Federal Structure — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims preparation, focus on memorizing exact numbers: Union List (100 subjects), State List (61 subjects), Concurrent List (52 subjects). Master constitutional articles - Articles 1, 3, 245-254, 256-263, 268-293, 356.

Create comparison charts for federal vs unitary features, and practice identifying quasi-federal characteristics. Memorize landmark judgments with years: S.R. Bommai (1994), Kesavananda Bharati (1973).

Focus on Finance Commission recommendations, GST Council composition, and emergency provisions' impact. Use elimination techniques by understanding that residuary powers belong to Union, not states. Practice questions on asymmetric federalism examples and All India Services.

Stay updated on current inter-state disputes and recent constitutional amendments affecting federalism.

Also build Paper II skills

Dense constitutional and IR passages mirror CSAT-style comprehension and argument evaluation—build those skills in parallel. CSAT hub.

• Valid & invalid arguments
• Syllogisms
• Critical reasoning