UPSC Notes

Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir and its Reorganisation

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

It's a landmark constitutional and political development impacting federalism, national integration, and the rights of states/UTs. It tests understanding of constitutional provisions, legislative processes, and their socio-political implications.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and a greater degree of legislative and executive powers compared to other states. This special status was abrogated by the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order, followed by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature).

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Article 370 provided special provisions for J&K.

Abrogation Date

August 5, 2019, through Presidential Order C.O. 272.

Reorganisation

J&K bifurcated into UTs of J&K and Ladakh.

Impact

Stripped J&K of its semi-autonomous status and statehood.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Parliament of IndiaLegislates
President of IndiaIssues orders
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Article 370 granted special status to J&K.
  • Abrogated on Aug 5, 2019, via Presidential Order.
  • J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, bifurcated state into two UTs.
  • Impacted J&K's semi-autonomous status and statehood.
  • Raises questions on federalism and Centre-State balance.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance

The need for political unity in Kashmir

01 Sep 2026 · The abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of J&K fundamentally altered its constitutional status, transforming it from a state with special autonomy into a Union Territory. This move has significant implications for India's federal structure and Centre-state dynamics.

Read article

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Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir and its Reorganisation

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UPSC Prelims PYQs on Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir and its Reorganisation

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