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.
theIAShub | 19 Feb, 2025 | 731 | 0
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.
The UPSC Law Optional consists of two papers, each of 250 marks.
| 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 |
| 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) |
Here are some recommended books for Law optional:
Preparing notes helps in quick revision. Here are some tips:
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 |
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!
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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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