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Q85 (IAS/2023) Polity & Governance › Constitutional Basics & Evolution › Constituent Assembly Official Key

Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II : On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 because Statement-I is factually accurate, while Statement-II contains a chronological error regarding the history of the Constituent Assembly.

  • Statement-I is correct: Since 2015, the Government of India has celebrated November 26th as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and to spread awareness about constitutional values and the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
  • Statement-II is incorrect: While Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was indeed the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the committee was set up on August 29, 1947, shortly after independence. November 26, 1949, is the date the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the completed Constitution, not the date the Drafting Committee was established.

Therefore, as the first statement holds true and the second statement provides an incorrect historical date for the formation of the Drafting Committee, Option 3 is the only valid choice.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
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got it right
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 2.5/10

This is a classic 'Timeline Trap'. UPSC tests if you can distinguish between the 'Start' (Committee formation) and the 'Finish' (Adoption) of the Constitution. Statement I is general awareness (Constitution Day), while Statement II is a specific static fact check found in Chapter 2 of Laxmikanth.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in India is celebrated on 26 November every year to honor the adoption of the Constitution and to promote constitutional values among citizens.
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > ENACTMENTOFTHE CONSTITUTION > p. 16
Presence: 5/5
“16P Indian Polity Also known as the 'chief architect of the Constitution of India'. On November 19, 2015, the Government of India has decided to celebrate the November 26 of every year as the ~Constitution Day~ (~Samvidhan Divas) to promote constitutional values among citizens.”
Why this source?
  • Records the Government of India decision (Nov 19, 2015) to celebrate November 26 each year as Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas.
  • Explicitly links the annual celebration on Nov 26 with the objective to promote constitutional values among citizens.
  • Names the observance (Constitution Day / Samvidhan Divas), matching the statement's terminology.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > REFERENCES > p. 12
Presence: 5/5
“• 1. The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and some of its provisions were given immediate effect. The bulk of the Constitution, however, became operative on 26 January 1950, which date is referred to in the Constitution as its 'Date of Commencement', and is celebrated in India as the "Republic Day". • 2. Report of the Indian Statutory Commission (Simon Report), vol I, pp 112 tt seq. • 3. Seton, India Office, p 81. • 4. Panikkar, Asia and Western Dominance, 1953, p 155.”
Why this source?
  • States that the Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949, providing the historical basis for commemorating that date.
  • Distinguishes adoption (26 Nov 1949) from commencement (26 Jan 1950), supporting the 'honor the adoption' rationale.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 2: THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 20
Presence: 4/5
“INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Passing of the Constitution. The Constituent Assembly again sat on 14 November 1949, for the third reading and finalized the document on 26 November 1949, on which date the Constitution received the signature of the President of the Assembly and was declared as passed. The provisions relating to citizenship, elections, Provisional Parliament, and Date of Commencement of the Constitution. temporary and transitional provisions, were given immediate effect, ie, from 26 November 1949. The rest of the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, and this date is referred to in the Constitution as the Date of its Commencement.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the Constituent Assembly finalizing and declaring the Constitution passed on 26 November 1949.
  • Notes immediate effect for some provisions from 26 November 1949, reinforcing the significance of that date for commemoration.
Statement 2
Did the Constituent Assembly of India set up the Drafting Committee on 26 November 1949?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The Constituent Assembly set up 13 committees for framing the constitution including a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. On the basis of the reports of these committees, a draft of the Constitution was prepared by a seven-member Drafting Committee."
Why this source?
  • Explains that the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee (one of 13 committees) to frame the Constitution, indicating the committee existed as part of the Assembly's earlier work.
  • Places the Drafting Committee as the body that prepared the draft on the basis of committee reports, implying it was not created on the adoption date.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949 and became effective on 26 January 1950."
Why this source?
  • States that 26 November 1949 was the date the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, showing that this date corresponds to adoption, not to setting up committees.
  • By identifying 26 November 1949 as the adoption date, it implies the Drafting Committee must have been formed earlier to prepare the draft adopted on that date.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
Strength: 5/5
“Among all the committees of the Constituent Assembly, the most important committee was the Drafting Committee set up on August 29, 1947. It was this committee that was entrusted with the task of preparing a draft of the new Constitution. It consisted of seven members. They were: • 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Cha irman ) • 2. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar• 3. Al'adi Krishnaswamy Ayyar• 4. Dr. K.M. Munshi f I I I • 5. Syed Mohammad Saadullah • 6. N. Madhava Rau (He replaced B.L. Mitter who resigned due to ill-health) • 7. T.T. Krishnamachari (He replaced D.P. Khaitan who died in 1948) The Drafting Committee, after taking into consideration the proposals of the various committees, prepared the first draft of the Constitution of India, which was published in February, 1948.”
Why relevant

States the Drafting Committee was set up on August 29, 1947 (gives a specific earlier formation date).

How to extend

Compare the 29-Aug-1947 date with the statement's 26-Nov-1949 date to see which is more plausible or check primary records around Aug 1947.

Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
Strength: 5/5
“Among all the committees of the Constituent Assembly, the most important committee was the Drafting Committee set up on August 29, 1947. It was this committee that was entrusted with the task of preparing a draft of the new Constitution. It consisted of seven members. They were: • 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Cha irman ) • 2. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar• 3. Al1adi Krishnaswamy Ayyar• 4. Dr. K.M. Munshi f I I I • 5. Syed Mohammad Saadullah • 6. N. Madhava Rau (He replaced B.L. Mitter who resigned due to ill-health) • 7. T.T. Krishnamachari (He replaced D.P. Khaitan who died in 1948) The Drafting Committee, after taking into consideration the proposals of the various committees, prepared the first draft of the Constitution of India, which was published in February, 1948.”
Why relevant

Independent source (same chapter in another edition) also records the Drafting Committee as set up on August 29, 1947, reinforcing a consistent earlier date.

How to extend

Use the agreement between sources to treat Aug 29, 1947 as the likely true setup date and then look for documentary records from late 1949 to test the alternative claim.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > Figures rounded up, primarily on the basis in 2011 (provisional) counts) > p. 503
Strength: 4/5
“The Constituent Assembly had its first sitting on 9 December 1946. • The Draft Constitution of India, which was prepared by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and pl'esented by it to the President of the Constituent Assembly on 21 February 1948, contained 315 Articles and Eight Schedules.• The C.onstitution of India, as adopted on 26 November 1949, contained 395 Articles and Eight Schedules. After subsequent amendments, the Constitution as it stood on 01-01-2022, contained 464 Articles and 12 Schedules.• Up LO Janual), 2022 .. the Constitution has been amended 105 times by <;;onstitutioll Amendment Acts passed in conformity with Article 368 of the Constitution (see Table IV).”
Why relevant

Says the Draft Constitution was prepared by the Drafting Committee and presented on 21 February 1948, implying the committee must have existed before that date.

How to extend

If the committee produced a draft by Feb 1948, it could not have been first constituted in Nov 1949; check timelines of draft publication vs. committee formation.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 35: Making of the Constitution for India > Constituent Assembly > p. 617
Strength: 4/5
“This second draft was placed before the Constituent Assembly on February 21, 1948. The draft was then considered clause by clause by the Assembly. The third reading commenced on November 14 and was finished on November 26, 1949. The Preamble was adopted last. It had taken 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to complete the task. As many as 7000 odd amendments had been proposed and nearly 2500 were actually discussed before the draft constitution was accepted. Dr Ambedkar then moved a motion that the Constitution as settled by the Constituent Assembly be passed. On November 26, 1949, the people of India in the Constituent Assembly adopted, enacted and gave to themselves the Constitution of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India.”
Why relevant

Records that the Constituent Assembly completed third reading and adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949 — the date in question is thereby linked to adoption events, not committee formation.

How to extend

Distinguish between the adoption date (26-Nov-1949) and committee formation dates; use this to suspect the statement conflates adoption with formation.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2022 TEST PAPER > p. 765
Strength: 3/5
“Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? • (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I • (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement- • (e) Statement-} is correct but Statement-II is incorrect • (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct 14. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr.”
Why relevant

Contains a test-question that frames a Statement-II asserting ‘On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly ... set up a Drafting Committee...’ which suggests that source treats that specific claim as contentious or likely incorrect.

How to extend

Use this pedagogical flag to investigate why the question-maker marked that claim for testing — likely because other sources give a different date.

Statement 3
Was the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
Presence: 5/5
“Among all the committees of the Constituent Assembly, the most important committee was the Drafting Committee set up on August 29, 1947. It was this committee that was entrusted with the task of preparing a draft of the new Constitution. It consisted of seven members. They were: • 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Cha irman ) • 2. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar• 3. Al'adi Krishnaswamy Ayyar• 4. Dr. K.M. Munshi f I I I • 5. Syed Mohammad Saadullah • 6. N. Madhava Rau (He replaced B.L. Mitter who resigned due to ill-health) • 7. T.T. Krishnamachari (He replaced D.P. Khaitan who died in 1948) The Drafting Committee, after taking into consideration the proposals of the various committees, prepared the first draft of the Constitution of India, which was published in February, 1948.”
Why this source?
  • Explicit list of Drafting Committee members names Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as 'Chairman'.
  • Specifies the committee was entrusted with preparing the draft constitution, implying leadership responsibility.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Major Committees > p. 14
Presence: 5/5
“- 1. Union Powers Committee Jawaharlal Nehru - 2. Union Constitution Committee Jawaharlal Nehru - 3. Provincial Constitution Committee Sardar Patel - 4. Drafting Committee Dr. B.R. Ambedkar • 5. Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal Areas and Excluded Areas - Sardar Patel. This committee had the following five subcommittees: • (a) Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee—J.B. Kripajani• (b) Minorities Sub-Committee—H.C. Mukherjee• (c) North-East Frontier Tribal Areas and Assam Excluded & Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee—Gopinath Bardoloi• (d) Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas (other than those in Assam) Sub-Committee—A.V.”
Why this source?
  • Major Committees list directly names the Drafting Committee and assigns Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as its chair.
  • Places Ambedkar among other committee chairs, corroborating his formal chairmanship role.
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN > G. Durgabai Deshmukh (1909-1981) born: Andhra Pradesh. Advocate and public activist for women's emancipation. Founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha. Congress leader. Later: Founder Chairperson of Central Social Welfare Board. > p. 25
Presence: 5/5
“Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner. First some basic principles were decided and agreed upon. Then a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft constitution for discussion. Several rounds of thorough discussion took place on the Draft Constitution, clause by clause. More than two thousand amendments were considered. The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years. Read the information about all the makers of the Indian Constitution given in the side columns here. You don't need to memorise this information. Just give examples from these to support the following statements: 1.”
Why this source?
  • States a Drafting Committee 'chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar' prepared a draft constitution.
  • Describes the committee's central role in producing the draft, reinforcing Ambedkar's chairmanship.
Statement 4
Was the purpose of the Constituent Assembly's Drafting Committee to prepare a Draft Constitution of India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
Presence: 5/5
“Among all the committees of the Constituent Assembly, the most important committee was the Drafting Committee set up on August 29, 1947. It was this committee that was entrusted with the task of preparing a draft of the new Constitution. It consisted of seven members. They were: • 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Cha irman ) • 2. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar• 3. Al'adi Krishnaswamy Ayyar• 4. Dr. K.M. Munshi f I I I • 5. Syed Mohammad Saadullah • 6. N. Madhava Rau (He replaced B.L. Mitter who resigned due to ill-health) • 7. T.T. Krishnamachari (He replaced D.P. Khaitan who died in 1948) The Drafting Committee, after taking into consideration the proposals of the various committees, prepared the first draft of the Constitution of India, which was published in February, 1948.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Drafting Committee was entrusted with preparing a draft of the new Constitution.
  • Names the committee members and records that the committee prepared the first draft published in February 1948.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > Figures rounded up, primarily on the basis in 2011 (provisional) counts) > p. 503
Presence: 5/5
“The Constituent Assembly had its first sitting on 9 December 1946. • The Draft Constitution of India, which was prepared by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and pl'esented by it to the President of the Constituent Assembly on 21 February 1948, contained 315 Articles and Eight Schedules.• The C.onstitution of India, as adopted on 26 November 1949, contained 395 Articles and Eight Schedules. After subsequent amendments, the Constitution as it stood on 01-01-2022, contained 464 Articles and 12 Schedules.• Up LO Janual), 2022 .. the Constitution has been amended 105 times by <;;onstitutioll Amendment Acts passed in conformity with Article 368 of the Constitution (see Table IV).”
Why this source?
  • Says the Draft Constitution of India was prepared by the Drafting Committee and presented on 21 February 1948.
  • Links the committee directly to the concrete draft (details: 315 Articles and Eight Schedules).
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN > G. Durgabai Deshmukh (1909-1981) born: Andhra Pradesh. Advocate and public activist for women's emancipation. Founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha. Congress leader. Later: Founder Chairperson of Central Social Welfare Board. > p. 25
Presence: 4/5
“Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner. First some basic principles were decided and agreed upon. Then a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft constitution for discussion. Several rounds of thorough discussion took place on the Draft Constitution, clause by clause. More than two thousand amendments were considered. The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years. Read the information about all the makers of the Indian Constitution given in the side columns here. You don't need to memorise this information. Just give examples from these to support the following statements: 1.”
Why this source?
  • States that a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft constitution for discussion.
  • Describes the ensuing clause-by-clause deliberations, confirming the committee's preparatory role.
Pattern takeaway: The 'Date Swap' technique is a favorite. The examiner took a correct date (26 Nov 1949) and attached a wrong event (Committee setup) to it. Always verify if the Date and the Event match chronologically.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter/Trap. Sitter if you know the timeline; Trap if you rush. Source: Laxmikanth, Ch 2 'Making of the Constitution' (Page 2.3 - 2.5).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Chronology of Constitution Making'. UPSC frequently targets the specific dates of the Constituent Assembly's milestones.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Date-Event' pairs: Dec 9, 1946 (First Meeting); Dec 13, 1946 (Objectives Resolution moved); Jan 22, 1947 (Objectives Resolution adopted); July 22, 1947 (National Flag adopted); Aug 29, 1947 (Drafting Committee setup); Jan 24, 1950 (National Anthem/Song adopted).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Apply 'Process Logic'. A Drafting Committee cannot be set up on the *same day* the Constitution is finalized/adopted. The committee is the cause; the adopted Constitution is the effect. The cause must precede the effect by years.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Constitution adoption date vs commencement date
💡 The insight

India's Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 but came into force on 26 January 1950; both dates have distinct civic significance.

High-yield factual pair often tested in polity questions and prelims date-based items. Understanding this distinction connects to topics on enactment, Republic Day, and constitutional transitions; it helps answer questions distinguishing adoption, commencement, and celebratory observances.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > REFERENCES > p. 12
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 2: THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 20
🔗 Anchor: "Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in India is celebrated on 26 November every y..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas): date and purpose
💡 The insight

Constitution Day is observed on 26 November to commemorate the Constitution's adoption and to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Directly relevant for current-affairs and polity questions about national commemorations and their stated objectives. Mastering this helps in answer-writing on symbolism of state observances and links to civic education initiatives.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > ENACTMENTOFTHE CONSTITUTION > p. 16
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > REFERENCES > p. 12
🔗 Anchor: "Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in India is celebrated on 26 November every y..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Role of the Constituent Assembly in passing the Constitution
💡 The insight

The Constituent Assembly finalized and declared the Constitution passed on 26 November 1949, a key event behind the choice of the commemorative date.

Important for conceptual questions on constitution-making, legislative history, and institutional roles. Helps frame answers about the drafting process, signatures, and why certain dates are memorialized in constitutional history.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 2: THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 20
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > Figures rounded up, primarily on the basis in 2011 (provisional) counts) > p. 503
🔗 Anchor: "Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in India is celebrated on 26 November every y..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Drafting Committee formation date (29 Aug 1947)
💡 The insight

The Drafting Committee was constituted on 29 August 1947 to prepare the draft Constitution.

High-yield for questions on the making of the Constitution: knowing committee formation dates helps place subsequent events (drafting, presentation, adoption) in chronological order. It connects to topics on Constituent Assembly committees and the drafting process, and is frequently tested in date/timeline MCQs and short-answer questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Constituent Assembly of India set up the Drafting Committee on 26 Novemb..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Adoption vs commencement of the Constitution
💡 The insight

The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949; it came into force on 26 January 1950.

Essential for questions about Constitution Day and Republic Day distinctions; this concept links the finalization/adoption process to the formal commencement date and helps answer questions on transitional provisions and the timeline of enactment.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 35: Making of the Constitution for India > Constituent Assembly > p. 617
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 2: THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 20
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN > The Constituent Assembly assembly > p. 24
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Constituent Assembly of India set up the Drafting Committee on 26 Novemb..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Drafting Committee's presentation of the draft (21 Feb 1948)
💡 The insight

The Drafting Committee presented the Draft Constitution to the President of the Constituent Assembly on 21 February 1948.

Useful for mapping stages of constitution-making: committee preparation → presentation of draft → clause-by-clause debates → adoption. Mastery of these milestones aids in answering procedural and sequence-based questions in the polity syllabus.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > Figures rounded up, primarily on the basis in 2011 (provisional) counts) > p. 503
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Constituent Assembly of India set up the Drafting Committee on 26 Novemb..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Drafting Committee — role, chair, composition
💡 The insight

The Drafting Committee was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and comprised seven members tasked with preparing the draft constitution.

High-yield for UPSC: direct factual question material for prelims and a foundational fact for mains answers on constitution-making. Connects to broader topics on authorship and institutional responsibility in constitutional history and enables precise answers on committee composition and leadership.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Drafting Committee > p. 15
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > Major Committees > p. 14
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambe..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Jan 24, 1950' Trinity: On this single date, the Constituent Assembly adopted the National Anthem, the National Song, and elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President. This date is a high-probability target for future 'match the following' questions.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use 'Timeline Common Sense'. Statement I says 26 Nov is celebrated because the Constitution was *adopted* then. Statement II says the Drafting Committee was *set up* then. It is logically impossible to set up the drafting team on the very day the final draft is approved. Therefore, Statement II must be false.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connect Statement I (promoting values) to GS-IV (Ethics) concept of 'Constitutional Morality' and GS-II 'Separation of Powers'. Constitution Day is not just a date; it is the state's mechanism to inculcate the 'Spirit of the Constitution' (Ambedkar's warning against Hero Worship/Bhakti in politics).

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-II · 2016 · Q95 Relevance score: 0.75

Consider the following statements about the Constitution of India : 1. A Member of Parliament enjoys freedom of speech in the Parliament as a Parliamentary Privilege pro¬tected by the Constitution of India. 2. The Constitution has vested the power to amend the Constitution in the Parliament Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2020 · Q83 Relevance score: 0.71

Consider the following statements : 1. The Constitution of India defines its 'basic structure' in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

CAPF · 2012 · Q13 Relevance score: 0.03

Consider the following statements about the Indian Constitution : 1. In addition to the structure of the Government, it has also concerned itself with some aspects of a desirable civil society and economy. 2. Through amendments in the year 1976, it has also outlined the fundamental duties of citizens along with their rights. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?