How to Pick the Right Optional Subject for UPSC?

November 2, 2023

7 Minutes

1.0 Introduction

Selecting the right optional subject for UPSC can be a tough decision for aspirants. Your choice not only influences your success but also reflects your interests and strengths. In this overview, I will explore the process, sharing important factors for you to think about when picking your optional subject. 

During the early stages of preparation, select your optional subject carefully. Aspirants often make this mistake and delve into GS preparation before selecting their optional but it is not the right approach as reiterated by several successful candidates. You should figure out your optional subject as early as possible in your preparation. Clarity at an early stage ensures a balanced approach between General Studies and the optional subject, which requires in-depth study. 

My goal is to help you understand and make a smart choice for your UPSC journey.

2.0 List of optional subjects for UPSC

UPSC provides a variety of subjects to choose from, such as History, Geography, and Public Administration, which many people prefer, and subjects like Anthropology and Philosophy, which are more specialized. Each subject has its own difficulties and advantages, allowing you to match your interests and skills with your UPSC studies.

UPSC Mains offers a diverse range of literature subjects to choose from for optional papers as well. These subjects include Assamese Literature, Bengali Literature, Bodo Literature, Dogri Literature, Gujarati Literature, Hindi Literature, Kannada Literature, Kashmiri Literature, Konkani Literature, Maithili Literature, Malayalam Literature, Manipuri Literature, Marathi Literature, Nepali Literature, Odia Literature, Punjabi Literature, Sanskrit Literature, Santhali Literature, Sindhi Literature, Tamil Literature, Telugu Literature, and Urdu Literature.

3.0 Why is the Optional Subject for UPSC so Important?

Before I delve into the six-step formula for choosing the best optional subject, let's understand why this decision is paramount to your success in the UPSC exam.

If we analyse recent trends among UPSC rankers, we find that the marks scored by them in their optional subject range between 270-330 out of 500, which is higher than the average marks scored by them in GS papers.

Looking at UPSC CSE 2023 topper Ishita Kishore’s scorecard, she secured 313 out of 500 in her mains subject whereas in GS subjects she got 451 out of 1000. This contrast in the percentages indicates that your choice of an optional subject is not merely about qualifying for the Mains exam but can substantially boost your ranking.

4.0 The Six-Step Formula to Select the Best Optional Subject for UPSC

I have devised a systematic six-step formula to assist you in choosing the optimal optional subject for your UPSC exam. This formula is designed to simplify the process and make it easier for students to understand.

4.1 Choose What Interests You

Start by looking at the subjects offered by UPSC and pick the ones that match your interests and background. You can figure this out based on your education, what you like, and what you're good at.

For example, if you've studied Economics, choosing it as your optional subject is smart because you already know the basics. Humanities graduates might lean towards Philosophy or Sociology, while science and tech fans could go for Anthropology, which has a scientific angle. If you're an engineering student, consider your specific engineering field, mathematics, or physics

4.2 Examine Scoring Trends

While scoring trends aren't the sole criteria, it's essential to consider the historical performance of optional subjects in previous UPSC exams. While this should not be the primary factor, it can be a part of your selection process.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) unveiled the Success-Rate of Optional Subjects in UPSC 2019, offering valuable insight into the performance of candidates. Let’s have a look at it. Remember, the "success rate" of a certain subject is the percentage of candidates who chose a specific subject and were recommended after appearing in UPSC mains.

4.3 Static vs. Dynamic Nature

In UPSC, some subjects are fixed and rely on books, like Anthropology, Sociology, and Public Administration – these are called "static subjects." Meanwhile, subjects like Political Science and International Relations or History are more "dynamic" because they need you to keep up with current events and new information. So, when you pick your subject, think about what suits you and whether you can stay updated.

4.4 Overlap with General Studies

It's important to check how much of your chosen optional subject's syllabus matches with the UPSC General Studies (GS) syllabus. More overlap means you'll save time because you'll study topics that are relevant for both GS and your optional subject. For instance, subjects like Mathematics can be good for scoring because they don't have much subjectivity, while subjects like Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) help you save time because a significant part of their syllabus is the same as the GS papers.

4.5 Length of the Syllabus

The length of the syllabus is another factor to keep in mind. Subjects like Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Geography, Management, Economics, Anthropology, Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, and Mathematics generally have shorter syllabi compared to subjects like Law. Choosing a shorter syllabus isn't enough; don't make it the only reason for picking your subject. Focusing too much on this factor might result in insufficient preparation.

4.6 Availability of Resources and Mentorship

Finally, evaluate the availability of resources and mentorship for your chosen subject. Research whether comprehensive study materials, coaching classes, and mentors specialized in your shortlisted optional subjects are readily available.

For instance, if we observe the success-rate table of the optional subjects in the UPSC examination, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science is the highest-scoring subject, but finding good mentorship, coaching classes, and UPSC-focused study materials for this subject is very difficult.

By following these six steps, you can boil the list of subjects down to 2-3 subjects. Read briefly about them on the internet to make an informed decision about your optional subject for the UPSC exam. Remember, your choice will significantly impact your success, so take the time to research and consider each criterion carefully.

While looking for the right mentorship for optional subjects, it is essential to choose from the Top 10 Coaching Institute in India. Drishti IAS, ranked among them, offers many courses for optional subjects, and they kick off new batches throughout the year. If you're curious about the choices they offer, dive into our blog on Drishti IAS fees Drishti IAS fees and courses for more details.

5.0 Conclusion

To sum it up, picking the right subject for your UPSC journey is super important. Understand the choices, think about what you like and are good at, and go for it. Remember, there's no one perfect choice, but what really matters is how hard you work and stick with it. Good luck with your UPSC journey!

6.0 Frequently Asked Questions on Selecting the Best Optional

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