national constitution day for 1 December 2025

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. The day honours the vision of the Constituent Assembly and reinforces the role of constitutional values in shaping India’s democracy. It also aims to promote constitutional literacy among citizens, especially students and public servants. The detailed article on the Constitution Day of India has been shared below.

National Constitution Day of India

National Constitution Day of India, observed on 26 November, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949 and honours the work of the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution’s drafting was an extensive process that lasted 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, from 9 December 1946 to 26 November 1949. The day highlights the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other framers who shaped India’s democratic foundations. It also promotes awareness of constitutional values, rights, duties, and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.

National Constitution Day of India History

National Constitution Day was officially designated on 19 November 2015, when the Government of India decided to commemorate 26 November 1949, the date on which the Constitution was adopted. Prior to 2015, the day was observed informally as Law Day by legal institutions. The renaming highlighted the need to recognise the Constitution’s transformative impact on India’s socio-political fabric. The celebration pays tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly for laying India’s democratic foundation.

• Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.
• Enforced fully on 26 January 1950, marking the birth of the Republic.
• Declared officially as Constitution Day in 2015 to honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary year.
• Earlier known as Law Day, celebrated primarily by legal bodies.

National Constitution Day of India Significance

National Constitution Day holds deep symbolic and educational importance, as it reaffirms India's commitment to democracy, liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. It encourages citizens to understand the Constitution not as a legal document alone but as a living guide shaping governance and rights.

Why Constitution Day Matters

• Raises awareness about Fundamental Rights, Duties, and Directive Principles.
• Reinforces commitment to constitutional supremacy and democratic governance.
• Pays homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.
• Encourages study of key values like secularism, federalism, equality, and rule of law.

National Constitution Day of India Drafting Timeline

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a monumental process that spanned 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, beginning with the Constituent Assembly’s first meeting on 9 December 1946 and culminating in its adoption on 26 November 1949. A major milestone was the creation of the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 29 August 1947, which prepared the foundational text of the Constitution. The final draft was placed before the Assembly for detailed debate and scrutiny on 4 November 1948, marking the beginning of intensive discussions. The Constitution was finally adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into full effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated today as Republic Day.

National Constitution Day of India Drafting Timeline
Event	Date
Formation of Constituent Assembly	9 December 1946
First meeting of the Constituent Assembly	9 December 1946
Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected as President of the Assembly	11 December 1946
Formation of Drafting Committee under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar	29 August 1947
Presentation of Draft Constitution	4 November 1948
Adoption of Constitution by the Constituent Assembly	26 November 1949
Enforcement of Constitution / Republic Day	26 January 1950

Constitutional Values Highlighted on Constitution Day of India

Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the core values enshrined in the Preamble, which guide India’s democratic, ethical, and governance framework. These values shape the relationship between the State and the citizen while promoting justice, equality, liberty, and national unity.

• Justice - Ensuring social, economic, and political fairness for all citizens.
• Liberty - Protecting freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
• Equality - Guaranteeing equal rights, opportunities, and dignity for every individual.
• Fraternity - Promoting national unity, integrity, and brotherhood across communities.
• Secularism - Upholding religious neutrality and respect for all faiths.
• Democracy - Ensuring participation, representation, and accountability in governance.
• Rule of Law - Establishing supremacy of law over arbitrary power.

National Constitution Day & Republic Day Differences

National Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949, focusing on awareness of constitutional values and citizen duties. In contrast, Republic Day on 26 January 1950 celebrates the enforcement of the Constitution, symbolising India’s transition to a sovereign republic with a public holiday and national celebrations. The detailed key differences between Constitution Day & Republic Day have been shared below in the table.

National Constitution Day & Republic Day Difference
Feature	Constitution Day (26 Nov)	Republic Day (26 Jan)
Purpose	Marks adoption of the Constitution	Marks enforcement of the Constitution
Declared as	Constitution Day (2015)	National Festival
Focus	Awareness of constitutional values	Celebration of India becoming a Republic
Type of Holiday	Not a public holiday	National public holiday
Activities	Preamble reading, debates, lectures	Parade, awards, cultural displays