The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. Among its many components, the optional subject holds a unique position. It is the only subject that aspirants can choose based on their preference, and its marks are directly included in the final merit calculation. Unlike General Studies (GS) papers, which are common for all candidates, the optional subject provides aspirants an opportunity to gain a significant edge.
In this article, we delve deep into the importance of the optional subject, factors influencing its selection, preparation strategies, and tips to excel. Whether you’re new to UPSC or looking to refine your preparation, this guide is for you.
Why is the Optional Subject Crucial in UPSC CSE?
The optional subject plays a pivotal role in determining your rank in the UPSC CSE. While GS Mains papers test a candidate’s breadth of knowledge, the optional subject allows aspirants to showcase their expertise and potentially secure higher marks. Here’s why it’s critical:
Scope for Higher Marks
- In GS Mains, even toppers score around 475-525 marks out of 1000 (~50%).
- In contrast, optional subject toppers often score 350-370 out of 500, which exceeds 70% of the total marks.
- This makes the optional subject a deciding factor in achieving top ranks.
Potential to Create a Competitive Edge
- A good choice of optional subject and targeted preparation can result in a lead of 20-50 marks over competitors.
- This margin can significantly impact your final rank.
What Offers More Impact: Optional or GS?
While the weightage of GS Mains (1000 marks) is double that of the optional subject (500 marks), the scoring dynamics favor optional subjects. For example:
- The variance in GS Mains scores among serious candidates is usually 10-15 marks.
- However, the difference in optional subject scores can range between 40-60 marks, making it a high-stakes component of the exam.
Choosing the Right Optional Subject
Selecting the right optional subject is a decision that requires careful thought. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
1. Scorability
- Evaluate how scoring a subject is compared to others.
- Past trends show subjects like Mathematics, Anthropology, Sociology, Literature, Public Administration, and Geography are consistently high-scoring.
2. Interest and Aptitude
- Choose a subject you enjoy studying. It reduces monotony and keeps you motivated.
- Consider your skills:
- Strong writing skills? Opt for Sociology, Political Science, or Literature.
- Prefer objective answers? Choose Mathematics, Physics, or Geography.
3. Overlap with GS
- Opt for subjects with significant overlap with GS (e.g., History, Political Science, Geography) to save preparation time.
- For example, Political Science helps in GS Paper 2 and the essay paper.
4. Syllabus Length
- Subjects like Philosophy have concise syllabi, while History is vast but predictable.
- Strike a balance between syllabus length and your ability to cover it effectively.
5. Guidance and Resources
- Ensure the availability of study materials and access to experienced mentors.
6. Dynamism
- Subjects like International Relations in Political Science require regular updates, while static subjects like History and Philosophy are less dynamic.
7. Educational Background
- If you have a strong foundation in a subject from your academic background, consider it.
Myths about Competition in Optional Subjects
- Competition is Irrelevant: UPSC evaluates candidates across all optional subjects on an equal footing. There is no reservation or quota for any subject.
- Scaling vs. Moderation: Unlike state PSCs, UPSC uses moderation instead of scaling to ensure fairness. This eliminates subject-based advantages or disadvantages.
Preparing for the Optional Subject: A Step-by-Step Strategy
Understand the Syllabus
- Break down the syllabus into topics and sub-topics.
- Identify areas of overlap with GS.
Select Study Materials
- Use standard books, notes from reputed coaching institutes, and previous years’ question papers.
Focus on Basics First
- Start with NCERT books to build a strong foundation, especially for subjects like History and Geography.
Master Answer Writing
- Practice writing answers in 200-250 words.
- Use diagrams, flowcharts, and maps where appropriate.
Time Management
- Dedicate 400-700 hours to the optional subject, including revisions and mock tests.
Practice Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- Analyze patterns and trends.
- Focus on recurring themes and topics.
Seek Feedback
- Get your answers evaluated by peers, mentors, or online platforms.
Revision and Mock Tests
- Regular revisions are key to retention.
- Take subject-specific mock tests to assess your preparation.
Objective vs. Subjective Optional Subjects
Objective Subjects
- Include Mathematics, Physics, and Geography.
- Ideal for candidates with limited writing skills.
Subjective Subjects
- Include Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, and Literature.
- Suitable for candidates with excellent analytical and writing skills.
Frequently Chosen Optional Subjects: Insights
Literature
- Highly scorable, especially in regional languages.
- Requires passion and interest in literature.
Anthropology
- Popular due to its scientific approach and concise syllabus.
Geography
- Benefits from diagrammatic representations.
Engineering and Law
- Average scoring but beneficial for candidates with strong academic backgrounds.
Final Tips for Excelling in Optional Subjects
Start Early
- Ideally, complete your optional syllabus before the Prelims exam.
Stay Consistent
- Dedicate daily time to optional preparation alongside GS.
Focus on Presentation
- Structure your answers well. Highlight key points and use headings for clarity.
Adapt According to the Question
- Use diagrams for factual questions and detailed discussions for analytical ones.
Stay Updated
- For dynamic subjects, keep track of current events and integrate them into your answers.
Conclusion
The optional subject in UPSC CSE is not just a component of the exam but a game-changer. A well-chosen optional subject, combined with strategic preparation and consistent practice, can significantly enhance your chances of securing a top rank. Focus on your strengths, evaluate your options carefully, and approach the preparation with dedication. Remember, your optional subject is your ticket to standing out in this highly competitive exam.
Literature of any one of the following languages:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.
Note:
- The question papers for the examination will be of conventional (essay) type.
- Each paper will be of three hours duration
Optionals Analysis: CSE (M), 2023
| Optional Subject | Number of Candidates | Success Rate (Percent) | |
| Appeared | Recommended | ||
| Agriculture | 124 | 13 | 10.5% |
| Animal Husbandary & Veterinary Science | 16 | 3 | 18.8% |
| Anthropology | 1189 | 108 | 9.1% |
| Botany | 28 | 2 | 7.1% |
| Chemistry | 156 | 13 | 8.3% |
| Civil Engineering | 146 | 15 | 10.3% |
| Commerce & Accountancy | 183 | 20 | 10.9% |
| Economics | 243 | 26 | 10.7% |
| Electrical Engineering | 200 | 16 | 8.0% |
| Geography | 1916 | 105 | 5.5% |
| Geology | 30 | 0 | 0.0% |
| History | 751 | 51 | 6.8% |
| Law | 186 | 19 | 10.2% |
| Management | 54 | 6 | 11.1% |
| Mathematics | 539 | 45 | 8.3% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 213 | 12 | 5.6% |
| Medical Science | 247 | 26 | 10.5% |
| Philosophy | 439 | 27 | 6.2% |
| Physics | 165 | 12 | 7.3% |
| Political Science & International Relations | 1662 | 137 | 8.2% |
| Psychology | 164 | 15 | 9.1% |
| Public Administration | 705 | 58 | 8.2% |
| Sociology | 1263 | 126 | 10.0% |
| Statistics | 2 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Zoology | 44 | 4 | 9.1% |
| Literature Of Assamese Language | 3 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Literature Of Bengali Language | 1 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Literature Of English Language | 31 | 3 | 9.7% |
| Literature Of Gujarati Language | 85 | 3 | 3.5% |
| Literature Of Hindi Language | 191 | 13 | 6.8% |
| Literature Of Kannada Language | 124 | 17 | 13.7% |
| Literature Of Maithili Language | 53 | 2 | 3.8% |
| Literature Of Malayalam Language | 105 | 13 | 12.4% |
| Literature Of Manipuri Language | 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Literature Of Marathi Language | 6 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Literature Of Oriya Language | 3 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Literature Of Punjabi Language | 18 | 1 | 5.6% |
| Literature Of Sanskrit Language | 53 | 2 | 3.8% |
| Literature Of Sindhi(Devanagari) Language | 2 | 1 | 50.0% |
| Literature Of Tamil Language | 77 | 5 | 6.5% |
| Literature Of Telugu Language | 32 | 1 | 3.1% |
| Literature Of Urdu Language | 18 | 2 | 11.1% |
Popular Optional
Geography was the most preferred subject among the optional subjects chosen by the candidates, followed by Political Science & International Relations and Sociology.
In the recent times, Hindi literature has been a popular optional subject among students writing the mains exam and clearing the CSE.
Some Important Tips:
- It is better to follow a good journal from your related subject. Study subject-specific journals and good articles from authentic sources and newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express.
- Try to quote recent reports, indices and surveys or the recommendations of a renowned committee in your answers. Quoting good sources makes the answer authentic and increases your chances of scoring higher.
- UPSC gives weightage to the authentic answers.
- While studying current affairs, do note down the recent researches, books, articles, indices, reports and the unique results/conclusions of the reports.
- Using these unique facts in essays, optional subject exams or in GS Mains exams would be really helpful.
- You should not be choosy while studying the syllabus of the Optional subject exam. Almost 90% of the syllabus of the subject has to be done.
- You may leave only one or two topics without studying properly but still having an idea of the same.
- Those who have studied selectively, are very much prone to risks in this exam.
- Preparation for the optional subjects is completed only when you have practised all the previous year questions because in the optional exam, it is very much likely that the questions get repeated.