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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

  • Appointment of High Court Judges, Procedure and Articles September 11, 2024The Supreme Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh High Court collegium to consider again the names of two judicial officers it had first recommended for elevation to the Bench 21 months ago. Appointment of High Court Judges Article 217: Every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by ...Read More
  • List of Chief Ministers of Bihar 1947-2024, Current Bihar CM September 7, 2024Bihar, one of India’s most historically significant states, has been shaped by its Chief Ministers since its formation. As the administrative head of the state, the Chief Minister (CM) holds the highest office in Bihar, responsible for managing government policies and state affairs. In this article, we will provide a ...Read More
  • List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh From 1956 to 2024 September 7, 2024 Andhra Pradesh, a state known for its rich heritage and dynamic political landscape, has been led by numerous Chief Ministers since its formation in 1956. The journey through its political history reflects a diverse and evolving governance style, marked by both stability and change. Here’s a comprehensive list of the ...Read More
  • List of Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024 September 6, 2024Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, has a storied political history with several notable Chief Ministers since its first government in 1946. This article offers a comprehensive look at the Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024, highlighting their tenures and the political transformations they navigated. Under the leadership ...Read More
  • UPSC Chairman List 1926 to 2024, Tenure, Salary and Appointment September 6, 2024The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a crucial constitutional body in India, responsible for the direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and Central Civil Services through competitive examinations. Established on 1 October 1926, the UPSC has seen a series of distinguished chairpersons who have played a ...Read More
  • Urban Local Bodies, History, Objective, Types and Challenges September 6, 2024Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) play a vital role in the governance and administration of urban areas in India. They are local self-government institutions responsible for managing urban centers, including cities and towns. ULBs are empowered by state governments to handle a wide range of responsibilities that directly affect the urban ...Read More
  • Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, Key Objectives September 4, 2024Context: Recently, the central government introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Bill is introduced in the context of climate-induced disasters. Background of Disaster Management Bill The original Disaster Management Act, 2005 aimed to create institutional mechanisms for disaster management, prevention, and mitigation. The Act established Authorities and Committees at national, ...Read More
  • Preventive Detention and Article 22, Purpose and Supreme Court Judgments September 3, 2024The Supreme Court has questioned Tamil Nadu state government’s move to issue frequent preventive detention orders under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act. What is Preventive Detention? When a person is detained/taken into custody without any trial & conviction by a court. It is only a precautionary measure and is based on suspicion. Purpose Not to ...Read More
  • Judicial Appointment Reforms in India, Collegium System vs NJAC September 2, 2024Context The problem of appointment of judges, which is linked to the problem of pendency of cases, has always been a matter of debate in India. This long-standing debate centres around the mechanisms for appointing judges, particularly the collegium system and the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). Collegium System The Collegium system governs the ...Read More
  • State Election Commission Reforms August 30, 2024Context: There is a need to strengthen the State Election Commissions (SECs) in India. Why is there a need of State Election Commission Reforms? Lack of Autonomy: SECs often lack the necessary autonomy and independence to function effectively. Example: As per the ASICS 2023 survey, only 11 out of 34 States and Union ...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.