Evolution of Constitution — Charter Acts (1773–1853), GoI Acts (1858/1919/1935), Independence Act

What should you study in Evolution of Constitution?

• Regulating Act 1773 → Pitt's India Act 1784 → Charter Acts (1813-53)
• Government of India Acts — 1858, 1909 (Morley-Minto), 1919 (Montford), 1935 (provincial autonomy)
• Indian Independence Act 1947 — Dominion status, partition
• Constituent Assembly debates — key speeches, committee reports

How often is Evolution of Constitution asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 5 of 10 years, including 3 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: not asked
2. 2017: asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: asked
7. 2022: not asked
8. 2023: asked
9. 2024: not asked
10. 2025: asked

About the Mains GS Paper II paper

GS Paper II is a 250-mark descriptive Mains paper covering governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations. See all 40 Mains GS Paper II topics.

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