Enrollment Link for General Studies (Prelims + Mains + Interviews) :
For Optional Political Science and IR :
For Optional Subject (Political Science & International Relations) :
### Revised Strategy for Scoring **300+ Marks in PSIR Optional**
#### **PSIR Syllabus Overview**
The PSIR optional for UPSC consists of **two papers**:
– **Paper I**: Political Theory and Indian Politics
– **Paper II**: Comparative Politics and International Relations
Each paper is worth **250 marks**, making it a total of **500 marks**. Here’s the syllabus breakdown and a tailored strategy using **Misfits IFS 7 Seasons** as your **primary resource**.
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### **Paper I: Political Theory and Indian Politics**
#### **Section A: Political Theory and Thinkers**
– **Core Themes**: Political ideologies, theories of the state, justice, rights, democracy, and power.
– **Key Thinkers**: Marx, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Arendt, Tagore, Nehru, Sri Aurobindo.
– **Key Topics**: Normative vs Behavioral approaches, Liberalism, Marxism, and Feminism.
#### **Section B: Indian Politics**
– **Core Themes**: Constitution, federalism, judiciary, caste, religion, ethnicity, social movements.
– **Key Topics**: Preamble, fundamental rights, Directive Principles, federal structure, parliamentary system, and development politics.
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### **Paper II: Comparative Politics and International Relations**
#### **Section A: Comparative Politics**
– **Core Themes**: Political systems, theories of state, globalization, political institutions.
– **Key Topics**: State sovereignty, political culture, democratization, and development.
#### **Section B: International Relations**
– **Core Themes**: Global governance, India’s foreign policy, global terrorism, climate change.
– **Key Topics**: NAM, Cold War, multipolarity, nuclear diplomacy, WTO, IMF reforms.
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### **Key Strategy to Score 300+**
#### **1. RELY ENTIRELY ON MISFITS IFS (7 SEASONS)**
– **Focus Exclusively** on the 7 seasons of Misfits IFS, which comprehensively cover the syllabus in a structured manner.
– **Revising Misfits Notes** multiple times will reduce over-dependence on scattered materials and save time.
– Each session of Misfits provides:
– Thinkers explained with contemporary relevance.
– Application of concepts in Indian and global politics.
– Structured insights into the comparative and international relations sections.
#### **2. Revise, Revise, Revise**
– Avoid referring to too many external sources. Stick to what has been taught in **Misfits IFS** and **revise thoroughly**.
– Key is mastery, not material overload. Revise your class notes and attempt answer writing multiple times.
#### **3. Answer Writing Practice**
– Use the framework provided in Misfits classes for answer structuring:
– **Introduction**: Define the concept or present a background.
– **Body**: Explain using examples (historical and contemporary), critiques, and perspectives.
– **Conclusion**: End with a balanced view or futuristic outlook.
– Aim to practice at least **10-15 mock tests** to ensure speed and clarity.
#### **4. Build Contemporary Relevance**
– Use contemporary examples and global parallels discussed in Misfits to strengthen your answers. Examples like:
– **Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.** for civil rights.
– **Cold War and US-China relations** for balance of power.
#### **5. Stick to Simplified Concepts**
– Avoid overcomplicating. Misfits IFS simplifies complex topics like Marxism, globalization, and Indian federalism into digestible points.
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### **Avoid Overloading with Material**
– Resist the temptation to read everything under the sun. **Misfits IFS 7 Seasons** already cover the syllabus comprehensively.
– Complement your preparation with:
– **Daily Current Affairs** (linked to PSIR).
– **UPSC Previous Year Papers** for trends.
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### **The Misfits Advantage**
– By following Misfits IFS exclusively, you will:
– Gain a solid conceptual understanding of the entire syllabus.
– Build the ability to link theories with real-world examples.
– Master the art of answer writing with practical insights and critiques.
#### **The Goal: Revise and Refine**
By focusing entirely on **Misfits IFS**, coupled with multiple revisions and focused answer writing, you can comfortably target **300+ marks** in PSIR optional!
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