National Constitution Day of India 2025: Theme of this year’s celebration is Hamara Samvidhan-Hamara Swabhiman.

National Constitution Day of India, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is observed every year on 26 November to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
The day celebrates India’s democratic foundations and honours the extraordinary vision of the framers who crafted the world’s longest written Constitution.
Instituted officially in 2015, Constitution Day aims to promote constitutional literacy, strengthen awareness of citizens’ rights and duties, and reaffirm India’s commitment to democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

What Is National Constitution Day?

National Constitution Day marks the historic day when the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on 26 November 1949.

Though it came into full effect later on 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day), the adoption date became a symbol of India’s transition from colonial rule to a sovereign democratic nation.

The observance encourages citizens, students, government officials, and institutions to revisit the constitutional values that shape the Indian Republic.

History of National Constitution Day of India

Adoption and Enforcement

Adopted: 26 November 1949
Enforced: 26 January 1950

Official Designation in 2015

On 19 November 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment officially declared 26 November as Constitution Day to honour:

The adoption of the Constitution
The contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose 125th birth anniversary year coincided with 2015

Earlier Observance as Law Day

Before 2015, 26 November was informally observed as Law Day by legal institutions to mark India’s constitutional heritage.

Why Constitution Day Matters: Key Significance

Constitution Day holds profound symbolic, educational, and civic importance:

1. Promotes Constitutional Literacy

Encourages awareness about:

Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Duties
Directive Principles of State Policy

2. Reinforces Democratic Values

Reminds citizens of India’s democratic pillars—justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and rule of law.

3. Honours the Framers of the Constitution

Paying tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly for crafting one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

4. Encourages Civic Responsibility

Inspires younger generations to understand and protect the constitutional framework that governs India.

Drafting Timeline of the Indian Constitution (Key Milestones)

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a historic and meticulous process that lasted 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days. Below is the connected timeline:

9 December 1946

First meeting of the Constituent Assembly.

29 August 1947

Formation of the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

4 November 1948

Draft Constitution submitted to the Assembly.
Beginning of clause-by-clause debate.

November 1948 – October 1949

Detailed discussions, amendments, and scrutiny.

26 November 1949

Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
The day now celebrated as National Constitution Day.

26 January 1950

Constitution came into effect, marking the birth of the Republic of India.

Key Facts About the Indian Constitution

India’s Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.
It originally had 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.
Today, it has 470+ Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules (after multiple amendments).
The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions over 165 days.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is regarded as the Chief Architect of the Constitution.
Borrowed features from constitutions of USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, USSR, Japan, South Africa, etc.

Purpose of Celebrating Constitution Day

Constitution Day is designed to:

Strengthen awareness of constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Promote democratic participation.
Highlight the transformative power of India’s Constitution.
Encourage youth to engage with concepts like federalism, secularism, equality, justice, and human dignity.
Reaffirm the importance of safeguarding the values enshrined in the Preamble.

National Constitution Day of India is more than just a commemorative event—it is a reminder of India’s journey toward democracy and the values that bind the nation together. By celebrating Samvidhan Divas, citizens honour the wisdom of the framers, appreciate their rights, understand their duties, and strengthen their role in building a just and inclusive society.

Top 10 global constitutions that inspired and influenced the ideals for the Constitution of India:

S.No.	Country	Features Borrowed
1	United Kingdom	Parliamentary form of government: Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, which is built on the strong cooperation between the executive and legislature, and allows the election of the President and the Prime Minister of the country.Single CitizenshipRule of Law: It ensures that laws apply equally to all individuals.Cabinet SystemPrerogative Writs: Legal procedures to enforce rights while also holding public authorities and judicial bodies accountable for their conduct or inaction.Parliamentary PrivilegesBicameral Legislature: A legislature consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.Legislative Procedure
2	United States	Fundamental Rights: Entitled to every citizen which guarantees individual freedoms and protections against state action.Impeachment of the PresidentJudicial review: A procedure by which the Supreme Court and High Courts of India analyse, decide, and annul executive or legislative activities that violate the Indian Constitution.Removal of Supreme Court and High Court judgesIndependence of Judiciary: The courts in the country have been provided independent status, ensuring it doesn’t come under government or any other influence.Vice-President’s Role
3	Soviet Union/Russia	Fundamental Duties: It outlines the responsibilities of citizens towards their nation.The ideals of Justice (social, economic, political) included in the Preamble
4	Australia	The concept of a Concurrent List: A list of 52 items in the Seventh Schedule; it delineates subjects on which both central and state legislatures can legislate.Freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourseProvision for a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament
5	France	The concept of a Republic: A form of government where the head of state is the president or other elected official.Ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, integrated into the Preamble
6	Ireland	The idea of the Directive Principles of State Policy: These principles guide the state in ensuring legality and procedural fairness in policy formulation and legislation.Nomination of members to Rajya SabhaElection of the President
7	Canada	Quasi-federal structure with a strong central governmentConcept of residual powers: The Union Government has special rights to create any legislation relating to any issue that is not a part of the Concurrent List or State List.Distribution of powers between Centre and StateCentre’s power to appoint state governorsThe advisory function of the Supreme Court: Article 143 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court advisory jurisdiction, allowing the President to seek its opinion on any law or fact of public importance deemed necessary.
8	Japan	The concept of ‘Procedure Established by Law’: A legislation that has been lawfully adopted by the legislature or other relevant authority is only legitimate if the proper procedure has been strictly followed.
9	Germany (Weimar)	Concept of Emergency provisions and suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergencies: Under Article 359, the President has the authority to suspend fundamental rights during both internal and external emergencies.
10	South Africa	The process for electing members to the Rajya SabhaProcedure for amending the Constitution: A bill aimed at amending the Constitution must be ratified by half of the state legislatures by a simple majority, and then presented to the President for his assent after both houses have passed the bill.