Your go-to resource for clear, concise Political Science & International Relations notes tailored to the OPSC syllabus. Simplify complex topics like the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis with easy summaries and quick revision guides. Start mastering your optional subject today!
“Decoding the detailed syllabus to identify important areas, repetitions, pattern, and current trend.”
“Choosing the reliable and authoritative study materials,textbooks, live TV debates, research articles, etc. to build a strong foundation”
Decoding the detailed syllabus to identify important areas, repetitions, pattern, and current trend.
“The current developments in the social, political, and legal arena can act as a guiding light for identifying certain exam relevant topics.”
“Download and practice OPSC PSIR Previous Year Questions. Year-wise and topic-wise PYQs with solutions for better preparation and exam strategy.”
“Get complete OPSC PSIR comprehensive notes covering Political Theory, Indian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and India’s Foreign Policy for easy and effective preparation.”
“Concise OPSC PSIR summary with paper-wise key points, important thinkers, concepts, and India’s foreign policy for quick revision.”
Choosing the Optional Subject is one of the most crucial and defining decisions during the UPSC Civil Services Preparation. To make this decision easy and rewarding for you, we are happy to present to you the seminar on how to choose your Optional Subject by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti sir. This video covers the various aspects based on which candidates can choose their Optional Subject in a more scientific and logical manner.
Credit: Video by Dristi IAS on YouTube
Sanskriti Trivedy, AIR 17 in UPSC CSE 2024, is a shining example of clarity, consistency, and self-driven improvement. After securing AIR 352 in CSE 2023 and joining IDAS, she returned with refined strategies and climbed to the top 20 in just one year.
With PSIR as her optional subject, Sanskriti shares her UPSC journey — from setbacks to success — offering actionable strategies for Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
In this edition of Topper’s Talk, she discusses:
▪️ Strategy for Prelims, CSAT, and Mains
▪️ Answer writing and Mains test series approach
▪️ Essay writing methods and key do’s & don’ts
▪️ PSIR Optional preparation and presentation
▪️ How she handled failure and evolved between attempts
▪️ Balancing prep during training and remaining consistent
Credit: Video by Vision IAS on YouTube
Yes. PSIR has good overlap with GS (Polity, IR, Current Affairs). With structured notes + answer writing practice, it’s considered one of the more rewarding optionals.
On average: 4–6 months with 3–4 hours daily. With integrated GS prep, it can be quicker.
Not at all. Many toppers come from engineering, science, commerce backgrounds. The syllabus is manageable if studied systematically.
GS-II: Polity, Governance, IR
GS-I: Political Theory (some thinkers), World History (linkages)
Essay & Ethics: Ideologies, political philosophy Overlap saves a lot of time.
Extremely important. 30–40% of questions are repeated in theme/idea. Practicing PYQs helps predictable preparation.
The Hindu / Indian Express (editorials)
ORF, IDSA, EPW for IR & Policy analysis
RSTV “India’s World,” “Big Picture”
150 words (10 markers) → ~1.5 pages
250 words (15 markers) → ~2.5–3 pages
Structure:
Intro (define / scholar quote)
Body (theory + Indian/World example)
Conclusion (balanced view)s.
Not mandatory. Many toppers succeed with self-study + online resources. Coaching only helps for structure & peer review.
What’s Inside?
Best Books for PSIR Paper 1 & Paper 2 – Essential sources for Political Science & International Relations
Indian & Western Political Thought – Must-read thinkers & theories
Current Affairs Linkage – How to integrate daily news with PSIR
Effective Strategy – Smart study techniques to cover the syllabus efficiently
Notes Making & Answer Writing Tips – How to maximize your score
Master PSIR with the right approach and boost your UPSC rank!.
Credit: Video by SRIRAM's IAS on YouTube.