Law

UPSC Law 2021

All 16 questions from the 2021 Civil Services Mains Law paper across 2 papers — 800 marks in total. Each question comes with a detailed evaluation rubric, directive word analysis, and model answer points.

16Questions
800Total marks
2Papers
2021Exam year

Paper I

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M 150w Compulsory explain Constitutional Law - Fundamental Rights, PIL, Education, President, Delegated Legislation

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) "The Fundamental Rights may be said to constitutionalise social values of existing society." Explain and illus…

Q2
50M critically examine Constitutional Law - Secularism, Judicial Appointments, Centre-State Relations

(a) "Pluralism is the keystone of Indian culture and religious tolerance is the bedrock of Indian Secularism. It is based on the belief that all religions are equally good and eff…

Q3
50M discuss Constitutional Law - Elections, President's Rule, Natural Justice

(a) "Free and fair election is the 'basic structure' of our Constitution and it is the 'heartbeat' of democracy." But widespread corruption and increasing criminalisation in the e…

Q4
50M critically examine Constitutional Law - DPSP, Legal Services, Separation of Powers

(a) "The provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country." Critically examine th…

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory discuss International Law - Codification, Municipal Law Relation, Extradition, Nationality, Intervention

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) Discuss the various efforts made towards the codification of International Law during the 20th century. 10 (b)…

Q6
50M distinguish International Law - Recognition of States, State Succession, Law of the Sea

(a) Distinguish whether 'Recognition of States' is an act of policy or of law. Also distinguish between Constitutive and Declaratory theories on the recognition of States. 20 (b)…

Q7
50M discuss International Law - UN Security Council, NIEO, Terrorism and Human Rights

(a) Discuss the powers of the Security Council for the maintenance of world peace and security. Has the 'Veto Power' proved a hindrance in discharge of its duties by the Security…

Q8
50M discuss International Law - Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Nuclear Weapons, UN and Environment

(a) Is it a legal duty of States under international law to settle their disputes by peaceful means? Can failure of peaceful means entitle States to use force to settle their disp…

Paper II

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M 150w Compulsory discuss Criminal law and torts fundamentals

Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answer with relevant provisions and judicial pronouncements. 10×5=50 (a) What amounts to 'Legal Insanity' that would ent…

Q2
50M explain Attempt in IPC and torts remedies

(a) Has 'Attempt' been defined anywhere in the IPC, 1860 ? What are the various tests for determining, whether an act amounts to preparation or attempt to commit an offence ? Expl…

Q3
50M discuss Rape law evolution and torts liability

(a) From 'Mathura' to 'Nirbhaya' and beyond, discuss the development of Rape laws in India. 20 (b) Explain the liability of 'Joint Tortfeasors' for a wrongful Act. How is it diffe…

Q4
50M discuss No-fault liability and defamation defences

(a) Discuss the evolution and development of rule relating to 'No-fault liability' in India with help of decided cases. 20 (b) What are the defences available to an accused in a c…

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory comment Contract law and environmental law fundamentals

Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answers with relevant provisions and judicial pronouncements. 10×5=50 (a) Minor's contract is 'void ab initio'. Comment.…

Q6
50M explain Contract discharge and IT law

(a) What are the various modes in which a contract may be discharged ? Explain in the light of decided cases. 20 (b) Dwell on the legality and constitutionality of Section 66A, In…

Q7
50M elucidate Arbitration and media trial

(a) Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 denotes a provision which limits judicial intervention in the process of arbitration ? Elucidate the statement with sup…

Q8
50M discuss Quasi contracts and LLP Act

(a) Discuss the concept and classification of 'Quasi contracts' under Indian Contract Act, 1872. 20 (b) "Limited Liability Partnership is an alternative corporate form that gives…

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