UPSC
Optional Subject Selection Guide : Choosing
the right optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one
of the most crucial decisions an aspirant will make. With 48 optional subjects
(including literature of various languages) and 500 marks at stake in the Mains
examination, the optional paper can be the deciding factor in your final
ranking.
Many aspirants spend months preparing for General Studies but fail to give
adequate thought to their optional subject — a mistake that often proves
costly.
This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process for selecting
the right optional subject, backed by data, expert tips, and strategic insights
so that your choice boosts your chances of success.
UPSC Optional Subject Selection Guide
1. Understanding the Role of the Optional
Subject in UPSC
The UPSC
Mains exam consists of 9 papers, of which 2 papers are for the
optional subject (Paper VI and VII), each carrying 250 marks. This makes
the optional subject worth 500 marks out of 1750 in the written Mains,
or about 28.5% of the total Mains marks.
Why the
optional subject is crucial:
- High scoring potential – A strong performance can add a
significant boost to your total score.
- Differentiator – In GS papers, most candidates score
within a close range, but optional scores vary widely.
- Comfort zone – Choosing a subject you excel in can
make preparation more enjoyable and less stressful.
2. List of UPSC Optional Subjects
UPSC offers
a wide range of subjects under two main categories:
A. Literature of Languages (23 options)
Includes
languages like Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Malayalam,
Kannada, etc.
B. Non-Literature Subjects (25 options)
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry &
Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce &
Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science &
International Relations (PSIR)
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
3. Factors to Consider While Choosing Your
Optional Subject
Selecting
an optional should not be based on hearsay or popularity alone. Here are the key
factors:
3.1 Academic Background
- If you have a
graduation background in a subject, you may already have a strong
foundation.
- Example: An engineering
graduate might find Mathematics or Engineering subjects easier to handle.
3.2 Interest and Passion
- You’ll be studying the
subject intensively for months.
- A subject that
genuinely interests you will make preparation more sustainable.
3.3 Availability of Study Material &
Guidance
- Check whether quality
books, notes, and coaching are available.
- Scarcity of resources
can make preparation challenging.
3.4 Overlap with General Studies (GS)
- Subjects like
Geography, History, Sociology, and PSIR overlap heavily with GS papers.
- This reduces your total
preparation load.
3.5 Scoring Trends
- While all subjects are
equal in theory, recent trends show certain optionals have produced higher
scores for more candidates.
- However, don’t chase
trends blindly.
3.6 Length and Depth of the Syllabus
- Some subjects have vast
syllabi (e.g., History), while others are more concise (e.g.,
Anthropology).
- Choose according to
your time availability.
3.7 Past Year Question Papers
- Skim through past 5–10
years’ papers to see if you find the questions interesting and doable.
4. Popular Optional Subjects and Why Aspirants
Choose Them
4.1 Political Science & International
Relations (PSIR)
- Overlaps with GS Paper
II and Essay.
- Good for aspirants
interested in current affairs.
4.2 Sociology
- Small syllabus, easy to
understand for beginners.
- Overlaps with GS I, GS
II (social issues), and Essay.
4.3 Geography
- Scientific approach,
overlaps with GS I, GS III.
- Requires map practice
and concept clarity.
4.4 History
- Heavy overlap with GS
I.
- Vast syllabus, requires
strong memory.
4.5 Anthropology
- Compact syllabus,
scoring trends have been favorable.
- Overlaps with GS I
(Society) and GS III (Science & Technology).
4.6 Public Administration
- Popular due to
administrative relevance.
- Overlaps with GS II and
GS IV (Ethics).
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Your
Optional
Step 1:
Shortlist 3–4 subjects
Based on your academic background, interest, and syllabus overlap.
Step 2:
Analyze syllabus & previous papers
Check if the syllabus is manageable and if questions appeal to you.
Step 3:
Evaluate resource availability
Ensure you have access to standard books, notes, and mentors.
Step 4:
Test the subject
Try reading one chapter and solving a few questions. See if it clicks.
Step 5:
Commit and Plan
Once chosen, commit fully to avoid wasting time switching later.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Choosing an
Optional
- Following toppers
blindly without self-analysis.
- Choosing purely on
scoring trends.
- Ignoring the syllabus
length.
- Underestimating
resource limitations.
- Not considering
personal strengths and weaknesses.
7. How Optional Selection Impacts Your UPSC
Strategy
- Determines how much
time you can allocate to GS.
- Influences the choice
of reading materials and current affairs coverage.
- Shapes your essay
writing approach.
8. Time Management for Optional Subject
Preparation
- Prelims to Mains gap: Focus heavily on optional before
Prelims so you can revise quickly afterward.
- Weekly schedule:
Dedicate fixed slots for optional study.
- Revision cycles: Revise
at least 3–4 times before Mains.
9. Final Tips for Choosing Your Optional
- Do not delay the
decision beyond 2–3 months of starting preparation.
- Talk to seniors but
prioritize your own analysis.
- Remember: Any optional
can be high scoring if prepared strategically.
Conclusion
Your
optional subject in UPSC is more than just another paper—it’s a strategic
weapon that can push you up the rank list. The key is to select a subject that
aligns with your background, interests, and preparation style while ensuring
adequate resource availability. Once chosen, commit wholeheartedly and master
it.
Top 10 FAQs on UPSC Optional Subject Selection
1. Which optional subject is best for UPSC?
There is no
universal “best” optional. It depends on your background, interest, and
preparation strategy. Popular choices include PSIR, Sociology, Geography, and
Anthropology.
2. How many optional subjects are there in
UPSC?
UPSC offers
48 optional subjects, including 25 non-literature subjects and 23 literature
languages.
3. Can I choose a subject I didn’t study in
graduation?
Yes. Many
toppers have chosen optionals unrelated to their graduation degree and
succeeded.
4. Which optional has the smallest syllabus?
Anthropology,
Sociology, and Public Administration are often considered to have relatively
concise syllabi.
5. Which optional overlaps most with GS
papers?
Subjects
like PSIR, Sociology, Geography, and History have significant GS overlap,
reducing extra workload.
6. Should I choose a scoring optional based on
trends?
No. Trends
change yearly. Focus on interest, resource availability, and comfort with the
subject.
7. Can I change my optional subject after
filling the UPSC form?
You can
change it in subsequent attempts, but not after submitting the form for a given
year.
8. How much time should I devote to optional
preparation?
Ideally,
30–40% of your total study time should be dedicated to your optional subject.
9. Is it possible to prepare for optional
without coaching?
Yes, with
quality books, online resources, and self-discipline, many aspirants succeed
without coaching.
10. How do I test if an optional is right for
me?
Read a few chapters, attempt previous year questions, and see if you enjoy the process.
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