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Importance of Optional Papers in UPSC CSE Mains

In the UPSC CSE Mains, a total of 500 marks are allocated to the optional subject chosen by aspirants. Every optional subject has two papers, each of 250 marks which is Paper No. VI and VII in the Mains Tier of CSE. Out of a total of 1750 marks in the CSE Mains, 500 marks are allocated to the optional subject you choose. So, the significance of choosing the right optional subject is pretty evident. Join the premier IAS academy in Chennai to pursue your aspirations.

List of Optional Subjects & Literature Papers

In order to choose the ideal and highest-scoring optional subject for CSE Mains, aspirants need to go through the list of optional subjects and literature papers provided below:

List of Optional Subjects in UPSC

Agriculture Animal Husbandry & 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 & International Relations Psychology Public Administration Sociology Statistics Zoology

List of Literature Optional Papers in UPSC

Assamese Bengali Bodo Dogri Gujarati Hindi Kannada Kashmiri Konkani Maithili Malayalam Manipuri Marathi Nepali Odia Punjabi Sanskrit Santhali Sindhi Tamil Telugu Urdu English Literature

How to Choose the Right Optional Subject for UPSC CSE Mains

Choosing the best optional subject for UPSC Mains is a make-or-break decision in your Civil Services Examination (CSE) journey. With 500 marks allocated to the optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam, picking the right one can significantly boost your final ranking and increase your chances of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer.

If you’re confused about how to select the most scoring optional subject, here are the key factors to consider before locking in your choice.

A student with laptop preparing UPSC and giving a thumbs up.
Leverage Your Existing Knowledge or Academic Background: If you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a particular subject, consider choosing it as your optional paper. For instance, if you’re from a science, engineering, or humanities background, opting for the same subject can reduce your preparation load. You’ll be more familiar with concepts, terminology, and patterns of thinking—giving you a major advantage. A sociology graduate may find Sociology optional easy to handle and scoring.
Optional Subjects That Overlap with the General Studies (GS) Syllabus: Some optional subjects have significant overlaps with GS Paper I, II, III, and even Essay Paper, making them a strategic choice. This can help in synergising your preparation and reducing time spent on studying completely different content. Subjects like Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and History are popular because of their strong alignment with GS topics. Subjects like Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and History are popular because of their strong alignment with GS topics.
Length and Manageability of the Optional Syllabus: The scope and depth of the syllabus of your optional subject is another critical factor. Some subjects, like Philosophy or Anthropology, are known for having a relatively shorter and manageable syllabus, while others like Law or History can be lengthier and more detailed. Choosing an optional with a concise and clearly defined syllabus allows you to invest more time in GS papers, essay, and interview preparation.
Availability of Study Material and Guidance: Ensure that the subject you choose has ample study materials, toppers’ notes, standard reference books, and coaching support (online or offline). A well-supported subject makes your preparation more effective and structured. Popular optionals like Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, and PSIR (Political Science & International Relations) have ample guidance and previous year papers readily available.
Interest, Curiosity, and Passion for the Subject: Finally, no matter how popular or scoring a subject is, don’t choose it unless it genuinely interests you. You’ll be studying this subject for nearly a year, and your passion and curiosity will determine how consistently and deeply you study it.

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