The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, often regarded as one of the toughest and most prestigious examinations in India, offers a wide array of optional subjects for candidates to choose from. These optional subjects serve as a significant component of the UPSC Main Examination, allowing candidates to showcase their expertise and knowledge in specific areas of interest. From literature and history to science and technology, the range of optional subjects caters to diverse academic backgrounds and interests, providing candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency and aptitude in their chosen field. The selection of an optional subject is a crucial decision for aspirants, as it not only reflects their academic strengths but also plays a vital role in determining their overall performance in the examination. Thus, understanding the significance and nuances of UPSC optional subjects is paramount for candidates aspiring to excel in this esteemed examination.
How many optional subjects for UPSC?
Under the revised IAS exam pattern, candidates are now required to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam. The General Studies papers in the civil services mains exam contribute to 1000 marks, while the two Optional Papers carry 250 marks each. As a result, candidates must carefully weigh the pros and cons before selecting an optional subject for the IAS Mains.
The annual UPSC Notification provides details on the available optional subjects and their respective syllabi. This article offers insights into the number of optional papers in the UPSC exam. For a comprehensive list of optional subjects for the UPSC IAS Mains Examination, refer to the linked article, where aspirants can also find information on the UPSC syllabus and the IAS Exam.
Optional and its Significance
What is the Significance of the Optional Subject in UPSC CSE?
- The Optional subject is the only category that aspirants can choose in the Civil Services Exam (CSE), and its marks are factored into the merit calculation. All other papers are either standardized for everyone or are solely qualifying in nature.
- The Optional subject exam plays a pivotal role in the UPSC CSE. While the General Studies (GS) Mains exam may not offer much room for differentiation, the Optional subject allows candidates to gain a lead of 20-50 marks with a wise choice and focused efforts.
Which Holds More Weight – Optional or GS?
- Selecting the right optional is crucial in the UPSC CSE because there is a greater potential for achieving higher marks in the Optional subject compared to the General Studies (GS) Mains exam or any other category:
- Despite the GS Mains exam carrying a weightage of 1000 marks, the scores of GS Mains toppers typically range from 475-525 out of 1000, constituting only 50% of the total marks.
- On the contrary, optional subject toppers often score in the range of 350-370 out of 500, surpassing 70% of the total marks allotted to the Optional subject.
- Although the weightage of the optional subject exam is lower than the GS Mains, the likelihood of securing higher marks is significantly better in the optional exam.
What Determines the Potential of Different Optional Subjects?
- The inherent potential of an optional subject can lead to substantial variations in the total scores of candidates. For example, two students with the same level of preparation appearing for the same optional subject are more likely to achieve similar marks.
- However, if they opt for different optional subjects, the difference in their scores is likely to be more pronounced, even with the same level of preparation. The incorrect choice of an optional subject can play a major role in the inability to clear the UPSC CSE Mains exams.
- For two dedicated candidates, the difference in their GS Mains exam scores is unlikely to exceed 10-15 marks, whereas in the case of optional subjects, this difference generally increases to 40-60 marks.
How Does Moderation in UPSC Optional Provide an Advantage?
- Unlike State PSC Exams, UPSC does not employ scaling for optional subjects but relies on moderation.
- Scaling involves equating the marks of two or more different optional subjects by assuming a similarity in the level of students. However, UPSC prefers the moderation approach.
- For example, if an examiner in a particular subject awards extra marks to a student, the chief examiner will moderate the marks based on their understanding.
Choosing Optional Subject
How to Decide on the Right Optional Subject for UPSC CSE?
Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a critical decision, and several factors should be considered in the decision-making process. Here are the criteria to help you make an informed choice:
1. Subject Scalability:
- Evaluate the relative ease of scoring in a given optional subject.
- Understand that not all optional subjects are equally scored.
- Historical examples show the popularity and success rates of certain subjects in different years.
2. Students’ Own Abilities:
- Recognize your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects.
- Opt for subjects that align with your skills; for example, choose subjects like Political Science or Sociology if you excel in writing.
- Consider subjects like Geography or Physics if you are adept at visual representation using diagrams and maps.
3. One’s Own Interest:
- Prioritize subjects that genuinely interest you.
- Passion for a subject makes studying more enjoyable and reduces the likelihood of monotony.
4. Commonality (Overlapping with GS):
- Choose an optional subject that is also beneficial for General Studies, Essays, or Interviews.
- Assess the subject’s contribution to your overall marks in various exams.
5. Length of Syllabus:
- Consider the time required to cover the syllabus of an optional subject.
- Saving a month or two in studying a subject can be advantageous for UPSC preparation.
6. Sources of Information/Study:
- Ensure ample study materials and guidance are available for your chosen optional subject.
- Seek support from seniors and teachers for guidance.
7. Dynamism of Subject:
- Evaluate the dynamic nature of a subject.
- Some subjects require regular updates, while others have more stable content over the years.
8. Background:
- If relevant, consider your educational background in a subject.
- While not as crucial as other criteria, a background in a subject can be an added advantage.
9. Competition:
- Do not base your decision on the competition within a subject.
- The competition is among students from all optional subjects, and there is no reservation for specific subjects.
10. Scorability in English Medium:
- English medium candidates can score consistently across various subjects.
- Subjects like Mathematics, Anthropology, Sociology, Literature, Public Administration, and Geography are known for high scoring.
11. Judging Scalability:
- Analyze subjects based on consistently high scores (over 300 marks) in recent years.
- Avoid considering extreme marks and refer to data post the 2013 curriculum change.
Remember, the priority given to each criterion should follow the listed sequence. Making a well-informed decision based on these criteria will contribute to your success in the UPSC CSE.
Studying for Optional Exams
Creating an effective strategy for preparing for your UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) optional subject is crucial. Here are some considerations and guidelines to help you formulate the right approach:
Personalized Strategy:
- Ultimately, the strategy should be tailored to your preferences and strengths.
- One approach is to complete the entire General Studies (GS) syllabus first and then choose your optional subject.
Study Approach:
- Choose between a parallel study (simultaneous preparation for GS, essay, and optional) or a sequential approach (one subject at a time).
- Whichever approach you choose, ensure that you have thoroughly covered your optional syllabus before the UPSC Prelims.
Timely Preparation:
- Complete the optional syllabus and engage in answer writing practice well before the Prelims.
- Practice answer writing to enhance your command of the subject.
Objectivity vs. Subjectivity:
- Objectivity refers to factual subjects with one correct answer (e.g., Maths, Physics, and Geography to some extent).
- Subjectivity involves questions with multiple correct/appropriate answers (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Literature).
- Choose based on your writing and thinking skills; there’s no inherent advantage to either type.
Time Dedication:
- Subjects vary in terms of length, width, and depth.
- Approximately 300 hours of classes are needed for complete study, excluding answer writing practice.
- Including practice, revision, and answer writing, allocate 700 to 1000 hours for exceptional performance.
Study Duration:
- If focusing solely on the optional subject, 10 hours a day for about 100 days is sufficient.
- If studying concurrently with GS, Essay, etc., allocate 2.5-3 hours daily, requiring around 250 days.
Post-Study Routine:
- Consider spending 2-3 months exclusively on the optional subject.
- Post this period, dedicate 1 hour daily to revision, answer writing, and other supplementary activities.
Self-Study Effectiveness:
- Yes, self-study is sufficient for clearing the optional exam.
- If studying without coaching, follow these steps:
- Obtain notes from a reputed institute specializing in your optional subject.
- Solve mock-test papers from specialized institutes.
- Find someone to evaluate your answers for feedback.
- Remember, the success of your preparation depends on a personalized and disciplined approach. Adjust the strategy based on your preferences, and stay dedicated to achieving your UPSC CSE goals.
Subjects, Sources, and Efficiency
Choosing literature subjects as an optional English medium for the UPSC CSE can be highly advantageous. Here’s why:
1. High Scoring Potential:
- Literature subjects tend to be highly scorable in the optional exam when English is the medium.
- Copies are evaluated by subject experts, often favoring candidates with regional literature as their subject.
2. Subjectivity in Regional Literature:
Regional literature, especially in Paper – 2, is subjective in nature.
Even if you lack precise answers, making informed guesses and writing accordingly can yield favorable results.
3. Guidance Challenges:
- Opting for regional literature subjects may pose challenges in receiving guidance from subject experts.
- Access to such guidance can significantly enhance your performance in this subject.
Considering an Engineering Background:
1. Engineering Subjects Performance Trend:
- Recent years have shown average results for engineering subjects, scoring around 310-320 marks for those proficient in the field.
2. Direct Availability in Graduation:
- If your graduation subject is directly available in the optional subjects list (e.g., civil engineering), it can be a suitable choice.
3. Additional Study Time Consideration:
- If an additional 4-6 months of study is required for your graduation subject, it’s advised to choose a subject related to GS Mains exams.
4. Alternative Choices:
- For engineering students with no inclination towards their field or lacking strong linguistic/writing skills, Geography or Anthropology (closely related to Science) can be viable alternatives.
Considering Law as an Optional Subject:
1. Average Results in Law:
Law, like engineering subjects, has produced average results—neither exceptionally good nor bad.
2. Jurisprudence and Constitution Connection:
If not opting for Law, Political Science is a suitable alternative due to commonalities in Jurisprudence and Constitution.
Preference for NCERT Books in Optional Subjects:
1. Clarifying Basic Concepts:
Reading NCERTs helps clarify basic concepts, essential for higher-level UPSC books where valid content is presented, sometimes without foundational explanations.
2. Answer Writing Skills:
Older NCERT books provide precise content, aiding in understanding how to write effective answers within word limits, a crucial skill for UPSC Mains.
3. Optional Requirement vs. Choice:
While studying NCERTs is beneficial, it’s not a fundamental requirement if your preparation is satisfactory; it remains a personal choice.
In the Examination Hall
What Format Should Answers Follow in UPSC Exams (Both GS and Optional)?
There isn’t a set template for answering UPSC questions—whether graphical with flowcharts or detailed paragraphs. Answers can take various forms, including paragraphs, feature highlights, maps, diagrams, bullet points, or headings.
When to Use Different Answer Formats (Both GS and Optional)?
1. Objective or Representable Questions:
- For questions with an objective or representable nature, like comparing states using parameters such as sex ratio or literacy, a table, map, or flowchart can enhance the answer significantly.
- This format is more effective than paragraphs in conveying specific information.
2. Analytical Questions:
- Analytical questions, requiring in-depth discussion, may not benefit from excessive use of flowcharts and tables. These may make the answer appear shallow.
- It is crucial to consider the nature of the question—whether it demands a subjective or objective response.
Example Illustration:
Case 1:
- Question: “Had Mahatma Gandhi not died in 1948, what do you think would be the nature of the Indian Constitution?”
- Answer Format: In this case, a detailed response in paragraphs is more appropriate to maintain depth and explore the nuances of the question.
Case 2:
- Question: “What were the major differences between the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?”
- Answer Format: Given that the question involves listing ideological differences, a table or 5-6 headings may be more effective in presenting a clear and concise response.
UPSC Optional Subjects List FAQS
1. How many optional subjects are allowed for the IAS Exam?
Under the revised IAS exam pattern, candidates are now required to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam.
2. What is the significance of the Optional Subject in UPSC CSE?
The Optional subject is crucial as it is the only category where aspirants have the freedom to choose. Marks obtained in the Optional subject contribute to the merit calculation, distinguishing candidates.
3. Which carries more weight – Optional or General Studies (GS)?
The Optional subject often holds more weight as there is a greater potential for achieving higher marks compared to the General Studies (GS) Mains exam or any other category.
4. How do different Optional Subjects impact total scores in UPSC CSE?
The choice of an optional subject significantly influences total scores. Candidates with the same preparation level may have a considerable score difference if they opt for different optional subjects.
5. What factors should be considered when choosing an Optional Subject for UPSC CSE?
Several factors should be considered, including subject scorability, personal abilities, interests, commonality with GS, syllabus length, sources of information, dynamism, background, and competition.
6. Can literature subjects be advantageous for English medium candidates in UPSC CSE?
Yes, literature subjects can be highly advantageous for English medium candidates as they are often considered highly scorable in the optional exam.
7. How does an engineering background impact the choice of optional subjects?
Engineering subjects may produce average results, and the choice depends on direct availability, additional study time required, and alternative subjects related to GS Mains exams.
8. Is Law a suitable optional subject, and are there alternatives?
Law is an average-scoring optional subject, and alternatives like Political Science are suitable due to commonalities in Jurisprudence and Constitution.
9. Should NCERT books be preferred for optional subjects?
Reading NCERTs helps clarify basic concepts and enhances answer-writing skills. However, it’s not a fundamental requirement and remains a personal choice.
10. What is the recommended answer format in UPSC exams for different question types?
There is no set template. For objective questions, graphical formats like tables or flowcharts may be effective, while analytical questions may require detailed paragraphs or structured headings.
Feel free to explore more about UPSC optional subjects and exam preparation in the linked articles for detailed information.
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