The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India, offering the gateway to a career in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), Indian Police Services (IPS), and other Group A and Group B central services. One of the most crucial decisions an aspirant has to make is the choice of the optional subject, which can significantly impact their success in the Mains examination.
Understanding the Importance of the Optional Subject
In the UPSC Mains examination, the optional subject comprises two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making it a total of 500 marks out of the 1750 in the written examination. The weightage of the optional subject is substantial, and the right choice can be a game-changer in an aspirant’s final rank and service allocation.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an Optional Subject
1. Interest and Background in the Subject:
The first and foremost criterion for selecting an optional should be your genuine interest in the subject. Since the preparation involves in-depth study, having a prior background or interest can make the process less tedious and more engaging. A subject that aligns with your undergraduate studies or professional background might also give you an edge.
2. Syllabus Overlap with General Studies (GS):
Some optional subjects, such as Political Science, Sociology, History, and Geography, have a significant overlap with the General Studies papers, especially in GS Paper II and GS Paper III. This overlap can help in covering a large portion of the GS syllabus while preparing for the optional, thereby optimizing your study time and effort.
3. Availability of Resources and Guidance:
Before finalizing an optional, it’s crucial to assess the availability of study materials, standard textbooks, and guidance from experts or coaching institutes. Some subjects, like PSIR and Geography, have abundant resources, while others may require a more independent approach.
4. Performance Trends and Success Rate:
Analyzing the performance trends and success rates of different optional subjects over the years can provide valuable insights. Subjects like PSIR, Sociology, and Anthropology have shown consistent performance with high success rates.
5. Length and Manageability of the Syllabus:
The length and depth of the syllabus can vary significantly between subjects. While Geography and History have vast syllabi, subjects like Anthropology and Literature options are relatively concise. Choosing an optional with a manageable syllabus can ease the preparation burden.
Why Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is a Preferred Choice
1. Extensive Overlap with General Studies:
PSIR has one of the highest overlaps with the GS papers, particularly GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, and International Relations) and GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude). The topics covered in PSIR, such as the Indian Constitution, governance, and international relations, are directly relevant to these papers, which can save time and effort in GS preparation. i.e
GS Paper 1: Indian Heritage, History, and Geography
PSIR covers 8 out of the 12 topics in GS Paper 1, including Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and the Geography of the World and Society. The political thought and theory portions of PSIR offer deep insights into historical movements and cultural developments, aiding in the understanding of Indian history and societal changes.
GS Paper 2: Polity, Governance, and International Relations
GS Paper 2 is almost entirely covered by PSIR, which addresses Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. The detailed study of the Indian Constitution, political structures, and international dynamics in PSIR directly aligns with the requirements of this paper. This makes PSIR an ideal choice for those looking to score well in both their optional and GS papers.
GS Paper 3: Technology, Economic Development, and Security
In GS Paper 3, PSIR helps cover key topics like Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. Specifically, 8, 17, 19, and 20 out of the 20 topics in this paper are addressed within the PSIR syllabus, especially those related to national security, global environmental concerns, and the role of technology in governance.
GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
PSIR also touches upon important areas of GS Paper 4, particularly in Topic 1 of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. The study of political ideologies, theories of the state, and governance ethics within PSIR provides a strong foundation for answering questions related to ethical governance and integrity in public administration.
2. Scoring Potential:
PSIR is known for its scoring potential due to its theoretical nature and the availability of well-defined concepts and frameworks. The subject’s nature allows candidates to present their answers in a structured and analytical manner, which is often rewarded by the examiners.
3. Relevance to Current Affairs:
PSIR is closely linked to current events, especially in the realm of international relations, political theory, and governance. This makes the study of newspapers, magazines, and other current affairs resources directly beneficial for both the optional subject and the interview stage.
4. Availability of Resources and Guidance:
There is an abundance of quality study material and guidance available for PSIR, with many toppers and experts recommending standard textbooks like Andrew Heywood for Political Theory, OP Gauba for Indian Political Thought, and V.N. Khanna for International Relations. Additionally, numerous online resources, coaching notes, and test series are tailored specifically for PSIR.
5. Logical and Analytical Nature:
PSIR is highly analytical and logical, making it an excellent choice for aspirants who enjoy reasoning and debating on political and international issues. The subject encourages critical thinking, which is not only useful for the optional papers but also for the essay and interview stages of the exam.
6. Dynamic and Interesting Syllabus:
The syllabus of PSIR is dynamic, covering a wide range of topics from political ideologies, theories of the state, international relations, comparative politics, and India’s foreign policy. This diversity keeps the preparation process engaging and intellectually stimulating.
PSIR continues to be a popular choice among toppers, reflecting its strategic importance in the exam.
Such as…
- Tina Dabi – AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2015
- Athar Aamir Khan – AIR 2, UPSC CSE 2015
- Vishakha Yadav – AIR 6, UPSC CSE 2019
- Utkarsh Dwivedi – AIR 5, UPSC CSE 2021
- Gautam Agarwal – AIR 8, UPSC CSE 2022
- Ishita Kishore – AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2023
Analyzing Other Popular Optionals
Sociology:
Sociology is another popular optional subject known for its concise syllabus, high scoring potential, and overlap with GS Paper I (Indian Society). It is often recommended for aspirants with a background in humanities or social sciences.
Anthropology:
Anthropology is favored by many for its relatively short syllabus and the scientific approach it allows in writing answers. It has shown a high success rate and is often chosen by candidates with a science background.
Geography:
Geography has a vast syllabus but is preferred by many due to its overlap with GS Paper I (Physical Geography) and GS Paper III (Environment). It is considered scoring but requires a strong grasp of both physical and human geography concepts.
Public Administration:
Public Administration has a significant overlap with GS Paper II (Polity, Governance) and GS Paper III (Public Administration in India). It is highly relevant to the work of a civil servant, making it a practical choice for aspirants with an interest in administrative functions.
Conclusion: Making the Final Decision
Choosing the right optional subject is a deeply personal decision that should be made after careful consideration of the factors mentioned above. While Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) stands out due to its extensive overlap with General Studies, scoring potential, and relevance to current affairs, other optionals like Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, and Public Administration also offer their own unique advantages.
Ultimately, the best optional subject is one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and study plan. It’s essential to evaluate your comfort level with the subject, availability of resources, and the guidance you can access before making a final decision. Remember, a well-chosen optional subject can significantly boost your overall score and bring you closer to your dream of becoming a civil servant.
