Question

On which date the Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian Constitution?
A.Aug 15, 1947
B.Jan 26, 1947
C.Nov 26, 1949
D.Jan 26, 1949

Answer 1

Hint: The process of evolution of the Indian Constitution started several decades ago during the struggle for independence but it was drafted and adopted post-independence. People had realised that to ensure responsible self-governance in place of colonial rule, there was a need to adopt and enact a written constitution that would serve as the highest law of the land and uphold the democratic spirit of the nation. Under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, the elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in August 1946. When the Constituent Assembly first met in December 1946, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected as its president and H.C Mukherjee was elected as the Vice President. The Drafting Committee was formally constituted after independence, which was then tasked with drafting the Constitution of free India. Dr B.R Ambedkar was elected the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Complete answer: Option A: Aug 15, 1947, is incorrect because this is when India achieved independence from British colonial rule.
Option B: Jan 26, 1947, is incorrect.
Option C: Nov 26, 1949, is correct since this marks the date on which the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution of India which comprised 395 articles and 8 schedules.
Option D: Jan 26, 1949, is incorrect. Although this can be easily confused with Jan 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India formally came into effect. It replaced the Government of India Act of 1935 as the governing document of India. Republic Day in India is observed on Jan 26 every year since 1950 to mark the significance of India transitioning into an independent republic.

Hence, The correct answer is Option C.

Note: Do not confuse the dates of adoption of the Indian Constitution and the Constitution coming into effect fully. Few important provisions of the Constitution came into force immediately after the adoption. These were provisions relating to citizenship and elections, the provision relating to parliament and provision relating to temporary and transitional features. All other provisions came into effect later.