5 Most Popular Optional Subject in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination

The UPSC Mains examination consists of subjective papers, and candidates are required to choose an Optional subject for this phase. In this article, we will discuss some of the Most Popular Optional Subject in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination that will help in your Preparation.

The optional subject includes Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. These optional subjects contribute a total of 500 marks, which can significantly impact a candidate’s overall result. It is crucial for UPSC aspirants to carefully analyze and choose their Optional Subject in order to study well, secure good marks, and achieve a high rank.

Several factors should be considered while choosing an optional subject for the UPSC Mains Exam.

Analyze the syllabus of the optional subject

First, candidates should analyze the syllabus of the optional subject in detail, considering the coverage and length of the syllabus compared to the General Studies subjects. It is important to clearly understand how the subject needs to be covered.

Familiarity with the subject

It is also essential for candidates to consider their familiarity with the subject. Choosing an optional subject that is completely unfamiliar can result in frustration. Candidates should consider their graduation subjects and select an optional subject that aligns with their academic background.

Availability of study material

Availability of study material is another important factor to consider. Preparing for an optional subject that carries 500 marks requires a significant amount of resources and study material. Candidates should check if good study material for their chosen optional subject is easily available both online and offline.

level of competition for a particular optional subject

The level of competition for a particular optional subject in recent years should also be taken into account. While some candidates believe that a high success ratio indicates a good optional subject, it is important to choose a subject that the candidate is comfortable with, as the clarity and understanding of the answers are key in the evaluation process.

Check for overlapping topics between the optional and General Studies syllabus.

Candidates should also check for overlapping topics between the optional and General Studies syllabus. Choosing a subject with more overlapping topics can save time and enhance the writing capability of the candidate.

Based on the success ratio from previous results, five optional subjects are considered most beneficial in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. These subjects include Political Science & International Relations, Geography, History, Public Administration, and Sociology. Each subject has its own unique advantages and characteristics that make them popular among UPSC aspirants.

In conclusion, choosing the right Optional Subject in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination is crucial for UPSC aspirants. Factors such as syllabus coverage, familiarity with the subject, availability of study material, level of competition, and overlapping topics should be carefully considered. The five most Popular Optional Subject in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination are Political Science & International Relations, Geography, History, Public Administration, and Sociology.