UPSC Political Science & International Relations: Mains Optional1. Introduction to Political Science and International Relations
- Scope and significance of Political Science
- Nature and scope of International Relations
- Relationship between Political Science and International Relations
2. Political Theory
- Concepts and theories in Political Science
- Major political theories (liberalism, socialism, feminism, etc.)
- Indian political thought (Gandhian, Ambedkarite, etc.)
3. Comparative Politics
- Comparative approach in the study of politics
- Major political systems (democracy, authoritarianism, communism, etc.)
- Comparative analysis of political institutions and processes
4. Indian Government and Politics
- Constitutional framework of India
- Organs of government (executive, legislature, judiciary)
- Federalism and center-state relations
- Political parties and electoral systems in India
- Social movements and pressure groups
5. International Relations
- Theories of International Relations (realism, liberalism, constructivism, etc.)
- International organizations and global governance
- International law and human rights
- India's foreign policy and its relations with major powers
6. Current Issues in Politics and International Relations
- Analysis of recent developments in Indian politics and international relations
- Policy debates and contemporary challenges
- Case studies and critical analysis of political events
UPSC Indian Government and Politics1. Introduction to Indian Politics
- Historical evolution of Indian politics
- Basic features of Indian political system
- Constitutional provisions and principles
2. Political Institutions in India
- President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers
- Parliament and its functioning
- Judiciary and judicial activism
- Election Commission and electoral process
3. Federalism and Center-State Relations
- Distribution of powers and resources between the center and states
- Inter-state relations and conflicts
- Role of Governors and Chief Ministers
4. Political Parties and Electoral Systems
- Major political parties in India
- Role and functioning of political parties
- Electoral systems and electoral reforms
5. Public Policy and Governance
- Policy-making process in India
- Role of bureaucracy and civil services
- Decentralization and local governance
6. Social and Political Movements
- Emergence and impact of social and political movements in India
- Dalit, tribal, women's, and other marginalized movements
- Agrarian and labor movements
UPSC Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics1. Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Comparative method in political analysis
- Approaches and theories in comparative politics
- Comparative study of political systems
2. Comparative Political Institutions
- Comparative analysis of executive, legislature, and judiciary
- Party systems and electoral systems
- Comparative study of federalism and decentralization
3. Comparative Political Processes
- Comparative analysis of political parties and interest groups
- Comparative study of elections and electoral systems
- Comparative analysis of public opinion and political culture
4. Comparative Public Policy and Governance
- Comparative study of policy-making processes
- Comparative analysis of bureaucracy and civil services
- Comparative study of welfare policies and social programs
5. International Politics and Global Governance
- Theories and approaches in international politics
- Comparative analysis of international organizations and global governance
- Comparative study of foreign policies and diplomacy
6. Contemporary Issues in Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Comparative analysis of current political events and developments
- Comparative study of regional conflicts and security issues
- Case studies and critical analysis of international politics
UPSC India and the World1. Introduction to India's Foreign Policy
- Evolution and objectives of India's foreign policy
- Principles and approaches in India's foreign relations
- India's role in global affairs
2. India's Relations with Major Powers
- India-USA relations
- India-China relations
- India-Russia relations
- India-EU relations
- India-Africa relations
3. India's Relations with Neighboring Countries
- India-Pakistan relations
- India-Bangladesh relations
- India-Nepal relations
- India-Sri Lanka relations
- India-Myanmar relations
4. India's Role in International Organizations
- India's membership in international organizations (UN, WTO, etc.)
- India's contributions to international peacekeeping and development
- India's aspirations for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council
5. India's Policies on Global Issues
- India's stance on climate change and environmental issues
- India's position on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation
- India's engagement with global trade and economic issues
6. Challenges and Opportunities for India in the World
- Analysis of India's regional and global challenges
- Opportunities for India in regional and global cooperation
- India's soft power and cultural diplomacy
Note: This syllabus is designed for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Political Science and International Relations optional subject. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and themes that need to be covered for the UPSC examination.
This course is helpful for the following exams: UPSC