UPSC PracticeUPSC Practice
UPSC Notes

Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This event represents a significant constitutional change, impacting India's federal structure, fundamental rights, and political geography. It is a major topic for Indian Polity and Governance, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the Constitution and Centre-State relations.

Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and limiting the applicability of Indian laws and constitutional provisions. Article 35A, derived from Article 370, empowered the J&K legislature to define 'permanent residents' and grant them special rights and privileges.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Article 370

Temporary provision granting special status to J&K, limiting Parliament's legislative power over the state.

Article 35A

Empowered J&K legislature to define 'permanent residents' and confer special rights and privileges.

Date of Abrogation

August 5, 2019

Constitutional Mechanism

Presidential Order (C.O. 272) followed by parliamentary resolution, leading to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Primary Effect

Full application of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir

Reorganisation

Erstwhile state of J&K reorganised into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh

Social Impact

Empowerment of women and marginalized communities through extended constitutional rights

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance
Conceptual areaFederal Structure & Centre-State Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Parliament of IndiaPassed the jammu and kashmir reorganisation act, 2019
President of IndiaIssued the constitutional order (c.o. 272) applying all provisions of the indian constitution to j&k
Supreme Court of IndiaHears petitions challenging the abrogation
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Articles 370 & 35A granted J&K special status and defined permanent residents.
  • Abrogated on August 5, 2019, by Presidential Order and parliamentary action.
  • Resulted in full application of Indian Constitution to J&K.
  • J&K reorganised into Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
  • Aimed at national integration, inclusive development, and empowerment.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutory — Distinguish between the constitutional nature of Articles 370 and 35A and the statutory nature of the Reorganisation Act.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India : 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following pairs: State – Description I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagala...

GeographyOpen question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following pairs: State – Description I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagala...

GeographyOpen question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal S...

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Ame...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950?

Indian PolityOpen question

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950?

Indian PolityOpen question

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head...

Indian PolityOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & GovernanceFederal Structure & Centre-State Relations
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950?

Open question

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950?

Open question

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Ame...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal S...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following pairs: State – Description I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagala...

Open question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following pairs: State – Description I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagala...

Open question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India : 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the ...

Open question

Prime Minister marks seven years of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A)

05 Aug 2026 · The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the full application of the Indian Constitution and the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories, aiming for inclusive development and empowerment.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A

Often confused with

Civil Liberties and State Overreach

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India : 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the ...

2026·Indian Polity
Solve

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal S...

2024·Indian Polity
Solve

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950?

2021·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Ame...

2022·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following pairs: State – Description I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagala...

2025·Geography
Solve

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental ...

2023·Indian Polity
Solve

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

2025·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head...

2021·Indian Polity
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality
Browse all topics