Optional Subject Confusion in UPSC: What to Do?

Choosing an optional subject is one of the most confusing steps in UPSC preparation. Almost every aspirant faces this problem. Many students feel stressed and keep asking questions like:

• Which optional is right for UPSC?

• Which optional gives more marks?

• What if I choose the wrong subject?

• Should I change my optional?

If you are feeling confused, don’t worry. This is completely normal.Check out  why this confusion happens and how you can choose the right optional subject in a simple way.

Check Out: UPSC CSE Books

Why Do UPSC Students Get Confused About Optional?

1. Too Many Optional Subjects

UPSC offers many optional subjects. Seeing such a long list makes it difficult to decide.

2. Pressure of 500 Marks

The optional subject in UPSC Exam has 500 marks, which plays a big role in the final result. This creates fear among students.

3. Different Advice from Different People

Teachers, toppers, friends, and YouTube videos often suggest different optionals, which increases confusion.

4. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice

Many students think that if they choose the wrong optional in UPSC , they will fail, so they keep delaying the decision.

5. “Scoring Subject” Myth

Students often run after so-called scoring subjects, without understanding whether the subject suits them or not.

Check Out - UPSC Previous Year Papers

Things to Consider Before Choosing Optional for UPSC Exam

Instead of following others, focus on your own comfort and interest.

1. Interest Is Most Important

Choose a subject that you can study for 1 to 1.5 years without getting bored.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like reading this subject?

• Can I revise it many times?

If you don’t like the subject, preparation will become very difficult.

2. Your Educational Background

Your graduation subject can help, but it is not compulsory.

• Engineering students can choose arts subjects

• Arts students can choose science-related subjects (if comfortable)

Background helps, but interest matters more.

3. Availability of UPSC Study Material

Before choosing an optional, check:

• Are standard books available?

• Are notes easily available?

• Is coaching available if needed?

• Are test series available?

Choosing a subject with very limited resources can create problems later.

4. UPSC Syllabus Overlap with General Studies

Some optionals overlap with GS papers, like:

• Geography

• Sociology

• Anthropology

• Public AdministrationOverlap can save time, but do not choose a subject only for overlap.

5. Nature of the UPSC Syllabus

Look at the syllabus carefully:

• Is it too lengthy?

• Is it static or current-based?

• Is it more theory or more practical?

Choose a subject that matches your learning style.

Check Out: UPSC Revision Books

What to Do If You Are Still Confused?

Follow this step-by-step method:

Step 1: Shortlist 2–3 Optionals

Based on interest, background, and resources, select 2–3 subjects.

Step 2: Read the UPSC Syllabus Carefully

Read the syllabus line by line. This will give you a clear idea of what UPSC actually asks.

Step 3: Study Basic UPSC Books

Read basic UPSC books or NCERTs for 7–10 days for each subject.

Notice:

• Are you able to understand the concepts?

• Are you enjoying the subject?

Step 4: Check UPSC Previous Year Questions

Look at the last 10–15 years’ questions:

• Are questions understandable?

• Can you think of answers?

Step 5: Try Writing a Few Answers

Write 2–3 answers from each subject. This will clearly show which subject suits you best.

Should You Change Your Optional?

Changing optional is not wrong, but timing is important.

You can change if:

• You don’t understand the subject at all

• You have zero interest even after trying

• You feel demotivated continuously

You should NOT change if:

• You are scared of marks

• The subject feels difficult in the beginning

• Someone says it is not scoring

Read More: Most Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam

PW UPSC Exam Study Material

UPSC Books	PDFs
UDAAN Prelims Combo Set of 11 Books For 2025 Exams	-
Complete NCERT Books for UPSC	-
UPSC UDAAN Current - Updated Part 1 January 2025 to February 2025	PDF
UPSC Prelims Previous Years Question Paper	PDF

Optional Subject Confusion in UPSC FAQs

Q1. Is optional subject very important in UPSC?

Yes, optional has 500 marks, so it plays a big role in the final selection.

Q2. Which optional is right for UPSC?

There is no right option. The right option is the one you understand well and enjoy studying.

Q3. Can I choose an optional different from my graduation subject?

Yes, many aspirants choose optionals different from their graduation and still succeed.

Q4. How much time is needed to prepare optional?

Usually 6–8 months of focused study is required for optional.

Q5. Is it okay to change optional once?

Yes, if done early. Avoid changing optional again and again.