The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is a highly competitive exam, with millions of aspirants vying for the coveted posts in the Indian bureaucracy. One critical decision that every aspirant must make is the selection of their optional subject. Among the diverse range of optional subjects offered, Law Optional has consistently been a popular choice due to its dynamic nature, logical reasoning, and relevance to the administrative services. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of Law Optional in UPSC, explore the syllabus, and understand the success rate and cut-off trends and Tips and Strategy.​

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Just follow the website and start journey for 300 plus marks in UPSC CSE Mains Examination. Candidates will need not to join law optional coaching in Delhi or anywhere at all. Maximum you will need is to join law optional test series.

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This blog website have all the things you need for preparing law optional in upsc examination. Basically You will need following things in your preparation: -

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1. UnderStanding Law optional UPSC Syllabus.

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Syllabus Consist of two paper, Paper- I and Paper- II each paper is of 250 Marks.

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Paper I focuses on Constitutional Law and Administrative Law[Part- A] which are fundamental to understanding the Indian legal system and governance,  and International Law [Part - B] Which covers different dimension of Interaction between different countries at international level .

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B. Paper II covers International Law, Indian Penal Code, Law of Torts, Mercantile Law and Contemporary Legal Developmet, offering insights into the broader legal framework of different aspect of respective subjects.

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Go through subjects links below to know in depth analysis of UPSC optional Topics. All links have in depth analysis of type of question asked from them in law optional previous papers and depth of study required in them. Click on Subjects for Detail.

For above You will need two things, First, Download Law Optional UPSC Syllabus PDF File to keep it handy in your phone. Secondly, Then you will need detail analysis of each topic given in the syllabus Subject wise. Understand as what sub-topic, article and sections needs to be studied in all subject individual topic. Read in depth analysis

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• Constitutional Law
   

• Administrative Law
   

• International Law
   

• Law of Crime
   

• Law of Tort
   

• Contract law & Mercantile Law
   

• Contemporary legal Development

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2. UPSC law optional previous year papers

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UPSC Law Optional previous year papers are a valuable resource for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Analyzing these papers helps candidates understand the question pattern, types of questions asked, and important topics frequently covered.

 

By practicing and solving previous year papers, aspirants can enhance their time management skills, develop the ability to articulate answers effectively, and gain familiarity with the exam format. Utilizing UPSC Law Optional previous year papers as a part of their preparation strategy will aid candidates in boosting their confidence and increasing their chances of success.

 

Go through at least last 10 year paper as last 30 or 40 year paper is not relevant, the syllabus and pattern of examination have changed a lot. The last overall syllabus was changed in 2007, so read only previous year question paper till 2007. Better download UPSC Law Optional Question Paper PDF file and save in your phone.

 

Previous year papers, when studied topic-wise [Topic wise Question Link], offer valuable insights into the examination's pattern and focus areas. By categorizing questions under specific topics, aspirants can identify areas that frequently appear in the exam and prioritize their preparation accordingly.

 

This targeted approach enables candidates to allocate their time and resources more efficiently, ensuring comprehensive coverage of important topics. Moreover, practicing topic-wise questions from previous year papers sharpens problem-solving skills and helps in retaining concepts better. Thus, incorporating a topic-wise analysis of UPSC Law Optional previous year papers into the study plan can significantly enhance an aspirant's performance.

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2. Recommendation on Books for Law Optional UPSC

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Selecting the right study materials is crucial for UPSC aspirants opting for Law Optional. With a plethora of books available in the market, it is essential to choose the best books that cover the syllabus effectively and facilitate a better understanding of legal concepts. Here is a list of some top books for Law Optional that can aid in your UPSC preparation journey:

 

There are multiple books and that too famous ones but they are all bulky and have been written mainly for academic purpose or for state judicial exams. There is no book in market especially written for civil service.

 

Only few chapters in a particular books are relevant and so we have provided recommended book each paper and detail index chapters of those books, clearly indicating what to study what not to study. Briefly it can be summed up as- 

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1. Constitutional Law, consider referring to "Indian Constitutional Law" by M.P. Jain or "Constitution of India" by D.D. Basu. These books are widely recommended by successful candidates. In all the interviews for law optional topper they have repeatedly recommended these books. 

2. "Administrative Law" by I.P. Massey is an excellent Book.No need to refer anything else
    

3. International Law, Malcolm N. Shaw's "International Law" offers comprehensive coverage of the subject, including treaties, human rights, and international organizations. Some topics not covered can be found here
    

4. Indian Penal Code, K.D. Gaur's "Textbook on Indian Penal Code" and Ratanlal & Dhirajlal's "Indian Penal Code" are popular choices among aspirants.
    

5. In the realm of Law of Torts, R.K. Bangia's "Law of Torts" is widely acclaimed for their Simplicity and relevant case laws. Sometime it may be bulky. Dukkis can be referred for torts as well.
    

6. Mercantile Law, "Contract and Specific Relief" by Avtar Singh is indispensable resources. ICAI Notes on NI act and Sales of Goods are also good for those topics.
    

7. For CLD there is no Specific Books but a brief of them can be studied. Latest current affair would be the correct choices

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If you are looking for important pdf and which may not be covered in individual books consider going through link to detail recommended book and resources​ at  UPSC Law optional Recommended books and Pdf

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3. Preparation Strategy and tips

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Primarily speaking Students preparing for civil services examination with law subject in the compulsory optional paper are of two types, Law graduates and non Law graduates. You should follow curated advice for both of them separately. As circumstances for both of them is different.

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A well-planned strategy is the key to success for UPSC aspirants opting for Law Optional. Here are some essential steps to create an effective preparation plan tailored to the demands of the subject:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Begin by familiarising yourself with the Law Optional syllabus. Analyze the topics covered in both papers, and prioritize them based on their weightage and your existing knowledge. Focus on the area who haven't studied in college Well.
    

2. Choose the Right Resources: Select the best books, online resources, and courses to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Look at detail recommended Books guidelines and  Refer to standard textbooks and supplement them with online materials to stay updated on current legal developments.
    

3. Make a Study Plan: Create a realistic study plan allocating sufficient time for each topic. Set short-term goals and track your progress regularly. A good study plan will take you at least 5 Month.
    

4. Focus on Answer Writing: Develop the habit of writing answers regularly. This will help improve your presentation skills, time management, and the ability to articulate legal concepts effectively. 
    

5. Analyze Previous Year Papers: Study previous year question papers to understand the examination pattern, types of questions asked, and recurring themes. Practice solving these papers to gain confidence and hone your problem-solving skills. This will help you with making a plan and understanding which area of syllabus to focus more. You can download topic wise previous year paper here
    

6. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial for retaining information and concepts. Allocate time for revision in your study plan and ensure that you revisit important topics periodically. Ideally you should revise a topic atleast once every month after you are done with syllabus. You are no kalidas. :)
    

7. Take Mock Tests: En roll in test series and attempt mock tests to assess your performance, identify weaknesses, and refine your exam strategy. Test series also helps you to be disciplined and forces you to revise as there is test you have to give. 

 

Law graduates would have studies law in detail but may be lagging in studying it from upsc perspective. So start as if you have not studied law at all. 

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Separate UPSC Law Optional Strategy for both (law and non law graduate) have been provided in the website blog. Read for detail. there is joint strategy for both to adopt as well at the bottom of the blog above. 

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4. Study Material and Resource

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In addition to books and classroom coaching, Law Optional UPSC aspirants can benefit from various digital resources to enhance their preparation for the Civil Services Examination.

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a. Law Optional UPSC Notes: Comprehensive notes are best for quick revision and understanding complex concepts or best method to revise things quickly. Many toppers share their notes online, which can be a useful starting point for creating your own. This website gives you a well structured nots that you can refer too as well.  Link to Law optional Notes

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b. Law Optional UPSC Online Resources: Websites such as Livelaw, Bar & Bench, and Indian Kanoon provide updates on recent judgments and legal developments. You have to actually go through them and identify article or judgement relevant to optional syllabus. Online resources are better suited for Contemporary legal development topics of law optional syllabus. We also publish a weekly current affair pdf exactly doing the same. Link to Law optional Current Affair

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c. UPSC Law Optional Video Lectures: Video lectures of law optional is best method for beginners, it gives you a contour of topics and also help you identify the important area to focus on by teachers. If faculty is experienced then you need nothing, but these lecture. . We have published lectures for law optional in detail. These lectures cover the UPSC syllabus in depth and provide insights into answer writing and exam strategies. link to law optional video lectures

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By incorporating Law Optional UPSC notes, online resources, and video lectures into your study plan, you can supplement traditional learning methods and optimize your preparation for the Civil Services Examination. In modern day these method drastically enhance your note making skill and make it a lot easier. These digital resources enable you to, stay updated on current affairs, and refine your understanding of the subject for a successful UPSC journey.

 

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5. Law Optional UPSC Coaching

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Law optional coaching is a costly affair there are multiple coaching in delhi, Bangalore and around India which provide for law optional coaching but the problem is all of them are mainly judicial services coaching Teaching law optional together with reasoning there is same syllabus for both of them.

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For UPSC aspirants opting for Law Optional, incorporating test series, answer writing practice, and coaching into their preparation strategy can significantly enhance their performance in the Civil Services Examination.

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a. Law Optional Test Series: Enrolling in a reputable test series is crucial for evaluating your progress and identifying areas for improvement. Test series, such as those offered Various institute including De facto IAS, provide high-quality mock exams that simulate actual exam conditions. These tests help you gauge your understanding of the syllabus, improve time management, and refine your exam strategy.

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b. UPSC Law Optional Answer Writing: Regular answer writing practice is essential for scoring well in Law Optional. Develop the habit of writing structured, content rich and coherent answers, the use of relevant legal provisions and case laws. Participating in writing team between peers and mentors is an effective way to enhance your writing skills.

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c. UPSC Law Optional Coaching: Joining a coaching institute can provide guidance, study materials, and a structured approach to Law Optional preparation. De Facto IAS offer comprehensive courses taught by experienced faculty members. Coaching can help you stay disciplined, clarify doubts, and receive valuable insights into exam techniques and trends.

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There are certain topics that are similar in both of them, but the type of answer written in both of them is very different, Judiciary in primarily focussed on procedural laws.

 

Those  law optional upsc online or offline coaching Simply club the batches together and once the common portion is complete they remove law optional student from the batch.

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It is not a good idea to join those coaching. Join which provide separate batch and better still which teaches IAS other subject as well, as it will help you integrate the preparation of GS paper as well. You may see do you need coaching for UPSC law optional at all.​ Often the answer is NO !