PSIR Optional Strategy for UPSC Mains 2024
Candidates must follow the expert-recommended PSIR optional strategy to score well in this paper. Read on for the PSIR optional strategy for UPSC Mains 2024.
Deeksha Dixit24 Jul, 2024
Share
PSIR Optional Strategy: Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) remains one of the most preferred optional subjects among UPSC aspirants due to its relevance to the General Studies papers and its comprehensive syllabus.
As the UPSC Mains 2024 approaches, crafting a strategic approach to PSIR is crucial for success. Here’s a detailed strategy to navigate through the PSIR optional effectively and score like toppers.Understanding the PSIR Syllabus for UPSC Mains
The PSIR optional syllabus overlaps significantly with GS papers, particularly in areas like International Relations (IR), Indian Polity, and Ethics. This overlap provides PSIR candidates with a competitive edge as they can leverage their knowledge across different sections of the Mains. PSIR optional consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.- Paper 1 is further divided into Section A (Western Political Thought, Indian Political Thought, Ideologies, Political Theory) and Section B (Indian Government and Politics, Social Issues, Modern India, Internal Security).
- Paper 2 includes Section A (Theories of International Relations, Comparative Politics) and Section B (India and the World).
Crafting a Comprehensive Study Plan
Once you understand the syllabus, create a dedicated PSIR Study Plan for UPSC Mains. Creating a structured study plan is crucial for success. Creating a structured study plan is crucial for success, as it helps you organize your study material, allocate time effectively, and track your progress. Develop a study timetable that balances PSIR preparation with other GS papers. Allocate dedicated time slots for PSIR answer writing practice, theory revision, and current affairs updates. Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your study plan. For example:- Short-term Goals: Complete reading one topic per week.
- Long-term Goals: Master all PSIR topics before the UPSC Mains exam and attempt at least 10 mock tests.
PSIR Books for UPSC Mains
The next step is to choose the right PSIR Books for UPSC Mains that help you cover the syllabus. The PSIR Optional strategy requires candidates to stick to the topper-recommended PSIR books and study material provided by PW OnlyIAS. Here is the list of PSIR optional books for Mains:| Paper 1 Books | Paper 2 Books |
| Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers by M. P. Singh and Himanshu Roy | IGNOU Political Science and International Relations Booklets |
| An Introduction to Political Theory by O.P Gauba | International Relations by McGraw Hill Education |
| A History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx by Subrata Mukherjee and Sushila Ramaswamy. | Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview by Harsh Pant |
| Modern Indian Political Thought: Text and Context by Bidyut Chakrabarty and Rajendra Kumar Pandey. | The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations by John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens |
| Rethinking Public Institutions in India by P.B. Mehta, Devesh Kapur, and Milan Vaishnav | Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches by Georg Sorenson and Robert Jackson |
Focus Conceptual Clarity in PSIR
For UPSC Mains, focus on conceptual clarity in the PSIR Optional subject. Understand key theories, ideologies, and their practical applications to frame insightful answers. The PSIR Optional Strategy emphasizes in-depth study of core concepts and regular revision. Analyze previous year question papers (PYQs) from 2013 onwards to understand question trends and align study efforts effectively. Avoid the temptation to read multiple sources. Revise the chosen materials multiple times to reinforce understanding. This approach strengthens fundamental knowledge and enhances the ability to tackle diverse questions confidently.Join PW UPSC PSIR Optional Course
Enroll in the UPSC PSIR Optional Course by PW OnlyIAS for specialized coaching and mentorship. Our experienced faculty will provide insights into nuanced topics and help clarify doubts for dedicated preparation. Take advantage of the personal mentorship offered by PW experts and be regular in the class for timely syllabus coverage and parallel revision. This can significantly enhance your understanding of complex topics and improve your overall exam preparedness.Practice With PSIR Optional Test Series
Once the syllabus is completed enroll in a rigorous PSIR test series. Those who join the PSIR optional batch will be offered weekly and monthly test series integrated into the batch itself. The test series helps in refining answer writing skills, improving time management, and familiarizing with the exam pattern. Actively seek feedback on your test series performances. Identify strengths and weaknesses in your answers and work towards continuous improvement. Utilize model answers provided by experts to understand the expected standards.PSIR Optional Strategy: Mistakes to Avoid
An effective PSIR Optional Strategy for UPSC Mains 2024 hinges on a thorough understanding of the syllabus, a well-structured study plan, and the right resources. Candidates should avoid making any mistake that can cost them precious marks in the PSIR optional:- Neglecting Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and ‘PW OnlyIAS current affairs’ to stay updated.
- Ignoring Interlinking of Topics: Relate concepts across different papers for a holistic understanding.
- Over-relying on Books: Incorporate diverse sources such as government magazines to broaden your knowledge.
- Rote Memorization: Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
- Poor Time Management: Allocate time effectively for revision and answer writing practice.
- Last-minute Cramming: Maintain a consistent study schedule to avoid cramming.
- Unbalanced Preparation: Study both Paper I and Paper II equally to cover the entire syllabus.
- Lack of Practice: Regularly practice with previous years' question papers and mock tests to improve.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains Answer Sheet | Newspaper for UPSC | UPSC Books |
| UPSC Study Material | Polity Syllabus | UPSC Course |
PSIR Optional Strategy FAQs
Can I complete PSIR optional in 3 months?
Completing PSIR optional in 3 months is challenging but possible with a focused and dedicated study plan, prioritizing key topics, and regular revisions.
How to start preparing for PSIR Optional?
Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus, selecting standard books, and creating a detailed study plan that includes regular revisions and answer writing practice.
How to make PSIR optional strategy for UPSC Mains 2024?
Develop a structured study plan, focus on conceptual clarity, integrate current affairs, analyze previous year questions, and practice regularly with mock tests and test series.
How much time will it take to complete the PSIR Optional syllabus?
Typically, it takes 6-8 months of consistent study to comprehensively cover the PSIR syllabus, including regular revisions and practice sessions.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
