Optional Subjects in UPSC

1. Best Optional Subjects in UPSC Most Scoring Optional in UPSC Aspirants should choose optional subjects very carefully as it is going to affect their overall score on the UPSC exam. Given below are the most scoring optional subjects in UPSC. #1. Political Science & International Relations A popular non-technical subject, it attracted more interest after AIR 1, Tina Dabi, chose it as her optional. Why Should You Choose It? There are many reasons why this is considered as one of the most scoring and best optional subjects in UPSC. # The subject can easily be understood by anyone and does not need a political science background, although having one will certainly give you an edge. Anthropology Anthropology is considered one of the best optional subjects in UPSC. It is increasingly being chosen by aspirants due to the scoring nature of this subject. While none of the toppers in the past 10 years had anthropology as their optional, a number of students with other ranks have opted for it as well as attained high scores.

2. For those who are thinking about anthropology?, well it is the study of human societies and their development. To be more specific, anthropology means – the study of human evolutions, it also involves their biological and physiological features. Sociology The aspirants, who already had done some basics in Sociology, for them Sociology can be a high scoring optional subject in UPSC examination. What is Sociology? It is the study of the pattern of the society, social interactions, cultures etc. It is another of the most scoring and best optional subjects in the UPSC Mains. It is also one of the easiest subjects offered by the UPSC. Since it has traditionally been an optional choice among aspirants, you will find plenty of material as well as guidance on the subject. Getting ready to read material is of great help in any subject and saves a lot of time. You will also benefit from the strategy and experience of those who had taken it as their optional subject. Public Administration Since it was first added to the Mains optional list in 1987, Public Administration has gained immense popularity and is a hot favourite among the aspirants. Also, the success rate for this subject is higher than some other non-technical subjects. All these naturally make it one of the most scoring as well as best optional subjects in UPSC. It is highly relevant to your future role as an administrator. Topics like Accountability, Personnel & Financial Administration, Organisations etc., in Paper I, as well as the entire subject matter of Paper-II (Indian Administration), will be useful in understanding the setting you will eventually be a part of. This makes the subject very practical and significant. Philosophy What is philosophy? it is the study of knowledge, values, existence, mind, language etc. As per the UPSC exam, Philosophy had a success rate of 7% in 2015-16, higher than History, Geography, Public Administration and Political Science. It was also the subject of choice of Athir Amir, CSE 2015, Rank 2. The most important reason to choose this one of the best optional subjects in UPSC, philosophy should be your interest in it. While reading Indian philosophy If the

3. thinking of great Indians, as well as foreign philosophers, excites you, then this is definitely the subject for you. It is an extremely satisfying, knowledgeable and interesting subject, provided you have an inclination to it. And if you do, then no one can stop you from scoring high here. Let’s find out the other reasons. Conclusion These were a few non-technical subjects and some of the best optional subjects in UPSC that you can opt for. The only thing to keep in mind is your interest in the subject because that is the key to performing well. The aspirants who are preparing for the UPSC examination should join UPSC Pathshala as it provides you with better guidance, detailed and quality study material, one on one sessions to clear doubts and understand different topics and many more. So join now and get the best for yourself.