LAW OPTIONAL SYLLABUS FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES
The UPSC Law Optional is a high-scoring option for candidates with a law background—provided you master the syllabus, case law, and answer writing. The optional consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2.
UPSC Law Optional: Syllabus + Writing Focus
Concepts + cases + structured answers = strong score.
Paper 1: Constitution, International Law, Criminal Law, Law of Torts
- Constitutional Law: constitutionalism, FR/DPSP, federalism, judiciary, emergency, amendment, landmark cases.
- Public International Law: sources, state responsibility, treaties, UN, jurisdiction, IHL basics.
- Criminal Law: general principles, offences, defences, culpability; basics of CrPC.
- Law of Torts: negligence, nuisance, defamation, strict/absolute liability, vicarious liability.
Paper 2: Civil Law, Labour Law, Company Law
- Law of Contracts: essentials, breach/remedies, indemnity/guarantee, agency, partnership basics.
- Law of Evidence: relevancy, admissions/confessions, presumptions, burden, witnesses.
- Law of Civil Procedure: jurisdiction, pleadings, interim reliefs, appeals, execution, limitation overview.
- Labour Law: industrial relations, wages, social security, termination principles (high yield).
- Company Law: incorporation, management, winding up, governance basics.
Download Our Android App
Get Law Optional notes, case lists, and writing practice prompts.
Smart Tip
Prepare topic-wise short notes + a case-law notebook. UPSC rewards clarity, structure, and correct legal reasoning—not just bookish definitions.
