On which date was the Constitution of India formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly?

Introduction / Context:
The Constitution of India went through several important dates in its journey from drafting to enforcement. One key date is when the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the final text of the Constitution. Another is when it came into force and India became a republic. Examinations often test whether you can distinguish between these dates. This question asks about the adoption date, not the enforcement date.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is specifically about the date the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
• The options include well known national dates, such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
• We assume familiarity with the timeline of the Constituent Assembly.

Concept / Approach:
The Constituent Assembly of India completed and formally adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. However, most of its provisions came into effect later, on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. 15 August 1947 is the date of independence, and 9 December 1946 is the date when the Assembly first met. Therefore, we must distinguish adoption, enforcement, and other important milestones, and pick the date that matches adoption specifically.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly.Step 2: Remember that it came into force on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.Step 3: Note that 15 August 1947 marks independence and is not the adoption date of the Constitution.Step 4: Recall that 9 December 1946 is when the Constituent Assembly first met, not when it adopted the final Constitution.Step 5: Choose 26 November 1949 as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple verification method is to memorise three linked events: the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 9 December 1946, adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949, and its coming into force on 26 January 1950. Standard polity textbooks and many exam notes present these three dates together. When you see this sequence, it becomes clear which date corresponds to adoption. Cross checking with this timeline confirms that 26 November 1949 is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
26 January 1950 is the date when the Constitution came into effect and India became a republic, but it is not the adoption date asked in the question. 15 August 1947 is the day India became independent from British rule, not the day the Constitution was adopted. 9 December 1946 is the date of the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, a starting point rather than the end of the drafting process. 2 October 1949 has no special connection with the adoption of the Constitution.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students automatically choose 26 January 1950 for any question about the Constitution because it is a famous national holiday. Others may confuse independence and republic dates. To avoid these mistakes, it is helpful to remember that adoption happened in November 1949 and enforcement in January 1950, with independence earlier in August 1947. Keeping these three dates distinct is essential for answering polity questions accurately.

Final Answer:
26 November 1949