Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services exam is pivotal for achieving success. This decision can dramatically influence your overall score and increase your chances of making it to the final list. Let’s delve deep into understanding the most suitable optional subjects based on success rates, overlap with General Studies, and other crucial factors.

Top 10 Optional Subjects For UPSC 2024

The following optional subjects have been historically favored due to their consistent performance:​​​​

1. History 
2. Public Adminstration
3. Geography
4. Political Science and International Relation (PSIR)
5. Sociology
6. Economics
7. Anthropology
8. Psychology
9. Philosophy
10. Literature Subjects (Hindi, English, Etc.)

Based on UPSC success rates, here are the best optional subjects

It’s imperative to consider the success rates of optional subjects. The UPSC Mains 2019 showed the following high-performing subjects:

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science: 18.80%
• Management: 11.10%
• Commerce & Accountancy: 10.90%
• Economics: 10.70%
• Medical Science: 10.50%

Most Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC Mains

Some optional subjects tend to fetch higher scores. Technical subjects like Mathematics have a minimal 'subjectivity quotient,' making them high-scoring. Meanwhile, non-technical subjects overlapping with the GS syllabus afford candidates more preparation time, potentially increasing their score.

Most Opted Optional Subject For IAS Exam

Geography has emerged as a favorite, with approximately 30% of UPSC Mains candidates selecting it as their optional subject over the years.

UPSC Optional Subjects: How To Choose The Best

Selecting your optional subject involves introspection and research:

1. the Syllabus: Understand the depth and breadth of the syllabus.
2. Time: Ascertain the time available for preparation.
3. Knowledge: Consider any pre-existing familiarity with the subject.
4. with General Studies: A subject overlapping with GS can save time.
5. Availability: Ensure that study materials are easily accessible.
6. and Willingness: Gauge your genuine interest in the topic.

Most Trending Top Tips for Choosing the Best Optional Subject

• Curate a list of subjects you resonate with.
• Scrutinize the UPSC syllabus for each, marking familiar topics.
• Review previous year papers to understand the nature of questions.
• Research on available training material and its quality.
• If proficient in engineering or native language, consider those as options.

Optional Subjects with Major Overlap with GS Syllabus

Subjects overlapping with the General Studies paper can be advantageous:

• History: Overlaps with Prelims, GS Paper-I
• Geography: Overlaps with Prelims, GS Paper-I
• Public Administration: Overlaps with Prelims, GS Paper-II
• Political Science: Overlaps with Prelims...

By following this guide, aspirants can make an informed decision and improve their chances of success in the UPSC exams. It's essential to remember that while the subject's success rate and overlap with GS can guide your choice, personal interest and familiarity remain crucial.