UPSC Optional Subject List

                                 UPSC Optional Subject List

How To Select Optional Subject For UPSC CSE Exam?

When you are beginning your UPSC exam preparation process, one question that pops into your mind is: How do I select the right optional subject? This question haunts not just beginners but also those who have attempted the exam once or more than once. As there are a vast array of subjects to choose from, the candidates themselves become confused and unsure as to which optional subject to settle for. Here in this article, let us help you make an informed decision while opting for an optional subject for the UPSC examination by considering an array of factors that align in accordance with your strengths, interests, and future goals.

Why to Choose Optional Subject for UPSC Exam / Importance of Choosing the Best Optional Subject for IAS:

The UPSC examination consists of three stages: Applicants begin with the preliminary examination and then move on to the main examination, and those who qualify will get to face the final personality test (interview).

The preliminary examination is a clear-cut objective type of exam that covers general awareness and aptitude, while the UPSC civil services mains examination consists of nine papers, and the optional subject has two papers. There are a total 48 optional subjects in the UPSC exam and out of these you have to select two optional subject for UPSC mains.

Having a significant weightage similar to the main nine subjects, the chances of success for the candidate to clear the UPSC exam depend on how well he or she performs in these optional subject papers.

If you are intended to maximize your chances of cracking the UPSC exam, selecting the right optional subject for the mains exam that aligns with your strengths, interests, and preparation strategy is crucial. You can gain highest marks in the UPSC mains only if you choose the optional subject that you are confident.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Optional Subject:

• Academic Background

The first step begins with a self-evaluation of your academic background in a particular subject and qualifications. At the end of the test, you would have a better knowledge of topics in which you are very confident and have a full grasp. It becomes easy to score higher marks in the UPSC exam by selecting the optional subjects that you choose in which you have an interest right from the beginning of your academic journey.

• Consider Your Interest while You Choose Optional for UPSC

When it comes to selecting an optional subject for your UPSC exam, you should be considering your personal interests, passions, and inclinations.

It would be easy for you to focus on your exam preparation process and stay motivated around the clock just by choosing the subject that genuinely interests you. So it is of high importance of choosing the best subjects which are optional subject for IAS mains that aligns with your interests.

• Select the Best Optional Subject Availability of Study Materials: 

The other factor that you need to explore to take any optional subject you choose for mains is the availability of the study materials and other resources, such as reference books for each optional subject. You should be considering the fact that having all study aids as well as all required resources with you will definitely become an important factor in your exam preparation process.

• Syllabus Overlap With General Studies Papers

When you choose optional subject for UPSC, it’s always better to break down the syllabus of the optional subjects to detect areas of common topics with the General Studies papers. Select the best from the list of optional subjects to choose that has more number of topics that coincide with general studies and this often helps reduce the overall workload and also facilitates smooth preparation.

• Scoring Potential

When you have to select the best optional subject, you should grade the subject scoring capacity of each optional subject by looking at the trend in past records, researching the previous year’s question papers, and taking the opinions of experts. Choose topics with scoring options, and use your strengths and knowledge wisely.

• Some Popular Optional Subjects/ List of Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains

UPSC provides a wide range of optional subjects to the aspirants. However, some UPSC optional subjects have always been very popular among aspirants because of their ability to score well, the availability of study materials, and their relevance to the General Studies syllabus. Some popular optional subjects for UPSC include Geography, History, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Psychology, Anthropology, and Literature (English, Hindi, and regional languages). You can also choose optional for UPSC or IAS mains exam based on the popularity.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC

If you are an UPSC aspirant and are planning to clear UPSC prelims and mains with flying results, then it is very crucial to give proper thought and weightage of the optional paper along with the trends of optional subjects.

You should analyze your academic background, interests, availability of study materials, and total content overlap with general studies papers to get a clear idea of the optional subject for mains.

When choosing the right optional subject for UPSC mains exam, choose a scoring subject from the UPSC syllabus. These key elements must be critically looked at and meticulously researched so as to ensure that you are well prepared to successfully crack the UPSC exam.

La Excellence’s Best UPSC Coaching in Hyderabad program prepares learners in the best possible way to help them crack the UPSC exam. Aspirants should also consider several other factors, plan their preparation well in advance, be focused on the goal, and get the best guidance from mentors and subject matter experts to perform well in their chosen optional subject and pass the UPSC exam with flying colours.