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Central Council of Ministers Notes


The Central Council of Ministers (CoM) is the real executive authority that helps the Prime Minister run the Union Government. It functions under Article 74 and Article 75 of the Constitution.


Constitutional Provisions

Article Provision
Article 74 CoM to aid and advise the President
Article 75 Appointment, tenure, responsibility, and salaries of ministers
Article 77 Conduct of business of the Government of India
Article 78 Duties of the PM with respect to President


Composition of the Council of Ministers


Category Role
Cabinet Ministers Top-level decision-makers; head major ministries
Ministers of State (Independent Charge) Not under Cabinet Minister; head smaller ministries
Ministers of State (MoS) Assist Cabinet Ministers in specific departments
Deputy Ministers (earlier) Now rarely appointed; assist MoS or Cabinet Ministers

Note: The Cabinet is a smaller body within the CoM.



Appointment and Oath

  • Appointed by the President on PM’s advice.
  • President administers oath of office and secrecy.
  • Oath includes:
    • Faith in Constitution
    • Secrecy of official matters
    • Due discharge of duties


Powers and Functions


A. Executive Powers
  • Policy formulation and execution.
  • Administration of Union ministries.
  • Day-to-day running of government.

B. Legislative Powers
  • Initiate and pilot government bills.
  • Responsible for answers during Question Hour.
  • Control over financial matters like Budget and Appropriation Bills.

C. Advisory Powers

CoM advises President on:

  • Summoning and dissolving Parliament.
  • Appointment of Governors, judges, etc.


Collective Responsibility (Article 75[3])

  • If one minister fails, the entire CoM is answerable.
  • The CoM must resign if it loses Lok Sabha confidence.
  • If a No-Confidence Motion is passed in Lok Sabha, the entire CoM (including PM) must resign.


Individual Responsibility (Conventions)

  • Each minister is individually responsible for their ministry’s actions.
  • PM can advise President to dismiss any minister.
  • Not explicitly in Constitution but followed by convention.


Legal Responsibility (Not Applicable)

India follows Westminster model, but:

  • No provision for legal responsibility of ministers in India.
  • Ministers are not legally bound for official acts.


Cabinet vs Council of Ministers

Basis Cabinet Council of Ministers
Size Small (25–30 members) Large (60–70 members)
Role Key policy-making body Assists Cabinet & PM
Secrecy Highly confidential Less so
Power Real authority lies here Exists mainly on paper

Cabinet is the “real nucleus” of power in the executive.



Key Takeaways for UPSC

Key Point Explanation
Constitutional Body Mentioned in Articles 74 and 75
Headed by PM All ministers function under the leadership of the PM
Collective Responsibility Crucial for Parliamentary democracy
Cabinet Dominance Cabinet exercises real power
Ministers’ Hierarchy Cabinet > MoS (Ind) > MoS
No Legal Responsibility Ministers are not legally liable for official actions


Quick Revision Table

Topic Summary
Articles 74, 75, 77, 78
Hierarchy Cabinet > MoS (Ind) > MoS
Responsibility Collective (Art. 75[3]) & Individual (by convention)
Appointment By President on PM’s advice
Cabinet vs CoM Cabinet is the core; CoM includes all ministers
Size Limit 91st Amendment: Max 15% of Lok Sabha strength
Dismissal PM can recommend dismissal of any minister
Function Policy-making, administration, advising the President


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