Lawyers Are Crushing The Civil Services Exams : Result Of Law Optional UPSC

This year, the results obtained by De Facto IAS for Law optional candidates in the UPSC exam have been exceptional. Out of the 22 successful candidates who chose Law as their optional subject, nearly all were our students. Law optional topper's copy and their talk and interview playlist can be useful for prospective candidates. 

Average marks Increased this year

Over the past three to four years, Law has gained popularity as an optional subject. Previously, even graduates from top-tier law schools opted for other optional subjects, believing Law to be a low-scoring option.

However, this year, the average marks obtained by students in the top 100 of the Law optional subject was approximately 280,(See Pdf Tabulation) which is noteworthy. Last year it was around 260.

While it may be argued that no one has yet achieved a score of 300, the more pertinent question is whether we desire to see a large number of students scoring above 300 in a single optional subject or, as a percentage, a greater number of Law optional candidates qualifying. In my opinion, the latter is preferable.

According to UPSC reports, the average qualifying percentage for candidates choosing Law as their optional subject has consistently been around 16%. No other optional subject has demonstrated such consistency.

No other optional subject has achieved such a consistent success rate. Even during challenging times, the success rate for Law optional has not fallen below 10%.

Being from NLU not the only criterion

Many law graduates often harbor the misconception that only students from National Law Universities (NLUs) or top-tier NLUs are qualified for success. However, this is not always the case.

This year, we have witnessed students from traditional universities such as Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Allahabad University, and Jamia Millia Islamia qualifying for prestigious positions.

Undoubtedly, graduating from a reputable college provides an advantage as professors often deliver high-quality instruction in specific subjects.

However, it is essential to recognize that traditonal universities and newer colleges can offer similar educational experiences. Therefore, individuals should not be disheartened if they are not enrolled in NLUs. Instead, they should buckle up and commence their preparation with vigor.

Brief about Success full candidates

● Anmol Rathore leads this illustrious group with an astounding AIR - 07. She is a graduate of GNLU and Her achievement is not just a personal victory but a testament that law can get you rank in single digits. In her interview she deals with the myth of law optional not being scoring.

● Following closely is Virupaksh Pratap Singh, An NLU Delhi Graduate, who secured the 49th rank with an impressive total score of 1008. He improved his rank dramatically from last year's rank 392.

● Jayshree Pradhan, Got rank of 52 , Sakshi Jamuar and Vijeta B Hosamani, ranked 89 and 100 respectively, this makes 5 students in top 100 of UPSC result this year. In Vijeta B Hosamani's Interview she talks about her journey and how her focused approach helped her qualify this examination.

● The list of achievers extends with noteworthy contributions from students like Shashwat Agrawal and Anakha K Vijay, who have demonstrated remarkable consistency across all subjects. Their ranks of 121 and 220 respectively reflect their hard work and the qualitative edge provided by their coaching.

● In her Interview Ankha (AIR -220) one can see how her hard work and grit is remarkable, her mental mettle she displayed over the years is something to aspire of.

● Ashish Kumar(AIR - 338) is a graduate of Banaras Hindu university and was already in a hectic PSU job still found time to clear examinations.

● Archit Deva, with ranks of 357, showcases the depth of the institute's training, with scores that are competitive and reflective of their comprehensive preparation.

● Manika Gupta and Kshitij Aditya Sharma, are also stellar examples of their commitment to excellence, securing ranks of 372 and 384 respectively. Khitij Aditya Sharma, a NALSAR Graduate, left his corporate job during covid to prepare for this examination

● Priyanka Pryadarshini (AIR - 387 ) is a graduate of NLUO and was already with Sports Authority of India as an assistant director, still she found time and energy to sit for this examination.

● Sudhir Pratap , A Delhi university law graduate, secured AIR 497, Followed by Manas and Aastha, with Ranks 680 and 926 respectively.

Questions and answers by successful candidates

Q: Is law really not a scoring optional?

A: Law is not necessarily a non-scoring optional subject for the UPSC exam. While it has a reputation for being challenging, it can be a rewarding choice for candidates who are passionate about the subject and willing to put in the necessary effort. In recent years, several candidates have scored well in the law optional, proving that it is possible to excel in this subject.

Q: How much time is needed to prepare for the law optional for UPSC?

A: The amount of time required to prepare for the law optional for UPSC varies depending on individual factors such as the candidate's prior knowledge of the subject, their learning style, and their commitment to studying. Generally, it is recommended that candidates start preparing at least 8-10 months in advance of the exam. This will allow them ample time to cover the vast syllabus, develop a deep understanding of the concepts, and practice writing answers.

Q: When should a law graduate start preparation?

A: Law graduates who are considering taking the law optional for UPSC should start preparing as soon as possible after completing their degree. This will give them a significant advantage over candidates who start preparing later. Law graduates who have a strong foundation in the subject can begin by revising their textbooks and class notes. They can also start reading reference books and solving previous year's question papers to get a sense of the exam pattern.

PS: Download free PYQ Mains Subject wise Solution for judiciary examination. DeFacto IAS is launching a new judiciary dedicated website on 1st June 2024: www.defactojudiciary.in

Author: Aditya Tiwari,  has been teaching UPSC aspirants at De Facto IAS, since 2013. He contributes to the website www.defactolaw.in which is dedicated to law optional students.