Indian Political Compass

Constitutional Amendment · In force

86th Amendment (2002)

Made free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 a Fundamental Right, adding Article 21A, and inserted a corresponding Fundamental Duty for parents.

Why it was passed

Despite Article 45 directing the state to provide free education for children under 14, primary school attendance remained low. Making education a Fundamental Right enabled the Right to Education Act 2009.

Key changes

  • Inserted Article 21A: 'The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years'
  • Amended Article 45 to direct early childhood care for children below six
  • Added Article 51A(k): duty of parent or guardian to provide education to children

Related articles

Article 21ARight to Education
→
Article 51AFundamental Duties
→

Content is editorial draft pending fact-check against official Gazette notifications and Supreme Court judgment texts. Last reviewed: 2026-07-02.

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