Political Science

13 products
Quality CheckedChecked before dispatch
5-7 day DeliveryPan-India
Topper Trusted10,000+ users
24/7 SupportWhatsApp

Best Political Science Books for UPSC Optional

Finding the best political science book for UPSC optional (PSIR) comes down to three factors: the teacher whose approach suits you, the medium you are comfortable in, and whether you prefer printed or handwritten notes. This category stocks 13 sets of PSIR notes — from Shubhra Ranjan's 4- and 11-booklet series to Rajesh Mishra's Hindi-medium 6-booklet set and Drishti IAS's 6-booklet printed collection — covering the full political science syllabus for UPSC Mains.

English-medium aspirants can choose Shubhra Ranjan's 2026 printed 4-booklet set or her 11-booklet handwritten class notes, which are denser and more detailed. Hindi-medium students have two options: Rajesh Mishra's notes in a 5- or 6-booklet format. Drishti IAS's 6-booklet printed set suits those already using the brand for current affairs. All sets cover both PSIR papers: Political Theory, and Indian and Comparative Politics.

Popular in Political Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best political science book for UPSC PSIR optional in English?

Shubhra Ranjan's notes are the most widely used for English medium. The 4-booklet printed set (2026 edition) is compact and structured, while the 11-booklet handwritten class notes are more exhaustive and closer to what she covers in live classes. For a first-time PSIR student, the printed 4-booklet set is easier to navigate; the handwritten set suits aspirants wanting comprehensive coverage.

Which PSIR notes are available in political science in Hindi for UPSC preparation?

Two series in Hindi are available here: Rajesh Mishra's PSIR notes in either a 5-booklet or 6-booklet edition (both 2025–26), and Shubhra Ranjan's Hindi Edition in 7 booklets. Rajesh Mishra's notes are popular for straightforward explanations of political theory concepts. Shubhra Ranjan's Hindi edition follows the same syllabus structure as her English series, covering both Paper I and Paper II.

What political science syllabus for UPSC do these note sets cover?

All 13 products in this category follow the UPSC PSIR optional syllabus, split across two papers. Paper I covers Political Theory — including concepts like state, sovereignty, democracy, and major ideologies — and Comparative Politics. Paper II covers Indian Government and Politics, and International Relations. Sets from Shubhra Ranjan and Drishti IAS are organised paper-wise, making it straightforward to map your notes to the official syllabus.