Optional for UPSC CSE: 6 Best Tips

Choosing an optional for UPSC CSE is a crucial decision. Additionally, it can impact your overall performance and success in the exam. It is advisable to choose a subject that you are comfortable with and have a good understanding of. Ultimately, choose a subject that you feel confident about and can prepare well for. Therefore, explore here to know what optional to choose, and how to select the right optional subject for UPSC CSE.

How to choose the best optional for UPSC CSE?

Choose a subject that you feel confident about and can prepare well for. Don’t choose a subject just because it is popular or has high-scoring potential. Your interest, aptitude, and preparation are the key to success in the UPSC CSE exam.

Optional for UPSC CSE # 1 Interest and aptitude

Choose a subject that you are interested in and have a good understanding of. Additionally, it is essential to evaluate your aptitude and skills in the subject. Therefore, if you have a background or degree in a particular subject, it may be beneficial to opt for that subject.

Optional for UPSC CSE # 2 Scoring potential

Evaluate the scoring potential of the subject based on the past year’s trends and analysis. You can consult experts or previous year’s toppers to get an idea about the subject’s scoring potential.

Optional for UPSC CSE # 3 Availability of study material

Check the availability of study material, coaching, and resources for the subject you choose. However, it is essential to have access to quality study material. Also, expert coaching helps to prepare well for the exam.

Overlapping with the general studies syllabus

Some subjects have significant overlap with the general studies syllabus. Also, these can help you prepare for both the optional and GS papers simultaneously.

Optional for UPSC CSE # 5 Duration and effort

Evaluate the duration and effort required to prepare for the optional subject. Additionally, some subjects require more time and effort than others. So, choose a subject that you can manage with your other commitments.

Optional for UPSC CSE # 6 Consultation with experts

Consult with experts or experienced candidates to get their insights and suggestions on the subject. Competition care experts can provide the best guidance to UPSC and APSC aspirants. Additionally, you can also attend counseling sessions or seminars to get more information about the subjects.

Popular optional subjects for UPSC

History
Geography
Political Science and International Relations
Sociology
Public Administration
Anthropology
Philosophy
Economics
Psychology
Literature of any Indian or foreign language

Best optional for APSC EXAM

The best optional subject for the APSC exam may vary depending on your interests, background, and skills. However, some of the popular and scoring optional subjects for the APSC exam are:

History
Geography
Political Science and International Relations
Sociology
Public Administration
Anthropology
Philosophy
Economics

Most scoring optional for UPSC CSE

The scoring potential of an optional subject in UPSC CSE varies from year to year, and there is no fixed formula to determine which subject will be the highest scoring. However, some optional subjects that have consistently shown good results in terms of scores are:

Geography

It is a popular optional subject among UPSC aspirants and is known to fetch good marks in the mains exam. It is also considered a relatively easier subject to prepare for, with many concepts overlapping with the general studies syllabus.

History

History is another popular and high-scoring optional subject for the UPSC exam. It is a vast subject, and candidates with a good understanding of historical events and their significance can score well in this subject.

Political Science and International Relations

This subject is ideal for candidates interested in current affairs and international relations. It is a scoring subject if you have a good understanding of political ideologies, international organizations, and foreign policies.

Public Administration

This subject is popular among candidates with a background in public administration or management. Also, it is known to fetch good marks. However, candidates must have a good grasp of the concepts and theories.

Anthropology

This subject is a relatively new addition to the list of optional subjects for UPSC. However, it has gained popularity among candidates as it is considered a scoring subject with less complex concepts.

Conclusion

Remember, choosing the right optional subject depends on your interest, aptitude, and background knowledge. So, choose a subject you are comfortable with and can prepare well for. Also, focus on mastering the concepts and theories. Additionally, you should also consider the availability of study material and coaching for the subject you choose. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with experts or experienced candidates before finalizing your optional subject. Don’t choose a subject just because it is popular or has high-scoring potential. Hence, your interest, aptitude, and preparation are the key to success in the UPSC exam.

APSC and UPSC Subjects