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Q66 (IAS/2024) Polity & Governance › Constitutional Basics & Evolution › Amendment procedure Official Key

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of : 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

Article 368 states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.[3] This clearly establishes that all three methods of amendment are permissible under Article 368.

Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure.[3] The inclusion of all three modes—addition (adding new provisions), variation (modifying existing provisions), and repeal (removing provisions)—gives Parliament comprehensive constituent power to amend the Constitution as needed.

The word 'repeal' in Article 368(1) makes it clear that 'amendment', under Article 368, includes a repeal of any of its provisions, including any supposed 'basic' or 'essential' provision.[6] Therefore, all three statements are correct, making option D (1, 2 and 3) the correct answer.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  2. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  3. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  4. [4] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
  5. [5] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
  6. [6] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
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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. As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of : 1. Addition 2. …
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Bare Act' question. It rewards the habit of reading the exact constitutional text rather than just summaries. If you skipped the first paragraph of Laxmikanth Chapter 11 or the NCERT box on Article 368, you missed a sitter.

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
Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any provision of the Constitution by way of addition?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“Like any other written Constitution, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself to the changing conditions and needs. However, the procedure laid down for its amendment is neither as easy as in Britain nor as difficult as in USA. In other words, the Indian Constjtntion is neither flexible nor rigid but a synthesis of both. Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.”
Why this source?
  • Directly states Article 368 allows Parliament, in its constituent power, to amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution.
  • Presents the phrase 'amend by way of addition' explicitly, matching the question wording.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
Presence: 5/5
“…Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article.”
Why this source?
  • Reiterates that Parliament may amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution under Article 368.
  • Provides a second direct textual confirmation of 'addition' as a mode of amendment.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
Presence: 4/5
“Hence the limitations, if any upon the amending power must be found from Article 368 itself and not from any theory of implied limitation; (ii) that the word 'repeal' in Article 368(1) also makes it dear that 'amendment', under Article 368, includes a repeal of any of its provisions, including any supposed 'basic' or 'essential' provision; (iii) that the Constitution of India makes no distinction between 'amendment' and 'total revision', as do some other Constitutions, such as the Swiss Constitution. Hence, there is no bar to change the whole Constitution, in exercise of the amending power, which is described as the 'conslilutnl pow,,' [Articl' 36Bt I)] and that, accordingly, it would not be necessary to convene a Constituent Assembly to revise the Constitution in 1010.”
Why this source?
  • Explains the broad scope of the amending power under Article 368, noting 'repeal' and that amendment can amount to total revision, implying additions are within the wide amending competence.
  • States that any limitations must come from Article 368 itself, supporting the view that Article 368 defines the extent (including additions) of amendment power.
Statement 2
Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any provision of the Constitution by way of variation?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“Like any other written Constitution, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself to the changing conditions and needs. However, the procedure laid down for its amendment is neither as easy as in Britain nor as difficult as in USA. In other words, the Indian Constjtntion is neither flexible nor rigid but a synthesis of both. Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.”
Why this source?
  • Explicit wording: Article 368 is described as permitting Parliament to amend 'by way of addition, variation or repeal' any provision of the Constitution.
  • Confirms that Parliament acts in its constituent power when making such amendments, linking 'variation' directly to the amending power.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
Presence: 5/5
“…Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article.”
Why this source?
  • Clear restatement: Parliament may amend by 'addition, variation or repeal' any constitutional provision, mirroring the question's phrasing.
  • Student-focused textbook formulation reinforces that 'variation' is an authorized mode of amendment under Article 368.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
Presence: 4/5
“Hence the limitations, if any upon the amending power must be found from Article 368 itself and not from any theory of implied limitation; (ii) that the word 'repeal' in Article 368(1) also makes it dear that 'amendment', under Article 368, includes a repeal of any of its provisions, including any supposed 'basic' or 'essential' provision; (iii) that the Constitution of India makes no distinction between 'amendment' and 'total revision', as do some other Constitutions, such as the Swiss Constitution. Hence, there is no bar to change the whole Constitution, in exercise of the amending power, which is described as the 'conslilutnl pow,,' [Articl' 36Bt I)] and that, accordingly, it would not be necessary to convene a Constituent Assembly to revise the Constitution in 1010.”
Why this source?
  • Affirms breadth of amending power by noting 'repeal' is included and there is no distinction between amendment and total revision.
  • Implies the amending power under Article 368 is wide-ranging, supporting the view that variations of provisions are permitted.
Statement 3
Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any provision of the Constitution by way of repeal?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
Presence: 5/5
“Hence the limitations, if any upon the amending power must be found from Article 368 itself and not from any theory of implied limitation; (ii) that the word 'repeal' in Article 368(1) also makes it dear that 'amendment', under Article 368, includes a repeal of any of its provisions, including any supposed 'basic' or 'essential' provision; (iii) that the Constitution of India makes no distinction between 'amendment' and 'total revision', as do some other Constitutions, such as the Swiss Constitution. Hence, there is no bar to change the whole Constitution, in exercise of the amending power, which is described as the 'conslilutnl pow,,' [Articl' 36Bt I)] and that, accordingly, it would not be necessary to convene a Constituent Assembly to revise the Constitution in 1010.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly notes the word 'repeal' in Article 368(1) and explains that 'amendment' under Article 368 includes repeal of any of its provisions.
  • Affirms there is no bar to changing the whole Constitution through the amending power, implying repeal is within scope.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“Like any other written Constitution, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself to the changing conditions and needs. However, the procedure laid down for its amendment is neither as easy as in Britain nor as difficult as in USA. In other words, the Indian Constjtntion is neither flexible nor rigid but a synthesis of both. Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.”
Why this source?
  • States Article 368 empowers Parliament to amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution.
  • Frames amendment as exercise of Parliament's constituent power subject to the procedure in Article 368.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
Presence: 5/5
“…Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article.”
Why this source?
  • Succinctly records that Parliament may amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with Article 368.
  • Provides a clear, authoritative school-level formulation of the amendment modes under Article 368.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC is testing 'Textual Precision'. They are moving beyond general concepts to check if you know the exact vocabulary of the Constitution. Read the Bare Act text for key Articles (13, 32, 142, 368).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from Laxmikanth (7th ed, p. 123) and NCERT Class XI (p. 199).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The specific legal definition of 'Amendment' under Article 368(1).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the procedural constraints: 1) No Joint Sitting (Art 108 N/A), 2) No Prior Recommendation of President required, 3) Can be introduced by Minister OR Private Member, 4) President MUST give assent (24th Amendment), 5) Federal provisions require ratification by 50% states.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading Polity, do not gloss over the verbs. The Constitution uses specific triplets like 'Addition, Variation, Repeal' to define scope. Always ask: 'Does this power include removing a provision entirely?'
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Article 368 — amendment by addition, variation or repeal
💡 The insight

Defines that Parliament's constituent power under Article 368 explicitly includes adding (as well as varying or repealing) any constitutional provision.

High-yield for prelims and mains because questions often ask what powers Article 368 confers and the scope of constitutional amendment. Connects to topics on constitutional amendment procedure and the nature of constituent power; enables answering direct definitional and scope-based questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Modes and majorities for constitutional amendment
💡 The insight

Differentiates the procedural routes (simple majority, special majority, and special majority plus state ratification) by which constitutional provisions may be amended.

Essential for answering procedural questions about when each majority is required and for distinguishing amendments inside vs. outside Article 368; links to federalism (state ratification) and legislative process topics frequently tested in UPSC.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 201
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > TYPES OF AMENDMENTS > p. 124
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Scope and limits of the amending power
💡 The insight

Covers that Article 368's amending power can affect Fundamental Rights and permit total revision, and that any limits must be found within Article 368 itself.

Important for mains essays and answers on 'basic structure', amending power controversies, and judicial review; helps tackle questions on whether certain provisions are unamendable and how constitutional constraints operate.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > President bound to give assent. > p. 194
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Amendment modalities in Article 368 (addition, variation, repeal)
💡 The insight

Article 368 expressly authorizes amendment by addition, variation or repeal, so understanding these modalities clarifies what kinds of change Parliament may make.

High-yield for constitutional law questions: distinguishes modes of amendment and maps directly to many MCQ and mains questions about the form of constitutional change. Connects to topics on constituent power and limits on amendment.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Procedures and majorities required for amendments
💡 The insight

Different amendments require different legislative procedures and majorities, affecting how Article 368 operates in practice.

Essential for answering procedural and comparative questions on constitutional amendment; links to questions on special vs ordinary majorities and state ratification requirements.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > TYPES OF AMENDMENTS > p. 124
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 201
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Scope of Parliament's amending power under Article 368
💡 The insight

The amending power includes repeal and permits total revision, so knowing its scope determines whether particular provisions (even Fundamental Rights) can be altered.

Crucial for essays and judicial-review topics: frames debates on basic structure, limits on amendment, and interplay with Fundamental Rights; enables evaluation of landmark cases and doctrinal questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > President bound to give assent. > p. 194
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Article 368: modes of amendment (addition, variation, repeal)
💡 The insight

Article 368 explicitly allows amendment by addition, variation or repeal of any constitutional provision.

High-yield: directly tests whether repeal is covered by the amendment power and clarifies the legal methods available to change the Constitution; connects to questions on amendment procedure and classification of amendments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 199
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > Nothing in ehiJ artido (io, Art/cio 1.3), shall apply to Any amendmfmt made under Artiel, 368. > p. 196
🔗 Anchor: "Does Article 368 of the Constitution of India permit Parliament to amend any pro..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Private Member' Trap: While Article 368 defines the scope (Addition/Variation/Repeal), the *procedure* allows the bill to be introduced by a Private Member (MP who is not a Minister) without prior permission of the President. This is a frequent confusion point vs Money Bills.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use 'Completeness of Logic'. If Parliament could 'Add' and 'Vary' but NOT 'Repeal', it would be stuck with obsolete articles forever (like the old Article 31 Right to Property). For a Constitution to be a living document, the power to delete (Repeal) is logically mandatory. Thus, 3 must be correct.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Basic Structure Doctrine): The inclusion of 'Repeal' in Article 368 was central to the Kesavananda Bharati case. The Supreme Court ruled that while Parliament can 'repeal' provisions, it cannot repeal the 'Basic Structure' or identity of the Constitution itself. This question tests the *text*, Mains tests the *limit*.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2014 · Q47 Relevance score: 4.44

There are provisions in the Constitution of India which empower the Parliament to modify or annul the operation of certain provisions of the Constitution without actually amending them. They include 1. any law made under Article 2 (relating to admission or establishment of new States) 2. any law made under Article 3 (relating to formation of new States) 3. amendment of First Schedule and Fourth Schedule Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CDS-II · 2021 · Q91 Relevance score: 3.89

Which of the following statements regarding constitutional amendment is/are correct ? 1. The procedure for amendment to the Constitution is provided in Article 368. 2. A Bill to amend the Constitution can be introduced in either House of the Parliament. 3. The special procedure in Article 368 vests constituent powers upon the ordinary legislation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

CDS-I · 2021 · Q99 Relevance score: 3.61

Which of the following statements with regard to the creation of a new state or alteration of boundaries of states is/are correct ? 1. An amendment has to be moved in the Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution of India. 2. Ratification by one half of the states is necessary after the amendment is made by the Parliament. 3. The legislation can be passed by a simple majority of both Houses of Parliament. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NDA-I · 2015 · Q96 Relevance score: 3.29

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