How to prepare PSIR optional for UPSC CSE?

Why should one choose PSIR as an optional subject for UPSC CSE?

• Number of selections with PSIR optional in the last 5 years has been very high. The success stories of toppers from the PSIR optional subject reinforce its ability to perform well.
• A lot of students are scoring more than 300 marks in PSIR optional. This indicates towards the fact that high scores can be achieved in the subject with serious and systematic efforts.
• The PSIR optional subject has lots of convergence with GS Paper I for Prelims. For Mains, GS Paper I (topics based on ideologies like communism, socialism etc), GS Paper II (almost the entire syllabus), GS Paper III (Internal Security and Border Management) and GS Paper IV (Thinkers and Philosophers, Ethical Dimension of International Relations and International Institutions) can be prepared by studying PSIR optional subject. Integrating the PSIR optional preparation with overall GS preparation can save a lot of time and efforts for the aspirants.
• Books and resources, and guidance are easily available for the PSIR optional in both online and offline formats. This makes the subject easily accessible to aspirants all across the country.
• PSIR is a dynamic subject with huge contemporary relevance. This makes it a very interesting optional subject. Aspirants can engage with the subject for a very long time, enriching their understanding of International Relations (IR) and Governance.

How to prepare PSIR optional for UPSC CSE?

• Analyze Syllabus and Previous Years’ Papers: A detailed analysis of the syllabus and previously asked questions can offer insights into important areas of the optional subject.
• Strategize preparation for overlapping areas with GS Papers: A balanced strategy for the PSIR optional as well as the GS Papers can help in efficient preparation and revision.
• Answer writing practice: Practicing different themes of answer writing with an emphasis on interlinking of various sections of syllabus can fetch extra marks in actual examination. Adding contemporary examples from current affairs and practicing maps for IR can enhance the aspirants’ answers.
• Time management: It is very important to have a time management strategy for answer writing. Short notes for keywords can help in recalling the important concepts in the actual examination.

PSIR Optional Foundation Course for CSE 2024

• PSIR Optional Foundation Course by NEXT IAS offers the best guidance by an expert faculty for the subject- Dr. Piyush Chaubey.
• The course will help aspirants prepare the entire syllabus in 4-5 months.
• Aspirants will learn efficient interlinking of PSIR and GS Papers which will be fortified by the consistent answer writing practice.
• The course also offers a special lecture on answer writing which will help students in previous years’ papers analysis and an insight into toppers’ writing styles
• The course provides the aspirants with crisp and relevant material with focus on current trends. Students do not have to worry about finding the right resources and reliable content for preparation.
• Test series including 10 Tests (8 Sectional and 2 Full Length Tests) will help aspirants in improving their scores with detailed feedback on their answers. Aspirants can work on their strengths and weaknesses based on the detailed evaluation.