Your choice of an optional subject can make or break your journey in the Civil Services Exam. Every topper knows its importance, and yet many aspirants underestimate how strategic this decision can be. The optional subject accounts for up to 500 marks out of a total of 1750 marks in the written examination. This makes it crucial to your success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. While some tell you to “choose what you like,” there’s much more to the story. In this article, we will discuss the everything about the UPSC Optional Subject List with some expert tips and strategic advice about choosing your UPSC optional subject that most coaching institutes keep to themselves.
Understanding the Role of Optional Subject in UPSC
It is often seen that most of the toppers credit their success to choosing the right optional subject. The Union Civil Service Commission provides 48 optional subjects to pick from. This wide range of choices leaves many aspirants confused. The marks you get in the Mains examination count toward your final merit list. That’s why picking the right optional subject becomes a key factor in getting better scores.
Optional subjects play a vital role in the UPSC Civil Services Examination structure. Students score around 50% (475-525 out of 1000) in General Studies papers. The optional subjects give them a chance to score over 70% (350-370 out of 500 marks). This makes your optional subject a significant differentiator in the final merit list.
How Many Optional Subjects Are There in UPSC?
The UPSC Mains Examination offers a total of 48 optional subjects, from which candidates must select only one subject. Each chosen optional comprises two papers (Paper I & Paper II) of 250 marks each, making it a 500-mark component in the written exam.
Selecting the right optional is a strategic and personal decision — it should align with your academic background, interests, and ability to express ideas clearly in writing. Over the years, certain subjects have become more popular among aspirants due to their balanced syllabus, scoring potential, and overlap with General Studies papers.
| Paper | Marks |
| Paper I – Optional Subject (Part 1) | 250 |
| Paper II – Optional Subject (Part 2) | 250 |
| Total | 500 Marks |
List of 48 Optional Subjects in UPSC
The UPSC Mains Examination offers 48 optional subjects, including 25 core subjects and 23 literature optionals. Candidates can choose any one subject, and both Paper I & Paper II will be based on that choice, carrying a total of 500 marks (250 marks each).
| No. | Optional Subject |
| 1. | Agriculture |
| 2. | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
| 3. | Anthropology |
| 4. | Botany |
| 5. | Chemistry |
| 6. | Civil Engineering |
| 7. | Commerce & Accountancy |
| 8. | Economics |
| 9. | Electrical Engineering |
| 10. | Geography |
| 11. | Geology |
| 12. | History |
| 13. | Law |
| 14. | Management |
| 15. | Mathematics |
| 16. | Mechanical Engineering |
| 17. | Medical Science |
| 18. | Philosophy |
| 19. | Physics |
| 20. | Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) |
| 21. | Psychology |
| 22. | Public Administration |
| 23. | Sociology |
| 24. | Statistics |
| 25. | Zoology |
| 26. | Assamese Literature |
| 27. | Bengali Literature |
| 28. | Bodo Literature |
| 29. | Dogri Literature |
| 30. | Gujarati Literature |
| 31. | Hindi Literature |
| 32. | Kannada Literature |
| 33. | Kashmiri Literature |
| 34. | Konkani Literature |
| 35. | Maithili Literature |
| 36. | Malayalam Literature |
| 37. | Manipuri Literature |
| 38. | Marathi Literature |
| 39. | Nepali Literature |
| 40. | Oriya Literature |
| 41. | Punjabi Literature |
| 42. | Sanskrit Literature |
| 43. | Santali Literature |
| 44. | Sindhi Literature |
| 45. | Tamil Literature |
| 46. | Telugu Literature |
| 47. | Urdu Literature |
| 48 | English Literature |
Top 10 Popular Optional Subjects in UPSC
While all 48 optionals are equally valid, some have consistently emerged as the most preferred choices among UPSC aspirants — thanks to their balanced syllabus, good overlap with General Studies, and scoring consistency. Here are the top 10 most popular optional subjects and why toppers often choose them:
Here are some of the most preferred UPSC optional subjects and what makes them unique:
- History: Helps in understanding India’s ancient to modern evolution, with strong overlap with GS Paper I and Essay.
- Geography: Combines physical, human, and environmental geography, making it both scientific and analytical.
- Public Administration: Directly relates to governance, policies, and administrative systems — highly relevant for future civil servants.
- Political Science & International Relations (PSIR): Covers political theories, Indian Constitution, and global affairs; great synergy with GS Paper II.
- Sociology: Simplified concepts and relatable examples make it a favorite among beginners and non-technical students.
| Rank | Optional Subject | Why It’s Popular |
| 1. | Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) | Strong overlap with GS Paper II and Essay; ideal for current affairs lovers. |
| 2. | Sociology | Short syllabus, easy-to-understand theories, and high-scoring potential. |
| 3. | Geography | Logical concepts and good overlap with GS Paper I; preferred by science graduates. |
| 4. | Anthropology | Compact syllabus and high marks potential; especially popular among medical/science students. |
| 5. | Public Administration | Direct link with governance, GS Paper II & IV; highly relevant for future administrators. |
| 6. | History | Deep overlap with prelims and mains GS Paper I; strong conceptual base helps in Essay. |
| 7. | Philosophy | Concise syllabus, conceptual clarity, and suitability for candidates from any background. |
| 8. | Law | Logical subject with defined syllabus; great for candidates from legal or humanities background. |
| 9. | Economics | Useful for GS Paper III and interview; good for candidates with economics or commerce background. |
| 10. | Literature Subjects (Hindi, English, etc.) | High scores for candidates with strong writing and language skills; syllabus remains static. |
Why UPSC Optional Subjects Matter
Optional subjects are more than just another part of the syllabus — they can be rank deciders in the Mains exam. Unlike General Studies papers, where competition is intense and marks remain average, a strong grip on your optional can create a decisive edge.
Choosing a subject that fits your strengths allows you to:
- Showcase in-depth understanding and analytical ability
- Apply existing academic knowledge effectively
- Maintain confidence and motivation throughout preparation
In short, your optional subject is your specialization within the UPSC framework — a field where you can truly stand out.
10 Expert Tips to Choose the Right Optional Subject
Your trip to pick the perfect optional subject needs a strategic approach instead of following trends. Looking at UPSC results over many years, here are some proven tips to help you decide.
1. Don’t Just Choose What You “Like” — Choose What You Can “Write About”
Many aspirants select their graduation subject because they’re familiar with it, or something they “find interesting.” But UPSC Mains is not a viva, it’s a writing exam. Your optional papers need extra focus on answer-writing practice. The UPSC Mains exam tests how you express your knowledge clearly and precisely. Regular practice sessions will help you build this crucial skill. You should dedicate time each day to writing answers, specifically for your optional subject.
- You must express complex ideas clearly and convincingly in 3 hours.
- If you can’t structure your thoughts on paper, “interest” won’t save you.
- Pick a subject that allows you to write well-argued, concise answers.
Pro tip: Before finalizing, write a few answers from previous years’ papers and see how naturally you can express yourself.
Syllabus Overlap Is Important — But Not Everything
Yes, think about overlap with General Studies subjects like Political Science, Sociology, Geography, and Public Administration — but that shouldn’t be your only criterion. However, this creates a strategic advantage in your preparation.
Sometimes, aspirants pick an overlapping subject but lose marks because they never master the “optional-specific” part.
What you should do instead:
- Check overlap + scoring pattern + availability of good guidance and notes.
- Choose an optional that you can finish and revise at least three times before Mains.
3. Understanding the ‘Scoring Pattern’ Myth
There’s a common myth — “this subject is scoring this year.”
Reality: UPSC doesn’t reward or punish any subject. Marks vary based on:
- Answer quality and conceptual clarity.
- Relevance and presentation.
- Your ability to connect theory with current affairs.
Tip: Go through previous year toppers’ answer copies — you’ll realize good answers, not subjects, score high.
4. Test Yourself With PYQs Before Finalizing
Practicing UPSC PYQs helps you to identify the scoring pattern. The real test is not liking the syllabus, but surviving its questions.
Before deciding, download the last 5 years of question papers of 2–3 subjects you’re considering. Try to answer at least 3–4 questions without notes.
You’ll immediately sense which subject flows naturally for you.
5. Coaching Is Optional, But Mentorship Is Not
Some subjects can be self-taught with standard books. Others — like Law or Mathematics — may require expert help. Self-studying aspirants should get notes from prominent coaching institutes that specialize in their chosen subject. Finding someone to review your answers matters just as much. Study groups help you share resources and learn different viewpoints.
If you skip coaching, find:
- A mentor who can review your answers.
- A peer group to exchange feedback.
- Reliable topper notes (avoid random Telegram dumps).
Remember: It’s not about collecting notes, it’s about building conceptual command.
6. Time Commitment vs. Return
Certain optionals, like History or Geography, have vast syllabi. Others, like Philosophy or Sociology, are relatively concise.
Ask yourself:
- Can I finish this subject in 3 months of consistent effort?
- Can I revise it twice before Mains?
- Does it mentally drain me or motivate me?
Your optional should empower, not exhaust you.
7. The Booklist Isn’t Everything
Every topper shares a “booklist.” But remember — reading the same books won’t guarantee the same marks.
What matters:
- How deeply you understand the concept.
- How smartly you connect it with current affairs.
- How clearly you explain it in your answers.
Smart reading > Extensive reading.
8. Optional Subject Is Your Personality in Mains
Your optional reflects your analytical style. For instance:
- Sociology or Psychology suits people who enjoy observing society and human behavior.
- Political Science fits those who like debates and international affairs.
- Anthropology or Geography appeals to science-minded aspirants.
So pick a subject that matches your thinking pattern — not just your degree.
Success Rates of UPSC Optional Subjects
The choice of an optional subject can significantly influence your UPSC Mains score — but it’s important to remember that success depends more on preparation quality than popularity.
According to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) Report for UPSC 2019, the success rate of optional subjects varied across disciplines. The following table highlights the number of candidates who appeared, number recommended, and their overall success percentage.
UPSC Optional Subjects Success Rate (2019 Data)
| Optional Subject | Appeared | Recommended | Success Rate (%) |
| Geography | 1916 | 105 | 5.5% |
| Sociology | 1263 | 126 | 10.0% |
| Commerce & Accountancy | 183 | 20 | 10.9% |
| Economics | 243 | 26 | 10.7% |
| Agriculture | 124 | 13 | 10.5% |
| Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | 16 | 3 | 18.8% |
| Anthropology | 1189 | 108 | 9.1% |
| Botany | 28 | 2 | 7.1% |
| Electrical Engineering | 200 | 16 | 8.0% |
| Chemistry | 156 | 13 | 8.3% |
| Geology | 30 | 0 | 0.0% |
| History | 751 | 51 | 6.8% |
| Law | 186 | 19 | 10.2% |
| Management | 54 | 6 | 11.1% |
| Mathematics | 539 | 45 | 8.3% |
| Public Administration | 705 | 58 | 8.2% |
| Civil Engineering | 146 | 15 | 10.3% |
| Statistics | 2 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Zoology | 44 | 4 | 9.1% |
| Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) | 1662 | 137 | 8.2% |
| Psychology | 164 | 15 | 9.1% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 213 | 12 | 5.6% |
| Medical Science | 247 | 26 | 10.5% |
| Philosophy | 439 | 27 | 6.2% |
| Physics | 165 | 12 | 7.3% |
Insights from the Data
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science had the highest success rate (18.8%), though very few candidates opted for it.
- Management, Commerce & Accountancy, and Law also showed strong success ratios.
- Popular humanities subjects like Sociology, PSIR, and Anthropology continued to perform consistently well.
- Heavily crowded subjects like Geography and History had moderate success rates due to large competition.
Key Takeaway: A high success rate doesn’t automatically make a subject “scoring.” It’s your interest, conceptual clarity, and ability to write analytical answers that ultimately decide your marks.
Strategic Advice That Nobody Tells You
Starting early is the lifeblood of mastering optional subjects. Many candidates overlook this simple truth. Successful aspirants suggest you should begin your optional preparation much earlier to dodge last-minute stress.
NCERT books are the foundations of many optional subjects. These books give you crystal-clear concepts and cover topics systematically. They’re essential reading for subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science.
You’ll need about 700-1000 hours to excel in your optional subject. This time covers learning the basics, solving previous year questions, making short notes, and revision. Students who focus solely on their optional and study 10 hours daily need roughly 100 days. Those who study 2.5-3 hours daily, among other preparations, should plan for about 250 days.
Remember to finish your optional syllabus before taking UPSC Prelims. This includes practicing answer writing in that subject.
Conclusion
Picking the right optional subject is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your UPSC preparation. Throughout the article, we have shown how this one choice can affect your final rank a lot, since it adds 500 marks to your overall score. Your optional subject becomes your edge in this tough exam.
Your genuine interest should guide your choice, not what’s trending or what toppers choose. This should be your solace space, the sort of thing you love about a subject will keep you going when preparation gets tough. There’s another reason why you need to think over the syllabus length, available study materials, and how they match with General Studies papers before you decide.
Time management is a vital aspect that many people miss. Starting early and putting in those 700-1000 hours of detailed preparation can be the difference maker. Your answer writing practice must focus on your optional subject to improve your expression skills – most candidates realize this too late in their prep.
Make sure you cover the entire syllabus before taking the Prelims examination. This gives you enough time to revise and practice writing answers that ended up determining how well you perform.
The best UPSC optional subject choice combines your strengths, interests, and smart planning. The decision might feel huge at first, but a systematic approach using these expert tips will help you make a choice that fits perfectly with your UPSC success strategy.
Also read :
| UPSC Age limit | UPSC Mains syllabus |
| UPSC Prelims syllabus | UPSC Prelims Syllabus |
| Master Essay writing for UPSC and APSC MAINS | UPSC Exam: How Many Candidates Appear Each Year? |
FAQs on the UPSC Optional Subject List
How important is the optional subject in UPSC?
The optional subject is crucial in UPSC, contributing 500 marks out of 1750 in the written examination. It can significantly impact your final rank and service allocation, as candidates often score higher percentages in optional papers compared to General Studies.
What factors should I consider when choosing an optional subject?
Consider your genuine interest, academic background, syllabus length, resource availability, overlap with General Studies papers, and scoring trends. Also, evaluate the subject’s static versus dynamic nature and avoid following popular trends blindly.
How much time should I dedicate to preparing for the optional subject?
Experts recommend investing 700-1000 hours in total for exceptional performance. This includes understanding basics, practicing previous year questions, creating short notes, and revision. Start preparation well in advance to avoid last-minute challenges.
Is it beneficial to choose an optional subject that overlaps with General Studies?
Yes, subjects like Political Science, Geography, Sociology, and Anthropology have significant overlap with General Studies papers. This can create a strategic advantage in your preparation, allowing you to simultaneously prepare for multiple exam components.
How can I improve my performance in the optional subject?
Focus on regular answer writing practice, especially for your optional papers. Use NCERT books as a foundation for many subjects. Join study groups to access shared resources and gain different perspectives. Ensure complete syllabus coverage before attempting the Prelims examination.