Indian Constitution quiz
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It sets out how government works and what rights every person has.
How the Constitution is organised
It opens with the Preamble, which begins "We, the people of India". Part III sets out the Fundamental Rights, which courts can enforce. Part IV contains the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide law-making but cannot be enforced in court. Part IVA lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens. Schedules at the end cover subjects such as recognised languages and the division of powers between the Union and the States.
The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 (now Constitution Day) and came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day). Parliament can amend it under Article 368, but the Supreme Court has held since 1973 that its basic structure cannot be changed.
Try some questions
Tap a question to see the answer and why. In the timed challenge you pick from four options.
Which words open the Preamble?
Answer: We, the people of India. The Preamble begins 'We, the people of India', showing that authority comes from the people. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble
Which Part of the Constitution contains the Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Part III. Fundamental Rights are set out in Part III, Articles 12 to 35. Source: Constitution of India, Part III
Which Part contains the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Answer: Part IV. Directive Principles are in Part IV, Articles 36 to 51. Source: Constitution of India, Part IV
Which Amendment added the Fundamental Duties?
Answer: 42nd Amendment (1976). The 42nd Amendment inserted Part IVA, Article 51A. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 51A
What does Article 14 guarantee?
Answer: Equality before the law. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 14
Which Article protects the right to life and personal liberty?
Answer: Article 21. Article 21: no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except by procedure established by law. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 21
Which Article gives the right to go to the Supreme Court to enforce Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Article 32. Dr Ambedkar called Article 32 the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 32
What does the Eighth Schedule list?
Answer: Recognised languages. The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognised in the Constitution. Source: Constitution of India, Eighth Schedule
Which 1973 case established the 'basic structure' doctrine?
Answer: Kesavananda Bharati. The Supreme Court held that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution's basic structure. Source: Supreme Court of India, Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala (1973)
Which words did the 42nd Amendment add to the Preamble?
Answer: Socialist, secular and integrity. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity'. Source: Constitution of India, Preamble