How To Choose The Best UPSC Optional Subjects For UPSC Exam

The second tier of the IAS exam, the UPSC Mains Exam, includes optional subjects and you have the full freedom to choose your preferred UPSC optional subjects. Wondering which is the best optional subject for UPSC? The Optional Subject plays a great role in being the score-differentiator for UPSC aspirants. In the CSE Main exam, out of the nine papers, two papers, Paper VI and Paper VII are from the optional subject for UPSC. They are optional Subject Paper 1 and Optional Subject Paper 2. Each of them carries 250 marks. So, the UPSC optional subject carries 500/1750 marks in the UPSC Mains Exam. The marks obtained in the UPSC optional subjects are considered for the preparation of final merit. Hence, the choice of an optional subject for UPSC must be made cautiously. Unlike the earlier times, candidates have to now choose just one optional subject, and hence, “how to choose the best optional subject for UPSC” remains the most frequently asked question by UPSC aspirants!

 

In this article, we have listed the UPSC optional subjects that a candidate can choose. However, it needs to be done with an expert strategy on how to choose the best optional subject for UPSC. You can click on the hyperlinks to check out the syllabus and strategy to prepare the particular subject.

 

In this article, we have listed the UPSC optional subjects that a candidate can choose. However, it needs to be done with an expert strategy on how to choose the best optional subject for UPSC. You can click on the hyperlinks to check out the syllabus and strategy to prepare the particular subject.

 

The UPSC optional subjects play a very important role in the UPSC CS Main Examination. It consists of a total of 500 marks out of a total of 2025 marks. If you choose wisely, then these 500 marks can make a great difference in the final total marks. The definition of the best UPSC optional subject from the list of UPSC optional subjects can vary from one candidate to another based on his educational background. Most students commit the mistake of choosing optional subjects for UPSC on the basis of toppers’ scores in that subject, or because of other factors like popularity, availability of study groups, etc. However, you should be very careful while choosing an optional subject on such parameters as it may cost you an attempt!

Here are some of the factors that you may consider to choose the best from the list of optional subjects for UPSC:

 

1 Overlapping Syllabus

Some of the optional subjects like History, Political Science & International Relations, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Public Administration, etc have syllabuses that overlap with the General Studies syllabus in both Prelims and Mains. Hence, it might save you some preparation time.

 

2 Lengthy Syllabus

Now, you already have four General Studies papers and an essay paper that are merit-oriented. Choosing an optional with a lengthy syllabus would mean that you’ll have to dedicate more time to prepare the optional subject. Hence, choose a subject that you can comfortably cover in the stipulated time.

 

3 Competition Level

Some candidates feel a good UPSC optional subject is the one that has a high success ratio in terms of the number of candidates appearing to the recommended candidates. However, it is only partially true. More than everything else, your copy will be evaluated on the basis of your answer’s comprehensibility. Hence, choose a subject that you’re comfortable with.

 

4 Availability of resources

Now, there are 47 optional subjects available, but the resources in terms of educators, study materials, and relevant books are extremely limited. Although now, with the onset of online education, you can access more resources sitting at the comfort of your home, it is imperative that you evaluate the choice of optional on the basis of the available resources.

 

5 Familiarity with the subject

Another important factor that you must consider while choosing the best UPSC optional subject is familiarity with the subject. If you already have that subject as part of your graduation or post-graduation, then that should be your choice. Otherwise, opt for a subject that you can consistently study without losing interest.

Other than these, factors such as relevance to the civil services job role, a consistent choice of subject among high rankers, scoring potential, and comfortability with the subject may also be considered while evaluating the optional subjects

The subject should:

1. 1. Enthuse you
   2. Make you be acquainted with more about it
   3. Should not bore you
   4. Make you think out of the box
   5. Have books easily available

It is well-advised to all the candidates while choosing an optional subject not to think of the score, so choose a subject with the above-mentioned qualities and one thing to keep in mind that these qualities may differ from one aspirant to the other.

Once you have understood the syllabus and have ample writing practice then nothing will stop in scoring big as the marks will follow.

The fact that the candidates who have succeeded in the IAS exam and scored well in the optional prove that it’s not just the popular subjects are equally scoring. So selecting an optional subject based only on the scoring criteria is inappropriate. If you still have doubts about choosing an optional subject, please register with us for free counselling and get on the right track for IAS Mains preparation.

If you are still wondering which are the most scoring subjects for IAS exam, you should understand that there is no right answer to that question; there is only the right fit for every individual. We have provided you with a few points to ponder over before finalizing on an optional subject. Think through them and finally come to a decision based on what you truly want. It is better to go by your own judgment rather than on what other toppers did in the past. Whatever optional you select, you should study hard and turn it into a most scoring subject for IAS exam!

We hope this article would help you in deciding which optional subject to choose for your UPSC Civil Services Mains. Whatever optional subject you choose, know that it is your effort and work that will make it into a scoring subject. So, once you have come to a decision as to your optional, stick with it and pursue it ardently. You are sure to get positive results.

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