Optional Subjects

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UPSC Optional Subject List - 48 Choices for UPSC Mains

Selecting the right optional subject for the UPSC Mains examination is a pivotal decision in your preparation journey. Each optional subject plays a significant role in shaping your success, as Papers 6 and 7 in the Mains exam each carry 250 marks.

UPSC Optional Subjects Overview

The UPSC offers a diverse range of optional subjects to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of the 48 optional subjects available:

Core Subjects:

There are a total of 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam, which includes 25 core subjects and 22 literature optional.

This article will delve into the realm of optional subjects for UPSC, highlighting their importance and providing insights to help aspiring candidates make informed choices.

  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
  • Anthropology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Commerce and Accountancy
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • History
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Science
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Sociology
  • Sanskrit Literature
  • 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.

Choosing the Right Optional Subject

With 48 options available, choosing the right one requires careful consideration of your interests, background, and strengths. Popular optional subjects include:

  • History: Offers an in-depth understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage, world history, and socio-political developments.
  • Geography: Covers physical, human, and environmental geography, providing insights into the Earth’s diverse landscapes and the impact of human activities.
  • Public Administration: Focuses on the functioning of public institutions, administrative theories, and governance mechanisms.
  • Political Science and International Relations: Explores political ideologies, international relations, global issues, and the dynamics of governance.
  • Sociology: Examines social structures, institutions, and the dynamics of social change and interaction.

Most Scoring Optional Subjects

Based on feedback from successful candidates, some of the most scoring optional subjects are:

  • Geography
  • Public Administration
  • Sociology
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • History

Choosing the right optional subject is crucial for optimizing your performance in the UPSC Mains exam. Align your choice with your strengths and interests to enhance your chances of success.

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