UPSC Political Science Books: A Comprehensive Guide for IAS Mains Exam

Choosing Political Science As An Optional Subject For IAS Mains Exam

Political science as an optional subject aligns well with the general studies paper. Approximately 50-60% of its syllabus overlaps with the General Studies Paper of UPSC Mains . It is a subject that is continually evolving, keeping it interesting and challenging.

For those who choose political science as their optional subject, understanding the core areas is more important than merely focusing on the revised syllabus. The revised syllabus for Political science has indeed made it easier to score higher marks. The Paper I of UPSC Political Science revolves around Political Theory and Indian Politics, while Paper II deals with Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics.

Recommended Books For Political Science Optional For UPSC IAS Mains

Books For Political Science Paper I

• Constitution of India: An Overview- D.D. Basu
• Political Theory: An Introduction- O.P Gauba
• Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present – David Boucher and Paul Kelly
• A History Of Political Thought: From Ancient Times to Present – J.P. Suda
• Politics in India – Rajni Kothari
• Perspectives on Indian Constitution- Subhash C. Kashyap
• Modern Indian History- Bipan Chandra
• India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra
• Indian Government And Politics – B L Fadia

If you're preparing for UPSC 2022 , you can check the linked article.

Books For Political Science Paper-II

• India’s Foreign Policy – Muchkund Dubey
• International Relations Theories - Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki, and Steve Smith
• Global Politics – Andrew Heywood
• India’s Foreign Policy: Coping with the Changing World by Muchkund Dubey
• International Politics: Concepts, Theories and Issues by Rajen Harshe
• Global Politics- Andrew Heywood
• Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction by Rod Hague, Martin Harrop, and John McCormick

Here are some more articles that might be useful for your UPSC Political Science and Civil Services Examination preparation: