Master PSIR Optional with Best PSIR Educator Sanjay Thakur Sir

Unlock top scores in UPSC with Best PSIR Optional coaching. Comprehensive coverage, strategic approach, and personalized mentorship.

Best PSIR Optional Sanjay Thakur Sir

Why Choose PSIR Optional in UPSC CSE Exam?

High Overlap with GS Papers and Essay

PSIR has significant overlap with GS Paper 2 and Essay, which makes it a strategic choice for aspirants. Key topics like Indian Polity, IR, and Governance are extensively covered, reducing the overall preparation time for multiple subjects.

Scoring Potential

PSIR is known for being a high-scoring optional, provided the syllabus is covered thoroughly. Many toppers attribute their success to the structured syllabus and the ability to write well-rounded answers in PSIR.

Dynamic Subject Matter

Unlike static subjects, PSIR evolves with the changing global and domestic political scenario. This keeps the preparation interesting and intellectually stimulating.

Career Relevance

A strong foundation in PSIR is beneficial for those aspiring to careers in diplomacy, international organizations, public administration, and academia.

 

Comprehensive and Well-Defined Syllabus

The PSIR syllabus is well-structured, covering foundational political theories and practical international relations topics. This clarity in syllabus design makes it easier for aspirants to plan their studies effectively.

 

Expert Guidance Available

With educators like Sanjay Thakur Sir, PSIR becomes manageable and scoring optional. His unique approach to simplifying complex concepts, integrating current affairs, and personalized mentorship ensures aspirants perform at their best.

About Sanjay Sir's PSIR Optional Course

Sanjay Thakur Sir brings years of experience in educating UPSC aspirants. His PSIR Optional Course is designed to simplify complex theories and relate them to current affairs, ensuring a deep understanding and retention. Unlock top scores in UPSC with Best PSIR Optional coaching, comprehensive coverage, strategic approach, and personalized mentorship.

Course Highlights​

Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage

Detailed lectures on both Paper I and Paper II.

Interactive Live Classes

Engage with Sanjay Sir in real-time.

Personalized Mentorship

One-on-one guidance to address individual strengths and weaknesses.

Study Materials

Access to exclusive notes, summaries, and mind maps.

Mock Tests and Answer Writing Practice

Regular assessments with feedback.

Current Affairs Integration

Up-to-date discussions on relevant global and national events.

What You'll Learn (PSIR Syllabus)

PAPER- I
Political Theory and Indian Politics:

1. Political Theory: meaning and approaches.
2. Theories of state: Liberal, Neo-liberal, Marxist, Pluralist, 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.

Indian Government and Politics

1. Indian Nationalism: (a) Political Strategies of India’s Freedom Struggle: Constitutionalism to mass Satyagraha, Non
cooperation, Civil Disobedience; Militant and Revolutionary Movements, Peasant and Workers Movements.
(b) Perspectives on Indian National Movement; Liberal, Socialist and Marxist; Radical Humanist and
Dalit.
2. Making of the Indian Constitution: Legacies of the British rule; different social and political
perspectives.
3. Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: The Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive
Principles; Parliamentary System and Amendment Procedures; Judicial Review and Basic Structure
doctrine.
4. (a) Principal Organs of the Union Government: Envisaged role and actual working of the Executive,
Legislature and Supreme Court.
(b) Principal Organs of the State Government : Envisaged role and actual working of the Executive,
Legislature and High Courts.
5. Grassroots Democracy: Panchayati Raj and Municipal Government; Significance of 73rd and 74th
Amendments; Grassroot movements.
6. Statutory Institutions/Commissions: 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.

PAPER-II
Comparative Politics and International Relations

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; Transational actors and collective security; World capitalist economy and globalisation.
7. Changing International Political Order:
(a) Rise of superpowers; Strategic and ideological Bipolarity, arms race and cold war; Nuclear threat.
(b) Non-aligned Movement: Aims and achievements.
(c) Collapse of the Soviet Union; Unipolarity and American hegemony; Relevance of non-alignment in
the contemporary world.
8. Evolution of the International Economic System : From Brettonwoods 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.

India and the World
1. Indian Foreign Policy: Determinants of foreign policy; the institutions of policy-making; Continuity and
change.
2. India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement Different phases; Current role.
3. India and South Asia :
(a) Regional Co-operation : SAARC-past performance and future prospects.
(b) South Asia as a Free Trade Area.
(c) India’s “Look East” policy.
(d) 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 Isreal; Vision of a new world order.

पेपर- I
राजनीतिक सिद्धांत और भारतीय राजनीति:

1. राजनीतिक सिद्धांत: अर्थ और दृष्टिकोण।
2. राज्य के सिद्धांत: उदारवादी, नव-उदारवादी, मार्क्सवादी, बहुलवादी, उत्तर-औपनिवेशिक और नारीवादी।
3. न्याय: रॉल के न्याय के सिद्धांत और उसके साम्यवादी के विशेष संदर्भ में न्याय की अवधारणाएं
आलोचना।
4. समानता: सामाजिक, राजनीतिक और आर्थिक; समानता और स्वतंत्रता के बीच संबंध; सकारात्मक कार्रवाई।
5. अधिकार: अर्थ और सिद्धांत; विभिन्न प्रकार के अधिकार; मानव अधिकारों की अवधारणा।
6. लोकतंत्र: शास्त्रीय और समकालीन सिद्धांत; लोकतंत्र के विभिन्न मॉडल-प्रतिनिधि,
सहभागी और विचारशील।
7. शक्ति की अवधारणा: आधिपत्य, विचारधारा और वैधता।
8. राजनीतिक विचारधारा: उदारवाद, समाजवाद, मार्क्सवाद, फासीवाद, गांधीवाद और नारीवाद।
9. भारतीय राजनीतिक विचार: धर्मशास्त्र, अर्थशास्त्र और बौद्ध परंपराएं; सर सैयद अहमद
खान, श्री अरबिंदो, एमके गांधी, बीआर अंबेडकर, एमएन रॉय।
10. पश्चिमी राजनीतिक विचार: प्लेटो, अरस्तू, मैकियावेली, हॉब्स, लोके, जॉन एस मिल, मार्क्स, ग्राम्स्की,
हन्ना अरेंड्ट।

भारत सरकार और राजनीति

1. भारतीय राष्ट्रवाद: (ए) भारत के स्वतंत्रता संग्राम की राजनीतिक रणनीतियाँ: संविधानवाद से सामूहिक सत्याग्रह, गैर
सहयोग, सविनय अवज्ञा; उग्रवादी और क्रांतिकारी आंदोलन, किसान और श्रमिक आंदोलन।
(ख) भारतीय राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन के परिपे्रक्ष्य; उदारवादी, समाजवादी और मार्क्सवादी; कट्टरपंथी मानवतावादी और
दलित।
2. भारतीय संविधान का निर्माण: ब्रिटिश शासन की विरासत; विभिन्न सामाजिक और राजनीतिक
दृष्टिकोण।
3. भारतीय संविधान की मुख्य विशेषताएं: प्रस्तावना, मौलिक अधिकार और कर्तव्य, निर्देश
सिद्धांतों; संसदीय प्रणाली और संशोधन प्रक्रियाएं; न्यायिक समीक्षा और बुनियादी संरचना
सिद्घांत।
4. (क) संघ सरकार के प्रधान अंग: कार्यपालिका की परिकल्पित भूमिका और वास्तविक कार्यप्रणाली,
विधायिका और सर्वोच्च न्यायालय।
(ख) राज्य सरकार के प्रधान अंग कार्यपालिका की परिकल्पित भूमिका और वास्तविक कार्यप्रणाली,
विधायिका और उच्च न्यायालय।
5. जमीनी स्तर पर लोकतंत्र: पंचायती राज और नगरपालिका सरकार; 73वें और 74वें का महत्व
संशोधन; जमीनी स्तर पर आंदोलन।
6. सांविधिक संस्थाएं/आयोग: निर्वाचन आयोग, नियंत्रक एवं महालेखा परीक्षक, वित्त
आयोग, संघ लोक सेवा आयोग, राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग, राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग, राष्ट्रीय
अनुसूचित जनजाति आयोग, राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग; राष्ट्रीय मानव अधिकार आयोग,
राष्ट्रीय अल्पसंख्यक आयोग, राष्ट्रीय पिछड़ा वर्ग आयोग।
7. संघवाद: संवैधानिक प्रावधान; केंद्र-राज्य संबंधों की बदलती प्रकृति; एकीकरणवादी
प्रवृत्तियां और क्षेत्रीय आकांक्षाएं; अंतर-राज्यीय विवाद।
8. योजना और आर्थिक विकास: नेहरूवादी और गांधीवादी दृष्टिकोण; योजना की भूमिका और
सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र; हरित क्रांति, भूमि सुधार और कृषि संबंध; उदारीकरण और आर्थिक सुधार।
9. भारतीय राजनीति में जाति, धर्म और जातीयता।
10. पार्टी प्रणाली: राष्ट्रीय और क्षेत्रीय राजनीतिक दल, पार्टियों के वैचारिक और सामाजिक आधार; पैटर्न
गठबंधन की राजनीति की; दबाव समूह, चुनावी व्यवहार में रुझान; की सामाजिक-आर्थिक प्रोफ़ाइल बदलना
विधायकों।
11. सामाजिक आंदोलन: नागरिक स्वतंत्रता और मानवाधिकार आंदोलन; महिलाओं के आंदोलन।
पर्यावरणवादी आंदोलन।

पेपर-II
तुलनात्मक राजनीति और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंध

तुलनात्मक राजनीतिक विश्लेषण और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय राजनीति:
1. तुलनात्मक राजनीति: प्रकृति और प्रमुख दृष्टिकोण; राजनीतिक अर्थव्यवस्था और राजनीतिक समाजशास्त्र दृष्टिकोण; तुलनात्मक विधि की सीमाएं।
2. तुलनात्मक परिप्रेक्ष्य में राज्य: पूंजीवादी और में राज्य की विशेषताएं और बदलती प्रकृति
समाजवादी अर्थव्यवस्थाएं, और उन्नत औद्योगिक और विकासशील समाज।
3. प्रतिनिधित्व और भागीदारी की राजनीति: राजनीतिक दल, दबाव समूह और सामाजिक आंदोलन
उन्नत औद्योगिक और विकासशील समाजों में।

4. वैश्वीकरण: विकसित और विकासशील समाजों से प्रतिक्रियाएँ।
5. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों के अध्ययन के लिए दृष्टिकोण: आदर्शवादी, यथार्थवादी, मार्क्सवादी, कार्यात्मकवादी और
सिस्टम सिद्धांत।
6. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों में प्रमुख अवधारणाएं: राष्ट्रीय हित, सुरक्षा और शक्ति; शक्ति संतुलन और
निवारण; ट्रांसेशनल एक्टर्स और सामूहिक सुरक्षा; विश्व पूंजीवादी अर्थव्यवस्था और वैश्वीकरण।
7. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय राजनीतिक व्यवस्था बदलना:
(ए) महाशक्तियों का उदय; सामरिक और वैचारिक द्विध्रुवीयता, हथियारों की दौड़ और शीत युद्ध; परमाणु खतरा।
(ख) गुटनिरपेक्ष आंदोलन: लक्ष्य और उपलब्धियां।
(ग) सोवियत संघ का पतन; एकध्रुवीयता और अमेरिकी आधिपत्य; में गुटनिरपेक्षता की प्रासंगिकता
समकालीन दुनिया।
8. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आर्थिक प्रणाली का विकास: ब्रेटनवुड्स से विश्व व्यापार संगठन तक; समाजवादी अर्थव्यवस्थाएं और
CMEA (पारस्परिक आर्थिक सहायता परिषद); नई अंतरराष्ट्रीय आर्थिक के लिए तीसरी दुनिया की मांग
आदेश; विश्व अर्थव्यवस्था का वैश्वीकरण।10. विश्व राजनीति का क्षेत्रीयकरण: यूरोपीय संघ, आसियान, एपेक, एएआरसी, नाफ्टा।
11. समकालीन वैश्विक चिंताएं: लोकतंत्र, मानवाधिकार, पर्यावरण, लैंगिक न्याय आतंकवाद,
परमाणु प्रसार।

भारत और विश्व
1. भारतीय विदेश नीति: विदेश नीति के निर्धारक; नीति-निर्माण की संस्थाएं; निरंतरता और
छोटे सिक्‍के।
2. गुटनिरपेक्ष आंदोलन के विभिन्न चरणों में भारत का योगदान; वर्तमान भूमिका.
3. भारत और दक्षिण एशिया:
(क) क्षेत्रीय सहयोग: सार्क-पिछला निष्पादन और भावी संभावनाएं।
(b) दक्षिण एशिया एक मुक्त व्यापार क्षेत्र के रूप में।
(c) भारत की “लुक ईस्ट” नीति।
(घ) क्षेत्रीय सहयोग में बाधाएं: नदी जल विवाद; अवैध सीमा पार प्रवासन; जातीय
संघर्ष और विद्रोह; सीमा विवाद।
4. भारत और वैश्विक दक्षिण: अफ्रीका और लैटिन अमेरिका के साथ संबंध; मांग में नेतृत्व की भूमिका
एनआईईओ और डब्ल्यूटीओ वार्ता के लिए।
5. भारत और वैश्विक शक्ति केंद्र: संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका, यूरोपीय संघ, जापान, चीन और रूस।
5. भारत और वैश्विक शक्ति केंद्र: संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका, यूरोपीय संघ, जापान, चीन और रूस।
6. भारत और संयुक्त राष्ट्र प्रणाली: संयुक्त राष्ट्र शांति स्थापना में भूमिका; सुरक्षा में स्थायी सीट की मांग
सलाहकार परिषद।
7. भारत और परमाणु प्रश्न: धारणाओं और नीति को बदलना।
8. भारतीय विदेश नीति में हाल के घटनाक्रम: अफगानिस्तान में हाल के संकटों पर भारत की स्थिति,
इराक और पश्चिम एशिया, अमेरिका और इजरायल के साथ बढ़ते संबंध; एक नई विश्व व्यवस्था की दृष्टि।

PSIR Optional

Enrollment Details

  • Course Duration: 6-7 months
  • Mode: Online Live Classes
  • Fee Structure: 60000 ₹25990/-
  • Flexible Payment Options: Installments available.

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Frequently Asked Question

What is PSIR Optional in UPSC?

PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) is one of the most popular optional subjects for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It covers topics like political theories, Indian politics, comparative politics, and international relations, which are also relevant for GS Paper 2, Essay, and interview stages.

Why should I choose PSIR as my UPSC optional subject?

PSIR is a high-scoring optional subject with several advantages:

  • High overlap with GS Paper 2, GS Paper 4, and Essay.
  • Relevant for understanding current affairs and global politics.
  • Helps in developing a strong foundation for the personality test (interview).
Is PSIR Optional suitable for beginners or non-political science graduates?

Yes! PSIR is suitable for all aspirants, regardless of their academic background. The subject is taught from the basics, and with proper guidance, even beginners can excel in it.

What is the structure of the PSIR syllabus for UPSC?

The PSIR syllabus is divided into two papers:

  • Paper I: Political Theory and Indian Politics
    • Political ideologies (Liberalism, Marxism, Socialism, Feminism, etc.)
    • Indian Constitution, Political Processes, and Governance.
  • Paper II: Comparative Politics and International Relations
    • Comparative political systems, democracy, and development.
    • India’s foreign policy, global organizations, and international issues.
How does PSIR Optional overlap with General Studies?

PSIR overlaps significantly with the following areas:

  • GS Paper 2: Polity, Governance, and International Relations.
  • GS Paper 4: Ethics and political philosophies.
  • Essay: Topics related to governance, democracy, and global politics.
How long does it take to prepare for PSIR Optional?

With focused study, PSIR preparation can be completed in 6-7 months. The duration depends on your prior understanding of the subject and the time you can dedicate daily.

How can I improve my answer writing for PSIR Optional?

To excel in answer writing:

  • Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years’ questions.
  • Structure answers with introductions, body, and conclusions.
  • Include diagrams, examples, and recent events to enhance answers.
  • Get feedback from Sanjay Sir to improve clarity and presentation
Can I prepare for PSIR Optional through online classes?

Yes, Sanjay Sir offers:

  • Live interactive classes for PSIR.
  • Access to recorded sessions for revision.
  • Regular doubt-clearing sessions to ensure concept clarity.
How are doubts addressed during the PSIR Optional course?
  • Live doubt-clearing sessions after every topic.
  • 24/7 support through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
  • One-on-one mentorship for personalized guidance.
Is the course available in both Hindi and English?
  • Yes, Sanjay Thakur’s PSIR Optional course is offered in a bilingual format, catering to aspirants from both English and Hindi mediums.

Who is Sanjay Thakur Sir ?

Sanjay Thakur Sir is Top Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) Optional educator in India, known for his conceptual clarity, structured approach, and result-oriented teaching. He has guided numerous UPSC aspirants in mastering PSIR, helping them score high in Mains and secure top ranks.
(Best PSIR Optional Educator)

Why is Sanjay Thakur Sir the Best for PSIR Optional?

Conceptual Clarity & Simplified Teaching – He breaks down complex political theories and international relations concepts into easy-to-understand explanations.
Expert in Answer Writing – Provides structured model answers, UPSC-style evaluation, and helps aspirants develop high-scoring answers.
Current Affairs Integration – Connects real-world events with PSIR topics, making the subject dynamic and relevant for UPSC Mains.
Structured Syllabus Coverage – Covers both Paper 1 & Paper 2 systematically, ensuring complete syllabus coverage with topic-wise interlinking.
High Success Rate – Many of his students have cleared UPSC CSE with PSIR Optional, scoring exceptionally well in Mains.
Personalized Mentorship – Conducts doubt-clearing sessions, one-on-one guidance, and essay enrichment programs to refine students’ approach.

Is Sanjay Thakur Sir’s PSIR teaching useful for beginners?

Yes! His step-by-step approach makes PSIR easy for beginners, ensuring conceptual clarity and gradual progression for UPSC aspirants.

Is PSIR a scoring optional in UPSC?

Yes! With structured answers, relevant examples, and current affairs integration, PSIR can be high-scoring. Many toppers have secured 280+ marks in PSIR optional.

Can PSIR be covered without coaching?

Yes! With self-discipline, proper guidance, and a structured approach, PSIR can be prepared without coaching. However, mentorship, test series, and answer writing practice can improve scores.

Which Teacher is best for PSIR optional?

Many students prefer Sanjay Thakur, Shubhra Ranjan etc. for PSIR coaching. Choose a mentor based on teaching style, study material, and answer writing guidance.

Can I prepare PSIR optional without a background in Political Science?

Yes! Many UPSC toppers have cleared PSIR without a political science background. Conceptual clarity, structured study plans, and consistent answer writing practice can help overcome this.

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