Quick answer: For the Psychology optional, Mukul Pathak (Vajiram & Ravi) and Soubhik Sen are the most widely recommended teachers, best suited to aspirants who want a large-institute, lecture-led ecosystem. UPSC Upticker (Devshree Singh) suits aspirants who prioritise personal answer-writing feedback and model answers. The right choice depends on your learning style, so watch each teacher’s demo before deciding.
Disclosure: UPSC Upticker is our own institute; Devshree Singh is our faculty. We have kept this comparison fair and note where other teachers are stronger.
Choosing a teacher is personal, the same teacher who clicks for one aspirant may not for another. Use fixed criteria, watch demos, and match the style to how you learn.
Compare on the same criteria
- Clarity on theory-heavy Paper 1 topics
- Quality and frequency of personal answer feedback
- Notes, PYQ coverage and model answers
- Live or recorded access, app support and validity
- Transparent price and value for money
Mukul Pathak (Vajiram & Ravi)
One of the most recommended Psychology teachers, with a long track record and a large-institute setting. A strong fit if you want established, lecture-led coverage within a big coaching ecosystem. Sample a demo to judge pace and depth for yourself.
Soubhik Sen
Also frequently recommended in student and topper lists for Psychology, with a dedicated following. Worth shortlisting alongside Mukul Pathak if you prefer his teaching style; again, watch a demo before committing.
Devshree Singh (UPSC Upticker)
Our own faculty, focused solely on the Psychology optional, with an emphasis on personal answer-writing feedback, a bank of 100 model answers, complete Paper 1 and 2 notes, and app-based classes with transparent, multi-year pricing. Best suited if individual feedback and mentorship matter more to you than a large peer network. A big institute may offer broader GS support and community that a focused mentor does not.
How to choose
Shortlist two teachers, watch a full demo topic from each, and pick the one whose explanation you retain better and whose feedback model fits your needs. For the wider decision, see our coaching guide, and check the subject fit with the is-it-a-good-optional guide. You can sample Devshree’s model answers on our free resources page.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best Psychology optional teacher?
There is no single best; it depends on your learning style. Mukul Pathak and Soubhik Sen are the most widely recommended in a large-institute setting, while UPSC Upticker focuses on personal feedback. Compare demos before deciding.
Should I choose a teacher by toppers’ recommendations?
Use them to shortlist, not to decide. A teacher who suited a topper may not suit you. Always watch a demo and judge clarity and feedback for yourself.
Is a smaller mentor better than a big institute for Psychology?
Each has trade-offs. Smaller mentors often give more individual feedback; big institutes offer broader ecosystems and peer networks. Match the choice to what you value most.
Written by the UPSC Upticker team with Devshree Singh, who teaches Psychology Paper 1 and 2 and curates our model answers. Drafting assisted by AI and edited by our faculty.