Introduction
The Constitution of India is a living document, designed to evolve with time. To maintain a balance between flexibility and rigidity, the makers provided the amendment procedure under Article 368.
As of today, India has passed 105 Constitutional Amendments, shaping governance, rights, and federal structure.
🔹 Types of Constitutional Amendments
| Type | Majority Required | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Majority | 50%+ | Citizenship, boundaries |
| Special Majority | 2/3rd present & voting + 50% total | Fundamental Rights |
| Special + State Ratification | Above + 50% states | Federal structure |
🔹 Important Constitutional Amendments (Exam Table)
| Amendment | Year | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1951 | 9th Schedule added |
| 7th | 1956 | States reorganization |
| 24th | 1971 | Parliament can amend FRs |
| 25th | 1971 | DPSP > FR (partial) |
| 36th | 1975 | Sikkim became a state |
| 42nd | 1976 | Mini Constitution |
| 44th | 1978 | Removed Right to Property from FR |
| 52nd | 1985 | Anti-defection law |
| 61st | 1989 | Voting age → 18 |
| 73rd | 1992 | Panchayati Raj |
| 74th | 1992 | Municipalities |
| 86th | 2002 | Right to Education |
| 91st | 2003 | Limits Council of Ministers |
| 97th | 2011 | Cooperative societies |
| 101st | 2016 | GST |
| 102nd | 2018 | NCBC constitutional status |
| 103rd | 2019 | 10% EWS reservation |
| 104th | 2020 | SC/ST reservation extended |
| 105th | 2021 | State OBC power restored |
🔹 The 42nd Amendment (1976) – “Mini Constitution”
- Added Socialist, Secular, Integrity to Preamble
- Added Fundamental Duties
- Strengthened Directive Principles
- Curtailed Judiciary powers
👉 Exam Insight: Most controversial amendment
🔹 The 44th Amendment (1978)
- Restored democracy after Emergency
- Removed Right to Property as FR
- Strengthened Article 21
👉 Quick Fact: Property = Legal right now (Article 300A)
🔹 Basic Structure Doctrine
Origin: Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
👉 Parliament can amend Constitution but NOT basic structure
Includes:
- Supremacy of Constitution
- Judicial Review
- Federalism
-
Secularism
🔹 Quick Tricks to Remember Amendments
🧠 Trick 1 (Chronology Core)
“1 – 7 – 24 – 42 – 44 – 73 – 86 – 101”
👉 Covers MOST asked amendments
🧠 Trick 2 (Local Governance)
- 73rd → Rural
- 74th → Urban
👉 “73 Gaon, 74 Shehar”
🧠 Trick 3 (Rights Focus)
- 86 → Education
-
44 → Property removed
🔹 Common Mistakes (VERY IMPORTANT)
❌ Thinking Parliament can change anything
✔ Basic Structure cannot be touched❌ Confusing 73rd & 74th
✔ Rural vs Urban❌ Property is still a Fundamental Right
✔ It is NOT (after 44th)🔹 Exam-Oriented One-Liners
- 42nd = Mini Constitution
- 44th = Undo Emergency Damage
- 73rd/74th = Grassroot Democracy
- 101st = One Nation One Tax (GST)
-
103rd = EWS Reservation
🔹 Conclusion
Constitutional Amendments reflect India’s evolving democracy—ensuring adaptability without compromising core values.