Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations

by M. Laxmikanth

The third edition of Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations, published by Tata McGraw Hill gives the reader a comprehensive insight into the Indian political system. The book covers all aspects that a civil services aspirant would require. The book is divided into three parts. Part I of the book basically deals with India's constitutional framework. It focuses on the history with regard to the making of the Constitution, its features, the fundamental rights and duties as well as amendments made to the constitution.

Part II of the book takes an in depth look into the system of government in the country. The chapters in this section highlight the parliamentary and federal system in the country, centre-state relations and the emergency provisions. The special status of Jammu and Kashmir and special provisions made to some other states are also detailed here.
Part III, IV and V charts out in detail the various decision making bodies in the three levels of government – Central, State and Local. The remaining sections of the book focus attention on the Union Territories and various constitutional bodies like the Election Commission and the Union Public Service Commission.

The updated version of the book includes ten new chapters and four new appendices. Keeping in view the interest of students appearing for the Civil Services examination, the new edition has updated the UPSC preliminary as well as main question papers. The list of tables has also been revised to include the latest figures and the format is extremely readable.
Key features

Lucid explanation of various provisions and aspects of the Constitution of India
Separate sections on non-constitutional bodies in India
Comparisons between constitutional and non-constitutional bodies in India

About the Author
M Laxmikanth is a seasoned hand at coaching civil servant aspirants. He did his post graduation in political science from Osmania University in 1989. Later, he set up a coaching academy, Laxmikanth's IAS, which proved to be extremely successful. His experience and expertise in the field of coaching IAS aspirants helped him write the book in a lucid and comprehensive manner.

Table of Contents
PART I: CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
1. Historical Background
2. Making of the Constitution
3. Salient Features of the Constitution
4. Preamble of the Constitution
5. Union and its Territory
6. Citizenship
7. Fundamental Rights
8. Directive Principles of State Policy
9. Fundamental Duties
10. Amendment of the Constitution
PART II: SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
11. Parliamentary System
12. Federal System
13. Centre-State Relations
14. Inter-State Relations
15. Emergency Provisions
16. Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir
17. Special Provisions for Some States
PART III: CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
18. President
19. Vice-president
20. Prime Minister
21. Constitutional Provisions
22. Parliament
23. Supreme Court
PART IV: STATE GOVERNMENT
24. Governor
25. Chief Minister
26. State Council of Ministers
27. State Legislature
28. High Court
29. Subordinate Courts
PART V: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
30. Panchayati Raj
31. Urban Local Governments
PART VI: UNION TERRIRORIES AND SPECIAL AREAS
32. Union Territories
33. Scheduled and Tribal Areas
PART VII: CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
34. Election Commission
35. Union Public Service Commission
36. State Public Service Commission
37. Finance Commission
38. National Commission for SCs
39. National Commission for STs
40. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
41. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
42. Attorney General and Solicitor General of India
43. Advocate General of the State
PART VIII: NON-CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
44. Planning Commission
45. National Development Council
46. National Human Rights Commission
47. State Human Rights Commission
48. Central Vigilance Commission
49. Central Information Commission
50. State Information Commission
51. Lokpal and Lokayuktas
PART IX: OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL DIMENSIONS
52. Official Language
53. Public Services
54. Tribunals
55. Special Provisions for SCs, STs, BCs, Minorities and Anglo-Indiand
56. Rights and Liabilities of the Government
57. Authoritative Text in Hindi Language
58. Anti-Defection Law
PART X: POLITICAL DYNAMICS
59. Political Parties
60. Elections
61. Pressure Groups
62. National Integration
63. Foreign Policy
PART XI: WORKING OF THE CONSTITUTION
64. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution
APPENDIX I: Articles of the Constitution
APPENXIX II: Subjects of Union, State and Concurrent Lists
APPENDIX III: Table of Precedence
APPENDIX IV: Oath by the Constitutional and other Authorities
APPENDIX V: Definitions under the Constitution
APPENDIX VI: Constitutional Amendments at a Glance
APPENDIX VII: Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government

Genres: India, Politics, Nonfiction, History, Academic, Indian Literature, Textbooks

644 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Archit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is everything for anyone preparing for Indian Civil Services. Each and every concept has been explained in detail. A great choice for making notes from here.

[Shubham Agnihotri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is undoubtedly best book for understanding basics of Indian political system. I would love to read it again after few months. If one aspires to become a civil servant then must check this book out.

[Sachin Kamboj · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book to learn about Indian Constitution. Written in a very simple language to make it easy to understand the Constitution for a layman like me.
Things are very systematized and placed orderly to make you walk step by step and grasp the things easily.

[Sai Teja]

vsf

[Vejayanantham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for any legal person for quick reference and for upsc aspirants

[Hirdesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional books with comprehensive writing about Indian politics.
Constitution, Government, bodies of government etc
Wide range of work has seen in broad way.

[Jaishree Vaish · Rating 4 out of 5]

mug up this book to clear your examination

[Prithu Puranjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done with the 1st reading.. skipping few chapters which were redundant.

Now I understand the Indian Polity better i can say.

[Shikha Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read while preparing for UPSC. The comparison drawn in the end of the chapter and related facts given after the chapter is the best part.

Even a normal person must read to know about our constitution.

[Cosmic Quibbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with the Constitution

[Nand Kishor Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

भारत की राजव्यवस्था के सिद्धांत और व्यवहार को समझने के लिए एकदम प्रामाणिक तथ्यों और फूटनोट्स के साथ यह पुस्तक उपलब्ध है।
प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी करने वाले अभ्यर्थियों (चाहे सिविल सेवा हो या राज्य सिविल सेवा अथवा अन्य परीक्षा) के लिए यह वेदों के समान है।
भारत की राजव्यवस्था व इसके संवैधानिक सिद्धांत व्यवहारिक रूप से थोड़े जटिल जरूर हैं परन्तु इस पुस्तक में आपको वे सभी आसानी से समझ आ जाएंगे।
राजव्यवस्था विषय को अक्सर बोरिंग व कौतूहल के बिना पढ़ा जाने वाला माना जाता है लेकिन यह पुस्तक उन धारणाओं को मिटाती है क्योंकि यह किताब बेहद रचनात्मक है, अभ्यर्थी जब इसे पढ़ेगा तो निःसंदेह एक महीने तक का समय इसे समझने में लगेगा परन्तु इस दौरान वह स्वयं को एक कानूनों व संविधान से परिचित सचेत नागरिक जैसा जरूर समझने लगेगा।
जरूरी बात है कि इस पुस्तक को न केवल प्रतियोगी परीक्षा की तैयारी करने वाले अभ्यर्थियों को ही पढ़ना चाहिए अपितु एक सामान्य भारतीय नागरिक को भी इसका लाभ लेना चाहिए।

[PARVINDER SINGH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book to understand Indian Constitution and Indian polity plus you will get to know a little bit of history about acts that are passed in the british period for eg Government of India act 1935 , which are used for drafting the Indian Constitution . As India is down the 70 birth anniversary of Indian Constitution . One should know how Indian Constitution covered This big Lifespan and still going on whereas Mean life span of all World Constitution From 1789 - 2006 ( Universe of 792 new constitutional systems of which 518 have been replaced , 192 are still going , 82 have formally suspended ultimately to be replaced ) is mere |17 years |

[Viji (Bookish endeavors) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starter for the subject of polity for Indian civil service examination. Apart from few factual errors,it was a pretty good read,especially for someone with no background like me. As it is tailored for Cse,the presentation is much dry and that might irritate many. Not recommended for general reading,but highly recommended for civil service aspirants.

[Sagnik Nag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to this , now I have a broader perspective about "how things actually work in India " !!

[पवन सिँह · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book laxmikant has put a very broad area of india polity. But some places information a little bit incomplete ,say "impeachment process" where it lags. Over all i can give it 5*.

[tushar sood]

Indian Polity

[மகிழ்நன் · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only for the ones who prepare for exams. It's for who wants to know the polity of India and how our constitution designed and all. The best book to start with on Indian Polity.

[Nishant Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starting book for Constitutional understanding, extra factual and competition oriented book.

[Jiju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book,Explains descriptively regarding the constitution of India,its makers,etc , recommended especially for Indian citizens who prepare for Civil service exams.

[Daisy Goswami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its Nice

[Adarsh Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic read
A bit difficult to read
More difficult to finish
And much difficult to remember

Still something everyone should read
Makes u a better Debater and newspapers make more sense. 🤣🤣

[Bhaiyyasaheb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how many times I have read this book. The count may be at least in the 40s-50s.

[Dweep Maheshwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laxmikanth explains to the common man what Ambedkar couldn't

[Ronak Purohit · Rating 5 out of 5]

"M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity" is widely considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on Indian polity. It is particularly popular among students preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Here are some key aspects of the book:

Comprehensive Coverage
Exhaustive Content: The book covers all aspects of Indian polity, including the historical background, making of the Constitution, features of the Constitution, and detailed analysis of its provisions.
Updated Information: The latest editions incorporate recent amendments, changes in governance, and other important updates, ensuring that readers have the most current information.
Structured Layout
Systematic Presentation: The chapters are well-organized and follow a logical sequence, making it easier for readers to build their understanding progressively.
Clarity and Simplicity: Despite the complexity of the subject, Laxmikanth manages to explain concepts in a clear and straightforward manner. The language is simple and accessible.
Useful Study Aids
Tables and Flowcharts: The book includes numerous tables, charts, and flow diagrams to help in quick revision and better retention of information.
Practice Questions: At the end of each chapter, there are multiple-choice questions and practice sets that are useful for self-assessment.
In-depth Analysis
Detailed Explanation: Each topic is explained in detail, with insights into the significance of various constitutional provisions, landmark judgments, and real-world implications.
Critical Analysis: The book not only covers factual information but also provides critical analysis and interpretation of various political and constitutional issues.
Utility for Exams
Focused Content: The content is highly relevant for competitive exams, especially UPSC. It covers the syllabus comprehensively and provides insights into the type of questions that can be expected.
Previous Years' Questions: The inclusion of previous years' questions helps aspirants understand the exam pattern and prepare accordingly.
Reviews and Feedback
Positive Reception: The book has received widespread acclaim from students, educators, and experts in the field of political science. It is often recommended as a must-read for anyone serious about understanding Indian polity.
Critiques: While the book is highly regarded, some readers have pointed out that the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Others have suggested that more practical examples could enhance understanding.
Overall, M. Laxmikanth's "Indian Polity" is a valuable resource for students and anyone interested in the political framework of India. Its comprehensive nature, combined with a clear and systematic presentation, makes it a go-to guide for mastering the subject.

[Pragati Kulshrestha · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice book. factual and conceptual knowledge...again this book for those who are preparing civil services.

Even today when Indian Polity is quite useful for Pub Ad mains paper and many aspirants also refer Laxmikant for preparing Indian polity for the Prelims as well. What makes Indian Polity by Laxmikanth so popular?

The format and language of the book is highly readable. It reads more like a guide than a standard text book. Laxmikanth explains all aspects of India’s polity like fundamental rights, duties, panchayati raj, budget, state and central government, judiciary, constitutional bodies etc in a very easy to understand manner.

IAS aspirants with no background knowledge of Indian polity and constitution will grasp the concepts quickly as the book is intended for beginners as well as experienced candidates. Indian Polity consists of useful bullet points to get the concepts across concisely and clearly.

No wonder Indian Polity by Laxmikanth is highly popular book among IAS aspirants for Prelims as well as Pub Ad mains paper.

[Nishant Chauhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book to grasp the complexities, challenges, and inception of Indian constitution. This book covers 6 decades of development of Indian constitution, presented with a lot of meaningful information. This book discloses the time when India released from the chain of foreign rule and started writing his own constitution and challenges it faced in last 65 years and changes it underwent to satisfy the ever growing demands of its citizen.

[Pamheiba Mangsatabam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book as far as fundamentals of Indian polity is concerned. The kind of simple language yet subtle use of good vocabularies here and there makes it a smooth and enjoyable read. There are places where I felt the author could have delve down a little bit but why should we ask for more as this book is not meant for deep studies in polity. Every Indian should reach this book. I highly recommend it.

[Aanif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering not only the articles of the Constitution of India, but a thorough analysis of pros and cons of certain provisions vis a vis other constitutions of the world, a must read for anyone who is interested to know about the evolution and the current state of affairs of the largest democracy to ever exist in the history of mankind.

[Saketh Ch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive source for matters on Indian polity ranging across the constitution, political parties, civil society and what not. While it lacks the dialectical synthesis as presented in P M Bakshi's "Constitution of India", Lakshmikanth makes up for it in his wider coverage of Indian polity. It is a bible for the UPSC aspirants as far as the foundations of polity are concerned.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to have a complete knowledge about Indian polity,this book is the best book ever.And this book is especially written for civil service aspirants but also very helpful for political science students and easy to understand for a students who dosen't have political science subject in higher secondary