How to Choose UPSC Optional Subjects: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right UPSC optional subject can significantly impact your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The decision must be made carefully, considering several factors to ensure that it aligns with your strengths and interests. In this blog, we'll explore how to choose the best optional subject for UPSC, highlight why Anthropology should be at the top of your list, and showcase the exceptional results of Vijetha IAS Academy.

Understanding the Importance of the Optional Subject

The optional subject in the UPSC exam holds considerable weight. With 500 marks out of 2025 allotted to this paper, choosing the right subject can be the difference between cracking the exam and narrowly missing out. Here's why the choice of an optional subject is crucial:

  1. High Scoring Potential: Some subjects tend to have a higher scoring potential based on previous trends and paper patterns.
  2. Interest and Background: If you have a genuine interest or an academic background in a particular subject, it can make your preparation more engaging and less burdensome.
  3. Availability of Resources: The availability of study material, coaching, and guidance for a subject can influence your decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Optional Subject

  1. Interest and Aptitude: Your interest in the subject should be the primary factor. An optional subject that fascinates you will make your study process enjoyable and sustainable.
  2. Overlap with General Studies: Some subjects overlap significantly with the General Studies syllabus. For instance, Anthropology, Public Administration, and Sociology have considerable overlap, which can be advantageous.
  3. Syllabus and Content: Review the syllabus and previous years' question papers to gauge the content's breadth and depth. Anthropology optional syllabus, for example, is concise and scoring.
  4. Availability of Coaching and Guidance: Consider the availability of reputed coaching institutes and mentors. Vijetha IAS Academy, known for its best Anthropology optional coaching in India, is a prime example.
  5. Success Rate: Research the success rate of the subject. Subjects like Anthropology have a high success rate due to their scoring nature and structured syllabus.

Why Anthropology is a Top Choice for UPSC Optional Subject

Anthropology has emerged as 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 thoroughly.
  2. High Scoring: Anthropology is known for its high scoring potential, with many candidates scoring exceptionally well.
  3. Scientific and Logical: The subject is scientific and logical, which can be an advantage for candidates with a science background.
  4. Availability of Resources: There is ample study material, including Anthropology optional notes and books, which are easily available.
  5. Guidance from Experts: With experts like N P Kishore Sir and institutions like Vijetha IAS Academy, aspirants get the best guidance and coaching.

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: Due to its concise syllabus, scoring nature, and excellent guidance available from Vijetha IAS Academy.
  2. Public Administration: High scoring and significant overlap with General Studies.
  3. Geography: Comprehensive subject with a vast syllabus but high scoring.
  4. Sociology: Overlaps with GS and is scoring.
  5. History: Popular but has a vast syllabus.
  6. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR): Overlaps with GS 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 stands out as the best Anthropology optional coaching institute for several reasons:

  1. Expert Faculty: Led by N P Kishore Sir, who is renowned for his expertise in Anthropology.
  2. Comprehensive Study Material: The academy provides detailed Anthropology optional notes and resources.
  3. Structured Courses: They offer both classroom and online courses, catering to the needs of different aspirants.
  4. Test Series and Mentorship Programs: The academy conducts regular test series and mentorship programs to ensure thorough preparation.

Success Stories from Vijetha IAS Academy

Vijetha IAS Academy has a track record of producing top rankers in the UPSC exam. Here are some of our notable achievers from the 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)
  • Manan Bhatt (AIR 88)
  • Taruna Kamal (AIR 203)
  • Tejas Kulkarni (AIR 243)
  • Ajay Yadav (AIR 290)
  • Devesh Chaturvedi (AIR 305)
  • Aparajita Aaryan (AIR 381)
  • Ajink Kumar (AIR 456)
  • Dhotre Sumit (AIR 750)
  • Bibhanshu Kumar Ray (AIR 772)

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

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!