Scoring Top Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains Exam

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”. – Mike Ditka

At the crossroads of your UPSC preparation journey, every choice can lead to a new opportunity. One such critical decision is selecting the best optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam. It is highly beneficial to align your choice with your strengths and interests while choosing the right optional subject. Just like a knight needs a sword that feels right in their hand, you need an optional subject that coincides with your strengths and interests. 

A top-scoring optional subject could be the decisive factor for your overall rank in the final list. So, identifying which optional subject is best for UPSC mains can create a big difference. Let’s understand through an in-depth analysis how you can strategically choose the best optional subject for the UPSC mains exam. Remember, the right choice today, a higher rank tomorrow! 

Major Criteria for Selecting the Top Scoring Optional Subject 

The optional subject (Paper I & Paper II) carries 500 marks out of 1750, which is a substantial portion of the total marks in the Mains exam. This shows the importance of excelling in these papers to create a significant difference in your final tally. 

Choosing the best optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam is one of the most crucial decisions you will make during your preparation. It is essential to approach this decision with careful consideration. To maximize your marks in the optional subject, it’s important to evaluate several key criteria. Let’s take a note!

1. Interest and Prior Knowledge of the Subject

Your interest in a subject is perhaps the most important factor. When you have a genuine passion for a subject, studying it becomes less of a chore and more of an engaging pursuit. Your interest and depth of knowledge can help you write comprehensive and insightful answers that can impress the examiners. 

For example, if you have a background in Sociology or Public Administration, opting for one of these as your optional subject could make your preparation more effective and enjoyable.

2. Syllabus Review of the Subject 

Review the syllabus of the potential optional subjects before finalizing your choice. Look for topics that align with your interests and areas where you already have a strong foundation. This alignment can ease the learning process and reduce the time needed to master the material. 

If you find that the syllabus of a particular subject feels familiar or manageable, it can be a good fit for you. You can access the syllabus of optional subjects on the official website of UPSC.

3. Availability of Study Materials

The availability of quality study materials is another considerable factor. Some subjects have a wealth of resources, including textbooks, online materials, and previous years' question papers, while others may not be as well-documented. 

Ensure that the subject you choose has sufficient resources that can support your preparation. Lack of adequate study materials can make it challenging to prepare effectively.

4. Time Management with General Studies 

As you know, the UPSC syllabus is vast, and time management is crucial. When selecting an optional subject, consider how it fits into your overall study schedule. If the subject requires extensive preparation time that may detract from your General Studies revision, it might not be the best choice. Balancing your time between the optional subject and General Studies is key to achieving a high overall score.

5. Overlapping of Syllabus with General Studies

One strategic approach is to choose an optional subject that overlaps with the General Studies papers. Subjects like Geography, History, and Political Science have considerable overlap with the General Studies syllabus. This overlap can help reinforce your knowledge and reduce the weight of studying completely separate subjects.

6. Success Rates of Various Optional Subjects

Finally, it’s wise to look at the success rates of various high-scoring optional subjects in previous UPSC Mains exams. Some subjects consistently produce high scorers, while others may have lower success rates. Analyzing these trends can provide insights into which subjects might offer better-scoring potential. Sociology, Geography, and History have a steady scoring trend, making them a popular choice among aspirants. 

Always remember, this decision is not just about the subject matter but about playing to your strengths and maximizing your potential in the exam.

Join our student community on Telegram of over 10,000 UPSC aspirants just like you! Access valuable resources like:

• Handwritten notes
• Mind maps
• Daily targets and more!

A List of Top Scoring Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains

Opting for an optional subject that aligns well with the General Studies syllabus can boost your overall score. To help you make an informed choice, we've put together a list of top-scoring optional subjects for the UPSC Mains exam that have consistently proven to be popular among successful candidates.

Whether you're drawn to the social sciences, humanities, or law, there's something here that could be the perfect fit for you. Let’s explore these top-scoring subjects that have earned their spot as top contenders in the UPSC Mains!

Also watch: Complete GS Syllabus Revision 

In-depth Analysis of Top Scoring Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains

In the UPSC preparation, general studies papers set the foundation, but it’s the optional subject that becomes the tipping point between success and a near miss. The selection of an optional subject in the UPSC Mains Exam is crucial because it can be a scoring factor. Also, the optional subject allows you to showcase your depth of understanding in a specialized area. Let’s understand the reason why some of these top-scoring optional subjects have become the go-to choices for many UPSC aspirants:

1. Sociology: 

Sociology has emerged as a top choice for UPSC aspirants. Here’s why:

• Accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Easier to manage compared to other options.
• Concise and manageable syllabus
• Covers topics like inequality, gender, and social change.
• Overlaps with GS papers, enhancing preparation.
  
  

2. Geography: 

Geography has become one of the most high-scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam. The reasons are: 

• Well-defined and lucid syllabus. 
• Easy access to study materials. 
• Overlaps with General Studies papers. 
• Helpful in Essay paper preparation. 
• Helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  
  

3. History: 

History is known for being a highly scoring optional subject among UPSC candidates because of its: 

• Comprehensive and well-structured syllabus.
• Availability of abundant study materials and resources.
• Significant overlap with General Studies papers.
• Beneficial for Essay paper preparation.
• Aid in the development of analytical and interpretive skills.
  
  

4. Public Administration: 

Public Administration has become one of the leading choices for UPSC aspirants. Here’s why: 

• Well-structured and concise syllabus. 
• Overlaps with General Studies Paper II and III. 
• Practical relevance and direct applicability.
• Provides insights into the functioning of administrative processes.
• Applicability in real-world scenarios
  
  

5. Anthropology: 

Anthropology has a high-scoring potential in the UPSC Mains exam. The reasons include: 

• Shorter syllabus compared to other subjects. 
• Known for its scientific approach. 
• Convenient to grasp the concepts. 
• Straightforward concepts and methods. 
• Interdisciplinary Nature
  
  

6. Political Science & International Relations: 

PSIR is a highly regarded optional subject among UPSC candidates because of: 

• Connection to current affairs and international diplomacy. 
• Covers topics related to governance and policy-making. 
• Major overlapping with GS Paper-II. 
• Encourages critical analysis and discussion of political theories.
  
  

7. Philosophy:

Philosophy is another highly-scoring optional subject for UPSC candidates. The reasons are: 

• Offers a concise syllabus. 
• Helpful in creative writing and expression. 
• Advantageous in essay paper. 
• Intersects with other disciplines such as political science, ethics, and psychology.
  
  

8. Psychology:

Psychology has risen to prominence as a scoring optional subject because of its:

• Distinct and organized syllabus. 
• Bridges both theoretical concepts and practical applications. 
• Advantageous in essay writing. 
• Intersects with other disciplines, such as sociology, education, and healthcare.
  
  

9. Economics: 

Economics is regarded as one of the best optional subjects for the UPSC Mains exam. Here’s why: 

• Deeply connected to current affairs. 
• Relates to other fields such as politics, sociology, and environmental studies.
• Provides a holistic understanding.
• Overlaps with GS Paper-III.
  
  

10. Law: 

Law is an advantageous and high-scoring choice for the UPSC Mains optional subject. because: 

• Defined and well-structured syllabus. 
• Develops strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Direct application of knowledge in the General Studies papers. 
• Relation to topics of governance, public administration, and ethics. 

Each of these subjects comes with its own set of advantages, but the key lies in choosing one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Deeply familiarize yourself with the syllabus of your chosen optional subject. Also, analyzing the previous year's papers of UPSC Mains can give you insights into the types of questions asked in the examination. 

Ready to take your UPSC preparation to the next level? Get personalized guidance and real-time feedback. Share your handwritten Mains answers with SuperKalam and receive detailed feedback and model answers in seconds. 

Discuss your answers LIVE with expert mentors – all for FREE!

Also watch: Perfect Strategy for Mains Answer Writing | A Complete Guide | SuperKalam

Success Potential of Various Top Scoring Optional Subjects 

Well, some subjects have consistently emerged as top scorers, drawing the attention of aspirants year after year. Understanding the success potential of various top-scoring optional subjects can provide valuable insights into making an informed choice for your UPSC Mains preparation. The high-scoring potential of Sociology, Geography, and History has a proven track record of helping candidates secure top ranks. Carefully observe: 

1. Sociology has consistently shown a high success rate. According to data from UPSC exam analysis, in UPSC 2021, 4 out of the top 10 rank holders had Sociology as their optional subject. Vineet Agarwal secured the top rank in 2021 with an impressive 323 marks in Sociology, while Anu Kumari achieved the second rank in 2017 with a notable 320 marks.
2. Geography is another top-scoring optional subject with a steady success rate. The detailed mapping and statistics involved are seen as advantageous. In UPSC 2020, 3 out of the top 10 rank holders selected Geography as their optional subject. Aishwarya Sandeep scored 340 marks in Geography and secured (Rank 1, UPSC 2020). 
3. Many aspirants choose History. Its relatively static syllabus and extensive overlap with General Studies Paper make it a high-scoring option. In UPSC 2019, 2 out of the top 10 rank holders had History as their optional subject. Shruti Sharma topped the 2021 rankings with 319 marks in History, while Srushti Jayant Deshmukh secured the fifth rank in 2018 with 315 marks.

Factors Influencing the Success Potential of Optional Subjects

Several factors influence the success rates of optional subjects. By evaluating these factors, you can make a more informed decision about which optional subject is best for you:

• Size and Complexity of Syllabus: Subjects with a concise and well-defined syllabus, like Philosophy and Public Administration, tend to have higher success rates. They are easier to manage within the preparation time frame.
• Overlap with General Studies: Subjects with substantial overlap with General Studies, such as Sociology, Public Administration, and Political Science & IR, often lead to better success rates. 
• Interest and Background: Candidates who have a strong interest or academic background in a particular subject usually perform better. Familiarity with the subject matter can lead to higher scores.
• Scoring Potential: Subjects that are perceived to have higher scoring potential, such as Anthropology and Sociology, attract more candidates and show better success rates. This perception is influenced by past performance trends and examiners' marking patterns.

Conclusion

Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Mains is not just about statistics and success rates—it's about aligning the subject with your personal interests, background, and study capabilities. When you pick a subject that resonates with you, your preparation becomes more engaging and effective. Remember, your dedication, consistent effort, and smart strategies are the ultimate game-changers in scoring high.

No matter which optional subject you choose, staying motivated and focused on your goals is key. Dive deep into your subject, leverage the available resources, and continuously refine your preparation methods. With hard work and the right approach, success is within your reach.

Embark on your UPSC journey with confidence and determination. Embrace the challenges, stay persistent, and remember that every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback. Your commitment and hard work will pay off in the end.

Don’t wait – take the first step toward your UPSC success with SuperKalam today! Visit us now and start your transformation!

Also read: Tips to Clear UPSC Exam in First Attempt.

‍