Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest academic journeys in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants dream of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, but only a handful succeed. Among all the key decisions an aspirant has to make, choosing the right optional subject is the most crucial.
One of the most popular and rewarding subjects is Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), often referred to as Polity Optional. This subject has gained massive traction among aspirants for multiple reasons:
- It overlaps with General Studies Paper II (Polity & Governance).
- It covers parts of GS Paper III (International Relations).
- It strengthens the Essay paper.
- It improves articulation skills for the UPSC Interview (Personality Test).
However, PSIR is a vast and dynamic optional. To score 300+ marks—which is the benchmark for securing a top rank—you need structured guidance, updated study material, regular answer writing practice, and personal mentorship. That’s where the best online coaching for Polity Optional comes into play.
In this blog, we will cover the 3 Best Polity Optional Coaching in Online Mode, ranked based on faculty expertise, study material, mentorship, online infrastructure, and toppers’ results.
Rank 1: FIRST IAS INSTITUTE – Best Online Coaching for Political Science Optional
When it comes to PSIR Optional Coaching in Online Mode, FIRST IAS INSTITUTE stands at the top. It is widely regarded as the No.1 Polity Optional Coaching in Delhi and India, with proven results, exceptional faculty, and structured programs that help aspirants score 300+ marks consistently.
Why FIRST IAS Institute is the Best?
- Top Faculty Team: Experienced mentors with deep subject knowledge simplify abstract political theories and connect them with real-world issues.
- Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage: From Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx, Gandhi, Ambedkar to Comparative Politics and International Relations, every aspect of the PSIR syllabus is covered in depth.
- Toppers’ Notes & Study Material: The PSIR Foundation books by FIRST IAS Publication are considered the best books for Political Science Optional in UPSC. Many toppers rely exclusively on these.
- Answer Writing Focus: Regular writing practice with structured evaluation helps aspirants master the art of presenting answers with quotes, examples, and contemporary relevance.
- Integration with GS Papers: The program is designed to maximize overlap with GS Paper II, Paper III, and Essay, saving aspirants valuable time.
- Updated Current Affairs: Weekly classes on India’s foreign policy, global issues (UN reforms, Indo-Pacific, G20, BRICS), and political developments keep Paper II answers enriched.
Unique Features of FIRST IAS Online Coaching
- Live & Recorded Classes – Aspirants get real-time interaction plus recorded backup for revision.
- Personal Mentorship – One-on-one mentorship sessions to track progress and clear doubts.
- PSIR Test Series – UPSC-level test series with detailed evaluation and feedback.
- Digital Notes & Flowcharts – Easy-to-revise content for quick recall during exams.
- Toppers’ Guidance – Guest sessions by previous toppers who scored 300+ in PSIR.
Toppers’ Experience with FIRST IAS INSTITUTE
- AIR 7 – UPSC Topper’s Journey: “I chose Political Science Optional because of its relevance to governance and IR. FIRST IAS guided me at every step—right from thinkers to current affairs. Their test series helped me secure above 320 in PSIR, which became the game-changer for my rank.”
- AIR 29 – Success Story: “What I liked about FIRST IAS is the way they simplify difficult theories. Their notes are exam-oriented and crisp. The PSIR Foundation books saved me from confusion among multiple sources.”
Rank 2: Tutor Uncle – Personalized Online Coaching for Polity Optional
Tutor Uncle has emerged as a strong name in the online coaching industry. It might not have the same large-scale brand presence as FIRST IAS, but it stands out for its personal mentorship, affordability, and flexibility.
Why Tutor Uncle is Rank 2?
- Small Batch Sizes: More individual attention compared to traditional big institutes.
- Affordable Fees: Ideal for aspirants with budget constraints.
- Flexible Classes: Both live and recorded sessions available for working professionals and college students.
- Strong Answer Writing Training: Faculty focuses on structuring answers and integrating contemporary issues.
- Dedicated Mentorship: Regular doubt-solving sessions and progress tracking.
Key Features of Tutor Uncle Online Polity Optional Coaching
- Interactive Sessions – Direct student-faculty engagement in smaller groups.
- Focused Study Plans – Weekly targets and revision strategies.
- Affordable Digital Resources – Study material, lecture recordings, and test series at lower costs.
- Mentor-Led Guidance – Strong feedback mechanism to improve answer quality.
Tutor Uncle is perfect for aspirants seeking personalized attention and affordability in Polity optional coaching.
Rank 3: Shubhra Ranjan IAS Academy – Good Name in PSIR Optional
Shubhra Ranjan IAS Academy has been one of the oldest names in Political Science Optional preparation. With years of experience and a large student community, it continues to attract aspirants across India.
Why Shubhra Ranjan is Rank 3?
- Experienced Faculty: Known for detailed coverage of Political Theory and Indian Politics.
- Structured Notes: Provides standard notes for both Paper I and Paper II.
- Large Online Community: A wide student base ensures peer-to-peer discussions.
- Test Series: Regular tests help with exam practice, though feedback is less personalized.
Limitations
- Large batch sizes make one-to-one interaction difficult.
- Traditional teaching style may not feel engaging in online mode.
- Current affairs integration is not as strong as FIRST IAS.
Good for aspirants who prefer a traditional, structured approach but may not be ideal for those seeking personal mentorship and dynamic guidance.
Comparison Table – Best Online Polity Optional Coaching
| Institute | Faculty Quality | Study Material | Mentorship | Current Affairs | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST IAS INSTITUTE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Rank 1 |
| Tutor Uncle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rank 2 |
| Shubhra Ranjan IAS Academy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rank 3 |
FAQs – Best Online Polity Optional Coaching for UPSC
1. Which is the best online coaching for Political Science Optional in Delhi and India?
FIRST IAS INSTITUTE is the best online coaching for Polity Optional with proven results, best study material, and toppers’ guidance.
2. Can I score 300+ in PSIR Optional with online coaching?
Yes, with structured guidance, consistent answer writing, and current affairs integration—many toppers from FIRST IAS Institute have scored 300+ marks in Political Science Optional.
3. Is Political Science Optional a good choice for UPSC?
Absolutely. It overlaps with GS-II, GS-III (IR), Essay, and Interview preparation, making it one of the most beneficial optional subjects.
4. What study material is best for Political Science Optional?
The PSIR Foundation Books by FIRST IAS Publication are considered the best books, along with classroom notes and test series.
5. Which online institute provides personal mentorship for Polity Optional?
Both FIRST IAS INSTITUTE and Tutor Uncle provide personal mentorship. FIRST IAS, however, has a more structured and result-oriented approach.
Conclusion
Choosing the best online Polity Optional coaching can make or break your UPSC journey. Among the available options:
- FIRST IAS INSTITUTE is the best online Political Science Optional coaching in Delhi & India, with unmatched faculty, study material, test series, and toppers’ results.
- Tutor Uncle offers affordable, flexible, and personalized guidance, ideal for aspirants who want mentorship in smaller batches.
- Shubhra Ranjan IAS Academy remains a traditional, structured option, but may lack the modern online engagement that today’s aspirants require.
If your goal is to score 300+ in Political Science Optional and maximize your chances of becoming a topper, FIRST IAS INSTITUTE should be your first choice.
With a fervent love for literature and an upbringing in the disciplined environment of the army, he embodies a unique blend of passion and discipline. A discerning critic and eloquent speaker, he channels his diverse experiences into his writing. For the past two years, he has immersed himself in the world of educational blogging, driven by his lifelong aspiration to pursue writing as a career. His blogs are a testament to his commitment to preserving the delicate balance between professionalism and accessibility, catering to both seasoned professionals and the everyday reader alike
