How is Law as Optional for UPSC CSE Exam? Law as Optional for UPSC CSE Exam?
One of the most crucial decisions in your UPSC CSE journey is choosing the right optional subject. Among the wide range of options, Law as an optional subject has become increasingly popular, not just among law graduates, but also among aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds. In this article, we’ll analyze the suitability, advantages, challenges, and preparation strategy for Law optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Why Choose Law Optional for UPSC?
Law as an optional is especially suited for those who have a legal background or have studied law at any level. However, even aspirants from other streams who have a keen interest in legal affairs, constitutional issues, or governance-related topics can consider Law optional.
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Law Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Law optional syllabus is divided into two papers:
Paper I:
- Constitutional Law
- Administrative Law
- International Law
Paper II:
- Law of Crimes (IPC)
- Law of Torts
- Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law
- Contemporary Legal Developments
The syllabus is compact, and if you already have a legal background, it overlaps significantly with your graduation subjects. It also has overlaps with GS Paper II (Polity & Governance) and Essay paper.
Pros of Choosing Law Optional
- Logical and structured syllabus: Law is analytical and logic-based, making it easy to grasp with practice.
- Overlap with GS papers: Topics in Constitutional and International Law help in GS-II, Essay, and even Ethics (GS-IV).
- High scoring potential: Well-structured answers with case laws and constitutional articles can fetch good marks.
- Relevance in interview: Knowledge of law reflects awareness of governance, policy, and legal reasoning during the UPSC interview.
Cons of Law Optional
- Legal language: Law requires command over legal terms and articulation in a structured manner.
- Case laws and articles: Memorizing important judgments and constitutional provisions is essential.
- Less guidance available: Compared to optional subjects like PSIR or Sociology, fewer coaching and test series are available.
Success Rate and Popularity
Though not as popular as PSIR or Anthropology, Law optional has produced successful candidates consistently. Notable toppers include:
- Rishi Raj (AIR 27, CSE 2018)
- M. Durga Das (AIR 36, CSE 2015)
- Apoorva Pandey (AIR 39, CSE 2017)
Success in Law optional depends more on answer writing, clarity of concepts, and ability to quote relevant legal provisions.
Who Should Choose Law Optional?
- Law graduates and students with a background in legal studies
- Aspirants with an interest in Constitution, Governance, and Judiciary
- Working professionals in legal domain preparing for UPSC
- Candidates comfortable with static, logic-driven subjects
Preparation Strategy for Law Optional
- Start with bare acts and NCERTs for Constitution and Polity
- Refer to standard textbooks like V.N. Shukla, Avtar Singh, and P.S.A. Pillai
- Make concise notes of important articles, sections, and judgments
- Practice answer writing with focus on structure, clarity, and legal reasoning
- Join a test series like the one offered by Plutus IAS or Ambition Law to fine-tune your preparation
Recommended Books for Law Optional
- Constitution: V.N. Shukla / J.N. Pandey
- International Law: S.K. Kapoor
- Law of Crimes: P.S.A. Pillai
law optional question paper of 2024
Also read How is History as optional for UPSC CSe exam
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