UPSC Political Science Optional Syllabus

 

UPSC Political Science Syllabus- Download Political Science And International Relations Optional Syllabus

The UPSC allows a choice of optional subjects out of a list of 48 subjects. Of these, a few optional subjects have a large overlap with the syllabus for General Studies. IAS Exam has three stages- Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. UPSC Mains Examination has nine papers including two papers of optional subject. UPSC Political Science and International Relations is a subject given in the list of Optional Subjects.

In this article, we will provide a detailed UPSC CSE Syllabus for Political Science.

Political Science Optional Syllabus For UPSC

PSIR, as it is commonly known, is one subject for which a huge amount of study material is available. The syllabus consists of topics related to the freedom struggle and Indian politics, the Constitution of India, the international economic system and trade, international organisations, India’s foreign policy and peacekeeping among others. These topics are also part of the General Studies syllabus.

For details on similar optional subjects syllabus, check the linked article.

Please refer to UPSC Mains article to understand the civil services examination.

UPSC Political Science Syllabus PDF:- Download PDF Here

Syllabus of Political Science for UPSC

Political Science Optional consists of 2 papers (Paper I and Paper II) in UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks.

Find below the civil service exam Political Science syllabus:

Political Science Mains Syllabus (Paper I):

Candidates targeting UPSC 2023, may check the linked article.

Political Science Mains Syllabus (Paper II):

The PSIR syllabus is very useful even after clearing the IAS exam as a large number of concepts can be used while working in the government. Apart from this, many candidates would find political science very interesting as it helps them clear the UPSC IAS Exam.

The optional paper is suitable for candidates from varied backgrounds ranging from international trade specialists, management consultants, teachers and so on. IAS aspirants should integrate their preparation for PSIR with General Studies to be able to grasp all the concepts and secure a high rank in the UPSC exam.

Political Science has been one of the most common choice of many UPSC toppers in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions about UPSC Political Science Syllabus

What are the topics in political science for UPSC?

The syllabus consists of topics related to the freedom struggle and Indian politics, the Constitution of India, the international economic system and trade, international organisations, India’s foreign policy and peacekeeping among others.

What is the success rate of political science in UPSC?

As per the data given by the UPSC annual reports, 1246 candidates had opted for political science as their optional in the 2017 civil services mains exam. Out of this number, 117 candidates were recommended revealing a success rate of 9.4% for that year.

Is political science optional tough?

There is perception among aspirants that PSIR is one of the toughest optional papers. There is no easy or tough optional subject. It all about your interests in the subject and sometimes your background like your graduation.

What are some important books to cover UPSC Political Science Syllabus?

Some important Political Science books for IAS exam are:

• An introduction to Political Theory-  O.P. Gauba
• An introduction to Constitution- D.D. Basu
• Indian Polity – Laxmikanth
• A History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx – Mukherjee and Sushila Ramaswamy
• Does the Elephant Dance? – David Malone
• India’s Foreign Policy – V.P. Dutt
• Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy- Rajiv Sikri

What is the benefit of taking political science optional in UPSC?

Political Science equips students with an understanding of the political institutions and laws that govern all businesses function. It also sharpens students’ understanding of organizational dynamics and human relations, and hones their writing, communication, and statistical skills.

Is political science a scoring optional for UPSC?

Political Science and International Relations OR PSIR is a popular optional subject and one that many toppers have chosen in UPSC Mains Exam but cautious analysis is required before taking it up as an optional because what is beneficial for one might be detrimental to another.

How to prepare for Political Science in UPSC exam?

The Political science optional subject is a General study friendly subject. The Paper I of political science deal with the Political Theory and Indian Politics. Paper-II deals with Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics. Hence, only a good conceptual clarity can help you write precise and lucid answers for this paper, helping you score better.

To get the list of optional subjects along with their syllabus, check the UPSC Current Affairs given in the linked article.