UPSC Prelims 2023 Q85: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
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?
- (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 - I
- (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
- (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
Explanation
Constitution Day — 26 November
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Declared | 2015 (Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary year) |
| Purpose | Promote constitutional values among citizens |
| Why 26 November | The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949 |
| Earlier name | Observed as National Law Day |
Key Constituent Assembly dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 December 1946 | First meeting |
| 29 August 1947 | Drafting Committee set up, chaired by Dr B.R. Ambedkar |
| 26 November 1949 | Constitution adopted |
| 26 January 1950 | Constitution came into force |
Statement I — correct.
Statement II — incorrect. The Drafting Committee was set up on 29 August 1947, not 26 November 1949.
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement II is false, so it cannot be the explanation.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II is false; the Drafting Committee dates from 29 August 1947.
- (c) CORRECT. Constitution Day is 26 November, but that date marks adoption (1949), not the Drafting Committee.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement I is true; Constitution Day has been observed on 26 November since 2015.
Key point
26 Nov 1949 = adoption (Constitution Day since 2015); 29 Aug 1947 = Drafting Committee; 26 Jan 1950 = commencement.
Remember
Constitution Day marks adoption on 26 November 1949; the Drafting Committee came on 29 August 1947.
Common mistakes
- Linking 26 November to the Drafting Committee; it marks the adoption of the Constitution.
- Mixing up adoption (26 Nov 1949) with commencement (26 Jan 1950).
- Forgetting the earlier name National Law Day.
Exam tip
Learn four dates in order: Dec 1946, Aug 1947, Nov 1949, Jan 1950. Most Constituent Assembly questions use them.
Sources
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — Gazette notification on Constitution Day (2015)
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 1