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UPSC Optional Subject List - 48 Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains
UPSC Optional Subject List is released by the officials every year in the official notification. One crucial aspect of the UPSC exam is selecting an optional subject for the Mains examination. This decision can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of success and must be made after careful consideration. UPSC optional subjects must be selected for Papers 6 and 7 in the Mains exam. Each of these papers carries 250 marks.
This article will delve into the realm of optional subjects for UPSC, highlighting their importance and providing insights to help aspiring candidates make informed choices
List of 48 Optional Subjects in UPSC
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English.
How many Optional Subjects in UPSC?
There are a total of 48 subjects included in the UPSC optional subject list, out of which candidates are required to choose only one. While choosing an optional subject is subjective and should align with an individual’s interests and abilities, candidates have historically favoured certain subjects. Some popular UPSC optional subjects include:
- History: Offers an in-depth understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage, world history, and socio-political developments.
- Geography: Covers physical, human, and environmental geography, providing insights into the Earth’s diverse landscapes and the impact of human activities.
- Public Administration: Focuses on the functioning of public institutions, administrative theories, and governance mechanisms.
- Political Science and International Relations: Explores political ideologies, international relations, global issues, and the dynamics of governance.
- Sociology: Examines social structures, institutions, and the dynamics of social change and interaction.
Which is the most Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC?
Based on the feedback of selected candidates, the list of most scoring optional subjects in UPSC Mains includes Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, and History.