Kerala Officially Renamed as Keralam through The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026

Key Facts

• On 25 August 2026, Kerala was officially renamed as Keralam.
• The renaming was enacted through The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026.
• The Act amended the First Schedule of the Constitution of India to reflect the change.
• The procedure was undertaken under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which governs the formation and reorganization of states including altering state names.
• The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to rename the state in June 2024.
• The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 24 February 2026.
• The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026 and passed on 11 August 2026; subsequently passed by Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2026.
• President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Bill on 14 August 2026.
• The official gazette notification announcing the commencement of the Act and the name change was issued on 25 August 2026.

Background & Context

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the names, boundaries, or areas of existing states. It requires the President to refer the proposed Bill to the concerned state legislature for its views prior to passage, although the legislature's views are not binding on Parliament.

The name change from Kerala to Keralam is significant culturally and linguistically, aligning the official name with the native Malayalam language and the state's indigenous identity. The etymology of 'Keralam' traces back to ancient references such as the 'Keralaputra' inscription and local language roots.

This change follows a precedent of Indian states renaming themselves to reflect local languages and cultural identity, such as Orissa to Odisha and UP to Uttar Pradesh's renaming of areas.

Why This Matters for Exams

This recent and significant event exemplifies the operation of Article 3 in India’s constitutional framework, particularly regarding state reorganization and name changes. Exam-relevant takeaways include:

• The constitutional process to rename states without a formal amendment under Article 368.
• The role of the President and the Parliament in state reorganization.
• The importance of state legislature consultation and the extent of its binding effect.
• The cultural and political significance of state renaming within Indian federalism.

Points to Remember

• Kerala was renamed Keralam officially on 25 August 2026 via The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026.
• Such changes are done under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with formation and alteration of states including their names.
• The Presidential recommendation and referral to state legislature for views is a mandatory procedural step.
• The state legislature's opinion is sought but Parliament is not bound by it.
• Unlike other constitutional amendments, changes under Article 3 do not require a special majority under Article 368.
• The Union Cabinet approved the name change proposal on 24 February 2026 prior to Parliamentary introduction.
• The President who gave assent was Droupadi Murmu on 14 August 2026.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to do what?
2. Amend the fundamental rights in the Constitution.
3. Form new states and alter areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
4. Change the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
5. Control the appointment of Governors.

Answer: 2

Question 2

1. When did the Kerala Legislative Assembly pass the resolution for renaming the state as Keralam?
2. 2020
3. 2024
4. 2026
5. 2018

Answer: 2

Question 3

1. Who was the President of India who gave assent to The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026?
2. Ram Nath Kovind
3. Droupadi Murmu
4. Pranab Mukherjee
5. Shankar Dayal Sharma

Answer: 2