Candidates for the UPSC must choose their optional subject carefully because it carries 500 marks, which is almost 25% of the total marks of the Written Exam and Personality Test combined.
This makes a significant impact on your overall merit score. Two of the nine papers in the UPSC Mains Exam, GS VI and GS VII, are the optional subjects chosen by candidates. Each optional subject paper carries 250 marks. Once the application form is submitted, the UPSC Optional Subject cannot be changed. Therefore, candidates must make a well-informed decision before finalizing their choice.
UPSC Optional Subject List 2024
Here is the list of optional subjects available for the UPSC exam in 2024. Aspirants can choose any subject based on their educational background and interest:
| Group A Subjects | Group B Subjects | Literature Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Assamese Literature | Assamese Literature |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Bodo Literature | Bodo Literature |
| Anthropology | Bengali Literature | Bengali Literature |
| Botany | Dogri Literature | Dogri Literature |
| Chemistry | Gujarati Literature | Gujarati Literature |
| Civil Engineering | Hindi Literature | Hindi Literature |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Kannada Literature | Kannada Literature |
| Economics | Kashmiri Literature | Kashmiri Literature |
| Electrical Engineering | Konkani Literature | Konkani Literature |
| Geography | Malayalam Literature | Malayalam Literature |
| Geology | Manipuri Literature | Manipuri Literature |
| History | Maithili Literature | Maithili Literature |
| Law | Marathi Literature | Marathi Literature |
| Management | Nepali Literature | Nepali Literature |
| Mathematics | Odia Literature | Odia Literature |
| Mechanical Engineering | Punjabi Literature | Punjabi Literature |
| Medical Science | Sanskrit Literature | Sanskrit Literature |
| Philosophy | Santali Literature | Santali Literature |
| Physics | Sindhi Literature | Sindhi Literature |
| Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) | Tamil Literature | Tamil Literature |
| Psychology | Telugu Literature | Telugu Literature |
| Public Administration | Urdu Literature | Urdu Literature |
| Sociology | English Literature | English Literature |
| Statistics | ||
| Zoology |
How to Choose an Optional Subject for UPSC Exam 2024?
Choosing an optional subject for the UPSC Exam 2024 is a critical decision that can impact your preparation and ultimate success. Here’s a structured approach to help you make an informed choice:
- Assess Your Educational Background: Consider subjects you have studied during graduation or post-graduation. Opting for a subject in which you have a strong foundation can leverage existing knowledge and understanding of core concepts.
- Review the UPSC Optional Subjects List: Familiarize yourself with the list of optional subjects offered by UPSC. Evaluate subjects based on your academic background, interests, and the overlap with the general studies (GS) syllabus of both Prelims and Mains.
- Understand the Syllabus: Examine the syllabus of each optional subject in detail. Assess the breadth and depth of topics covered. Choose a subject that aligns with your comfort level in handling the syllabus within the allotted preparation time.
- Consider Availability of Study Material: Ensure that comprehensive study materials, including books, notes, and online resources, are readily available for your chosen optional subject. Lack of quality study material can hinder effective preparation.
- Evaluate Scoring Trends: Research the past scoring trends of optional subjects. Some subjects may have a reputation for higher scoring due to straightforward questions or lenient evaluation criteria. Consider these factors while making your decision.
- Assess Interest and Aptitude: Select a subject that genuinely interests you. Passion for the subject can sustain motivation throughout the rigorous preparation process. Assess your aptitude for handling the subject’s complexity and analytical demands.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Consult with mentors, teachers, or subject experts to gain insights into the nuances of different optional subjects. They can provide guidance on choosing a subject that aligns with your strengths and preparation strategy.
- Balance Preparation Time: Evaluate the time required to cover the syllabus of your chosen optional subject. Balance this with the preparation needed for the compulsory GS papers and essay. Opt for a subject that allows you to maintain a balanced study schedule.
- Consider Recent Changes: Stay updated on any recent changes in the pattern or weightage of optional subjects in the UPSC Exam. This information can influence your decision-making process.
- Mock Tests and Self-Assessment: Once you shortlist a few subjects, attempt mock tests or solve previous years’ question papers. This practice can give you a practical understanding of the subject’s demand and your proficiency in handling it.
Top 10 UPSC Optional Subject List
Here’s a list of the top 10 most popular UPSC optional subjects based on candidate preferences and analysis:
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- Geography
- Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
- History
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Agriculture
- Medical Science
- Literature Subject (Any)
These subjects are favored by UPSC aspirants due to various reasons such as scoring potential, overlap with the general studies syllabus, availability of study materials, and personal interest.
When choosing an optional subject, consider your educational background, aptitude, availability of study resources, and alignment with your overall preparation strategy for the UPSC exam. Each subject has its unique challenges and opportunities, so make sure to evaluate these factors carefully before making your decision.