Having a strong grasp of psychology optional (UPSC) can prove advantageous for candidates preparing not only for the optional subject but also for GS paper 4 – Ethics. Various topics such as Attitude, Emotional Intelligence, and Aptitude, covered under GS paper 4, are directly related to the Psychology syllabus. Reading from the recommended sources can offer a comprehensive perspective on the subject matter.
1) NCERT Psychology – Class 11 and 12
2) Psychology – Robert Baron (Paper 1)
3) Introduction to Psychology – Atkinson & Hilgard (Paper 1)
4) Introduction to Psychology – Clifford Morgan and Richard King (Paper 1)
5) Psychology – Saundra K. Ciccarelli (Paper 1)
6) Applied Psychology – Smarak Swain (Paper 2)
7) Understanding Psychology by Robert S. Feldman
8) Tests, Measurements, and Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences by A K Singh
Although the reference books mentioned above offer a thorough comprehension and can enhance conceptual clarity, it is crucial to exercise selectivity while reading them. It is advisable to adopt a study approach where one book is studied multiple times, rather than reading multiple books just once.
How to prepare for the psychology optional (UPSC)?
Psychology is one of the optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the civil services mains examination. If you are considering psychology as your optional subject for UPSC mains and are unable to decide, you can go through the list of pros and cons that we have given below. After that, you should assess your strengths and weaknesses and then conclude.
Pros of psychology optional (UPSC):
- Psychology is generally considered a highly interesting subject.
- Good study material is readily available for this subject.
- It can be scoring because you can use a lot of examples from real life to substantiate your answers.
- Anyone can take up this optional – you need not be a graduate in this subject.
- Psychology can help in the Ethics paper.
- Psychology can also help in certain portions in GS I (social issues) and the essay paper.
Cons of psychology optional (UPSC):
- If you are not interested in studying this subject, you better keep off it as it can come across as vague.
- For people with a different academic background, psychology may be a tad hard to follow.
- There is very little overlap with the general studies papers.
- The syllabus for psychology optional is considered relatively vast.
General Tips:
- Stick to a minimum number of books for this optional.
- NCERTs are very important for this subject.
- You have to take care not to write answers like you would in the GS papers.
- It is also very important to form linkages between the topics in the syllabus.
Steps to be followed:
- Start with NCERTs to master the basics and develop an overall understanding of the syllabus
- Proceed to standard reference books for Paper 1 and directly applicable concepts to Paper 2
- Focus on enhanced conceptual understanding rather than memorizing facts
- Good hold on Paper 1 concepts crucial as foundation for Paper 2
- The chapter on statistics in Paper 1 requires extra efforts
- Root answers in theory for Paper 2 and use psychological concepts or theories from Paper 1 to support arguments
- Use contemporary examples from the Indian context to make answers more relevant
- Adopt a standard format for answering attitude and behavior change questions
- The inclusion of case studies, examples, experiments, issues in newspapers, and diagrams hold value to answers
- Aim for effective revision and rely on your own concise notes
- Develop ability to interlink Paper 1 and Paper 2 for effective answer writing
- Practice answer writing regularly and address content and presentation
- Solve previous years’ papers and get them checked by a mentor or teacher
- Join test series for critical feedback, perspective, and interactive sessions
- Follow simple rules while writing answers like underlining keywords and diagrams and focusing on structure
- Effective time management during exams is crucial, brainstorm for 5 minutes and divide time accordingly
- Stick to the word limit and develop time management skills with repeated practice
- Spend the last few days before the exam wisely in revising the syllabus covered earlier, and avoid new information.
Paper I Strategy:
- Develop a strong foundation in Paper I.
- The chapter ‘Research Methods’ is increasingly becoming popular with the UPSC.
- A few topics are repeatedly asked.
- The book to follow for the paper is Psychology by Robert Baron. Alternatively, you can use Psychology by Saundra Ciccarelli.
Paper II Strategy:
- Develop your answers rooted in the concepts of psychology that you learned in Paper I.
- Give a lot of examples to support your answers and make sure you quote a majority of Indian examples.
Toppers in Psychology Optional:
| Name | Year | Rank |
| Anurag Jain | 2018 | 24 |
| Manish Kumar | 2017 | 61 |
| Anuj Malik | 2016 | 16 |
| Mittali Sethi | 2016 | 56 |
| Anvesha Reddy | 2016 | 80 |
| Joseph K Mathew | 2016 | 574 |
| Annapurna Garg | 2015 | 68 |
| Ashis Panda | 2014 | 276 |
| Ankita Singh | 2014 | 664 |
| Prabhav Joshi | 2013 | 23 |
| Ravi Ranjan | 2013 | 92 |
| Shena Aggarwal | 2011 | 1 |
| Shubhra Saxena | 2008 | 1 |
| Adapa Karthik | 2007 | 1 |
Read our SOLVED PAPERS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should I choose Psychology as an optional subject for the UPSC exam?
A: Choosing Psychology as an optional subject offers a multidisciplinary perspective, incorporating aspects of science and humanities. It enables a deeper understanding of human behavior, which is crucial for the dynamic demands of the UPSC examination. Additionally, Psychology provides insights into social issues, enhancing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Q2: Is a background in Psychology necessary to excel in the UPSC Psychology optional paper?
A: No, a specific background in Psychology is not mandatory. The UPSC Psychology optional syllabus is designed to accommodate candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. While prior knowledge might be advantageous, the focus is on the application of psychological principles to real-life situations, making it accessible to candidates with varied academic histories.
Q3: How can I effectively prepare for the practical applications of Psychology in the UPSC exam?
A: To excel in the practical applications of Psychology, focus on case studies, real-world examples, and contemporary issues. Develop a habit of relating theoretical concepts to current events. Additionally, practice answer writing to enhance your ability to apply psychological theories to specific situations, a crucial skill for the UPSC examination.
Q4: What is the scoring potential of Psychology as an optional subject in the UPSC exam?
A: Psychology has the potential to be a high-scoring optional subject if approached strategically. Understanding the key concepts, mastering case studies, and presenting well-structured answers can significantly boost your score. Moreover, the dynamic and evolving nature of the subject makes it relevant and interesting for both the candidate and the examiner.
Q5: How can I stay updated with the latest developments in the field of Psychology for the UPSC exam?
A: Stay informed about the latest developments in Psychology by regularly reading reputable journals, books, and online resources. Follow updates from relevant psychological associations and organizations. Integrating contemporary examples in your answers will not only showcase your awareness but also demonstrate the practical relevance of psychological theories in the context of current affairs.
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