UPSC Mains Law Optional is not just about reading—it's about writing. Your answers must be structured, include correct legal reasoning, and use selective case law. A focused strategy can push your score significantly.

• Intro: define the concept + context of the question.
• Core: legal principles + key provisions + 1–2 relevant cases.
• Application: apply principles to the facts/issue asked.
• Conclusion: balanced and exam-friendly conclusion.

• Constitution: landmark cases for FR, federalism, basic structure, PIL, privacy etc.
• Criminal + Tort: leading principles + examples.
• Contracts + Company + Labour: standard case principles (selective).

• Weekly: 1 full revision day (short notes + cases + PYQs)
• Bi-weekly: sectional tests + evaluation
• Last month: only revision + writing practice

Also see: UPSC Law Optional Syllabus.