- Why in news
- On 25 July 2026, the Law Minister told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the Constitution was amended eight times in the last twelve years, and listed the Acts.
- What it is
- Article 368 lets Parliament amend the Constitution by addition, variation or repeal. The amendments listed run from the 99th (2014) to the 106th (2023). They cover judicial appointments, GST, backward classes, reservation and women's representation.
- Count
- The Constitution was amended eight times in the last twelve years, according to the reply.
- 101st Amendment, 2016
- It relates to the Goods and Services Tax.
- 102nd Amendment, 2018
- It gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.
- 104th Amendment, 2019
- It extended SC and ST seat reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until 25 January 2030.
- 106th Amendment, 2023
- It provides reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Don’t confuse with 102nd vs 105th Amendment: The 102nd gave constitutional status to the NCBC (Article 338B). The 105th amended Article 342A with consequential changes in 338B and 366.
Don’t confuse with 103rd vs 104th Amendment: The 103rd provides EWS reservation in jobs and education. The 104th extends SC/ST seat reservation in legislatures.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- The list shows how amendments have shaped judicial appointments, taxation, federal finance and social justice.
- Reservation-related amendments show Parliament using Article 368 to respond to social and political demands.
Problems
- Amendments such as the 99th were struck down for violating the basic structure, so judicial review limits Parliament.
- Reservation amendments raise debates on the 50 percent ceiling and on equity.
Way forward
- Amendments should get wide consultation and committee scrutiny before passage.
- Reforms must stay within the basic structure doctrine.
Put in your answer
Basic structure doctrine: Kesavananda Bharati (1973) held that Parliament cannot alter the Constitution's basic structure.
- 2019Mains GS2 · Q12Whether Article 368 lets Parliament destroy Basic Structure
- 2025Mains GS2 · Q12Procedural and substantive limits on Parliament's amending power
- 2023Mains GS2 · Q15Significance of 101st Amendment and its reflection of federal accommodation
- 2019Prelims Q45Whether 44th amendment shielded PM election; whether 99th struck down
- 2022Prelims Q13Correct statements on amendment bills: President's recommendation, assent, special majority
- 2024Prelims Q74Which statements about Constitution's Parts IX-A, XVIII, XX are correct?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Useful list of recent amendments (99th to 105th), but it is background that UPSC rarely sets as a news-linked question.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.