Law Optional: Himanshu Verma IPS, Former IRS.

Himanshu's Strategy for the Civil Services Examination

In his pursuit of success in the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Himanshu has taken the law optional subject as his chosen field of expertise. With three previous attempts under his belt, he has gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the law optional and has developed a comprehensive approach to tackling the examination.

Understanding the Law Optional Syllabus

Himanshu emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding the law optional syllabus, as it is a vast and diverse subject. He advises aspiring candidates to read the syllabus repeatedly and focus on the specific topics mentioned, as attempting to cover the entire breadth of law without setting any boundaries can be an overwhelming task.

Paper 1: Constitution, Administrative Law, and International Law

Himanshu's approach to Paper 1 is relatively more generalized, as he believes that candidates can afford to write answers without strictly adhering to the exact articles of the law. However, he still recommends having a strong grasp of the core concepts and relevant case laws.

Paper 2: Law of Torts, IPC, Law of Contracts, and Contemporary Legal Developments

In contrast, Paper 2 is more specialized, requiring candidates to quote specific articles, sections, and case laws to support their answers. Himanshu emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and familiarity with the bare acts for these topics.

Materials and Resources

Himanshu has meticulously curated a list of reference materials for various topics within the law optional syllabus. He has relied on renowned authors such as A.K. Jain, J.N. Pandey, and Bangia, as well as online resources and past year question papers.

Paper 1: Constitution, Administrative Law, and International Law

For the Constitution and Administrative Law sections, Himanshu has utilized books like "Constitution and Constitutionalism" by A.K. Jain, "Fundamental Rights" by J.N. Pandey and A.K. Jain, and notes from the internet. He has also referred to the bare acts and previous year question papers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics.

In the International Law section, Himanshu has relied on the works of A.K. Jain and S.K. Kapoor, covering areas such as the nature and definition of international law, the relationship between international law and municipal law, the law of the sea, individuals in international law, and international humanitarian law.

Paper 2: Law of Torts, IPC, Law of Contracts, and Contemporary Legal Developments

For the Law of Crimes (IPC), Himanshu has used Gaur's book and supplemented it with notes and the bare act. He has focused on understanding the general principles of criminal liability, types of punishment, and specific offenses.

In the Law of Torts, Himanshu has primarily relied on Bangia's book, which he considers more than sufficient to cover the topics effectively.

For the Law of Contracts and Mercantile Law, Himanshu has again turned to Bangia's book, as well as the bare acts and his own notes, to grasp the essential concepts.

For the Contemporary Legal Developments section, Himanshu has researched various topics, such as Intellectual Property Rights, Information Technology Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, by utilizing online resources and past year question papers.

Covering the Syllabus Effectively

Recognizing the vastness of the law optional syllabus, Himanshu has devised a strategic approach to ensure efficient coverage of the most important topics. He has identified key areas within each section of the syllabus that he believes are crucial for the examination.

For instance, in the Constitution section, Himanshu has focused on topics such as the position of the President and Governor, the principle of natural justice, administrative discretion and delegated legislation, President's rule, amendments to the Constitution, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Similarly, in International Law, he has prioritized understanding the nature and basis of international law, the relationship between international law and municipal law, the status of individuals, recognition, the United Nations, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Himanshu's approach to the Law of Torts, IPC, Law of Contracts, and Mercantile Law sections involves a detailed understanding of the essential provisions, maxims, and case laws relevant to each topic.

Predicting Questions and Drafting Answers

Himanshu emphasizes the importance of question prediction, as it allows him to prepare more effectively and improve the quality of his answers. By analyzing the past 3-4 years' question papers, he has been able to identify recurring topics and anticipate the areas that are likely to be tested in the upcoming examination.

When it comes to writing answers, Himanshu's approach varies depending on the question's weightage. For shorter 10-mark questions, he focuses on addressing the specific theme, while for lengthier 20-mark questions, he tries to contextualize the query within the broader topic and provide a more comprehensive response.

Himanshu frequently uses legal maxims and emphasizes the inclusion of essential elements and case laws in his answers. He also pays attention to crafting well-structured conclusions that cater to the specific demands of each question.

Continuous Improvement and Reflection

Himanshu's journey to the Civil Services Examination has been marked by a commitment to continuous learning and self-reflection. He has analyzed his past performance, evaluated his strengths and weaknesses, and made necessary adjustments to his preparation strategy.

By sharing his experiences and insights, Himanshu aims to guide and inspire other aspiring candidates who are pursuing the law optional subject. His dedication and systematic approach serve as a testament to the potential for success in the Civil Services Examination.