PSIR Optional: 300+ Score Strategy Blueprint

Why PSIR? Why Now?

Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) is not just an academic subject—it’s the civil servant’s lens to understand power, statecraft, governance, global affairs, and the Constitution.

Key Benefits:

Latest Trends (UPSC PSIR Papers 2020–2024)

Trend Action
Concept-heavy & philosophical questions Deep understanding of thinkers (e.g., Plato vs Marx)
Analytical linkage to current issues Apply theories to events (e.g., Hobbes & emergency powers)
IR papers more dynamic Update with multilateral events, regional alignments
UPSC expects articulation & originality Avoid coaching template answers – be issue-driven

DHI’s 300+ Score Formula

Paper I – Political Theory & Indian Politics

Key Areas & Action Plans:
Theme Application Strategy
Western Political Thought Compare: Rawls vs Nozick on Justice, Plato vs Kautilya
Indian Political Thought Use GS lens: Gandhi & Ambedkar in social justice debates
Theories of State Link to GS2 policies: Liberal vs Marxist vs Feminist State
Indian Constitution & Politics Real-life application: FRs vs DPSPs in farm laws, SC verdicts
Political Ideologies Use Essay-relevant debates: Conservatism, Environmentalism
Thinker Tags: Plato on justice for ethics paper; Gramsci’s hegemony in political communication.

Paper II – Comparative Politics & International Relations

Strategy Highlights:
Topic Enrichment Strategy
Comparative Politics Highlight evolving democracies, populism, majoritarianism
IR Theory Realist-Liberal-Constructivist lenses on India-China, UN reforms
India & World Link to G20, QUAD, Global South, Energy Diplomacy
Global Issues Data from SIPRI, World Bank, WTO, IMF, UNHCR
Answer Enrichment: Use 2nd ARC, India’s foreign policy doctrine (e.g., Gujral Doctrine, Nehruvian Idealism).

Answer Writing Mastery

Structure That Scores:

  • Intro: Define issue with concept/quote (2–3 lines)
  • Body: 3–4 headings with sub-points, thinkers, examples, IR events
  • Conclusion: Balanced view with constitutional, ethical or diplomatic vision

Must-Use Tools:

  • Flowcharts for institutions, policy timelines
  • Maps for IR answers
  • Quotes from thinkers, PM speeches, UN charters

Sample Quotes:

  • “Politics is the art of the possible.” – Otto von Bismarck
  • “You may chain me, you may torture me… but you will never imprison my mind.” – Bhagat Singh

Smart Techniques for PSIR Excellence

Area Technique
Short Notes 100+ thinkers, doctrines, case laws, quotes
Test Practice Bi-weekly tests with personalized review
PYQ Mapping Thematic analysis – e.g., justice, sovereignty, diplomacy
GS/Essay Linkage IR/Polity lens in topics like globalisation, nationalism

Essential PSIR Resources

Resource Purpose
Andrew Heywood Books Core theory base
Subrata Mukherjee & Sushila Ramaswamy Indian & Western Thought
IGNOU PSIR Notes Simplified concepts
IDSA, ORF, MEA Briefs IR enrichment
The Hindu, Indian Express Editorials Daily updates & current relevance

What We Do Differently

DHI Mentor’s Final Tip:

“Don’t just study politics, interpret the world through it.”
Think globally, answer locally, and always write like a statesperson.

Contact for PSIR Mentorship

Get personalized mentorship for PSIR with theory clarity, answer reviews, and current affairs linkage — all tailored to boost your score with strategy that works.