The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) administered by NTA is a national-level exam that gauges a student's entrance qualifications. A CUET Legal Studies score holds due weightage in college admissions, thus calling for thorough preparation. To ace the exam, your focus should first be on understanding the syllabus, format and other crucial details.
Whether you're aspiring for an undergraduate program in a university or college, getting a satisfactory score in CUET Legal Studies is imperative. So, buckle up, hone your legal acumen and give your best shot!
In this blog, we will discuss the CUET syllabus, the exam structure, a few preparation ideas, a strategy, and some vital information regarding the examination of legal studies.
CUET LEGAL STUDIES SYLLABUS:
The Legal studies curriculum comprises eight inter-connected chapters. Each chapter, including Judiciary, Arbitration, Tribunal Adjunction, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Human Rights in India, Legal Professional in India, and Legal Maxims, is critical and requires meticulous planning and preparation.
The comprehensive course outline for Legal Studies is presented in the following table:
PART
|
UNIT
|
SUB-UNIT
|
1
|
JUDICIARY
|
- Structure and Hierarchy of Legal Offices Courts in India.
- Courts and Judicial Review.
- Appointments, Training, Retirement, and Removal of judges.
- Constitution, Roles, and Impartiality.
|
2
|
TOPICS OF LAW
|
- Law of Property.
- Introduction to Criminal Laws in India.
- Law of Torts.
- Law of Contracts.
|
3
|
INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
|
- Introduction to International Law.
- Dispute Resolution – Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, ICJ and ICC.
- Sources of International Law – Treaties, ICJ Decisions and Customs.
- International law & Municipal Law.
- International Institutions, International Human Rights.
- Customary International Law.
- International Law & India.
|
4
|
ARBITRATION, TRIBUNAL
ADJUNCTION, AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
|
- Adversarial and Inquisitorial Systems.
- Mediation and Conciliation.
- Arbitration, Administrative, and Tribunals.
- Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Types of ADR.
- Lokpal and Lokayukta.
|
5
|
HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDIA
|
- Introduction – International Context.
- Complaint Mechanisms of Quasi-judicial Bodies.
- Constitutional framework and Related laws in India.
|
6
|
LEGAL SERVICES
|
- Legal background – Legal Aid under the Indian Constitution, Legal Aid by the State, NALSA Regulations, 2010, Free Legal Aid under Criminal law.
- Legal Aid in Context of Human Rights and Social Justice.
- Lok Adalats.
- Criteria for giving free Legal Services.
|
7
|
LEGAL FIELD
|
- Introduction and
- The Advocates Act, 1961, Lawyers and Professional Ethics, Advertising by Lawyers, The Bar Council of India, Women and the Legal Profession in India.
- Opportunities for Law graduates, Legal Education in India, Liberalization of the Legal Profession,
|
8
|
LEGAL MAXIMS
|
- Important Legal Maxims.
- Meaning with illustrations of the following:
- Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
- Ad valorem
- Amicus Curiae
- Audi alterem partum
- Assentio Mentium
- Bona fide
- Bona Vacantia
- Stare Decisis
- Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium
- Caveat Emptor
- Corpus Delicto
- Damnum Sine Injuria
- De Die in Diem
- Ratio Decidendi
- Res ipsa loquitur
- De Minimis Lex Non Curat
- Doli Incapax
- Ejusdem Generis
- Qui Facit Per Alium, Facit Per Se
- Quid pro quo
- Ex Post Facto
- Ignorantia Facti Excusat – Ignorantia Juris Non-Excusat
- Injuria Sine Damnum
- Locus Standi
- Nemo Debet Esse Judex in Propria Sua Causa
- Nemo debt non quad habit
- Noscitur a Sociis
- Obiter Dicta
- Pari Materia
- Per Incuriam
- Res Judicata Accipitur Pro Veritate
- Salus Populi Est Suprema Lex
|
After you have finished going through the CUET Legal Studies course, the next significant step that will assist you in getting ready for the exam is becoming familiar with the examination format. Both are essential since they acquaint entirely you with the subject matter as well as the different types of questions that will be on the CUET. You can plan and build your strategy to properly prepare for each of these based on your ideas and knowledge of both. The format of the test for Legal Studies is described in the following bullet pointers.
The comprehensive examination format:
- The NCERT curriculum for the 12th grade will be the only one included on the Legal Studies course outline that will be required for admission to CUET, as stated in an official announcement made by NTA.
- There will be one question paper with 50 questions; candidates only need to answer 40 questions during the exam.
- The highest possible score is 200, and you will lose one point for every incorrect response.
- The examination will last for a total of 45 minutes and will consist of objective multiple-choice questions.
- The examination format will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) taken online.
APPROACHES FOR THE PREPARATION OF LEGAL STUDIES:
Your chances of passing the CUET in Legal Studies will unquestionably improve if you prepare thoroughly and implement the tactics that are outlined in the following paragraphs.
- MASTER THE SYLLABUS:The CUET syllabus for Legal Studies has two themes, although each unit is split into eight units, and each unit is further subdivided into subunits. Due to the extensive nature of the curriculum, there is always the possibility that some information will be overlooked or forgotten. Therefore, when preparing for Legal studies for CUET, you must look through the curriculum carefully and in great depth. A comprehensive understanding of the course material benefits your ability to plan. Therefore, awareness is very vital to the process of improving your talent.
Since you will almost certainly be tested on legal sayings and definitions, it is in your best interest to study them carefully.
- MANAGEMENT OF TIME: Time is a precious resource, and it's important to use it wisely. Effective time management is key to succeeding in CUET. Ensure you allocate time for each exam section based on its importance and difficulty level. By doing so, you'll have ample time to cover the curriculum thoroughly. Sticking to your schedule is crucial to making the most of your available time. It's also essential to allocate sufficient time for both practice and review. With diligent adherence to your plan, you'll be sure to succeed.
- AWARENESS ABOUT AREAS OF STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES: Once you have reviewed the course outline, completing this task becomes your next priority. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses will help you design a more structured and productive pre-game routine. Determine which chapters you comprehend better and which ones require more effort, and then devise a schedule that accommodates both. With limited time at your disposal, it is important to direct your efforts and energy toward the right areas.