Are you confused about choosing the best optional subject for UPSC? Relax! It is one of the common bothering situations faced by every IAS aspirant. You just have to choose one perfect optional subject. The optional subject comprises of 500 marks out of the total 2025 marks. But still, it has to be the correct decision as it affects your final ranking. General studies paper and interview paper cannot be predicted. On the other hand, an optional subject is comparatively easy to score.
Importance of Choosing the Right Optional subject
You should be comfortable with the subject you select. Fulfill the following points while making the final decision:
- Familiarity with the subject
- Easy accessibility of books and study materials
- Availability of Subject Matter Experts
- Level of difficulty as per the syllabus
- Idea about previous year questions
Most preferably, it would be better if you choose a subject that is in close relation with your graduations course. Students have found it comfortable! Your choice should not ruin the preparation time for General studies as it contains higher marks weightage.
Important tips to consider while you make the decision
As a first step, you must scan all the optional subjects available on the list. Read the subject names repeatedly until you retain them in mind. Spending the time of 15 minutes is recommended. Now, consider your past knowledge and subjects taken during college and schools days. List all your favorite subjects in one sheet of paper. Include all the subjects you loved to study, scored high marks, and showed great interest.
Secondly, think of GS subjects in which you are interested. Some of the candidates prefer doing masters in subjects like history, polity or sociology. If you also have any such subjects in mind, include them in the list. Some of you might love to read the mother language literature. It is also available as optional subject in UPSC. After this, you can go through the subjects shortlisted.
Shortlisting Tips To Choose The Final Optional Subject
Come out of the trapping question – How many optional subjects for IAS? Among the plethora of optional subjects presented by UPSC board, you can finalize with 4 to 5 subjects. This is your final shortlist. Refer to the syllabus of all those optional subjects in great details. Concentrate on all the topics when you go through the syllabus. Highlight those topics in which you feel familiar or possess an interest in studying about the same.
Pick up the previous year question papers for all the optional subjects shortlisted. Skim through all the questions. Again think of whether you are willing to study the subject from exam point of view. It can also be based on the interest or knowledge you possess about the subject. These tips are just to help you understand the affinity towards your chosen subject. Do not make the process too stressful.
Also, the availability of proper study materials is also the major point to be focused on. Majority of the IAS coaching institutes share the common subjects. So, study materials are available only for those optional subjects. Never take a risk of choosing the subject which none of the institutes bother to even teach. It means you will not get proper preparation guidance or materials. Even if you opt for self-study, it demands reliable study materials. Remove it from the list, if there is no enough resource!
Ultimately, the choice of best optional subject for UPSC is an individual decision. The perspective of selection keeps changing. Only you know about your strengths and weaknesses. The tips mentioned in this blog post might help you to eliminate few doubts. Take time and choose the best suitable optional subject.