How Can the Optional Test Series Be Balanced With GS Preparation?

Vivek ChauhanLast Updated: 24th June 2025

3 minutes read

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How Can the Optional Test Series Be Balanced with GS Preparation?

The UPSC Civil Service Exam is highly rigorous, with hundreds of subjects involved. Two of the most important of them are General Studies and Optional Subjects. Many aspirants find it difficult to consolidate their studies for General Studies and Optional Subjects, especially after joining a test series for the optional subject.

The optional test series helps enhance your answer writing skills and for revising the syllabus. But then there are the General Studies papers that cover a vast array of topics and warrant time and exclusive care. So, how will you keep both in balance and not get stressed? Let’s break it into simple steps.

Why Both Are Important

GS Papers (I, II, III, IV) are common for all aspirants and carry 1000 marks. These papers decide whether your score is average or above average.

Optional Subject carries 500 marks. A high score in this can push your rank higher, even if your GS score is average.

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1. Make a Weekly Study Plan

Divide your week into fixed time slots. For example,
4 days for GS preparation (GS subjects + Current Affairs)
2 days for the Optional subject (test series and revision can be emphasized)
1 day for revision or rest

Having a weekly plan keeps you focused and to avoid a last-minute rush.

2. Follow a Fixed Routine

Have a daily routine to spend 4 to 5 hours on GS and 2 to 3 hours on Optional. If you are working or studying part-time, you can reduce the time accordingly, but try to focus on both areas either daily or alternate days.

3. Consider the Test Series as a Learning Tool

Most students consider the test series as just for practice. But these also improve writing speed, answer structure, learning important topics through questions, and getting mentorship feedback.

Therefore, treat each test as a learning session. Spend the first 1-2 hours after the test going through errors and rereading of related topics.

4. Some GS and Optional Subjects Might Go Along

Some optional subjects like Geography, PSIR, Sociology, and Anthropology do overlap with GS topics. So, that can be worth using. For example,

If your option is Geography, you can study Indian Geography
Answer-wise Practice for Both
Answering alone is a prerequisite for GS and the Optional. You can do the following:
Do at least 2 answers every day for General Studies.
Do 1 optional answer per week or take a full-length optional test.
Regular practice increases your writing speed and gives you confidence during the exam.

5. Don’t Ignore the Test Series for Optional Papers

Don’t skip the optional test series due to GS demands. If you miss a test, write it the very next day. Test schedules are designed to assist the candidates in finishing their syllabus on time; skipping can lead to delayed preparations.

If you are preparing with the optional test series of Plutus IAS, they also allow flexible submission and do detailed evaluations of your answers, so utilize that.

6. Strategy for Smart Revision

On every Sunday or any other day, try to revise all the subjects and topics you have learned for GS and Optional that week. This will help you retain information and also identify weak areas. You can revise using mind maps, short notes, or flashcards.

7. Consistency, Not Perfection

Many students try to finish everything perfectly. However, with UPSC, consistency takes priority over perfection.

So, don’t wait to complete the syllabus before joining the test series; keep writing irrespective of your preparation.

How Plutus IAS Facilitates a Work-Prep-Life Balance
If you have signed up for the Plutus IAS optional test series, here’s how it helps you stay balanced:
Flexibility in the test schedule to go with your speed
Expert feedback on painting up the optional
Study plan and mentor advice go hand in hand to replace the management of GS and the optional
Preparatory integration support, mostly when preparation involves subjects that overlap with GS

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Final Thoughts

It’s possible to balance the optional test series with GS preparation, given that you plan well, keep practicing, and efficiently manage your time. Do not try to cram everything into the same day. Divide your tasks into small goals, stick to a simple routine, and maintain consistency.

Both GS and Optional carry equal weightage in UPSC Mains. Balance enough smart preparation is better followed by using facilities of test series and revision plan, can lead you to resources for achieving in both.