Understanding the Number of Articles in the Indian Constitution

The question asks about the number of articles in the Indian constitution as of January 2019. The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India, containing the framework defining fundamental political principles, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and setting out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.

When the Constitution of India was originally adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950, it contained:

• 395 Articles
• 22 Parts
• 8 Schedules

Over the years, the Constitution has been amended many times. These amendments have added new articles, deleted some articles, or modified existing ones. For example, Article 21A (Right to Education) and Article 300A (Right to Property as a legal right) were added through amendments. Similarly, Part IVA (Fundamental Duties) and Part XIVA (Tribunals) were also added.

While the total number of articles, counting each sub-article (like 21A, 51A, 243A, 243B, etc.) resulting from amendments, has significantly increased since its commencement, the original numbering scheme of 395 articles is often referenced. The question asks for the "number of articles", and given the option 395, it is likely referring to the articles as originally numbered or the foundational number of articles upon commencement.

As of January 2019, the Constitution had undergone over 100 amendments. These amendments had increased the total count of articles (including sub-articles) to well over 450. However, the options provided include 395, which corresponds to the original number of articles.

Considering the provided options and the common way the number of articles is sometimes referred to in the context of its original structure, 395 represents the articles as they were when the Constitution came into force. While the effective total count including additions through amendments was higher in January 2019, the presence of 395 as an option strongly suggests the question pertains to the original article count.

Therefore, based on the options provided, 395 is the number reflecting the articles in the original Indian Constitution.

Revision Table: Key Facts about the Indian Constitution

Additional Information on Indian Constitution Articles

Understanding the structure of the Indian Constitution involves knowing about its Parts, Articles, and Schedules.

• Parts: The Parts group articles dealing with specific areas, like Fundamental Rights (Part III), Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), and Union Executive (Part V). Amendments have added new parts, like Part IVA (Fundamental Duties).
• Articles: Articles are the individual provisions within the Parts, laying down specific laws, rules, and principles. Each article addresses a particular aspect of the constitutional framework. For example, Article 19 deals with the Right to Freedom, Article 32 deals with the Right to Constitutional Remedies, and Article 226 deals with the power of High Courts to issue writs.
• Schedules: Schedules are appendices to the articles, providing details or lists necessary for the functioning of the provisions in the articles. For instance, the First Schedule lists the States and Union Territories, while the Eighth Schedule lists the official languages of India. Schedules have also been added through amendments, like the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Schedules.

While the absolute total count of articles (including clauses and sub-clauses added via amendments) is much higher than 395, the primary articles are numbered from 1 to 395, with additions often denoted by letters (e.g., 21A) or placed within existing articles. The question likely refers to this foundational structure or the articles as they existed at the commencement of the Constitution, reflected by the option 395.