Civil Services can be undoubtedly termed as a holy grail for the UPSC aspirants. One of the optional papers in the exam is Political Science & International Relations (Paper I). The paper is strategically designed to check the in-depth hold of the candidates over the subject.

Division of the Paper:

The paper has a maximum of two sections, namely Section A and B. Both of the section has a maximum of four main questions.

Paper pattern:

The two sections have four main questions, and the first main question in both of the section is compulsory to attempt. It is divided into four sub-questions, out of which candidates have to attempt any three. The attempted sub-questions have to answer in not more than two hundred words. Candidates have to attempt any three questions, from the remaining three, with at least one question from each of the sections. The entire question has to be answered in the English Language. The paper has a total of eight questions offered in the exam.

Markings:

The total mark of the paper is three hundred, with each of the main question offering sixty marks.

Time allotted for the examination:

The maximum time duration for the paper is two hours.