The dilemma of choosing an optional subject for UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination drains a lot of mental energy of majority of UPSC examination aspirants. The choice of optional subjects amongst the technical stream subjects and the humanities stream subjects, is a daunting task for majority of the candidates. The recent trend of scoring good marks in optional subjects with technical subjects further compounds this dilemma. This article tries to throw light upon the importance of an optional subject and the criteria for choosing the optional subject in UPSC Civil Services Mains examination.

Criteria for choosing Optional subject-      After passing the screening test of UPSC Preliminary examination, the serious aspirants focus on systematic preparation of UPSC Mains examination including the optional subject. Out of the total 1750 marks of the Mains Examination which are considered in the final score of the candidates for selection, total marks of 500 ( two papers of 250 marks each) are derived from the optional subject only. Out of the total number of 56 different types of optional subjects available for UPSC Civil Services Mains examination, any one amongst them can be chosen by the candidates for their Mains examination. A candidate should make the decision of correct optional subject based on specific criteria like his interest in the subject, the availability of quality study material for the preparation of optional subjects and the scoring trend of that particular optional subject in recent times.

The candidates must keep in mind that UPSC adopts a system of scaling of marks of optional subjects and makes a fair and equitable competition amongst the aspirants in an unbiased manner. Another important criterion for choosing an optional subject is the additional advantage and potential of that subject in the preparation of compulsory General Studies and Essays papers. In view of the syllabus of General Studies subject and the Essay topics, the Humanities subjects gain an upper edge over the technical or Literature subjects. The optional subjects like Public Administration, Political Science, History, Geography, Sociology – give an edge to the aspirants in their preparation of General Studies papers. The overlapping of syllabus of these optional subjects with General Studies syllabus as well as the current affairs components of the syllabus provides an additional advantage to these candidates. The subjects like Public Administration or Political Science give an advantage to the aspirants of approximately 120-150 marks related questions on Indian Polity in General Studies papers as well as advantage in Essay topics of total 250 marks related to Indian constitution or Indian Governance system. Additionally these candidates are also benefitted in tackling the General Studies Paper four on ‘Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude’ as well as many questions asked in Personality Test on current affairs and Governance.

Dilemma for technical subjects– The recent trend of success ratio of technical background graduates in UPSC examination is on rise. The graduates with Medical Science, Engineering, Zoology and like subjects are scoring excellent marks in their respective technical optional subjects and emerging victorious in the UPSC examination race. The Mechanical Engineering or Civil or Electrical Engineering optional subjects can be systematically prepared by the Engineering students, right from their graduation days with focus on conceptual understanding with regard to UPSC syllabus and examination pattern. The lesser scope for subjectivity in assessment of technical subjects hedges the risk of getting lesser marks in optional marks as compared to the humanities stream subjects. With the changed pattern of exams and easy availability of quality material, aspirants can seriously think about opting for technical subjects also for the Mains examination.

It doesn’t matter which optional subject you choose for UPSC Civil Services Examination, but what matters is the smart approach towards study, its understanding and none the less – your ability to express it in the written examination as per the expectations of UPSC. So think rationally and make a correct decision for your success in the civil services examination.

(The author of this article ,Lt Col (Dr) Satish Dhage, is an ex Army officer and has been qualified for IPS (Indian Police Services) through IPS LCE 2012. Presently, he is Director, MGM Institute of Competitive Exams Aurangabad. For any queries or feedback, he can be contacted on email id : drsatishdhage@gmail.com)