Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is often considered one of the best optional subjects for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam due to several reasons and stand out as a favored optional subject for UPSC for several compelling reasons:
Take Syllabus of Political Science and General Studies side by side then you will deduce the following Conclusions
A. Extensive coverage in General Studies (GS):
- Over 50% of the GS syllabus overlaps with Political Science and IR, making it advantageous for aspirants to opt for this subject.
- GS Paper 1 includes 8 out of 12 topics, covering Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
- GS Paper 2 is entirely covered by Political Science, addressing Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
- Key topics in GS Paper3… such as 8,17,19 and 20 out of Twenty topics (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
- GS Paper 4 (Topic 1 of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) are also addressed within PSIR syllabus.
B. Essay Writing:
- At least one essay in the UPSC mains examination often pertains to Political Science and IR, providing candidates with an advantage if they have a deep understanding of the subject.
C. Interview Preparation:
- The interview stage of the UPSC examination primarily focuses on current national and international affairs, areas that are integral to PSIR studies. Thus, candidates with this optional subject tend to perform well during the interview process.
Thus, all the civil services aspirants will have to study at least 70% Syllabus of Political Science - D. Track Record of Success:
- Analyzing the past ten years of final selections, it’s evident that around 15% of successful candidates have opted for PSIR as their optional subject.
Notable toppers like Tina Dabi (2015) and Ishita Kishore (2022) have demonstrated the effectiveness of choosing PSIR as an optional subject because-
- Scoring Potential: PSIR is known for its relatively high scoring potential. The syllabus is well-defined and structured, and the questions asked in the exam are usually straightforward, allowing candidates to score well with diligent preparation.
- Overlap with General Studies (GS): The subject matter of PSIR overlaps significantly with the GS papers of the UPSC exam, especially in areas such as Indian polity, international relations, governance, and current affairs. This overlap can make preparation more manageable for candidates who have already studied these topics for the GS papers.
- Availability of Study Material: There is a wealth of study material available for Political Science and IR, including textbooks, reference books, online resources, and coaching materials. This abundance of resources can make it easier for candidates to find quality study material and prepare effectively for the exam.
- Relevance: PSIR are highly relevant subjects in the context of civil services and governance. Understanding political systems, government policies, international relations, and global affairs is crucial for civil servants who are expected to navigate complex political landscapes and make informed decisions.
- Interest Factor: Many candidates find PSIR to be inherently interesting and engaging subjects. For those with a genuine interest in politics, governance,
and international affairs, studying PSIR can be both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. - Utility Beyond UPSC: The knowledge and skills gained from studying PSIR are not only valuable for the UPSC exam but also have practical applications in various fields such as diplomacy, public policy, journalism, academia, and international organizations.
- Interdisciplinary Nature: PSIR draw from various disciplines such as history, sociology, economics, and law. This interdisciplinary approach allows candidates to develop a holistic understanding of political processes, governance structures, and international dynamics, which is beneficial for both the exam and broader knowledge acquisition.
- Analytical Skills: Studying PSIR hones analytical and critical thinking skills. Candidates learn to evaluate political theories, analyze policy issues, and assess international events from multiple perspectives. These analytical skills are essential for answering UPSC exam questions effectively and for excelling in the civil services.
- Dynamic Syllabus: The syllabus for PSIR is dynamic and evolves with contemporary developments in politics and international relations. This makes the subject inherently relevant and ensures that candidates stay updated with current affairs, global trends, and emerging issues, which is crucial for success in the UPSC exam.
- Essay Paper Preparation: PSIR provides a strong foundation for preparing the essay paper in the UPSC mains exam. Candidates can draw upon their knowledge of political theories, governance models, and international affairs to construct well-structured essays on a wide range of topics, thereby enhancing their performance in this crucial paper.
- Optional Subject Availability: PSIR is widely available as an optional subject in both offline and online coaching institutes, making it accessible to candidates across different regions. This availability of coaching support and guidance can be advantageous for candidates seeking expert assistance in their exam preparation.
- Success Stories: Many successful UPSC aspirants have achieved high ranks by opting for PSIR as their optional subject. Learning from the strategies
and experiences of these toppers can provide valuable insights and inspiration for future aspirants considering the same optional. - Language Flexibility: PSIR is offered in both English and Hindi mediums, catering to candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This language flexibility ensures that candidates can choose the medium that they are most comfortable with, thereby facilitating better comprehension and expression in the exam.
In essence, opting for PSIR as an optional subject for the UPSC examination offers a strategic advantage due to its extensive coverage in the GS syllabus, relevance to essay topics, thorough preparation for interviews, and a proven track record of success among candidates.
While PSIR may not be the best optional for everyone, it certainly offers several advantages for candidates who are interested in the subject and willing to put in the effort to prepare thoroughly. Ultimately, the choice of optional subject should align with the candidate’s interests, strengths, and overall exam strategy.
