---
title: "Indian Councils Act 1861: Key Provisions | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Indian Councils Act 1861 reformed the Governor-General's Council, allowing Indian non-officials to participate in law-making, crucial for UPSC candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/indian-councils-act-1861"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Indian Councils Act 1861 was a British statute that reconstituted the Governor-General's Council, restored legislative power to Bombay and Madras, and admitted Indian non-officials to law-making.
- What was the most significant feature of the Indian Councils Act 1861?
- How did the Act change the powers of Bombay and Madras?
- What is the portfolio system introduced by the Act?
- Why is the Act considered limited despite admitting Indians?

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

The Indian Councils Act 1861 was a British statute that reconstituted the Governor-General's Council, restored legislative power to Bombay and Madras, and admitted Indian non-officials to law-making.

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In 1862 Viceroy Lord Canning exercised the Act's new power by nominating the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao as the first Indian non-official members of the Governor-General's legislative council.

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