UPSC Optional Subjects List

UPSC Optional Subjects List

Selecting an UPSC optional subject wisely can have a dramatic impact on your score and rank in the UPSC exam. Candidates should carefully study both their syllabus and prior years' question papers before making their choice.

Opting for a topic you are deeply passionate about or have some knowledge of is the key to successful preparations and will make the preparations much more pleasurable and fruitful.

Philosophy

Philosophy is one of the most systematic forms of human thought. It entails dissolving confusion, uncovering assumptions and presuppositions, testing positions, correcting distortions, finding reasons, examining worldviews and challenging conceptual frameworks.

Philosophy is an academic field which studies questions that span beyond science or other areas, such as history or economics. While physicists might ask what caused an event, philosophers might question if causation even exists at all.

Philosophy can be an ideal pursuit for individuals who enjoy grappling with complex questions that lack clear answers or who are drawn to exploring multiple viewpoints and challenging their own beliefs and those of others. Philosophy students learn logically rigorous arguments while critically examining other perspectives; skills which come in handy across many careers. Philosophers also gain a greater appreciation of human experience as well as possessing potential influence across other fields and societies.

Philosophy optional is considered under high scoring UPSC optional subjects.

History

History studies provide you with a window into the different factors that have contributed to shaping civilizations and our present world, while also expanding your knowledge about different cultures that impact society today. UPSC history syllabus comprises ancient, medieval and modern Indian history and world history studies.

Mastery of this subject can be challenging as it requires both factual knowledge and analytical abilities. Before selecting it as your optional subject, it's crucial that you gain an in-depth knowledge of its vast syllabus and make a detailed study plan.

Selecting an optional subject for the Civil Services Examination requires considering your educational background, strengths, and interests as well as available study materials, difficulty level and past year questions for each subject.

Geography

Geography is one of the most sought-after UPSC optional subjects for IAS aspirants, providing global perspective and boasting a high success rate among students who opt for it. When choosing an elective subject for your IAS preparation plan, ensure it fits with your aptitude, interest, and overall strategy for success.

Geographics is a multidimensional field, offering both physical and human knowledge. Additionally, its scope overlaps directly with that of UPSC general studies syllabus for easy preparation; however, in order to be truly masterful in this subject requires an intelligent combination of preparation strategies such as balanced study plans with regular review sessions and answer writing practice.

Start off your study of geography from grades 6th to 12th by consulting NCERT books for geography from classes 6th through 12th grade, consulting reference books and keeping informed with current events. It is also beneficial to solve past year geography question papers systematically to become acquainted with paper patterns, weight ages of topics and recurring concepts; answering timed questions will allow you to evaluate your preparation while honing answer writing abilities.

Public Administration

Selecting an optional subject for UPSC that resonates with both your interests and academic strengths can enhance your exam performance. But to do so successfully, ensure that you study it well by following standard and reliable materials like textbooks, reference books and online resources. Practice answering previous year question papers and mock tests for an in-depth knowledge of the syllabus; tie relevant research reports or index numbers into your answers so they sound authentic - this will earn higher marks.

Some subjects are perceived as easier by candidates due to their manageable syllabi and alignment with general studies; such as Public Administration, Sociology and Political Science & International Relations. It's important to prioritize aligning with your aptitudes and interests over perceived scoring potential when choosing subjects for exams.

Political Science and International Relations

Select UPSC optional subject that satisfies both your interests and academic background, then conduct a comprehensive assessment of each of them - syllabus, difficulty level and availability of study materials are key in finding something that fits. By doing this, it can help gauge whether or not it suits you as an activity and improve chances of success.

An important criterion when choosing subjects is their scoring potential. According to trends, Philosophy, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Public Administration and Literature subjects tend to score highly while History and Law follow close behind as highly scorable subjects.

An effective way of judging the scoring potential of any subject is examining its marks in past years.

Sociology

An effective UPSC optional subject selection can dramatically influence both one's score and ranking in the Mains exam, but requires careful deliberation to find one which aligns with one's interests and strengths as well as accessibility of study materials and resources.

Reliable study materials that pertain to your optional subject will help facilitate comprehension and retention. Flashcards or mind maps can also aid with this. Lastly, try the "spaced repetition" technique of reviewing material at regular intervals in order to maximize long-term retention. Finally, write and practice answers to previous year question papers and mock tests as a form of studying for real tests; also connect current affairs to your subject while staying abreast of contemporary developments; seek guidance from subject experts or mentors if available and be sure to balance study time with healthy eating and rest - staying focused will allow you to remain alert and energetic through preparation!

Economics

Economics is an expansive subject that covers topics like wealth, poverty, growth, trade, money jobs and inflation. As an in-depth discipline of global economic systems economics is interlinked with several other subjects like sociology history politics etc.

When selecting an optional subject for UPSC, it's essential that it reflects both your interests and strengths. Consider factors like scoring potential and availability of coaching institutes/guidance. You should also ensure there is overlap between its syllabus and General Studies' (GS). Selecting something familiar to reduce time and effort investment into preparation.

Psychology

Selecting an optional subject carefully can make or break your chances of cracking the UPSC merit list. Thankfully, there are numerous resources to assist in making the best choice: the official UPSC website provides extensive lists with syllabuses; various coaching institutes maintain extensive lists as well.

Psychology is the study of human behavior, including how cultural and linguistic influences shape perceptions and beliefs. Psychologists commonly apply it in areas like clinical psychology, organisational economic psychology, educational psychology as well as other related fields like mental health like anxiety and depression.

As with any subject choice, selecting one that complements both your academic background and genuine interests is optimal. When making this choice, also keep in mind the availability of quality study materials and guidance as well as any dynamism associated with that subject matter.

Literature

Under UPSC optional subjects list, candidates should select an optional subject that both interests them and is within their learning capabilities. They should then evaluate its availability of study materials and training courses before checking its scoring potential based on trends in marks and difficulty level.

Selecting an optional subject that best aligns with one's background and academic strengths can enhance overall performance and confidence during exams. However, keep in mind that its entire syllabus may prove daunting to cover within time limits.

Another tip for selecting an optional subject that overlaps with General Studies papers can help minimize effort required for preparation, and increase authenticity by citing articles, books, indices, surveys or recommendations from reputable sources - particularly true for sociology, political science, economics and law subjects.

 

Learning is the process of acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviours, skills, values or preferences.

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