Choosing an optional subject for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the most crucial decisions that aspirants need to make. A good optional subject can not only boost the candidate's score but also help them secure a rank in the highly competitive examination. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular optional subjects for UPSC and help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Optional Subject
The UPSC examination consists of three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Mains stage comprises of nine papers, out of which two are optional subjects. Each paper carries 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks for both optional papers. Choosing the right optional subject can make a huge difference in a candidate's final score and rank.
Popular Optional Subjects for UPSC
1. History
History is a widely popular optional subject for the UPSC examination. The subject is known for its vast range of topics, including ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, world history, and art and culture. One of the primary reasons why History is a good choice for an optional subject in the UPSC examination is its scoring potential. The questions asked in the examination are straightforward and factual, making it easier for aspirants to score well with proper preparation and revision.
Another advantage of choosing History as an optional subject is the availability of study material. The subject is popular among UPSC aspirants, and therefore, a vast range of study material is available, including standard textbooks and coaching material. Aspirants can easily access high-quality study material for the subject, which makes preparation much more comfortable.
2. Geography
Geography is a highly sought-after optional subject for the UPSC examination. The subject covers a broad range of topics, including physical and human geography, economic geography, and environmental geography. There are several advantages to choosing Geography as an optional subject.
Geography is a highly scoring subject. The questions asked in the examination are usually straightforward and factual, making it easier for aspirants to score well with proper preparation and revision. Additionally, Geography is a subject that requires a good understanding of maps, diagrams, and statistical data, which can further improve the aspirants' scores.
There is a vast range of study material available for Geography. From standard textbooks to coaching material, candidates can easily access high-quality study material for the subject. The subject's interdisciplinary nature makes it even more exciting, as aspirants can link their knowledge of geography with other fields, such as economics, environment, and history.
3. Public Administration
Public Administration is a popular optional subject for the UPSC examination. The subject covers topics such as administrative theory, development administration, financial administration, and public policy. There are several advantages to choosing Public Administration as an optional subject.
Public Administration is a highly scoring subject. The questions asked in the examination are usually straightforward and factual, making it easier for aspirants to score well with proper preparation and revision. Additionally, the subject requires a good understanding of administrative concepts and principles, which can further improve the aspirants' scores.
There is a vast range of study material available for Public Administration. From standard textbooks to coaching material, candidates can easily access high-quality study material for the subject. The subject's interdisciplinary nature makes it even more exciting, as aspirants can link their knowledge of public administration with other fields, such as political science, economics, and sociology.
4. Sociology
Sociology is a popular optional subject for the UPSC examination. The subject covers a broad range of topics, including social structure, social stratification, gender, family, and globalization. There are several advantages to choosing Sociology as an optional subject.
Sociology is a highly scoring subject. The questions asked in the examination are usually analytical and require a good understanding of theoretical concepts, which can be developed with proper preparation and revision. Additionally, the subject requires a good understanding of data interpretation and analysis, which can further improve the aspirants' scores.
There is a vast range of study material available for Sociology. From standard textbooks to coaching material, candidates can easily access high-quality study material for the subject. The subject's interdisciplinary nature makes it even more exciting, as aspirants can link their knowledge of sociology with other fields, such as political science, economics, and anthropology.
5. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
Political Science and International Relations is a popular optional subject for the UPSC examination. The subject covers topics such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. There are several advantages to choosing Political Science and International Relations as an optional subject.
Political Science and International Relations is a highly scoring subject. The questions asked in the examination are usually analytical and require a good understanding of theoretical concepts, which can be developed with proper preparation and revision. Additionally, the subject requires a good understanding of current affairs, which can further improve the aspirants' scores.
There is a vast range of study material available for Political Science and International Relations. From standard textbooks to coaching material, candidates can easily access high-quality study material for the subject. The subject's interdisciplinary nature makes it even more exciting, as aspirants can link their knowledge of political science with other fields, such as economics, history, and sociology.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an Optional Subject
1. Personal Interest
Personal interest is one of the most critical factors to consider while choosing an optional subject for the UPSC examination. The UPSC examination is a grueling process that demands several months of preparation, hard work, and dedication. Therefore, choosing a subject that one is genuinely interested in can make the preparation process more enjoyable and less stressful.
When choosing an optional subject, aspirants should take the time to evaluate their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. They should consider subjects they have studied before, or subjects they have a natural inclination towards. For instance, if someone is interested in international relations or world politics, then Political Science and International Relations could be a suitable choice for them.
2. Scoring
Scoring is another critical factor to consider while choosing an optional subject for the UPSC examination. Aspirants should choose a subject in which they have the potential to score well, as the optional subject's score carries a significant weightage in the final selection process.
While evaluating the scoring potential of a subject, aspirants should consider the subject's syllabus, the difficulty level of the subject, and the availability of coaching and study material. Aspirants should aim to choose a subject that has a well-defined syllabus and is not too difficult to understand. Additionally, aspirants should ensure that there is enough study material and coaching available for the subject to help them prepare effectively.
3. Availability of Study Material
The availability of study material is an essential factor to consider while selecting an optional subject for the UPSC examination. Aspirants should choose a subject that has adequate study material available, including textbooks, reference books, and coaching material.
Aspirants can do some research to evaluate the availability of study material for different subjects. They can check with coaching institutes, online resources, and fellow aspirants to understand the availability of study material for different subjects. Additionally, they can also check the accessibility and quality of the study material available for the subject.
4. Coaching and Guidance
Coaching and guidance is an important factor to consider while selecting an optional subject for the UPSC examination. Aspirants should choose a subject for which there are sufficient coaching and guidance available to help them prepare effectively.
The availability of coaching and guidance can vary depending on the subject. Some subjects may have a large number of coaching institutes and mentors available, while others may have limited options. Aspirants can do some research to evaluate the availability and quality of coaching and guidance for different subjects.
Conclusion
Choosing the right optional subject is crucial for a candidate's success in the UPSC examination. Aspirants should consider their personal interest, scoring potential, availability of study material, and coaching while making the decision. Popular optional subjects for UPSC include History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, and Political Science and International Relations. Click for more about Optional Subject in the UPSC. Click for more about Optional Subject in the UPSC.
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