GOOD SOURCE TO COVER PSIR ON OUR OWN!

Hey everyone!

I recently started preparing for UPSC, and my target attempt is 2028.

I want to complete my PSIR optional entirely on my own without joining any coaching. My goal is to finish the entire optional by February 2027, as I'll also be appearing for CUET PG (Political Science) in March.

I'm looking for a complete strategy that can help me cover the syllabus efficiently.

What sources would you recommend?

I have Piyush Chaubey sir's lectures on TG, but I'm missing the handouts. I've also heard that he doesn't dictate everything in class, so I'm not sure whether the lectures alone are sufficient. If anyone has used his lectures, I'd really appreciate your feedback. Also, are there any other lectures or study materials that you would recommend?

I'm also considering Subhra Ranjan's notes. However, I've heard that her lecture series is quite lengthy, and she doesn't dictate everything either.

I'd really appreciate any guidance or suggestions from people who have prepared PSIR on their own. If you've successfully completed the optional without coaching, I'd love to know what sources and approach worked for you.

Thanks a lot!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 2 days ago

GOOD SOURCE TO COVER PSIR ON OUR OWN!

Hey everyone!

I recently started preparing for UPSC, and my target attempt is 2028.

I want to complete my PSIR optional entirely on my own without joining any coaching. My goal is to finish the entire optional by February 2027, as I'll also be appearing for CUET PG (Political Science) in March.

I'm looking for a complete strategy that can help me cover the syllabus efficiently.

What sources would you recommend?

I have Piyush Chaubey sir's lectures on TG, but I'm missing the handouts. I've also heard that he doesn't dictate everything in class, so I'm not sure whether the lectures alone are sufficient. If anyone has used his lectures, I'd really appreciate your feedback. Also, are there any other lectures or study materials that you would recommend?

I'm also considering Subhra Ranjan's notes. However, I've heard that her lecture series is quite lengthy, and she doesn't dictate everything either.

I'd really appreciate any guidance or suggestions from people who have prepared PSIR on their own. If you've successfully completed the optional without coaching, I'd love to know what sources and approach worked for you.

Thanks a lot!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 2 days ago

GOOD SOURCE TO COVER PSIR ON OUR OWN!

Hey everyone!

I recently started preparing for UPSC, and my target attempt is 2028.

I want to complete my PSIR optional entirely on my own without joining any coaching. My goal is to finish the entire optional by February 2027, as I'll also be appearing for CUET PG (Political Science) in March.

I'm looking for a complete strategy that can help me cover the syllabus efficiently.

What sources would you recommend?

I have Piyush Chaubey sir's lectures on TG, but I'm missing the handouts. I've also heard that he doesn't dictate everything in class, so I'm not sure whether the lectures alone are sufficient. If anyone has used his lectures, I'd really appreciate your feedback. Also, are there any other lectures or study materials that you would recommend?

I'm also considering Subhra Ranjan's notes. However, I've heard that her lecture series is quite lengthy, and she doesn't dictate everything either.

I'd really appreciate any guidance or suggestions from people who have prepared PSIR on their own. If you've successfully completed the optional without coaching, I'd love to know what sources and approach worked for you.

Thanks a lot!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 2 days ago

GOOD SOURCE TO COVER PSIR ON OUR OWN!

Hey everyone!

I recently started preparing for UPSC, and my target attempt is 2028.

I want to complete my optional, PSIR, entirely on my own without joining any coaching. My goal is to finish the entire optional by February 2027.

I'm looking for a complete strategy that can help me get through the syllabus efficiently.

Are there any sources you would recommend?

I have Piyush Chaubey sir's lectures on Telegram, but I'm missing the handouts. I've also heard that he doesn't dictate everything in class, so I'm not sure if the lectures alone are sufficient. If anyone has used his lectures, I'd really appreciate your feedback. Also, are there any other lectures or study material that you would recommend?

As for Subhra Ranjan's notes, I'm considering using them. However, I've heard that her lecture series is quite extensive, and she doesn't dictate everything either.

I'd really appreciate any guidance or suggestions from people who have prepared PSIR on their own.

Thanks a lot!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 2 days ago
▲ 3 r/UPSC_Facts+2 crossposts

My Boyfriend Built His First UPSC App. Looking for Brutally Honest Feedback!!

Hey there!

I recently started preparing for UPSC, and like everyone else suggested, I began with PYQ analysis. But the sources available in the market felt so conventional. The booklets are expensive, and every AI chatbot I tried struggled with analyzing PYQs properly. I was honestly shocked to find out that most PYQs are still available only in PDF format. Come on, we're already halfway through the third decade of the 21st century. We at least deserve an app that makes PYQ analysis much more convenient!

So my boyfriend came up with an idea and literally designed an application.

And it's genuinely so good. It has UPSC Prelims PYQs from 2011 onwards in CBT mode.

You don't have to switch between different AI chatbots to analyze every single option in a question. (A serious aspirant knows that analyzing the wrong options is just as important as analyzing the correct one.)

And that's not all. It's a one-stop solution for many of the hurdles we face during preparation. It includes features like:

  • Flashcards
  • Micro-theme-based syllabus analysis
  • Topic-wise tests covering all topics
  • Full-length mock tests
  • Real-time AI explanations for every question

The app is incredibly smooth, and he built it with so much love, dedication, and countless hours of hard work.

I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Do you think it's worth publishing? I feel Reddit is probably the best place to get honest feedback from fellow aspirants before taking the plunge.

Thanks! :)

u/Fit-Pick8605 — 6 days ago

IS UPSC A MERE GAMBLE FOR ASPIRANTS WITH B.A. DEGREE FROM A NORMAL GOVT. COLLEGE ?!?

Hey there!

I'm a 20-year-old preparing for UPSC. I completed my graduation from a government girls' college in my hometown, which isn't particularly well-known or highly regarded.

A question that constantly bothers me is this: why do so many top rankers seem to come from IITs, DU, JNU, AIIMS, or from families with a strong civil services background?

Is there some kind of bias in the UPSC selection process? It seems even more evident over the past decade, at least based on what I've observed.

I've just started preparing, and before I invest years of my life into this exam, I want a reality check. If there's actually some hidden bias, then there's no point in spending my most crucial years chasing this dream.

I know I sound pessimistic, but instead of wasting my time overthinking, I decided to ask the best community that has helped me countless times: Reddit.

I've asked this same question to quite a few IAS officers and UPSC aspirants, but I've never received a satisfying answer. Reddit is genuinely my last hope.

So, is this just a case of survivorship bias, or is there actually some truth to what I'm noticing?

I'd really appreciate honest answers, even if they're hard to hear.

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 7 days ago

IS UPSC A MERE GAMBLE FOR ASPIRANTS WITH B.A. DEGREE FROM A NORMAL GOVT. COLLEGE ?!?

Hey there!

I'm a 20-year-old preparing for UPSC. I completed my graduation from a government girls' college in my hometown, which isn't particularly well-known or highly regarded.

A question that constantly bothers me is this: why do so many top rankers seem to come from IITs, DU, JNU, AIIMS, or from families with a strong civil services background?

Is there some kind of bias in the UPSC selection process? It seems even more evident over the past decade, at least based on what I've observed.

I've just started preparing, and before I invest years of my life into this exam, I want a reality check. If there's actually some hidden bias, then there's no point in spending my most crucial years chasing this dream.

I know I sound pessimistic, but instead of wasting my time overthinking, I decided to ask the best community that has helped me countless times: Reddit.

I've asked this same question to quite a few IAS officers and UPSC aspirants, but I've never received a satisfying answer. Reddit is genuinely my last hope.

So, is this just a case of survivorship bias, or is there actually some truth to what I'm noticing?

I'd really appreciate honest answers, even if they're hard to hear.

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 7 days ago

IS UPSC A MERE GAMBLE FOR ASPIRANTS WITH B.A. DEGREE FROM A NORMAL GOVT. COLLEGE ?!?

Hey there!

I'm a 20-year-old preparing for UPSC. I completed my graduation from a government girls' college in my hometown, which isn't particularly well-known or highly regarded.

A question that constantly bothers me is this: why do so many top rankers seem to come from IITs, DU, JNU, AIIMS, or from families with a strong civil services background?

Is there some kind of bias in the UPSC selection process? It seems even more evident over the past decade, at least based on what I've observed.

I've just started preparing, and before I invest years of my life into this exam, I want a reality check. If there's actually some hidden bias, then there's no point in spending my most crucial years chasing this dream.

I know I sound pessimistic, but instead of wasting my time overthinking, I decided to ask the best community that has helped me countless times: Reddit.

I've asked this same question to quite a few IAS officers and UPSC aspirants, but I've never received a satisfying answer. Reddit is genuinely my last hope.

So, is this just a case of survivorship bias, or is there actually some truth to what I'm noticing?

I'd really appreciate honest answers, even if they're hard to hear.

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 7 days ago
▲ 36 r/upsc_discussions+1 crossposts

IS UPSC A MERE GAMBLE FOR ASPIRANTS WITH B.A. DEGREE FROM A NORMAL GOVT. COLLEGE ?!?

Hey there!

I'm a 20-year-old preparing for UPSC. I completed my graduation from a government girls' college in my hometown, which isn't particularly well-known or highly regarded.

A question that constantly bothers me is this: why do so many top rankers seem to come from IITs, DU, JNU, AIIMS, or from families with a strong civil services background?

Is there some kind of bias in the UPSC selection process? It seems even more evident over the past decade, at least based on what I've observed.

I've just started preparing, and before I invest years of my life into this exam, I want a reality check. If there's actually some hidden bias, then there's no point in spending my most crucial years chasing this dream.

I know I sound pessimistic, but instead of wasting my time overthinking, I decided to ask the best community that has helped me countless times: Reddit.

I've asked this same question to quite a few IAS officers and UPSC aspirants, but I've never received a satisfying answer. Reddit is genuinely my last hope.

So, is this just a case of survivorship bias, or is there actually some truth to what I'm noticing?

I'd really appreciate honest answers, even if they're hard to hear.
THANKS :)

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 7 days ago

WHY ISN'T M. LAXMIKANTH ENOUGH FOR GS??

Hey there!

I'm preparing for UPSC and have a background in Political Science. My optional will be PSIR. Like most aspirants, I bought the UPSC Bible, and even before starting my preparation, a lot of people told me, "Laxmikant alone isn't enough for this exam." That got me wondering. So many aspirants swear by this book, while others say it's insufficient. I'd really appreciate it if someone could clear up a few doubts.

  1. Why is Laxmikant considered insufficient? People keep saying it isn't enough, but I want to know what exactly is missing. Some have suggested that it doesn't cover enough Supreme Court cases or provide the analytical depth required for the exam. Is that the main reason, or is there more to it?
  2. If it isn't enough, what should I supplement it with? My current plan is to watch Sarmad Mehraj sir's lectures (available on a platform yk ryt) and make handwritten notes from them. Would that be sufficient, or should I refer to something else as well?
  3. Can Atish Mathur sir's Magna Carta serve as an alternative to Sarmad sir's lectures? I've read quite a few posts saying it's excellent from a Mains perspective. Also, where can I find his updated notes?
  4. Since my optional is PSIR, do I still need to supplement Laxmikant with additional resources, or will my optional preparation cover those gaps automatically?

I know that's a lot of questions, but I'd really appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 9 days ago
▲ 4 r/upsc_discussions+1 crossposts

ISN'T M. LAXMIKANTH ENOUGH FOR GS-2 ?!?

Hey there!

I'm preparing for UPSC and have a background in Political Science. My optional will be PSIR. Like most aspirants, I bought the UPSC Bible, and even before starting my preparation, a lot of people told me, "Laxmikant alone isn't enough for this exam." That got me wondering. So many aspirants swear by this book, while others say it's insufficient. I'd really appreciate it if someone could clear up a few doubts.

  1. Why is Laxmikant considered insufficient? People keep saying it isn't enough, but I want to know what exactly is missing. Some have suggested that it doesn't cover enough Supreme Court cases or provide the analytical depth required for the exam. Is that the main reason, or is there more to it?
  2. If it isn't enough, what should I supplement it with? My current plan is to watch Sarmad Mehraj sir's lectures (available on Telegram) and make handwritten notes from them. Would that be sufficient, or should I refer to something else as well?
  3. Can Atish Mathur sir's Magna Carta serve as an alternative to Sarmad sir's lectures? I've read quite a few posts saying it's excellent from a Mains perspective. Also, where can I find his updated notes?
  4. Since my optional is PSIR, do I still need to supplement Laxmikant with additional resources, or will my optional preparation cover those gaps automatically?

I know that's a lot of questions, but I'd really appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance!

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 9 days ago

ONLINE TUTORING TO STUDENTS AND STUDENTS ABROAD IN 2026

i am a 20 year old and preparing for upsc. i have a teaching experience of 3 years(tutoring my neighborhood childern) the response is great like a boom was seen in their grades as well. i mean its a pretty good source of income but ofcourse its not flexible. i need some side source of income online. i have heard of teaching students abroad and earning in dollars. i am keen to know how does it works? is it reliable? i have an expertise in almost all the humanities subjects.
Also is their any other source of income you guys feel like sharing?? would be a great help. THANKS

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 12 days ago

online tutoring to students or students abroad (india) in 2026

i am a 20 year old and preparing for upsc. i have a teaching experience of 3 years(tutoring my neighborhood childern) the response is great like a boom was seen in their grades as well. i mean its a pretty good source of income but ofcourse its not flexible. i need some side source of income online. i have heard of teaching students abroad and earning in dollars. i am keen to know how does it works? is it reliable? i have an expertise in almost all the humanities subjects.
Also is their any other source of income you guys feel like sharing?? would be a great help. THANKS

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 12 days ago

Is bookstawa paid version good enough for covering history and polity ?? Or there will be a need to supplement those with laxmikant and spectrum?

I am thinking of buying the paid version. Please give you honest reviews. Also what is the time duration in which he'll be covering all both subject coz i don't have more than 4 months left with me to cover entire gs.

reddit.com
u/Fit-Pick8605 — 30 days ago