The optional subject is one of the most important subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and the selection of the optional subject can make a great difference in your final selection and ranking. Whereas General Studies is universal, the optional paper provides the candidates with an opportunity to excel in an area of their knowledge or interest. The most popular questions regarding this decision-making process are answered below.
What is the relevance of optional in UPSC?
The optional subject has 500 marks (two papers of 250 each) in the Mains examination and it is a game-changer in final merit. A good subject can enable you to score high especially when you have understood the concepts, theory and application of the subject.
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What are the things that need to be thought prior of selecting my optional subject?
This is a table with the main criteria to consider:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Academic Background | Choose a subject you studied earlier for better conceptual clarity. |
| Interest & Passion | Select a subject that genuinely excites you to keep motivation high. |
| Syllabus Length | Opt for a subject with a manageable and well-defined syllabus. |
| Availability of Resources | Ensure there are enough UPSC Books and study materials. |
| Overlap with GS Papers | Subjects like Geography, History, Sociology overlap with GS content. |
| Coaching & Guidance | Availability of expert guidance (online/offline) is helpful. |
Is it possible to have a non-graduation subject as an optional?
Yes. UPSC also gives you the freedom to select any subject of your choice in the list of subjects prescribed by the board, irrespective of your educational background. Some of the engineers would choose a subject such as Anthropology or Political Science in case they are sure about them.
Are there any subjects that can be termed as scoring in UPSC?
There is no subject that is scoring. But the subjects that have short syllabus, conceptual clarity and analytical in nature, such as Anthropology, Sociology and Philosophy, are usually thought to be easier to prepare. What actually determines scoring potential is your own knowledge, ability to write answers and practice using UPSC Previous Year Question Paper.
Which should be followed, trends or toppers?
It is possible that trends can provide some information but they should not be the basis of your decision. One subject that was successful to one candidate may not be successful to the other. Pay more attention to your strengths, interest and availability of UPSC Books so that you can prepare regularly.
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Final Thoughts: What is the best choice to make?
The selection of the right optional is all about matching your strength with the demand of the exam. Don’t rush. Use a week or two to learn syllabi, assess your comfort level and answer problems. Wisdom in using UPSC Books, use of UPSC Previous Year Question Paper and clarity rather than cramming.
