Choosing the right optional subject in IAS Mains examination is a critical decision that can influence your success in the Civil Services Examination. With over 20 optional subjects available, narrowing down the one that aligns with your strengths, interests, and preparation time is vital. This guide explores the key considerations, popular options, and strategies to help you make an informed choice.
Guide To Choose Best Optional Subject In IAS Mains
Since 2013 Mains the UPSC has removed the second optional subject. It means that, the candidates need to select just ONE optional subject which would consist of two papers each holding 250 marks. However, the task of choosing an optional subject in IAS Mains exam is one disturbing question which scares the students who are willing to appear for the Civil Service exam.
What is an Optional Subject in IAS Mains?
An optional subject in the IAS Mains examination plays a critical role in determining the overall score of a candidate. The Mains exam consists of nine papers, of which two are dedicated to the optional subject. Each paper carries 250 marks, making it a total of 500 marks out of the 1750 in the Mains.
The optional subject in IAS mains offers candidates an opportunity to showcase their proficiency in a field of their choice, regardless of their educational background. It allows aspirants to select a subject they are comfortable with, enabling them to perform well. With a well-chosen optional subject, candidates can gain an edge in this highly competitive exam.
Eligibility and Overview of Optional Subject in IAS Mains Selection
The beauty of the IAS Mains optional subject selection lies in its flexibility. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not impose restrictions based on educational background or academic qualifications. This means candidates from diverse fields, such as engineering, medicine, humanities, or science, can choose any optional subject from the list provided by UPSC.
Key Points to Consider:
- No Academic Restriction: A candidate with a degree in engineering can choose history, and a medical graduate can select public administration if they find it appealing.
- Subject Relevance: Candidates often prefer a subject aligned with their educational background or one that overlaps with the General Studies syllabus to maximize efficiency.
- Language Preference: Some optional subjects are also available in regional languages, which can benefit candidates more comfortable with their mother tongue.
Ultimately, the right optional subject in IAS mains choice depends on a candidate’s interest, comfort level, and availability of resources.
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Detailed Tips for Choosing the Best Optional Subject
It is always recommended to choose the optional subject before time, so as to gather ample time to arrange notes and books for preparation.
1. Familiarity with the subject
- Usually one should select an optional subject with which he/she is familiar with or has studied it till the graduation year. There is no rule in the selection of a subject if you are familiar with its basics. For example: science and engineering students can also pick subjects like history, anthropology, sociology, geography, psychology, political science and public administration. This is possible because there is a vast amount of study material present in these subjects.
- It is important to keep in mind that you might be skillful in the technical subject during your study days but if you have grown out of touch with it, it might get tougher for you to thorough the syllabus all over again.
2. Try to Avoid Common Option
IAS exams are full of competition as every year lakhs of candidates from all over India sit to decide their future through these tests. Keep in mind that at the Mains level the competition is among the people who have selected the same subject. So make sure you choose a subject which is not opted by too many people.
3. Syllabus Length and Manageability:
- It is important for the candidates to analyze the syllabus from the previous years along with the question papers so as to get familiar with the past trends. Also, do not miss an opportunity to gain some feedback/advice from your seniors and mates who are quite expert in the subject.
- Do not rate any subject as bad. For example: History is good if you can offer more than 4-5 hours daily. Similarly, Geography can be a good option if you can manage at least 4 hours every day. Looking at other options, Public Administration Sociology can be perfected if you are ready to take out 2-3 hours daily.
- It all depends on the amount of time you can spend in a day as well as your liking towards that subject. If you are gifted with very good memory then a technical subject can be thought of as an option. Take a carefully calculated decision after understanding the different aspects of selection.
4. Scoring Optional
It is quite common that most IAS beginners select an optional subject simply because it is ‘scoring’. Some of the optional subjects that are considered scoring include Public Administration and Geography. Although Geography has returned marks with 400+ in IAS Mains, several candidates are able to score 340+ and 350+ in Public Administration since the past few years. Also, the average marks acquired by Mains candidates in 2008 Mains were close to 266 which is quite high.
Popular IAS Optional Subjects with Pros and Cons
Popular options are quite common among most IAS aspirants. There is a reason they are termed as popular. The options that come under this definition are Public Ad, Geography, Sociology, Psychology and History. It is believed that these four IAS optionals alone form about 50 percent share of the Mains, while the remaining 22 optionals for the rest.
| Optional Subject | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Geography | Map-based questions, semi-scientific | Lengthy syllabus |
| Public Administration | Overlaps with GS papers, concise syllabus | Highly competitive |
| Sociology | Simple concepts, scoring | Limited material availability |
| History | Detailed resources, overlap with GS | Requires extensive reading |
| Psychology | Conceptual and logical | Requires self-study discipline |
But why are these optionals known to be so popular? Here are some reasons:
- Subjects such as Pub Ad and Geog have definite syllabus. Also, Pub Ad consists of limited syllabus especially for P2, which can be covered within 5 months or so.
- The candidate requires limited coaching for Pub Ad since most of the syllabus involves self-study.
- The History optional for IAS is indeed popular due to the presence of many History post graduates and even graduates holding history as a subject.
- Geography is known to be a semi-scientific subject and a preferred choice among Engineers and Doctors due to its principles, laws and map-based questions.
- Sociology is simple to understand and very interesting because the topics covered are related to the society we live in.
- Psychology has pulled a lot of eyes because it is a combination of all the above mentioned attributes.
Least Popular Optional Subjects
While certain optional subjects like Geography and Public Administration are highly favored, there are lesser-known subjects that often yield high scores for candidates with a strong background or keen interest. These subjects, although less popular, can offer unique advantages:
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Literature (Various Languages):
- Advantages: Literature subjects allow candidates to leverage their command over a particular language and its literary traditions. It also provides a focused and finite syllabus.
- Who Should Choose: Ideal for candidates passionate about reading, writing, and analyzing literary works.
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Veterinary Science:
- Advantages: A technical subject with a defined syllabus. Scoring high is possible for candidates with a veterinary or zoology background.
- Who Should Choose: Best suited for veterinary graduates or those with related academic expertise.
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Mathematics:
- Advantages: Known for objectivity and a lack of ambiguity in answers. Offers high scoring potential for those adept at problem-solving.
- Who Should Choose: Suitable for candidates with a mathematics or engineering background.
These subjects, though less opted for, allow candidates to stand out due to limited competition and high specialization.
Selecting an Optional Subject in IAS Mains With Previous Background
- Many candidates who’ve graduated or done Masters in any of the subjects do opt for it in the CSE. It is quite helpful if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, graduation in humanities does help as the most popular IAS optionals mentioned above are included under the “Arts” subjects. It means, if you are pursuing graduation or masters covering any of the Arts subjects and wish to take it up in the IAS mains, be sure you pursue it seriously and plan a focused approach.
- Holding a previous base and interest in any of the optional subjects does offer you an extra edge. You need not have to go through the deepest of logics since you already are familiar with most of the concepts. This is indeed one of the most crucial factors in selecting the right optional for IAS rather than simply going for the popular or scoring options. Candidates who have opted for the most obscure subjects such as Literature, Mathematics or Veterinary Science have scored wonderfully in the Mains simply because their love with their optional was immense.
Scoring Strategies for Optional Subject in IAS Mains
Scoring well in the optional papers requires a smart and consistent approach. Here are some proven strategies:
Answer Writing Practice:
Practice writing structured, coherent, and concise answers regularly. Use examples, diagrams, and data wherever applicable to enhance presentation.
Understand Question Patterns:
Analyze previous year questions (PYQs) to identify recurring themes and the pattern of questions. This helps in focusing on high-yield topics.
Join Test Series:
Enroll in a reputed test series to evaluate your preparation and receive constructive feedback. It also builds time management skills and improves accuracy.
Revise Consistently:
Regular revision is crucial to retain concepts and facts. Focus on writing quality answers during revisions rather than rereading the material.
With disciplined preparation and a targeted approach, candidates can achieve high scores in their optional papers.
Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Optional Subject in IAS Mains
The choice of an optional subject is a decision that can impact your IAS journey significantly. Avoid these common pitfalls to make an informed choice:
Relying Solely on Others’ Opinions:
Do not base your choice entirely on the recommendations of friends, seniors, or coaching institutes. What works for one person may not work for another.
Ignoring Interest and Syllabus Analysis:
Selecting a subject without analyzing its syllabus or matching it with your interest can lead to burnout and poor performance.
Underestimating Less Popular Subjects:
Many candidates shy away from opting for less popular subjects, assuming they are less scoring. In reality, these subjects often have lower competition and well-defined syllabi.
Take time to evaluate your strengths, interests, and available resources before finalizing your optional subject. A carefully considered decision will set you on the path to success.
Conclusion
IAS exam is no joke and one must take every decision with a sane head so as to move forward to achieve the fixed goal. Do not forget to consult your seniors beforehand in order to gain a clear vision. They would surely help in making you realize about your strengths and weaknesses, based on which you can move forward in making a selection. Also, refer the internet in order to check out how various successful candidates made their way through.
Also Read: What Is The Difference Between IAS and PCS Officer?
