BPSC Political Science and International Relations Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Syllabus
Aarti .16 Jul, 2026
BPSC Political Science and International Relations Syllabus 2026 is suitable for candidates who have chosen Political Science and International Relations as their optional subject in the BPSC Mains Examination. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects of political science, helping you understand how political systems function, how governments operate, and how countries engage with one another in the international arena.
The syllabus includes a broad range of topics, including political theory, comparative politics, the Indian political system, constitutional governance, foreign policy, diplomacy, international organisations, and global affairs.
BPSC Political Science and International Relations Syllabus 2026 (Section-wise)
The optional syllabus is divided into two comprehensive sections, each covering a distinct area of Political Science and International Relations. The first section helps you understand political thought, governance, and the functioning of democratic institutions, whereas the second section explores international politics, foreign policy, and contemporary global developments. Together, these sections provide a complete understanding of both domestic and international political processes.
Section I: Political Theory, Comparative Politics and Indian Political System
Section I introduces the fundamental concepts of Political Science and examines the evolution of political thought from ancient to modern times. It also focuses on comparative politics, political institutions, constitutional development, and the structure and functioning of the Indian political system.
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BPSC Political Science and International Relations Section I |
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Topic |
Key Areas Covered |
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Political Theory |
Ancient Indian political thought (Manu and Kautilya), Greek political thought (Plato and Aristotle), medieval political philosophy, and contributions of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Bentham, J.S. Mill, T.H. Green, Hegel, Marx, Lenin, and Mao Tse-tung |
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Political Science |
Nature and scope of Political Science, development of the discipline, traditional and contemporary approaches, behaviouralism, post-behaviouralism, systems theory, and Marxist approach |
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State and Sovereignty |
Evolution of the modern state, sovereignty, monistic and pluralistic theories, power, authority, and legitimacy |
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Political Concepts |
Political obligation, rights, liberty, equality, justice, resistance, revolution, and democratic theory |
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Political Ideologies |
Liberalism, Democratic Socialism, Fabian Socialism, Marxism, and Fascism |
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Comparative Politics |
Traditional and structural-functional approaches, comparative political analysis |
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Political Institutions |
Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, political parties, pressure groups, bureaucracy, electoral systems, Weber's theory of bureaucracy, Michels, Lenin, and Duverger's theories |
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Political Processes |
Political socialisation, political communication, political modernisation, and constitutional issues in Afro-Asian societies |
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Indian Political System |
Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Parliament, Cabinet, Judiciary, Judicial Review, federalism, Centre-State relations, Governor, Panchayati Raj, and Panchayati Raj in Bihar |
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Indian Politics |
Nationalism, colonialism, Indian political thinkers, caste and class in politics, regionalism, communalism, secularism, political parties, planning, development administration, and socio-economic changes |
Section II: International Relations and Global Politics
Section II focuses on the principles and practice of international relations. It covers global political theories, foreign policy, international organisations, diplomacy, regional cooperation, international law, and India's role in world affairs.
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BPSC Political Science and International Relations Section II |
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Topic |
Key Areas Covered |
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International Relations |
Nature of the sovereign state system, concepts of power, national interest, balance of power, and power vacuum |
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International Political Theories |
Realist theory, systems theory, decision-making approach, and theories of international politics |
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Foreign Policy |
Determinants of foreign policy, ideology, national interest, elements of national power, alliances, imperialism, non-alignment, isolationism, and balance of power |
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Cold War and Global Politics |
Origin and evolution of the Cold War, new Cold War, decolonisation, neo-colonialism, racialism, and Afro-Asian resurgence |
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International Economy |
International economic order, foreign aid, trade, economic development, natural resources, and energy crisis |
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International Law and Organisations |
International law, International Court of Justice, United Nations, specialised agencies, and their role in global governance |
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Regional Organisations |
ASEAN, Arab League, OAS, OAU, EEC, and their contribution to regional cooperation |
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Security and Diplomacy |
Arms race, nuclear disarmament, arms control, diplomatic theory, diplomatic practice, and external intervention |
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Contemporary Global Issues |
Nuclear energy, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Indian Ocean as a Peace Zone, West Asia conflict, South Asian cooperation, North-South Dialogue, and Third World issues |
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India's Foreign Policy |
India's relations with major powers, neighbouring countries, South-East Asia, Africa, economic diplomacy, and India's nuclear policy |
Related Resources
BPSC Political Science and International Relations Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What are the main sections of the BPSC Political Science and International Relations syllabus?
Does the syllabus include the Indian Constitution and political thinkers?
Which topics are covered under International Relations?
How should you prepare for the BPSC Political Science and International Relations optional paper?
