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Political Science Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Political Science and International Relations Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Political Science and International Relations as an optional subject requires understanding of theoretical concepts, current affairs, and their interconnections. The syllabus covers political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics, and international relations, making it highly relevant for civil services.
Paper I: Political Theory and Indian Politics
Political Theory
1. Political Theory
- Meaning and approaches
2. Theories of State
- Liberal
- Neo-liberal
- Marxist
- Pluralist
- Post-colonial
- Feminist
3. Justice
- Conceptions of justice
- Rawl's theory of justice
- Communitarian critiques
4. Equality
- Social, political and economic equality
- 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
- Representative democracy
- Participatory democracy
- Deliberative democracy
7. Power Concepts
- Hegemony
- Ideology
- Legitimacy
8. Political Ideologies
- Liberalism
- Socialism
- Marxism
- Fascism
- Gandhism
- 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 and Aristotle
- Machiavelli
- Hobbes and Locke
- John S. Mill
- Marx and Gramsci
- Hannah Arendt
Indian Government and Politics
1. Indian Nationalism
- Political Strategies of Freedom Struggle
- Perspectives on National Movement
- Liberal, Socialist, and Marxist views
- Radical Humanist and Dalit perspectives
2-3. Indian Constitution
- Making of the Constitution
- British rule legacies
- Salient Features
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Parliamentary System
- Amendment Procedures
- Judicial Review
4. Government Organs
- Union Government: Executive, Legislature, Supreme Court
- State Government: Executive, Legislature, High Courts
5-6. Democratic Institutions
- Panchayati Raj
- Municipal Government
- 73rd and 74th Amendments
- Statutory Institutions/Commissions
7-8. Governance and Development
- Federalism
- Centre-state relations
- Planning and Economic development
- Nehruvian and Gandhian perspectives
- Liberalization reforms
9-11. Political and Social Dynamics
- Caste, Religion and Ethnicity
- Party System and Electoral behaviour
- Social Movements
- Civil liberties movements
- Women's movements
Paper II: Comparative Politics and International Relations
Comparative Political Analysis
1-2. Comparative Politics
- Nature and approaches
- Political economy perspectives
- State in comparative perspective
- Capitalist and socialist economies
3-4. Politics and Globalization
- Politics of Representation
- Political parties and pressure groups
- Globalization responses
- Developed vs developing societies
5-6. International Relations
- Approaches to IR study
- Key Concepts
- National interest and security
- Balance of power
- World capitalist economy
7-8. International Order
- Rise of super powers
- Cold War and Nuclear threat
- Non-aligned Movement
- Post-Soviet world order
- International Economic System
9-11. Global Institutions and Concerns
- United Nations and reforms
- Regional organizations
- Democracy and human rights
- Environment and terrorism
- Nuclear proliferation
India and the World
1-2. Indian Foreign Policy
- Policy determinants
- Policy-making institutions
- Non-Alignment Movement
- Current role
3. India and South Asia
- SAARC cooperation
- Free Trade Area
- Look East policy
- Regional challenges
4-6. Global Relations
- Relations with Global South
- Major power centers
- UN System
- Security Council seat
7-8. Contemporary Issues
- Nuclear Question
- Recent foreign policy developments
- US and Israel relations
- Vision of new world order
Preparation Strategy:
1. Develop a strong theoretical foundation in political concepts and theories.
2. Stay updated with current national and international affairs.
3. Focus on connecting theoretical concepts with contemporary issues.
4. Practice answer writing with proper structure and relevant examples.
5. Regularly analyze opinion pieces from reputed sources on international relations.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books
- • Political Theory - Andrew Heywood
- • Indian Politics - Rajni Kothari
- • International Relations - Joshua Goldstein
- • Indian Government and Politics - M. Laxmikanth
- • World Politics - John Baylis
Primary Sources
- • The Constitution of India
- • Original Works of Political Thinkers
- • UN Charter and Documents
- • Important Political Speeches
- • Government Reports and White Papers
Current Affairs Sources
- • Foreign Affairs Magazine
- • The Diplomat
- • Economic and Political Weekly
- • World Politics Review
- • Contemporary IR Journals
Online Resources
- • Ministry of External Affairs Website
- • UN Official Resources
- • Think Tank Publications
- • Academic Research Databases
- • Policy Analysis Portals
Study Materials
- • Previous Years' Question Papers
- • Political Science Notes
- • International Relations Charts
- • Current Affairs Compilations
- • Case Studies in Foreign Policy