Choosing the right optional subject for UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a decision that can greatly impact your preparation journey and final ranking. With 500 marks allocated to this subject, it’s essential to approach the choice systematically, keeping your strengths, background, and resources in mind. So how do we choose the optional? In this blog we give you a detailed analysis and checklist for how to choose an optional!
Smart Checklist to Choose the Optional
1. Evaluate Scoring Potential
Why Scoring Matters: Certain optional subjects have historically resulted in higher average scores due to concise syllabi, straightforward concepts, or overlap with other exam sections.
Examples of Scoring Subjects: Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Administration often feature among the top choices due to their relatively simple preparation curve.
Tip: Analyze previous years' mark trends for your shortlisted subjects. For instance, in recent years of 2020-2023, Anthropology, Sociology have consistently delivered high scores for many aspirants.
2. Leverage Your Academic Background
Play to Your Strengths: Picking a subject related to your graduation or professional expertise can save time and effort.
For Engineers: Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering Sciences can be logical choices due to your familiarity with technical concepts.
For Arts Graduates: Subjects like Political Science, History, or Philosophy often suit candidates comfortable with analytical and descriptive writing.
Exception: If you disliked your graduation subject or struggled with it, consider a fresh option that interests you more.
3. Consider Overlap with General Studies (GS)
Why Overlap Helps: A subject with significant syllabus overlap can optimize your preparation for both GS and optional papers.
Examples: Political Science covers key portions of GS Paper II (Polity and International Relations), while Geography contributes to GS Paper I (Physical Geography) and GS Paper III (Environmental Studies).
Benefit: Reduced workload and better utilization of study time for revision and practice.
4. Prioritize Resource Availability
Access to Study Material and Mentors: A popular optional like Sociology or History often comes with an abundance of resources—coaching notes, online lectures, and books.
Challenges for Niche Subjects: Rare optional like Medical Science or Veterinary Science might face limited resource availability, especially outside major cities.
Action Step: Before finalizing a subject, ensure access to comprehensive study material, solved question papers, and coaching (if required).
5. Evaluate the Syllabus and Your Time Availability
Shorter Syllabus, Better Preparation: Subjects with concise syllabi allow for multiple revisions, which is crucial for UPSC preparation.
Short Syllabus Examples: Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy.
Expansive Syllabi: Subjects like History and Literature of Languages require significant time investment due to their breadth.
Who Should Choose What: If you’re a working professional or short on time, go for subjects with a manageable syllabus to ensure adequate coverage and revision.
6. Align with Your Interests
Interest Drives Motivation: An optional subject you genuinely enjoy will keep you motivated during long study hours.
Trend Among Toppers: Many toppers choose optional subjects aligned with their interest or aptitude.
Example 1: Akshat Jain (AIR 2, 2018) chose Anthropology for its concise syllabus and scoring nature.
Example 2: Tina Dabi (AIR 1, 2015) opted for Political Science due to her passion for governance, and the subject’s overlap with her graduation degree.
Takeaway: Research toppers with similar academic backgrounds or career goals to see what worked for them.
Check out the analysis of Mains Optional Trends: 2020 UPSC Report
The 72nd Annual Report of UPSC sheds light on the distribution of candidates who appeared for Mains in 2020 and the success ratios across various optional subjects. Dive into these insights to understand trends and refine your strategy.
Check Out the Distribution of Optional subjects Opted by recommended candidates by broad streams (2018-2020)
Final Thoughts:
Remember, the best optional subject is the one you can master with passion and persistence. While popular trends and advice are helpful, your success will ultimately depend on how well you prepare, revise, and present your answers. Choose wisely, and let the marks follow! Ultimately, it’s your dedication and preparation that will turn this choice into a success!
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