UPSC Law Optional Syllabus 2024

UPSC has optional papers in the UPSC mains, in Papers VI & VII. There are 48 optional subjects for aspirants to choose from and law is one among them. It is one of the most selected subjects for Civils after sociology. Particularly, people with a law degree find it advantageous. However, anyone can choose the subject based on their interest. Law as a subject also makes for an interesting topic due to its scope in the real world and case studies. 

If you’re on the run towards UPSC 2024-2025, knowing the UPSC law optional syllabus is imperative. You can expectt no changes in the original law optional syllabus. Whether you have been already preparing or set to begin the journey, check out the UPSC law optional syllabus 2024 below.

UPSC Law Optional Syllabus: Overview

Paper IPaper II
Constitutional Law (9 Topics)Law of Crimes (16 Topics)
Administrative Law (5 Topics)Law of Torts (13 Topics)
International Law (15 Topics)Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law (13 Topics)
Contemporary Legal Developments (8 Topics)

Detailed UPSC Law Optional Syllabus 2024

The syllabus for Law optional UPSC 2024 contains a total of 79 topics, combining Papers I & II. While Paper I shares 29 topics, Paper II shares 50 topics. Each Paper carries 250 marks in total, holding significant weightage in one’s success in the UPSC exam and interview. 

Paper I

Constitutional Law

  1. Constitution and Constitutionalism: The distinctive features of the Constitution. 
  2. Fundamental Rights—Public interest litigation; Legal Aid; Legal services authority. 
  3. Relationship between Fundamental rights, Directive principles and Fundamental duties. 
  4. Constitutional Position of the President and Relation with the Council of Ministers. 
  5. Governor and his powers. 
  6. Supreme Court and the High Courts:
    1. Appointments and transfer. 
    2. Powers, functions and jurisdiction. 
  7. Centre, States and local bodies:
    1. Distribution of Legislative Powers between the union and the states
    2. Administrative relationship among Union, State and Local Bodies.
    3. Eminent domain- State property community property.
  8. Legislative powers, privileges and immunities. 
  9. Services under the Union and the States:
    1. Recruitment and conditions of services; Constitutional safeguards; Administrative tribunals. 
    2. Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions—Power and functions. 
    3. Election Commission—Power and functions.
  10. Emergency provisions. 
  11. Amendment of the Constitution.

Administrative Law

  1. Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging trends and judicial approach. 
  2. Delegated legislation and its constitutionality. 
  3. Separation of powers and constitutional governance. 
  4. Judicial review of administrative action. 
  5. Ombudsman: Lokayukta, Lokpal etc.

International Law

  1. Nature and Definition of International Law. 
  2. Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law. 
  3. State Recognition and State Succession. 
  4. Law of the sea: Inland Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas. 
  5. Individuals: Nationality, statelessness; Human Rights and procedures available for their enforcement. 
  6. Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition and Asylum. 
  7. Treaties: Formation, application, termination and reservation. 
  8. United Nations: Its principal organs, powers and functions and reform. 
  9. Peaceful settlement of disputes—different modes. 
  10. Lawful recourse to force: aggression, self-defense, intervention.
  11. Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law—International conventions and contemporary developments. 
  12. Legality of the use of nuclear weapons; ban on testing of nuclear weapons; Nuclear non-proliferation treaty, CTST. 
  13. International Terrorism, State-sponsored terrorism, Hijacking, International Criminal Court. 
  14. New International Economic Order and Monetary Law: WTO, TRIPS, GATT, IMF, World Bank. 
  15. Protection and Improvement of the Human Environment: International Efforts. 

Paper II

Law of Crimes

  1. General principles of Criminal liability: mens rea and actus reus, mens rea in statutory offences. 
  2. Kinds of punishment and emerging trends as to abolition of capital punishment. 
  3. Preparations and criminal attempts.
  4. General exceptions. 
  5. Joint and constructive liability. 
  6. Abetment.
  7. Criminal conspiracy. 
  8. Offenses against the State. 
  9. Offences against public tranquillity. 
  10. Offences against the human body. 
  11. Offences against property. 
  12. Offences against women. 
  13. Defamation. 
  14. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. 
  15. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and subsequent legislative developments. 
  16. Plea bargaining. 

Law of Torts

  1. Nature and definition. 
  2. Liability based upon fault and strict liability; Absolute liability. 
  3. Vicarious liability including State Liability. 
  4. General defenses. 
  5. Joint tort lessors.
  6. Remedies.
  7. Negligence. 
  8. Defamation.
  9. Nuisance.
  10. Conspiracy.
  11. False imprisonment.
  12. Malicious prosecution.
  13. Consumer Protection Act

Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law

  1. Nature and formation of contract/E-contract.
  2. Factors vitiating free consent.
  3. Void, voidable, illegal and unenforceable agreements.
  4. Performance and discharge of contracts.
  5. Quasi-contracts.
  6. Consequences of breach of contract.
  7. Contract of indemnity, guarantee and insurance.
  8. Contract of agency.
  9. Sale of goods and hire purchase.
  10. Formation and dissolution of a partnership.
  11. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
  12. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
  13. Standard form contracts. 

Contemporary Legal Developments

  1. Public Interest Litigation. 
  2. Intellectual property rights—Concept, types/prospects. 
  3. Information Technology Law including Cyber Laws—Concept, purpose/prospects.
  4. Competition Law—Concept, purpose/prospects.
  5. Alternate Dispute Resolution—Concept, types/prospects.
  6. Major statutes concerning environmental law.
  7. Right to Information Act.
  8. Trial by media. 

Download the official UPSC Law Optional Syllabus PDF.

Law Optional Preparation Strategy for IAS

Covering the Law optional syllabus requires a strategic approach. Keep in mind the following points:

  • Analyze and understand the UPSC law optional syllabus thoroughly. It represents the overview of topics covered in the real exam. A proper grasp of the syllabus allows you to set priorities in the subject.
  • Going through prominent case studies matters when studying the UPSC law optional syllabus. It helps you understand the subject more practically and intuitively.
  • Prepare yourself or retrieve UPSC Law Optional notes from toppers for continuous revision.
  • Go through previous UPSC Law optional question papers to comprehend patterns and the most asked topics.
  • Take as many mock tests as you can to check your preparation level regarding the UPSC law optional syllabus.
  • UPSC Mans is a predominantly descriptive exam. Ensure to practice answer-writing on a continuous basis to achieve effectiveness of presenting ideas. 

What are the Important Topics in UPSC Law Optional Subject?

A thorough analysis of previous UPSC law optional question papers reveals that certain topics carry more weight than others in the syllabus. However, it should be taken as a suggestion to reinforce your preparation strategy, rather than as blind law. What are they?

  1. Constitution and Constitutionalism
  2. Fundamental Rights
  3. Relationship between Fundamental rights, Directive principles, and Fundamental duties.
  4. Supreme Court and the High Courts
  5. Centre, States, and local bodies
  6. Services under the Union and the States
  7. Emergency provisions
  8. Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging Trends and Judicial Approach
  9. Nature and Definition of International Law
  10. Law of the sea
  11. Territorial jurisdiction of States, Extradition and Asylum
  12. United Nations
  13. Fundamental principles of international humanitarian law
  14. New International Economic Order and Monetary Law
  15. General principles of Criminal Liability
  16. Preparations and criminal attempt
  17. Offenses against the State
  18. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
  19. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
  20. Law of Torts – Nature and definition
  21. Consumer Protection Act, 1986
  22. Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law
  23. Public Interest Litigation
  24. Competition Law
  25. Alternate Dispute Resolution
  26. Right to Information Act
  27. Trial by media

Best UPSC Law Optional Books for Aspirants

  1. Indian Constitutional Law by MP Jain
  2. Administrative Law by IP Massey
  3. International Law by Malcolm Shaw
  4. International Law by SK Kapoor
  5. Starke’s International Law by JG Starke
  6. Textbook on IPC by KD Gaur
  7. Law of Torts by RK Bangia
  8. Law of Contract & Specific Relief by Avtar Singh
  9. The Constitution of India (Bare Act) by PM Bakshi
  10. Jurisprudence (Legal Theory) by B.N. Mani Tripathi
  11. Bare Acts

For More Preparation

Consider starting a case law diary to document landmark judgments and their implications, particularly focusing on recent Supreme Court verdicts that could impact multiple topics across the UPSC law optional syllabus. Additionally, follow legal news websites and Law Commission reports for contemporary examples for your answers. Participating in moot courts or legal debates can sharpen your analytical skills and help you develop a lawyer’s perspective—crucial for tackling law optional questions effectively.

FAQs

Where can I get the UPSC law optional Syllabus 2024 PDF?

You can download the official UPSC Law optional syllabus from UPSC website. 

Is Law optional difficult in UPSC?

It is generally thought that Law is a difficult subject to choose in the UPSC. But toppers and success rates prove that wrong. Several UPSC reports point out that Law is one of the most consistent optional chosen by aspirants. If you can study with passion and dedication, Law optional is not a difficult UPSC subject.

What is the success rate of Law optional in UPSC?

Law as an optional subject in UPSC Mains has a success rate of around 16%. The secret lies in covering the UPSC law optional syllabus thoroughly.

Can I choose Law optional in UPSC without a law degree?

Yes, you can choose Law as optional subject for UPSC even without a law degree. In fact, every UPSC aspirant has the choice to select one of the 48 optional subjects.

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