Most marks in a law exam are lost not because students don't know the law, but because they don't structure it. Examiners reward a clear, logical path from the facts to a conclusion. The most reliable way to build that path is the IRAC method.
What IRAC stands for
IRAC breaks every problem answer into four moves:
- Issue — identify the precise legal question the facts raise.
- Rule — state the relevant statute, section or precedent.
- Application — apply that rule to these facts. This is where most marks live.
- Conclusion — give a clear answer to the issue you raised.
Knowing the law earns you a pass. Applying it to the facts earns you a distinction.
1. Spot every issue
Read the problem twice. On the second read, underline each fact that triggers a legal question. A single problem often hides three or four issues — deal with each in its own IRAC block so nothing is missed.
2. State the rule precisely
Cite the section number and the leading case. "Under Section 10 of the Indian Contract Act, a valid contract requires free consent…" reads far stronger than a vague paraphrase. Keep this part tight — you are setting up the analysis, not writing an essay.
3. Apply the law to the facts
This is the heart of the answer. Take the rule and walk it through the specific facts, both ways where the facts are arguable. Use the words "here" and "because" to force yourself to connect law to fact: "Here, the offer was revoked before acceptance because the letter was posted after…"
4. Conclude clearly
Don't sit on the fence. State the most likely outcome for each issue in one line, and if relevant note the strongest counter-argument. A confident, reasoned conclusion signals command of the material.
Practise with real papers
Reading about IRAC isn't enough — you have to write it under time pressure. Pick a question from the Question Bank, write your own full answer first, then compare it against the matching Model Answers to see the structure in action.
Practise with questions & answers →