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.

Indian Polity Notes for UPSC Prelims 2024, Check in Detail

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

Foundation Day of Indian States and UTs, Details and Celebration January 21, 2025Every year on January 21, the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura commemorate their Statehood Day, marking the historic moment they attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act of 1971. This day holds significant importance for these states as they reflect on their unique cultural heritage, ...Read More
Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioner Bill, 2023 January 13, 2025Context: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 introduced a significant change in the selection process for the CEC and Election Commissioners (ECs). About Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner Article 324: It says CEC and ECs will be appointed by the ...Read More
Centre urges States, UTs to Enforce Section 479 of BNSS January 13, 2025About Section 479 of BNSS It aims to provide relief to undertrial prisoners and address overcrowding in jails. It focuses on reducing prolonged detention by allowing the release of eligible undertrial prisoners based on the portion of their sentence already served. It is based on Section 436-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, ...Read More
Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Complete Details January 13, 2025The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is a comprehensive document that establishes the framework for governance in the country. Known for its length and depth, the Indian Constitution incorporates various features that make it a unique and dynamic legal framework. Below are the salient features of the ...Read More
Is India Open to the Idea of Dual Citizenship? January 11, 2025Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has acknowledged challenges in providing dual citizenship but noted ongoing discussions about the issue. The government has considered expanding OCI benefits as a way to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora without granting full dual citizenship. Constitutional Provisions: Articles 5 to 11 Article 5: Citizenship at ...Read More
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Complete Details January 11, 2025Context: The Delhi Assembly Secretariat has informed the High Court that “no useful purpose would be served” in tabling CAG reports on the city’s administration in the Assembly as its tenure is ending in February. The Delhi government has not tabled about a dozen CAG reports in the Assembly in ...Read More
Section 152 of BNS Should Not Become a Proxy for Sedition January 11, 2025Context: In the case of Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2024), the Rajasthan High Court cautioned against the potential misuse of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). More in News This criminalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. In 2022, the Supreme Court suspended pending ...Read More
Latest Guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) January 9, 2025Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced an accelerated degree programme and an extended degree programme for undergraduate students. This will allow them to complete their degrees either earlier or later than the standard duration. The University Grants Commission has released the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers ...Read More
Chief Minister Salary of India Per Month and State wise January 9, 2025The salary of Chief Ministers in India ranges from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹4.10 lakh per month in 2024, depending on the state. This salary structure is determined by each state’s government, allowing for variations across India. In addition to their basic salary, Chief Ministers also receive several perks, benefits, and ...Read More
List of National Symbols of India with Name and its Significance January 9, 2025Our nation’s heritage and pride are represented by its symbols. These 17 national symbols of India symbolize the culture and tradition of the country, which we Indians spread around the globe. National Symbols of India are also required since they are of national significance and must be known by all citizens. ...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