Major Amendments to the Indian Constitution – Timeline, Impact, Quiz (UPSC/RPSC)
The Constitution of India is not a static document. It evolves. Through constitutional amendments, it adjusts itself to the needs of the changing society, governance, and public interest. These amendments have reshaped our democracy, from land reforms to emergency powers, from language inclusion to special status for states.
This post is a comprehensive guide to the 12 most significant constitutional amendments, designed especially for competitive exams like UPSC, RPSC, SSC, Judiciary, and UGC-NET.
Also Read in Hindi: भारतीय संविधान के महत्वपूर्ण संशोधन – हिंदी में
Table of Contents
- Why are Amendments Needed?
- 1st Amendment (1951)
- 2nd Amendment (1952)
- 7th Amendment (1956)
- 10th Amendment (1961)
- 12th Amendment (1962)
- 13th Amendment (1962)
- 14th Amendment (1963)
- 21st Amendment (1967)
- 22nd Amendment (1969)
- 24th Amendment (1971)
- 42nd Amendment (1976)
- 44th Amendment (1978)
- MCQ + Short Questions
- Join + Explore + Share
Why are Constitutional Amendments Needed?
- To meet changing socio-economic needs
- To fulfill Directives of the Supreme Court
- To maintain federal balance and regional aspirations
- To include new languages, regions, and provisions
- To strengthen democracy and rule of law
1st Amendment (1951): Land Reforms & 9th Schedule
Context: Judiciary struck down land reform laws violating Right to Property
- Introduced 9th Schedule – laws kept outside judicial review
- Allowed the state to make reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights
2nd Amendment (1952): Representation in Parliament
- Changed basis of representation in Lok Sabha
- Fixed formula for state-wise representation
7th Amendment (1956): States Reorganisation
- Abolished classification of A, B, C states
- Implemented State Reorganisation Commission recommendations
10th Amendment (1961): Dadra & Nagar Haveli
- Formally added Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the Union of India
- Earlier under Portuguese control
12th Amendment (1962): Goa, Daman & Diu
- Following 1961 operation, these regions merged with India
- 12th Amendment formalized their Union Territory status
13th Amendment (1962): Nagaland’s Special Status
- Inserted Article 371A
- Gave special provisions related to Naga customs, land, laws
14th Amendment (1963): Puducherry + Assemblies in UTs
- Added Puducherry as a Union Territory
- Allowed Legislative Assemblies in UTs
21st Amendment (1967): Sindhi Language
- Included Sindhi in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
22nd Amendment (1969): Meghalaya Autonomy
- Created legal mechanism to grant autonomy to Meghalaya
- Later became full-fledged state in 1972
24th Amendment (1971): Parliament’s Power to Amend
- Overruled Golaknath Case (1967)
- Parliament can amend any part of Constitution including Fundamental Rights
42nd Amendment (1976): Mini Constitution
- Added "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity" to Preamble
- Inserted Fundamental Duties (Part IVA)
- Weakened judiciary, strengthened executive
Expert View: “The 42nd Amendment is one of the most comprehensive and controversial changes. It attempted to rewrite the balance of power.”
– DD Basu, Constitutional Law Scholar
44th Amendment (1978): Emergency Reforms
- Restored Article 21 (Right to Life) with stronger protection
- Removed arbitrary emergency powers
- Strengthened federalism and civil liberties
MCQs + Short Q&A – Test Your Understanding
MCQs
- Which amendment added Fundamental Duties?
→ 42nd Amendment - Which case led to 24th Amendment?
→ Golaknath v. State of Punjab - When was the word “Secular” added to Preamble?
→ 1976 (42nd Amendment) - Which Article was introduced for Nagaland’s special status?
→ Article 371A - Which amendment restored Article 21 after Emergency?
→ 44th Amendment
Short Questions
- What was the main purpose of the 1st Amendment?
- What is Ninth Schedule?
- Name the amendment which added Sindhi language?
- What changes were brought by the 7th Amendment?
- Which amendments were made due to Portugal and France’s withdrawal?
Explore Further & Join the Movement
- Join us on Telegram – Daily Constitutional Capsules
- Follow us on Twitter – @SSPIndiaAI
- Read Next: Indian Constitution MCQ Mega Quiz – 100+ Bilingual Questions
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