PSIR Optional Syllabus – UPSC Political Science Optional Syllabus PDF
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
PSIR Optional Syllabus primarily deals with the study of political systems, political theories, and political institutions. Political Science and International Relations is one of the most popular UPSC optional because it overlaps with the GS syllabus. Candidates who plan to opt for PSIR Optional must go through the detailed PSIR Optional Syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to understand the topics included in it. For a structured and planned preparation, candidates can also keep a copy of the PSIR Optional Syllabus PDF.
The Political Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC encompasses a vast array of topics ranging from political ideologies, international relations, comparative politics, and Indian politics. In this article, we will delve into the PSIR Optional Syllabus for UPSC, highlighting key topics, strategies for preparation, and important resources to aid candidates in their journey toward success in the Civil Services Examination.
Table of content
PSIR Optional Syllabus
The Political Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC is divided into two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. As per the UPSC Exam Pattern, each paper is of 250 marks and is descriptive in nature. The topics covered in the PSIR Optional Syllabus are extremely beneficial even after passing the IAS Exam since a significant number of topics may be applied to your job.
| Political Science Papers | Sub-Topics |
| Paper 1 | Section A: Political Theory and Indian Politics, Section B: Indian Government and Politics |
| Paper 2 | Section A: Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics, Section B: India and the World |
PSIR Optional Syllabus PDF
Aspiring civil servants may find the UPSC political science syllabus daunting at first glance, given its vastness. However, it is also one of the most informative and indispensable subjects for anyone seeking a career in civil services. The PSIR covers the law of the land, ideas, and concepts that underpin any government or state, as well as Indian nationalism and international order. Due to its non-technical character, GS Polity may readily be included in the preparation.
Political Science Optional Syllabus PDF
Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the UPSC political science optional syllabus at their table, so they don’t miss any topic during their preparation. Above we have provided a copy of the PSIR syllabus in PDF format that would come in handy during the preparation.
PSIR Optional Syllabus Paper 1
Paper 1 of the PSIR Syllabus is divided into two parts. The first part includes all the political theories and ideologies. The second deals with Indian polity and nationalism.
UPSC Political Science Syllabus Paper 1- Section A
PSIR Syllabus Paper 1- Section B
PSIR Optional Syllabus Paper 2
Paper 2 is divided into two sections- Section-A and Section B. Section A comprises comparative political analysis and international politics, and Section B deals with topics related to India and the world. Paper 2 of the PSIR Optional Syllabus must be covered along with current affairs as it includes topics such as international relations and politics.
PSIR Syllabus Paper 2- Section A
UPSC Political Science Optional Syllabus Paper 2- Section B
How to Prepare Political Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC?
As you may have seen, the political science optional syllabus is divided into two parts. And each section has two parts. Understand how to prepare for each of the following topics for the UPSC exam.
PSIR Optional Syllabus Paper 1 Preparation Strategy:
- Focus on completing the static part of the program.
- Then, review it several times to solidify your understanding of this section.
You can refer to the following resources to complete this section of the UPSC political science syllabus:
- Political Thoughts of O.P. Gauba
- Political Thoughts of India: V R Mehta
- Western Political Thought:
- Brian Nelson (excellent book)
This section of the UPSC PSIR Syllabus overlaps significantly with GS I and II. Good command over current affairs is also needed to crack this section. You can refer to the following resources:
- Indian National Movement – Bipin Chandra + Spectrum
- Indian Polity – B. L. Fadia (Very selective) + Laxmikanth
Preparation Strategy for PSIR Optional Syllabus Paper 2 Section A: This part is a combination of dynamic and static topics. Candidates can also refer to the detailed PSIR optional strategy for a better preparation plan. For static topics, you can refer to the IGNOU Notes. However, be extremely selective while reading IGNOU notes. You do not need to read cover to cover. Read as per the demand of the UPSC political science optional syllabus.
PSIR Syllabus Preparation Strategy for Paper 2 Section B: This part is heavily dependent on current affairs. Questions are generally asked on the current topics. Therefore, make sure you are familiar with current affairs.
Best Books for PSIR Optional Syllabus
Refer to the booklist mentioned below to ensure that you complete the Political Science Optional in a comprehensive manner. The international relations UPSC syllabus requires continuous preparation of current affairs and books. It is essential to understand and correlate current events with theories. It is advisable to look at UPSC Previous Year Question Papers from at least the last 5 years to understand the nature of the issues and the depth of the topic to be read. This will help you determine how much and how long you need to invest in the option.
| Sections of the PSIR Syllabus | Book Name |
| Political Theory | Brian Nelson, Western Political Thought by Subrata Mukherjee and Sushila Ramaswamy |
| Section B: Indian Government and Politics | A Brief History of Modern India Spectrum Book |
| Indian Constitution | DD Basu’ Indian Constitution |
| Indian Politics | The Oxford Companion to Politics in India by Bhanu Mehta |
| Indian Thinkers | V.R. Mehta |
| Comparative Politics | J. C. Johari Book on Comparative Politics Book by |
| Theory of International Politics | The Globalization of World Politics Book by John Baylis, Patricia Owens, and Steve Smith |
| World Political Issues | Global Politics by Andrew Heywood |
| India and the World | The Oxford Handbook of Indian Foreign Policy edited by C.Rajamohan |
