Political Science Books for UPSC

Political Science books are crucial for UPSC exam preparation, especially for candidates who have chosen Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as their optional subject. This subject covers a wide range of topics prescribed in the syllabus, including political theories, international relations, Indian politics, and governance.

Political Science Books provide a conceptual understanding of political institutions, ideologies, and global affairs, helping candidates build a strong foundation in political science. Political Science knowledge is applicable to the General Studies papers, particularly in areas related to Indian polity, governance, and international relations. This article will cover the list of recommended books for UPSC Political Science.

NCERT Political Science Books

NCERT Political Science Books for UPSC act as an important gateway for UPSC Mains preparation as they help in strengthening the basics and building a strong core for a better understanding of all topics. Important NCERT Books for Political Science for UPSC are:

• Polity: NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
• Polity: NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
• Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
• Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory
• Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
• Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India Since Independence

Political Science Optional Books

Political science is one of the optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the Civil Services Mains Examination. It consists of two papers, each of 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. The syllabus of political science covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of politics and international relations. The subject requires the candidates to have a good understanding of the concepts, theories, and facts related to the subject, as well as the ability to analyse, evaluate, and present them in a coherent and logical manner. The aspirants should also be aware of the current developments and issues in the national and international arena that are relevant to the subject.

Books for Political Science Paper I

The political science optional paper 1 deals with the following topics:

• Political theory: This includes the concepts, approaches, and debates in political theory, as well as the Indian and Western political thought and political ideologies.
• Indian government and politics: This covers the constitutional framework, the political processes, the party system, the social movements, and the challenges of Indian democracy.

Here is a list of recommended books for Political science Optional Paper 1:

• An Introduction To Constitution- D.D. Basu
• An Introduction To Political Theory- O.P Gauba
• Fifty Major Political Thinkers- Ian Adams And R W Dyson
• A History Of Political Thought: Plato To Marx – Subrata Mukherjee And Sushila Ramaswamy
• An Oxford Companion To Politics In India – Niraja Gopal Jayal And Pratap Bhanu Mehta
• Foundations Of Indian Political Thought- V.R Mehta
• A New Look At Modern Indian History- B.L Grover And Alka Mehta
• India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra
• Indian Government And Politics – B L Fadia

Books for Political Science Paper-II

The political science optional paper 2 deals with the following topics:

• Comparative politics and international politics: This includes the comparative analysis of political systems, theories of international relations, globalisation, regionalism, and security issues.
• India and the world: This covers the evolution of India’s foreign policy, its relations with major powers and regions, its role in international organisations, and its engagement with global issues.

Here is a list of recommended books for Political science Optional Paper 2: 

• India’s Foreign Policy – V P Dutt
• International Organisations- Spectrum Books Publication
• International Relations – V N Khanna
• Challenge And Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy- Rajiv Sikri
• Does The Elephant Dance?: Contemporary Indian Foreign Policy- David M. Malone
• Global Politics- Andrew Heywood
• MPS-004 Comparative Politics: Issues And Trends By Expert Panel Of GPH

FAQs

Which book is best for UPSC Political Science Optional?

For UPSC Political Science optional, "An Introduction to Political Theory" by O.P. Gauba is widely recommended. Additionally, "Indian Government and Politics" by B.L. Fadia and "Politics in India" by Rajni Kothari are useful for Indian polity. "International Relations" by Pushpesh Pant is a good choice for the international relations aspect. It's essential to supplement these with additional readings and practice from standard reference materials.

Which book is a reference for Political Science for UPSC?

For political science in UPSC, "An Introduction to Political Theory" by O.P. Gauba is a commonly referred book. Additionally, for Indian polity, "Indian Government and Politics" by B.L. Fadia and "Politics in India" by Rajni Kothari are valuable references. "International Relations" by Pushpesh Pant is recommended for the international relations aspect.

Is NCERT needed for UPSC Polity?

Yes, NCERT books are mandatory and are highly recommended for UPSC polity preparation. NCERT books, from class 6th to 12th provide a solid foundation for understanding basic concepts of Indian polity and governance, making them beneficial for aspirants.