Limited Seats | Batch Starts 16 April 2026
PSIR Optional for UPSC 2027 (Batch 1) – Insights IAS Bangalore

About This Course
Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of the most sought-after optional subjects among UPSC Civil Services aspirants. With a strong overlap with the General Studies syllabus, high success rates, and abundant study resources, PSIR offers a strategic edge to serious candidates.
This course is designed to provide structured, mentorship-driven preparation for PSIR Optional, starting 16th April 2026, with validity through UPSC Mains September 2026, under the guidance of Nikhil Gowda Sir.
Why Choose PSIR as Your Optional?
~50% GS Overlap
Covers Polity, Modern History, International Relations, Internal Security, and Ethics — reducing overall preparation load significantly.
High Success Rate
Consistently produces top-25 rankers in recent UPSC cycles.
Essay and Answer Writing Edge
Builds strong analytical and argumentative writing skills applicable across all GS papers.
Current Affairs Integration
Enables candidates to connect theoretical concepts with contemporary events for dynamic, high-scoring answers.
Conceptual Exam Pattern
Questions reward conceptual clarity and structured preparation rather than rote memorisation.
Rich Resource Ecosystem
Extensive books, study materials, and structured classroom support available.
The SAPTANGA Strategy
Our course is built around the SAPTANGA Strategy — a seven-step comprehensive methodology for mastering PSIR.
Covering the complete syllabus, supplemented with standard book references.
One-on-one faculty guidance from Nikhil Gowda Sir available through to the Mains examination.
Periodic assessments to track progress and reinforce learning.
Curated, PSIR-relevant current affairs updates delivered regularly.
Focus on critical thinking, holistic understanding, and analytical skill-building.
Available in both offline and online formats to suit your schedule.
An additional exclusive methodology — disclosed to enrolled students in class.
About the Faculty – Nikhil Gowda Sir
Nikhil Gowda Sir
Telegram: @Nikpsir
- Masters in Public Policy (2019) from National Law School India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- Interned as a Political Consultant to various parties in Karnataka
- Written 4 Mains, 2 IFOS Mains, given UPSC Interviews
- Written an article on India’s Neighborhood First Policy published in Lokniti & Organizer
- Co-authored books on Indian Foreign Policy
- Scored 280+ marks in PSIR himself
Classes include one-on-one mentorship, brain storming sessions, PYQ answer writing, and the NEWS to NOTES initiative for current affairs.
PSIR Optional Orientation – Watch Before You Enroll
Watch the full orientation session by Nikhil K. Gowda Sir to understand the course structure, the SAPTANGA strategy, and what to expect from PSIR Optional Batch 1.
Course Schedule and Details
| Start Date | 16th April 2026 |
| Class Timings | Morning Slot: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| Session Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours per session |
| Frequency | 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) |
| Syllabus Completion | 3.5 to 4 months under normal schedule |
| Mode | Online and Offline (Bangalore) |
| Course Validity | Up to UPSC Mains, September 2026 |
Note: Recorded class views are limited with buffer time for navigation. Please plan your revision schedule accordingly.
Course Fee and Discounts
| Category | Fee | Valid Until |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fee | ₹32,500/- (incl. all taxes) | Always applicable |
| Early Bird Discount | 10% Off ₹29,250/- | Till 12th April 2026 |
| Old Subscriber Discount | 10% Off ₹29,250/- | As per eligibility |
* Early Bird and Old Subscriber discounts cannot be combined.
Congratulations – UPSC 2025 PSIR Toppers
Under the guidance of Nikhil Gowda Sir | Insights IAS
Simrandeep Kaur
AIR 15
Dishant Nisar
AIR 19
Priyanka Choudary
AIR 79
Gaikwad Rutuja
AIR 106
Bhavesh Jaglan
AIR 128
Priyasha Verma
AIR 324
Mohammed Ashmil
AIR 382
Kunal S Ahirrao
AIR 430
A Madhu
AIR 436
Nazia Parveen
AIR 478
Vikram Simha Reddy
AIR 541
Mansi Maholia
AIR 543
Bapu Saheb Gaikwad
AIR 561
Azeem Ahmad
AIR 588
Sumit Kumar Shah
AIR 746
PSIR Topper Sessions
Watch our UPSC 2025 toppers share their PSIR strategy, preparation approach, and experience with Nikhil Gowda Sir.
Mansi Maholia (AIR 543) with Nikhil Gowda Sir
Simrandeep Kaur (AIR 15) with Nikhil Gowda Sir
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Insights IAS Bangalore
Nanda Ashirwad Complex, 3rd Floor,
Above Village Hyper Market, Chandra Layout,
Bengaluru – 560072
Phone: 080-6940-5205
Email: support@insightsias.com
Website: www.insightsonindia.com
Branches: Bengaluru | Davanagere | Delhi | Srinagar
Secure Your Seat – PSIR Optional Batch 1
Batch starts 16th April 2026. Limited seats available.
Early Bird offer at ₹29,250 valid only till 12th April 2026.
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