Salient Features of Indian Constitution

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Salient Features of Indian Constitution - Complete Details

Author at PW

November 18, 2025

Salient Features of Indian Constitution:- The Salient Features of Indian Constitution are very important to learn because they tell us how our country is governed and why our Constitution is so special. These features show the ideas and values of the people who framed it, and they make the Constitution the backbone of India’s democracy. If you are preparing for exams, this topic becomes even more useful. In school exams, questions often come directly from this area, and if you are preparing for UPSC, you will surely see this topic in your UPSC book.

Many times, the question will simply ask you to describe the salient features of Indian Constitution. Even in exams like SSC and other government job tests, the salient features of the Constitution of India salient features are asked again and again. So, whether you are a student or preparing for UPSC or SSC, or CBSE Exam, knowing the salient features of the Indian Constitution is something you should never ignore.

Salient Features of Indian Constitution

The Salient Features of Indian Constitution show why it is such an important document for our country. It came into effect on 26th January 1950 after almost three years of hard work by the Constituent Assembly. The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, carefully studied the needs of India and also borrowed useful provisions from other countries. Today, with 448 Articles and 12 Schedules, it holds the record of being the longest written constitution in the world.

The Indian Constitution and its salient features are special because they combine tradition with modern ideas. It is rigid enough to protect the basic structure, yet flexible enough to change with time. Some of the key features of Indian Constitution include a federal system with a unitary touch, a parliamentary form of government, universal adult franchise, and single citizenship.

Whether you are solving NCERT Solutions or going through any UPSC question bank, this topic will surely come your way. That is why the Constitution of India and its salient features remain essential to learn and understand.

List of Salient Features of Indian Constitution

Here are the Key Features of the Indian Constitution mentioned below:-

Lengthiest Written Constitution
Drawn from Various Sources
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
Federal System with Unitary Bias
Parliamentary Form of Government
Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy
Rule of Law
Integrated and Independent Judiciary
Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Duties
Indian Secularism
Universal Adult Franchise
Single Citizenship
Independent Bodies
Emergency Provisions
Three-tier Government
Co-operative Societies

Describe the Salient Features of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India and its Salient Features are the backbone of the world’s largest democracy. Check out the Salient Features and characteristics of the Constitution of India here:-

1. Longest Written Constitution

India has one of the longest constitutions in the world. Currently, it contains 448 Articles in 25 Parts, 12 Schedules, and more than 105 Amendments. Unlike many constitutions, it provides detailed rules for the Union, States, local bodies, rights, duties, and emergency powers.

2. Sources from Various Constitutions

One of the key features of the Indian Constitution is that it is drawn from global models:

Fundamental Rights – U.S. Constitution
Parliamentary System – British Constitution
Directive Principles – Irish Constitution
Federal System – Canadian Constitution
Emergency Powers – German Constitution

3. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

To describe the Salient Features of Indian Constitution, it is important to note that amendments are not uniform. Some need only a simple majority, while others require a special majority and approval from half of the states. This makes the Constitution adaptable yet stable.

4. Federal System with Unitary Bias

India follows a federal structure with power divided into the Union List (97 subjects), State List (66 subjects), and Concurrent List (47 subjects). However, the Centre holds stronger powers, especially in emergencies, giving it a unitary tilt.

5. Parliamentary Form of Government

The Constitution establishes a parliamentary system where the President is the nominal head, while the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers hold real authority. The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, ensuring accountability.

6. Rule of Law

The Constitution of India's Salient Features highlight the rule of law, which means equality before the law. No authority, not even the President or Prime Minister, can go against the law.

7. Independent Judiciary

India has an integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. The judiciary enjoys judicial review powers and acts as the guardian of the Constitution.

8. Fundamental Rights

There are six categories of Fundamental Rights:

Right to Equality (Articles 14–18)
Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

Check Out: UPSC Previous Year Papers

9. Directive Principles of State Policy

These are included in Part IV (Articles 36–51) of the Constitution and are meant to guide the government in creating a welfare state. They focus on things like promoting education, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and protecting the environment. While citizens cannot enforce them in court, they serve as important guidelines for the government when making laws and policies.

10. Fundamental Duties

Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) and expanded by the 86th Amendment (2002), there are 11 Fundamental Duties, such as respecting the Constitution, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public property.

11. Secular State

The Constitution ensures freedom of religion under Articles 25–28 and does not recognise any state religion. All religions are treated equally.

12. Universal Adult Franchise

Every citizen who is 18 or older can vote. This gives everyone a chance to choose the government. It makes sure all people’s voices are part of democracy.

13. Single Citizenship

In India, every person has only one citizenship. No matter which state they live in, all citizens have the same rights. This keeps the country united.

14. Emergency Provisions

Articles 352, 356, and 360 explain what the government can do in emergencies. During war, serious internal problems, or financial crises, the Centre can take extra powers. This helps the government manage the situation.

15. Three-tier Government

The 73rd and 74th Amendments gave recognition to Panchayats and Municipalities. People in villages, towns, and cities can take part in local decisions. They can help improve their area.

16. Co-operative Societies

The 97th Amendment (2011) gave co-operative societies a place in the Constitution. People can work together fairly in farming, business, or local work. These societies help communities grow.

5 Key Features of Indian Constitution

When we describe the Salient Features of Indian Constitution, we understand that every provision has its own value. However, some features hold greater weight because they directly affect citizens and governance. For example, Fundamental Rights are at the core of democracy, while provisions like the Parliamentary System or Independent Judiciary ensure checks and balances.

These areas are often prioritised in schools, NCERT Solutions, and also come frequently in UPSC and SSC Exams. Let us now explain the Salient Features of Indian Constitution that are often considered the most significant.

1. Fundamental Rights

The Constitution gives great importance to Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12–35). They protect freedom and equality for all citizens. There are six main rights:

Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): Everyone is treated equally under the law; discrimination is prohibited.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): Freedom of speech, movement, work, and protection against unlawful arrest.
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): No forced labour, child labour, or human trafficking.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): Freedom to follow and spread any religion.
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30): Minorities can preserve their culture and run schools.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Citizens can go to the Supreme Court if their rights are violated.

2. Parliamentary Form of Government

India has a parliamentary system. The President is mostly symbolic, while the Prime Minister and ministers run the government. They are responsible to the Lok Sabha, which keeps the system democratic and accountable.

3. Federal System with a Unitary Bias

India shares power between the Centre and States. During emergencies, the Centre gets more control, which makes the system slightly tilted toward the Union. This is what gives India a mix of federal and unitary features.

4. Independent Judiciary

The courts act as the guardians of the Constitution. The Supreme Court, High Courts, and lower courts work together to ensure justice, protect rights, and check the powers of the government.

5. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

These are guidelines for the government (Part IV, Articles 36–51) to make India fair and just. They focus on education, equality, health, environment, and living standards. DPSPs cannot be enforced in court, but they shape laws and policies. This is an important topic, and you will often see questions on it while solving UPSC PYQs and other exams, so it’s essential to understand it well.

Also Read: UPSC GS Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Salient Features of Indian Constitution FAQs

1. What are the Salient Features of Indian Constitution?

It has a long written form, a federal system with a Centre bias, parliamentary government, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, independent judiciary, secularism, adult voting, single citizenship, and emergency powers.

2. Who drafted the Constitution of India?

The Constituent Assembly (1946–1949) under Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

3. What is the significance of Fundamental Rights?

They protect freedom, equality, and personal liberty and can be enforced in courts.

4. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?

They guide the government to promote social and economic justice, but they cannot be enforced in courts.

5. What is the federal system with a unitary bias?

Power is shared between the Centre and the States, but the Centre has more power during emergencies.

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