UPSC Law Optional 2025 Syllabus, Books, Notes, PYQs

Get the complete UPSC Law Optional guide, including syllabus, books, notes, and previous year question papers (PYQs). Learn topper strategies and how to score high in Law optional for UPSC CSE.

Law

Law is a popular optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a good choice for aspirants with a law background, as it helps in both General Studies and essay writing. Many toppers have scored high marks in this subject with the right strategy.

In this article, we will cover everything about the UPSC Law Optional, including its syllabus, books, notes, previous year question papers (PYQs), and topper strategies.

Why Choose Law as an Optional Subject?

  • Overlaps with GS & Essay: Law helps in GS-II (Polity, Governance) and the Essay paper.
  • Scoring Subject: Answers can be well-structured, making it easy to score high marks.
  • Static Syllabus: The syllabus does not change frequently, so preparation is easier.
  • Useful for Lawyers & Graduates: If you have a law background, you already know many topics.

UPSC Law Optional Syllabus 2025

The UPSC Law Optional consists of two papers, each of 250 marks.

Law Optional Paper 1 Syllabus

Topics Subtopics
Constitutional Law Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Judiciary, Executive, Legislature, Emergency Provisions, Amendment of the Constitution
Administrative Law Delegated Legislation, Natural Justice, Judicial Review, Ombudsman (Lokpal and Lokayukta)
International Law Sources of International Law, Recognition of States, Treaties, United Nations, Human Rights
Law of Crimes General Principles of Criminal Law, Indian Penal Code (IPC), General Defenses, Offenses Against Women and Children

Law Optional Paper 2 Syllabus

Topics Subtopics
Law of Contracts & Torts General Principles of Contract, Specific Contracts, Tort Liability, Negligence, Defamation, Consumer Protection Act
Law of Property Transfer of Property Act, Easements, Intellectual Property Rights
Law of Trusts Trust and Fiduciary Relationship
Law of Companies Company Law, Formation of Companies, Corporate Social Responsibility
Contemporary Legal Developments Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Human Rights Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

 

UPSC Law Optional Books 2025

Here are some recommended books for Law optional:

  • Constitutional Law: V.N. Shukla or M.P. Jain
  • Administrative Law: I.P. Massey
  • International Law: S.K. Kapoor or Malcolm Shaw
  • Law of Crimes (IPC): Ratanlal & Dhirajlal
  • Law of Contracts & Torts: Avtar Singh (Contract) & R.K. Bangia (Torts)
  • Company Law: Avtar Singh
  • Environmental Law: S.C. Shastri

Law Optional Notes 2025

Preparing notes helps in quick revision. Here are some tips:

  • Summarize important concepts in simple words.
  • Use flowcharts and diagrams to make notes visually appealing.
  • Write case laws with short explanations.
  • Refer to previous year questions to see important topics.

UPSC Law Optional PYQs (Previous Year Question Papers)

Solving past question papers helps understand the exam pattern.

Year Paper 1 Paper 2
2024 Download Download
2023 Download Download
2022 Download Download
2021 Download Download
2020 Download Download

How to Score High in Law Optional?

  • Understand the syllabus: Focus on important topics and concepts.
  • Make short and crisp notes: Use simple language and case laws.
  • Answer Writing Practice: Write structured answers with legal provisions and examples.
  • Revise Regularly: Go through notes and PYQs multiple times.
  • Stay Updated: Follow current legal developments and judgments.

Conclusion

Law optional is a great choice for UPSC aspirants with a law background. It has a static syllabus, overlaps with GS, and helps in answer writing. With the right books, notes, and practice, you can score high marks in this subject. Stay consistent, revise regularly, and practice answer writing to succeed!

Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

Law Optional FAQs

 The UPSC optional subjects include Law, History, Geography, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, and many more.

Yes, Law is a good optional for UPSC as it is scoring. It has a static syllabus, and overlaps with General Studies and the Essay paper.

The 7/5/3 rule in UPSC answer writing means: 7 minutes per question, 5 key points related to the keyword, and 3 dimensions of explanation for each point.

Yes, you can crack UPSC with an LLB. Law helps in Polity and the Law optional subject.

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