Challenges of choosing Economics as an optional subject in UPSC:

There are several challenges that candidates may face when choosing Economics as an optional subject in the UPSC examination. These challenges include:

1. Vast Syllabus:
- The syllabus of Economics for UPSC is vast and covers a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, public finance, and Indian economy.
- Candidates need to have a strong foundation in economics and a comprehensive understanding of various economic theories and concepts.

2. Technical and Analytical Nature:
- Economics is a technical and analytical subject that requires a deep understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts.
- Candidates need to be proficient in interpreting economic data, analyzing economic problems, and applying economic theories to real-life situations.

3. Dynamic Nature of the Subject:
- The field of economics is constantly evolving, with new theories and concepts being introduced regularly.
- Candidates need to stay updated with the latest developments in the field and be able to apply them to the Indian economic scenario.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach:
- Economics is an interdisciplinary subject that overlaps with various other subjects such as political science, sociology, history, and geography.
- Candidates need to have a broad understanding of these subjects and be able to integrate them with economics while answering questions.

5. Lack of Study Material:
- Compared to popular optional subjects like history or geography, finding good study material for economics can be a challenge.
- Candidates may need to rely on multiple sources such as textbooks, reference books, research papers, and online resources to gather comprehensive study material.

6. Time-Consuming:
- Economics as an optional subject requires significant time and effort for preparation.
- Candidates need to allocate adequate time for understanding and revising complex economic theories, analyzing data, and practicing numerical problems.

7. Scoring Subjective Nature:
- Economics is a subjective subject, and answers are often open to interpretation.
- Candidates need to develop strong analytical and writing skills to effectively convey their thoughts and arguments in the examination.

In conclusion, while choosing Economics as an optional subject in UPSC can be challenging due to its vast syllabus, technical nature, and dynamic characteristics, with proper preparation, dedication, and guidance, candidates can overcome these challenges and excel in the examination.