How to study Indian Polity for IAS exam ?

Last updated on September 7th, 2017 at 08:31 pm

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Indian polity is an important subject not only for UPSC Exam but also it is relevant for day to day knowledge . This subject deals with various topics relating to fundamental rights , duties and responsibilities as a citizen of India etc. So I recommend all of you to study this subject as an Indian citizen rather than an IAS aspirant. Indian polity is quiet different from other subjects, so that the  strategy als differs.

Strategy for studying Indian polity

For studying approach ,I recommend you a BPR step to follow.

Base book reading(B)

There is no question arising the base book for polity, it is none other than M. Laxmikanth
Start reading from any of the interesting topics, for instance, if you find interesting to study The Panchayati Raj, start reading from there. It would be beneficial for you if you prepare notes along with reading itself.

Practice questions(P)

From the book itself you can practice many questions. Apart from these, try to practice previous years prelims questions as well as taking test series is also highly advantageous. This will enable you to come across various tricky questions and a short revision of what you have studied.

Revision and correlation(R)

This is the inevitable part of your study process. Re-Read whatever you read previously. Moreover, correlate your polity topics with daily news. For example, you came across news regarding Jammu and Kashmir issue, correlate it with article 370, that deals with autonomy and special provision  for Jammu and Kashmir. By linking these topics and current issues you can automatically memorize various articles in the constitution

Also read : How to select optional subject for IAS Exam.

What makes polity different from other subjects?

• Easy to study.
• Only less number of books to refer.
• Direct questions are asked
• rare analytical questions
• Questions are easy to moderate.

Indian Polity Books and Sources

• Polity-M. Laxmikanth -:This book can be considered as the Bible for polity students. Moreover, this book is useful for both prelims and mains. The language is also quite easy and useful for beginners too.
• Introduction to Indian constitution-Dr. D. D. Basu : It is helpful for mains point of view. Its language is also complex and beginners may find it difficult to become familiar with it.
• The Constitution of India by P. M. Bakshi. It is recommended for selective reading only.The book is useful for reference of detailed analysis of Supreme Court cases
• Our Parliament, Our Constitution, Our Political system-Subhash Kashyap : A series of three books with lucid language, but it does not cover the whole syllabus. I put forward  this also for selective reading.
• India and the world by Surendra Kumar. An additional book for mains, it deals with foreign policy.
• Prs.org – An NGO site where you can refer various bills and amendments.
• Also check full list of Books for IAS Prelims and Mains . For Hindi Medium students ,Check this link .

Also read : How to read ‘The Hindu’newspaper for IAS Exam preparation ?

Extra tips for reading polity

1. Keep an eye on current issues. Questions will be triggered from here for both prelims and mains
2. Make a table of constitutional and non constitutional bodies. This enables to attempt tricky questions correctly.
3. Make comprehensive chats regarding the appointments and removal of various offices, the president, the Supreme Court judge etc.
4. Make a list of important constitutional amendments and significance.
5. Go through previous questions and segregate high priority areas.
6. Prepare notes of recent parliament sessions, various bills and amendments made, Supreme Court verdicts.

Also read : How to read and Free Download for IAS Exam.