Home   »   Indian Polity

Indian Polity Notes for UPSC Prelims 2024, Check in Detail

Polity notes for UPSC

One of the key topics for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is Indian politics. All three levels of the Civil Services exam have included questions that directly relate to the constitutional framework. This article contains a topic-by-topic table of the curriculum for Indian politics for the UPSC, which may greatly assist you in covering Indian polity. You can also download our micro themes syllabus PDF of Indian polity to keep your UPSC preparation syllabus focused.

Indian Polity Notes for UPSC Prelims and Mains

UPSC Indian Polity: The entire constitutional framework and the operation of our political system are encapsulated in Indian politics. To make your preparation easier, we have divided the Indian Polity themes included in the UPSC notification into smaller subtopics. To prepare for the UPSC exam, go over each of these topics in depth. Indian Polity is a vast and complex subject, but there are a few key concepts that are essential for understanding the Indian political system. Here is a brief overview of some of the most important Indian polity notes:

Constitutional Framework Indian Polity Notes

Evolution of the Constitution

Making of Constitution

Features of the Indian Constitution

Indian Union and its Territory

Citizenship

Fundamental Rights

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Fundamental Duties

Amendment of Constitution

System of Government

Executive Bodies

Union Legislature

Parliamentary Devices, Procedures and Working

Parliamentary Groups and Committees

Emergency Provisions In Indian Constitution

State Government and its Machineries 

Central State Relations

Union Territories and Special Areas

Local Government

Supreme Court

High Court and Subordinate Court

Other Judicial Bodies and Services

Constitutional Bodies

Non-Constitutional Bodies

Political Dynamics

Important Bills, Laws, and Acts

Governance

International Relations

Indian Polity Current Affairs for UPSC & PSC

  • Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha December 6, 2024Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha Purpose: Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha allows a member to request the suspension of the day’s listed business to discuss a matter of urgent public importance. Process: Submission of Notice: A member submits a notice to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Chairman’s Discretion: The Chairman has ...Read More
  • BR Ambedkar Death Anniversary, Biography, Legacy, Contribution December 6, 2024Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the most influential leaders in Indian history. Known for his relentless fight against social discrimination and his role as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar passed away on 6th December 1956. This day is observed ...Read More
  • Martial Law in South Korea, Meaning, History, and Key Facts December 5, 2024Martial Law is an extraordinary governance measure invoked during extreme emergencies like war, rebellion, or large-scale unrest. It transfers authority from civilian governance to military control, significantly impacting civil liberties and administrative functions. South Korea’s experience with Martial Law is deeply intertwined with its historical struggles for democracy and national ...Read More
  • Pardoning Powers of Indian and US President December 4, 2024Context: U.S. President Joe Biden has granted an unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden who faced sentencing for federal tax and gun convictions. Difference between Pardoning Powers of Indian and US President Feature President of India President of USA Constitutional Provision Article 72 of the Indian Constitution Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Jurisdiction Applies to: ●       ...Read More
  • High Number of Pending Cases in India December 3, 2024Reasons Behind High Number of Pending Cases Frequent Adjournments: Approximately half of the 90 cases listed daily in district and subordinate courts get adjourned. Reasons for adjournments include the need for: Evidence gathering. Legal research. Filing motions or awaiting external events affecting the verdict. Complex Judicial Processes: Multiple stages of a case—charge sheet filing, charge framing, ...Read More
  • Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA), Objectives, Amendments December 3, 2024Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress MP P. Chidambaram have sought relief from their respective trials, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling as a precedent. About Recent Supreme Court Ruling Recently the SC has ruled that prior government sanction is mandatory for prosecuting public servants under the Prevention of Money ...Read More
  • List of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra From 1960 to 2024 December 3, 2024 Maharashtra, one of the most influential states in India, has seen a dynamic political landscape since its formation in 1960. The state has had numerous Chief Ministers from different political parties, each contributing significantly to the state’s growth and development. Understanding the political history of Maharashtra is important for UPSC ...Read More
  • Electoral System in India, Background, Features, Process, Types November 29, 2024November 26, 1949, marks the adoption of the Constitution in India. Since its implementation, a significant aspect of the Constitution is its protection of election integrity. The electoral system in India is a cornerstone of its democratic framework, ensuring free and fair representation of the people in governance. This comprehensive ...Read More
  • Places of Worship Act 1991, Key Provisions and Challenges November 28, 2024The 16th Century Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has recently become the center of a dispute claiming it was built on the site of an ancient Hari Har Mandir. The Places of Worship Act was implemented to preserve the established status of religious places of worship as of August 15, ...Read More
  • 75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Draft Constitution of India November 27, 2024History Related to The Drafting of Indian Constitution Formation of the Constituent Assembly: Constituent Assembly was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. It had 389 members, later reduced to 299 after Partition. Sachidanand Sinha was the first interim president; later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent chairman. Drafting Committee Formation: ...Read More

UPSC Syllabus For Indian Polity

The Civil Services Exam includes a section on politeness. Both the Prelims and Mains exams cover Indian politics. 16 questions from the UPSC Polity curriculum were directly asked in the 2020 Prelims. All three Civil Services Examination phases included questions on Polity.

Indian Polity for UPSC Prelims 2024

The UPSC Prelims Syllabus includes information on Indian politics, and we have included the UPSC Polity Syllabus 2024 for the IAS Prelims Exam below. Indian polity is an important subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, both Prelims and Mains. It is a vast and complex subject, but there are a few key topics that are particularly important for the UPSC Prelims syllabus 2024.

  • Polity and Governance in India
  • Government of India
  • Constitution of India
  • Indian Political System
  • Local Government
  • Indian Parliament
  • Indian Judiciary
  • Fundamental Rights and Duties
  • Centre-State Relations

Indian Polity Syllabus for UPSC Mains

The Indian Polity component is part of the General Studies Paper-II of the UPSC Mains Syllabus. The UPSC Polity Syllabus 2024 for the IAS Mains Exam must be read by candidates before they begin the course of study.

  • Constitution of India
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
  • Parliament and State Legislatures
  • Appointment to various Constitutional posts
  • Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive
  • Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
  • Government policies and interventions
  • Health, Education, and Human Resources
  • Development Processes and the development industry
  • Issues relating to Poverty and hunger
  • Role of civil services in a Democracy
  • Important aspects of governance.

Indian Polity Syllabus for UPSC Topic-Wise

Here you can check the Indian Polity Syllabus 2024 in detail:

Topic Wise UPSC Polity Syllabus 2024
Important Polity Topics Polity Sub-topic
Constitutional Framework
  • Historical Background
  • Fundamental Duties
  • Amendment of the Constitution
  • Basic Structure
  • Constitutional Development
  • Making of the Constitution
  • Features of the Constitution
  • Preamble of India
  • The Union & Its Territories
  • Citizenship
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Directive Principles of State Policy
System of Government
  • Parliamentary System
  • Inter-state Relations
  • Federal System
  • Centre-state Relations
State Government
  • Governor of India
  • State Council of Ministers
  • State Legislature
  • Chief Minister
  • High Courts
  • Subordinate Courts
  • Special Provisions for Some States
Central Government
  • President of India
  • Vice-President
  • Parliament
  • Central Council of Ministers
  • Cabinet Committee
  • Parliamentary Committee & Forums
  • Supreme Court
  • Prime Minister
Constitutional Bodies
  • Election Commission
  • Comptroller & Auditor General of India
  • National Commission for SCs
  • National Commission for STs
  • Attorney General of India
  • Advocate General of State
  • Union Public Service Commission
  • State PCS
  • Finance Commission
Union Territories & Local Government
  • Union Territories
  • Scheduled & Tribal Areas
  • Panchayati Raj System
  • Municipalities
Non-Constitutional Bodies
  • Planning Commission
  • National Development Council
  • Lokpal & Lokayukta
  • NITI Aayog
  • Central Information Commission
  • Central Vigilance Commission
  • National Human Rights Commission
  • State Human Rights Commission
  • Central Bureau of Investigation
Emergency Provisions
  • National Emergency
  • Role of President in the Time of Emergency
  • Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
  • Financial Emergency
  • 44th Amendment Act
  • Effects and Implications of Emergency
  • Revoking Emergency
  • President’s Rule or State Emergency
Miscellaneous
  • Cooperative Societies
  • Official Language
  • Tribunals
Current Affairs
  • Important Schemes (both Central and State)

Indian Polity Books For UPSC Preparation

You can refer this book for this for the UPSC Preparation :-

UPSC Books for Indian Polity
Indian Polity
  • Democratic Politics – I and II – NCERT class 9th and 10th respectively (only cursory reading needed)
  • Indian Constitution at Work – NCERT class 11th
  • Indian Constitution by M Laxmikanth

 

FAQs

How can I study Indian polity?

The major tip is to focus on how to prepare polity for UPSC including reading NCERT books from IX to XII to have better insights into the topics as the NCERT books are more lucid and comprehensive.

Is polity easy for UPSC?

It depends on the understanding of the candidates, although it is a static subject with some technical aspects.

What do you mean by the term polity?

Polity refers to a political group of any size or shape — it can be a government, a state, a country, or even a social group.

Is Laxmikant enough for UPSC?

Laxmikant is essential for UPSC Mains preparation, but it is not sufficient.

What is difference between polity and constitution?

Constitution is a formal legal document defining the basic structure of the system/organisation/country. Polity is the constitution in run, i.e actual functioning of the constitution.

Which website is best for polity for UPSC?

Study IQ is without a doubt the best site for preparing Polity and other subjects as asked in UPSC.

Can a very weak student crack UPSC?

Yes there are several aspirants who were “average” students and yet cleared the exam proving that you need not be a topper to crack the IAS Exam.

How many questions come from Indian polity in UPSC?

On an average 18 to 20 questions are asked in UPSC from Polity

How much time is required to prepare Polity for UPSC?

At maximum 1 to 2 months are required to cover the entire syllabus of Polity

Is NCERT needed for UPSC polity?

Yes NCERT strengthened the foundation of Polity as a subject.

Which subjects are included in the UPSC General Studies Paper 2?

The GS Paper 2 includes Polity and Governance, International Relations and Social Justice.

How to start preparing for Indian polity?

One should first go through the Previous Year Questions for understanding the demand of Polity as a subject in UPSC Exam.