How many of the optional
subjects are included in the UPSC exam? What Is The Best Optional Subject
For UPSC? What subject has the highest rate of success? This query may be on
the thoughts of those preparing for the UPSC exams. The UPSC (Union Public
Service Commission) test is renowned for its extensive UPSC preliminary and
mains syllabus and tough interview selection process. Choosing the appropriate
optional subject for the UPSC Main Examination is one of the challenging
selections that aspiring candidates must make. This choice is crucial because
it may affect your preparation method and overall effectiveness.
We shall examine the UPSC optional
subjects list, the number of optional subjects for the IAS exams, and more in
this article. Choose the appropriate optional subject, and factors to take into
account when doing so. This article will therefore act as your compass,
pointing you in the direction of the appropriate optional subject for the UPSC
Mains Examination, whether you are just beginning your UPSC preparation or
reassessing your strategy.
How many optional subjects are there for the
IAS exams?
The Civil Services Examination (CSE),
one of India's most competitive tests, is administered by the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). The Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination,
and the Personality Test (Interview) are the three phases of the CSE.
Candidates must select one optional
subjects from a list of 48 for the Main Examination. General Subjects and
Literature Subjects are the two divisions of the optional subjects.
UPSC Optional Subject List 2024
List of UPSC Optional Subjects – General Subjects
|
Optional Subjects (Choose any one) |
Exam Pattern |
Optional Subjects (Choose any one) |
Exam Pattern |
|
Agriculture |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Philosophy |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Physics |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Anthropology |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Political Science & International Relations |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Botany |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Psychology |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Chemistry |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Public Administration |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Civil Engineering |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Sociology |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Commerce & Accountancy |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Statistics |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Economics |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Zoology |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Electrical Engineering |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Mathematics |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Geography |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Mechanical Engineering |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Geology |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Medical Science |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
History |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
Management |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
|
Law |
2 papers (each paper: 3 hours duration) |
List of UPSC Optional Subjects – Literature
Subjects
|
Assamese(Literature) |
Oriya (Literature) |
|
Bengali(Literature) |
Punjabi (Literature) |
|
Bodo(Literature) |
Sanskrit (Literature) |
|
Dogri(Literature) |
Santhali (Literature) |
|
Gujarati(Literature) |
Sindhi (Literature) |
|
Hindi(Literature) |
Tamil (Literature) |
|
Kannada(Literature) |
Telugu (Literature) |
|
Kashmiri(Literature) |
Urdu (Literature) |
|
Konkani(Literature) |
English (Literature) |
|
Maithili(Literature) |
Marathi (Literature) |
|
Nepali(Literature) |
|
What Things Should You Take Into Account When
Selecting the Best Optional Subject?
Interest and aptitude: Select a subject in accordance with your
preferences, abilities, and capabilities. It should be a subject you actually
enjoy learning about because this will keep you motivated as you complete your
preparation.
Background Information: Having experience in a certain subject can be
beneficial because you may already comprehend the principles at their core.
Study material: The accessibility and availability of good
study materials can have a big impact on how well you prepare. Make sure there
is sufficient study material for the selected optional subject, including
books, notes, and online resources.
Coaching and guidance: Enrolling in a reputable coaching programme
or requesting advice from topic specialists might offer insightful information
and preparation tips. Analyse the availability of coaching centres and
professional advice for the optional subject of choice.
Scoring Potential: To determine the scoring potential for each
optional subject, review and examine the question papers from prior years. Your
choice may be influenced by the relative better-scoring potential of some
subjects.
Overlapping Syllabus: Examine the overlap between the optional
subject's syllabus and the General Studies (GS) syllabus. You might cut down on
preparation time and effort by choosing a subject that matches the GS syllabus.
Time Commitment: Determine how much time you can commit to
studying the optional subject of your choice. The large curriculum or
specialised nature of some subjects may necessitate spending extra time and
effort on them.
Which Optional Subject is the Best for the
UPSC
The individual's interest, educational
background, and subject knowledge all play a significant role in selecting the
best optional subject for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil
Services Examination. Some disciplines, however, have gained popularity among
applicants because of how well they score, how closely they relate to General
Studies exams, and how easily study materials are accessible.
Here are the top 10 Optional Subjects
that the majority of candidates choose:
Geography:
This topic, which is scored, has a large amount of overlap with General
Studies. Additionally, candidates from all backgrounds frequently choose it.
Public Administration Public administration is a well-liked subject
because it overlaps with general studies and has application to the public
service.
Sociology:
The subject is rated highly and significantly overlaps General Studies.
Political Science and International Relations: This course is well-liked because it overlaps
with General Studies and has application to the public service.
History:
Due to its overlap with General Studies and the popularity of the subject among
candidates, history is a popular subject.
Anthropology: Candidates with scientific backgrounds
frequently choose the subject because it is seen as scoring well.
Economics:
Candidates with backgrounds in economics frequently choose this topic. There
are some similarities with General Studies as well.
Psychology:
Due to its applicability to the civil services, psychology is a popular subject
that is regarded as scoring well.
Mathematics:
Candidates with a solid foundation in mathematics frequently choose this topic.
It has a broad syllabus yet is nonetheless regarded as scoring.
Philosophy:
Due to its comparatively condensed syllabus, philosophy is a popular and
scoring topic.
Remember that everyone has a different
opinion of what is the "best" subject. It's important to pick a
subject that you are familiar with and confident in your capacity to comprehend
and remember the information.