UPSC Inferred Topics Map – Polity
Main Topic (Textbook) High-Yield Inferred Topics / PYQ-Linked Topics / Key Judgments
Constitution: Why & Constitutional Morality, Constitutionalism, Preamble philosophy, Basic
How (Laxmikanth Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati), Spirit vs letter of law
Chapter 1 / NCERT) (Ambedkar), Judicial Review, Constitutional amendments limits
Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy), Freedom of Speech vs Hate Speech
(Shreya Singhal), Freedom of Religion (S.R. Bommai), Equality &
Fundamental Rights
Affirmative Action nuances, Doctrine of Reasonable Restrictions, Anti-
Defection / Judicial precedents
Implementation vs Justiciability, Gandhian principles, Welfare
Directive Principles of
legislation, Conflicts with Fundamental Rights (Kesavananda, Minerva
State Policy
Mills)
Federalism nuances, President's Rule (S.R. Bommai), State Autonomy,
Union-State Relations Emergency provisions, Inter-state Water Disputes, Legislative lists
flexibility
Parliamentary Privileges, Anti-Defection, Confidence / No-Confidence
Parliament & State
Motions, Role in Constitution Amendment, Financial control (CAG,
Legislature
FRBM)
Judicial Activism vs Restraint, Public Interest Litigation (PIL) evolution,
Judiciary Judicial Review scope, Appointment controversies, Collegium system,
Basic Structure enforcement
Constitutional role vs real powers, Ceremonial vs Emergency powers,
President / Governor
Advice & discretion, Impeachment norms
Enforceability, relation to Fundamental Rights, Role in civic
Fundamental Duties
consciousness, Recent debates (Citizenship, Education, Environment)
Types (1st, 42nd, 44th, 104th, 105th), Basic Structure limitations,
Amendment Process
Kesavananda, Minerva Mills, Recent amendments (e.g., 103rd, 105th)
Article 352/356/360, Safeguards, S.R. Bommai case, Lessons for
Emergency Provisions
democracy, Judicial oversight
Notes: 1. These inferred topics come directly from PYQs, landmark judgments, and Constitutional
debates. 2. Memorize them as linked to the main chapter, not isolated topics. 3. You can expand this
map for Governance, Economy, Environment, Society in the same format.
