CDS 2026 Polity: Complete Making Schedules and Features of Indian Constitution for CDS 1, 2026 Exam

The session introduces Political Science for the CDS examination, highlighting its importance, ease of understanding, and relatively straightforward questions, making it a crucial subject for aspirants.

M.N. Roy, 'The Father of the Communist Party in India,' first proposed the idea of a Constituent Assembly in 1934, emphasizing the need for a body to draft India's Constitution. The Indian National Congress officially demanded it in 1935.

In 1938, Jawaharlal Nehru made two crucial demands: that the Constituent Assembly should consist solely of Indians, and its members should be elected through adult suffrage, ensuring democratic representation.

During World War II, the British, needing Indian support, proposed the 'August Offer' in 1940. It acknowledged the demand for a Constituent Assembly but only offered dominion status, which was rejected by Indian leaders.

Facing the threat of Japanese invasion during WWII, Britain sent the Cripps Mission in 1942, offering dominion status and a Constituent Assembly after the war. This too was rejected, as India demanded immediate independence.

Post-WWII, the Labour government in Britain sent the Cabinet Mission to India in 1946. It proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly and an interim government, which was finally accepted by Indian leaders.

The Constituent Assembly was formed with 389 seats, determined by population (1 seat per million). 93 seats were reserved for princely states (nominated members), and 296 for British Provinces (indirectly elected members).

An Interim Government was formed on September 2, 1946, lasting until August 15, 1947. Key members included Jawaharlal Nehru (Vice-President) and Sardar Baldev Singh (Defense Minister).

The first meeting was on December 9, 1946, with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as interim president. The second meeting on December 11, 1946, elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the permanent President.

On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru presented the 'Objective Resolution,' outlining the guiding principles and philosophy for the Constitution. It was adopted on January 22, 1947, and later evolved into the Preamble.

The partition of India severely impacted the Constituent Assembly's strength, reducing it from 389 to 299 members due to the creation of Pakistan.

The Constituent Assembly formed 8 major and 14 minor committees to systematically draft the Constitution. The most crucial was the Drafting Committee, responsible for preparing the complete draft.

Formed on August 29, 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Drafting Committee prepared the first draft of the Constitution within 141 days, considering various committee reports and public suggestions.

The final draft was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. However, the Constitution came into full effect on January 26, 1950 (Republic Day), commemorating the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930.

The Constitution took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete, involving 11 sessions. Key adoptions included the National Flag (July 22, 1947) and National Anthem (January 24, 1950).

Starting with 8 schedules, the Indian Constitution now has 12, providing 'extra information' or highlights for various provisions. These were added through constitutional amendments.

The First Schedule lists the names of India's states and union territories, defining their territorial jurisdictions. Any change in state or UT names or boundaries directly impacts this schedule.

This schedule outlines the salaries, allowances, and privileges of important dignitaries like the President, Governors, Speakers, Judges of Supreme and High Courts, and the CAG.

The Third Schedule prescribes the forms of oaths and affirmations for various constitutional functionaries, including Union Ministers, members of Parliament, Judges, and State Ministers.

This schedule allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) to different states and Union Territories based on their population.

The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in 10 states, granting special provisions due to their distinct customs and traditions. The President holds the power to declare an area as a Scheduled Area.

This schedule specifically provides for the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (ATMM), emphasizing their unique cultural identity and autonomous district councils.

The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between the Union and States through three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, detailing subjects on which each can legislate. Residuary powers lie with the Union.

The Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages recognized as official languages of India. Originally 14, eight more were added through constitutional amendments (21st, 71st, and 92nd Amendments). India does not have a National Language.

Added by the First Amendment in 1951, the Ninth Schedule contains acts and regulations related to land reforms and the abolition of the Zamindari system, aiming to protect these land laws from judicial review (though this has been debated).

Introduced by the 52nd Amendment in 1985, the Tenth Schedule contains the 'Anti-defection Law', aimed at preventing political defections and discouraging elected representatives from changing parties. It became more stringent after the 91st Amendment in 2003.

Added by the 73rd Amendment in 1992, this schedule focuses on the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats (rural local self-government), listing 29 matters within their jurisdiction for local development.

Introduced by the 74th Amendment in 1992, the Twelfth Schedule specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities (urban local bodies), covering 18 matters like urban planning and public health.

The Indian Constitution has borrowed various features from other countries. Key inspirations and elements are highlighted next.

From Britain, India adopted the Parliamentary form of Government, single citizenship, cabinet system, bicameralism, legislative procedure, the post of Speaker, and the concept of Writs.

The USA contributed fundamental rights, the Preamble (idea), judicial review, the post of Commander-in-Chief for the President, impeachment of the President, independence of the judiciary, removal of SC/HC judges, and the post of Vice-President.

Australia inspired the Concurrent List, freedom of trade and commerce between states, and the provision for joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Canada influenced India's quasi-federal system (strong centre), appointment of state governors by the Centre, advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and residuary powers with the Union government.

From Ireland, India borrowed the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), the method of election of the President, and the nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha.

South Africa provided the procedure for amendment of the Constitution (Article 368) and the election of members of the Rajya Sabha.

Germany's Weimar Constitution contributed the provision for the suspension of Fundamental Rights during an Emergency and the vesting of powers in the Union during emergencies.

A significant portion (around 70%) of the Indian Constitution, including provisions for Public Service Commissions (UPSC, State PSCs), the office of the Governor, and the three types of emergencies, were borrowed from the Government of India Act 1935.

The Constitution is defined as the 'soul of the nation,' a sacred rule book that governs the country, outlining fundamental rights, duties, and emergency provisions. It is presented as a foundational document for India.

The journey to forming the Indian Constitution began as early as 1895 with Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Swaraj Bill, followed by the Nehru Report in 1928, both advocating for a constitutional framework for India.

In 1934, the Swaraj Party became the first political party to officially demand a Constituent Assembly, advocating for a self-governing India based on its own constitution.