Deciding the Optional Subject | Crack Civil Services in First Attempt by Divey Sethi, IRS - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Deciding the Optional Subject
It is imminent that UPSC is trying to reduce the weightage of the 
optional subject in CSE. In 2013, 2 papers of the optional subject were 
replaced by those of General Studies. Before that, there were 2 optional 
subjects to be selected for the mains examination, and these 2 options 
were of such importance that one could get through civil services by 
scoring 300 plus marks in both optional papers, even if GS scores were 
below average.
However, it is worth noting that even in the present scenario, the 
optional papers determine selection and influence the rank to a large 
extent. We must acknowledge the fact that it is difficult to create 
a significant lead in GS. After a rigorous one-year study, the serious 
competitors have more or less the same quantum of knowledge in GS. 
Some may have economics as a stronghold; others may fare better in 
History and Geography. Therefore, at the end of the exam, we realize 
that the range of marks of GS out of 1000 is not much. Here, the marks 
of the optional subject become the rank booster. The target score in the 
optional subject should be 250 out of 500 for both papers, that is 50%. 
Anything above that is your bonus!
With the kind of importance the optional subject carries, it is imperative 
that one should do a lot of brainstorming before choosing any optional 
subject. If you revert back to your decision, that is, you change the 
optional subject at any time, the time of study increases by at least 5 to 
6 months. I have seen people changing their optional paper on the third 
attempt after 2 unsuccessful attempts and then managing to get into 
the list. But why be baffled and tormented by the wrong decision of 
the optional and waste even a single attempt? It is better to brainstorm 
for 2 months to decide which option will go with the aspirant rather 
than make a quick decision and waste an attempt or 2 before reversing 
Page 2


Deciding the Optional Subject
It is imminent that UPSC is trying to reduce the weightage of the 
optional subject in CSE. In 2013, 2 papers of the optional subject were 
replaced by those of General Studies. Before that, there were 2 optional 
subjects to be selected for the mains examination, and these 2 options 
were of such importance that one could get through civil services by 
scoring 300 plus marks in both optional papers, even if GS scores were 
below average.
However, it is worth noting that even in the present scenario, the 
optional papers determine selection and influence the rank to a large 
extent. We must acknowledge the fact that it is difficult to create 
a significant lead in GS. After a rigorous one-year study, the serious 
competitors have more or less the same quantum of knowledge in GS. 
Some may have economics as a stronghold; others may fare better in 
History and Geography. Therefore, at the end of the exam, we realize 
that the range of marks of GS out of 1000 is not much. Here, the marks 
of the optional subject become the rank booster. The target score in the 
optional subject should be 250 out of 500 for both papers, that is 50%. 
Anything above that is your bonus!
With the kind of importance the optional subject carries, it is imperative 
that one should do a lot of brainstorming before choosing any optional 
subject. If you revert back to your decision, that is, you change the 
optional subject at any time, the time of study increases by at least 5 to 
6 months. I have seen people changing their optional paper on the third 
attempt after 2 unsuccessful attempts and then managing to get into 
the list. But why be baffled and tormented by the wrong decision of 
the optional and waste even a single attempt? It is better to brainstorm 
for 2 months to decide which option will go with the aspirant rather 
than make a quick decision and waste an attempt or 2 before reversing 
Deciding the Optional Subject
the earlier decision. For this, a broad understanding of the guidelines 
is required to decide the best optional subject. The final decision must 
rest with the aspirant, but that decision must be an informed one 
incorporating the following facts and factors;
1. Optional subjects must be looked upon as static or dynamic 
subjects:
Static subjects have a well-defined syllabus that remains unchanged at 
the graduate level. For example, history and philosophy in art subjects, 
physics, chemistry, and mathematics in science subjects, and all 
engineering subjects; accountancy for commerce students; zoology 
and botany for medical students – these all can be categorized as 
static subjects. The content of these subjects remains the same in any 
year. Variations can be made in the questions, and that too in words, 
figures, and inferences. The essence remains the same.
On the other hand, dynamic subjects are evolving subjects in both 
essence and content, such as public administration, sociology, 
management, and law. The questions from these subjects will take into 
account recent developments, trends, phenomena, and case studies. 
Y ou have to constantly update your knowledge regarding these subjects. 
Then, there may be some intermediate subjects, such as geography and 
psychology, which involve both static and dynamic concepts in almost 
equal proportions.
But the question is, which one should you go for? Dear aspirant, you 
must be fully sovereign to decide for yourself so that you can hold 
yourself accountable and no one else for the result of your examination. 
Do not be swayed by your peer circle. It does not mean that you should 
not hear others’ opinions. You must have a full understanding of the 
experiences of others regarding an optional subject. Talk to those 
teachers and faculties who deal with general studies and extract their 
valuable views regarding the optional subjects. Nevertheless, don’t go 
to subject experts asking for which option to choose. Why would a 
Page 3


Deciding the Optional Subject
It is imminent that UPSC is trying to reduce the weightage of the 
optional subject in CSE. In 2013, 2 papers of the optional subject were 
replaced by those of General Studies. Before that, there were 2 optional 
subjects to be selected for the mains examination, and these 2 options 
were of such importance that one could get through civil services by 
scoring 300 plus marks in both optional papers, even if GS scores were 
below average.
However, it is worth noting that even in the present scenario, the 
optional papers determine selection and influence the rank to a large 
extent. We must acknowledge the fact that it is difficult to create 
a significant lead in GS. After a rigorous one-year study, the serious 
competitors have more or less the same quantum of knowledge in GS. 
Some may have economics as a stronghold; others may fare better in 
History and Geography. Therefore, at the end of the exam, we realize 
that the range of marks of GS out of 1000 is not much. Here, the marks 
of the optional subject become the rank booster. The target score in the 
optional subject should be 250 out of 500 for both papers, that is 50%. 
Anything above that is your bonus!
With the kind of importance the optional subject carries, it is imperative 
that one should do a lot of brainstorming before choosing any optional 
subject. If you revert back to your decision, that is, you change the 
optional subject at any time, the time of study increases by at least 5 to 
6 months. I have seen people changing their optional paper on the third 
attempt after 2 unsuccessful attempts and then managing to get into 
the list. But why be baffled and tormented by the wrong decision of 
the optional and waste even a single attempt? It is better to brainstorm 
for 2 months to decide which option will go with the aspirant rather 
than make a quick decision and waste an attempt or 2 before reversing 
Deciding the Optional Subject
the earlier decision. For this, a broad understanding of the guidelines 
is required to decide the best optional subject. The final decision must 
rest with the aspirant, but that decision must be an informed one 
incorporating the following facts and factors;
1. Optional subjects must be looked upon as static or dynamic 
subjects:
Static subjects have a well-defined syllabus that remains unchanged at 
the graduate level. For example, history and philosophy in art subjects, 
physics, chemistry, and mathematics in science subjects, and all 
engineering subjects; accountancy for commerce students; zoology 
and botany for medical students – these all can be categorized as 
static subjects. The content of these subjects remains the same in any 
year. Variations can be made in the questions, and that too in words, 
figures, and inferences. The essence remains the same.
On the other hand, dynamic subjects are evolving subjects in both 
essence and content, such as public administration, sociology, 
management, and law. The questions from these subjects will take into 
account recent developments, trends, phenomena, and case studies. 
Y ou have to constantly update your knowledge regarding these subjects. 
Then, there may be some intermediate subjects, such as geography and 
psychology, which involve both static and dynamic concepts in almost 
equal proportions.
But the question is, which one should you go for? Dear aspirant, you 
must be fully sovereign to decide for yourself so that you can hold 
yourself accountable and no one else for the result of your examination. 
Do not be swayed by your peer circle. It does not mean that you should 
not hear others’ opinions. You must have a full understanding of the 
experiences of others regarding an optional subject. Talk to those 
teachers and faculties who deal with general studies and extract their 
valuable views regarding the optional subjects. Nevertheless, don’t go 
to subject experts asking for which option to choose. Why would a 
physics teacher advise you to go for public administration and vice 
versa?
Some may find a static subject more favorable as continuous 
deliberations on the subject are not required – once you study history, 
you only have to revise it and not incorporate new knowledge or 
inferences with changing times. However, there is another school of 
thought that finds dynamic subjects interesting and possesses a keen 
eye to relate to current issues and unfolding events in their optional 
subject, such as the one we find in public administration.
As far as my experience is concerned, I had no propensity for evolving 
dynamic subjects. I believe in one-time effort, even if more than 
average is required, and then reaping benefits for a longer period of 
time. Moreover, I was reluctant to take up arts subjects as I felt already 
burdened with the general studies portion. Thus, the choice for me 
was limited and quite apparent, that is, civil engineering – the subject 
of my graduation. This would also serve as my instrument to become 
professionally secure by competing and clearing the engineering 
services examination.
However, the aspirant must know that I was met with severe 
resistance when I mooted the idea of taking up civil engineering as 
an option in civil services. The general perception is that people do 
not make it into civil services while opting for engineering subjects 
as their optional subjects. This is true because a small proportion 
of aspirants go for engineering subjects. Thus, it is no surprise that 
when the notification for CSE 2013 quashed one optional subject, my 
mind was pulled in 2 different directions, with philosophy and civil 
engineering competing with each other for the one optional subject 
that I had to fill in. Finally, I decided to cling to civil engineering, 
taking into account the various repercussions and advantages of my 
decision, and it paid hefty returns when I secured exactly 250 marks 
in the optional.
Page 4


Deciding the Optional Subject
It is imminent that UPSC is trying to reduce the weightage of the 
optional subject in CSE. In 2013, 2 papers of the optional subject were 
replaced by those of General Studies. Before that, there were 2 optional 
subjects to be selected for the mains examination, and these 2 options 
were of such importance that one could get through civil services by 
scoring 300 plus marks in both optional papers, even if GS scores were 
below average.
However, it is worth noting that even in the present scenario, the 
optional papers determine selection and influence the rank to a large 
extent. We must acknowledge the fact that it is difficult to create 
a significant lead in GS. After a rigorous one-year study, the serious 
competitors have more or less the same quantum of knowledge in GS. 
Some may have economics as a stronghold; others may fare better in 
History and Geography. Therefore, at the end of the exam, we realize 
that the range of marks of GS out of 1000 is not much. Here, the marks 
of the optional subject become the rank booster. The target score in the 
optional subject should be 250 out of 500 for both papers, that is 50%. 
Anything above that is your bonus!
With the kind of importance the optional subject carries, it is imperative 
that one should do a lot of brainstorming before choosing any optional 
subject. If you revert back to your decision, that is, you change the 
optional subject at any time, the time of study increases by at least 5 to 
6 months. I have seen people changing their optional paper on the third 
attempt after 2 unsuccessful attempts and then managing to get into 
the list. But why be baffled and tormented by the wrong decision of 
the optional and waste even a single attempt? It is better to brainstorm 
for 2 months to decide which option will go with the aspirant rather 
than make a quick decision and waste an attempt or 2 before reversing 
Deciding the Optional Subject
the earlier decision. For this, a broad understanding of the guidelines 
is required to decide the best optional subject. The final decision must 
rest with the aspirant, but that decision must be an informed one 
incorporating the following facts and factors;
1. Optional subjects must be looked upon as static or dynamic 
subjects:
Static subjects have a well-defined syllabus that remains unchanged at 
the graduate level. For example, history and philosophy in art subjects, 
physics, chemistry, and mathematics in science subjects, and all 
engineering subjects; accountancy for commerce students; zoology 
and botany for medical students – these all can be categorized as 
static subjects. The content of these subjects remains the same in any 
year. Variations can be made in the questions, and that too in words, 
figures, and inferences. The essence remains the same.
On the other hand, dynamic subjects are evolving subjects in both 
essence and content, such as public administration, sociology, 
management, and law. The questions from these subjects will take into 
account recent developments, trends, phenomena, and case studies. 
Y ou have to constantly update your knowledge regarding these subjects. 
Then, there may be some intermediate subjects, such as geography and 
psychology, which involve both static and dynamic concepts in almost 
equal proportions.
But the question is, which one should you go for? Dear aspirant, you 
must be fully sovereign to decide for yourself so that you can hold 
yourself accountable and no one else for the result of your examination. 
Do not be swayed by your peer circle. It does not mean that you should 
not hear others’ opinions. You must have a full understanding of the 
experiences of others regarding an optional subject. Talk to those 
teachers and faculties who deal with general studies and extract their 
valuable views regarding the optional subjects. Nevertheless, don’t go 
to subject experts asking for which option to choose. Why would a 
physics teacher advise you to go for public administration and vice 
versa?
Some may find a static subject more favorable as continuous 
deliberations on the subject are not required – once you study history, 
you only have to revise it and not incorporate new knowledge or 
inferences with changing times. However, there is another school of 
thought that finds dynamic subjects interesting and possesses a keen 
eye to relate to current issues and unfolding events in their optional 
subject, such as the one we find in public administration.
As far as my experience is concerned, I had no propensity for evolving 
dynamic subjects. I believe in one-time effort, even if more than 
average is required, and then reaping benefits for a longer period of 
time. Moreover, I was reluctant to take up arts subjects as I felt already 
burdened with the general studies portion. Thus, the choice for me 
was limited and quite apparent, that is, civil engineering – the subject 
of my graduation. This would also serve as my instrument to become 
professionally secure by competing and clearing the engineering 
services examination.
However, the aspirant must know that I was met with severe 
resistance when I mooted the idea of taking up civil engineering as 
an option in civil services. The general perception is that people do 
not make it into civil services while opting for engineering subjects 
as their optional subjects. This is true because a small proportion 
of aspirants go for engineering subjects. Thus, it is no surprise that 
when the notification for CSE 2013 quashed one optional subject, my 
mind was pulled in 2 different directions, with philosophy and civil 
engineering competing with each other for the one optional subject 
that I had to fill in. Finally, I decided to cling to civil engineering, 
taking into account the various repercussions and advantages of my 
decision, and it paid hefty returns when I secured exactly 250 marks 
in the optional.
Deciding the Optional Subject
2. Subjective and objective optional subjects:
Where the answers are not subject to different interpretations, the 
subject may be called objective in its essence, such as engineering 
subjects, science subjects, accountancy, etc. On the other hand, some 
involve subjective interpretations, such as art subjects. Objective 
subjects are generally static, while subjective subjects may be static or 
dynamic in their essence.
In contemporary times, where unpredictability in results has 
increased due to subjectivity involved in CSE owing to the increased 
weightage of GS, it is better if one goes for an objective optional 
subject. However, these are limited in scope. For example, a 
mechanical optional would be taken by only a mechanical engineer 
and not by any other engineer or art student. Thus, subjective 
subjects of a static nature should be the most preferable option for 
those aspirants who cannot opt for an objective optional subject, 
such as history, philosophy, anthropology, etc.
3. The concept of normalization of marks in optional subjects:
The underlying concept of normalization of marks in different 
optional subjects is to eliminate or reduce the distortions in marks 
produced due to the different toughness levels of each distinct optional 
subject. How do we counter the variations of marks resulting from the 
different toughness of each paper? What will happen if most of the 
marks in geography are less compared to those in sociology? Will the 
aspirants from geography be unsuccessful if, for a particular year, the 
paper is very tough and most of the scores are low? The answer to all 
these questions is the normalization of marks in each optional subject 
across various subjects. I won’t dwell on the mathematical details 
of normalization as UPSC never discloses the methodology on its 
website or elsewhere. However, those aspirants who are interested in 
the nitty-gritty of the matter may go to the website of IIM Bangalore, 
where the full process is disclosed and used in CAT every year.
Page 5


Deciding the Optional Subject
It is imminent that UPSC is trying to reduce the weightage of the 
optional subject in CSE. In 2013, 2 papers of the optional subject were 
replaced by those of General Studies. Before that, there were 2 optional 
subjects to be selected for the mains examination, and these 2 options 
were of such importance that one could get through civil services by 
scoring 300 plus marks in both optional papers, even if GS scores were 
below average.
However, it is worth noting that even in the present scenario, the 
optional papers determine selection and influence the rank to a large 
extent. We must acknowledge the fact that it is difficult to create 
a significant lead in GS. After a rigorous one-year study, the serious 
competitors have more or less the same quantum of knowledge in GS. 
Some may have economics as a stronghold; others may fare better in 
History and Geography. Therefore, at the end of the exam, we realize 
that the range of marks of GS out of 1000 is not much. Here, the marks 
of the optional subject become the rank booster. The target score in the 
optional subject should be 250 out of 500 for both papers, that is 50%. 
Anything above that is your bonus!
With the kind of importance the optional subject carries, it is imperative 
that one should do a lot of brainstorming before choosing any optional 
subject. If you revert back to your decision, that is, you change the 
optional subject at any time, the time of study increases by at least 5 to 
6 months. I have seen people changing their optional paper on the third 
attempt after 2 unsuccessful attempts and then managing to get into 
the list. But why be baffled and tormented by the wrong decision of 
the optional and waste even a single attempt? It is better to brainstorm 
for 2 months to decide which option will go with the aspirant rather 
than make a quick decision and waste an attempt or 2 before reversing 
Deciding the Optional Subject
the earlier decision. For this, a broad understanding of the guidelines 
is required to decide the best optional subject. The final decision must 
rest with the aspirant, but that decision must be an informed one 
incorporating the following facts and factors;
1. Optional subjects must be looked upon as static or dynamic 
subjects:
Static subjects have a well-defined syllabus that remains unchanged at 
the graduate level. For example, history and philosophy in art subjects, 
physics, chemistry, and mathematics in science subjects, and all 
engineering subjects; accountancy for commerce students; zoology 
and botany for medical students – these all can be categorized as 
static subjects. The content of these subjects remains the same in any 
year. Variations can be made in the questions, and that too in words, 
figures, and inferences. The essence remains the same.
On the other hand, dynamic subjects are evolving subjects in both 
essence and content, such as public administration, sociology, 
management, and law. The questions from these subjects will take into 
account recent developments, trends, phenomena, and case studies. 
Y ou have to constantly update your knowledge regarding these subjects. 
Then, there may be some intermediate subjects, such as geography and 
psychology, which involve both static and dynamic concepts in almost 
equal proportions.
But the question is, which one should you go for? Dear aspirant, you 
must be fully sovereign to decide for yourself so that you can hold 
yourself accountable and no one else for the result of your examination. 
Do not be swayed by your peer circle. It does not mean that you should 
not hear others’ opinions. You must have a full understanding of the 
experiences of others regarding an optional subject. Talk to those 
teachers and faculties who deal with general studies and extract their 
valuable views regarding the optional subjects. Nevertheless, don’t go 
to subject experts asking for which option to choose. Why would a 
physics teacher advise you to go for public administration and vice 
versa?
Some may find a static subject more favorable as continuous 
deliberations on the subject are not required – once you study history, 
you only have to revise it and not incorporate new knowledge or 
inferences with changing times. However, there is another school of 
thought that finds dynamic subjects interesting and possesses a keen 
eye to relate to current issues and unfolding events in their optional 
subject, such as the one we find in public administration.
As far as my experience is concerned, I had no propensity for evolving 
dynamic subjects. I believe in one-time effort, even if more than 
average is required, and then reaping benefits for a longer period of 
time. Moreover, I was reluctant to take up arts subjects as I felt already 
burdened with the general studies portion. Thus, the choice for me 
was limited and quite apparent, that is, civil engineering – the subject 
of my graduation. This would also serve as my instrument to become 
professionally secure by competing and clearing the engineering 
services examination.
However, the aspirant must know that I was met with severe 
resistance when I mooted the idea of taking up civil engineering as 
an option in civil services. The general perception is that people do 
not make it into civil services while opting for engineering subjects 
as their optional subjects. This is true because a small proportion 
of aspirants go for engineering subjects. Thus, it is no surprise that 
when the notification for CSE 2013 quashed one optional subject, my 
mind was pulled in 2 different directions, with philosophy and civil 
engineering competing with each other for the one optional subject 
that I had to fill in. Finally, I decided to cling to civil engineering, 
taking into account the various repercussions and advantages of my 
decision, and it paid hefty returns when I secured exactly 250 marks 
in the optional.
Deciding the Optional Subject
2. Subjective and objective optional subjects:
Where the answers are not subject to different interpretations, the 
subject may be called objective in its essence, such as engineering 
subjects, science subjects, accountancy, etc. On the other hand, some 
involve subjective interpretations, such as art subjects. Objective 
subjects are generally static, while subjective subjects may be static or 
dynamic in their essence.
In contemporary times, where unpredictability in results has 
increased due to subjectivity involved in CSE owing to the increased 
weightage of GS, it is better if one goes for an objective optional 
subject. However, these are limited in scope. For example, a 
mechanical optional would be taken by only a mechanical engineer 
and not by any other engineer or art student. Thus, subjective 
subjects of a static nature should be the most preferable option for 
those aspirants who cannot opt for an objective optional subject, 
such as history, philosophy, anthropology, etc.
3. The concept of normalization of marks in optional subjects:
The underlying concept of normalization of marks in different 
optional subjects is to eliminate or reduce the distortions in marks 
produced due to the different toughness levels of each distinct optional 
subject. How do we counter the variations of marks resulting from the 
different toughness of each paper? What will happen if most of the 
marks in geography are less compared to those in sociology? Will the 
aspirants from geography be unsuccessful if, for a particular year, the 
paper is very tough and most of the scores are low? The answer to all 
these questions is the normalization of marks in each optional subject 
across various subjects. I won’t dwell on the mathematical details 
of normalization as UPSC never discloses the methodology on its 
website or elsewhere. However, those aspirants who are interested in 
the nitty-gritty of the matter may go to the website of IIM Bangalore, 
where the full process is disclosed and used in CAT every year.
The question to be addressed here is what we infer from the fact that 
normalization exists. The inferences are 2;
a) One cannot choose an option by saying that a particular option 
is easier because it has fewer syllabuses or that the questions are 
easy in that option. The easier paper of an option would attract 
higher scores, and these marks, when normalized, would be 
scaled downwards.
b) The second inference is of utmost importance. Whatever 
optional an aspirant may choose, he/she must get into the 
top 1 or 2 percent of the scores in that optional. This makes it 
redundant, the fact whether the paper is tough or easy. In the 
former case, normalization would inflate your scores (when the 
paper is tough), and in the latter, it will lead to downscaling. 
But in both cases, you shall be among the top scorers in that 
particular option, and your chances of making it to the final list 
would tremendously increase.