Most Scoring Optional Subjects for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

Check details about most scoring optional subjects for the UPSC CSE mains exam here. Also, know about the success rate of optional subjects.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is known for its rigorous and competitive nature.

During their preparation journey, an aspirant has to make lots of decision that has a direct influence on their strategy and chances of success.

Among all, one most important decision is choosing their optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The right optional subject has a direct impact on the overall score and rank of an aspirant.

Let’s discuss the most scoring optional subject for the UPSC IAS exam.

Understanding the Significance of the Optional Subject

Before getting into the most scoring optional subjects, it’s important to understand the significance of this choice in the UPSC exam.

The main examination consists of nine papers, out of which only 7 papers will be counted for the final merit ranking. For the rest two papers, the candidate should secure the minimum marks prescribed by UPSC each year.

An aspirant has to choose one optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services mains examination and among those 9 papers, two papers are dedicated to an optional subject.

Each optional paper carries 250 marks, totaling 500 marks out of a grand total of 1750 marks for Mains. Therefore, your performance in the optional subject can substantially influence your final ranking.

Most Scoring Optional Subjects in UPSC IAS Exam

We have enlisted a few prominent optional subjects that are famous among aspirants:

Anthropology:

• Anthropology is a prominent choice among aspirants.
• Uma Harathin, Rank 3 of the UPSC 2022-23 exam has opted for Anthropology as an optional subject.
• In 2017, Anudeep Durishetty secured the first rank with Anthropology as his optional subject.

Sociology:

• Sociology is a popular choice due to its contemporary relevance and scoring potential.
• In 2020, Jagrati Awasthi who scored AIR 2, and Meera K who scored rank 6 in UPSC CSE opted for sociology as their optional subject.
• In 2014, Ira Singhal secured the first rank with Sociology as her optional subject.

Public Administration:

• Public Administration has been a popular choice among UPSC aspirants for years. Many toppers have chosen this optional subject.
• In the 2019 UPSC exam, Pradeep Singh secured the first rank with Public Administration as his optional subject.

Geography:

• Geography is known for its high-scoring potential, with consistent success stories over the years.
• In the year 2020, Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai scored rank 8 in UPSC CSE with geography optional.

History:

• History has also shown a steady performer in UPSC exams and is often considered a safe choice.
• In the year 2021, Shruti Sharma scored first rank with History as an optional subject.

Other Popular Optional Subjects

Besides these options, there are other famous optional subjects as well:

• Philosophy
• Political Science & International Relations
• Psychology
• Economics
• Law

Also read: Which is the Most Popular Optional Subject in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination?

Optional Subjects with Success Rates in the UPSC CSE 2020

Here’s a table showcasing the optional subjects with their success rates in the UPSC 2020 exam:

Optional Subjects with Success Rates in the UPSC CSE 2019

Here’s a table showcasing the optional subjects with their respective success rates in the UPSC 2019 exam:

Optional Subjects with Success Rates in the UPSC CSE 2018

Here’s a table mentioning the optional subjects with their respective success rates in the UPSC 2018 exam:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Optional Subject

While the examples above showcase the scoring potential of an optional subject, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

The choice of an optional subject should depend on various factors, including your interest, background, and proficiency in the subject.

Here are some factors to consider before choosing an optional subject:

• Interest and Background: Try to choose a subject you are genuinely interested in or have a background in. This can make the learning process more effective.
• Coaching and Guidance: The role of the optional subjects is huge in mains examination of UPSC. So, it’s good to seek guidance from the beginning. Either from some selected candidate or from a coaching institute. Though it’s a personal choice.
• Scoring Potential: Look for the past trends and analyze the scoring potential of the subject. However, remember that your dedication and effort matter more than the subject itself.
• Overlap with General Studies: Some optional subjects have overlap with the General Studies (GS) papers. Consider how your optional subject can complement your GS preparation.

Conclusion

Choosing a scoring optional subject in UPSC is a critical decision. This decision has a direct impact on your success in the examination.

While subjects like Public Administration, Geography, History, Economics, and Sociology have been considered popular choices, it’s important to select a subject that aligns with your interests, background, and study capabilities.

Remember that dedication, consistent effort, and smart study strategies play a pivotal role in your preparation.

Also read: Optional Subjects of UPSC Toppers in the Last 7 Years: Is there a Pattern?

Article Written By: Priti Raj