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The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in the world. Its objective is to select civil servants who will manage the country’s public administration. As we know, the UPSC CSE consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. In the Mains stage, there is a paper called the “Optional Subject” paper. This paper allows candidates to choose a subject of their interest and take a subject-specific test. This blog discusses all the essential aspects of UPSC optional, such as what it is, its significance, the list of optional subjects, how to choose an optional subject, key factors to consider, and more.
Contents
- 1 What is the UPSC Optional Paper?
- 2 Significance of UPSC Optional
- 3 List of UPSC CSE Optional Subjects
- 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing UPSC Optional Subject
- 5 How to Choose the Right Optional Subject for UPSC?
- 6 Comparative Analysis of UPSC Optional Subjects
- 7 How to Prepare for UPSC Optional Paper?
- 8 What are the Most Popular UPSC CSE Optional Subjects?
- 9 Which UPSC Optional Subject Suits You Best?
- 10 FAQs
What is the UPSC Optional Paper?
The UPSC Optional Paper is an important part of the Mains stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). In this paper, candidates must choose one subject from a list of optional subjects provided by the UPSC. Each chosen subject is assessed through two papers, Paper I and Paper II, with each paper worth 250 marks. This totals to 500 marks out of the 1750 marks in the written Mains exam. The Optional Paper aims to assess the candidate’s deep understanding, analytical skills, and expertise in the subject they choose. It also provides candidates a chance to use their academic background or interests to achieve a higher score. Selecting the right optional subject is seen as one of the most strategic choices in UPSC preparation.
Significance of UPSC Optional
The Optional Paper for UPSC CSE is very important due to the following reasons:
High Weight in Final Score: It contributes 500 marks out of 1750 in the written Mains exam. This makes it a major factor in determining the candidate’s overall rank.
Key for Final Selection: Many top scorers have achieved high ranks due to outstanding performance in their optional subject, even if their performance in the GS papers was average.
Chance to Show Subject Mastery: It offers candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their deep knowledge and analytical skills in a subject of their choice.
Personal Scoring Advantage: Unlike GS papers, where all candidates write on the same topics, the optional subject allows candidates to stand out by choosing a topic they feel comfortable with and confident in.
Strategic Importance: Choosing an optional subject that fits a candidate’s strengths, academic background, or interests can significantly improve their scoring potential and boost their chances of success in the UPSC exam.
List of UPSC CSE Optional Subjects
There are 48 optional papers for UPSC CSE, consisting of 25 non‑literature + 23 literature subjects. Below, we have listed all these subjects for your understanding.
Non‑Literature (25 core subjects)
The 25 non-literature subjects are
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Literature Subjects (23 languages from the Eighth Schedule)
The 23 literature subjects in the UPSC CSE optional are as follows:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Santhali
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
- English
Also Read: Best Books For UPSC CMS: List and Tips To Prepare
Factors to Consider When Choosing UPSC Optional Subject
Selecting the best options from a list of 26 UPSC optional subjects requires careful consideration. Aspirants need to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses before opting for their optional. Here are a few factors that you must consider while making this decision:
- Interest and Aptitude: Choose a subject that genuinely interests you and aligns with your strengths.
- Academic Background: Consider subjects related to your educational background for a head start.
- Overlap with General Studies: Subjects that complement the GS syllabus can be advantageous.
- Availability of Study Material: Ensure you have access to quality study resources for your chosen subject.
- Scoring Potential: Some subjects are considered more scoring than others, based on past trends.
How to Choose the Right Optional Subject for UPSC?
All the optional subjects in the Union Public Service Commission CSE exam are not easy to score well in. Therefore, a candidate’s primary concern should be choosing a subject in which they can score well based on their knowledge and preparation.
- For example, in the years 2005 and 2006, Public Administration was one of the most popular subjects among aspirants.
- The choice of an optional subject also varies depending on the candidate’s abilities. Hence, it is wise to choose a subject that allows candidates to demonstrate their strengths.
- For example, for a candidate with strong writing skills, it would be better to opt for subjective papers such as Literature or Sociology.
- Another crucial factor in deciding the optional subject is the candidate’s personal interest.
- If a candidate is genuinely interested in a particular subject, it becomes easier to perform well. This is because it is easier to work hard on a subject one enjoys.
- If a subject overlaps with the General Studies papers, choosing it may make the GS preparation relatively easier. In such cases, the weightage of the subject in both areas becomes an important consideration.
- Another point to consider while selecting the optional paper is the length of the syllabus and the availability of study material on the subject.
- The more dynamic a subject is, the more difficult it becomes to prepare. Some subjects require updated answers every year. For example, Political Science and International Relations.
- Finally, a candidate should consider their background in a subject. Having prior academic knowledge or experience in a subject can make the optional paper relatively easier to prepare for.
Also Read: Recommended Books for IAS by Toppers: UPSC Pre and Mains
Comparative Analysis of UPSC Optional Subjects
Here is a comparison of various UPSC optional subjects based on resource availability, overlap with the General Studies syllabus, popularity, and difficulty level.
| Subject | Resource Availability | Overlap with GS | Popularity | Difficulty Level |
| Agriculture | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Low | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Anthropology | High | Low to Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Mechanical Engineering | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Medical Science | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Philosophy | High | Low | Moderate to High | Moderate |
| Physics | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Political Science & Int. Relations | High | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Psychology | High | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Public Administration | High | High | Moderate to High | Moderate |
| Botany | Moderate | Low | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High |
| Economics | High | Moderate to High | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Electrical Engineering | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Geography | High | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Geology | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate |
| History | High | Moderate | Very High | High |
| Law | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Civil Engineering | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Management | Low to Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate to High |
| Mathematics | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High |
| Sociology | High | Moderate | Very High | Moderate |
| Statistics | Low | Low | Low | High |
| Zoology | Moderate | Low | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Literature (Various Languages) | High | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
How to Prepare for UPSC Optional Paper?
Here are some tips that you can keep in mind while selecting and preparing for the optional subject:
Choose a Strategy that Works
While preparing for the optional paper, it is best to choose a strategy that works best for the candidate. Either prepare for the GS (General Studies) and the optional papers simultaneously or choose to study them one by one. The choice completely depends upon the pattern that the student is comfortable with.
Consider Subject Knowledge
Those candidates who are good with objective papers should go for subjects like the UPSC optional Mathematics syllabus, Physics, and Geography. The reason is that these subjects have only one correct answer. Those who are good with subjective papers can go for subjects that require high linguistic skills, writing, and knowledge of the humanities. The candidate must consider his/her strengths while preparing for that subject.
Devote Adequate Time
On average, a candidate would need to spend 400 hours preparing for your UPSC Optional Syllabus. Adding the revision and answer writing, practising UPSC optional previous year papers, and mock papers it would take around 700 to 1000 hours to gain excellent scores in the optional subject exam.
Get Notes in case of Self-study
A candidate can clear the UPSC exams with self-study. However, it is best to get all the notes from coaching institutions. Solving mock test papers to specialize in the subjects is also a good idea. It is also best to find someone who can evaluate those answers.
Give Preference to NCERT subjects
Give preference to NCERT subjects as they will cover the basics. Therefore, it will help to write answers concisely.
Also Read: World History Books for UPSC: Updated List for 2025
What are the Most Popular UPSC CSE Optional Subjects?
While the choice of UPSC optional subjects is highly personal, some subjects have gained popularity among candidates over the years. These include:
- History
- Geography
- Public Administration
- Political Science and International Relations
- Sociology
These subjects often appeal to candidates due to their overlap with General Studies papers and the availability of study materials. Plus, these subjects consistently have high numbers of candidates appearing for the exam.
Which UPSC Optional Subject Suits You Best?
Take this quick quiz to find the subject that aligns with your interests, strengths, and study style!
- What type of content do you enjoy reading the most?
A) Case studies and real-world applications
B) Historical narratives and biographies
C) Scientific research and experiments
D) Philosophical debates and theories
- How do you prefer to study?
A) Group discussions and collaborative projects
B) Independent reading and essay writing
C) Hands-on experiments and practical work
D) Watching documentaries and listening to lectures
- Which of the following career paths appeals to you the most?
A) Social services or public administration
B) Research or academia
C) Engineering or healthcare
D) Law or international relations
- What motivates you to learn?
A) Understanding societal issues and finding solutions
B) Exploring the natural world and its phenomena
C) Solving complex problems and technical challenges
D) Analyzing human behavior, culture, and global systems
- What kind of projects do you prefer?
A) Community service and development initiatives
B) Research papers or thesis work
C) Engineering designs or scientific experiments
D) Debates, policy analysis, or case studies
- How do you feel about numerical data and statistics?
A) I find them interesting, but I prefer qualitative analysis
B) I love working with numbers and interpreting data
C) I enjoy them if they apply to real-world problems
D) I prefer concepts and theories over raw data
Scoring System
- A = 3 points
- B = 2 points
- C = 4 points
- D = 1 point
Results
Tally your total score and see where you fall:
27–30 points: Languages & Literature
You appreciate the depth and power of language. Consider literature-based optional subjects in Hindi, English, or any regional language you excel in.
5–9 points: Commerce & Management
You’re inclined towards business, economics, and analytical thinking. Consider optional subjects like Commerce and Accountancy or Economics.
10–14 points: Humanities
You have a passion for culture, history, and critical thinking. Subjects like Anthropology, History, or Philosophy may suit you well.
15–18 points: Social Sciences
You’re interested in understanding society and human behavior. Consider Political Science, Sociology, or Psychology.
19–22 points: Natural Sciences
You enjoy exploring the natural world. Subjects like Botany, Zoology, or Geology could be a great fit.
23–26 points: STEM Fields
You have a strong scientific mindset and problem-solving abilities. Explore options like Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, or Chemistry.
FAQs
Ans. The optional paper carries 500 marks out of 1750 in the Mains exam. It plays a key role in determining the final rank and selection, giving candidates an opportunity to score higher by choosing a subject aligned with their strengths and interests.
Ans. There are 48 optional subjects in total: 25 non-literature subjects and 23 literature subjects from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Ans. Key factors include interest and aptitude, academic background, overlap with General Studies, availability of study materials, and scoring potential based on previous trends.
Ans. Yes, self-study is possible. However, it is advisable to collect quality notes, solve mock tests, and if possible, get one’s answers evaluated by a mentor or expert for better performance.
Ans. Some of the most popular optional subjects include History, Geography, Public Administration, Political Science & International Relations, and Sociology, primarily due to their GS overlap and resource availability.
Additional Reads
This was all about the “UPSC Optional”. For more informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.
