Best Online Coaching for Political Science in India

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India's most prestigious examinations. It gives you name, fame, power, prestige, reputation and plenty of scope to do something for the society and nation as a whole. At the same time, it is most difficult examination not only of India but all over the world. It is also known as steel frame of the nation and the person whose brain can be trusted. 

Every year, lakhs of aspirants dream of becoming IAS officers, but only a handful make it. A crucial part of this journey is choosing the right optional subject, and for many, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) stands out. It's a popular choice due to its overlap with General Studies papers and its dynamic nature.

However, acing PSIR requires deep understanding and proper guidance. This is where online coaching comes into play, offering flexibility and accessibility. Among the various institutions, Destination IAS Academy has carved a niche for itself as a leading choice for online Political Science optional coaching in India.

If you select political science as your optional subject then you will get the following advantages:

- All civil services aspirants will have to study at least 70% of the syllabus of Political Science even if their optional is different because   Political Science covers more than 50%. of GS syllabus:

- Eight out of the twelve topics of paper seconds (Indian Heritage and Culture. History and Geography of World and Society).

- Complete Paper III (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

- Topic numbers 8,17,19 and 20 of Paper IV (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management).

- Topic number 1 of paper fifth (Ethics, integrity and competency).

- Usually, one or two topics of essay is related to PSIR

- Interviews which mainly cover current national and international affairs are an integral part of Political Science.

In the preliminary examination, polity, governance, constitution, international relation, international economic and political organizations, freedom struggle, post-independence and Indian political thought covers more than 30 question out of 100.

Note: If you analyze the final result of UPSC(CSE) more than 12% final selection is  from PSIR. If you  analyze optional subject of toppers during last 10 years then more than 33%  toppers opted PSIR as their optional subject viz.  topper of 2015( Tina Dabi ), 2022- (Ishita Kishore ), 2024 ( Ist Topper Shakti Dubey and 2nd topper Harshita Goyal)

The Rise of Online Coaching

In today's fast-paced world, online coaching has become a game-changer for UPSC aspirants, especially for those who cannot relocate to coaching hubs like Delhi or who prefer the flexibility of studying from home. Online platforms offer:

Flexibility: Students can attend live classes or watch recorded lectures at their convenience, fitting their study schedule around other commitments.

Accessibility: High-quality coaching, once limited to big cities, is now available to aspirants across the country, regardless of their geographical location.

Cost-Effectiveness: Online courses often come at a more affordable price point compared to traditional offline coaching, reducing the overall financial burden.

Resource Availability: Online platforms typically provide comprehensive study materials, notes, test series, and doubt-clearing sessions, all accessible digitally.

Destination IAS Academy: A Deep Dive into its Online PSIR Coaching

Destination IAS Academy has built a strong reputation over the years, particularly for its Political Science and General Studies coaching. When it comes to online PSIR optional, here's what makes it a top contender:

1. Expert Faculty and Focused Approach: One of the biggest strengths of Destination IAS Academy, particularly for PSIR, is its experienced faculty. Mr. Kailash Mishra, the director and a key faculty member, is widely praised by students for his in-depth knowledge of Political Science. Reviews consistently highlight his ability to explain complex topics in a clear, understandable manner. This is crucial for PSIR, which often involves intricate theories and concepts. The academy's approach emphasizes understanding fundamentals, linking current affairs with static portions, and building strong analytical skills.

2. Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage: The online PSIR program at Destination IAS Academy aims to cover the entire UPSC syllabus for the optional subject thoroughly. This means addressing both Paper I (Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics) and Paper II (Comparative Politics and International Relations). The curriculum is designed to ensure no topic is left untouched, providing students with a complete understanding needed to tackle any question in the exam.

3. Emphasis on Answer Writing and Evaluation: For PSIR, merely knowing the content isn't enough; presenting it well in the Mains examination is key. Destination IAS Academy places a strong emphasis on answer writing practice. Their online program includes regular class tests and dedicated sessions for answer evaluation. The faculty provides detailed feedback, helping students understand their strengths and weaknesses, improve their structuring, and incorporate relevant examples and contemporary insights. This personalized feedback is invaluable for improving scores.

4. Quality Study Material: Students often look for well-researched and easy-to-understand study materials. Destination IAS Academy provides comprehensive notes and handouts that are curated by expert faculty. These materials are designed to be exam-oriented, concise, and updated, ensuring students have access to all necessary information without getting overwhelmed. The emphasis on self-note making is also encouraged, which aids in better retention and personal understanding.

5. Interactive Learning Environment (Even Online): While online learning can sometimes feel isolating, Destination IAS Academy strives to create an interactive environment. They maintain relatively smaller batch sizes even for online classes, which allows for better one-on-one interaction between students and faculty. Doubt-clearing sessions are a regular feature, ensuring that students can clarify their queries promptly and effectively. This focus on engagement helps replicate the benefits of a physical classroom.

6. Bridging the Gap between Static and Dynamic Portions: Political Science is a subject that demands a strong connection between its theoretical foundations and current developments. Destination IAS Academy's online coaching specifically focuses on how to interlink current affairs with the conventional syllabus. This skill is vital for scoring well, as UPSC questions often require candidates to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary issues. Updates from journals, newspapers, and magazines are integrated into the teaching and study materials.

7. Proven Track Record: While individual success depends on personal effort, the academy's long-standing presence since 1999 and the consistent testimonials from past students indicate a positive track record. Many students credit Destination IAS Academy, and specifically Mr. Kailash Mishra, for their success in the PSIR optional. This history of producing successful candidates instills confidence in new aspirants.

Things to Consider

While Destination IAS Academy offers strong online PSIR coaching, aspirants should also consider:

Technology and Internet Access: Online coaching relies heavily on stable internet connectivity and suitable devices. Students need to ensure they have the necessary setup for a smooth learning experience.

Self-Discipline: Online learning demands a high level of self-discipline and motivation. Without the physical presence of a classroom, students need to be proactive in following the schedule, completing assignments, and participating in discussions.

Demo Classes/Trial Period: It's always a good idea to check if the academy offers demo classes or a trial period to get a feel for their online teaching methodology and faculty before committing to the full course.

Peculiarity of Kailash Mishra / Destination IAS Academy :

to prepare notes by yourself along with notes given by the institute. He believes that spoon feeders never qualify the civil services examination.

- to link theory with current aspects.

- to develop   interdisciplinary approach.

- to write at least one answer every day.

- to maintain consistency and continuity.

- to take   the mock test seriously.

- to analyze previous years’ question so that you   will come to know from where the UPSC will ask questions.

- to analyze the previous year’s questions then you can easily reduce the syllabus.

- to go through one book several times instead of several books once. 

Conclusion

For UPSC aspirants considering Political Science and International Relations as their optional subject, Destination IAS Academy stands out as a strong choice for online coaching in India. Its experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, focus on answer writing, and commitment to student interaction create a robust learning environment. The academy's ability to simplify complex concepts and its emphasis on connecting static knowledge with current affairs make it particularly well-suited for the dynamic nature of the PSIR optional. By offering quality guidance and support, Destination IAS Academy helps aspiring civil servants navigate the challenges of the UPSC CSE and move closer to achieving their dreams.