Deciding Optional for UPSC IAS Mains-Marking Scheme and Optional Popularity
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Most appropriate IAS Mains Optional needs to be selected before beginning preparation. All optional subjects are high scoring if you have knowledge in the subject and if you can answer the questions in an analytical frame in UPSC exam.
UPSC Mains Pattern and Marking Scheme:
| No. | Paper | Subject | Marks |
| 1 | Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 |
| 2 | Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 |
| 3 | Paper I | Essay | 250 |
| 4 | Paper II | General Studies – I | 250 |
| 5 | Paper III | General Studies – II | 250 |
| 6 | Paper IV | General Studies – III | 250 |
| 7 | Paper V | General Studies – IV | 250 |
| 8 | Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 250 |
| 9 | Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 250 |
| Total | 1750 | ||
| Interview (Personality Test) | 275 | ||
| Grand Total | 2025 |
Popularity of some optional subjects:
Certain optional subjects are very popular in IAS exam preparation. Below table gives an average estimation for the coming years based on past year trends of optional subjects.
| Optional Subject | Probable Number of Candidates select subject |
| Geography | Around 3000 |
| History | Around 3000 |
| Sociology | Around 3000 |
| Public Administration | Around 3000 |
| Philosophy + Psychology + Political Science + Economics | <2000 |
| All other science/art subjects(in total) | <1000 |
| All literature subjects(in total) | <1000 |
| Total | Around 15,000 |
Choosing the correct IAS Mains Optional:
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First go through the list of all the Optional Subject and invest a maximum time in reading and understanding the syllabus.
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Select more interest subject and in which you scored the most.
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Make a list of 4 to 5 interested subjects.
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Go through the previous year question papers (at least 3 years) of the shortlisted Subjects.
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Analyze the syllabus and consider over the fact that whether it will keep you interested throughout your preparation. It’s very important.
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For some subjects it is difficult to get standard books and coaching may not be available.
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Non -technical subjects can be prepared by doing self-study provided you regularly practice writing.
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Consider the above points and now, you have to choosing the subject best suited for you.
Things to avoid while choosing an optional:
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My friends and family have suggested it.
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Most students choose for it.
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It’s a popular IAS Mains optional subject.
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Topper choose this subject last year.