Primarily speaking these are six major indicators that suggest and make law a very good optional for UPSC Examination.
- Comparatively Short Syllabus
- Large Overlapping vis a vis GS Mains Syllabus
- Improved Writing Skills
- Helps in writing Essay
- Questions are repeated, So no Surprises
- High Success rate
Generally Speaking there are two type of candidate who will opt for law optional in UPSC, i.e Law Graduate and Non Law Graduate
It will sheer stupidity for law graduates if he/she do not take this subject as a optional for UPSC Mains exam. The reason for saying such a harsh thing is this. they have to study half of what they must have studied in their law college.
For non law graduates there are multiple advantage over other subject which a candidates may choose. Let's Dive in and read a little more about criterion which makes law optional a suitable subject for qualifying in UPSC
Let's analyse these factors in detail in light of law optional syllabus and previous year papers.
- 50%Almost fifty percent questions are repeated from last year paper.
- 18There are 18 questions which need to be answered in three hours
- 2-3at least 2-3 candidates with law optional have found their rank in top 10.
1 Comparatively Short Syllabus
All other subjects in UPSC mains available for optional have a very wide syllabus. Often the subject and topics contained therein are more than what students of graduation in that subject reads in universities across India.
Law becomes a good optional for UPSC in this regard as the law optional syllabus is almost half of what graduation syllabus across law universities in India, be it five year or three year LLB program.
Procedural laws which are often complicated and not easy to comprehend are not in the syllabus. Major subjects that are included are Constitutional law, Administrative Law, International Law, Law of Crime, law of contract and Contemporary legal developments.
They are easy to understand and are already studied with the GS mains paper. That is the second compelling reason making it a good optional for IAS. A detailed Law optional syllabus may be looked into.
The syllabus of all other optional is more than what student study in their graduation course. In law it is not the case at all.
It do not Include Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Civil Procedure Code(CPC) and Evidence Act, which generally student dread and find it tough to decipher.
It is a good news for student, as most of above referred laws are not there. They are considered one of the most vast and goes into very nitty gritty on rules and regulations on which courts functions.
In judicial services exam procedural laws are 50 percent of the syllabus, not in UPSC Exam. That is why having a law background is not necessary at all for opting law optional.
If you read smartly and follow right strategy the whole syllabus can be covered from end to end in 4.5 month sharp. It require no further study.
All together there are 7 laws you have to study which covers 70 percent of the questions in exam.
You will attempt those Seventy percent questions right away. The laws are Constitutional, Administrative law, International Law, Law of Crime, Law of Tort, Law of Contract and Special Contract laws.
2 Large Overlapping vis a vis GS Mains Syllabus
The extent of overlap with compulsory GS paper of UPSC mains is astonishing. This overlapping makes it super easy to prepare, as it saves lot of time and enables you to prepare both topics together.
GS Paper 1
GS Paper-1, overlapping can be found in freedom struggle topic. Constitutional development during freedom movement may be studied with constitutional laws syllabus of law optional.
4 questions, 2015 to 2024
Questions asked in Mains
2024
Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Fundamental Rights
201710 marks
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
Law optional topicLaw of Crimes · Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and subsequent legislative developments
201610 marks
Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Constitution and Constitutionalism
201512.5 marks
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Constitution and Constitutionalism
GS Paper 2
GS Paper-2, overlapping can be found in almost all the topics present in syllabus, except International Relations. However studying international law in law optional syllabus will help you to understand the concepts like cross border terrorism and state sponsored terrorism etc.
10 questions, 2013 to 2025
Questions asked in Mains
202515 marks
"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike...." In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Constitution and Constitutionalism
202515 marks
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Amendment of the Constitution
202515 marks
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Supreme Court and the High Courts: Appointments and transfer
202510 marks
Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Services under the Union and the States: Administrative tribunals
2024
Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary?
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Public Interest Litigation
2024
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Alternate Dispute Resolution
202315 marks
Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Emergency provisions
202215 marks
Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Governor and his powers
201412.5 marks
WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of the WTO and how binding are their decisions ? Critically analyze India’s stand on the latest round of talks on food security.
Law optional topicInternational Law · New International Economic Order and Monetary Law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank
201310 marks
‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.
Law optional topicAdministrative Law · Ombudsman: Lokayukta, Lokpal etc.
Almost every topic related to constitution you will study in more depth in law optional, the governance part is more of less is covered in administrative law where constitutional governance is a topic itself in law optional paper-I.
Let's Take example of GS paper - 2 Question of 2020 CSE Mains.
Q.1 - The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in the recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
[A law optional would very easily answer it as most of law we study have comparative case law mostly judgement of english law]
Q.2 - Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
[ Question is directly related to law optional topic of PIL, in optional we do a very very detailed study of PIL which other optional people might not]
Q. 3 - “Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
[Above question is again part of RTI, a topic in Contemporary legal development of UPSC law optional paper - II ]
Let's take the another example of gs paper -2 of (2019) There was at least three question which could have been only be answered in a better way by a law optional student, Namely,
Q.1 - Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain.(10)
Q.4 -From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.(10)
Q.5 - What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?(10)
Q.12 “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?(15)
Above Five Question just an example of how law optional student could have written it better. Like question number one is what you will study in administrative law. There have been previous questions on same doctrine in law as well.
The Harmonious construction principle you can not find in Laxmikant even you search it then as well. However the answer should not be law specific it has to be with reference to paper two. Slight modification and integration with law optional preparation you could easily get more marks.
GS Paper 3
GS Paper-3, overlapping can be traced into two sections of syllabus, IPR issues and International monetary organisation. WTO and IMF is to be studied in both the syllabus. IPR laws present in law optional syllabus will help you to understand nuances attached to it.
7 questions, 2013 to 2024
Questions asked in Mains
2024
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Intellectual property rights
2024
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws
202315 marks
What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.
Law optional topicInternational Law · New International Economic Order and Monetary Law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank
202010 marks
Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws
201815 marks
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Major statutes concerning environmental law
201412.5 marks
In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Intellectual property rights
201310 marks
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Intellectual property rights
Topic related to environment and disaster management can be clubbed together with law optional. NDMA act can be studied to have a better picture of disaster management institutional arrangement. It is one of environmental laws of india.
Sustainable development topic of GS 3 can be read with international environmental law principle specifically Stockholm conference principle which covers all aspect of environment and development.
Similarly Intellectual property topic of law optional paper II can help you understand similar topic in GS paper-3.
International Economic organisation of law optional topic can be clubbed with economic institution of paper - 3. Like IMF, WTO and World Bank. Let's see example of question from 2019 paper of Compulsory GS - 03 Paper.
Q.5 - How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
Q.9 - Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.
In both of above question law optional paper - 1 and 2 will help you a lot. Apart from this year there have been question on cyber law which also is there with law optional syllabus.
GS Paper 4
GS Paper-4, Ethics paper consists of case studies and most often, it have to do with making a choice between multiple scenarios. In case study related to corruption or DPSP, knowledge of legal perspective of corruption helps a lot. Prevention of Corruption Act is part of law optional syllabus. Making law a good choice for IAS exam.
7 questions, 2015 to 2025
Questions asked in Mains
202510 marks
"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
Law optional topicConstitutional Law · Constitution and Constitutionalism
2024
The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of a major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.
Law optional topicLaw of Crimes
202210 marks
Whistleblower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen the protection mechanism to safeguard the whistleblower?
Law optional topicLaw of Crimes · Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
201910 marks
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.
Law optional topicLaw of Crimes · Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
201910 marks
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Right to Information Act
201810 marks
“The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Right to Information Act
201510 marks
Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc. are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to make prompt decisions. Analyze the situation in detail and suggest how the dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimised.
Law optional topicContemporary Legal Developments · Right to Information Act
3 Improved Writing Skill
Reading law invariably increases the understanding and using of words in its right perspective. Reading Supreme Court judgement, you must have observed crispness of the language written. As a part of law subject in optional you will read some of the judgements.
Legal writing is also known for writing things in shorter word limit. In mains exam presenting large amount of ideas and information is necessary. Law optional will train you in that as well. Almost all the major editorials of The Hindu are invariably written by lawyers.
Writing skill plays an important role in upsc mains examination. You must have come across multiple editorials in the hindu where invariably most of them are written by lawyers.
That is the beauty of law optional in UPSC, it helps you a lot in presenting and articulating your idea in more structured format. you become more articulate and learn to write lot of information in precise manner.
You will learn to use keywords automatically in answers. It helps to hit the write note which most students struggle most of the time.
4 Helps in writing Essay
Study of law optional for mains also helps in essay. Most of the essays asked in recent years are ethical in nature. Studying theory of natural justice as part of law optional syllabus immensely helps with that.
In case of general essay related to societal topic like Uniform Civil Code or Triple Talaq, having legal perspective make a decisive difference in quality of essay, consequently marks.
Legal perspective of environmental topic essay can be studied along with environmental law of India. Concepts like use of PIL and Environment, or Public Trust Doctrine make law a good optional for UPSC exam.
Overlap of law optional With Essay
Essay topic in last 5 year have been invariably related to law topics, Some time directly Some time Indirectly. Even on social issues essay topic you will have to write its constitutional or legal aspect in part, if not in totality. Let's see last years essay topic to understand the overlapping better.
Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy (2019 Essay) :- This topic can be studied under topic ''Trial by Media" in law optional paper - 2.
Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India (2017) : - This essay topic can be clubbed with trade and economic relation related provision in constitution between union and states.
5 Questions are repeated, So no Surprises
Most of the other optional subjects are very unpredictable. Often questions are from that aspect of topic which is to be found nowhere. Predictability of question is an important aspect of preparation. No one can prepare entire syllabus in vacuum.
In law that is not the case. Almost fifty percent questions are repeated from last year paper. Have a look at Subject wise last year Paper, you will realise the extent of repetition from specific topic each year.
You can prepare readymade answers beforehand which will make it easier to complete the whole question in time in mains. There are 18 questions which need to be answered in three hours, knowing exactly what to write helps a lot.
6 High Success rate
Law optional has been most attractive in recent years because at least 2-3 candidates with law optional have found their rank in top 10. Success rate has been consistent throughout the last five years. A detailed analysis regarding that can be read: success rate of Law optional.
Law optional in upsc have in recent years have had much higher success ratio as compared to other subjects having 100 or more candidates appearing in Mains examination. In recent Report(69th) of UPSC it have been highest that is 14 %.
To see a comparable Study a detail blog on Success Ratio of law optional on this website
7 Very Scoring optional, Can easily get 300 Marks.
This optional is far better than More popular one such as Geo, Socio Etc. I say so on two ground. One is the pass percentage of people taking law optional and people actually getting selected is very high.
People Don't take Law optional as they are feel it is very tough and only law student can do it. You get very less marks etc. Well UPSC report concludes its wrong.
It have been one of top optional consistently in optional subject in upsc. You can read an analysis done by Mudit Jain IPS 2015 Batch on Quora. I have be written a detailed blog on what is the success ratio of the law optional in upsc.
From Quora blog of Mudit above you can see it have been top three with highest passing percentage. It is not relevant how much people give the exam. may be number is high for pub ad or other subject but passing percentage of law is much better.
8 Ease of Preparation
Preparing for any optional requires lot of material resources and their readily availability in the market.
Law optional UPSC also suffered from this problem till few years back, that is not the case now. there is plethora of books and notes available for the same.
Multiple subject specific books can be bought from market and very easily with help of previous year question paper, topic to be studied in syllabus
All the above discussion makes us wonder, is law a good optional for UPSC IAS exam? Well if it is not, which optional is.
Well if it is not, which optional is.