Constitution Day for kids
Samvidhan Divas is marked on 26 November. Learn what a constitution is, what the Preamble says in simple words, and write your own class rules.
What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day, also called Samvidhan Divas, is observed on 26 November every year. It honours the day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India. In 2026, 26 November falls on a Thursday.
Two dates, not one
Children often mix up two dates, so here they are side by side.
- 26 November 1949: the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. This is the day we mark as Constitution Day.
- 26 January 1950: the Constitution came into force. This is the day we mark as Republic Day.
You can read more in our guide to Republic Day for kids.
Why is the day marked?
Government of India material says the day honours the adoption of the Constitution. The Government of India formally declared 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015. On the day, many schools and offices read the Preamble aloud together. We keep this plain and leave debates about politics to grown-ups and history books.
What is a constitution?
A constitution is a book of basic rules for a country. It says how the country is run and what rights people have. Think of the rules of a board game: everyone agrees how it works, so it is fair for every player.
The Constitution of India was written by a group called the Constituent Assembly. Dr B. R. Ambedkar chaired its Drafting Committee. The work took almost three years, and the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
The Preamble in simple words
The Preamble is the short opening paragraph of the Constitution. It begins with the words “We, the people of India”. Here are its big ideas, explained for children. These are our simple wordings, not official definitions.
- Sovereign: India makes its own decisions and is not ruled by another country.
- Democratic: the people choose their government by voting.
- Republic: the head of the country is chosen, not born into the job.
- Secular: the government does not have a state religion, and treats all faiths with equal respect.
- Justice: fairness in social, economic and political life.
- Liberty: freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
- Equality: equal status and equal opportunity for everyone.
- Fraternity: a feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood among all citizens, with respect for each person’s dignity and for the unity of the nation.
The Preamble also names the date it was adopted: the twenty-sixth day of November, 1949.
Try it in class: write “our class rules”
This 30-minute activity lets children practise the idea behind a constitution: people agreeing on fair rules together.
- Sit in a circle. Ask: what makes our class a good place for everyone? Write every idea on the board.
- Group the ideas into three or four rules in kind words, such as “We listen when others speak”.
- Take a vote on the wording of each rule, with a show of hands. Everyone’s voice counts the same.
- Write a short opening line for your rules, beginning “We, the children of Class ...”, just as the Preamble begins “We, the people”.
- Everyone signs or draws a hand print beside the rules. Display them on the wall.
Afterwards, ask: was it easy to agree? Teachers can find more classroom ideas on our for teachers page.
Test yourself
- When was the Constitution adopted? Answer: 26 November 1949.
- What is its opening paragraph called? Answer: the Preamble.
Want more? Try the festival quiz, browse the festival calendar, or read about the national symbols of India.
Questions
When is Constitution Day in 2026?
Constitution Day, also called Samvidhan Divas, is on 26 November every year. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday.
What happened on 26 November 1949?
The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. It came into force later, on 26 January 1950, which we mark as Republic Day.
Why is 26 November marked?
The day honours the adoption of the Constitution. The Government of India formally declared 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015.
What is a constitution?
A constitution is a book of basic rules for a country. It says how the country is run and what rights people have.
This is a short, friendly overview, and we are not the authority on the Constitution or on any official observance. Dates and facts checked 1 November 2026 against a Government of India press release on Samvidhan Diwas 2024 and a Government of India mission page on Constitution Day for the 1949 adoption and the 2015 declaration, and against Wikipedia’s articles on Constitution Day, the Constitution of India and the Preamble for the 1950 start date, the Drafting Committee and the Preamble wording. The weekday for 26 November 2026 was worked out from the calendar (Thursday). If you spot a mistake, please tell us and we will fix it.