Best UPSC Law Optional Coaching in Delhi
Syllabus
Paper - I (250 Marks)
Constitutional and Administrative 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:
(a) Appointments and transfers.
(b) Powers, functions, and jurisdiction.
7. Centre, States, and local bodies:
(a) Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
(b) Local Bodies.
(c) Administrative relationship among Union, State, and Local Bodies.
(d) Eminent domain-State property-common property-community property.
8. Legislative powers, privileges, and immunities.
9. Services under the Union and the States:
(a) Recruitment and conditions of services; Constitutional safeguards; Administrative tribunals.
(b) Union Public Service Commission and state public Service Commissions—Power and functions.
(c) Election Commission—Power and functions.
10. Emergency provisions.
11. Amendment of the Constitution.
12. Principle of Natural Justice—Emerging trends and judicial approach.
13. Delegated legislation and its constitutionality.
14. Separation of powers and constitutional governance.
15. Judicial review of administrative action.
16. 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 nonproliferation 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 (250 Marks)
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 attempt.
4. General exceptions.
5. Joint and constructive liability.
6. Abetment.
7. Criminal conspiracy.
8. Offences against the State.
9. Offences against public tranquility.
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 defences.
5. Joint tort fessors.
6. Remedies.
7. Negligence.
8. Defamation.
9. Nuisance.
10. Conspiracy.
11. False imprisonment.
12. Malicious prosecution.
13. Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
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 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.
Overlap of Law Optional with General Studies Paper
| GS Papers | Law Optional Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| GS Paper I | Indian Society and Social Justice: Family Law (marriage, divorce, inheritance), gender justice, minority rights and social reform laws overlaps with social issues |
| GS Paper II | Polity and Governance: Particularly Constitutional and Administrative Law, aligns closely with Governance and Polity. This includes topics like Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, the Constitutional position of the President and Governor, Emergency provisions,Administrative tribunals etc. and International Law |
| GS Paper III | Specifically the Contemporary Legal Developments section of Law Optional overlaps with the Law optional syllabus. This includes topics such as Information Technology Law (Cyber Laws) and major statutes concerning environmental law. Internal Security (Laws related to terrorism, organised crime and national security) also overlaps with Law optional syllabus. |
| GS Paper IV | Ethics and Integrity (Rule of Law, Natural Justice, Accountability and Transparency), Case Studies (Legal reasoning improves ethical decision making, Constitutional morality v. popular morality) and Judicial Ethics (Independence of Judiciary etc.) |
| Essay Paper and Interview | A strong understanding of the Law syllabus is beneficial for enhancing performance in both the Essay paper and the UPSC interview. |
UPSC Law Optional Success Rates (2022 to 2024)
| Year | Candidates appeared with Law Optional | Candidates Selected | Success Rate (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 275 approx. | 39 | 14.2% |
| 2023 | 310 approx. | 44 | 14.2% |
| 2024 | 290 approx | 41 | 14.1% |
Law optional typically has a higher success rate compared to many popular subjects.
Why Choose Law as an Optional Subject?
Law is a logical, conceptual and comparatively high-scoring optional that rewards clarity of thought, sound legal reasoning and structured answer writing. Many aspirants opt for Law for the following reasons:
● For Law Graduates: Law naturally becomes a preferred optional due to the existing academic background. Even if one’s engagement with the subject during college was limited, the process of legal education helps develop a trained legal mindset and a foundational understanding of key concepts, which proves highly beneficial during UPSC preparation.
● For non-law graduates: Candidates from technical backgrounds such as engineering are already accustomed to applying logic, principles and structured rules. In this context, Law Optional becomes a suitable choice as it is highly logical, rule-based, and analytical in nature. As a result, the transition to studying law is often smooth and manageable for such aspirants.
● Strong Overlap with GS Papers: Core areas like Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and elements of International Law significantly overlap with GS Paper II, reducing overall preparation load.
● Clearly Structured Syllabus: The Law optional has a well-defined and systematic syllabus, making preparation more focused and organised. Questions are generally clear and straightforward, testing core legal subjects while emphasizing conceptual understanding and analytical ability.
● Advantage in Essay and Interview: Legal training helps in framing balanced, well-reasoned arguments, which is valuable in essays and governance related discussions during the interview.
● Analytical in Nature: Law emphasizes analysis and interpretation rather than rote memorisation, making it suitable for candidates with strong logical and reasoning abilities.
● Practical Relevance in Services: Legal knowledge proves useful in day-to-day administration, policy implementation and decision making, particularly for services like IAS, IPS and IRS.
● Consistent Scoring Potential: With focused preparation and effective answer writing, Law optional candidates have consistently secured 270+ marks, reflecting its high scoring potential.
UPSC Law Optional Toppers (2022 to 2024)
Year 2022
● Kritika Goyal (AIR 14) ● Pallavi Mishra (AIR 73) ● Shubham Jain (AIR 152) etc.Year 2023
● Anmol Rathore (AIR 7)
● Jayasree Pradhan (AIR 52)
● Shavya Goyal (AIR 81) etc.
Year 2024
● Kshitij Aditya Sharma (AIR 58)
● Nirja Anish Shah (AIR 213)
● Akanksha Gupta (AIR 351) etc.
UPSC Law Optional Exam Analysis
UPSC Law Optional 2021 Exam Analysis
Paper I
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, PIL, Right to Education, Relation between President and COM, Secularism, Procedure for appointment of Judges, Article 256 and 257, Free and Fair Elections, Article 356, DPSP, | 10 Questions |
| Administrative Law | Delegated Legislation, Natural Justice, Separation of Power | 4 Questions |
| International Law | Codification of International Law, International Law and Municipal Law, Double Nationality and Statelessness, Double Criminality and Rule of Speciality, Intervention, Recognition of States, State succession, Law of the Sea, UNSC, UN Declaration, Terrorism, Settlement of disputes, ICJ on use of Nuclear Weapons, Role of UN in protection and improvement of Human Environment | 13 Questions |
Paper II
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Crimes | Legal Insanity, Defence to charge of Murder, Plea Bargaining, Attempt, Kidnapping, Abduction, Riot, Affray, Criminal breach of Trust, Rape Laws, | 6 Questions |
| Law of Tort | Malicious Prosecution, Remedies under Tort Law, Joint Tort Feasors, Independent Tortfeasors, Negligence, No fault liability, Defamation, Consumer Protection Act |
7 Questions |
| Law of Contract and Mercantile Law | Minor’s Contract, Agent, Standard form of Contract, Quasi contract, Free Consent, LLP Act | 6 Questions |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | RTI Act, Air Act, Trademark law, IT Act, 2000, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Media Trial | 7 Questions |
| Misc. | SC/ST Act, | 1 Question |
UPSC Law Optional 2022 Exam Analysis
Paper I
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Right to Equality, Constitutionalism, Repugnancy between Union and State Laws, Quota for OBC in local body election, Amending power of Parliament, Fundamental Rights & parliamentary privileges, DPSP, Power & duties of Governor, Article 352, | 8 Questions |
| Administrative Law | Wednesbury’s Principles of Unreasonableness, Delegated Legislation, Separation of Power, Administrative Tribunal, Audi Alteram Partem | 5 Questions |
| International Law | Definition of International Law, Recognition, Asylum, Territorial waters, Peaceful Settlements of disputes, Relation b/w International Law and Municipal Law, State succession, Modes of acquisition, UNGA, Pacta Tertiis Nec Nocent Nec Prosunt, Right to self Defence, unlawful seizure of aircraft, WTO, IHL | 13 Questions |
Paper II
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Crimes | Mens rea & actus reus, Section 326 A and 326 B of IPC, protection of civil rights act, 1955, general exceptions, joint and constructive liability, unlawful assembly, rape, attempt to suicide | 8 Questions |
| Law of Torts | Remedies, state liability, absolute liability and strict liability, defamation, CPA, 2019, nature and definition of tort | 6 Questions |
| Contract Law and Mercantile Law | Nature and formation of Contract, NI Act (Section 138), conditions and warranties under SOGA, contract of Indemnity, guarantee and insurance, frustration of contract, void agreement, agency, consequences of breach of contract | 9 Questions |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | T.S.R. Subramanian Committee Report, 2014 (Environment Law), IPR, ‘abuse of dominance’ and ‘abusive conduct’ prohibited under the Competition Act, 2002, Arbitration, IT Act, Section 3 (d) of Patent Act, 1970 | 6 Questions |
UPSC Law Optional 2023 Exam Analysis
Paper I
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Preamble, President, Distribution of power between Centre and State, distinction between civil and political rights, PRI and Urban Local Bodies, Constitutional status of civil servants, ECI, provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, National Emergency, Presidential reference | 10 Questions |
| Administrative Law | Principles of Natural Justice, Judicial Review, Lokpal and Lok Ayuktas Act 2013 | 4 Questions |
| International Law | Status of the individual under international law, Contiguous Zone, powers and privileges of the States, ‘Vienna Convention of Law of Treaties 1969, ICC, Difference between traditional International Law and new International Law, norms of International Law in India, ‘Continental Shelf’ and ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’, UN Charter, ‘force’ or ‘aggression’ in international Law, WTO, steps of the UN for protecting human environment, International Humanitarian Law | 14 Questions |
Paper II
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Crimes | Culpable homicide, Doctrine of constructive criminality, Rape, SC/ST Act, assault of criminal force, Theft, Prevention of Corruption Act | 7 Questions |
| Law of Tort | Tortious liability, Damages under tort, negligence, e-commerce in CPA, private nuisance, right of Private defence of property, damages for Malicious prosecution | 7 Questions |
| Contract Law and Mercantile Law | Definition of contract, suit of a partner under Partnership Act, Minor's Contract, bearer instrument under NI Act, standard contracts, doctrine of ‘Undisclosed Principal’ | 6 Questions |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | Awards under Arbitration, different types of IPRs, National Green Tribunal, PIL, RTI, 3rd party content under IT Act, Media Trials, passing off risk under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 | 8 Questions |
UPSC Law Optional 2024 Exam Analysis
Paper I
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Appellate jurisdiction of the SC, Parliament or State Legislature, Doctrine of pleasure, law in violation of fundamental rights, PIL, Constitutionalism, Relation between President and COM, Article 194 and Article 105, Rights and interests of Minorities, procedure of amending the constitution, cooperative federalism, FRs, Ordinance making power of president and governor | 13 Questions |
| Administrative Law | Delegation of power | 1 Question |
| International Law | Definition of International Law, State recognition, modes of acquisition of nationality, territorial sea, ECOSOC, peaceful settlement of international law, WTO, international law and municipal law, World Bank and IMF, Law of extradition, intervention, UNSC, CTBT, statelessness | 14 Questions |
Paper II
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Crimes | ‘actus non-facit reum nisi mens sit rea, criminal conspiracy, Sec. 304 A of IPC, plea bargaining, defence of intoxication, theft, misappropriation and Criminal breach of trust, kidnapping, offence of abetment | 9 Questions |
| Law of Tort | Vicarious liability, product liability under CPA 2019, Prevention of corruption Act 1988, nuisance, M. C. Mehta v. U.O.I., | 5 Questions |
| Contract Law and Mercantile Law | Quasi contract, liability of LLP and its partners, Rights of unpaid sellers, general duties of agent, GI act, breach of contact, void contract, principal debtor, section 124 & 125 of contract act | 10 Questions |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | PIL, Safe harbour under IT Act, information under RTI | 3 Questions |
UPSC Law Optional 2025 Exam Analysis
Paper I
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Concurrent List, L. Chandra Kumar Vs. Union of India (1997), power of the President to consult the Supreme Court, Article 21, powers, privileges and immunities of Houses of Parliament, DPSP, Article 368, Legal Services Authority Act, 7th Schedule, Pardoning power of Governor, 44th Amendment Act | 11 Questions |
| Administrative Law | Doctrine of Separation of Powers, judicial review of administrative action, Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act | 3 Question |
| International Law | Article 51 of the UN Charter, UNGA, theories of State Succession, Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, contiguous zone, UNSC, UNCLOS, principles of acquisition of territorial sovereignty, modes of acquisition of nationality, Vienna Convention, WTO, TPNW 2017, Asylum, settlement of international disputes | 15 Questions |
Paper II
| Subject | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Crimes | Definition of ‘public servant’ as per the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, death sentence, culpable homicide, offences against marriages, theft and robbery, joint offenders, | 7 Questions |
| Law of Tort | Doctrine of foreseeability, liability of master for the torts committed by his servant, negligence and nuisance, defamation, ubi jus ibi remedium, consumer mediation cell under CPA 2019, | 6 Questions |
| Contract Law and Mercantile Law | Unjust enrichment, breach of sale contract, liability for acts of the firm after retirement under Partnership Act, void agreement, Acceptance under contract act, coercion and undue influence, promise under contract | 7 Questions |
| Contemporary Legal Developments | PIL, Section 3 of Competition Act, polluter pays principle, RTI, Arbitration, infringement of trademark | 6 Questions |
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