The optional subject of the UPSC CSE plays an important role in the Civil Services Mains Examination. Out of the nine papers in UPSC Mains, two are dedicated to the optional subject chosen by the candidate. Choosing the best optional subject for UPSC Mains can greatly impact your final score.
With each optional paper carrying 250 marks, the subject contributes a total of 500 marks out of 1750 in the UPSC Mains, making it a key factor in determining your overall rank.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) offers a broad range of 48 optional subjects, allowing candidates the flexibility to pick a subject based on their background, interest, or scoring potential. These optional subjects are designed to test the candidate’s depth of knowledge and analytical ability in a specific discipline.
In this article, you’ll find:
- The full list of UPSC optional subjects
- Data-driven insights into success rates
- Toppers’ subject preferences
- A practical guide to selecting the right option
UPSC Optional Subjects List 2025 (All 48 Subjects)
Below is the complete UPSC optional subject list notified for the 2025 Mains cycle. You may choose any one of the following:
| Technical & Humanities Subjects | Literature Subjects (Any One Language) |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Assamese |
| Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | Bengali |
| Anthropology | Bodo |
| Botany | Dogri |
| Chemistry | Gujarati |
| Civil Engineering | Hindi |
| Commerce & Accountancy | Kannada |
| Economics | Kashmiri |
| Electrical Engineering | Konkani |
| Geography | Maithili |
| Geology | Malayalam |
| History | Manipuri |
| Law | Marathi |
| Management | Nepali |
| Mathematics | Odia |
| Mechanical Engineering | Punjabi |
| Medical Science | Sanskrit |
| Philosophy | Santhali |
| Physics | Sindhi |
| Political Science & International Relations | Tamil |
| Psychology | Telugu |
| Public Administration | Urdu |
| Sociology | English |
| Statistics | |
| Zoology |
Top 10 Optional Subjects by Success Rate & GS Overlap (2024‑25)
| Rank | Optional Subject | GS/Essay Overlap | Notable Toppers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philosophy | GS IV (Ethics) + Essay | Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3 2024) |
| 2 | Political Science & IR | GS II (Polity & IR), Essay | Tina Dabi (AIR 1 2015), Shakti Dubey (AIR 1 2024) |
| 3 | Anthropology | GS I (Society), GS II (Tribal Issues) | Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1 2017) |
| 4 | Sociology | GS I (Society), GS II (Social Justice) | Ira Singhal (AIR 1 2014) |
| 5 | Geography | GS I (Physical & Human Geo), GS III (Environment) | Jivani Kartik (AIR 8 2020) |
| 6 | Economics | GS III (Economy) | – |
| 7 | Psychology | GS IV (Ethics), Essay | Nandini K.R. (AIR 1 2016) |
| 8 | History | GS I (History), Prelims | Shruti Sharma (AIR 1 2021) |
| 9 | Public Administration | GS II (Governance), Essay | Pradeep Singh (AIR 1 2019) |
| 10 | Law | GS II (Polity), Essay | Akshat Jain (AIR 2 2018) |
*Success‑rate = (Candidates Recommended ÷ Candidates Appeared) × 100, derived from UPSC Annual Reports 2020‑24.
Scoring Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains Examination
Selecting the right optional subject in the UPSC Mains can significantly influence your final score and overall rank. An ideal optional subject is one that not only interests you but also overlaps with the GS papers, Prelims syllabus, and Essay paper, making your preparation more integrated and time-efficient.
Many successful candidates have opted for subjects with high scoring potential and strategic syllabus overlap. These subjects are not just popular due to scoring trends but also due to their relevance across multiple stages of the UPSC examination.
Always prioritize subjects you’re comfortable with, that have resource availability, and ideally overlap with General Studies. A subject with a vast syllabus may demand more time, while a compact one may allow for deeper revision. Success depends more on consistent preparation, conceptual clarity, and personal interest than on just statistics. So, use success rate as a guide, not the sole deciding factor.
Most Scoring Optional Subjects in UPSC (with Syllabus Overlap)
| Subject | Syllabus Overlap | Approx. No. of Aspirants |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | Prelims, GS I, GS III | 3,500 |
| History | Prelims, GS I | 3,500 |
| Public Administration | Prelims, GS II | 3,000 |
| Sociology | Essay, GS I, GS II | 1,800 |
| Political Science | Prelims, GS II | 1,800 |
| Philosophy | Essay, GS IV | 1,000 |
Why These Subjects Are Scoring
- Geography: Diagram-based answers, objective content, overlap with GS & Prelims.
- History: Consistent weightage in GS I and Prelims; helps in essay writing.
- Public Administration: Direct application in governance and polity-related GS II.
- Sociology: Helps with essays and Ethics papers due to its conceptual clarity.
- Political Science: Strong overlap with polity, international relations in GS II.
- Philosophy: Short syllabus, high marks potential with good writing skills.
Note: A higher success rate does not necessarily mean the subject is “easy” — it often reflects better preparation, a manageable syllabus, and scoring trends in that year.
Best UPSC Optional Subjects Based on Success Rate
Choosing an optional subject with a higher success rate can be strategic, but it should align with your strengths, interest, and background. Subjects like Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science (18.8%), Management (11.1%), and Commerce & Accountancy (10.9%) showed high success rates in UPSC Mains 2019. These numbers reflect that while fewer candidates may appear in these subjects, a greater percentage of them succeed. However, a high success rate often reflects fewer but well-prepared candidates.
| Optional Subject | Appeared | Recommended | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | 16 | 3 | 18.80% |
| Management | 54 | 6 | 11.10% |
| Commerce & Accountancy | 183 | 20 | 10.90% |
| Economics | 243 | 26 | 10.70% |
| Sociology | 1263 | 126 | 10.00% |
| Anthropology | 1189 | 108 | 9.10% |
| Public Administration | 705 | 58 | 8.20% |
| Political Science & IR | 1662 | 137 | 8.20% |
| Geography | 1916 | 105 | 5.50% |
Note: A higher success rate does not necessarily mean the subject is “easy” — it often reflects better preparation, manageable syllabus, and scoring trends in that year.
How to Choose the Right Optional Subject for UPSC?
Choosing the best UPSC optional subject isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your background, interest, how much it overlaps with General Studies, and how easily you can find study material. Pick a subject you understand well and enjoy studying; it will help you score better in the Mains exam. A wise choice can reduce your preparation burden and increase your chances of securing a top rank.
- Familiarity with the Subject: Do you have a background in the subject during graduation or post-graduation? Familiarity reduces the learning curve and saves time.
- Interest and Understanding. Even if you’re new to a subject, deep interest and aptitude can make it a good choice. Passion for the subject often drives better preparation.
- Syllabus Overlap with GS Paper: Subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology have significant overlap with GS papers and the Essay paper. This overlap helps in integrated preparation.
- Availability of Resources: Are standard books, coaching, and notes easily accessible? A subject with plenty of quality resources is always preferable.
- Past Year Trends and Difficulty: Analyze previous years’ papers to understand the question pattern and difficulty level. Consistency in question pattern indicates predictability, which can be advantageous.
- Time Required for Preparation Some subjects have a vast syllabus (like Geography), while others are more compact (like Philosophy or Anthropology). Choose one that fits your preparation timeline.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC with guidance from IAS Coaching in Assam
3‑Factor Framework to Identify Your Best Optional Subject for UPSC Mains
- Scoring Potential
- Historical success rate ≥ 10 %
- Average marks of toppers ≥ 290/500
- Interest Alignment
- Graduation background or proven aptitude
- Ability to read core texts for 18‑24 months without fatigue
- Resource Availability
- Standard books + one good coaching/online course + test series
- Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are easily accessible
Pro‑Tip: If a subject scores ≥ 2 on the 3 factors above, shortlist it and attempt a one‑week diagnostic (read basic material & solve PYQs) before finalising.
Give yourself 7–10 days to research, sample, and analyze before making the final call. Rushing this step can lead to regret later in the preparation.
Deep‑Dive: Strengths & Weaknesses of Popular Optional
1. Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
- Why it works: Direct overlap with GS‑II, Interview, and Essay. Dynamic topics let you leverage current affairs notes.
- Challenge: Paper II (IR) demands a daily newspaper + big‑picture analysis; answer‑writing needs ideological depth.
- Ideal for: Humanities graduates, aspirants who enjoy reading editorials.
2. Sociology
- Why it works: Crisp syllabus, limited theory thinkers, easy diagrams fetch extra marks.
- Challenge: Common so marking is increasingly competitive; requires socio‑economic examples in answers.
- Ideal for: First‑timers & working professionals.
3. Anthropology
- Why it works: Compact syllabus, many repeat PYQs, figures/flow‑charts boost scores. Good option for a science background.
- Challenge: Physical anthropology portion needs conceptual clarity; diagram practice is a must.
4. Geography
- Why it works: Strong overlap with GS‑I and Prelims; ample study material; scoring if answer presentation is good (maps + models).
- Challenge: Voluminous; scientific concepts (geomorphology, climatology) can be tricky; marks are volatile year‑on‑year.
5. History
- Why it works: Overlap with GS‑I & Prelims; plenty of sources.
- Challenge: Huge syllabus from ancient to modern; answer‑writing must quote historiography.
(Detailed sub‑sections for Philosophy, Public Administration, Law, Economics, Literature Optionals can be added similarly.)
Technical & Literature Optionals: Niche but High‑Reward
| Category | Pros | Cons | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering/Science (Maths, Physics, Chem, Engg.) | Objective papers, predictable marking | Syllabus is heavy; few test series | Choose only with a graduation background |
| Medical Science | Highest historical success rate (20 %+) | Bulky notes, scarce mentorship | Great for doctors with limited GS study time |
| Literature (Hindi, English, Assamese, etc.) | Short syllabus; expressive answers | Requires literary flair; subjective checking | Attempt mock papers to refine style |
Expert Tips to Maximise Optional Marks
- Start optional before Prelims; finish 80 % syllabus by March.
- Maintain a separate revision notebook of diagrams, thinkers, and case studies.
- Practice 10 × PYQ papers under a 3‑hour timer.
- Join a test series immediately after the Prelims to perfect answer speed.
Common Myths Busted
- “Choose the trendiest subject.”
– Reality: Popularity ≠ marks; pick what you can master. - “Technical subjects always score higher.”
– Reality: Success rate of Philosophy > Maths in 2024. - “Overlap is everything.”
– Reality: High overlap without depth leads to average (~240) marks.
“Ikigai in Hamlyn’s Lane”
When 2015 topper Tina Dabi (AIR 1) started at Hamlyn’s Lane library, she found herself reading Plato and Rousseau purely for pleasure. Weeks later, she realised that the same curiosity was fuelling her Political Science answers. She called PSIR her “Ikigai subject” – the sweet spot where passion, proficiency, and purpose overlap. That joy translated into a record‑setting score and a calm interview demeanour.
Takeaway: If a subject energises you after a long study day, that spark can outshine any success‑rate statistic.
A Note for Literature Optional Aspirants
For those choosing Literature optionals — be it Hindi, English, Assamese, or any other regional language — you’re not just writing answers; you’re expressing thought, culture, and emotion. Literature optionals offer a unique edge: a compact syllabus, lesser competition, and room for originality in interpretation. What sets top scorers apart is their ability to blend textual analysis with personal insight, quoting selectively but meaningfully. If you’ve ever felt a book changed your life or found beauty in poetry during your toughest days, this subject could be your power zone. With dedicated reading, strong mock practice, and command over language style, literature optionals can become one of the most rewarding choices in the UPSC journey, both in marks and in meaning.
UPSC Toppers and Their Optional Subjects
Here’s a look at the optional subjects chosen by toppers over the years:
| Year | Topper Name | Optional Subject | Service Opted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Shakti Dubey | Political Science & International Relations | IAS |
| 2023 | Aditya Srivastava | Electrical Engineering | IAS |
| 2022 | Ishita Kishore | Political Science & International Relations | IAS |
| 2021 | Shruti Sharma | History | IAS |
| 2020 | Subham Kumar | Anthropology | IAS |
| 2019 | Pradeep Singh | Public Administration | IAS |
| 2018 | Kanishak Kataria | Mathematics | IAS |
| 2017 | Anudeep Durishetty | Anthropology | IAS |
| 2016 | Nandini K. R. | Kannada Literature | IAS |
| 2015 | Tina Dabi | Political Science | IAS |
| 2014 | Ira Singhal | Geography | IAS |
| 2013 | Gaurav Aggarwal | Economics | IAS |
| 2012 | Haritha V. Kumar | Economics & Malayalam Literature | IAS |
| 2011 | Shena Aggarwal | Medical Science & Psychology | IAS |
As the table shows, toppers come from a range of academic backgrounds and have chosen both popular and niche optional subjects. This reinforces the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all subject. What matters is how well you prepare and how much command you develop over the subject.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your optional subject should feel like an ally, not a burden. Don’t choose a subject among the upsc subject list just because it’s popular or someone else topped with it. Think about what you genuinely connect with—something you’ll be motivated to study deeply, even on tough days. Whether it’s a subject you’ve studied before or one that simply clicks with your mindset, your confidence and consistency will make all the difference. The right optional isn’t about trends—it’s about what works best for you.
Important Links for UPSC Exam
UPSC Civil Services Exam Syllabus: Exam Pattern & Syllabus of UPSC Prelims & Mains
Essay Writing Strategy for UPSC
FAQs on Best Optional Subject for UPSC
Q1. Which is the best UPSC Optional Subject for Students with an Engineering Background?
Ans:- There’s no single answer, as the ideal subject depends on your interest, expertise, and comfort level. However, engineering students often prefer subjects like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics, as these match their academic foundation and strengths.
Q2. Which is the toughest optional subject for UPSC?
Ans:- The difficulty of an optional subject in UPSC is subjective and depends largely on your personal background and comfort level with the topic. However, certain subjects like Mathematics, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Law are often seen as challenging because they involve complex concepts and extensive syllabus coverage. Ultimately, the toughest subject is the one least aligned with your interests and strengths.
Q3. Which is the easiest Optional subject for UPSC?
Ans:- While ease varies from student to student, optional subjects like Sociology, Public Administration, Geography, and Literature (such as English or Hindi) are often preferred. These subjects have simpler syllabi, overlap significantly with General Studies, and relate closely to everyday life, making preparation more manageable.
