What are the Optional Subjects in UPSC?
The UPSC Civil Services Mains exam allows candidates, to choose one optional subject from a wide range of categories. These optional subjects plays an important role in deciding the final score, and can boost your chances of selection. By understanding the available options, that helps in making an informed decision connected with your strengths and interests.
Optional subjects in UPSC covers a wide range of topics like humanities, engineering, and sciences. Candidates can pick the subjects based on their educational background, personal preference, and success rates.
List of Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains:
There are 48 optional subjects listed in the UPSC Mains exam, with 25 core subjects and 23 literature options. Candidates must select one among them as their optional subject.
| Core Subjects | Literature |
|---|---|
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Bengali |
| Anthropology | Bodo |
| Botany | Dogri |
| Chemistry | Gujarathi |
| Civil Engineering | Hindi |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Kannada |
| Economics | Kashmiri |
| Electrical Engineering | Konkani |
| Geography | Maithili |
| History | Manipuri |
| Law | Marathi |
| Management | Nepali |
| Mathematics | odia |
| Mechanical Engineering | Punjabi |
| Medical Science | Sanskrit |
| Philosophy | Santhali |
| Physics | Sindhi |
| Political Science and International Relations | Tamil |
| Psychology | Telugu |
| Public Administration | Urdu |
| Sociology | English |
| Statistics | |
| Zoology |
What are the Popular Subjects in the UPSC Optional List?
For UPSC Mains success, handpicking the right optional subject is notable. Some subjects are more popular, due to high scoring changes and overlap with the syllabus. This guide highlights the most preferred or popular optional subjects among aspirants.
Anthropology - A scoring subject with a brief syllabus, that deals with human evolution, culture and society.
Geography - Incorporates scientific concepts with geographical mapping questions, and integrates with GS Paper I and III
Public Administration - Focuses on governance and administrative theories, with high relevance to GS Paper II and ethics.
History - Features strong content for GS Paper I and essay, which focuses on ancient, Indian middle period, and contemporary India
Sociology - Embodies social structures and change, helpful for essay writing and GS Paper I.
UPSC Optional Subject Importance:
The choice of an optional subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination functions as a significant role in a candidate's overall performance. It can significantly impact the final score, especially in the Mains stage.
Selecting a subject suited with one’s academic background or interest, that can provide a strategic advantage. Therefore, careful consideration and understanding of the subject's syllabus, overlap with General Studies, and scoring trends are essential.
Role of the UPSC Optional Subject : Preparation Tips
Impacts Final Merit: The optional subject bearers 500 marks in the UPSC Mains exam, making it a primary influence in your overall rank.
Choose Strategically: Select a subject based on your interest, academic background, and interconnection with General Studies papers.
Master the Syllabus: Understand the syllabus, and stick to standard resources to develop clear concepts and in-depth knowledge.
Answer Writing Practice: Regular answer writing and analysis of previous years' question papers helps to improve presentation and time management.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The best optional subject for the UPSC exam, that reflects your interests, academic background, and strengths. Choosing a subject with a good intersection with General Studies can enhance your overall performance in the Mains exam.
Conclusion
Choosing the right optional subject in the UPSC exam is a smart choice, that can significantly influence your final score. It should reflect your interest, academic background, and preparation style to maximize your performance in the Mains.
Eva Stalin IAS Academy in Chennai provides expert guidance, and personalized support to help aspirants select and master their optional subject. The academy empowers students to excel in their chosen subjects confidently, with experienced faculty and focused resources.
