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PSIR Optional Books are very important for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam. The syllabus for PSIR optional covers a wide range of subjects, including international relations, political theories, governance, and Indian politics. Candidates can develop a solid foundation in political science by reading PSIR Optional Books, which offer a conceptual understanding of political institutions, ideologies, and international events. Knowledge of political science is useful for General Studies papers, especially regarding international relations, Indian politics, and governance. The list of suggested PSIR Optional Books will be discussed in this article.
Table of Contents
PSIR Optional Books: NCERT Textbooks
Because they help in solidifying the fundamentals and create a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of all subjects, the NCERT Political Science Books for UPSC serve as an important first step in the UPSC Mains preparation process. The most important NCERT Political Science Books for UPSC Exams include:
| NCERT Textbook | Direct LInk to Buy |
| NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I | Buy Now |
| NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II | Buy Now |
| NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work | Buy Now |
| NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory | Buy Now |
| NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics | Buy Now |
| NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India Since Independence | Buy Now |
Must Read: How to Prepare for UPSC PSIR Optional?📑
PSIR Optional Books: Reference Books
One of the optional subjects available to candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination is political science. There are two 250-mark papers, for a total of 500 marks. The theoretical and practical aspects of politics and international relations are covered in political science syllabus. Candidates must be well-versed in the relevant ideas, concepts, and facts and able to analyze, assess, and present the information logically and cogently. The candidates should also be informed on recent changes and pertinent national and international topics and trends.
Must Read: Best Political Science Books for UPSC 📚
Must Read: UPSC Question Bank for Polity Mains⬇️
PSIR Optional Books: Paper I
The first optional paper in political science covers the following subjects:
- Political theory: This includes political ideologies from both the West and India, as well as political theories, approaches, and controversies.
- Indian politics and government: This includes the country’s party structure, social movements, constitutional framework, political procedures, and democratic difficulties.
The following is a list of suggested readings for the PSIR Optional Books Paper I:
| Books | Direct LInk to Buy |
| An Introduction to Constitution by D.D. Basu | Buy Now |
| An Introduction to Political Theory by O.P. Gauba | Buy Now |
| Fifty Major Political Thinkers by Ian Adams and R W Dyson | Buy Now |
| A History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx by Subrata Mukherjee and Sushila Ramaswamy | Buy Now |
| An Oxford Companion to Politics in India by Niraja Gopal Jayal and Pratap Bhanu Mehta | Buy Now |
| Foundations of Indian Political Thought by V.R. Mehta | Buy Now |
| A New Look at Modern Indian History by B.L. Grover and Alka Mehta | Buy Now |
| India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra | Buy Now |
| An Oxford Companion to Politics in India by Niraja Gopal Jayal and Pratap Bhanu Mehta | Buy Now |
Must Read: Best PSIR Optional Books for UPSC 📚 : Direct Link to Buy
PSIR Optional Books: Paper II
The following subjects are covered in the second optional political science paper:
- International and comparative politics: It includes the study of political systems, international relations theories, globalisation, regionalism, and security-related topics.
- India in the global context: This includes India’s engagement with global concerns, its participation in international bodies, its relationships with important nations and regions, and the development of its foreign policy.
The following is a list of suggested readings for the second optional political science paper:
| Books | Direct LInk to Buy |
| India’s Foreign Policy by V P Dutt | Buy Now |
| International Organisations by Spectrum Books Publication | Buy Now |
| International Relations by V N Khanna | Buy Now |
| Challenge And Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri | Buy Now |
| Does The Elephant Dance?: Contemporary Indian Foreign Policy by David M. Malone | Buy Now |
| Global Politics by Andrew Heywood | Buy Now |
| MPS-004 Comparative Politics: Issues And Trends” by Expert Panel Of GPH | Buy Now |
Must Read: UPSC Question Bank for Polity Prelims
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FAQs
The best books for PSIR Optional are An Introduction to Constitution by D.D. Basu,India’s Foreign Policy by V P Dutt and International Relations by V N Khanna
Yes,PSIR is considered as an easy optional for those who have inclination towards learning issues related to Indian politics, international relations etc
Start preparing for PSIR Optional by going through NCERTs.Later on ,refer to advanced books like DD Basu.
The best book for PSIR Optional is: An Introduction to Constitution by D.D. Basu.
This was all about the “PSIR Optional Books”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.
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