The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) offers candidates a wide range of optional subjects to choose from in the Mains stage. This selection allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise in a specific field, potentially boosting your overall score. Understanding the UPSC optional subjects and syllabus is crucial for informed selection and targeted preparation. Delving into this guide will equip you with a comprehensive overview of the available subjects and their detailed syllabus, empowering you to make a strategic choice and embark on a focused path toward UPSC success.
Choosing your optional subject for the UPSC exam is a big deal! That’s because it’s worth 500 marks, which is pretty much one-fourth of your entire score from the written exam and interview combined. So picking the right subject can move you up in the rankings!
The UPSC Mains exam has two special papers out of nine. These papers are on a subject you get to pick yourself! Each of these papers is worth 250 marks. Important! Once you choose your subject, you can’t change it later, so pick wisely!
UPSC lets you pick any subject you like for the main exam! They have a whole list of 48 options to choose from. This means you can pick something that fits your past studies (like if you studied Geography, you could pick Geography as your optional) or something interesting!
UPSC Optional Subjects
There are 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam, including 25 core subjects and 23 literature options.
UPSC lets you pick any subject you like for the main exam! They have a whole list of 26 options to choose from. This means you can pick something that fits your past studies (like if you studied Geography, you could pick Geography as your optional) or something you just find interesting!
UPSC Optional Literature Subjects
How to Choose an Optional Subject for the UPSC Exam?
Choosing an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam can be overwhelming. There are many things to consider, and it’s easy to get confused. Here are some simpler ways to think about it:
- Pick something you enjoy: You’ll be studying this subject for a long time, so it helps if you find it interesting. Are there subjects you’ve always liked in school or college?
- Can you find good study materials? Make sure there are enough books, notes, and practice tests available for the subject you choose.
- How hard is the syllabus? Some subjects may be more complex than others. Take a look at the syllabus to see if it seems manageable for you.
- Consider your background: Do you have any prior experience or education in a particular subject? This can give you a head start.
By considering these factors, you can choose an optional subject that you’re more likely to succeed in and that will help you ace the UPSC exam.
Top 8 UPSC Optional Subjects
Picking a subject for the UPSC exam is all about what you like! But there are some subjects that many people choose because they’re popular. Here’s a list of the top 8 most popular UPSC optional subjects in case you’re stuck deciding between 26!
- Sociology
- Geography
- History
- Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
- Public Administration
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Literature Subject (Anyone)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many optional subjects are there in UPSC Mains?
There are 48 optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the Mains exam. These subjects cover a wide range of disciplines, including Literature, Science, Public Administration, and many more.
2. How do I choose the right optional subject?
Choosing the right optional subject is crucial for success in UPSC Mains. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your academic background and interest: Pick a subject you’re familiar with and passionate about.
- Overlapping syllabus with General Studies: Look for subjects that share some content with the General Studies papers, maximizing your preparation efficiency.
- Availability of study materials and guidance: Ensure you have access to quality resources and potentially coaching if needed.
3. Where can I find the official syllabus for the optional subjects?
The UPSC publishes the syllabus for all subjects, including optionals, on its official website https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/revised-syllabus-scheme.
4. Can I change my optional subject after the preliminary exam?
Yes, you can change your optional subject for the Mains exam. However, it’s advisable to choose your subject wisely from the beginning to avoid wasting time and effort switching later.
5. How much weightage does the optional subject hold in the UPSC Mains exam?
The optional subject carries the highest weightage in the Mains exam, with a total of 500 marks dedicated to two optional papers (250 marks each).
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
