How do I select an optional subject for UPSC?

UPSC's main exam includes optional subjects and candidates have to choose their preferred UPSC optional subjects. Do you want to know how to choose an optional subject for UPSC civil services? The right selection of optional subjects plays a significant role in being the score differentiator for UPSC aspirants. 

The main exam consists of nine papers out of which two papers VI and VIII are from the optional subject for UPSC. Both these papers carry 250 marks in the UPSC main exam. 

The marks obtained in the UPSC optional papers are counted for the final merit list so the choice of the optional subject must be made carefully. Now candidates have to choose just one optional subject so you should check out the optional syllabus before choosing any.

How to choose the best optional subject

Optional paper consists of a total of 500 marks out of a total of 2025 marks so they play a very significant role in the UPSC main exam. Candidates should choose their optional subject wisely because they can make a great difference in the final marks. 

Definition of the best UPSC optional paper can vary from individual candidates based on their capability, interest, and educational background. There are some common mistakes that candidates often commit while choosing optional subjects for UPSC mains. 

Candidates should not choose optional subjects based on toppers scores in that subject but also consider some other factors like availability of study groups, coaching, study material. Candidates should consider these factors to choose optional subjects for UPSC.

Syllabus of optional subject

Candidates will have to prepare for General Studies papers and essay papers for the main exam. You will need to dedicate more time to prepare an optional subject if you choose that one with the lengthy syllabus so make sure you choose an optional subject that you can easily cover in the stipulated time.

Does the syllabus of optional subjects overlap with the GS paper?

Some optional subjects have syllabuses overlapping with the general studies syllabus in both prelims and mains exams. For example History, Political Science and International Relations, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration, Economics, etc. by choosing these optional subjects you can save some preparation time.

The level of competition

Some candidates select optional subjects that have a high success ratio in terms of the number of candidates. But it is not a good decision. Choose an optional subject that you are comfortable with because your answer sheet will be evaluated based on your answer. You can write your answer comprehensively, it is more than everything else. 

Availability of study material

Study materials, relevant books are very limited for some optional subjects although there are 47 subjects for the UPSC mains exam. Therefore, you should choose optional based on the availability of resources, study material, and coaching. You can also access more resources online from the comfort of your home.

An optional subject that you have studied in your graduation

Candidates should choose the optional subject that they have already studied in their graduation or post-graduation. Here, you will be familiar with the subject and can study it constantly without losing interest.

Best optional subject for UPSC

No doubt some optional subjects are more scoring than others but there are some reasons why some subjects are considered low scoring. It may be that the candidate is not available to put in the requisite effort or he did not select the right optional subject for himself. 

Technical subjects are considered more scoring as the answers are absolute. Apart from this, you can choose some non-technical subjects which overlap with the UPSC prelims syllabus. It will not only save your preparation time but also increase the overall mains score if you studied them well.

Candidates should check the vastness of the syllabus, preparation time, prior knowledge of the subject, overlapping syllabus, availability of study material, coaching, and their interest before choosing an optional subject for the UPSC mains exam. So that they can make an individual decision about the best optional subject in UPSC.