How to Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC Mains
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India. One of the most critical decisions an aspirant must make is selecting the optional subject for UPSC Mains. This subject carries 500 marks (250 marks for Paper 1 and 250 marks for Paper 2), making it a game-changer in the final selection. Choosing the right optional subject can significantly enhance your overall score and increase your chances of success.
In this blog, we will discuss factors to consider, subject-wise analysis, and expert tips to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Optional Subject
1. Interest and Passion
- Choose a subject you genuinely enjoy studying.
- UPSC preparation is a long journey; picking an uninteresting subject can lead to demotivation and lack of consistency.
- Ask yourself: Can I study this subject for the next 1-2 years without losing interest?
2. Scoring Potential
- Some subjects have a higher scoring trend based on past results.
- Subjects with objective and scientific content (like Mathematics, Public Administration, Anthropology) tend to have better scoring potential.
- Check UPSC toppers' mark sheets to analyze scoring trends.
3. Overlap with General Studies (GS) Papers
- A subject that overlaps with GS will reduce your overall study burden.
- Examples of high-overlap subjects:
- Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) → GS-2
- Public Administration → GS-2 and GS-4
- History → GS-1
- Geography → GS-1
- Less overlap means more effort in preparing separately for the optional.
4. Availability of Study Material and Guidance
- Choose an optional with ample study materials, coaching support, and online resources.
- A less popular subject may lack quality books, previous year papers, or guidance.
- Ensure test series and mentorship are available for proper evaluation.
5. Length of the Syllabus
- Some optional subjects have lengthy syllabi, requiring extra time for completion.
- Subjects like Law, Political Science, and History have vast syllabi compared to Anthropology or Philosophy.
- Check the UPSC syllabus and analyze whether you can complete it in time.
6. Previous Year Trends and Success Ratio
- Analyze past UPSC results to see the success rate of different optional subjects.
- Some subjects have consistently produced toppers, while others have fluctuating trends.
- However, do not choose a subject only based on trends—your interest matters the most.
7. Background and Academic Strength
- If you have an academic background in a subject, it can be an advantage.
- Example: An engineering graduate may find Mathematics or Physics easier.
- Humanities students may prefer History, Sociology, or Political Science.
Subject-Wise Analysis for UPSC Optional
1. Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
✅ High overlap with GS-2 and essay ✅ Good success ratio; preferred by many toppers 🚀 Best for aspirants interested in Indian polity, international relations, and governance
2. Public Administration
✅ Overlaps with GS-2 and GS-4 (Ethics) ✅ Useful for future bureaucratic roles 🚀 Requires conceptual clarity and strong answer-writing skills
3. Geography
✅ Good overlap with GS-1 and useful for Prelims ✅ Diagram-based answers fetch good marks 🚀 Requires strong map-reading and analytical skills
4. History
✅ Overlaps with GS-1 ✅ A static subject; doesn’t change over time 🚀 Requires good memorization and analytical skills
5. Sociology
✅ Useful for GS-1, GS-2 (Social Justice), and Essay ✅ Short syllabus and high scoring potential 🚀 Ideal for aspirants with a social sciences background
6. Anthropology
✅ Scientific and factual, making it highly scoring ✅ Short syllabus compared to other humanities subjects 🚀 Suitable for aspirants with a science background
7. Philosophy
✅ Short syllabus and direct questions ✅ Beneficial for Ethics (GS-4) and Essay 🚀 Requires deep thinking and conceptual clarity
8. Mathematics
✅ Objective and 100% fact-based answers ✅ No requirement for memorization 🚀 Best for aspirants with a math background
9. Law
✅ Overlaps with GS-2 (Constitution & Governance) ✅ Beneficial for aspirants with a law degree 🚀 Requires in-depth understanding of legal principles
10. Economics
✅ Overlaps with GS-3 and Prelims ✅ Highly analytical; requires strong conceptual clarity 🚀 Best for candidates with an economics or commerce background
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Optional
1. Analyze the Syllabus Before Finalizing
- Download the UPSC syllabus PDF and go through each optional subject.
- Ensure you can complete the syllabus within 6-7 months.
2. Go Through Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- Solving PYQs (last 5-10 years) will give you an idea of question patterns and difficulty level.
- If a subject feels too difficult, reconsider your choice.
3. Read NCERTs or Basic Books Before Deciding
- Pick one basic book or NCERT of the subject and read a few chapters.
- If you enjoy the subject, it could be a good choice.
4. Seek Guidance from Mentors or Seniors
- Talk to UPSC toppers, mentors, or subject experts for real-world insights.
- Watch YouTube interviews of toppers who took that optional.
5. Avoid Blindly Following Trends
- Just because a subject is popular doesn’t mean it suits you.
- Your interest and understanding matter more than trends.
Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Choice!
Choosing the right optional subject can make a huge difference in your UPSC journey. Remember:
- Interest, syllabus length, scoring potential, and overlap with GS papers should be your main criteria.
- Do a self-analysis before finalizing.
- Stick with your choice and master it through consistent practice.
🚀 Key Takeaway: A well-chosen optional can be the X-factor in your UPSC success!
✅ What optional subject are you considering? Share your thoughts in the comments!