How Many Articles Are There in the Indian Constitution? The Correct Answer Explained
By Home Academy
One of the most common questions asked in competitive examinations is: "How many Articles are there in the Constitution of India?" Surprisingly, different books, websites, and study materials often provide different answers, creating confusion among students.
After examining the constitutional structure and the amendments made over time, the most widely accepted answer for competitive examinations is:
The Constitution of India currently contains 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules.
However, many students also come across the figure 395 Articles. Both numbers are correct in different contexts. To understand this, we need to look at the evolution of the Constitution.
Constitution at the Time of Adoption
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
At the time of commencement, it contained:
| Feature | Original Constitution (1950) |
|---|---|
| Parts | 22 |
| Articles | 395 |
| Schedules | 8 |
Therefore, if a question asks:
"How many Articles were originally present in the Constitution of India?"
The correct answer is 395 Articles.
Why Has the Number Increased?
Since 1950, Parliament has passed numerous Constitutional Amendments. These amendments inserted new provisions into the Constitution.
Instead of changing the numbering of all subsequent Articles, new Articles were added by using alphabets. Examples include:
Article 21A – Right to Education
Article 31AArticle 39A – Free Legal Aid
Article 43A
Article 243A to 243ZG – Panchayats and Municipalities
Because of these additions, the total number of Articles increased from 395 to 448.
Current Structure of the Constitution
Today, the Constitution of India consists of:
| Feature | Present Position |
|---|---|
| Parts | 25 |
| Articles | 448 |
| Schedules | 12 |
This is the figure generally accepted in competitive examinations such as UPSC, JKPSC, JKSSB, SSC, Banking, Railways, CDS, CAPF, and State Public Service Commission examinations.
Why Do Different Sources Give Different Numbers?
The confusion arises because different authors use different methods of counting.
1. Original Count Method
Some books continue to mention the original figure of 395 Articles.
2. Current Constitutional Count
Most modern polity books and examination materials consider the Constitution as having 448 Articles.
3. Expanded Counting Method
A few publications count inserted Articles and sub-articles separately, resulting in figures above 450. Such figures are generally not used in competitive examinations.
Important Constitutional Facts
The Indian Constitution is the longest written Constitution in the world for a sovereign nation.
It was drafted by the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949.
The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.
The Constitution originally had 395 Articles.
At present, it contains 448 Articles.
The number of Schedules has increased from 8 to 12.
The number of Parts has increased from 22 to 25.
Exam-Oriented Questions
MCQ 1
How many Articles are there in the Constitution of India at present?
A. 395
B. 448
C. 470
D. 450
Answer: B. 448
MCQ 2
How many Articles were originally present in the Constitution of India?
A. 395
B. 448
C. 250
D. 470
Answer: A. 395
MCQ 3
The Constitution of India originally contained:
A. 25 Parts and 12 Schedules
B. 22 Parts and 8 Schedules
C. 24 Parts and 10 Schedules
D. 21 Parts and 7 Schedules
Answer: B. 22 Parts and 8 Schedules
MCQ 4
The Constitution of India currently contains:
A. 22 Parts and 8 Schedules
B. 24 Parts and 10 Schedules
C. 25 Parts and 12 Schedules
D. 26 Parts and 12 Schedules
Answer: C. 25 Parts and 12 Schedules
Statement-Based Question
Consider the following statements:
The Constitution of India originally contained 395 Articles.
The Constitution currently contains 448 Articles.
The Constitution originally had 12 Schedules.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Conclusion
Students should remember one simple rule for examinations:
395 Articles = Original Constitution (1950)
448 Articles = Present ConstitutionUnless the question specifically asks about the original Constitution, the safest answer in modern competitive examinations is 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules.
Home Academy Exam Tip: Always read the wording of the question carefully. If the term "original Constitution" is mentioned, answer 395 Articles. If the question asks about the Constitution "at present" or "currently," answer 448 Articles.