Syllabus

PSIR Syllabus 2025 (UPSC Optional & BA/MA): Complete Topics, PDF & Books

Explore the updated PSIR (Political Science & International Relations) syllabus for 2025—covering UPSC Optional Paper I & II, BA/MA semester-wise topics, download PDF, best books & preparation strategy in one comprehensive guide.

Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is a fundamental subject for students of humanities, especially those pursuing careers in public administration, diplomacy, law, or higher academics. The subject focuses on understanding the nature of the state, government, international systems, political ideologies, and more. It is widely offered in BA and MA programs and is a preferred optional in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

This article provides a complete breakdown of the PSIR syllabus for BA and MA levels, with semester-wise subjects, topic descriptions, marks distribution, downloadable syllabus PDF, recommended books, preparation strategies, and specialization options.


Exam Overview

Component Details
Course Name Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
Degree Level BA (UG) and MA (PG)
Duration 3 years (UG), 2 years (PG)
Examination Type Semester-wise theory exams
Application Areas UPSC, UGC NET, State PSCs, Research, Academia, Journalism

Semester-wise PSIR Syllabus with Topics, Descriptions, and Marks

Semester 1

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Understanding Political Theory What is Politics, The State, Justice, Equality, Rights, Democracy Introduction to political concepts, classical debates, state formation, and democratic principles 100
Constitutional Government in India Constitution Making, Preamble, FRs & FDs, Union-State Govt, Judiciary, Local Governance Deep dive into Indian political structure, its institutions, and governance models 100

Semester 2

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Political Theory: Concepts & Debates Power, Authority, Citizenship, Civil Society, Democracy & Development Theoretical expansion of concepts such as liberty, equality, justice in light of modern challenges 100
Political Process in India Elections, Party System, Caste, Gender, Regionalism, Secularism Understanding political behavior and movements in India 100

Semester 3

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Comparative Government & Politics Comparative methods, Constitutions, Organs of Government, Party Systems, Federalism Analyzing different countries’ political systems and institutions 100
Perspectives on Public Administration Bureaucracy, Organization Principles, Accountability, NPM Public administration theories, reforms, e-governance 100

Semester 4

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Introduction to International Relations IR Theories, Cold War, Globalization, UN, Security Issues Study of international politics and role of global institutions 100
Public Policy & Administration in India Policy Process, Welfare State, Bureaucracy, Governance Models Implementation and formulation of policies in India 100

Semester 5

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Indian Political Thought – I Manu, Kautilya, Kabir, Gandhi, Ambedkar Ancient and modern Indian political thinkers and their relevance 100
Western Political Thought – I Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau Foundation of Western political philosophy from classical to early modern thinkers 100

Semester 6

Subject Title Topics Description Marks
Indian Political Thought – II Nehru, JP Narayan, Lohia, M.N. Roy Post-independence Indian political ideologies and thinkers 100
Western Political Thought – II Hegel, Marx, Mill, Gramsci, Arendt Modern political thought including Marxist and critical theory perspectives 100

PDF Download

Download Full PSIR Syllabus PDF


Recommended Books

Subject Area Book Title Author / Publisher
Indian Polity Indian Polity M. Laxmikanth
Political Theory Political Theory: Concepts and Debates Rajeev Bhargava, Ashok Acharya
International Relations International Relations V.N. Khanna / Pavneet Singh
Indian Political Thought Modern Indian Political Thought V.P. Verma
Western Political Thought Western Political Thought Subrata Mukherjee, Sushila Ramaswamy
Public Administration Public Administration Rumki Basu
UPSC PSIR Optional PSIR Optional Notes IGNOU / Vision IAS

Preparation Tips

Strategy Explanation
Start with NCERTs Read Class XI–XII Political Science books to build basics
Conceptual Notes Prepare thinker-specific and concept-based short notes
Link with Current Affairs Relate contemporary developments with IR and polity sections
Previous Year Questions Practice writing answers from UPSC/University PYQs
Test Series & Mock Practice Enroll in sectional or full-length tests for time management and revision
Regular Revision Allocate weekly slots to revise all notes and books

Specializations & Career Scope

Specialization Area Career Pathways
International Relations Diplomat, UN Official, Embassy Analyst
Indian Politics & Constitution IAS/IPS Officer, Policy Advisor, Legal Consultant
Political Theory Professor, Academic Researcher
Public Administration Governance Reformer, Bureaucrat, Policy Maker
Global Politics Think Tank Member, Conflict Resolution Expert

Conclusion

Political Science and International Relations is an intellectually enriching and professionally versatile subject. Whether you are pursuing it academically or preparing for competitive exams like UPSC or UGC NET, PSIR provides deep insights into political ideologies, governance frameworks, global affairs, and policy analysis.

A structured understanding through semester-wise study and smart preparation ensures success in both academic and administrative careers.

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