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The Schedules of the Indian Constitution contain additional details and provisions that support various Articles of the Constitution. At present, there are 12 Schedules in the Constitution of India. These Schedules deal with subjects like allocation of powers, administration of tribal areas, forms of oath, official languages, anti-defection law, and more.
Originally, the Constitution adopted in 1950 had 8 Schedules, but over time, through constitutional amendments, the number increased to 12.
What Are the Schedules of the Indian Constitution?
Schedules are lists or tables attached to the Constitution that provide additional clarification, details, and administrative provisions. They are mentioned in various Articles and help in the practical functioning of the constitutional system. The concept of Schedules was inspired by the Government of India Act, 1935, which also contained several schedules.
Schedules of the Indian Constitution Table
Here is the list of All the Schedules of Indian Constitution along with related articles and detailed descritpion for each schedule.
Also Read: Fundamental Rights
| Schedule | Related Articles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Schedule | Articles 1 & 4 | Contains the names of States and Union Territories along with their territorial extent. It defines India as a “Union of States.” Any creation of new states or alteration of boundaries requires amendment of this Schedule. |
| Second Schedule | Articles 59, 65, 75, 97, 125, 148, 158, 164, 186 & 221 |
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| Third Schedule | Articles 75, 99, 124, 148, 164, 188 & 219 |
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| Fourth Schedule | Articles 4 & 80 | Provides for the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to various States and Union Territories. The allocation is broadly based on population to ensure proportional representation in the Council of States. |
| Fifth Schedule | Article 244(1) | Deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. It provides for the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council and grants special powers to the Governor regarding Scheduled Areas. |
| Sixth Schedule | Articles 244(2) & 275(1) |
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| Seventh Schedule | Article 246 |
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| Eighth Schedule | Articles 344 & 351 | Lists the languages recognised by the Constitution. Originally 14 languages; currently 22 languages are included. It promotes linguistic diversity and development of regional languages. |
| Ninth Schedule (Added by the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951) | Article 31B | Contains Acts and Regulations of State Legislatures related mainly to land reforms and abolition of the zamindari system, and certain Parliamentary laws. Laws placed under this Schedule were initially protected from judicial review. |
| Tenth Schedule (Added by the Constitution (Fifty-Second Amendment) Act, 1985) | Articles 102 & 191 | Contains provisions regarding disqualification of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures on grounds of defection. It is popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law. |
| Eleventh Schedule (Added by the Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992) | Article 243G | Specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats. It contains 29 subjects related to rural development, agriculture, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, etc., strengthening local self-government in rural areas. |
| Twelfth Schedule (Added by the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992) | Article 243W | Specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities. It contains 18 subjects, including urban planning, water supply, public health, sanitation, roads, and bridges, strengthening urban local governance. |
Constitutional Amendments Impacting the Schedules of the Indian Constitution
Over time, various Constitutional Amendments have modified different Schedules to meet evolving political, administrative, social, and federal requirements of the country. These amendments have significantly shaped Centre–State relations, tribal governance, land reforms, anti-defection provisions, and local self-government. Below is a detailed explanation of the major amendments that impacted the Schedules:
1. First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951
Impact on: Ninth Schedule
Article Inserted: Article 31B
The Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951 introduced the Ninth Schedule to protect certain laws from judicial review.
- Primarily aimed at safeguarding land reform laws.
- Protected laws related to abolition of the zamindari system.
- Laws placed under the Ninth Schedule were immunized from being challenged on grounds of violation of Fundamental Rights.
- Later, the Supreme Court limited this immunity by applying the Basic Structure Doctrine.
This amendment strengthened socio-economic reforms in post-independence India.
2. Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956
Impact on: First & Fourth Schedules
The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956 implemented the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission.
- Reorganized states primarily on linguistic basis.
- Abolished the classification of states into Part A, B, C, and D.
- Amended the First Schedule (territorial reorganization of states and UTs).
- Modified the Fourth Schedule (reallocation of Rajya Sabha seats).
This amendment reshaped India’s federal map and strengthened cooperative federalism.
Also Read: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
3. Forty-Second Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
Impact on: Seventh Schedule
The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976—also known as the “Mini-Constitution”—made major changes to Centre-State relations.
Five subjects were shifted from the State List to the Concurrent List:
- Education
- Forests
- Weights and Measures
- Protection of Wild Animals and Birds
- Administration of Justice
This strengthened the legislative power of the Union and reduced the exclusive domain of states.
4. Fifty-Second Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985
Impact on: Tenth Schedule
The Constitution (Fifty-Second Amendment) Act, 1985 added the Tenth Schedule, introducing the Anti-Defection Law.
- Disqualification of MPs and MLAs on grounds of defection.
- Applicable if a member:
- Voluntarily gives up party membership.
- Votes against party whip.
- Decision taken by Speaker/Chairman.
It aimed to curb political instability caused by frequent party switching.
5. Eighty-Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
Impact on: Eleventh Schedule & Education
The Constitution (Eighty-Sixth Amendment) Act, 2002 made education a fundamental priority.
- Inserted Article 21A (Right to Education).
- Made education a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A.
- Strengthened local bodies’ role in elementary education (linked with the Eleventh Schedule).
This amendment emphasized universal elementary education as a constitutional obligation.
6. Ninety-First Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
Impact on: Tenth Schedule
The Constitution (Ninety-First Amendment) Act, 2003 strengthened anti-defection provisions.
- Removed protection for splits in political parties.
- Limited size of Council of Ministers to 15% of legislative strength.
- Disqualified defectors from being appointed to remunerative political posts until re-elected.
7. Ninety-Third Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005
Impact on: Reservation Laws (Linked to Ninth Schedule context)
The Constitution (Ninety-Third Amendment) Act, 2005 enabled the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes in educational institutions.
- Inserted Article 15(5).
- Allowed reservation in private educational institutions (except minority institutions).
- Strengthened social justice measures.
Though not directly inserting into the Ninth Schedule, it influenced laws often protected under it.
