The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, and it consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims), the Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). The Main Examination includes a set of optional subjects that candidates can choose from, and one of these optional subjects is Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). Here’s an overview of the UPSC CSE optional subject PSIR:
- Syllabus: The PSIR optional subject in UPSC CSE covers a wide range of topics related to political science and international relations. The syllabus includes areas like political theory, comparative politics, Indian politics, international relations, political ideologies, and more. It is a comprehensive subject that requires a deep understanding of political concepts and theories.
- Paper Pattern: The PSIR optional subject consists of two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, each carrying 250 marks. Paper-I focuses on political theory and Indian politics, while Paper-II covers international relations.
- Importance: PSIR is a popular optional subject among UPSC aspirants because it is considered a scoring subject. It has a well-defined syllabus, and if candidates have a good grasp of the subject, they can score well in the optional paper. Additionally, PSIR can be relevant in the General Studies (GS) papers as well, particularly in Paper-II, which covers international relations.
- Study Material: To prepare for PSIR, candidates often rely on a combination of NCERT textbooks, standard reference books, and study materials provided by coaching institutes. Some popular books for PSIR include “Political Theory” by O.P. Gauba, “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth, and “International Relations” by Rajiv Sikri, among others.
- Strategy: It’s important for candidates to have a well-structured study plan and strategy in place when preparing for PSIR. They should focus on understanding core political concepts, theories, and thinkers. Regular revision and answer writing practice are crucial for success in this optional subject.
- Current Affairs: Staying updated with current affairs, especially in the context of international relations, is important as it helps in answering contemporary questions and provides a broader perspective on global issues.
- Answer Writing: Answer writing practice is vital for PSIR as it helps candidates improve their writing skills and effectively convey their knowledge during the exam. Candidates should practice writing essays, short answers, and long answers to questions from previous years’ papers.
- Scoring: Scoring in the PSIR optional subject depends on a candidate’s understanding of the subject matter and their ability to present their knowledge coherently and logically. Clear and concise writing with proper structuring of answers is essential to score well.
In conclusion, the Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional subject in UPSC CSE is a popular choice for aspirants who have an interest and aptitude in political science. It requires dedicated preparation, a strong grasp of concepts, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Success in this optional subject can significantly contribute to a candidate’s overall score in the UPSC CSE Mains examination.
