Indian Polity Strategy – UPSC CSE Prelims Preparation
When preparing for an exam like the UPSC it is imperative to understand the functioning of the government before joining. Indian Polity is a subject that will make you aware of the work-related to the government during exam preparation. It is essential for all three stages of the exam: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. It makes you aware of one’s rights, duties, and responsibilities and teaches you to hold the government accountable. In recent years, 10 to 15 questions were asked on Indian Polity during Prelims hence it is essential to study to get marks. This article will help you understand the important topics and tips on how to prepare Indian Polity efficiently.
High Priority Topics
This table covers important topics for Polity as well as its subdivisions for Prelims. None of these topics should be neglected at any cost.
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Constitutional Framework | Historical Background Constitutional Development Making of the Constitution Features of the Constitution Preamble The Union & Its Territories Citizenship Fundamental Rights Directive Principles of State Policy Table Style Options Fundamental Duties Amendment of the Constitution Basic Structure |
| System of Government | Parliamentary System Federal System Center-state Relations Inter-state Relations |
| Central Government | President Vice-President Prime Minister Central Council of Ministers Cabinet Committee Parliament Parliamentary Committee & Forums Supreme Court |
| Constitutional Bodies | Election Commission UPSC State PCS Finance Commission National Commission for SCs National Commission for STS Comptroller & Auditor General of India Attorney General of India Advocate General of State |
| Emergency Provisions | National Emergency President’s Rule or State Emergency Financial Emergency The 44th Amendment Act Effects and Implications of Emergency Role of President in the Time of Emergency Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Revoking Emergency |
| Current Affairs | Important Schemes (both Central & State), Recent Bills, and Acts Passed in Parliament |
Other topics to give importance too.
The below list deserves equal attention and focus as the previous list but is expendable.
| Topics | Subtopics |
| State Government | Governor Chief Minister State Council of Ministers State Legislature High Courts Subordinate Courts Special Provisions for Some States |
| Union Territories and Local Government | Union Territories Scheduled & Tribal Areas Panchayati Raj Municipalities |
| Non-Constitutional Bodies | Planning Commission National Development Council National Human Rights Commission State Human Rights Commission Central Information Commission Central Vigilance Commission Central Bureau of Investigation Lokpal & Lokayukta NITI Aayog |
| Miscellaneous | Cooperative Societies Tribunals Official Language |
How to prepare for polity
Polity is one of the easiest subjects to score high marks. They cover both static and dynamic questions so you should have a good strategy to prepare.
1. NCERT
You can never go wrong with NCERT. Use NCERT XI and XII Political Science books to prepare but recently they have been asking questions from NCERT VI to X as well so study them to have a better grasp. India Polity by M. Laxmikanth is considered especially useful and important for Polity so give that a perusal as well.
2. Newspapers
Make sure you consistently read newspapers as questions about recent schemes are asked and they are a reliable source of information on them. The Hindu and The Indian Express are good references to use.
3. Solve previous papers
This will help you understand what type of questions are being asked and how to answer them. It will also help you improve your writing speed for the exam.
4. Mock tests
Consider giving yourself a mock test once a day and have someone correct it so you can understand what mistakes you are making and get better.
5. Articles of the Constitution
Do not try to mug up all the articles of the constitution. It is tedious, time staking and humanly not possible. Only a few are important and necessary, and most will automatically get registered once you have revised enough.
6. Make notes
Notes are important for revising and remembering. You will not have enough time to go through entire books will revising so use your notes to make it easier.
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