On 26 January 1950 India became:

Key Points

• On 26 January 1950, India officially became a sovereign, democratic, republic state.
• This date marks the adoption of the Constitution of India, which laid down the legal framework for the country.
• The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
• It established India as a republic, meaning that the head of state is elected, not a hereditary monarch.
• It also declared India as a sovereign state, indicating its independence from any external control.
• The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world and provides for a democratic system of government.
• It assures its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavors to promote fraternity among them.

Additional Information

• The Constitution of India also declares the nation to be socialist and secular, terms that were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
• The Constitution outlines the fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens.
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List, delineating the subjects under which each level of government has legislative powers.
• Amendments to the Constitution can be made through a process outlined in Article 368.
• The Constitution has been amended multiple times to address the evolving needs of the nation.