Embarking on the journey of civil services examination, aspirants often grapple with the complexity of choosing an optional subject. Among the myriad choices, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) has emerged as a popular option for its relevance and comprehensive nature. In the UPSC mains examination, the PSIR optional paper plays a pivotal role in shaping the candidate’s success. Understanding the past trends and patterns of questions becomes imperative to devise a strategic preparation plan. In this blog series, we delve into the PSIR optional topic-wise previous year questions from 2013 to 2023. By exploring the nature of questions and major approaches adopted by the UPSC in this timeframe, aspirants can gain valuable insights, honing their skills for a nuanced and effective preparation strategy.
The PSIR optional subject is not only about memorizing facts but requires a deep understanding of political concepts, theories, and their practical applications. Analyzing the previous year questions helps aspirants identify recurring themes, evolving patterns, and the weightage given to different topics over the years. This blog series serves as a compass for UPSC PSIR aspirants, guiding them through the intricacies of the subject and aiding them in crafting a well-rounded preparation strategy. So, let’s embark on this exploration of the PSIR optional topic-wise previous year questions to unravel the nuances and dynamics that have shaped the UPSC mains examination in recent years.
Nature and major approaches – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Political economy and political sociology perspectives; Limitations of the comparative method.
1. Comment: The importance and limitations of the Political Economy Approach. (2004)
2. Critically evaluate the nature of capitalist model of development and its usefulness and limitations for developing countries. (2005)
3. Comment: Input-output functions of political system. (2006)
4. Comment: Examine the relevance of the political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. (2007)
5. How does comparative political sociology help in understanding of socio-political process of different countries of the world? (2008)
6. How is the modern comparative politics approach different from the traditional legal- institutional approach? (2010)
7. “Structural-functional approach to political analysis focuses more on status quoism, and less on change.” Elucidate. (2011)
8. “Examining political phenomena through a process of cross – global investigation has become the fundamental function of Comparative Politics.” Discuss. (150 words) (2012)
9. Elucidate the transdisciplinary nature of modern comparative politics and identify the contributions of political sociologists towards this goal. (200 words) (2012)
10. Which are the major approaches of comparative politics? Explain in brief, the political economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. (2015)
11. Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. (2016)
12. Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of comparative politics and discuss its limitations. (2017)
13. Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics. (2018)
14. Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations. (2019)
15. Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. (2020)
16. Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics. (150 words)(2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of understanding the nature and major approaches in the PSIR optional paper for UPSC mains?
Understanding the nature and major approaches helps candidates anticipate the type of questions asked, enabling a more focused and strategic preparation. It provides insights into the evolving trends and patterns, guiding aspirants to allocate their study time effectively.
Q: How can analyzing previous year questions on this topic enhance my preparation for the PSIR optional paper?
Analyzing previous year questions allows aspirants to identify recurring themes, prioritize topics based on their frequency, and discern the UPSC’s emphasis on certain aspects. This insight aids in tailoring one’s study plan to align with the examination’s expectations.
Q: What are the key topics encompassed within the PSIR optional subject, particularly in relation to the nature and major approaches?
The PSIR optional subject covers a wide array of topics, including political theories, international relations, governance, and comparative politics. Within the context of nature and major approaches, candidates should focus on understanding political ideologies, theories, and the methodologies used to analyze political phenomena.
Q: How can the knowledge of major approaches benefit me in answering questions during the UPSC mains examination?
Familiarity with major approaches equips candidates with a conceptual toolkit to approach diverse questions. Whether dealing with historical analysis, contemporary issues, or theoretical frameworks, a solid understanding of major approaches enhances the depth and coherence of responses, reflecting a well-rounded perspective.
Q: Are there specific time periods or years within the 2013-2023 range that hold particular importance in studying the nature and major approaches of the PSIR optional paper?
While all years are valuable, aspirants may pay special attention to more recent years to understand the evolving dynamics of the examination. However, a comprehensive review of questions from the entire period ensures a well-rounded preparation, considering the nuanced changes and continuities in the nature of questions posed by UPSC.
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