UPSC Optional Subjects list for UPSC CSE 2023 Mains Exam

UPSC Optional Subjects: The candidates must choose wisely for the optional subjects in UPSC Main Exam as it is worth a mark of 500. There is total of 9 papers in the UPSC Main, that is 2 out of 9 papers (GS VI & GS VII) depend on the optional subjects chosen by the aspirants. The optional subjects in UPSC Mains are worth 250 marks each with a total of 500 marks and these scores would be counted in the merit list. The candidates must make up their minds before filling out their application form as afterward no changes could be made to the optional subjects.

Optional Languages in Literature

The aspirants can even choose Literature as their Optional Subject in UPSC, even if it was not their graduation subject. UPSC has given a choice to choose among the Literature subject of any one of the following languages:

Factors to be considered while choosing between UPSC Optional Subject

If you are thinking of opting for an Optional Subject in the civil services examination, here are some factors you should consider:

1. Consider the background of the subject- As you are about to choose an Optional Subject for prelims, take a close look at what has been studied during your graduation in order to have a clear idea about whether or not it fits with the listed subjects. If your graduation falls within the list of Optional Subjects, then go with that particular subject without any second thought as you should be familiar with their basics.

2. Prefer a similar subject- This sets yourself up for success by ensuring that you understand the basics and thereby reducing your preparation time, which is key when preparing for prelims

3. Avoid going with too many topics- It can be quite difficult to cover a long list, so just pick one that is important enough to be included as an Optional Subject without any problem

4. Interests and hobbies: Are you passionate about a particular subject? If so, that might be an indicator that the subject is worth studying further. If not, it might be a good idea to select an Optional Subject that interests you.

5. Availability of material: Some Optional Subjects may require materials that are not typically found in a classroom setting. For instance, if you want to study Indian History, you will need to find materials on India and its history. Make sure to research which Optional Subjects may require specific materials in advance so that you don’t waste time looking for them when the time comes.

6. Time commitment: Do you have the time to devote to studying an Optional Subject? Some Optional Subjects may require hours of reading and/or watching videos. Others may only take a couple of hours per week. Knowing this before making a decision will help determine which Optional Subject is best for you.

Top 10 Most Choosing UPSC Optional Subjects

Want to learn more about the best optional subjects for an aspirant to choose from? Among the 26 subjects, I analyzed the best 10 optional subjects that are most favored by UPSC aspirants.

1. Sociology
2. Law
3. Psychology
4. Medical Science
5. Agriculture
6. Literature
7. Anthropology
8. Public Administration
9. Geography
10. History

Success Rate Of Candidates With UPSC Optional Subjects

UPSC Optional Subject Success Rate – 2017

Literature UPSC Optional Success Rate – 2017

FAQ’s About How To Choose Best Optional For UPSC Exam

Question.1 What is the success rate of optional subjects in the UPSC exam?

Question.2 Which subject is best for IAS Mains optional?

Choosing an UPSC subject that has a high overlap with General Studies is often thought to be a good decision, but other factors like individual preference, study material availability and nature of syllabus must be considered as well.

Question.3 How To Choose The Best Optional Subject for UPSC Exam?

If you are planning to take the UPSC exam, there is a lot of information that you need to consider. One of the most important things that you need to do is choose the best optional subject for the exam. Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right option:

1. Think about what you are interested in. If you are not sure what subjects would be best for you, try doing a search online or in your local library. This will help you find out more about the different options and make a more informed decision.

2. Consider your career goals. Do you want to pursue a government job? If so, then law might be an excellent option for you. However, if you are not interested in a government career, there are other options available to you as well. For example, business or economics could be good choices if you want to focus on private enterprise or finance.

3. Consider your time availability and interests. Will studying for an optional subject consume all of your free time? Are some subjects more challenging than others and will taking them require more time commitment? These are all important factors to consider when choosing an optional subject for the UPSC exam.

Question.4 IS Sociology a Good Optional Subject for IAS?

Many students are considering whether or not to take Sociology as an optional subject for the IAS exams. There are pros and cons to taking Sociology, so it is important to consider all of your options before making a decision. The main pro of taking Sociology is that it can help you understand how societies work. It can also give you an understanding of how people interact with each other. The main con is that Sociology can be difficult to pass if you don’t have strong grades in other subjects. If you’re confident in your ability to pass Sociology, it’s a good option for the IAS exams.