The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) determines the exam pattern for the IAS Civil Services Examination annually.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers candidates a wide array of
optional subjects, including Law, which plays a pivotal role in shaping
aspirants' career paths. Understanding the UPSC Law syllabus is essential for
candidates opting for this subject in the Mains Examination. Understanding the
UPSC Law optional syllabus is crucial for aspirants aiming to excel in the
Civil Services Examination. With 500 marks at stake in the UPSC Mains Exam, a
strong performance in the Law optional can significantly boost your chances of
clearing the exam and securing an interview.
Importance of UPSC Law Optional
The law-optional subject is often perceived as straightforward and
manageable, offering candidates an opportunity to leverage their legal
knowledge effectively. Its alignment with the General Studies Papers makes it a
strategic choice, potentially reducing preparation time across multiple
subjects.
Syllabus Overview
Law is one of the 48 optional subjects available for aspirants in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, thereby totalling 500 marks for the optional subject.
Paper VI |
Optional I (Law) |
3 hours |
250 |
Paper VII |
Optional II (Law) |
3 hours |
250 |
The UPSC Law optional syllabus covers a diverse range of topics, including
Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, International Law, Criminal Law, Tort
Law, Contract Law, and contemporary legal developments. Here’s a detailed
breakdown:
Paper 1
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
8. Legislative powers, privileges and immunities
9. Services under the Union and the States:
(b) Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions—Power and Functions
(c) Election Commission—Power and functions.
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: aggressions, self-defence, 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.
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 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 and Contracts
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
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
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.
Choosing Law as an optional subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination offers candidates a strategic advantage due to its interdisciplinary nature and overlap with General Studies papers. Mastering the UPSC Law syllabus requires a comprehensive understanding of constitutional principles, international norms, criminal and civil laws, and contemporary legal issues. Aspirants should leverage this detailed syllabus breakdown to formulate an effective study strategy and excel in the examination.
This comprehensive overview outlines the structured approach and detailed examination pattern of the UPSC IAS Civil Services Examination. Understanding these nuances is crucial for aspirants preparing for the CSE.
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