Challenges Faced by Students while preparing for the PSIR Optional Subject:


Preparing for the Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional subject can be challenging due to its extensive syllabus. The subject covers a wide range of topics including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, Indian government and politics, and political ideologies. Students may find it difficult to cover all these topics comprehensively within the limited time available for preparation.


PSIR involves the study of complex concepts and theories related to political science and international relations. Understanding these concepts and theories requires analytical thinking and critical analysis. Students may face difficulty in comprehending and grasping these concepts initially, which can hinder their preparation.


Political science and international relations are multidimensional subjects that involve the study of various perspectives and viewpoints. Students need to have a holistic understanding of different theories, ideologies, and approaches. This can be challenging as it requires students to critically analyze and evaluate multiple perspectives, which may sometimes be contradictory.


PSIR is an interdisciplinary subject that draws from various fields such as history, sociology, economics, and philosophy. This interdisciplinary nature can make the subject more challenging as students need to have a basic understanding of these fields in order to fully comprehend the subject. Integrating knowledge from different disciplines and applying them to the subject can be a daunting task for students.


Political science and international relations are dynamic subjects that require students to keep themselves updated with current affairs. It is important to be aware of the latest developments in national and international politics and connect them with the concepts and theories studied. Integrating current affairs with the subject can be challenging as it requires regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and online sources.


One of the key challenges faced by students in PSIR is developing effective answer writing skills. PSIR requires students to present their arguments and analysis in a clear, concise, and structured manner. Developing this skill takes time and practice. Students need to learn how to present their ideas in a logical and coherent manner within the word limit provided.

In order to overcome these challenges, students should create a well-structured study plan, focus on understanding the concepts rather than memorizing, practice answer writing regularly, and stay updated with current affairs. It is also beneficial to refer to reliable study materials and previous years' question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.