The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious examination bodies in India. Each year, it conducts the Civil Services Examination to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the country. The examination is considered highly challenging and requires comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of subjects. One of the optional subjects that candidates can choose is Political Science.
Political Science as an optional subject in the UPSC syllabus holds immense significance due to its relevance to the field of administration, governance, and policymaking. Let us delve into the reasons that make Political Science an attractive option for candidates appearing for the UPSC examination.
1. Understanding the Political System: Political Science deals with the study of politics, governance, and political systems. This subject equips candidates with a deep understanding of the functioning of political institutions and systems in India and around the world. This knowledge is crucial for candidates aspiring to serve in administrative roles, as it enables them to grasp the nuances of democratic processes and policy formulation.
2. Analyzing Policy Issues: Political Science teaches candidates to critically analyze policy issues and understand their implications on the overall socio-political fabric of the country. This analytical approach helps candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of different policy perspectives, enabling them to make informed and effective decisions as administrators.
3. International Relations: Another aspect of Political Science is the study of international relations, which encompasses various aspects of diplomacy, foreign policy, and global governance. As India continues to play an active role in the global arena, this knowledge becomes essential for candidates expected to handle international affairs and represent the country on international platforms.
4. Complementing GS Papers: Political Science as an optional subject provides candidates with a deep understanding of concepts that are relevant to the General Studies (GS) papers of the UPSC examination. The subject covers areas such as Indian polity, governance, international relations, and political thought, delivering comprehensive knowledge that can be applied while answering questions in the GS papers.
5. Scoring Potential: Political Science is known for its scoring potential in the UPSC examination. The subject offers a defined and structured syllabus, making it easier for candidates to prepare. Additionally, the subject often involves theoretical and conceptual questions, reducing the element of subjectivity and making it easier for candidates to score well.
However, it is important to note that the choice of an optional subject should depend on the candidate’s interest, aptitude, and background. While Political Science may offer numerous advantages, it is essential for candidates to assess their strengths and weaknesses before making a final decision.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of the toughest and most prestigious examinations in India to select candidates for various civil services posts. Among the optional subjects available for the main examination, political science has emerged as a popular choice for many aspirants due to its relevance in understanding the governance and policy-making processes.
The optional subject of political science is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of political theories, institutions, and processes. It enables candidates to gain insights into the functioning of governments, political ideologies, and international relations. Choosing political science as an optional subject not only helps in scoring well but also enhances one’s analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills, which are crucial qualities for a civil servant.
The syllabus for political science optional is extensive and meticulously curated to cover various aspects of the discipline. It comprises two papers, each carrying 250 marks. Paper I primarily focuses on the political theory and Indian politics, while Paper II delves into comparative politics and international relations.
Paper I encompasses topics like political theory and thought, the concept of the state, democracy and its institutions, rights, and citizenship. It also covers key thinkers and their contributions, such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx, and Rawls. In addition, Indian political thought, institutions, and processes, like the Constitution, federalism, and local government, are covered in detail. Understanding the Indian political system is vital for candidates, as the civil services require dealing with the complexities of policymaking and governance at the grassroots level.
Paper II explores the field of comparative politics, analyzing various political systems, ideologies, and movements across the globe. It includes topics like globalization, democratization, the nation-state system, political regimes, and political parties. Moreover, candidates get acquainted with international relations, theories of international politics, and important global organizations like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and European Union. This knowledge equips civil servants with a broad perspective on global politics and enables them to represent India effectively on international platforms.
To effectively master political science, aspirants must develop a comprehensive strategy. Starting with a basic understanding of key concepts and theories, they should gradually delve into the nuances of each topic. Reading standard textbooks like ‘Political Theory’ by OP Gauba, ‘An Introduction to the Constitution of India’ by DD Basu, and ‘Modern Indian Political Thought’ by Bidyut Chakrabarty can provide a strong foundation.
Apart from textbooks, referring to important academic journals and research papers like the ‘Indian Journal of Political Science’ and ‘International Organization’ can enhance one’s understanding and keep them updated with the latest developments in the field.
Practicing answer writing and participating in mock tests is crucial as it helps to improve writing skills, develop a coherent thought process, and manage time effectively during the examination. Solving previous years’ question papers and analyzing the answers of successful candidates can provide insights into the expected writing style and pattern.
To supplement their preparation, candidates can also attend political science optional coaching programs. These programs provide guidance from experienced faculty, interactive discussions, and an opportunity to learn from peers. However, it is important to choose a coaching institute carefully, considering factors such as the reputation of the institute, track record of results, and availability of resources.
