Topic 02 of 4 · Chapter 07 · Indian Polity
All 11 Fundamental Duties — Explained
Complete list of all 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A with detailed explanation of each duty.
📋 In This Article
1. All 11 Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
⭐ Note: Duties 1–10 were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). Duty 11 was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
Duty 01 — Article 51A(a)
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Duty 02 — Article 51A(b)
To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
Duty 03 — Article 51A(c)
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
Duty 04 — Article 51A(d)
To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
Duty 05 — Article 51A(e)
To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
Duty 06 — Article 51A(f)
To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
Duty 07 — Article 51A(g)
To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
Duty 08 — Article 51A(h)
To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
Duty 09 — Article 51A(i)
To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
Duty 10 — Article 51A(j)
To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
Duty 11 — Article 51A(k) ⭐ Added by 86th Amendment (2002)
Who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
This duty corresponds to Article 21A (Right to Education) added by the same 86th Amendment.
2. Memory Trick — Remember All 11 Duties
💡 Mnemonic: “ABCDE FGHIJK”
A — Abide by Constitution, respect National Flag and Anthem
B — Be inspired by freedom struggle ideals
C — Cherish sovereignty, unity, integrity of India
D — Defend the country
E — Encourage harmony and brotherhood
F — Foster composite culture heritage
G — Guard natural environment
H — Humanism and scientific temper
I — Integrity of public property; abjure violence
J — Journey towards excellence
K — Kids’ education (6–14 years) — 11th duty
A — Abide by Constitution, respect National Flag and Anthem
B — Be inspired by freedom struggle ideals
C — Cherish sovereignty, unity, integrity of India
D — Defend the country
E — Encourage harmony and brotherhood
F — Foster composite culture heritage
G — Guard natural environment
H — Humanism and scientific temper
I — Integrity of public property; abjure violence
J — Journey towards excellence
K — Kids’ education (6–14 years) — 11th duty
3. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Total 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A
- Duties 1–10 added by 42nd Amendment (1976)
- Duty 11 added by 86th Amendment (2002)
- Duty 11 — parents to provide education to children 6–14 years
- Duty 7 — protect natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife)
- Duty 8 — develop scientific temper
- Duty 5 — promote harmony; renounce practices derogatory to dignity of women
- Duty 9 — safeguard public property; abjure violence
- All duties are non-justiciable
- Inspired by Soviet Constitution (USSR)