Introduction:
Preparing for Paper II of the UPSC exam, which covers both international relations and comparative politics, requires a balanced approach. Here are some effective strategies to help you achieve this balance:

1. Understand the Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for both international relations and comparative politics. This will help you identify the key topics and areas of focus for each subject.

2. Create a Study Schedule:
- Allocate specific time slots for studying international relations and comparative politics in your daily or weekly schedule. This will ensure that you devote equal attention to both subjects.

3. Divide Your Study Material:
- Organize your study material into separate folders or sections for international relations and comparative politics. This will help you stay focused and avoid mixing up the topics.

4. Identify Overlapping Concepts:
- Look for concepts or theories that are common to both international relations and comparative politics. For example, the study of power, governance, and institutions can apply to both subjects. By identifying these overlaps, you can study them in depth and save time.

5. Prioritize Weak Areas:
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses in both subjects and prioritize your study accordingly. Focus more on the areas where you need improvement, while still maintaining a solid foundation in the topics you are already comfortable with.

6. Practice Answer Writing:
- Practice writing answers for both international relations and comparative politics questions. This will help you develop a better understanding of the topics and improve your writing skills. Use past question papers and model answers as a reference.

7. Revise Regularly:
- Regular revision is crucial to retain the information you have studied. Set aside dedicated time for revision of both international relations and comparative politics topics. Make use of revision techniques such as flashcards or mind maps to aid your memory.

8. Stay Updated:
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs, especially those related to international relations. Follow news sources, read newspapers, and refer to reliable online platforms for the latest developments. This will help you understand real-world applications of the concepts you are studying.

Conclusion:
Balancing your preparation between international relations and comparative politics for Paper II requires a systematic approach. By understanding the syllabus, creating a study schedule, dividing your study material, identifying overlaps, prioritizing weak areas, practicing answer writing, revising regularly, and staying updated, you can effectively prepare for both subjects and increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.