What is the Best Optional Subject for the UPSC Mains?

Vivek ChauhanLast Updated: 7th May 2025

3 minutes read

Table of Contents

What is the Best Optional Subject for the UPSC Mains?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive and respected exams in India. Candidates have to clear three stages of this examination – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. One of the paramount parts of the Main stage is the Optional Subject. You have to select an optional subject that includes two papers (Paper I and Paper II), each of 250 marks, making 500 marks in total. This is, after all, a great chunk of the marks from the final tally; hence, choosing an option is quite crucial.

Students often ask: What is the best option for UPSC Mains?

There is no one “best” option. What is “best” for one student may not be the right option for another. It depends on one’s interest, background, and preparation strategy.

Let us understand how to choose an option and view what is considered best, scoring, and popular options.

Best 10 CLAT Coaching in India

How to Choose the Right Optional Subject

1. Your Interest
If you find an area interesting, you will study it with more concentration and energy. Interest simplifies the process of learning and brings enjoyment. For example, if reading about society and human behavior interests you, then you’re bound to love Sociology.

2. Your Academic Background

Studying the subject at the graduation or post-graduation level will give one already a basic knowledge of it. This may well save one’s precious time. For example, an engineering student may sometimes opt for Anthropology or Geography due to its scientific approach.

3. Overlap with GS Papers
Some optional subjects overlap pretty well with the General Studies papers. Therefore, you can simultaneously prepare for both. For instance:

PSIR, which stands for Political Science and International Relations, overlaps with GS Paper 2 and the Essay segment.
Sociology and Anthropology contribute to Ethics and the Essay.
History and Geography assist in GS Paper 1.

4. Syllabus Length
History and Geography houses enormous syllabi, whereas Philosophy has fewer. If you are late or less than on time, go for a subject with a much smaller syllabus.

5. Availability of Resources and Guidance
Choose a subject for which you have the best study material, books, test series, and expert guidance. By way of even few examples, Plutus IAS has specialized guidance in many popular optional subjects like PSIR, Sociology, and Geography.

Plutus IAS offers very comprehensive lectures on optional subjects, along with mentorship and test series. Lots of toppers have sought help from .

Best 10 CLAT Coaching In Delhi

Final Tips

Never give in to peer pressure. Just because your friend has opted for a subject does not mean it will suit you.

Try sample readings for 2-3 subjects and then decide.

Get expert advice if you are confused. Institutes such as Plutus IAS provide free counseling and demo classes for optional subjects.

Conclusion

There is no definite-best optional subject. The best choice that suits your interest, background, time, and preparation style. There are many toppers, from various backgrounds, who have succeeded with different options. With the right guidance, hard work, and writing practice, you can do well in any subject.