UPSC Mains Political Science and International Relations Optional Question Paper 2026 Out: Download PDF

UPSC Mains Political Science and International Relations Optional Question Paper 2026: The UPSC Mains Political Science and International Relations exam was conducted 30 August 2026. Political Science and International Relations is one of the optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. Together, the two papers carry 500 marks. UPSC Mains Political Science and International Relations Optional Question Paper 2026 can help candidates understand the type and level of questions asked in the examination.

UPSC Political Science and International Relations Optional Paper 2026 Overview

UPSC Political Science and International Relations Optional Paper 2026 consists of two papers based on the prescribed UPSC syllabus. Both papers are descriptive in nature and carry equal marks. Candidates can use the question papers to check the questions asked in the examination. They can also use them to practise answer writing, improve time management and find topics that need more revision.

UPSC Political Science and International Relations Optional Paper 2026 Download PDF

The UPSC Mains PSIR Optional Exam 2026 was conducted on 30 August 2026 in two shifts. Paper I was held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and Paper II from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Each paper carries 250 marks.

The PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026 PDFs for Paper I and Paper II are available. Candidates can download both papers from the links given below.

Steps to Download UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026

Candidates can follow the steps to download the UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026. 

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

2. Go to the Examinations or Question Papers section.

3. Find the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 question papers.

4. Look for the Political Science and International Relations optional subject.

5. Select Paper I or Paper II.

6. Click on the PDF link.

7. The question paper PDF will open on the screen.

8. Download and save the PDF for future use.

UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 1

UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 1 carries 250 marks and is conducted for three hours. It covers areas from Political Science, including political theory, political thinkers, Indian government and politics, comparative politics and other topics given in the UPSC syllabus.

Candidates can use Paper I to review how questions are framed from different parts of the syllabus. Practising similar questions can also help improve answer writing skills.

UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2

UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 2 also carries 250 marks and has a duration of three hours. It focuses on International Relations and India's role in world affairs, along with other topics included in the prescribed syllabus.

Paper II can help candidates understand questions related to international relations, India's foreign policy and India's relations with other countries and global organisations.

UPSC PSIR Paper-Wise Details

The Political Science and International Relations optional subject has a total of 500 marks. Both papers carry 250 marks each.

How Can Candidates Use the UPSC PSIR Question Paper 2026?

Solving the UPSC PSIR question paper can help candidates to know the level of questions and the pattern asked in the actual paper. Practice is one of the key ways for the UPSC aspirants to improve the answer writing skills to face the mains examination. 

• Understand the questions: It shows the type of questions asked in the examination.

• Check the paper level: Candidates can understand whether the questions were easy, moderate or difficult.

• Practise answer writing: The papers can be used to practise writing answers within the given time.

• Find important topics: Candidates can identify topics that are asked from the syllabus.

• Improve time management: Solving the paper in three hours can help improve speed.

• Review preparation: Candidates can compare the questions with their preparation and identify areas that need more revision.