![Optional for MBA graduates. Concept image](https://www.competitioncare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Optional-for-MBA-graduates.png)
3 Best Optional for MBA Graduates for UPSC
UPSC Management graduates often choose to forego lucrative private-sector jobs in order to serve their country by becoming part of the UPSC Civil Services. If you are a management graduate considering taking the exam, you may be wondering which optional subjects would be best. Explore here to know the popular optional for MBA graduates, why choose management optional, pros and cons of choosing Management optional in the UPSC exam.
Popular optional for MBA graduates
Optional for MBA graduates #1 Management
This subject may be the most natural choice for management graduates since it is their field of study. While the management syllabus is vast and requires a thorough understanding of concepts, there is little overlap with the GS papers, making it a good option for those who excel in this area.
Optional for MBA graduates #2 Public Administration
Another popular choice among management graduates is public administration, which deals with the administrative aspects of government. This subject is widely studied for the UPSC exam and is a scoring option with plenty of resources available for preparation. Additionally, there is significant overlap with the GS papers, making it a good option for those looking to maximize their study time.
Optional for MBA graduates #3 Economics
While not directly related to management, economics is often included in MBA programs, making it a good option for management graduates. However, it is important to have a genuine interest in the subject to pursue it as an optional for the UPSC exam. Like public administration, economics is also a scoring subject.
Who should choose management as optional?
Choosing Management optional for MBA graduates in the IAS exam is recommended for those who have a background in management. Aspirants at the graduate or post-graduate level can choose management. However, it is not an easy subject to master from scratch, particularly for the UPSC mains. UPSC aspirants who have studied management in college can use it to their advantage in the main exam.
There are several advantages to choosing management as an optional subject for MBA graduates:
- The questions are generally easy to medium level and straightforward if you have prepared well. Additionally, they tend to be predictable, so reviewing previous years’ question papers can give you a good idea of what to expect.
- There are not many candidates who choose management as an optional subject, so the competition is relatively low compared to subjects like public administration or geography.
- Management is a logical subject, and the answers are not subject to interpretation, making it more scoring than subjects like literature or history. THerefore it can be a good choice as optional for MBA graduates.
- As future administrators and managers, you can use your knowledge of management techniques in your job, making it a practical choice for those looking to enter civil services.
Pros and cons of Management as optional
Management optional may not be as popular as some other subjects like geography, public administration, or political science. However, it is considered a safe bet for UPSC aspirants. Every year, a few candidates with management optional clear the UPSC exam. Also, the subject has a consistent performance. The number of people who opt for this optional subject is generally less than 200. However, it has a decent success rate of around 12-15%. Also, the functions required for a UPSC officer and those of a manager have some common traits. So, management can be a strategic choice for UPSC aspirants who have a background in the subject.
Management Optional Pros
- Straightforward and direct questions
- Easy to medium difficulty level
- Repeated questions from previous year’s papers
- Less competition compared to other subjects
- Logical and rational subject, not subject to interpretation
- Suitable for candidates with a management or commerce background
- Study material available from standard management books
- The syllabus is largely static with minimal link to current affairs
Management Optional Cons
- Lengthy syllabus
- Papers can be lengthy, difficult to complete
- Minimal overlap with general studies papers
- Some overlap in certain concepts with GS II and III papers
Ultimately, the choice of an optional subject should be based on your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. There is no requirement to choose a subject related to your field of study. Optional for MBA graduates can be any subject. However, candidates from all backgrounds are free to select any subject in the UPSC syllabus. With careful consideration, you can choose an optional subject that complements your strengths. Also, helps you earn as many points as possible in the exam.