Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains

In the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Mains examination, candidates are required to choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the Commission. The optional subject carries a significant weightage of 500 marks out of a total of 1750 marks in the Mains examination. Here are the details regarding optional subjects in UPSC Mains:

Number of Optional Subjects:
Candidates are allowed to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains examination. Earlier, candidates had to choose two optional subjects, but this changed in 2013 when the UPSC reduced the number of optional subjects to one. The change was implemented to provide a level playing field for all candidates and to prevent the dominance of certain subjects.

Choice of Optional Subjects:
Candidates can choose their optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The list includes a wide range of subjects from various disciplines such as humanities, science, commerce, and law. Some of the popular optional subjects include History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Economics, and Literature of various languages.

Criteria for Choosing Optional Subjects:
While choosing an optional subject, candidates should consider their interest, aptitude, and the availability of study material and guidance. It is advisable to choose a subject that one is comfortable with and has a good understanding of. Additionally, candidates should also consider the scoring potential of the subject, as some subjects are known to have higher success rates and better evaluation patterns.

Importance of Optional Subjects:
The optional subject plays a crucial role in determining the overall score and rank of the candidate. The marks obtained in the optional subject, along with the marks obtained in the General Studies papers, Essay, and the compulsory papers, contribute to the final ranking of the candidate. Therefore, selecting the right optional subject and preparing it thoroughly is essential for a good performance in the UPSC Mains examination.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while choosing an optional subject for the UPSC Mains examination, candidates should consider their interest, aptitude, and the availability of study material and guidance. It is important to choose a subject that one is comfortable with and has a good understanding of. The optional subject carries a significant weightage in the Mains examination, and a well-prepared optional subject can greatly contribute to the overall score and rank of the candidate.