Schedules of Indian Constitution: List of 12 Schedules & Articles, UPSC Notes

The schedules of Indian constitution are additional provisions that provide detailed information about various aspects of the constitution. There are 12 schedules of Indian constitution in addition to 25 parts. This totals 395 articles at its commencement in 22 parts and 8 schedules. These schedules are an essential part of the constitution and an integral component of the legal framework governing India.

In this article, we shall study the list of 12 schedules of Indian constitution in detail for the UPSC exam. schedules of Indian constitution is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Indian society subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-1 syllabus, Polity subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-II syllabus and General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

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The schedules of Indian constitution is a topic relevant to the UPSC CSE. It is a basic topic for aspirants to understand the dynamic aspect of the schedules of Indian constitution. The schedules of Indian constitution is an important topic for UPSC Civil Services because it highlights the key features of the schedules of Indian constitution, which are frequently discussed in the exam. 

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What are Schedules of Indian Constitution?

The schedules of the Indian Constitution are structured lists that provide detailed information on subjects such as powers, territories, and governance provisions. The schedules contain important information about territories, the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha, the administration and control of scheduled areas and tribes, the distribution of powers between the Central government and state governments, and the emoluments and privileges of high-ranking officials. The schedules are not included in the constitution. Instead, they are maintained as separate documentation. It should be noted that though the schedules of Indian constitution are not in the constitution, they are part of it.

How Many Schedules are there in Indian Constitution?

Only eight schedules were in the Indian Constitution at the time of enactment in November 1949. Later the ninth schedule was added by the first Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951. In 1985, the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act included the tenth schedule, which deals with the anti-defection law. After seven years, in 1992, two consecutive Constitutional Amendments Acts were passed, i.e. 73rd and 74th, under which the 11th and 12th schedules were added to the Indian Constitution, respectively.

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Purpose of Schedules in Indian Constitution

The Schedules of Indian Constitution serve as detailed lists that support and explain the constitutional provisions. They provide clarity, classification, and reference for various subjects mentioned in the Articles of the Constitution. Each Schedule specifies important details such as the division of powers, allocation of seats, recognition of states and territories, administration of tribal areas, and forms of oaths.

By including these Schedules, the Constitution avoids overcrowding the main Articles with lengthy details while making governance and legal interpretation easier.

The 12 schedules of Indian constitution classify and organize key administrative and functional details. Each schedule deals with specific subjects like governance, elections, allocation of powers, and official symbols. Here is the list of 12 schedules of Indian constitution for UPSC.

Also read: Making of Indian Constitution for UPSC here.

Over the years, several Constitutional Amendments have modified or added to the schedules of the Indian Constitution, shaping governance and administration.

• First Constitutional Amendment Act (1951): Added the 9th Schedule, primarily to protect land reform and agrarian laws from judicial review.
• 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1985): Introduced the 10th Schedule, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law, to prevent political defections.
• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992): Added the 11th and 12th Schedules, detailing the powers and responsibilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities, strengthening local governance.

The 12 schedules of Indian constitution discussed in this article are very useful and important for the aspirants of UPSC and several other State PSC exams. Since our constitution is lengthy, adding additional information under the article would make it even more bulk. Thus the framers of the constitution added schedules which give additional information related to various provisions not described in the articles.

Study the Salient features of the Indian Constitution here.

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