Law Optional for UPSC IAS Mains Exam: An Overview
In the past, Law was not a common choice as an optional subject among UPSC aspirants. However, its popularity has seen a steady increase over recent years. Successful candidates who opted for Law as their optional subject have recommended it to both law graduates and non-law graduates alike. However, non-law graduates should be aware that the Law optional has a more extensive syllabus compared to other optional subjects.
Aspirants preparing for the
UPSC 2023
examination can refer to the linked article to understand the exam pattern and align their preparation accordingly.
Essential Booklist for UPSC Law Optional
The Law optional consists of two papers. Paper-I covers Constitutional Law, Administrative law, and International Law, while Paper-II includes the Law of Contracts, the Law of Torts, Contemporary Legal Developments, and the Law of Crimes.
Recommended Books for Law Optional Paper I
Paper 1 of Law optional is less technical and more conceptual, comprising segments on Constitutional Laws, Administrative Law, and International Law. Here are some essential reference books for this paper:
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International Law by S. K Kapoor
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Our Constitution by Subhash C. Kashyap
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The Constitution of India (Bare Act) by PM Bakshi
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An Introduction to Public International Law by S. K. Verma
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Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D Basu
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Constitution of India by VN Shukla
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International Law by Malcolm N Shaw
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Administrative Law by I.P. Massey
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Candidates are advised to refer to the
Constitution of India
to understand important articles.
Recommended Books for Law Optional Paper-II
Law optional Paper-II is more technical, dealing with hardcore laws. It comprises two sections: Section A covers the Law of Torts and Law of Crimes, and Section B covers Mercantile Law, Law of Contracts, and Contemporary Legal Developments. Here are some recommended books for this paper:
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Indian Penal Code by KD Gaur
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Mercantile Law by R.K. Bangia
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Jurisprudence by P.K. Tripathi and Dias
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Criminal Law by P. S. Atchuthen Pillai
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Indian Penal Code by Ratanlal and Dhirajlal
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Principles of Mercantile Law by Avtar Singh
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Law of Tort by Autochthon Pillai
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Indian Contract Act Specific Relief Act by Pollock & Mulla
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Candidates preparing for the UPSC Law optional may also find the following related articles useful:
