DPSP & Fundamental Duties: Constitutional Imperative Course | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1154 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Law |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties: The Pillars of India's Constitutional Vision
The Indian Constitution is not merely a legal document but a visionary blueprint for a just and equitable society. While Fundamental Rights have long been the centerpiece of constitutional discourse, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and Fundamental Duties form the essential, complementary pillars that guide the state and citizens towards realizing this vision. A new, comprehensive online course offered by the prestigious IIT Kharagpur delves deep into this constitutional imperative, providing unparalleled academic insight.
Course Overview: A Deep Dive into Constitutional Governance
This 8-week course, titled "Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties: Constitutional Imperative," is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate law students, as well as professionals in AICTE-approved programs. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Uday Shankar from the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law at IIT Kharagpur, participants will embark on an intellectual journey to understand the relevance and application of these crucial constitutional components.
The course aims to analyze the state's responsibility in fulfilling socio-economic goals through the DPSP and examine the role of the judiciary in integrating these principles with Fundamental Rights. Furthermore, it brings to the fore the significance of Fundamental Duties, often termed the 'forgotten chapter' of the Constitution, and connects them with the ancient Indian Knowledge System to draw contemporary relevance.
Meet the Instructor: Prof. Uday Shankar
Learners will be guided by an authority in the field. Prof. Uday Shankar brings over two decades of teaching and research experience in law. His international academic exposure includes being a visiting fellow at the University of Macerata, Italy (2024), a guest professor under the Magdalene Schoch Fellowship at the University of Hamburg (2016), and a recipient of a prestigious fellowship from the Max-Planck Institute in Heidelberg (2008).
With more than 60 academic publications, authored and edited books—including the recent 'Human Rights during Covid 19: South Asian Perspective' published by Springer Nature—Prof. Shankar is a seasoned scholar. His expertise in creating accessible online education is proven through his existing NPTEL courses on 'Introduction to Law on Electricity' and 'Centre-State Relations in India.'
Detailed Course Layout: An 8-Week Journey
The course is meticulously structured to build knowledge from foundational concepts to complex interpretations:
- Week 1: Evolution and Concept of Directive Principles of State Policy
- Week 2: Incorporation of the DPSP: Constituent Assembly Debates
- Week 3: Salient Features of the DPSP under the Indian Constitution
- Week 4 & 5: The Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary on the DPSP
- Week 6: Evolution and Relevance of the Fundamental Duties
- Week 7: Relationship between Fundamental Duties and Indian Knowledge System
- Week 8: The Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary on Fundamental Duties
Essential Reading and Reference Materials
The course curriculum is supported by a robust reading list featuring seminal works in Indian constitutional law, ensuring learners engage with authoritative texts:
| Book Title | Author/Editor | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law of India, Vol. I and 2 | H.M. Seervai | Universal Law Publishing |
| India’s Constitution: Origins and Evolution, Vol. 3 | Samaraditya Pal | LexisNexis |
| Constituent Assembly Debates | Loksabha Secretariat | - |
| Fundamental Duties: A Forgotten Chapter of the Constitution | Justice R C Lahoti | LexisNexis |
| The Indian Constitution: A Cornerstone of a Nation | Granvile Austin | Oxford Clarendon Press |
Who Should Enroll and Career Relevance
This course is ideally suited for:
- Law students (Undergraduate and Postgraduate).
- Students from AICTE-approved undergraduate programs seeking interdisciplinary knowledge.
- Legal practitioners, advocates, and professionals in law firms looking to deepen their constitutional understanding.
- Anyone interested in public policy, governance, and the philosophical foundations of the Indian state.
The knowledge gained is directly applicable in legal practice, advocacy, judicial services, policy formulation, and academic research. Understanding the dynamic interplay between rights, state policy directives, and duties is crucial for anyone involved in the legal and governance ecosystem of India.
Conclusion: Embracing the Complete Constitutional Framework
The Directive Principles of State Policy provide the goals for governance, while Fundamental Duties outline the responsibilities of citizens. Together, they create a symbiotic relationship essential for a functioning democracy. This course by IIT Kharagpur offers a rare opportunity to study these concepts under expert guidance, bridging historical debates, judicial interpretations, and contemporary challenges. It is more than an academic course; it is an exploration of the soul of the Indian Constitution and its imperative for a dignified national life.
Enroll today to master the constitutional tools that shape India's journey towards social, economic, and political justice.
Enroll Now →