Adopted in 1949, in force in 1950

Learning outcome

You can separate the date of adoption, the date the Constitution came into force, and Independence Day.

Concepts and why

The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. The Preamble records that date. The remaining provisions came into force on 26 January 1950. When a question asks when the Constitution came into force, the date is 26 January 1950. Article 394 provides for the commencement of those remaining provisions. 15 August 1947 is Independence Day. It is not the date the Constitution came into force. 26 January was chosen because 26 January 1930 was the day of the Purna Swaraj pledge. B. R. Ambedkar was Chairman of the Drafting Committee. Rajendra Prasad was President of the Constituent Assembly. Article 1 says: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

Worked examples

The date the Constitution came into force is 26 January 1950. The Chairman of the Drafting Committee was B. R. Ambedkar, not Rajendra Prasad.

Common mistakes

Writing 26 November 1949 as the date the Constitution came into force. That is the date of adoption. Writing 15 August 1947 as the date it came into force. Giving Rajendra Prasad as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He was President of the Constituent Assembly.

Practice questions

1. On which date was the Constitution adopted?
2. On which date did it come into force?
3. Who was President of the Constituent Assembly?

Answers and explanations

1. 26 November 1949.
2. 26 January 1950.
3. Rajendra Prasad.

Analogy

A building plan is approved on one day, and people begin to live by it on a later day. Adoption is the approval. Coming into force is the day the remaining provisions began to operate.

Quick reference

Adopted: 26 November 1949. In force: 26 January 1950. Independence Day: 15 August 1947. Drafting Committee chairman: B. R. Ambedkar. Constituent Assembly president: Rajendra Prasad. Article 1: India, that is Bharat, a Union of States.