 (right to constitutional remedies — heart of Constitution per Dr Ambedkar)
Part IV	Directive Principles of State Policy	Arts 36–51	Art 36 (definition of State); Art 38 (social order for welfare); Art 39 (equal pay, children welfare); Art 40 (village panchayats); Art 44 (Uniform Civil Code); Art 45 (free & compulsory education — now implemented via Art 21A); Art 48 (prohibition of cow slaughter); Art 51 (international peace)
Part IVA	Fundamental Duties	Art 51A	Added by 42nd Amendment 1976; originally 10 duties; 11th duty added by 86th Amendment 2002 (duty of parents/guardians to provide education opportunities to children aged 6–14). Non-justiciable but can be used to interpret laws (Balaji Raghavan case 1996)
Part V	The Union	Arts 52–151	Chapter I: Executive (Arts 52–78) — President, VP, PM, CoM, AG; Chapter II: Parliament (Arts 79–122) — Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, sessions; Chapter III: Legislative Powers (Arts 123–128); Chapter IV: Union Judiciary (Arts 124–147) — Supreme Court; Chapter V: CAG (Arts 148–151)
Part VI	The States	Arts 152–237	Chapter I: General (Art 152); Chapter II: Executive — Governor (Arts 153–167), CM, CoM; Chapter III: State Legislature (Arts 168–212); Chapter IV: High Courts (Arts 214–232); Chapter V: Subordinate Courts (Arts 233–237). Mirrors Part V structure for states.
Part VII	(Repealed)	—	Dealt with Part B States (former princely states under Part B of 1st Schedule). Repealed by 7th Amendment 1956 following States Reorganisation Act 1956 which abolished the A/B/C/D state classification.
Part VIII	The Union Territories	Arts 239–242	Art 239 (administration by President through Administrator/Lt Governor); Art 239A (creation of local legislature/CoM for certain UTs — applicable to Delhi, Puducherry); Art 239AA (special provisions for Delhi — NCT, added by 69th Amendment 1991); Art 240 (President's power to make regulations for certain UTs)
Part IX	The Panchayats	Arts 243–243O	Added by 73rd Amendment 1992. Art 243B (three-tier structure); Art 243C (composition); Art 243D (reservation of seats for SC/ST/women — 1/3 minimum for women); Art 243E (5-year term); Art 243G (powers & functions — 29 subjects in 11th Schedule); Art 243K (State Election Commission)
Part IXA	The Municipalities	Arts 243P–243ZG	Added by 74th Amendment 1992. Provides for Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations; Art 243T (reservation — 1/3 for women); Art 243W (18 functions in 12th Schedule); Art 243ZD (District Planning Committees); Art 243ZE (Metropolitan Planning Committees)
Part IXB	The Co-operative Societies	Arts 243ZH–243ZT	Added by 97th Amendment 2011. Art 43B added to DPSP (promotion of co-operative societies); provisions for incorporation, regulation, democratisation of co-operatives. Note: Supreme Court in 2021 struck down parts of 97th Amendment as they encroached on state legislation without following Art 368 procedure for federalism-related amendments.
Part X	The Scheduled and Tribal Areas	Arts 244–244A	Art 244 (administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas per 5th and 6th Schedules); Art 244A (formation of autonomous state within Assam — for certain tribal areas)
Part XI	Relations Between the Union and the States	Arts 245–263	Legislative relations: Arts 245–255 (distribution of legislative powers, 7th Schedule); Administrative relations: Arts 256–263 (Art 263 — Inter-State Council); Art 252 (Parliament can legislate on State subject if 2+ states resolve); Art 253 (legislation for implementing treaties)
Part XII	Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits	Arts 264–300A	Art 265 (no tax without authority of law); Art 266 (Consolidated Fund); Art 267 (Contingency Fund); Arts 268–281 (distribution of revenues — Finance Commission under Art 280); Art 300A (right to property — made legal right from FR by 44th Amendment 1978)
Part XIII	Trade, Commerce and Intercourse Within the Territory of India	Arts 301–307	Art 301 (freedom of trade throughout India); Art 302 (Parliament's power to impose restrictions); Art 304 (state can impose reasonable restrictions on trade with other states — with Presidential assent)
Part XIV	Services Under the Union and the States	Arts 308–323	Art 308 (definition); Art 312 (All India Services — IAS, IPS, IFS created under this); Art 315 (Public Service Commissions — UPSC, SPSC); Art 320 (functions of PSC); Art 323 (annual report of PSC)
Part XIVA	Tribunals	Arts 323A–323B	Added by 42nd Amendment 1976. Art 323A (Administrative Tribunals — CAT under Administrative Tribunals Act 1985); Art 323B (other tribunals for tax, industrial disputes, elections, land reforms, etc.)
Part XV	Elections	Arts 324–329A	Art 324 (Election Commission — superintendence, direction, control of elections); Art 325 (no discrimination in electoral rolls); Art 326 (adult suffrage — 18+ since 61st Amendment 1988); Art 329 (bar on courts interfering in electoral matters); Art 329A (special provisions for PM/Speaker elections — struck down by SC as unconstitutional)
Part XVI	Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes	Arts 330–342A	Art 330 (reservation in Lok Sabha for SC/ST); Art 332 (reservation in State Assemblies); Art 335 (claims of SC/ST in services); Art 338 (National Commission for SC); Art 338A (National Commission for ST); Art 340 (OBC Commission); Art 342 (Scheduled Tribes); Art 342A (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes — added by 102nd Amendment 2018)
Part XVII	Official Language	Arts 343–351	Art 343 (Hindi in Devanagari script as official language of Union); Art 344 (Official Language Commission & Committee of Parliament); Art 345 (official language of states); Art 348 (language of SC, HCs — English); Art 351 (directive for development of Hindi language)
Part XVIII	Emergency Provisions	Arts 352–360	Art 352 (National Emergency — "threat to security" by war, external aggression, armed rebellion; proclaimed by President on Cabinet's written advice); Art 356 (President's Rule / State Emergency — failure of constitutional machinery); Art 360 (Financial Emergency — threat to financial stability); Art 358 (suspension of Art 19 during Art 352 emergency); Art 359 (suspension of enforcement of FRs during emergency)
Part XIX	Miscellaneous	Arts 361–367	Art 361 (immunity of President and Governors from court proceedings); Art 362 (rights and privileges of Rulers of Indian States — now repealed by 26th Amendment 1971); Art 365 (effect of failure to comply with Union directions); Art 366 (definitions); Art 367 (interpretation)
Part XX	Amendment of the Constitution	Art 368	Art 368 (power and procedure to amend the Constitution). Three methods: (1) Simple majority; (2) Special majority (2/3 of members present and voting + majority of total membership); (3) Special majority + ratification by at least half of state legislatures. Kesavananda Bharati case 1973 — Basic Structure doctrine.
Part XXI	Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions	Arts 369–392	Art 370 (special status of J&K — abrogated by Presidential Order in August 2019); Art 371 (special provisions for Maharashtra & Gujarat); Arts 371A–371J (special provisions for Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka). Art 371J (Hyderabad-Karnataka region — added by 98th Amendment 2012)
Part XXII	Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals	Arts 393–395	Art 393 (short title — "The Constitution of India"); Art 394 (commencement — Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950; Arts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379, 380, 388, 391, 392, 393 came into force on 26 November 1949 — Constitution Day); Art 395 (repeals — Indian Independence Act 1947 and Government of India Act 1935 repealed)

Fig 3.1 — 25 Parts of the Constitution grouped by theme

All 12 Schedules of the Constitution

Remember: Schedules 1–8 are part of the original Constitution (1950). Schedules 9, 10, 11, and 12 were added by the 1st, 52nd, 73rd, and 74th Amendments respectively.

Fig 3.3 — 12 Schedules of the Constitution at a glance

First Schedule — States and Union Territories

Lists the names of states (currently 28 states) and Union Territories (currently 8 UTs as of 2020, after J&K bifurcation and Ladakh becoming a UT). Connected to Arts 1 and 4. Any addition or alteration of states requires an amendment to this Schedule.

28 States include all reorganised states from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal.
8 UTs: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Delhi (NCT), Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry.
J&K and Ladakh became UTs from 31 October 2019 after abrogation of Art 370.

Second Schedule — Salaries and Emoluments

Prescribes salaries, allowances, privileges, and other emoluments of constitutional functionaries. The Schedule has five parts:

Part A: President of India
Part B: (Repealed — pertained to Governors of Part B States)
Part C: Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Lok Sabha and State Legislatures
Part D: Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Part E: Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

Note: Actual salaries are fixed by Parliament/State Legislatures through legislation, not by amending the Constitution. The Schedule merely provides the framework and certain allowances.

Third Schedule — Forms of Oaths and Affirmations

Contains the text of oaths/affirmations to be taken by various constitutional authorities:

Union Ministers (oath of office + oath of secrecy)
Candidates for election to Parliament
Members of Parliament
Judges of the Supreme Court
CAG
State Ministers, Members of State Legislatures, High Court Judges

The Governor administers oath to the Chief Minister; the President administers oath to Union Ministers and Governors.

Fourth Schedule — Allocation of Seats in the Rajya Sabha

Allocates seats to states and UTs in the Rajya Sabha (maximum strength 250 = 238 elected + 12 nominated by President). Seat allocation is based on population, not equal representation. Larger states like UP (31 seats) have more seats than smaller states like Sikkim (1 seat). Connected to Art 4 and Art 80.

Fifth Schedule — Administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes

Provides for administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (those four are under 6th Schedule).

Governor submits annual report to President on Scheduled Areas.
Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) must be established in states with Scheduled Areas.
Governor can direct that any central or state law shall not apply or shall apply with modifications to Scheduled Areas.
PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act 1996) extends 73rd Amendment provisions to these areas.
Currently 10 states have Scheduled Areas under 5th Schedule: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana.

Sixth Schedule — Tribal Areas in Four North-Eastern States

Provides for administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils.

ADCs have legislative, executive, and judicial powers within their jurisdiction.
Can make laws on land management, forests, use of waterways, regulation of shifting cultivation, etc. (with Governor's assent).
District Councils can establish courts for trial of offences committed by tribals (with High Court supervision).
Examples: Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (Assam); Khasi Hills ADC, Jaintia Hills ADC (Meghalaya); Chakma ADC, Lai ADC (Mizoram).
The President can include/exclude areas or reconstitute councils on Governor's recommendation.

Seventh Schedule — Three Lists

The most important schedule for UPSC — deals with division of legislative powers between Centre and States. Covered in detail in Section 4 below.

Eighth Schedule — 22 Official Languages

Lists the official languages of India. Currently 22 languages. Covered in detail in Section 5 below.

Ninth Schedule — Acts Placed Beyond Judicial Review

Added by the 1st Amendment Act 1951 to protect land reform laws from being challenged under FR provisions (particularly Art 19 and Art 31 — right to property). Connected to Art 31B.

Originally contained 13 Acts; now contains 284 Acts and Regulations.
Acts in the 9th Schedule cannot be challenged in any court on the ground that they abridge Fundamental Rights.

IR Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007) — 9-Judge Constitution Bench: The Supreme Court held that laws included in the 9th Schedule after 24 April 1973 (date of Kesavananda Bharati judgment) can be subjected to judicial review if they violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution, particularly if they infringe upon Art 14, 19, 21, or 31. Pre-1973 inclusions remain protected.

Tenth Schedule — Anti-Defection Law

Added by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985. Provides for disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on grounds of defection. Connected to Arts 101, 102, 190, 191.

A member is disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of the political party on whose ticket they were elected.
A member is disqualified if they vote or abstain in the legislature contrary to any direction issued by the party (whip) without prior permission and such act has not been condoned within 15 days.
A nominated member who joins a party after 6 months of taking seat is disqualified.
Exception — Merger: No disqualification if at least 2/3rd of members of a legislative party merge with another party. (The original "split" provision allowing 1/3rd split was deleted by the 91st Amendment 2003.)
Deciding Authority: Speaker/Chairman of the House (their decision is final, but subject to judicial review — Kihoto Hollohan case 1992).
Independent members and nominated members who have not joined a party are not covered by defection provisions (except the 6-month rule for nominated members).

Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992): SC upheld validity of 10th Schedule but held that Speaker's/Chairman's decision is subject to judicial review on grounds of malafide, perversity, or violation of natural justice. SC also held that disqualification proceedings are "judicial in nature" despite being before the Speaker.

Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016): SC held that a Speaker against whom a notice of removal has been given cannot exercise power to disqualify members under the 10th Schedule. This prevents the Speaker from using defection powers as a shield.

Eleventh Schedule — Powers and Functions of Panchayats

Added by 73rd Amendment 1992 (Art 243G). Lists 29 subjects on which Panchayats may be empowered by state legislation:

Sample Subjects (Panchayats)

Agriculture including agricultural extension
Land improvement, implementation of land reforms
Minor irrigation, water management
Animal husbandry, dairying and poultry
Fisheries
Social forestry and farm forestry
Khadi, village and cottage industries
Rural housing; drinking water; fuel and fodder
Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways
Non-conventional energy sources

More Subjects (Panchayats)

Poverty alleviation programmes
Education including primary and secondary schools
Technical training and vocational education
Adult and non-formal education
Libraries
Cultural activities, markets and fairs
Health and sanitation, family welfare
Women and child development
Social welfare including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded
Maintenance of community assets

Note: Art 243G says Panchayats "may be" endowed with these powers — it is NOT mandatory. State legislatures have discretion. This is a key federal flexibility in the 73rd Amendment.

Twelfth Schedule — Powers and Functions of Municipalities

Added by 74th Amendment 1992 (Art 243W). Lists 18 subjects for Urban Local Bodies:

Urban planning including town planning
Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
Planning for economic and social development
Roads and bridges; water supply for domestic, industrial, commercial purposes
Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management
Fire services; urban forestry; protection of environment
Safeguarding interests of weaker sections including handicapped and mentally retarded
Slum improvement and upgradation; urban poverty alleviation
Provision of urban amenities: parks, gardens, playgrounds
Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects
Burials and burial grounds; cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals
Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths
Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops
Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries

Seventh Schedule — The Three Lists in Detail

The Seventh Schedule (under Art 246) divides legislative powers between Parliament and State Legislatures into three lists. It is the cornerstone of India's federal structure and a recurring UPSC topic in both Prelims and Mains.

In case of conflict: Union List > Concurrent List > State List. Parliament's law on Concurrent List prevails over State law (Art 254), unless State law received Presidential assent and Parliament later legislates — then Parliament's later law prevails (repugnancy rule).

Union List (List I) — 100 Subjects (approx.)

Only Parliament can legislate. Subjects of national importance requiring uniform legislation across India.

Category	Key Subjects (Entry Numbers)
Defence & Security	Defence of India, armed forces (Entries 1–3); preventive detention for defence, foreign affairs, security (Entry 9)
Foreign Affairs	Foreign affairs, UN representation, treaties (Entries 10–21)
Communications	Railways (Entry 22); highways declared national (Entry 23); shipping and navigation (Entry 24); airways (Entry 29); Post & Telegraphs, telephones, broadcasting (Entry 31)
Atomic Energy	Atomic energy and mineral resources necessary for its production (Entry 41)
Finance	Borrowings by GoI (Entry 35); currency, coinage, legal tender (Entry 36); RBI (Entry 38); banking (Entry 45); insurance (Entry 47); stock exchanges (Entry 48)
Taxation	Income tax other than on agricultural income (Entry 82); customs duties (Entry 83); corporation tax (Entry 85); estate duty (Entry 87); GST (Entry 92A — IGST)
Other	Census (Entry 69); Union Public Service (Entry 70); Supreme Court (Entry 77); citizenship (Entry 17); Audit of Union accounts (Entry 76)

State List (List II) — 61 Subjects (approx.)

State Legislatures have exclusive power to legislate (subject to Parliament's overriding power in certain situations — Arts 249, 250, 252, 253).

Category	Key Subjects (Entry Numbers)
Law & Order	Public order (Entry 1); police (Entry 2); prisons, reformatories (Entry 4)
Land	Land, rights in land, land tenures (Entry 18); land revenue (Entry 45); land improvement and agricultural loans (Entry 46)
Agriculture	Agriculture including agricultural education and research (Entry 14); cattle (Entry 15)
Local Government	Local government, constitution and powers of municipal corporations (Entry 5); public health and sanitation (Entry 6)
Trade & Industry	Trade and commerce within state (Entry 26); production, supply and distribution of goods (Entry 27)
Finance	Taxes on agricultural income (Entry 46); taxes on land and buildings (Entry 49); capitation taxes (Entry 60)
Other	Fisheries (Entry 21); libraries, museums controlled by state (Entry 12); State Public Service (Entry 41); State elections (Entry 37)

Concurrent List (List III) — 52 Subjects (approx.)

Both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate. In case of conflict, central law prevails (Art 254). This list was inspired by the Australian Constitution.

42nd Amendment 1976 transferred to Concurrent List from State List: Education, forests, weights and measures, protection of wild animals and birds, administration of justice (constitution of High Courts). This was a major centralising step.

Category	Key Subjects
Criminal Law	Criminal law including IPC; criminal procedure including CrPC; evidence and oaths (Entries 1–3)
Civil Law	Marriage and divorce; transfer of property; contracts; bankruptcy and insolvency; trust and trustees (Entries 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)
Education	Education including technical education and universities (Entry 25 — moved from State List by 42nd Amendment)
Environment	Forests (Entry 17A); protection of wild animals and birds (Entry 17B) — both moved from State List by 42nd Amendment
Labour & Social	Labour welfare, provident funds, employers' liability (Entry 24); trade unions, industrial and labour disputes (Entry 22); population control and family planning (Entry 20A — added by 42nd Amendment)
Economic	Economic and social planning (Entry 20); commercial and industrial monopolies, combines and trusts (Entry 21)
Other	Newspapers, books and printing presses (Entry 39); drugs and poisons (Entry 19); adulteration of foodstuffs (Entry 18); stamp duties (Entry 44)

Parliament's Power to Legislate on State Subjects

Art 249 — Rajya Sabha Resolution

If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3rd majority that it is necessary in national interest for Parliament to legislate on a State subject, Parliament can do so for 1 year (extendable).

Art 250 — During National Emergency

During a National Emergency (Art 352), Parliament can legislate on any State List subject. Such laws cease to operate 6 months after the Emergency ends.

Art 252 — With State Consent

If 2 or more state legislatures pass resolutions requesting Parliament to legislate on a State subject, Parliament can do so for those consenting states. Other states can also adopt the law later.

Art 253 — International Treaties

Parliament can legislate on any subject (including State List) to implement international treaties, agreements, or conventions. No state consent required.

Fig 3.2 — 7th Schedule: Three Lists and their scope

7th Schedule: Three Lists — Division of Legislative Powers (Art 246)

Eighth Schedule — 22 Official Languages

The 8th Schedule lists the officially recognised languages of India. Recognition in this Schedule gives the language the right to be represented on the Official Languages Commission. Under Art 344(1) and Art 351, the President constitutes the OL Commission, and 8th Schedule languages are to be used in official communications.

Important: Inclusion in 8th Schedule does NOT make a language an "official language" of the Union (that is Hindi + English per Arts 343–344) or of a state (decided by state legislature under Art 345). It gives the language constitutional recognition and enables Sahitya Akademi support, etc.

Historical Additions

Stage	Amendment	Year	Languages Added	Total
Original	Constitution of India	1950	Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya (now Odia), Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu	14
1st addition	21st Amendment	1967	Sindhi	15
2nd addition	71st Amendment	1992	Konkani, Manipuri (also called Meitei), Nepali	18
3rd addition	92nd Amendment	2003	Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali	22

All 22 Languages (Alphabetical)

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Bodo
4. Dogri
5. Gujarati
6. Hindi

7. Kannada
8. Kashmiri
9. Konkani
10. Maithili
11. Malayalam
12. Manipuri

13. Marathi
14. Nepali
15. Odia (Oriya)
16. Punjabi
17. Sanskrit
18. Santali

19. Sindhi
20. Tamil
21. Telugu
22. Urdu

Demands for Inclusion: Several languages like Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Tulu, Gondi, Kodava, and others have pending demands for inclusion. The government uses linguistic surveys and population data to decide. Classical Language status (Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi — 7 as of 2024) is separate from 8th Schedule recognition.

Quick Mnemonics

Original 14 (ABGHKKMMOPSTU): Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
21st Amendment (1967): One language, Sindhi — "21 = 1 added"
71st Amendment (1992): Three added — Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali — "KMN = 71"
92nd Amendment (2003): Four added — Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali — "BDMS = 92"

Ninth & Tenth Schedules — Special Focus

Ninth Schedule — Acts Beyond Judicial Review

Art 31B states that no Act/Regulation specified in the 9th Schedule shall be deemed void on the ground that it abridges Fundamental Rights, notwithstanding any judgment, decree, or order of any court.

Background: The 9th Schedule was created in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) that the Communal Order (fixing reservations in educational institutions) violated Art 15 (prohibition of discrimination). Parliament immediately passed the 1st Amendment 1951 to add Art 31A, Art 31B, and the 9th Schedule to protect land reform laws.

Key Acts in the 9th Schedule

Bihar Land Reforms Act 1950
Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act 1948
Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and Appointments or Posts in the Services Under the State) Act 1993
Kerala Agrarian Relations Act 1961
Various state land ceiling, land acquisition, and tenancy reform acts

IR Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007) — The Landmark Ruling

Facts: Several Tamil Nadu laws (including caste-based reservation laws) were placed in the 9th Schedule after 1973. Question: Can courts review them?

Held (9-Judge Bench): Laws inserted into the 9th Schedule after 24 April 1973 (Kesavananda Bharati judgment date) are open to judicial review to the extent they violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution. Any law placed in 9th Schedule that takes away or abridges rights under Arts 14, 15, 19, 21 would be open to challenge if such rights form the core of the Basic Structure.

Significance: IR Coelho effectively limited Parliamentary immunity under Art 31B and the 9th Schedule post-1973. It made the Basic Structure doctrine applicable as a check on 9th Schedule inclusions.

Tenth Schedule — Anti-Defection Law

Structure and Key Provisions

Provision	Details
Added by	52nd Amendment Act, 1985 — inserted as 10th Schedule
Applicable to	All elected members of Parliament and State Legislatures
Para 2(1)(a)	Disqualification: Voluntarily giving up membership of political party
Para 2(1)(b)	Disqualification: Voting/abstaining against party whip without permission
Para 5	Deciding authority: Speaker (Lok Sabha/State Assembly) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha/State Council)
Para 4 (original)	Exception — Split: 1/3rd members split — this DELETED by 91st Amendment 2003
Para 4 (as amended)	Exception — Merger: 2/3rd of legislative party merger with another party is not defection
Para 6	Bar on courts: Courts cannot question disqualification proceedings except by way of HC/SC constitutional review
Para 7	Rules made by Speaker/Chairman regarding manner of disqualification proceedings
Para 8	Speaker/Chairman decision is conclusive (but subject to judicial review per Kihoto Hollohan 1992)

Key Judicial Pronouncements

Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) [5-Judge Bench]:

10th Schedule is constitutionally valid.
Para 7 (bar on courts) — was struck down as violating Art 136, 226, 227 — Speaker's decision IS subject to judicial review.
However, courts cannot interfere until the Speaker makes a final order (no interlocutory injunctions).
Disqualification proceedings are "judicial" in character — Speaker acts as a tribunal.
Speaker/Chairman must follow principles of natural justice.

Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh (2016) [5-Judge Bench]: When a notice has been given for removal of the Speaker, the Speaker loses the competence to decide defection petitions. This prevents Speakers from using disqualification powers as a retaliatory tool against their potential removal.

Subhash Desai v. Principal Secretary, Governor of Maharashtra (2023): SC held that the Speaker cannot decide disqualification petitions when the Speaker himself belongs to a faction — matter referred to a larger bench. The issue of Speaker's impartiality and the role of the Election Commission in symbol disputes is now a live constitutional question.

Criticism of Anti-Defection Law

Stifles dissent within parties — members cannot vote against party even on matters of conscience.
Speaker's neutrality is questionable as they belong to a political party.
Does not apply to pre-poll electoral alliances/coalition defections.
Encourages "wholesale defection" (mergers of 2/3rd members) instead of preventing defection.
Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and Law Commission recommended that disqualification be decided by Election Commission or President/Governor on EC's advice — not by Speaker.

7. Prelims PYQs

UPSC Prelims 2023

With reference to the Schedules of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The 9th Schedule was added to the Constitution by the First Amendment.
2. The 10th Schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment.
3. The 11th Schedule was added by the 74th Amendment.
Select the correct answer: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) — 11th Schedule was added by the 73rd Amendment (Panchayats); 12th Schedule was added by the 74th Amendment (Municipalities).

UPSC Prelims 2022

Which of the following are included in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India?
1. Education; 2. Forests; 3. Labour welfare; 4. Administration of justice
Select: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) — All four are in the Concurrent List. Education, Forests, and Administration of Justice were transferred from State List to Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment 1976.

UPSC Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements regarding the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution:
1. The disqualification of a member of Parliament on grounds of defection is decided by the Speaker/Chairman.
2. The law as originally enacted provided for exemption from disqualification in case of a split if not less than one-third members of a legislature party gave their support to it.
Which is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) — Both statements are correct. The original "split" provision was later deleted by the 91st Amendment 2003.

UPSC Prelims 2020

Under the Constitution of India, which of the following is/are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour; 2. Equal pay for equal work for men and women; 3. Participation of workers in management of industries
Select: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) — Item 1 (Art 23) is a Fundamental Right, not a DPSP. Items 2 (Art 39) and 3 (Art 43A) are DPSPs.

UPSC Prelims 2019

With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon:
(a) The legislative power only (b) The executive power only (c) The judicial power only (d) All of the above

Answer: (a) — DPSPs are directed at the state (Art 36 definition includes legislative and executive organs), but are non-justiciable. They are primarily addressed to the legislative power (to legislate in accordance with them) and executive (to implement policies in line with them). Not judicial power.

UPSC Prelims 2018

Among the following, which one is the largest (in terms of area) Scheduled Area in India?
[Context: 5th Schedule] (a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Chhattisgarh (c) Odisha (d) Telangana

Answer: (b) — Chhattisgarh has the largest area under the 5th Schedule (Scheduled Areas), covering a significant portion of the state.

UPSC Prelims 2017

By which of the following was the Right to Education Act enacted?
(a) Fundamental Rights (b) Directive Principles of State Policy (c) Fundamental Duties (d) Part II

Answer: (a) — The RTE Act 2009 was enacted to give effect to Art 21A (Right to Education), inserted in Part III (Fundamental Rights) by the 86th Amendment 2002.

8. Mains PYQs

Mains GS-II 2022

10-mark question: The Anti-Defection Law as provided in the Tenth Schedule suffers from various defects. Do you agree? Suggest measures to address these defects. (250 words)

Key points for answer: Discuss structural defects (Speaker as judge, 2/3rd merger loophole, no conscience vote provision); cite Dinesh Goswami Committee recommendations; Kihoto Hollohan, Nabam Rebia cases; suggest reforms — Election Commission as deciding authority, conscience vote carve-out, time limit for decisions.

Mains GS-II 2020

15-mark question: What is the significance of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India in the context of Centre-State relations? Has the balance of power between Union and States been adequately maintained? (250 words)

Key points: Residuary powers with Centre (Art 248 + Entry 97 Union List); Parliament can override State List (Arts 249, 250, 252, 253); Concurrent List conflicts resolved in favour of Centre; 42nd Amendment centralisation; Sarkaria Commission, Punchhi Commission recommendations for cooperative federalism; recent GST as example of cooperative federalism with concurrent jurisdiction.

9. 15-Minute Revision Box

Must-Remember Facts — Parts & Schedules

Parts — Quick Recall

Part III (Arts 12–35) = Fundamental Rights | Part IV (Arts 36–51) = DPSP | Part IVA (Art 51A) = Fundamental Duties
Part V = The Union (President, Parliament, SC, CAG) | Part VI = The States (Governor, Legislature, HC)
Part VII = REPEALED by 7th Amendment 1956 | Part VIII = Union Territories
Part IX = Panchayats (73rd Amendment) | Part IXA = Municipalities (74th Amendment) | Part IXB = Co-operative Societies (97th Amendment 2011)
Part XI = Centre-State Relations | Part XVIII = Emergency Provisions (Arts 352, 356, 360)
Part XX = Art 368 (Amendment) | Part XXI = Art 370 (abrogated 2019) + Arts 371A–371J
Part XXII = Short title; Art 394 = 26 Jan 1950 commencement; Art 395 = GIA 1935 repealed

Schedules — Quick Recall

1st = States & UTs (28 states, 8 UTs) | 2nd = Salaries | 3rd = Oaths | 4th = Rajya Sabha seats
5th = Scheduled Areas (non-NE states) | 6th = Tribal Areas (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) — Autonomous District Councils
7th = Three Lists (Union ~100, State ~61, Concurrent ~52)
8th = 22 Official Languages (14 → 15 by 21st Amdt 1967 → 18 by 71st Amdt 1992 → 22 by 92nd Amdt 2003)
9th = Acts beyond judicial review (added 1st Amendment 1951; post-1973 inclusions reviewable per IR Coelho 2007)
10th = Anti-Defection (52nd Amendment 1985; 2/3rd merger = no defection; 91st Amendment 2003 deleted split provision)
11th = 29 subjects for Panchayats (73rd Amendment) | 12th = 18 subjects for Municipalities (74th Amendment)

Key Landmark Cases

IR Coelho (2007) — 9th Schedule laws after 24 April 1973 subject to basic structure review
Kihoto Hollohan (1992) — Speaker's decision on defection is subject to judicial review; Para 7 struck down
Nabam Rebia (2016) — Speaker cannot decide defection cases when his own removal notice is pending
Kesavananda Bharati (1973) — Basic Structure doctrine; Parliament cannot destroy the Constitution's basic features

Amendment Landmarks — Parts & Schedules

1st Amendment 1951 — 9th Schedule created; Art 31A, 31B added
7th Amendment 1956 — Part VII repealed; states reorganised
42nd Amendment 1976 — Part IVA (FDs) + Part XIVA (Tribunals) added; Education/Forests moved to Concurrent List
52nd Amendment 1985 — 10th Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) added
73rd & 74th Amendments 1992 — Part IX (Panchayats + 11th Schedule) and Part IXA (Municipalities + 12th Schedule) added
91st Amendment 2003 — CoM size capped (15% of House strength); split provision in 10th Schedule deleted
92nd Amendment 2003 — 4 languages added to 8th Schedule (total 22)
97th Amendment 2011 — Part IXB (Co-operative Societies) added; partially struck down by SC 2021

UPSC Prelims Trap Questions:

"Which schedule deals with official languages?" — 8th Schedule (NOT 7th)
"Which schedule was first added to the original Constitution?" — All 8 original schedules are original; 9th Schedule was added FIRST by amendment (1st Amendment 1951)
"How many schedules deal with tribal areas?" — TWO: 5th (non-NE states) and 6th (NE states)
"Which amendment added the most parts?" — 42nd Amendment (Part IVA and Part XIVA; also most comprehensive amendment overall)
"Panchayats get powers from which schedule?" — 11th Schedule (powers) AND Part IX articles (constitutional provisions); both are needed

Part	Articles	Key Topic
III	12–35	Fundamental Rights
IV	36–51	DPSP
IVA	51A	Duties (42nd Amdt)
V	52–151	The Union
VI	152–237	The States
IX	243–243O	Panchayats
IXA	243P–243ZG	Municipalities
XVIII	352–360	Emergencies
XX	368	Amendment
XXI	369–392	Special/Temporary

Sch.	Subject	Added
1st	States & UTs	Original
2nd	Salaries	Original
3rd	Oaths	Original
4th	RS Seats	Original
5th	Scheduled Areas	Original
6th	Tribal NE	Original
7th	Three Lists	Original
8th	22 Languages	Original
9th	FR-immune Acts	1st Amdt 1951
10th	Anti-Defection	52nd Amdt 1985
11th	Panchayat 29	73rd Amdt 1992
12th	Urban Body 18	74th Amdt 1992

Parts & Schedules of the Indian Constitution

Table of Contents

Conceptual Clarity & UPSC Pattern

Why Parts and Schedules Matter for UPSC

How to Study This Topic

Parts Added by Amendment

Part IVA

Part IX

Part IXA

Part IXB

Part XIVA

Part VII

All 25 Parts of the Constitution

All 12 Schedules of the Constitution

First Schedule — States and Union Territories

Second Schedule — Salaries and Emoluments

Third Schedule — Forms of Oaths and Affirmations

Fourth Schedule — Allocation of Seats in the Rajya Sabha

Fifth Schedule — Administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes

Sixth Schedule — Tribal Areas in Four North-Eastern States

Seventh Schedule — Three Lists

Eighth Schedule — 22 Official Languages

Ninth Schedule — Acts Placed Beyond Judicial Review

Tenth Schedule — Anti-Defection Law

Eleventh Schedule — Powers and Functions of Panchayats

Sample Subjects (Panchayats)

More Subjects (Panchayats)

Twelfth Schedule — Powers and Functions of Municipalities

Seventh Schedule — The Three Lists in Detail

Union List (List I) — 100 Subjects (approx.)

State List (List II) — 61 Subjects (approx.)

Concurrent List (List III) — 52 Subjects (approx.)

Parliament's Power to Legislate on State Subjects

Art 249 — Rajya Sabha Resolution

Art 250 — During National Emergency

Art 252 — With State Consent

Art 253 — International Treaties

Eighth Schedule — 22 Official Languages

Historical Additions

All 22 Languages (Alphabetical)

Quick Mnemonics

Ninth & Tenth Schedules — Special Focus

Ninth Schedule — Acts Beyond Judicial Review

Key Acts in the 9th Schedule

IR Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007) — The Landmark Ruling

Tenth Schedule — Anti-Defection Law

Structure and Key Provisions

Key Judicial Pronouncements

Criticism of Anti-Defection Law

7. Prelims PYQs

8. Mains PYQs

9. 15-Minute Revision Box

Must-Remember Facts — Parts & Schedules

Parts — Quick Recall

Schedules — Quick Recall

Key Landmark Cases

Amendment Landmarks — Parts & Schedules