Public Administration is one of the optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. It is one of the popular choices because of its relevance in the job role of an IAS officer. This subject introduces the candidates to the mechanism of public administration which is surely of great use for future administrators. Further, it is one of the concept-intensive subjects. Choosing Public Administration as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Service examination can be a strategic decision that offers several advantages to aspiring candidates.
Multiple IAS candidates have cleared the IAS exam and secured top ranks with Public Administration as their optional subject. Mr. Pradeep Singh who secured AIR 1 in 2019 is the most well-known among them. He secured 148 & 145 out of 250 marks in his optional paper 1 and paper 2 respectively. These marks have swelled his chances of getting the top rank in the exam.
NAME | YEAR | RANK |
---|---|---|
Mehak Jain | 2021 | 17 |
Karishma Nair | 2020 | 14 |
Pradeep Singh | 2019 | 01 |
Harpeet Singh | 2019 | 18 |
Ankita Chaudhary | 2018 | 14 |
Suman Saurav Mohanty | 2016 | 09 |
The Pub Ad syllabus is designed to cover a broad range of topics related to administration, governance, and public policy. There is a wealth of study material available for Public Administration, including standardized notes, reference books, and online resources. This availability can facilitate comprehensive preparation for the exam. The syllabus studies the subject from its birth to its recent evolution. It also touches the areas of public policy, Indian political system and its functioning, roles of civil servants, financial administration etc.
The advantages that Public Administration provide are multi-dimensional. Such as
No doubt, there are many advantages to public administration optional. But there could be a few difficulties also, especially if candidates do not think through before selecting this optional. Such as:
Administration Theory
✅ Focus on relevant editorials in the newspapers – they can provide valuable material to augment your answers.
✅ Always give importance to current administrative scenario its challenges and suggestions to solve the issues.
✅ Online sources are very important, especially for dynamic sections of the papers (especially for Paper 2).
✅ Candidates can relate recent developments with theoretical frameworks and add value to answers.
✅ When examples are given, they should be relevant and contemporary.
✅ Don’t be aggressive when putting forward your own opinion, be respectful.
✅ While writing answers for this optional, keep in mind the Four Cs – Compare, Criticise, Contemporary, and Conclude.
✅ Join Educrat IAS Academy’s Optional Course and get India’s top mentor’s Guidance.
✅ Subscribe to our Test Series.
1. Is PSIR a good optional?
Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is a popular optional for the UPSC exam due to its scoring potential and overlap with General Studies. The subject is well-defined, with ample study material and coaching support available. Candidates with a genuine interest or academic background in political science may find it advantageous. However, some may perceive the syllabus as extensive, requiring careful consideration of one’s preparation capacity. Ultimately, choosing PSIR should align with your strengths, interests, and long-term commitment to effectively navigate the exam.
2. What is the benefit of taking political science optional in UPSC?
Opting for Political Science as an optional subject in the UPSC exam offers several advantages. Firstly, it is often considered a scoring subject, with a well-defined syllabus that allows for systematic preparation. Additionally, there is substantial overlap between Political Science and General Studies, reducing the overall study burden. The availability of study material and coaching support makes it accessible for candidates. Furthermore, individuals with a genuine interest or academic background in political science may find the subject engaging, enhancing their motivation and performance during the examination.
3. Is there any coaching for PSIR optional in Kolkata?
Educrat IAS Academy provides mentorship for PSIR optional. We have a track record from this particular subject of making students clear UPSC. Many students like Priya, Sahars and others have qualified UPSC Mains with PSIR optional.
4. Is political science a scoring optional for UPSC?
Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is widely considered a scoring optional for the UPSC exam due to its well-defined and static syllabus. The subject’s overlap with General Studies II provides candidates with an opportunity to efficiently prepare for multiple aspects of the examination simultaneously. The availability of comprehensive study material and coaching support further contributes to its popularity among UPSC aspirants. Individual performance may vary based on personal interest and the effort dedicated to effective preparation.
Educrat IAS provides India’s best Mentorship for preparation of all services under Civil Services Examination (CSE). We provide extensive and holistic preparation to a small batch of sincere & dedicated IAS aspirants who aspire & dream to become a part of the coveted Civil Services.
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