May 22, 2024
12
mins read
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India. It comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The optional subject in the Mains examination carries 500 marks out of 1750 total marks, making it a crucial determinant of a candidate’s final rank. Selecting the right optional subject can significantly impact one’s score, given its weightage and subject familiarity. As UPSC continues to update its syllabus, candidates appearing in CSE 2025 must understand the role of optional subjects in the exam.
The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, out of which two papers belong to the optional subject, each carrying 250 marks. While General Studies papers are common for all candidates, the optional subject allows aspirants to leverage their strengths in a specific discipline. The selection of an optional subject can influence final rankings, as many candidates score relatively higher in optionals compared to General Studies papers. It is essential to evaluate factors such as syllabus overlap, scoring trends, availability of study material, and personal interest before finalizing an optional.
Table of content
The UPSC provides a list of 48 optional subjects, which can be categorized as follows:
Humanities & Social Sciences:
Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
Public Administration
Sociology
History
Geography
Anthropology
Commerce & Management
Commerce & Accountancy
Management
Economics
Engineering & Pure Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering
Medical & Life Sciences
Medical Science
Agriculture
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Literature Subjects
English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Urdu, etc.
Each of these subjects comes with its own advantages, challenges, and suitability based on a candidate’s background.
The UPSC CSE 2025 syllabus is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Prelims Syllabus 2025:
General Studies Paper I (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech)
CSAT (Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Decision Making)
Mains Syllabus 2025:
Essay
General Studies (GS) Paper I-IV
Optional Subject Paper I & II
Language Papers (English and One Indian Language – Qualifying)
Interview Syllabus:
Personality Test
Analytical Thinking and Communication Skills Assessment
Awareness of Socio-Political Issues
Selecting an optional subject requires evaluating personal interest, availability of study material, overlap with General Studies, previous years' success rate, and required preparation time. A subject with extensive syllabus overlap can significantly reduce overall study effort, while a scoring subject can maximize marks in the Mains.
Analyzing Previous Year Questions (PYQs) helps identify recurring topics and important themes. Many UPSC toppers share their strategies and reasoning behind selecting an optional subject, providing valuable insights into the preparation process.
A structured UPSC optional subject preparation strategy includes selecting standard reference books, practicing answer writing through test series, deciding between self-study and coaching, and regularly revising key topics through mock tests.
Selecting the right UPSC optional subject is a crucial decision that impacts Mains scores and overall rank. Candidates should assess their strengths, interest areas, and syllabus overlap before finalizing a subject. Staying updated with the latest UPSC syllabus changes and adopting a structured study plan will significantly improve performance.
