How to choose optional Subject for Civil Services Exmas
The Civil Service Exam is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various civil service posts in the country as suggested by APTI PLUS, the best IAS Coaching in Kolkata.
The Civil Service Exam is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various civil service posts in the country as suggested by APTI PLUS , the best IAS Coaching in Kolkata. The exam comprises three stages: the Preliminary exam, the Main exam, and the Personality Test or Interview. The Main exam includes nine papers, including one optional subject paper. Choosing the right optional subject is crucial for a candidate’s success in the exam.
In this blog, we will discuss some essential factors that candidates should consider while choosing an optional subject for the Civil Service Exam.
1) Interest and Aptitude
Candidates should choose an optional subject that interests them and aligns with their aptitude. Candidates should select a subject they have studied in their graduation or post-graduation, which will give them an advantage in terms of familiarity with the subject matter. According to APTI PLUS-best IAS Coaching in West Bengal, candidates should also choose a subject that they enjoy studying as it will keep them motivated during the preparation process. It is important to remember that the optional subject comprises 500 marks out of the total 2025 marks in the Main exam. Hence, choosing an optional subject that is interesting and aligns with a candidate’s aptitude can be a significant advantage in the exam.
2) Scoring Potential
Candidates should choose an optional subject that interests them and aligns with their aptitude. Candidates should select a subject they have studied in their graduation or post-graduation, which will give them an advantage in terms of familiarity with the subject matter. According to APTI PLUS-best IAS Coaching in West Bengal, candidates should also choose a subject that they enjoy studying as it will keep them motivated during the preparation process. It is important to remember that the optional subject comprises 500 marks out of the total 2025 marks in the Main exam. Hence, choosing an optional subject that is interesting and aligns with a candidate’s aptitude can be a significant advantage in the exam.
3) Syllabus Coverage
Candidates should consider the syllabus coverage of a subject while choosing it. The syllabus for the optional subject is vast, and candidates should choose a subject that they can cover comprehensively within the given time frame. It is advisable to choose a subject with a relatively concise syllabus that can be covered in-depth. For example, the syllabus for Anthropology and Political Science is relatively compact, while the syllabus for History and Geography is vast. Candidates should also consider the overlap between the syllabus of the optional subject and the General Studies papers. According to APTI PLUS- best IAS Coaching in West Bengal, opting for an optional subject that has significant overlap with General Studies can be advantageous as it can help candidates prepare for both simultaneously.
4) Availability of Study Materials and Coaching
According to APTI PLUS-best IAS Coaching in Kolkata, candidates should consider the availability of study materials and coaching for an optional subject while choosing it. Opting for a subject that has a wide range of study materials and coaching classes can help candidates prepare better and increase their chances of scoring well in the exam. Candidates should research the availability of study materials and coaching classes for various optional subjects before making a decision. Many online platforms provide study materials, video lectures, and mock tests for various optional subjects. Candidates should also consider the availability of experienced and qualified teachers for an optional subject while choosing it.
5) Career Aspirations
According to APTI PLUS- best IAS Coaching in West Bengal, candidates should also consider their career aspirations while choosing an optional subject. The optional subject that a candidate chooses can influence the service that they get selected for. For example, opting for Economics or Mathematics can increase the chances of getting selected for the Indian Economic Service or the Statistical Service. Similarly, opting for Public Administration can increase the chances of getting selected for the Indian Administrative Service. Candidates should choose an optional subject that aligns with their career aspirations and increases their chances of getting selected for the service of their choice.
Choosing the right optional subject is crucial for a candidate’s success in the Civil Service Exam. Candidates should consider various factors like their interest and aptitude, scoring potential, syllabus coverage, availability of study materials and coaching, and career aspirations while choosing an optional subject. Choosing the right optional subject can give candidates a significant advantage in terms of scoring well in the exam and getting selected for the service of their choice as recommended by APTI PLUS- the best UPSC Coaching in Kolkata.
It is important to remember that the decision of choosing an optional subject should be taken after careful consideration and research. According to APTI PLUS-, best IAS Coaching in Kolkata, candidates should not choose a subject based on peer pressure or because it is popular. Opting for a subject that one is not interested in or does not align with their aptitude can lead to demotivation and poor performance in the exam.
Candidates should also keep in mind that the optional subject is only one component of the Main exam. The General Studies papers and the Essay paper are equally important and should not be neglected while preparing for the exam as recommended by the best IAS Coaching in West Bengal. Candidates should allocate their time and resources efficiently and give equal importance to all the components of the Main exam.
In conclusion, choosing the right optional subject is a crucial decision for candidates preparing for the Civil Service Exam. Candidates should consider various factors like their interest and aptitude, scoring potential, syllabus coverage, availability of study materials and coaching, and career aspirations while choosing an optional subject. Choosing the right optional subject can give candidates a significant advantage in terms of scoring well in the exam and getting selected for the service of their choice. However, candidates should also remember that the optional subject is only one component of the Main exam, and equal importance should be given to all the components of the exam as recommended by this top IAS Coaching in Kolkata.
