How to Choose an Optional Subject for IAS-UPSC Exam?

Selecting the right optional subject for the IAS-UPSC exam is one of the most crucial decisions an aspirant must make. The optional subject carries a weight of 500 marks in the Mains exam, and a well-chosen subject can significantly enhance your overall score and chances of success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing an optional subject, why Anthropology is a top choice, and how Vijetha IAS Academy and N P Kishore Sir can be instrumental in your preparation.

Importance of Choosing the Right Optional Subject

The optional subject can make or break your UPSC preparation. Here are some reasons why the choice of optional subject is crucial:

1. High Scoring Potential: Some subjects have a consistent track record of high scores.
2. Interest and Background: Subjects that align with your academic background or personal interest can make your study process smoother and more engaging.
3. Overlap with General Studies: Subjects with significant overlap with the General Studies syllabus can save preparation time and effort.
4. Resource Availability: The availability of quality study material, coaching, and guidance can influence your performance in the subject.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Optional Subject

1. Interest and Aptitude: Your interest in the subject should be the primary consideration. A subject that genuinely interests you will keep you motivated throughout your preparation.
2. Overlap with General Studies: Some subjects like Anthropology, Public Administration, and Sociology overlap significantly with the General Studies syllabus, providing a dual advantage.
3. Syllabus and Content: Review the syllabus and previous years' question papers to understand the subject's scope and difficulty level. For example, the Anthropology optional syllabus is known for being concise and manageable.
4. Guidance and Coaching: Quality coaching can make a substantial difference. Vijetha IAS Academy is known for its best Anthropology optional coaching in India, led by the esteemed N P Kishore Sir.
5. Success Rate: Research the success rate of the subject. Anthropology has a high success rate due to its structured syllabus and scoring potential.

Why Anthropology is a Top Choice for UPSC Optional Subject

Anthropology is increasingly becoming a popular choice among UPSC aspirants for several reasons:

1. Concise Syllabus: The Anthropology optional syllabus is relatively short and precise, making it easier to cover comprehensively.
2. High Scoring Potential: Anthropology is known for its high scoring potential, with many candidates achieving excellent marks.
3. Scientific and Logical Nature: The subject is scientific and logical, which can be an advantage, especially for candidates with a science background.
4. Availability of Resources: Ample study materials, including Anthropology optional notes and books, are easily accessible.
5. Expert Guidance: With experts like N P Kishore Sir and premier institutions like Vijetha IAS Academy, aspirants receive the best guidance and support.

Top 10 UPSC Optional Subjects Ranking

Based on various factors such as scoring potential, syllabus length, and overlap with General Studies, here are the top 10 optional subjects for UPSC:

1. Anthropology: With its concise syllabus, scoring nature, and excellent guidance available from Vijetha IAS Academy, Anthropology tops the list.
2. Public Administration: High scoring with significant overlap with General Studies.
3. Geography: Comprehensive subject with a vast syllabus but high scoring potential.
4. Sociology: Overlaps with General Studies and is high scoring.
5. History: Popular but has a vast syllabus.
6. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR): Overlaps with General Studies Paper II.
7. Philosophy: Concise syllabus and high scoring.
8. Psychology: Scientific and logical subject.
9. Economics: High scoring but requires a strong background in the subject.
10. Literature of any Language: High scoring for candidates with a strong command of the chosen language.

Why Choose Vijetha IAS Academy for Anthropology Optional Coaching

Vijetha IAS Academy is renowned for being the best Anthropology optional coaching institute for several reasons:

1. Expert Faculty: Led by N P Kishore Sir, who is a renowned expert in Anthropology.
2. Comprehensive Study Material: The academy provides detailed Anthropology optional notes and resources.
3. Structured Courses: Both classroom and online courses are available to cater to the diverse needs of aspirants.
4. Test Series and Mentorship Programs: Regular test series and mentorship programs ensure thorough preparation.

Success Stories from Vijetha IAS Academy

Vijetha IAS Academy has a stellar track record of producing top rankers in the UPSC exam. Here are some of our notable achievers from recent years:

UPSC CSE 2022 Toppers:

• Prateek Singh (AIR 93)
• Mehta Keval (AIR 206)
• Manan Bhat (AIR 231)
• Rishabh Singh (AIR 294)
• Ayushi Pradhan (AIR 234)
• Aakanksha Singh (AIR 339)
• Omkar R Gundage (AIR 380)
• Chanakya Vudayagiri (AIR 459)
• Chaudhary S V (AIR 544)
• V Soilenthang V (AIR 619)
• Kamal Chaudhary (AIR 656)
• Pusuluru R Kiran (AIR 694)
• Pallavi Vijaywanshi (AIR 730)

UPSC CSE 2023 Toppers:

• Ayushi Pradhan (AIR 36) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Manan Bhatt (AIR 88) - Anthropology Classroom Programme
• Taruna Kamal (AIR 203) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Tejas Kulkarni (AIR 243) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Ajay Yadav (AIR 290) - Anthropology Classroom Programme
• Devesh Chaturvedi (AIR 305) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Aparajita Aaryan (AIR 381) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Ajink Kumar (AIR 456) - Anthropology Classroom Programme
• Dhotre Sumit (AIR 750) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme
• Bibhanshu Kumar Ray (AIR 772) - Anthropology Test Series & Mentorship Programme

These achievements underscore the quality of coaching and mentorship provided at Vijetha IAS Academy.

Additional Support from Vijetha IAS Academy

At Vijetha IAS Academy, we have a dedicated team of professionals handling various other General Studies modules, helping students realize their ambition and pursue civil services preparation. We also conduct test series programs for Prelims, Mains, and daily answer writing sessions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right optional subject for UPSC is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Anthropology stands out as a top choice due to its high scoring potential, concise syllabus, and the availability of expert guidance from institutes like Vijetha IAS Academy. With dedicated professionals handling various General Studies modules and comprehensive programs including test series and daily answer writing sessions, Vijetha IAS Academy ensures that aspirants are well-prepared to realize their ambition of joining the civil services.

Remember, the key to success in the UPSC exam lies in thorough preparation, and choosing an optional subject that aligns with your interests and strengths is a crucial part of this journey. So, make an informed choice and embark on your UPSC preparation with confidence!