UPSC Law Syllabus: Out of the 48 subjects offered for the UPSC Mains exam, Law is an option recognized by the Union Public Service Commission. The “Law Optional” subject is particularly suitable for candidates who have a background in law, such as a Bachelor or Master of Laws degree.
With the Law optional subject, you can target a total of 500 marks in the UPSC Mains, spread across two papers. This option is ideal for those who have studied law or have a strong interest in the field. Below is the detailed UPSC Law Syllabus to help guide your preparation.
UPSC Law Syllabus
With a weightage of 500 marks in the UPSC Mains Exam, a good score in the Law optional subject can significantly boost your chances of qualifying for the UPSC interview. Law, as an optional subject, is often considered straightforward and easy to grasp, with ample reading material readily available.
Studying the Law syllabus not only aids in scoring well in the optional papers but also proves advantage for the UPSC interview and essay writing. The Law syllabus overlaps considerably with the General Studies Papers, making it a highly beneficial optional subject for aspirants.
UPSC Law Syllabus for Paper 1
The optional Paper 1 in the UPSC Mains exam consists of questions of 250 marks. Here is the detailed Law Syllabus for UPSC Mains Optional Paper 1:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Constitutional and Administrative Law | Constitution and Constitutionalism |
| The distinctive features of the Constitution | |
| Fundamental Rights | |
| Public interest litigation | |
| Legal Aid | |
| Legal services authority | |
| Relationship between Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties | |
| Constitutional Position of the President and relation with the Council of Ministers | |
| Governor and his powers | |
| Supreme Court and the High Courts | |
| Appointments and transfers | |
| Powers, functions, and jurisdiction | |
| Centre, States, and Local Bodies | |
| Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States | |
| Local Bodies | |
| Administrative relationship among Union, State, and Local Bodies | |
| Eminent domain—State property, common property, community property | |
| Legislative powers, privileges, and immunities | |
| Services under the Union and the States | |
| Recruitment and conditions of services | |
| Constitutional safeguards | |
| Administrative tribunals | |
| Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions—Power and Functions | |
| Election Commission—Power and functions | |
| Emergency provisions | |
| Amendment of the Constitution | |
| Principle of Natural Justice | |
| Emerging Trends and Judicial Approach | |
| Delegated legislation and its constitutionality | |
| Separation of powers and constitutional governance | |
| Judicial review of administrative action | |
| Ombudsman | |
| Lokayukta, Lokpal, etc. | |
| International Law | Nature and Definition of International Law |
| Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law | |
| State Recognition and State Succession | |
| Law of the Sea | |
| Inland Waters | |
| Territorial Sea | |
| Contiguous Zone | |
| Continental Shelf | |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | |
| High Seas | |
| Individuals | |
| Nationality | |
| Statelessness | |
| Human Rights and procedures available for their enforcement | |
| Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition and Asylum | |
| Treaties | |
| Formation | |
| Application | |
| Termination | |
| Reservation | |
| United Nations | |
| Its principal organs, powers, and functions | |
| Reform | |
| Peaceful settlement of disputes | |
| Different modes | |
| Lawful recourse to force | |
| Aggression | |
| Self-defence | |
| Intervention | |
| Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law | |
| International conventions and contemporary developments | |
| Legality of the use of nuclear weapons | |
| Ban on testing of nuclear weapons | |
| Nuclear non-proliferation treaty | |
| CTBT | |
| International Terrorism | |
| State-sponsored terrorism | |
| Hijacking | |
| International Criminal Court | |
| New International Economic Order and Monetary Law | |
| WTO | |
| TRIPS | |
| GATT | |
| IMF | |
| World Bank | |
| Protection and Improvement of the Human Environment | |
| International Efforts |
UPSC Law Optional Syllabus for Paper 2
The optional Paper 2 in the UPSC Mains exam consists of questions of 250 marks. Here is the detailed Law Syllabus for UPSC Mains Optional Paper 2:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Law of Crimes | General principles of Criminal liability: mens rea and actus reus, mens rea in statutory offences |
| Kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment | |
| Preparations and criminal attempt | |
| General exceptions | |
| Joint and constructive liability | |
| Abetment | |
| Criminal conspiracy | |
| Offences against the State | |
| Offences against public tranquility | |
| Offences against human body | |
| Offences against property | |
| Offences against women | |
| Defamation | |
| Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 | |
| Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and subsequent legislative developments | |
| Plea bargaining | |
| Law of Torts | Nature and definition |
| Liability based upon fault and strict liability; Absolute liability | |
| Vicarious liability including State Liability | |
| General defences | |
| Joint tortfeasors | |
| Remedies | |
| Negligence | |
| Defamation | |
| Nuisance | |
| Conspiracy | |
| False imprisonment | |
| Malicious prosecution | |
| Consumer Protection Act, 1986 | |
| Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law | Nature and formation of contract/E-contract |
| Factors vitiating free consent | |
| Void, voidable, illegal, and unenforceable agreements | |
| Performance and discharge of contracts | |
| Quasi-contracts | |
| Consequences of breach of contract | |
| Contract of indemnity, guarantee, and insurance | |
| Contract of agency | |
| Sale of goods and hire purchase | |
| Formation and dissolution of partnership | |
| Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 | |
| Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 | |
| Standard form contracts | |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | Public Interest Litigation |
| Intellectual property rights—Concept, types/prospects | |
| Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws—Concept, purpose/prospects | |
| Competition Law—Concept, purpose/prospects | |
| Alternate Dispute Resolution—Concept, types/prospects | |
| Major statutes concerning environmental law | |
| Right to Information Act | |
| Trial by media |
How to Prepare Law Syllabus for UPSC?
Preparing for the UPSC Law Optional Exam requires a systematic approach and thorough understanding of the syllabus. Here are some steps to effectively prepare for the exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus provided by UPSC. This will help you identify the subjects and topics that need to be covered.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Current affairs play a crucial role in the preparation of Law optional. Incorporate relevant current topics into your study of law. Regularly read newspapers and legal journals to stay updated.
- Study Case Laws: Familiarize yourself with important case laws related to the topics in the syllabus. Understanding landmark judgments will provide you with a deeper insight into the subject.
- Revise Class and Self-Study Notes: Regularly revise your class notes and self-study notes to reinforce concepts and ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
- Practice Answer Writing: Practice answering questions from previous years’ UPSC Law optional papers. This will help you understand the exam pattern and develop your answer writing skills.
- Refer to Standard Books and Material: Utilize standard textbooks and reference materials recommended for UPSC Law optional preparation. Some recommended books include:
- Indian Constitutional Law by MP Jain
- Administrative Law by IP Massey
- International Law by Malcolm Shaw
- Textbook on IPC by KD Gaur
- Law of Torts by RK Bangia
- Law of Contract & Specific Relief by Avtar Singh
- The Constitution of India (Bare Act) by PM Bakshi
- Jurisprudence (Legal Theory) by B.N. Mani Tripathi
- Bare Acts
- Continuous Answer Writing Practice: Regularly practice writing answers to UPSC-style questions. This will help you improve your writing speed, clarity, and organization of thoughts.
- Seek Guidance: If needed, seek guidance from experienced mentors, teachers, or fellow aspirants. Joining a coaching institute or study group can also provide valuable insights and motivation.
- Stay Consistent and Disciplined: Maintain a consistent study schedule and adhere to it diligently. Consistent efforts over a sustained period of time will yield positive results.
- Stay Healthy and Motivated: Lastly, don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Stay motivated, stay focused, and believe in yourself throughout your preparation journey.
Important Topics in UPSC Law Syllabus
Here is a list of important topics in the UPSC Law syllabus:
Constitutional Law:
- Constitution and Constitutionalism:
- Understanding the structure, features, and basic principles of the Indian Constitution.
- Fundamental Rights:
- Exploring the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens, including their significance, scope, and limitations.
- Relationship between Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties:
- Analyzing the interplay between fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and fundamental duties, and their role in governance.
- Supreme Court and the High Courts:
- Studying the organization, jurisdiction, and powers of the Supreme Court and High Courts in India.
- Centre, States, and Local Bodies:
- Understanding the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States, as well as the administrative relationships among them, including the role of local bodies.
- Emergency provisions:
- Exploring the constitutional provisions related to emergency situations, including national emergency, state emergency, and financial emergency.
- Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging Trends and Judicial Approach:
- Examining the principles of natural justice and their application in administrative and legal proceedings, along with emerging trends and judicial interpretations.
International Law:
- Nature and Definition of International Law:
- Understanding the nature, sources, and principles of international law governing relations between states and international organizations.
- Law of the sea:
- Exploring the legal framework governing maritime zones, including territorial waters, contiguous zones, exclusive economic zones, and high seas.
- Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition, and Asylum:
- Studying the principles of territorial jurisdiction, extradition, and asylum under international law.
- United Nations:
- Analyzing the structure, functions, and powers of the United Nations and its principal organs in promoting international peace and security.
- Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law:
- Understanding the principles and rules of international humanitarian law governing armed conflicts and protection of civilians.
- New International Economic Order and Monetary Law:
- Exploring the legal framework governing international economic relations, including trade, finance, and monetary policy.
Criminal Law:
- General principles of Criminal liability:
- Understanding the basic principles of criminal law, including mens rea (guilty mind) and actus reus (guilty act).
- Preparations and criminal attempt:
- Analyzing the legal principles governing criminal preparations and attempts to commit crimes.
- Offences against the State:
- Studying crimes against the state, including sedition, treason, and terrorism, and their legal implications.
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:
- Exploring the legal framework for preventing corruption and prosecuting corrupt practices in India.
- Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955:
- Understanding the legal provisions aimed at protecting civil rights and combating discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.
Law of Torts:
- Nature and definition:
- Understanding the principles and elements of tort law, including liability for wrongful acts causing harm to others.
- Consumer Protection Act, 1986:
- Studying the legal framework for consumer protection, including rights and remedies available to consumers in case of defective goods or services.
Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law:
- Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law:
- The principles of contract law, including formation, performance, and breach of contracts, as well as specific mercantile laws governing commercial transactions.
Contemporary Legal Developments:
- Public Interest Litigation:
- Analyzing the role of public interest litigation in promoting social justice and protecting fundamental rights of citizens.
- Competition Law:
- Understanding the legal framework for promoting fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices in the market.
- Alternate Dispute Resolution:
- Exploring alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, as alternatives to traditional litigation.
- Right to Information Act:
- Studying the legal provisions governing the right to information and its implications for transparency and accountability in governance.
- Trial by media:
- Analyzing the legal and ethical issues surrounding media trials and their impact on the administration of justice.