UPSC Optional Subjects: List, How to Choose, Preparation Tips

UPSC optional subjects: UPSC CSE is one of the most challenging and prestigious competitive exams in India. Among its many components, the selection of an optional subject for the Mains examination stands out as an important decision that can significantly impact a candidate’s success. The UPSC Mains examination includes two papers (Paper 6 and Paper 7) dedicated to the optional subject, each carrying 250 marks. With a total of 48 subjects to choose from, including 25 core subjects and 23 literature options, candidates have a diverse range of choices. In this article, we’ll give every piece of information regarding UPSC optional subjects to help aspirants make informed choices.

What are UPSC Optional Subjects?

Choosing an optional subject for the UPSC exam is an important step in your preparation. With many options available, it’s important to select a subject that aligns with your interests and strengths. Here is the list of UPSC  optional subjects :

• Agriculture
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Anthropology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Botany
• Commerce and Accountancy
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Law
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Management
• Mathematics
• Sociology
• Statistics
• Zoology
• Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.

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 Prepare for UPSC Optional Subjects?

Once you have chosen f

follow these tips for effective preparation:

• Master the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and break it down into manageable sections.
• Quality Study Material: Invest in standard textbooks and reliable study guides.
• Answer Writing Practice: Regularly practice writing answers to previous years’ questions and mock tests.
• Integrate Current Affairs: Connect your optional subject with contemporary issues and developments.
• Take Expert Guidance: Consider getting help from subject matter experts or mentors for focused preparation.

Must Read: How to Prepare Optional Subject for UPSC 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. This comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Subject	Resources Availability	Overlap with GS	Popularity	Difficulty Level
Agriculture	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Anthropology	High	Low	High	Moderate to High
Mechanical Engineering	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Medical Science	Low	Low	Low	High
Philosophy	High	Low	High	Moderate
Physics	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Political Science and International Relations	High	Moderate	Very High	Moderate
Psychology	High	Low	High	Moderate
Public Administration	High	High	High	Moderate
Botany	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Commerce and Accountancy	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Economics	High	High	High	Moderate to High
Electrical Engineering	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Geography	High	Moderate	Very High	Moderate
Geology	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
History	High	Moderate	Very High	High
Law	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Chemistry	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Civil Engineering	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Management	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Mathematics	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Sociology	High	Low	High	Moderate
Statistics	Moderate	Low	Moderate	High
Zoology	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Literature (Various Languages)	High	Low	High	Moderate

Important takeaways form this comparative analysis of UPSC optional subjects typically includes:

• High Resources Availability: Subjects like Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science, and Geography have a wealth of resources, making them popular among aspirants.
• Overlap with GS: Subjects like Public Administration and Economics have significant overlap with General Studies, which can be beneficial for preparation.
• Difficulty Level: Engineering and science subjects generally have a higher difficulty level, while humanities subjects tend to be more approachable.

Find Your Perfect UPSC Optional Subject with This Quiz

Here’s an engaging quiz designed for UPSC aspirants to help them discover which optional subject might be the best fit for them. Answer each question and keep track of your points!

1. 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

2. How do you prefer to study?

A) Group discussions and collaborative projects

B) Independent reading and writing essays

C) Hands-on experiments and practical work

D) Watching documentaries and listening to lectures

3. Which of the following career paths appeals to you?

A) Social services or public administration

B) Research or academia

C) Engineering or healthcare

D) Law or international relations

4. What motivates you to learn?

A) Understanding societal issues and solutions

B) Exploring the natural world and its phenomena

C) Solving complex problems and challenges

D) Analysing human behavior and culture

5. What kind of projects do you prefer?

A) Community service initiatives

B) Research papers or thesis work

C) Engineering designs or scientific experiments

D) Debates or policy analysis

6. 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 data interpretation!

C) I enjoy it as long as it relates to real-world applications.

D) I prefer concepts and theories over raw data.

Tally Your Points:

For every A: 3 points

For every B: 2 points

For every C: 4 points

For every D: 1 point

Results:

15-20 points: Social Sciences
You’re interested in understanding society and human behavior. Consider subjects like Political Science, Sociology, or Psychology.

10-14 points: Humanities
You have a passion for culture and history. Subjects like Anthropology, History, or Philosophy might suit you well.

21-25 points: STEM Fields
You rely on scientific inquiry and problem-solving. Explore options like Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, or Chemistry.

5-9 points: Commerce & Management
You’re inclined towards business and economics. Consider subjects like Commerce and Accountancy or Economics.

16-24 points: Natural Sciences
You like exploring the natural world. Subjects like Botany, Zoology, or Geology could be a great fit.

25-30 points: Languages & Literature
You appreciate the power of language. Look into literature options in languages like Hindi, English, or any other listed.

Most Popular Optional in UPSC Among Aspirants 

While the choice of UOSC 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.

UPSC Optional Subjects With Highest Success Rates

Here’s a list of UPSC optional subjects with high success rates, along with reasons for their popularity:

1. Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

• Success Rate: 18.80%
• Why: This subject is highly specialised and has a smaller candidate pool, leading to a higher chance of success. The objective nature of the subject also minimises subjectivity in scoring.

2. Kannada Literature

• Success Rate: 13.70%
• Why: Candidates with a strong background in regional languages often find literature more accessible. The less competitive nature in certain literature subjects allows dedicated candidates to score well.

3. Malayalam Literature

• Success Rate: 12.40%
• Why: Similar to Kannada, familiarity with the language and literature aids comprehension and retention, which can lead to higher scores.

4. Management

• Success Rate: 11.10%
• Why: Management combines theoretical and practical aspects, making it relatable and easier to prepare for, especially for candidates from a business background.

5. Economics

• Success Rate: 10.70%
• Why: Economics, one of the most chosen UPSC optional subjects, overlaps significantly with the General Studies syllabus. Owing to this benefit, candidates can leverage their GS preparation for optional as well.

6. Agriculture

• Success Rate: 10.50%
• Why: This subject is increasingly relevant given India’s agrarian context. Candidates with a science background may find it easier to grasp the concepts.

7. Medical Science

• Success Rate: 10.50%
• Why: Similar to other science subjects, Medical Science has a clear objective framework, leading to less subjectivity in evaluations.

8. Sociology

• Success Rate: 10.00%
• Why: The overlap with General Studies and the relevance of sociological concepts in public administration make it a popular choice.

9. Political Science & International Relations

• Success Rate: 8.20%
• Why: This subject aligns closely with current affairs. This makes Political Science one of the most preferred UPSC optional subjects.

10. Public Administration

• Success Rate: 8.20%
• Why: As a subject closely related to governance, it appeals to many aspirants, especially those looking to enter the civil services.

Must Read: Best Current Affairs Magazine for Competitive Exams

UPSC Optional Subjects: Success Rates and Trends

According to the 2019 UPSC Mains Exam report, success rates varied across optional subjects. Some subjects with notable success rates included:

Optional Subjects for UPSC	Number of Candidates	Success Rate (Percent)
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science	16	18.8%
Geography	1916	5.5%
Sociology	1263	10.0%
Mathematics	539	8.3%
Medical Science	247	10.5%
Philosophy	439	6.2%
Law	186	10.2%
Civil Engineering	146	10.3%
Chemistry	156	8.3%
History	751	6.8%
Economics	243	10.7%
Statistics	2	0.0%
Political Science & International Relations	1662	8.2%
Anthropology	1189	9.1%
Public Administration	705	8.2%
Zoology	44	9.1%
Botany	28	7.1%
Commerce & Accountancy	183	10.9%
Electrical Engineering	200	8.0%
Psychology	164	9.1%
Mechanical Engineering	213	5.6%
Agriculture	124	10.5%
Geology	30	0.0%

However, it is important to note that success rates can fluctuate from year to year and should not be the sole factor in choosing an optional subject.

Key Takeaways From Trends Over Time

Remember, the best optional subject depends on your background, interests, and strengths. Don’t choose solely based on popularity or success rates. But, consider the following factors when choosing from among UPSC optional subjects:

• Public Administration’s popularity seems to be decreasing (3201 candidates in 2016 vs. 705 in 2019)
• Sociology Political Science & International Relations remain consistently popular
• Success rates fluctuate year to year, making it hard to identify clear trends
• Popular subjects don’t always have the highest success rates
• Technical subjects (like Engineering) have moderate success rates
• Less common subjects can have high success rates, but this may be due to small sample sizes
• Success rates vary significantly from year to year for most subjects

Which is the Best Optional Subject for UPSC?

Selecting and preparing for a UPSC optional subject is an important step in your journey toward becoming a civil servant. While it’s recommended to consider factors like scoring potential and success rates, the most important aspect is choosing a subject that aligns with your interests and strengths. With the right choice and dedicated preparation, your optional subject can become a powerful tool in achieving your UPSC aspirations.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting an optional subject. Take the time to reflect on your goals, assess your strengths, and make a decision that feels right for you. However, we have suggested some UPSC optional subjects for aspirants :

• Best UPSC Optional Subjects for Medical Professionals: Medical Science, Anthropology, or Physiology could be good choices.
• Best UPSC Optional Subjects for Engineers: Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering and Mathematics are often suitable.
• Toughest UPSC Optional Subjects: Mathematics, Law, and Philosophy are often considered challenging.
• Easiest UPSC Optional Subjects: Sociology, Public Administration, and Geography are perceived as more accessible.
• Most Scoring UPSC Optional Subjects: Subjects like Public Administration and Sociology often have higher scoring potential, but it’s important to choose what you are comfortable with.

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