Selection of optional subject is probably one of the most important and most confusing decisions that aspirants can face when preparing either the UPSC or State PCS exams. The correct decision can go a long way into your overall score, eventual placement and even your experience during the process of preparation. Although general studies papers also require an examination of analytical skill and up-to-date awareness, the optional paper provides a candidates with a special opportunity to be strong in something.
The importance of Optional Subject Selection
Elective papers are given great importance in the end outcome. In the UPSC Mains, the two papers of the optional subject are collectively of 500 marks, and this can prove to be the point-of-difference in your rank. Equally, optional subjects in State PCS exams are used as tie-breakers between the two candidates that have scored equally in other papers. Hence, it is not only about interest to choose the proper subject, but it is a strategic choice, the one that combines aptitude, scoring potential, and consistency.
Important considerations While Choosing Optional Subject
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Interest and Background
The initial thing is to determine the topics that you really enjoy. Most toppers have stressed that when one loves what he studies then long hours of preparing is not so bad. In case your graduation major overlaps with an optional subject at UPSC (such as History, Political Science or Sociology), it may provide you with a first mover.
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Access to Resources and Direction
Not every subject possesses similar amounts of learning material and master advice. The selection of a topic with good books, notes and mentorship facilitates the preparation. Well-organized study materials and advisory services support some of the most popular ones such as Public Administration, Geography, and Anthropology.
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Overlapping of the syllabus with General Studies
One clever idea is to see to what extent optional selection is similar to the General Studies (GS) syllabus. As an example, Political Science and international Relations (PSIR) compromises GS Paper II and Geography assists GS Paper I and Essay writing. Such selection of subjects saves time and effort in the process of preparation.
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Trends and Performance Scores
Each of the subjects is scoring well when prepared; however, the recent result trends are clear through analysis. Other subjects such as Anthropology, Sociology and PSIR have recorded relative good results over time in the past years. Nonetheless performance lies in clarity of concepts and writing of answers and not necessarily on trends.
Common subjects selected as optional
Depending on the data of the previous years and the preference of the aspirants, the most popular optional topics in the UPSC and the State PCS exams are:
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Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
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Geography
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Sociology
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Anthropology
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History
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Public Administration
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Psychology
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Philosophy
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Literature subjects (Hindi, English, regional languages)
All subjects have their own benefits and serve various academic backgrounds.
Conclusion
The choice of the optional subject in the examination of the UPSC and State PCS is as much about self awareness than it is about strategy. An appropriate topic is sure to increase your confidence as well as your potential in performance. It has to balance interest, scoring potential and manageability to the optimal point. Dhyeya IAS has been mentoring the aspirants throughout the entire civil services process over the years- not only telling them what to study, but helping them to study well.
