UPSC Optional Subjects List : How to Choose an Optional Subject in UPSC CSE

Choosing the right optional subject is a major decision for anyone preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.  It can have a major impact on your overall performance in the exam. In this article, we have provided a list of the UPSC optional subjects and we have also given some guidelines on how to choose the right one for you.

Also check: UPSC Previous Year Question Papers

First, let’s take a look at the list of optional subjects that are available for the UPSC exam:

1. Agriculture
2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
3. Anthropology
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Civil Engineering
7. Commerce and Accountancy
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Geography
11. Geology
12. History
13. Law
14. Management
15. Mathematics
16. Mechanical Engineering
17. Medical Science
18. Philosophy
19. Physics
20. Political Science and International Relations
21. Psychology
22. Public Administration
23. Sociology
24. Statistics
25. Zoology

Also Read:- How to Prepare for UPSC

How to Choose An Optional Subject for Civil Services Exam Preparation

Interest and difficulty

Choose a subject Based on your interest, if you are not interested in the subject, you are less likely to put in the necessary effort to perform well in it. Another important factor to consider is the level of difficulty of the subject. Some subjects, such as mathematics and engineering, are more difficult than others, such as sociology and public administration. Thus, if you are someone who struggles with difficult subjects, it may be best to choose a subject that is easier to grasp and understand.

Background

Consider your background and education in the subject. If you have a strong educational background in a particular subject, it may be a good choice for you.

Resource availability & Syllabus

 Make sure that you have access to the study resources for the subject. This includes books, study materials, and online resources. Some subjects have more resources available than others.  And this can make a big difference in your preparation. Hence, review the syllabus for the optional subject. It is important to ensure that the syllabus matches your interests and that you can effectively prepare for it.

Coaching and guidance

 Consider whether you will need coaching or guidance for the subject. Some subjects are more difficult to self-study.  And in such cases, it may be beneficial to seek out a coach or mentor. A coach or mentor can help you to comprehend the subject and get a more clear idea about the examination.

Popularity

 It is also worth considering the popularity of the subject among other candidates. Some subjects, such as public administration and geography, are very popular among candidates.  While others, such as agriculture and animal husbandry, are not. Choosing a popular subject can be beneficial, as there are likely to be more resources and support available for it. Moreover, It may also be beneficial to choose a popular subject among the students. It will give you more resources and peers to interact with in the process of preparation. Popular optional usually have more study material available which can aid in the preparation process.

Scoring potential

Some subjects have a high scoring potential in the exams, which can be a bonus in the final mark sheet. Positively, It can help you to increase your scores and pass the examination with impressive scores. However, scoring potential should not be the only criterion while selecting your subject. You must employ a broader perspective and select a subject as per your career objective and preference.

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Personal strengths

Consider your strengths and weaknesses when making your choice. If you have strong analytical skills. For example, a subject that requires a lot of analysis may be a good fit. As you can see, there is a wide range of subjects to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. When choosing an optional subject, it is important to consider your interests and strengths. For example, if you have a background in engineering, you may want to consider taking an engineering subject as your optional.

The Bottom Line

Finally, it is worth making a note of the syllabus and the subjects and how well it aligns with the UPSC exam. Some subjects, such as history and political science, have a lot of overlap with the UPSC exam syllabus, while others, such as agriculture and animal husbandry, have less. Choosing a subject with a high degree of overlap with the UPSC exam syllabus can be beneficial, as it will allow you to make better use of the time you spend studying.

In conclusion, choosing the right optional subject is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your performance in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. When choosing an optional subject, it is important to consider your preferences, study goals, the level of difficulty of the subject, the popularity of the subject among other candidates, and the alignment of the subject with the UPSC exam syllabus.

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