What is Constitutional Amendment Process?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
An amendment can be initiated only by introducing a bill in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
- 2.
The bill must be passed in each House by a special majority, meaning a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of two-thirds of the members present and voting.
- 3.
Some amendments, those affecting the federal structure of the country, require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
- 4.
The President must give assent to the bill once it has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and, where necessary, ratified by the state legislatures.
- 5.
There are certain parts of the Constitution that cannot be amended. This is known as the 'basic structure' doctrine, established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
Visual Insights
Constitutional Amendment Process in India
Steps involved in amending the Indian Constitution as per Article 368.
- 1.Introduction of Bill in either House of Parliament
- 2.Passage of Bill by Special Majority in each House (2/3rd majority of members present and voting and majority of total membership)
- 3.If the amendment seeks to alter federal provisions, ratification by legislatures of not less than one-half of the states
- 4.Presidential Assent
- 5.Amendment is enacted
Recent Real-World Examples
2 examplesIllustrated in 2 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Bangladesh Voters Approve 'July Charter' Reforms in Referendum
14 Feb 2026The Bangladesh news highlights the adaptability and evolution of constitutional frameworks. (1) It demonstrates the practical application of a Constitutional Amendment Process in a real-world scenario, showcasing how a nation seeks to reform its governance structure. (2) The news applies the concept by showing how a country can use a referendum to gauge public support for significant constitutional changes, a mechanism not directly used in India's amendment process but conceptually similar to state ratification. (3) It reveals the ongoing debate about the best way to balance stability and reform in a constitution. (4) The implications of this news for the concept's future are that it reinforces the idea that constitutions are not static documents and must evolve to meet the changing needs of society. (5) Understanding the Constitutional Amendment Process is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the significance of the proposed reforms and the mechanisms by which they are being implemented. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to assess the potential impact of the changes on Bangladesh's political system.
Source Topic
Bangladesh Election: BNP Victory, Reform Endorsement, and India's Reset
International RelationsUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the Constitutional Amendment Process and its constitutional basis?
The Constitutional Amendment Process is the procedure by which the Indian Constitution can be altered. It is described in Article 368 of the Constitution. The process allows the Constitution to adapt to changing times and societal needs.
Exam Tip
Remember Article 368 is the key to the amendment process.
2. What are the key provisions of the Constitutional Amendment Process?
The key provisions include:
- •An amendment can be initiated only by introducing a bill in either House of Parliament.
- •The bill must be passed in each House by a special majority.
- •Some amendments require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
