In the UPSC Mains Exam 2025, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is offered as one of the 48 optional subjects. The PSIR optional comprises two papers Paper I and Paper II each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks.
UPSC has scheduled the PSIR optional on 31 August 2025, with Paper I to be conducted from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and Paper II from 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Both papers are designed to assess a candidate's knowledge, conceptual clarity, and analytical ability in political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics, and international relations. This optional subject continues to be a popular choice among aspirants due to its relevance, overlap with General Studies, and direct connection with current affairs.
Also Check: UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025
UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025
The UPSC Mains PSIR Optional Exam 2025 was conducted on August 31, 2025, in two sessions. PSIR Paper 1 was held in the morning session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while PSIR Paper 2 took place in the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates who opted for this subject can access the PDF of the UPSC Mains PSIR Question Papers 2025 through the official link provided.
| UPSC PSIR Optional 2025 | |
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam |
|
Optional Papers in UPSC Mains Exam |
2 Papers |
|
Optional Paper I |
PSIR Optional Paper-I |
|
Optional Paper II |
PSIR Optional Paper-II |
|
Optional Weightage |
25% of the total marks of the Written Exam and Personality Test |
|
Total Optional Subjects in the UPSC CSE Exam |
48 Subjects |
|
Total Marks in Optional |
500 Marks (250 marks each) |
UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 Download PDF
The UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 conducted on 31st August 2025 in two parts - Paper I and Paper II. The direct link to download the UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 PDF is available here. These question papers will be valuable for analyzing the exam pattern, assessing difficulty level, and identifying recurring themes, which is crucial for strengthening future preparation strategies.
| UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 Download PDF | ||
|
Paper |
Exam Timing |
|
|
PSIR Optional Paper I |
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
|
|
PSIR Optional Paper II |
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Download PDF |
Also Check: UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025
UPSC PSIR Optional Paper Previous Year Paper
UPSC Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Previous Year Question Papers are valuable resources for structured exam preparation. UPSC PSIR Optional Question Papers from 2018 to 2024 are available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation.
| UPSC PSIR Previous Year Question Papers PDF | ||
|
Year |
Paper I |
Paper II |
|
2022 |
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2021 |
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2020 |
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2019 |
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2018 |
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2017 |
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2016 |
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Last updated on November, 2025
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UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 FAQs
Q1. When is UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2025 scheduled?+
Q2. How many papers are there in PSIR Optional?+
Q3. Where can I download UPSC PSIR previous year question papers?+
Q4. Why practice PSIR Optional previous year papers?+
Q5. Is PSIR Optional scoring in UPSC?+
Tags: UPSC upsc psir upsc psir optional paper upsc psir optional paper 2025
