Law optional: 6 point Professional Guide

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), then cracking the IAS exam is the first step towards achieving your goal. The exam consists of three stages – the Preliminary exam, the Main exam, and the Interview. Law optional is one of the papers among nine papers optional paper that you can choose based on your interests and strengths. Law optional paper is chosen by many aspirants due to its scoring value. In this blog, we will provide you with a guide to cracking the UPSC exam with the Law optional paper.

Pro guide to prepare Law optional

Law optional #1 Understanding the Syllabus

The first step towards cracking the IAS exam is to understand the syllabus thoroughly. The Law optional paper has two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I consists of topics related to the Indian Constitution, legal theory, and jurisprudence, while Paper II covers topics related to criminal law, civil law, and commercial law. Make sure to go through the syllabus and understand the topics that you need to cover.

Law optional #2 Reading Materials

After understanding the syllabus, the next step is to gather the required reading materials. There are numerous books available in the market for the Law optional paper. Some of the recommended books are – Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu, Indian Contract Act, Indian Penal Code, and Indian Evidence Act. You can also refer to online resources, law journals, and case studies to enhance your understanding.

Law optional #3 Time Management

Time management is crucial while preparing for the IAS exam. Therefore, divide your time wisely between different topics and cover the entire syllabus. Also, allocate time for revision as well.  Additionally, solve previous year’s question papers to get an idea of the type of questions asked and the pattern of the exam.

#4 Writing Practice

The Law optional paper requires a lot of writing practice. The exam consists of descriptive questions, and it is essential to develop the skill of presenting your answers in a clear and concise manner. Therefore, write mock tests, and analyze your answers. Also, get feedback from your mentors.

Law optional # 5 Current Affairs

Current affairs play a vital role in the IAS exam, including the Law optional paper. Therefore, make sure to stay updated with the latest developments in the field of law. Also, read newspapers, law journals, and online resources regularly to stay abreast of current affairs.

Law optional #6 Seek Guidance

Seek guidance from your mentors, seniors, and peers who have cracked the IAS exam with Law as their optional paper. Also, join online forums and discussion groups to interact with fellow aspirants and gain valuable insights.

Strategy for preparation

• Law is a predictable part of the otherwise unpredictable Civil Services exam
• Understand the syllabus thoroughly, as not all subjects or topics within subjects have equal weightage
• Analyze previous years’ question papers to identify important topics and themes
• Prioritize preparation according to prevailing trends and patterns of questions likely to be asked
• Keep sources for preparation to a minimum and focus on consolidating content through self-prepared short notes
• Practice writing answers to previous years’ questions
• Practice full-length mock tests and seek feedback on performance.

Conclusion

Cracking the IAS exam requires dedication, hard work, and a well-planned and calculated approach. Therefore, aspirants must understand the syllabus and analyze previous years’ question papers to identify important topics and prioritize their preparation accordingly. Also, it is essential to consolidate the content through self-prepared short notes and practice writing answers to previous years’ questions. Additionally, practising full-length mock tests and seeking feedback on performance can significantly improve one’s chances of success.

Therefore, with the right strategy and dedication, aspirants can successfully crack the Civil Services exam with Law as the optional paper. Follow the above tips and make a study plan that suits your needs and schedule. With perseverance and determination, you can become an IAS officer.