---
title: "Article 15(3): Special Provisions for Women | Model Diplomat"
description: "Article 15(3) allows India to create special provisions for women and children, making it crucial for UPSC candidates and legal scholars."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-15-3"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 15(3) of the Indian Constitution permits the State to make special provisions for women and children notwithstanding the general prohibition on discrimination in Article 15(1).
- Is Article 15(3) a fundamental right or merely an enabling provision?
- How does Article 15(3) differ from Article 15(4)?
- Can Article 15(3) justify reservation for women in public employment?
- Did Joseph Shine v. Union of India change how Article 15(3) is interpreted?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Article 15(3) of the Indian Constitution permits the State to make special provisions for women and children notwithstanding the general prohibition on discrimination in Article 15(1).

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## Timeline

1. 26 November 1949

   Article 15(3) then carves out a deliberate exception: "Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and childr…

2. 26 January 1950

   Article 15(3) then carves out a deliberate exception: "Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and childr…

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Example

In 1995, the Supreme Court in Government of Andhra Pradesh v. P. B. Vijayakumar invoked Article 15(3) to uphold the State's rule giving preference to women candidates in public service appointments.

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