Is the masterclass free?

Yes — this masterclass is completely free. Just register and we'll send you the premiere link.

When and where is it held?

It premieres on YouTube on 9 August 2026 at 10:00 AM IST, as part of our Masterclass series for UPSC Mains. Everyone watches together at that time and you can follow along in the live chat — and it stays up afterwards, so you can rewatch it whenever you like.

How do I watch after registering?

Once you register, we'll send the YouTube premiere link to the email and phone number you provide. You can open it straight away to set a reminder — it starts playing automatically at the scheduled time.

Who is this masterclass for?

Anyone considering or preparing PSIR as their optional — and GS/Essay aspirants who want PSIR to strengthen their wider preparation.

It is led by Rohan Dange Sir, lead tutor at Roundtable IAS, who mentors aspirants on PSIR optional and Mains strategy.

Free YouTube Premiere · PSIR Optional

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Masterclass on PSIR Optional

The optional carries the highest weightage in UPSC Mains — and yet receives the least attention. PSIR is dynamic, event-focused, and theme-based; it is the masterkey to a top rank. Join lead tutor Rohan Dange Sir for the premiere and learn to ace PSIR to secure your spot in the final list.

Premieres 9 August 202610:00 AM ISTYouTube Premiere

100% Free
YouTube Premiere
By Rohan Dange Sir
PSIR Optional

Roundtable IAS Masterclass on PSIR Optional for UPSC Mains

The Optional Is the Masterkey

PSIR has the highest weightage in Mains and yet receives the least attention. It is dynamic, event-focused, theme-based — and a silent contributor to your Essay and GS preparation.

PSIR is not just an optional — it is a strategy for Mains and a complete distillation of thought. Done right, it builds conceptual bridges with current affairs and quietly strengthens your Essay and General Studies answers. This masterclass shows you how to address the evolving nature of the paper and plan it section-wise across both papers, so the optional becomes your sharpest edge. Pair it with our PSIR 2027 (Certified) programme for the full 400+ hour optional course with mentorship.

What You'll Learn in This Masterclass

7 takeaways you can apply to your very next answer.

PSIR as a Strategy

See why PSIR itself is a strategy for Mains — a complete distillation of thought.

Aspirant-Centric Integration

An aspirant-centric strategy to weave PSIR into your General Studies preparation.

Section-wise Planning

Approach and planning curated section-wise for all four sections across both papers.

Time-Restricted Coverage

Cover the syllabus in a time-restricted yet genuinely effective manner.

Bridges to Current Affairs

Build conceptual bridges between PSIR theory and current affairs.

Decoding Past Papers

Assessment of previous years' papers to anticipate what the examiner asks.

The Roundtable Method

The mentorship methodology for PSIR at Roundtable IAS.

Meet Your Mentor

Rohan Dange Sir — Founder & Chief Mentor

Founder & Chief Mentor

Rohan Dange Sir

Rohan Dange Sir is the Founder of Roundtable IAS and a Distinguished Fellow at the Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, where his work engages deeply with global affairs, security studies, and India's evolving strategic and foreign policy landscape.

With over 15 years of experience in UPSC coaching, Rohan has mentored civil services aspirants across international relations, economy, world history, essay, and political science. His teaching philosophy rejects rote learning in favour of structured dialogue and analytical rigour — translating complex policy and defence concepts into accessible, exam-ready frameworks.

Under his leadership, Roundtable IAS prioritises substance over spectacle — fostering collaborations with institutions, experts, and stakeholders committed to strengthening India's strategic discourse through knowledge and informed engagement.

“The UPSC doesn't test what you know — it tests how you think about what you know. Our job is to build that thinking muscle.”

Aspirants choosing — or already preparing — PSIR as their optional
Anyone who wants the optional to become their highest-scoring paper
Repeaters looking to address the evolving, dynamic nature of PSIR
GS and Essay aspirants who want PSIR to compound their overall preparation

Brainstorm with our lead tutor Rohan Dange Sir and get fresh insights and food for thought. Learn from the best to ace PSIR and secure a spot in the final list.

Free · Premieres 9 August 2026

Get the premiere link for the PSIR Optional for UPSC Mains masterclass

Register free and we'll send you the YouTube premiere link, so you can set a reminder before it starts on 9 August 2026 at 10:00 AM IST.