Looking for the best book for law of contract? Whether you’re an LLB 1st semester student or preparing for judiciary exams, choosing the right contract law book is crucial. This comprehensive guide reviews the top 8 books including Avtar Singh, R.K. Bangia, S.S. Srivastava, and Pollock & Mulla, helping you select the perfect book for your needs and budget.
Contract law is the basic subject for every law student and the easiest for any student who got interested in law. This subject is mostly taught in the initial years of law school. Contract law deals with the agreements of contract, essential steps to form a contract, breach of contract, and validations to form a valid contract. The Indian Contract Act, 1872 derives from English Common Law and deals with legally binding agreements between two or more people, by which rights are acquired by one or more acts or forbearance on the part of the other or others.
Read: Did you know we covered the 101 Basics of Contract Drafting in one of our blogs?
These are the few best books on Contract Law which not only gonna help you in your semester exams but in any exams after your LL.B. even during your litigation. Even if you are a first-year law student these books will really help you incipiently to understand what contract law says about.
Table of Contents
📚 Quick Picks – Best Contract Law Books
🏆 Overall Best: Avtar Singh – Law of Contract and Specific Relief (Comprehensive coverage, clear language)
💰 Best Value: R.K. Bangia – Law of Contract (Budget-friendly, exam-focused)
👶 Best for Beginners: Dr. S.S. Srivastava – Laws of Contract I & II (Simplest language, easy to understand)
📖 Best for Research: P.C. Markanda – LexisNexis Law of Contract (In-depth analysis, extensive case laws)
Law students who want to understand contract law fundamentals
This article lists the best Contract law books for LL.B. students. Now it’s up to you where to find good law books for your LL.B. course.
1. Contract law bare act
1. Contract Law Bare Act – The Indian Contract Act, 1872
The Contract Law bare act is the foundation for understanding contract law. Every provision in the bare act is enacted by the Imperial Legislative Council and remains the primary reference for all contract law matters in India.
Why the Bare Act is Essential
The bare act is mandatory reading for every law student. Though the language may seem tough if you’re a beginner, understanding these provisions is crucial for good marks in exams and practical application in legal practice. The sections come with illustrations that are frequently asked in examinations.
What You’ll Find in the Bare Act
- All 238 sections of the Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Illustrations explaining each provision
- Landmark case law references in footnotes
- Amendments and updates
- Cross-references to related provisions
✅ Pros
- Most authentic source of law
- Contains original provisions with illustrations
- Essential for exam preparation
- Useful throughout your legal career
❌ Cons
- Language can be difficult for beginners
- No detailed explanations or commentary
- Requires supplementary books for full understanding
💡 Best For
First-year LLB students, judiciary exam preparation, and legal practitioners
💰 Price Range
₹150-300 (depending on publisher)
🛒 Where to Buy
Available on Amazon, Flipkart, and at local law bookstores
2. Law of Contract and Specific Relief by Avtar Singh
If you’re looking for the best book for law of contract, Avtar Singh’s book is the top choice for most law students and professionals. The language and style are classy yet easy to understand, making complex legal concepts accessible.
What Makes This Book Special
This comprehensive book covers the elementary principles of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 in great detail, covering both practical and academic portions. The book comes in two parts:
Contract I covers:
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (complete)
- Formation of contracts
- Performance and breach
- Remedies for breach
Contract II covers:
- Sale of Goods Act, 1930 (SOGA)
- Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Contract of Indemnity and Guarantee
- Bailment and Pledge
✅ Pros
- Clear and comprehensive explanations
- Perfect balance between theory and practice
- Widely recommended by law professors
- Covers case laws extensively
- Suitable for C.S., C.A., and C.M.A. courses
❌ Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to alternatives
- Two volumes can be bulky to carry
- May be too detailed for last-minute revision
💡 Best For
All LLB students (1st to 5th year), judiciary aspirants, CS/CA students
💰 Price Range
₹600-800 (for both volumes)
⭐ Student Rating
4.5/5 – Most recommended by law faculty
3. Law of Contract by R.K. Bangia
Contract-I: Covers Section 1 to Section 75 of the Indian Contract Act
Contract-II: Covers:
- Partnership Act
- Sale of Goods Act
- Indemnity and Guarantee
- Bailment and Pledge
- Agency
✅ Pros
- Most affordable among standard books
- Exam-oriented content
- Point-wise explanations
- Easy to revise quickly
- Covers entire syllabus concisely
❌ Cons
- Less detailed than Avtar Singh
- Minimal case law discussion
- May need supplementary reading for deeper understanding
💡 Best For
Students on a budget, last-minute exam preparation, quick revision
💰 Price Range
₹400-600 (for both volumes)
⭐ Student Rating
4.2/5 – Best value for money
4. Law Of Contract by Mulla and Pollock
Pollock & Mulla The Indian Contract & Specific Relief Acts 16Th Edition ( Set Of 2 Volume) is a complete set of books for contract law containing The Indian Contract Act and Specific Relief Act. If you want to do deep research on Contract laws you can check out this book. Though this book is not recommended for undergraduates. But if you want extra knowledge you can go through this book.
Pollock & Mulla’s “The Indian Contract & Specific Relief Acts” 16th Edition (Set of 2 Volumes) is the most comprehensive and authoritative commentary on contract law in India. If you want to do deep research on contract law, this is your ultimate reference.
What This Book Offers
- Detailed section-by-section commentary
- Extensive case law analysis from Indian and foreign courts
- Historical evolution of contract law principles
- Practical applications and interpretations
- Cross-references to related statutes
✅ Pros
- Most authoritative commentary on contract law
- Exhaustive case law coverage
- Highly respected by judges and senior advocates
- Perfect for research and advanced study
- Two comprehensive volumes
❌ Cons
- Not recommended for undergraduate beginners
- Very expensive
- Too detailed for regular exam preparation
- Heavy and bulky
💡 Best For
Research scholars, LL.M. students, judiciary preparation, practicing advocates
💰 Price Range
₹2,000-2,500 (for both volumes)
🛒 Where to Buy
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Flipkart
⭐ Expert Rating
4.8/5 – Gold standard for contract law research
5. Laws of Contract I & II by Dr. S. S. Srivastava
If you want to go for the easy language you can go for “Laws of contract” by Dr. S.S. Sriastava. This book is easy for first-year law students as it explains contract law from the basic level and in a simple language. this book will definitely help you to score in your semesters. And this book comes with both contract I & II. In case you were looking for a combined book of Contract law I and Contract law II
If you want the easiest language and simplest explanations, “Laws of Contract” by Dr. S.S. Srivastava is perfect for first-year law students. This book explains contract law from the basic level in the most simple and understandable language.
Why First-Year Students Love This Book
Dr. Srivastava writes in a conversational style that makes complex legal concepts easy to grasp. The book assumes no prior legal knowledge and builds concepts step by step, making it ideal for absolute beginners.
Book Features
- Combined volume covering both Contract I & II
- Simple Hindi-English mixed explanations (where helpful)
- Chapter-wise summaries
- Important questions at the end of each chapter
- Short and easy-to-remember definitions
✅ Pros
- Simplest language among all contract law books
- Perfect for first-year LLB students
- Combined single volume (easy to carry)
- Affordable pricing
- Good for building strong basics
❌ Cons
- May be too simple for advanced students
- Limited case law discussion
- Not comprehensive enough for competitive exams
💡 Best For
First-year LLB/BA LLB students, beginners with no legal background, those who struggle with legal language
💰 Price Range
₹500-700
🛒 Where to Buy
⭐ Student Rating
4.4/5 – Best for absolute beginners
📝 Note on PDF Availability
While some students search for “law of contract ss srivastava pdf,” we recommend purchasing the original book to support the author and get the latest updated edition with recent amendments.
5. Law of Contract I & II by G.C.V. Subba Rao
This book comes in two-part which cover all the essential parts of the contract including the Specific Relief Act and the Indian Partnership Act in a very precise manner. You can use it as a reference book in your law school. If you go through this context of the book you will find how the author covers every detail of contract law in a very specific way. This book will wort your paying.
This two-volume book covers all essential parts of contract law including the Specific Relief Act and the Indian Partnership Act in a very precise manner. It’s an excellent reference book for law students who want detailed yet concise explanations.
Unique Features
G.C.V. Subba Rao’s presentation style is unique—he provides enough detail to understand concepts thoroughly while keeping the content precise and to the point. Each section is well-organized with clear headings and subheadings.
Coverage Includes
Volume I:
- Indian Contract Act, 1872 (complete)
- Essential elements of contracts
- Performance and discharge
- Remedies
Volume II:
- Specific Relief Act
- Indian Partnership Act
- Special contracts (Indemnity, Guarantee, Bailment, Pledge)
✅ Pros
- Perfect balance of detail and brevity
- Well-organized content structure
- Good coverage of case laws
- Suitable as a reference book
- Clear explanations
❌ Cons
- Not as popular as Avtar Singh or Bangia
- Availability may be limited in some areas
- Moderate pricing
💡 Best For
LLB students (all years), students who want a good reference book alongside their main textbook
💰 Price Range
₹700-900 (for both volumes)
🛒 Where to Buy
⭐ Student Rating
4.1/5 – Underrated gem for contract law
6. LexisNexis’s The Law of Contract by P. C. Markanda [2 Hb Vols]
Again, if you go for research purposes then these two books cover the underlying concepts and principles of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 prop up with Indian and international case laws in a comprehensive way. These books cover all the landmark cases and their judgments from other jurisdictions like the U.S., U.K. Canada, Australia, etc.
These two books are mostly used by litigators, law firms, consultants, research scholars, even in some academics as it covers the law relating to government contracts, commercial transactions, Negotiations, Tenders, and blacklistings.
If you’re serious about contract law research, P.C. Markanda’s two-volume treatise is the most comprehensive academic work available. This book is extensively used by litigators, law firms, consultants, research scholars, and advanced academics.
What Makes This Book Exceptional
These volumes cover the underlying concepts and principles of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 with support from Indian and international case laws in the most comprehensive way possible. The author analyzes judgments from multiple jurisdictions including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.
Specialized Coverage
This book goes beyond basic contract law to cover:
- Government contracts and constitutional provisions
- Commercial transactions and e-contracts
- Negotiations and tenders
- Blacklisting and debarment
- International commercial law principles
- Conflict of laws in contracts
✅ Pros
- Most comprehensive coverage available
- Extensive analysis of landmark cases
- International perspective on contract law
- Perfect for LL.M. research and Ph.D. work
- Highly regarded by judiciary
- Updated with recent developments
❌ Cons
- Very expensive (₹3,000+)
- Too advanced for regular LLB coursework
- Not suitable for quick exam preparation
- Heavy volumes (difficult to carry)
💡 Best For
LL.M. students, research scholars, Ph.D. candidates, practicing advocates, judges, legal consultants
💰 Price Range
₹3,000-3,500 (for both hardbound volumes)
🛒 Where to Buy
⭐ Expert Rating
4.9/5 – The definitive work on Indian contract law
🎓 Academic Use
Widely cited in High Courts and Supreme Court judgments. Essential for anyone pursuing advanced legal research in contract law.
7. Mulla’s Indian Contract Act by Sir Dinshaw Fardunji Mulla
If you are searching for a good and affordable academic book then Mulla’s Indian Contract Act comes in the top list of the contract law. This book clears every doubt of first-year law school students regarding the Law of contract. There is nothing to say more you can definitely check this out on your own on our link below.
by Sir Dinshaw Fardunji Mulla
If you’re searching for a good and affordable academic book, Mulla’s Indian Contract Act tops the list. This classic textbook has been a trusted companion for generations of law students and clears every doubt regarding the Law of Contract.
Why This Book Remains Popular
Written by the legendary jurist Sir Dinshaw Fardunji Mulla, this book has stood the test of time. Despite being one of the older publications, it remains relevant due to its clear explanations and systematic approach to contract law.
Book Highlights
- Section-by-section analysis of the Indian Contract Act
- Clear and concise explanations
- Important case laws with facts and holdings
- Affordable pricing
- Compact single volume
- Easy to understand for first-year students
✅ Pros
- Most affordable among quality academic books
- Clear and straightforward language
- Compact single volume (easy to carry)
- Time-tested and reliable
- Good for building strong fundamentals
- Recommended by many law colleges
❌ Cons
- May not have the latest amendments
- Limited coverage of recent case laws
- Not as detailed as Avtar Singh
- Older writing style
💡 Best For
Budget-conscious students, first-year LLB students, those who prefer concise books
💰 Price Range
₹300-400
🛒 Where to Buy
⭐ Student Rating
4.3/5 – Best affordable option for academics
8. Taxmann’s Law of Contract by Dr. Rajni Malhotra Dhingra
If you need a quick and authentic revision of Contract law then go for this book as it covers every topic in a very concise and brevity way for intermediate levels. These books were mostly preferred by lawyers, advocates even by academicians as it contains every basic statutory provision along with recent case laws and their judgments.
This book comes in two parts:
a. The Indian Contract Act, 1872.
b. The Specific Relief Act, 1963.
If you need quick and authentic revision of contract law, Taxmann’s publication is designed exactly for that purpose. This book covers every topic in a concise and precise manner, perfect for intermediate-level students and busy professionals.
Why Legal Professionals Prefer This Book
Lawyers, advocates, and academicians prefer this book because it contains every basic statutory provision along with recent case laws and their judgments in a well-organized format. It’s perfect for quick reference during practice.
Two-Part Structure
Part A: The Indian Contract Act, 1872
- All sections with concise commentary
- Recent Supreme Court and High Court judgments
- Point-wise explanations
- Quick reference tables
Part B: The Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Complete coverage with recent amendments
- Practical applications
- Case law digest
✅ Pros
- Excellent for quick revision before exams
- Updated with latest case laws
- Concise yet comprehensive
- Professional quality
- Good for practicing lawyers
- Well-organized content
❌ Cons
- May be too concise for beginners
- Not suitable as a primary textbook
- Assumes basic knowledge of contract law
💡 Best For
Final year LLB students, judiciary exam revision, practicing advocates, CS/CA professionals
💰 Price Range
₹600-800
🛒 Where to Buy
Buy on Amazon | Taxmann Official Website
⭐ Professional Rating
4.4/5 – Perfect revision companion
Comparison of Best Contract Law Books
| Book Name | Author | Best For | Price Range | Language Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law of Contract and Specific Relief | Avtar Singh | All LLB students | ₹600-800 | Moderate |
| Law of Contract I & II | R.K. Bangia | Exam preparation | ₹400-600 | Easy |
| Indian Contract Act | Dr. S.S. Srivastava | First-year students | ₹500-700 | Very Easy |
| Indian Contract & Specific Relief Acts | Pollock & Mulla | Advanced study | ₹2000-2500 | Difficult |
| Law of Contract I & II | G.C.V. Subba Rao | Reference purposes | ₹700-900 | Moderate |
| The Law of Contract | P.C. Markanda | Research scholars | ₹3000-3500 | Advanced |
| Mulla’s Indian Contract Act | Sir Dinshaw Mulla | Budget students | ₹300-400 | Easy |
| Taxmann’s Law of Contract | Dr. Rajni Malhotra | Quick revision | ₹600-800 | Moderate |
Prices are approximate and may vary based on edition and seller
Which Contract Law Book Should You Choose?
Choosing the best book for law of contract depends on your specific needs, level of study, and budget. Here’s a quick decision guide:
📖 For LLB 1st Semester Students
Primary Book: Dr. S.S. Srivastava (easiest language) OR R.K. Bangia (budget-friendly)
Secondary Reference: Bare Act + Avtar Singh (for deeper understanding)
📖 For LLB 2nd-5th Year Students
Primary Book: Avtar Singh (most comprehensive)
Quick Revision: Taxmann’s or R.K. Bangia
Reference: Bare Act (always keep handy)
📖 For Judiciary Exam Preparation
Main Books: Avtar Singh + Bare Act
Advanced Reference: P.C. Markanda or Pollock & Mulla
Revision: Taxmann’s Law of Contract
📖 For Budget-Conscious Students
- Most Essential: Bare Act (₹150-300)
- Best Value: R.K. Bangia (₹400-600) OR Mulla’s Indian Contract Act (₹300-400)
- If Budget Allows: Add Avtar Singh (₹600-800)
📖 For Research Scholars & LL.M. Students
Primary: P.C. Markanda (₹3,000-3,500)
Alternative: Pollock & Mulla (₹2,000-2,500)
Supplementary: Avtar Singh + Bare Act
📖 For Practicing Lawyers
Quick Reference: Taxmann’s Law of Contract
Detailed Analysis: P.C. Markanda or Pollock & Mulla
Always Keep: Latest Bare Act with amendments
💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t buy all books – Choose 1-2 that suit your level and budget
- Always have the Bare Act – It’s your primary source of law
- Check the edition – Buy the latest edition for updated case laws
- Library access – Borrow expensive books (Markanda, Pollock & Mulla) from your college library
- Second-hand options – Senior students often sell books at 50% discount
Conclusion
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Contract Law Book
Choosing the best book for law of contract is a crucial decision that impacts your understanding, exam performance, and long-term legal career. While there are numerous excellent contract law books available, the eight books reviewed in this guide represent the most trusted and widely-used resources by law students and professionals across India.
Key Takeaways
✅ Every student must have: The Bare Act of Indian Contract Act, 1872
✅ Most recommended for LLB students: Avtar Singh’s Law of Contract and Specific Relief
✅ Best budget option: R.K. Bangia or Mulla’s Indian Contract Act
✅ Easiest for beginners: Dr. S.S. Srivastava’s Laws of Contract
✅ Best for research: P.C. Markanda’s LexisNexis treatise
Final Recommendation
If you can only buy one book apart from the Bare Act, choose based on your level:
- Beginners/1st year: Dr. S.S. Srivastava or R.K. Bangia
- 2nd-5th year/General use: Avtar Singh (best overall investment)
- Judiciary/Competitive exams: Avtar Singh + Taxmann’s for revision
- Research/LL.M.: P.C. Markanda
Remember, these contract law books are investments in your legal education. Choose wisely based on your needs, budget, and learning style. Most importantly, whatever book you choose, read it thoroughly and refer to the Bare Act regularly.
Explore More Law Books
We’ve also covered comprehensive guides for other essential law subjects:
- Best Evidence Law Books for LLB Students – Complete guide to Evidence Act books
- Best Constitutional Law Books for LLB Students – Top books for Indian Constitution
- Best Books on Law of Torts for Law Aspirants – Essential Tort Law resources
Have questions about contract law books? Drop a comment below, and we’ll help you choose the perfect book for your needs!
Last Updated: October 2025
We also covered the books of other subjects like Evidence law, Constitutional law and Law of torts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contract Law Books
Which is the best book for contract law for beginners?
Dr. S.S. Srivastava’s “Laws of Contract I & II” is the best book for beginners due to its simple language and easy-to-understand explanations. For a budget option, Mulla’s Indian Contract Act is also excellent for first-year students.
Which book is best for LLB 1st semester contract law?
For LLB 1st semester, we recommend:
- Primary: Dr. S.S. Srivastava or R.K. Bangia
- Reference: Avtar Singh (if you want detailed understanding)
- Must-have: Bare Act of Indian Contract Act, 1872
What is the price of Avtar Singh contract law book?
Avtar Singh’s “Law of Contract and Specific Relief” (both volumes) costs approximately ₹600-800 depending on the edition and seller. Prices may vary on Amazon, Flipkart, and local bookstores.
Is bare act enough for contract law?
No, the bare act alone is not enough. While it’s essential to have the bare act, you need a commentary book like Avtar Singh, R.K. Bangia, or S.S. Srivastava to understand the sections, case laws, and practical applications. Use the bare act + one good textbook for best results.
Which is better: Avtar Singh or Pollock & Mulla for contract law?
Avtar Singh is better for LLB students, exam preparation, and general understanding. Pollock & Mulla is better for research scholars, LL.M. students, and practicing lawyers who need in-depth analysis. For 90% of law students, Avtar Singh is the right choice.
Can I get contract law books in PDF format?
While PDFs may be available online, we strongly recommend purchasing original books to:
- Support the authors
- Get the latest updated editions
- Have legitimate study material
- Access better print quality for long study hours
Most contract law books are affordable (₹300-800), making them accessible to all students.
Which book covers both Contract I and Contract II?
These books cover both Contract I and Contract II in a combined or two-volume format:
- Dr. S.S. Srivastava (single combined volume)
- R.K. Bangia (two separate volumes)
- Avtar Singh (two separate volumes)
- G.C.V. Subba Rao (two volumes)
What’s the difference between Contract I and Contract II?
Contract I covers:
- Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Sections 1-75)
- Formation of contracts, performance, breach, and remedies
Contract II covers:
- Remaining sections of Contract Act (76-238)
- Sale of Goods Act, 1930
- Indian Partnership Act, 1932
- Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Special contracts (Indemnity, Guarantee, Bailment, Pledge, Agency)
Which book do law professors recommend most?
Avtar Singh’s “Law of Contract and Specific Relief” is the most recommended book by law professors across India due to its comprehensive coverage, clear language, and balance between theory and practice.
How much should I spend on contract law books?
Minimum budget: ₹450-750 (Bare Act + R.K. Bangia or Mulla)
Recommended budget: ₹750-1,100 (Bare Act + Avtar Singh)
Premium budget: ₹1,000-1,500 (Bare Act + Avtar Singh + Taxmann for revision)
For most students, spending ₹750-1,100 provides the best value and comprehensive coverage.
Trying to learn the art of advocacy.
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