Schedules of the Indian Constitution: Complete List of 12 Schedules with Articles

The Constitution of India is a detailed and dynamic document designed to govern a diverse nation. To simplify its vast provisions, the Constitution uses Schedules, which act as annexures explaining complex administrative and legislative details. Originally, the Constitution had 8 Schedules, but through various amendments, this number has increased to 12, reflecting India’s evolving governance needs.

What Are the Schedules of the Indian Constitution?

• Schedules are supplementary lists attached to the Constitution that provide detailed information not included directly in Articles.
• They help in the smooth implementation of constitutional provisions by organizing data related to territories, powers, salaries, tribal administration, elections, and governance structures.
• By separating details from core Articles, the Constitution remains flexible and easier to amend without disturbing its basic framework.

Purpose and Importance of Schedules

• The Schedules serve multiple constitutional purposes.
• They simplify legal complexity by presenting information in a structured format.
• They act as ready references for administrators, courts, and lawmakers. Most importantly, schedules make the Constitution adaptable, as changes can be made to schedules through amendments without rewriting the main text.
• This balance ensures stability along with flexibility in governance.

Overview: Growth of Schedules

When the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, it had 8 Schedules. Over time, social, political, and administrative changes required more detailed governance frameworks. As a result, 4 additional schedules were added through constitutional amendments, bringing the total to 12 Schedules today.

List of 12 Schedules of the Indian Constitution

First Schedule – States and Union Territories

The First Schedule lists all States and Union Territories of India along with their territorial boundaries. It is directly linked with Articles 1 and 4, which deal with the Union of India and formation or alteration of states.

Second Schedule – Emoluments of Constitutional Authorities

This schedule specifies salaries, allowances, and privileges of key constitutional functionaries such as the President, Governors, Speakers, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is related to Articles like 59, 65, 125, 148, and 221.

Third Schedule – Oaths and Affirmations

The Third Schedule contains the oaths and affirmations for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Judges, and the CAG. These are mandated under Articles 75, 99, 124, 164, and 188, ensuring constitutional loyalty and accountability.

Fourth Schedule – Rajya Sabha Representation

This schedule allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha to States and Union Territories based on population. It is linked to Articles 4 and 80, reflecting federal representation in Parliament.

Fifth Schedule – Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes

The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in most states of India. It aims to protect tribal interests and is connected with Article 244(1).

Sixth Schedule – Tribal Areas of North-East

This schedule provides special administrative arrangements for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It allows Autonomous District Councils and is related to Articles 244(2) and 275(1).

Seventh Schedule – Division of Powers

The Seventh Schedule is one of the most important schedules, containing three lists,

• Union List (national importance like defence, foreign affairs)
• State List (state subjects like police, public health)
• Concurrent List (shared subjects like education and marriage)

It is governed by Article 246 and forms the backbone of Centre–State relations.

Eighth Schedule – Official Languages

The Eighth Schedule lists 22 officially recognised languages of India, including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, and others. It is linked with Articles 344 and 351 and promotes linguistic diversity.

Ninth Schedule – Laws Protected from Judicial Review

Added by the First Amendment Act, 1951, this schedule contains laws (mainly land reform laws) protected from judicial review under Article 31B, though later court judgments have limited absolute immunity.

Tenth Schedule – Anti-Defection Law

Introduced by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, the Tenth Schedule deals with disqualification of MPs and MLAs on grounds of defection. It ensures political stability and is linked with Articles 102 and 191.

Eleventh Schedule – Panchayati Raj

Added by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, this schedule lists 29 subjects under Article 243G related to rural local governance, such as agriculture, land reforms, and rural development.

Twelfth Schedule – Municipal Governance

Inserted by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992, the Twelfth Schedule lists 18 subjects under Article 243W, including urban planning, water supply, sanitation, and urban development.

Key Constitutional Amendments Affecting Schedules

Several amendments have shaped the schedules,

• 1st Amendment (1951) – Strengthened the Ninth Schedule
• 7th Amendment (1956) – Reorganised states, impacting the First and Fourth Schedules
• 42nd Amendment (1976) – Shifted subjects to the Concurrent List
• 52nd Amendment (1985) – Added the Tenth Schedule
• 73rd & 74th Amendments (1992) – Added Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules

Question

Q. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the division of powers between the Centre and States?

A. Fifth Schedule
B. Sixth Schedule
C. Seventh Schedule
D. Ninth Schedule