India’s citizenship is defined under Part II (Articles 5–11) of the Constitution and regulated by the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Act and Constitution detail how citizenship can be acquired or lost. Key amendments and provisions shape its application today. This topic is vital due to evolving policy changes, affecting many domestically and abroad.

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• Citizenship governed by Part II (Articles 5–11) of Constitution
• Citizenship Act, 1955 defines acquisition, termination rules
• Three main ways to acquire: by birth, descent, registration
• Amendments in 1986, 1992, 2003, 2005, 2019 refined laws
• Article 5: Indians with domicile on Nov 26, 1949 = citizens
• Article 6–7: Rules for migrants from/to Pakistan
• Article 9: Voluntary foreign citizenship = loss of Indian citizenship
• OCI/PIO introduced for Indian-origin foreigners, no full rights
• OCI holders get visa-free entry, parity in education, finance
• No dual citizenship in India; OCI/PIO can’t vote or hold office