De Facto IAS - Law Optional Website
Strategy for Preparation of UPSC Law Optional
How to prepare for law optional UPSC is the first question for every beginner. There are two kinds of candidates, law graduates and non-law graduates, and two starting points: a law graduate starts from the syllabus, a non-law graduate from the previous year questions. Pick your path below.
Choose your path
The preparation strategy differs for the two, so each is analysed separately. The common strategy, especially on sources and books, comes at the end.
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Law graduate
You have studied most of this syllabus already. Start from the syllabus, compare it with your law college papers, mark what is common, and read past papers to check whether college depth is enough.
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Non-law graduate
The subject is new to you, so test it first. Read past papers before anything else, then the syllabus, then settle books and notes, and give the syllabus at least 4-5 months.
If you are a law graduate but did not study law seriously in college (a lot of class bunk), prepare as if you are new to law and follow the non-law path. Either way, read the other path too: you may like an idea there and it may apply to you as well.
Watch the strategy
The comprehensive preparation strategy for the UPSC law optional, explained by Aditya Tiwari Sir on YouTube. Tap play to load the video.
Watch on YouTube if the video does not load here.
Law graduate strategy
Since you are a law graduate you need to go back to basics: read what was taught in your graduation classes. It helps you start preparing the UPSC law optional syllabus, which is similar to graduation.
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Step 1: Know the syllabus
Reading the syllabus is vital. It helps you understand the exact topic and its meaning while preparing for the law optional of UPSC. You need not remember each time what you have to study, which otherwise takes a lot of time and often results in loss of concentration.
For a detailed analysis of the syllabus, see Aditya Sir's video, where he explains each topic in detail and the subtopics you need to study within that topic. It is immensely helpful.
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Step 2: Compare with college
Pull out all your semester syllabi and compare them with the UPSC syllabus for law. Having all 10 semesters (if you did the 5-year LLB) or 6 semesters (if you did the 3-year LLB) at one place is a little tedious, but you can do it.
After the comparison is made, note down or mark those parts of the UPSC optional paper which are common with the graduation syllabus, and start reading the portion of the syllabus you have not studied before. You will find almost 60-70 percent of the syllabus is already covered.
If you are a National Law University (NLU) student, that will definitely be the case. If you did the three-year LLB course (Delhi University, Osmania University, Bombay University and the like), you will find at least 80 percent you have studied already. For other universities you need to determine this yourself.
Identify the topics which were not in law college but are present in the UPSC optional syllabus, and mark them clearly: they need extra emphasis.
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Step 3: Read past papers
Reading the questions gives you an idea of the demand of each topic and what type of question is asked. It also helps you identify how far you have studied a topic and what depth of study is required. Clearly establish whether the syllabus covered in law college, and the depth of teaching there, is sufficient to answer previous papers of the UPSC law optional.
If you feel the syllabus and depth of study of the common topics identified in step two is sufficient for answering those questions, that is great news: your preparation is cut almost in half. If not, read them again along with the other topics, as if you are reading them for the first time.
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Step 4: Skim the unread parts
Have a cursory reading of the material not already covered in your graduation syllabus. The purpose is to familiarise yourself with the topic. Do not go for detailed study yet; that comes later, once you are familiar with the syllabus and the previous year UPSC law optional question papers. Just cursory reading.
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Step 5: Study in detail
Go through every resource, including books and online resources, and prepare notes which are precise and effective. They should be such that you are able to revise the whole syllabus within a week. It helps a lot before the Mains examination, because you do not have a lot of time at hand.
Non-law strategy
For non-law graduates the method of preparation is different, both in structure and approach. Most non-law graduates go for law optional out of their fascination with Constitutional Law and Paper II, mostly after reading Laxmikanth for Indian Polity.
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Step 1: Read past papers first
This is the first step, not the fourth as for a law graduate, to give you an idea of what kind of questions come in the UPSC Mains examination. Read the questions of all subjects, not only Constitutional Law (which you may think of as Polity; here it is not the same). See whether reading these questions sparks an interest in the subject of law or not. If not, do not take it; explore another optional.
Look at the questions objectively and get a feeling of whether you understand the demand of the question. Even if you do not know the answer, assess whether you would be able to write it after studying the subject.
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Step 2: Understand the syllabus
This step helps you understand what you did in the first step. Many topics will be new, ones you may never have heard of. Do not worry: they seem unknown only because you are from a non-law background, and once you study them they are very easy.
There will be portions of the UPSC law optional syllabus, apart from Polity, that you are already familiar with. There will also be certain Acts you may have come across in your GS syllabus. That is good news.
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Step 3: Choose books and notes
As a non-law graduate you will not have any law books. Even Laxmikanth is not a constitutional law book; you will have to find other sources for Constitutional Law.
Before buying any book, remember there is no one book which covers all the syllabus. Read the books article, which describes in detail which books and online material to refer to. Collect all the content available, online and offline, and then start reading the syllabus in detail.
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Step 4: Study with a plan
Once books and notes are decided and collected, it is time to dig in your heels. Give at least 4-5 months to completing the syllabus. Read and re-read the concepts which are tricky; law is more precise than you think. It is pure common sense and logic.
While studying each topic, prepare precise notes and good lines which you can use in the exam. Short notes are very useful for last-minute revision. Revise the syllabus at least 2-3 times before you start writing practice.
Side by side
The two paths on one screen: what comes first, how the syllabus is used, when the past papers come in, and how long it takes.
| Point | Law graduate | Non-law graduate |
|---|---|---|
| First step | Read the syllabus and understand its structure. | Read previous year questions of all subjects. |
| How the syllabus is used | Compared with your law college semesters; common parts marked, missing topics flagged for extra emphasis. | Read after the questions, to see what is new and what you already know from Polity and GS. |
| When past papers come | Step 3, to check whether college depth is enough. | Step 1, to test interest and the demand of the questions. |
| Time to finish the syllabus | Depends on how much law college covered; often 60-70 percent is already done. | At least 4-5 months, then revise 2-3 times before writing practice. |
Common strategy
Apart from the steps above, four things both kinds of candidates should keep in mind. Each one links to the matching expert tip below.
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Keep updated
This is not judiciary; the approach is different. Here the questions are dynamic, so read at least one good law magazine or website and familiarise yourself with the latest developments in each branch of law. LiveLaw is recommended, or follow the weekly law current affairs update on this website.
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Hard work and revision
True for any optional or GS paper. Read smart, but read more. Keep notes of good points you can use in answer writing. Keep revising: at least every 15 days, revise the last 15 days' notes and material. It cuts down last-minute revision time before the Mains.
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Writing practice
Students generally leave it for the last. That is the worst decision you can take. Practise answers as you go along with completing the syllabus. It increases your speed and improves your skill.
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Keep calm
Studying law can be monotonous at times, especially when reading the long ratio laid down in judgments. There is no pain without gain: think of the post and the proud moment your parents would feel. Never forget what inspired you to try civil services. Lectures by judges and talk shows with jurists are interesting too.
10 expert tips
Cracking law optional is one of the most challenging parts of the Civil Services preparation. With the right strategy and tools you can master it. Ten tips, in order.
Understand exam pattern and syllabus
It is essential to understand the exam pattern and syllabus to know what to study and how to prioritise topics. Analysing previous year question papers shows the weightage of each topic and streamlines preparation.
Give at least 5 days to this. Time spent understanding the syllabus shortens the time you need to prepare it.
Develop answer writing skills
Law optional in UPSC requires structured and coherent answers. Build writing skills by practising different types of questions, breaking down complex concepts, and creating outlines before writing.
Any examiner is attracted by the candidate's writing: a good answer with proper structure, presentation and content always fetches better marks.
Keep up with legal developments
Law optional requires a deep understanding of legal concepts in the context of recent events. Stay informed about current affairs and legal developments through newspapers, magazines, online resources and expert analysis.
We publish a weekly current affairs update for law optional.
Choose the right study materials
Choose the right study materials, including recommended books, online resources and coaching, to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Books are sometimes not written with the requirements of a civil services candidate in mind. Notes and specific PDFs on topics not covered in standard textbooks matter. Three such PDFs:
Develop a strategic study plan
A realistic study plan is essential to cover all topics, revise regularly, and balance law optional with General Studies.
There is a lot of overlap between subjects. Studying them together broadens your perspective and frees up time for under-prepared areas.
Take mock tests and test series
Mock tests and test series help assess progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and refine exam strategy.
Writing under test conditions prepares you for time management. The law paper is often lengthy; without practice you lose time framing answers and leave questions.
Learn from toppers and experts
Learn from successful law optional toppers and subject experts through their tips, advice and approaches to different types of questions.
Going through personalised interviews of law optional toppers and reading the transcripts gives a good understanding from the student's point of view.
Revise regularly and effectively
Regular revision is crucial to retain information and build confidence. Effective techniques include summaries, flashcards and mind maps.
Answers carry a number of case laws and judgments; revising them makes recall easier. Flashcards of important judgments are an effective tool.
Practise time management
Practising time management and exam-taking skills through previous year question papers and mock tests improves performance and reduces exam anxiety.
In university you write 7-8 questions in three hours; here you write 19 questions in three hours. Your writing style has to change; university exam tactics do not carry over.
Stay disciplined and focused
Success in the Civil Services Examination requires discipline, motivation and focus. Stay committed to the end goal and stay positive throughout.
Watch motivational videos and the inspiring stories of candidates about how this exam changed their lives.
Start studying
The free resources the strategy tells you to use, all on this website.
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Syllabus
The UPSC syllabus for both law optional papers: step 1 for a law graduate.
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Syllabus Analysis
Subject and topic wise reading of the syllabus, with the subtopics to study.
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Previous Year Papers
Question papers year by year: step 1 for a non-law student.
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Topic-wise Questions
The same questions arranged topic by topic, to see the demand of each topic.
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Books
Which book or online material to refer to; no one book covers the whole syllabus.
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Notes
Class notes by Aditya Tiwari Sir, topic by topic, to build your own notes from.
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Current Affairs
The weekly law current affairs update for the dynamic part of the paper.
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Toppers' Copy
Checked answer copies: see how a good answer is structured.
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Free Lectures
Recorded lectures on YouTube, lecture by lecture.
Your next steps
Just starting? Read these pages in this order.
- Why law optionalShould you take law as your optional?
- Preparation strategyHow to prepare, for law and non-law graduates. You are here.
- UPSC or JudiciaryCan the two be prepared together?
- BooksWhich chapters of which books.
- SyllabusBoth papers, topic by topic.
- Success ratioWhat the numbers say about law optional.
- Syllabus analysisSubject and topic wise analysis.
- BlogArticles subject by subject, with the latest developments.
Need guidance?
The strategy above is taught in class at De Facto IAS by Aditya Tiwari Sir, online and at Karol Bagh, Delhi.
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Foundation (Online)
Law Optional Foundation course is aimed at preparing you comprehensively from scratch for UPSC Mains Examination. Live online classes.
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Foundation (Offline)
The same Foundation course in the classroom at Karol Bagh, Delhi, taught by Aditya Tiwari Sir.
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Test Series
Test series for UPSC law optional aims to brush your writing skills to the standard of the UPSC answer.
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Writing Practice
A year-long programme to build consistent writing practice and help you write Law Optional answers with clarity and structure.
Have a question about your strategy?
Call or WhatsApp, or send an enquiry. Karol Bagh, Delhi. Regular updates on Telegram.
Common questions
Short answers from the strategy above.
How should I start law optional preparation for UPSC?
There are two kinds of candidates: law graduates and non-law graduates, and the strategy differs for each. A law graduate starts from the syllabus and compares it with the law college syllabus; a non-law graduate starts by reading previous year questions. Pick your path above, and read the other one as well: a law graduate who did not study law seriously in college should follow the non-law path.
Is the strategy different for law graduates and non‑law students?
Yes. A law graduate reads the syllabus first, compares it with the college syllabus, marks the common portions, then reads past papers to check whether college depth is enough, skims the unread parts and finally studies in detail. A non-law student reads past papers first to test interest, then the syllabus, then settles books and notes, and then studies with a plan.
How much of the law optional syllabus does a law graduate already know?
Almost 60-70 percent of the syllabus is already covered by graduation, and that is definitely the case for a National Law University student. A three-year LLB student (Delhi University, Osmania University, Bombay University and the like) will find at least 80 percent already studied. What is usually missing: special contracts such as agency, indemnity and insurance, and some topics in International Law.
How long does a non‑law student need to finish the syllabus?
Give at least 4-5 months to completing the syllabus, with precise short notes along the way, and revise the syllabus at least 2-3 times before starting writing practice.
When should I start answer writing?
Along with the syllabus, not at the end. Students generally leave writing for the last, and that is the worst decision you can take. Practising as you complete each part of the syllabus increases your speed and improves your skill. See the writing practice programme.
How do I keep up with law current affairs for the optional?
The questions are dynamic, so read at least one good law magazine or website, such as LiveLaw, and follow the weekly law current affairs update on this website for new and contemporary developments of law.