How to Choose the Best and Most Scoring Optional Subject for UPSC?
Choosing the right optional subject is a crucial decision in UPSC preparation. A good optional can significantly boost your overall score and increase your chances of selection. However, many aspirants remain confused about which subject to choose.
This guide will help you understand:
✅ Which optional subjects are considered scoring and easy?
✅ How to choose the best optional for yourself?
✅ Factors to consider while making the decision.
1. Importance of Choosing the Right Optional
The UPSC Mains examination consists of 1750 marks, out of which the optional paper carries 500 marks (Paper 1 & Paper 2). This means your optional subject can make a huge difference in your final ranking.
A wrong choice may make the preparation stressful, while a good choice can help you score well with less effort.
2. What Makes an Optional Subject "Scoring" & "Easy"?
A scoring and easy optional has the following characteristics:
🔹 Concise Syllabus – A subject with a shorter syllabus is easier to revise multiple times.
🔹 Conceptual Clarity – Subjects that require understanding rather than rote memorization are easier to score in.
🔹 Availability of Study Material – The more resources available, the easier it is to prepare.
🔹 Overlapping with GS Papers – If the subject helps in General Studies (GS) papers, it saves time.
🔹 High Success Rate – Some optionals have a better selection ratio based on past trends.
3. List of Best Optional Subjects Based on Scoring & Ease of Preparation
Here are some of the most popular, easy, and scoring optionals based on past trends:
A. Most Popular & Scoring Optionals
These subjects have high success rates and overlap with General Studies:
| Subject |
Why Choose It? |
Challenges |
| Anthropology |
Short syllabus, conceptual, scoring, diagram-based answers |
Some technical terms require clarity |
| Public Administration |
Overlaps with GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance), helpful for essay |
Answer writing needs strong conceptual clarity |
| Geography |
Overlaps with GS Paper 1, has maps & diagrams that help in scoring |
Syllabus is vast and dynamic |
| History |
Helps in Prelims & GS Paper 1 |
Requires memorization, lengthy syllabus |
| Philosophy |
Shortest syllabus, analytical, no prior background needed |
Paper 2 can be tricky |
B. Literature Optionals (Good for Language Lovers)
- Kannada Literature, Hindi Literature, Tamil Literature, etc. – Great choice if you are fluent in the language and can write well.
- English Literature – High-scoring but requires deep analysis and strong writing skills.
Note: Literature subjects do not overlap with GS but can be scoring if you have an interest.
C. Science & Technical Optionals (For Engineers & Science Graduates)
- Mathematics – Highly scoring, objective answers, but requires strong problem-solving skills.
- Physics – Good for science students but has a vast syllabus.
- Medical Science – Best for MBBS students, as the syllabus is similar to what they have already studied.
D. Other Popular Optionals with a Decent Success Rate
- Sociology – Short syllabus, simple concepts, useful for essay & GS.
- Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) – Good for those interested in politics & diplomacy, overlaps with GS-2.
- Economics – Suitable for those with a background in Economics or Commerce.
4. How to Choose the Best Optional for Yourself?
Here’s a step-by-step process to make the best decision:
Step 1: Check Your Interest & Background
- Do you enjoy reading the subject?
- Have you studied it before (school/college)?
- Will you find it engaging for the next 1-2 years?
Step 2: Analyze the Syllabus
- Go through the UPSC syllabus for the optional.
- If it feels manageable and interesting, it's a good sign.
Step 3: Check the Overlap with GS Papers
- Some subjects like Geography, History, Political Science, and Public Administration help in GS papers.
- If you want to save time, choose an overlapping subject.
Step 4: Availability of Study Material & Guidance
- Is there enough material available (books, coaching, online resources)?
- Are there good teachers or mentors for the subject?
Step 5: Analyze the Past Year Papers
- Check previous year question papers to understand the difficulty level.
- If the questions seem understandable, it’s a good choice.
Step 6: Check the Success Rate & Competition
- Some subjects have a better success ratio than others.
- Avoid optionals with a very high number of aspirants unless you are confident.
5. Common Myths About Choosing an Optional
❌ Myth 1: "Only Popular Subjects Are Scoring"
✅ Reality: Every optional is scoring if you prepare well. Choose based on your strength, not popularity.
❌ Myth 2: "Literature Optionals Are Low-Scoring"
✅ Reality: If you have a strong command over a language, literature subjects can be very high-scoring.
❌ Myth 3: "Math & Science Optionals Are Best for Engineers"
✅ Reality: If you enjoy technical subjects, they can be great. But if you struggle with problem-solving, consider other options.
6. Final Tips to Choose Wisely
✔ Avoid choosing an optional just because a topper took it.
✔ Make sure you can complete the syllabus within 6-8 months.
✔ Check if there is good guidance or coaching available for the subject.
✔ Choose a subject that you can revise multiple times easily.
✔ Go through previous years’ questions to understand difficulty level.
7. Conclusion: Make an Informed Decision!
The best optional is the one that suits your strengths, interest, and preparation strategy. There is no single "easiest" subject—every optional has its own pros and cons.
Take time to analyze, go through the syllabus, check past year papers, and choose wisely. A well-chosen optional can give you an extra edge in the UPSC Mains exam.
