UPSC PSIR Optional Syllabus

Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of the most popular and rewarding optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). It combines the study of political theory, Indian politics, governance, international affairs, and current global dynamics, making it highly relevant for both Prelims and Mains.

A clear understanding of the PSIR syllabus is the first step toward mastering this optional subject. In this article, we are providing a comprehensive breakdown of the UPSC PSIR syllabus, its structure, strategy, and importance for UPSC aspirants.

Overview of PSIR Optional in UPSC CSE:

• Optional Papers: 2 (Paper I and Paper II)
• Total Marks: 500 (250 marks each)
• Nature: Conceptual + Analytical
• Overlap: topics and sub-topics of this optional paper relates with topics of GS Paper II, GS Paper III (Internal Security), GS Paper IV (Theory & Philosophy, others as example), and Essay Paper.

PSIR is ideal for aspirants with backgrounds in Humanities, Law, Public Administration, or International Relations. But past results have shown that even students from Science or Engineering backgrounds perform well with structured guidance.

PSIR Paper I – Political Theory and Indian Politics:

This paper tests your conceptual understanding of political ideas and theories like Theory of Justice and their application especially in the Indian context. E.g. Linking John Rawls’ Theory of Justice with the Government of India’ Reservation Policy.

SYLLABUS: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

PAPER- I, Part – A:

Political Theory and Indian Politics: 

1. Political Theory: meaning and approaches. 
2. Theories of state: Liberal, Neo-liberal, Marxist, Pluiralist, post-colonial and Feminist. 
3. Justice: Conceptions of justice with special reference to Rawl’s theory of justice and its communitarian critiques.
4. Equality: Social, political and economic; relationship between equality and freedom; Affirmative action. 
5. Rights: Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; Concept of Human Rights.
6. Democracy: Classical and contemporary theories; different models of democracy – representative, participatory and deliberative.
7. Concept of power: hegemony, ideology and legitimacy. 
8. Political Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism, Fascism, Gandhism and Feminism. 
9. Indian Political Thought: Dharamshastra, Arthashastra and Buddhist Traditions; Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Sri Aurobindo, M. K. Gandhi, B. R. Ambedkar, M. N. Roy. 
10. Western Political Thought: Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, John S. Mill, Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt.

PAPER – I, Part – B:

Indian Government and Politics:

1. Indian Nationalism:
   1. Political Strategies of India’s Freedom Struggle: Constitutionalism to mass Satyagraha, Non-cooperation, Civil Disobedience; Militant and Revolutionary Movements, Peasant and Workers Movements. 
   2. Perspectives on Indian National Movement; Liberal, Socialist and Marxist; Radical Humanist and Dalit
2. Making of the Indian Constitution:
   1. Legacies of the British rule; 
   2. different social and political perspectives. 
3. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution:
   1. The Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles; 
   2. Parliamentary System and Amendment Procedures; 
   3. Judicial Review and Basic Structure doctrine.
4. Organs of Government:
   1. Principal Organs of the Union Government: Envisaged role and actual working of the Executive, Legislature and Supreme Court. 
   2. Principal Organs of the State Government: Envisaged role and actual working of the Executive, Legislature and High Courts. 
5. Grassroots Democracy:
   1. Panchayati Raj and Municipal Government; 
   2. Significance of 73rd and 74th Amendments;
   3. Grassroot movements.
6. Statutory Institutions/Commissions:
   1. Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, Finance Commission, Union Public Service Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women; National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Minorities, National Backward Classes Commission. 
7. Federalism: Constitutional provisions; changing nature of centre-state relations; integrationist tendencies and regional aspirations; inter-state disputes. 
8. Planning and Economic development: Nehruvian and Gandhian perspectives; Role of planning and public sector; Green Revolution, land reforms and agrarian relations; liberalization and economic reforms.
9. Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics. 
10. Party System: National and regional political parties, ideological and social bases of parties; Patterns of coalition politics; Pressure groups, trends in electoral behaviour; changing socio-economic profile of Legislators. 
11. Social Movement: Civil liberties and human rights movements; women’s movements; environmentalist movements.

PSIR Paper II – Comparative Politics and International Relations

This paper connects theory with global realities and current international developments — crucial for both Mains and the Interview stage.

PAPER – II, Part – A:

Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics:

1. Comparative Politics: Nature and major approaches; Political economy and political sociology perspectives; Limitations of the comparative method. 
2. State in Comparative Perspective: Characteristics and changing nature of the State in capitalist and socialist economies, and advanced industrial and developing societies. 
3. Politics of Representation and Participation: Political parties, pressure groups and social movements in advanced industrial and developing societies. 
4. Globalisation: Responses from developed and developing societies. 
5. Approaches to the Study of International Relations: Idealist, Realist, Marxist, Functionalist and Systems theory. 
6. Key Concepts in International Relations: National interest, security and power; Balance of power and deterrence; Trans-national actors and collective security; World capitalist economy and globalisation.
7. Changing International Political Order: 
   1. Rise of super powers; Strategic and ideological Bipolarity, arms race and cold war; Nuclear threat; 
   2. Non-aligned Movement: Aims and achievements. 
   3. Collapse of the Soviet Union; Uni-polarity and American hegemony; Relevance of non-alignment in the contemporary world. 
8. Evolution of the International Economic System: From Bretton-woods to WTO; Socialist economies and the CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance); Third World demand for new international economic order; Globalisation of the world economy. 
9. United Nations: Envisaged role and actual record; Specialized UN agencies—aims and functioning; need for UN reforms. 
10. Regionalisation of World Politics: EU, ASEAN, APEC, AARC, NAFTA. 
11. Contemporary Global Concerns: Democracy, human rights, environment, gender justice terrorism, nuclear proliferation.

PAPER – II, Part – B:

India and the World:

1. Indian Foreign Policy: Determinants of foreign policy; the institutions of policy-making; Continuity and change. 
2. Non Alignment Movement: India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement Different phases; Current role.
3. India and South Asia:

1. Regional Co-operation: SAARC-past performance and future prospects. 
2. South Asia as a Free Trade Area.
3. India’s “Look East” policy. 
4. Impediments to regional co-operation: River water disputes; illegal cross border migration; Ethnic conflicts and insurgencies; Border disputes. 

4. India and the Global South: Relations with Africa and Latin America; Leadership role in the demand for NIEO and WTO negotiations. 
5. India and the Global Centres of Power: USA, EU, Japan, China and Russia.
6. India and the UN System: Role in UN Peace-keeping; Demand for Permanent Seat in the Security Council.
7. India and the Nuclear Question: Changing perceptions and policy.
8.  Recent developments in Indian Foreign Policy: India’s position on the recent crises in Afghanistan, Iraq and West Asia, growing relations with US and Israel; Vision of a new world order.

Why to Choose PSIR as your UPSC CSE Optional?

• Overlap with GS Papers (especially Paper II and III).
• Dynamic & Relevant – Directly linked with current affairs and India’s foreign policy debates.
• Scoring Potential – Conceptual clarity and analytical writing can yield high marks.
• Value in Interview – Enhances understanding of governance, diplomacy, and ethical reasoning.

UPSC PSIR Optional Preparation Strategy 2026:

Preparing for the Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) optional requires a focused approach, conceptual clarity, and consistent answer writing practice. Here is a well-structured preparation strategy to help you cover the UPSC PSIR syllabus 2026 effectively.

Understand the Complete PSIR Syllabus:

Begin your preparation by developing a clear understanding of the entire PSIR syllabus, including all topics and sub-topics listed by UPSC.
A strong grip on the syllabus helps you identify the weightage of concepts and build a systematic study roadmap.

Collect Standard Study Materials:

Gather high-quality study materials such as:

• Standard textbooks
  
• Reference books for theories and international relations
  
• Reliable notes (self-made or coaching institute notes)
  

Coaching Support (Optional but Helpful):

Joining a PSIR coaching program is optional, but it can provide:

• Structured guidance
  
• Exam-oriented study material
  
• Regular tests
  
• Expert mentorship

Build a Well-Organised Study Plan:

Create a detailed study plan that covers the syllabus in a structured manner.
Allocate time based on:

• Your strengths
• Difficult areas
• Weightage of topics
• Follow an Effective Study Sequence –
  • Start with Political Theories – These are the core building blocks of PSIR.
  • Move to Indian Political System & Constitution – Especially important for linking with GS Paper 2.
  • Study Comparative Politics – Helps understand global political structures.
  • Cover International Relations – Focus on diplomacy, global politics, and India’s foreign policy.

Strengthen Current Affairs:

PSIR is a highly dynamic subject. Stay updated with current developments in:

• Indian politics
  
• Global relations
  
• International organisations
  
• Major diplomatic events
• Read newspapers, magazines, and credible online sources regularly.

Practice Consistent Answer Writing:

Answer writing is the heart of PSIR preparation.
Use the following to improve your writing skills:

• UPSC previous year questions
• Daily or weekly answer writing practice
• Structured Introduction – Body – Conclusion format
• Focus on clarity, coherence, examples, and theory based arguments.

Join a Test Series:

A good test series helps you:

• Identify mistakes
  
• Improve presentation
  
• Understand question patterns
  
• Build exam-oriented writing style
  
• Manage time effectively
  

Regular Revision:

PSIR is extensive. Without revision, retention becomes difficult. Use:

• Short notes
  
• Concept sheets
  
• Mind maps
  
• Weekly and monthly revision cycles
  

A solid revision strategy boosts recall during the mains exam.

Books to Prepare for PSIR Optional Syllabus:

Selecting the right books for Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is crucial for scoring well in the UPSC Mains examination. Aspirants must rely on a comprehensive and well-structured set of books that cover the entire PSIR optional syllabus thoroughly. A balanced combination of standard texts, reference materials, and contemporary readings ensures conceptual clarity and strengthens answer-writing skills.

Books for PSIR Optional Paper 1:

• An Introduction To Constitution- D.D. Basu
• An Introduction To Political Theory – O.P Gauba
• Fifty Major Political Thinkers- Ian Adams And R W Dyson
• A History Of Political Thought: Plato To Marx – Subrata Mukherjee And Sushila Ramaswamy
• An Oxford Companion To Politics In India – Niraja Gopal Jayal And Pratap Bhanu Mehta
• Foundations Of Indian Political Thought- V.R Mehta
• A New Look At Modern Indian History- B.L Grover And Alka Mehta
• India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra
• Indian Government And Politics – B L Fadia

The PSIR Optional Paper 2 deals with the following topics:

Comparative politics and international politics: This includes the comparative analysis of political systems, theories of international relations, globalisation, regionalism, and security issues.

India and the world: This covers the evolution of India’s foreign policy, its relations with major powers and regions, its role in international organisations, and its engagement with global issues.

Recommended books for PSIR Optional Paper 2:

Comparative Politics and International Relations:

• India’s Foreign Policy – V P Dutt
• International Organisations – Spectrum Books Publication
• International Relations – V N Khanna
• Challenge And Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy- Rajiv Sikri
• Does The Elephant Dance?: Contemporary Indian Foreign Policy- David M. Malone
• Global Politics- Andrew Heywood
• MPS-004 Comparative Politics: Issues And Trends By Expert Panel Of GPH.
• Comparative Politics: An Introduction – Almond & Powell
• International Politics: Concepts, Theories and Issues – Rumki Basu
• Political Ideologies – Andrew Heywood
• Globalisation of World Politics – Baylis, Smith & Owens

India’s Foreign Policy:

• Pax Indica – Shashi Tharoor
• India’s Foreign Policy – V.P. Dutt
• India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri
• Non-Alignment 2.0

India and Major Powers:

• Choices: Inside the Making of India’s Foreign Policy – Shivshankar Menon
• The India–China Relationship – Jagannath Panda
• India–US Relations – C. Raja Mohan

Other readings:

• India in Global Affairs – David Malone
• UN Peacekeeping and India – Official MEA Reports
• India and Multilateralism – ORF Reports / IDSA Papers

• India and Global Economic Institutions – Arvind Panagariya
• MEA Website & Yearly Reports
• NITI Aayog & PIB Updates

Conclusion

The UPSC PSIR syllabus is vast yet highly rewarding. It equips aspirants with a deep understanding of political systems, governance, and India’s role in world affairs which are crucial for the Civil Services Examination and beyond. With the right guidance and disciplined preparation, PSIR can be your most strategic optional subject for scoring high and securing your dream rank.

If you’re just starting your UPSC journey, having a structured plan is essential. You can learn how to efficiently organize your study schedule for UPSC Preparation and prioritize key areas for better productivity.

Micro Listing of PSIR Syllabus:

Syllabus: Political Science and International Relations

Paper – I: Political Theory and Indian Politics

Part – A (Political Theory)
Main Topic	Sub-topics
1. Political Theory	Meaning and approaches
2. Theories of State	Liberal Neo-liberalMarxistPluralistPost-colonial Feminist
3. Justice	Conceptions of justice Rawls’ theory of justice Communitarian critiques of Rawls
4. Equality	Social, political, and economic equality Relationship between equality and freedomAffirmative action
5. Rights	Meaning and theories of rights Different kinds of rights Concept of Human Rights
6. Democracy	Classical and contemporary theoriesModels of democracy: representative, participatory, deliberative
7. Concept of Power	Power, hegemony, ideology, and legitimacy
8. Political Ideologies	Liberalism Socialism Marxism Fascism Gandhism Feminism
9. Indian Political Thought	Dharamshastra, Arthashastra, Buddhist Traditions Sir Syed Ahmed Khan Sri Aurobindo M. K. Gandhi B. R. Ambedkar M. N. Roy
10. Western Political Thought	Plato Aristotle Machiavelli Hobbes Locke John Stuart Mill Karl Marx Antonio Gramsci Hannah Arendt

Part – B (Indian Government and Politics)
Main Topic	Sub-topics
1. Indian Nationalism	Political Strategies of India’s Freedom Struggle: • Constitutionalism to Mass Satyagraha • Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience • Militant and Revolutionary Movements • Peasant and Workers Movements Perspectives on Indian National Movement: • Liberal • Socialist and Marxist • Radical Humanist • Dalit
2. Making of the Indian Constitution	Legacies of British Rule Different Social and Political Perspectives in Constitution-Making
3. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution	The Preamble Fundamental Rights and Duties Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)Parliamentary System and Amendment ProceduresJudicial Review and Basic Structure Doctrine
4. Organs of Government	Union Government: • Envisaged Role and Actual Working of Executive, Legislature, and Supreme Court State Government: • Envisaged Role and Actual Working of Executive, Legislature, and High Courts
5. Grassroots Democracy	Panchayati Raj and Municipal GovernmentSignificance of 73rd and 74th AmendmentsGrassroot Movements
6. Constitutional/Statutory Institutions / Commissions	Election Commission (EC) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Finance Commission Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) National Commission for Women (NCW)National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)National Commission for Minorities (NCM)National Backward Classes Commission (NCBC)
7. Federalism	Constitutional Provisions of FederalismChanging Nature of Centre-State RelationsIntegrationist Tendencies and Regional AspirationsInter-State Disputes
8. Planning and Economic Development	Nehruvian and Gandhian Perspectives Role of Planning and Public Sector Green Revolution, Land Reforms, and Agrarian RelationsLiberalization and Economic Reforms
9. Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics	Role of Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity in Shaping Political Processes and Power Structures
10. Party System	National and Regional Political PartiesIdeological and Social Bases of Parties Patterns of Coalition Politics Pressure Groups Trends in Electoral Behaviour Changing Socio-Economic Profile of Legislators
11. Social Movements	Civil Liberties and Human Rights Movements Women’s Movements Environmentalist Movements

Paper – II: Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics

Part – A
Main Topic	Sub-topics
1. Comparative Politics	Nature and major approaches to comparative politics Political economy and political sociology perspectives Limitations of the comparative method
2. State in Comparative Perspective	Characteristics and changing nature of the State State in capitalist and socialist economies State in advanced industrial and developing societies
3. Politics of Representation and Participation	Political parties Pressure groups Social movements in advanced industrial and developing societies
4. Globalisation	Nature and impact of globalisation Responses from developed and developing societies
5. Approaches to the Study of International Relations	Idealist approach Realist approach Marxist approach Functionalist approach Systems theory
6. Key Concepts in International Relations	National Interest, Security, and Power Balance of Power and Deterrence Transnational Actors and Collective Security World Capitalist Economy and Globalisation
7. Changing International Political Order	Rise of Superpowers: Strategic and ideological bipolarity, arms race, Cold War, nuclear threatNon-Aligned Movement: Aims and achievementsPost-Cold War Developments: Collapse of the Soviet Union, Uni-polarity, American hegemony, relevance of non-alignment in the contemporary world
8. Evolution of the International Economic System	From Bretton Woods system to WTO Socialist economies and CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) Third World demand for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) Globalisation of the world economy
9. United Nations (UN)	Envisaged role and actual record Specialized UN agencies—aims and functioning Need for UN reforms
10. Regionalisation of World Politics	European Union (EU) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)Asia-Africa Regional Conference (AARC) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
11. Contemporary Global Concerns	Democracy and Human Rights Environmental Issues Gender Justice Terrorism Nuclear Proliferation

Part – B
Main Topic	Sub-topics
1. Indian Foreign Policy	Determinants of India’s foreign policyInstitutions of policy-making (MEA, PMO, National Security Council, Parliament, etc.) Continuity and change in India’s foreign policy orientation
2. India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)	Evolution and different phases of NAMIndia’s leadership and ideological contribution Current relevance and role of NAM in the post-Cold War world
3. India and South Asia	Regional Cooperation: SAARC – past performance and future prospects South Asia as a Free Trade Area India’s “Look East” (now “Act East”) Policy Impediments to Regional Cooperation:River-water disputesIllegal cross-border migrationEthnic conflicts and insurgenciesBorder disputes
4. India and the Global South	India’s relations with Africa and Latin America India’s leadership role in the demand for a New International Economic Order (NIEO)India’s participation and stance in WTO negotiations
5. India and the Global Centres of Power	India’s bilateral relations with:United States of America (USA)European Union (EU)JapanChina Russia
6. India and the United Nations (UN) System	India’s role in UN peace-keeping operations India’s demand and rationale for a permanent seat in the UN Security CouncilIndia’s contributions to UN agencies and multilateral diplomacy
7. India and the Nuclear Question	Evolution of India’s nuclear policyChanging perceptions: from peaceful nuclear explosion to nuclear weapons statePolicy shifts after 1998 and India’s stand on non-proliferation and disarmament
8. Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy	India’s position on recent crises in Afghanistan, Iraq, and West Asia Growing strategic relations with the US and Israel India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region Vision of a New World Order based on multipolarity and strategic autonomy

Sources:

1. https://upsc.gov.in/index.php

FAQs: