Choosing PSIR as Optional: Pros and Cons
Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is a popular optional subject among UPSC aspirants. Its interdisciplinary nature, relevance to General Studies papers, and the opportunity to engage with global and national political issues make it a compelling choice. However, selecting PSIR as an optional requires careful consideration of its advantages and challenges.
This blog will provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of choosing PSIR as Optional, along with tips, strategies, and resources to excel in this subject.
Why Consider PSIR as Optional?
1. Overlap with General Studies
- PSIR extensively overlaps with GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, and International Relations) and GS Paper 4 (Ethics).
2. Relevance to Current Affairs
- The subject provides tools to analyze contemporary political and international issues, aiding essay and interview preparation.
3. Scoring Potential
- Well-structured answers with clarity and depth can yield high scores, making PSIR as Optional a viable choice for aspirants.
4. Engaging and Dynamic Content
- Topics like political ideologies, theories of state, and India’s foreign policy offer intellectual stimulation.
5. Benefits for Aspirants with Humanities Background
- Students from Political Science, Law, or International Relations backgrounds find it easier to grasp the subject.
Pros of Choosing PSIR as Optional
1. Overlap with GS Papers
- A significant portion of PSIR aligns with the UPSC syllabus:
- GS Paper 2: Polity and International Relations.
- GS Paper 4: Ethics, with topics like political ideologies.
Example:
- Studying India’s foreign policy under PSIR covers GS topics like India-China relations or multilateralism.
2. Aid in Essay and Interview
- The analytical skills developed in PSIR help in crafting balanced essays and answering opinion-based questions in interviews.
3. Concise and Manageable Syllabus
- The syllabus is shorter compared to subjects like History or Anthropology, allowing ample time for revision.
4. Applicability in Real-World Scenarios
- Understanding political ideologies, governance, and international relations enhances your awareness of global events.
5. Well-Defined Concepts
- PSIR’s theoretical framework is robust, with clear thinkers and schools of thought.
Cons of Choosing PSIR as Optional
1. Heavy Reading Requirement
- Topics like International Relations require extensive reading and regular updates from newspapers, journals, and reports.
2. Demanding Analytical Skills
- Writing answers for PSIR demands the ability to analyze political and global developments critically.
3. Limited Background Support for Non-Humanities Students
- Aspirants without a background in humanities may take time to grasp political science theories and concepts.
4. Dynamic Nature of International Relations
- IR topics are highly dynamic, requiring consistent monitoring of global events and trends.
5. High Competition
- The popularity of PSIR as Optional means many aspirants opt for it, increasing competition.
Strategies to Excel in PSIR as Optional
1. Master the Syllabus
- Divide the syllabus into Political Science (theory) and International Relations (applications).
Example:
- For political theory, focus on thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Marx.
- For IR, cover India’s relations with neighboring countries and key global issues.
2. Use Standard Books
- Paper 1:
- An Introduction to Political Theory by O.P. Gauba.
- A History of Political Thought by J.P. Suda.
- Paper 2:
- India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri.
- International Relations by Andrew Heywood.
3. Integrate Current Affairs
- Relate theoretical concepts to recent events.
Example:
- Use the Russia-Ukraine conflict to explain the realist approach in International Relations.
4. Write Analytical Answers
- Structure your answers with clear introductions, main arguments, and conclusions.
5. Focus on Thinkers
- Reference thinkers like John Rawls, Machiavelli, or Gandhi to support arguments.
6. Practice Diagrams and Flowcharts
- Use diagrams to illustrate concepts like separation of powers or global power structures.
7. Attempt Mock Tests
- Regularly practice mock tests to refine your answer-writing skills.
Enroll in:
UPSC Optional Mock Tests.
Resources for PSIR Preparation
1. SleepyClasses
- PSIR Optional Course: Comprehensive notes, video lectures, and mock tests tailored for PSIR aspirants.
2. Reports and Data
- Economic Survey: Insights into governance and development.
- UN and World Bank Reports: Data for global issues.
3. Online Platforms
- Wikipedia: Foundational knowledge on political theories and international relations.
- PRS India: Updates on Indian governance and policies.
- PIB: Government schemes and foreign policy updates.
4. Journals and Periodicals
- EPW (Economic and Political Weekly): Analytical articles on politics and society.
- The Hindu and Indian Express: Daily coverage of international and national events.
5. Additional Resources
- The Globalization of World Politics by John Baylis and Steve Smith.
- International Politics by V.N. Khanna.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Answer Writing
- Regular practice is crucial to mastering analytical answers.
2. Overloading with Current Affairs
- Focus on quality over quantity when integrating examples.
3. Skipping Thinkers
- Reference to political thinkers is essential for high-scoring answers.
4. Lack of Revision
- Consolidate notes and revise regularly to retain concepts.
Sample Study Plan
Week 1–2: Paper 1 (Political Theory)
- Focus on thinkers, ideologies, and governance.
Week 3: Paper 2 (International Relations)
- Cover India’s foreign policy and global issues.
Week 4: Revision and Practice
- Write model answers and solve previous year questions.
Conclusion
Choosing PSIR as Optional offers a blend of theoretical depth and real-world applicability, making it a strategic choice for UPSC aspirants. While it demands consistent effort, the overlap with GS papers and its relevance to current affairs make it a rewarding option.
Leverage resources like the PSIR Optional Course and curated books to streamline your preparation. With focused effort and the right strategy, you can excel in PSIR and boost your overall score.
Good luck with your UPSC journey!
