Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Optional Coaching

PSIR as an optional subject has consistently produced high scores, making it one of the most preferred choices for civil services aspirants due to its high success rate. As per the UPSC Annual Report 2021-22, Political Science & International Relations was the most preferred subject among the optional subjects chosen by the candidates, followed by Geography and Sociology. In the 2020 Main examination, 1863 wrote the Main exam with PSIR optional with 154 candidates being recommended in the final list which is the highest among all optionals. The success rate was 8.3%. This trend has persisted over the past several years.

PSIR optional papers for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination are structured into two distinct parts: Paper 1 and Paper 2, each encompassing a wide array of topics essential for a comprehensive understanding of political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics, and international relations.

In Paper 1, the focus is on Political Theory and Indian Government and Politics.

This paper is divided into two sections:

• Section A delves into Political Theory, covering a range of topics from the meaning and approaches to political theory to the exploration of various theories of the state, including liberal, Marxist, and feminist perspectives.
• It also examines concepts such as justice, equality, rights, democracy, and power. Moreover, it also includes an in-depth study of major political ideologies and significant contributions from Indian and Western political thinkers.
• Section B shifts the focus to Indian Government and Politics, encompassing themes like Indian nationalism, the making of the Indian Constitution, salient features of the Constitution, grassroots democracy, statutory institutions, federalism, planning and economic development, and the role of caste, religion, and ethnicity in Indian politics.

Paper 2 of PSIR Optional subject is primarily composed of two sections: Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics, and India and the world.

• Section A explores Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics. This section offers insights into the nature and major approaches of comparative politics, international politics theories and key concepts like balance of power, national security, national interest, nuclear deterrence, and transnational actors.
• Section B shifts gears to focus on India and the World, covering topics such as Indian foreign policy determinants, India's contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement, regional cooperation in South Asia, India's relations with the Global South and major global powers, India's role in the UN system and the nuclear question, as well as recent developments in Indian foreign policy.

Optional subjects play an extremely crucial role in the final selection of the candidate. For PSIR optional, sustained interest in the optional and good comprehension skills of the candidate along with proper guidance with good quality study material, are the basic perquisites required. The graduation background of the candidate is not relevant for PSIR optional. Many engineering and other non-PSIR background candidates have performed exceptionally well in the UPSC exam. That is one of the reasons for the popularity of the PSIR optional.

Choosing Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam offers numerous advantages:

1. Overlap with General Studies: The PSIR syllabus complements the General Studies (GS) papers, reducing the need for extensive additional preparation.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: PSIR covers a wide range of topics relevant to contemporary issues in politics, governance, and international relations, providing a holistic understanding of these subjects.
3. Scoring Potential: With proper guidance and preparation, PSIR has the potential for high scores due to its structured syllabus and conceptual nature.
4. Relevance to Current Affairs: PSIR is closely related to current events, making it easier to stay updated and connect theoretical concepts with real-world situations.
5. Interdisciplinary Approach: PSIR incorporates elements from political science, international relations, sociology, and other disciplines, fostering a multidimensional understanding of societal dynamics.
6. Analytical Skills Development: Studying PSIR enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for both the exam and administrative roles.
7. Interest Alignment: Candidates with a genuine interest in political affairs, governance, and global issues find PSIR intellectually stimulating and engaging.
8. Resource Availability: Ample study material, coaching, and guidance are available for PSIR, facilitating effective preparation.

The following are the special features of our PSIR optional classroom programme:

• Our aim is to provide a ONE STOP SOLUTION for students for optional preparation.
• Strategic Classroom Preparation with special focus on Conceptual clarity and understanding of trends and issues.
• FOCUS ON LUCID EXPLANATION INSTEAD OF MERE DICTATION with "Exam Focused Approach" that will inculcate in students the competency to deal with the unexpected questions.
• Concise, Well-researched and Exam ready study material on each and every topic. 
• Comprehensive and timely coverage of syllabus
• We focus on inter-linkages among both optional papers, Paper I and II.
• Personalised Guidance and Mentorship for the benefit of students, especially from non-political science backgrounds.
• Interactive class to bring out the best in student
• Holistic Training in the Art of Answer Writing to improve Writing Skills with precision and brevity. Regular answer writing practice for students.
• Classroom Sessions of 2.5 hours daily, six days a week, total 300+ hours of Classroom Teaching and Discussions.
• Updated Extracts from Journals, Newspapers and Magazines relevant to dynamic portions of the syllabus, especially the IGP & IR sections.

What is the success rate in UPSC with an optional subject of political science?

As per the UPSC Annual report 2021-22, Political Science & International Relations was the most preferred subject among the optional subjects chosen by the candidates, followed by Geography and Sociology. In the 2020 Main examination, 1863 wrote the Main exam with PSIR optional with 154 candidates being recommended in the final list which is the highest among all optionals. The success rate was 8.3%. This trend has persisted over the past several years.

Is political science a scoring subject for UPSC?

PSIR is the best performing optional in the changed scenario with Predictability in Question Pattern. One can score 60 to 70 percent of 750 Marks in Main Examination (PSIR + Essay) with basic understanding of PSIR. Besides, PSIR is helpful in Prelims as well as Personality Test/Interview.