Polity Books for UPSC 2021: Polity Syllabus for UPSC and The Recommended Book List
Polity is an integral part of the UPSC civil services exam. Whether it is for the UPSC prelims or the UPSC mains exam, Indian polity is a vital part of the UPSC syllabus. Even in the 2017 UPSC prelims exam, more than 20 questions were asked from the polity section. It is the subject from which most questions were asked. In this article, you will read about the syllabus of Indian polity for the UPSC exam. The Indian polity and governance syllabus for IAS prelims is very precise. But, it encompasses a lot of important concepts and issues to understand.
Polity Syllabus for UPSC
- Indian Constitution
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues, and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
- Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
- Parliament and State Legislatures
- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
- Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
- Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
- Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies
Continuation of the Syllabus
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
- Health, Education, Human Resources
- Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
- Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
- Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger
- Role of civil services in a democracy
Recommended Polity Books for UPSC
The best books apart from the obvious and compulsory NCERTs are:
| Book Name | Writer/Publisher |
| 1.Indian Polity | M. Laxmikant |
| 2. Introduction to the Constitution of India | Durga Das Basu |
| 3. Our Constitution | Subhash C. Kashyap |
| 4. Our Parliament | Subhash Kashyap |
| 5. Indian Polity | Spectrum |
Laxmikant Book for UPSC Polity
If it is said that nobody can become IAS without studying the book of M. Laxmikant then it won’t be hyperbole. The biggest strength of this book is the authenticity of the content and conciseness of the topic. This book is very essential for the prelims and mains both the exams. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikant is one of the most popular and comprehensive books on the subject and has been a consistent bestseller for many years.
Introduction to the Constitution of India – Durga Das Basu
This is also one of the best books available on Indian Polity. This book is recommended by most of the toppers of the IAS. This book helps in developing very good analytical skills for the IAS aspirants.
Also Read: Indian Polity Notes For Serious UPSC Aspirants
Our Constitution by Subhash C. Kashyap
The book, ‘Our Constitution’ written by Subhash C. Kashyap is an ideal book for the introduction of the Indian Constitution. The easy language and writing method of this book will clear all the doubts of the readers related to the Indian Constitution.
Our Parliament by Subhash Kashyap
This book is authored by the former Secretary-General and Lok Sabha Secretariat of India Mr. Subhash Kashyap. He has thorough research and a personal understanding of the functioning of the Indian government. This book is a complete narration of the evolution of the Indian Parliament from beginning to its present form.
Indian Polity by Spectrum
Another good book on Indian Polity belongs to Spectrum publication. The first publication of this book was released in 2013 and the 6th edition was published in 2018. This book covers the recent reports of the law commission and discusses various issues pertaining to the working of the Indian Constitution.
Also Read: How To Study Indian Polity Effectively For UPSC?
Conclusion
Before you start preparing for the Polity and Governance section of UPSC Prelims, you get confused about the vastness of the syllabus. But the proper analogy of the syllabus and proper planning can definitely help you to get through all the topics of these sections.
