The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPCS) Mains examination includes an optional subject, which plays a crucial role in a candidate’s final selection. Choosing the right optional subject is a strategic decision that can significantly impact overall performance and merit ranking. Many aspirants struggle with this choice, as it requires careful consideration of personal interest, scoring trends, syllabus overlap with General Studies, and availability of study materials.
This guide provides a detailed analysis of UPPCS optional subjects, factors to consider while selecting one, and tips for high scores.
Understanding UPPCS Optional Subjects in Mains
In UPPCS Mains, candidates must choose one optional subject, which consists of two papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2), each carrying 200 marks, making a total of 400 marks for the optional subject. This is a significant portion of the final merit list, and performing well in the optional subject can enhance a candidate’s rank and selection chances.
List of Optional Subjects in UPPCS
The UPPCS exam offers a wide range of optional subjects from different disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and professional subjects. Here’s the list of optional subjects from which candidates can choose:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- English Literature
- Geography
- Geology
- Hindi Literature
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sanskrit Literature
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Urdu Literature
- Zoology
Aspirants must carefully evaluate their strengths and background before finalizing an optional subject.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an Optional Subject
Selecting the right optional subject is crucial for achieving a high score in UPPCS Mains. The following factors should be considered:
1. Personal Interest & Background
- The first and most important factor is interest in the subject. A candidate should choose a subject that excites them and keeps them engaged throughout the preparation.
- If a candidate has a graduation or post-graduation background in a particular subject, they might have an advantage.
2. Scoring Trends & Success Rate
- Some optional subjects have consistently performed better in UPPCS results.
- Subjects like Political Science, History, Geography, Public Administration, and Sociology have a higher success rate due to their structured syllabus and availability of resources.
3. Overlap with General Studies (GS) Papers
- Some subjects significantly overlap with the General Studies syllabus, making preparation easier.
- Subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, and Economics provide an advantage in both GS papers and the Essay paper.
4. Availability of Study Materials & Guidance
- Availability of quality books, coaching, and online resources is crucial.
- Subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, and Sociology have ample resources, while technical subjects like Mechanical Engineering and Medical Science have limited guidance.
5. Writing Skills & Answer Structuring
- Subjects that require theoretical and analytical writing like Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, and History suit candidates with strong writing skills.
- Technical subjects like Mathematics and Engineering demand precise and concise answers, making them suitable for candidates comfortable with numerical problems.
6. Length & Complexity of the Syllabus
- Some subjects have vast syllabi (e.g., History, Political Science), while others have concise syllabi (e.g., Philosophy, Anthropology).
- Candidates should evaluate how much time they can dedicate to covering the entire syllabus.
7. Performance in Previous Exams
- Analyzing past UPPCS toppers’ choices and their optional subject scores can help determine high-scoring subjects.
- Candidates should check previous years’ question papers to understand the difficulty level of the subject.
Best Optional Subjects Based on Various Factors
Here’s a breakdown of the best optional subjects based on different factors:
1. Most Popular & Scoring Optional Subjects
- Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
- History
- Geography
- Public Administration
- Sociology
Why?
- These subjects have structured syllabi and a predictable question pattern.
- Overlap with General Studies & Essay Paper.
- Availability of books, study materials, and coaching.
2. Best for Science & Engineering Background Candidates
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Zoology
Why?
- Objective nature with definite answers.
- Less subjectivity compared to humanities subjects.
3. Best for Humanities Background Candidates
- History
- Political Science & International Relations
- Sociology
- Philosophy
Why?
- Theoretical subjects with plenty of reference books.
- Essay-type answers help score well.
4. Best for Commerce & Management Background
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Management
- Economics
Why?
- Beneficial for candidates with a strong financial background.
- Requires analytical and theoretical skills.
5. Best for Candidates Interested in Language & Literature
- Hindi Literature
- English Literature
- Sanskrit Literature
- Urdu Literature
Why?
- Scoring for candidates with a strong command of the language.
- Requires answer writing in a literary style.
Tips to Score High in the Optional Subject
Once a candidate finalizes their optional subject, they should follow a structured preparation strategy:
1. Understand the Syllabus Completely
- Read the official UPPCS syllabus carefully to identify important topics.
- Stick to the syllabus and avoid unnecessary study materials.
2. Refer to Standard Books & Notes
- Choose limited but effective books.
- Make handwritten notes for easy revision.
3. Solve Previous Year Question Papers
- Analyze question trends over the last 5-10 years.
- Identify frequently asked topics and prepare them well.
4. Write Answers & Get Feedback
- Writing practice is crucial for subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Literature.
- Get answers evaluated by mentors or peers to improve answer quality.
5. Revise Multiple Times
- Optional subjects require multiple revisions to retain concepts.
- Summarize key points in short notes for last-minute revision.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Subjects like Political Science, Geography, and Economics require current data and government reports.
- Use newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Yojana, and Kurukshetra magazines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right optional subject for UPPCS Mains is a critical decision that can impact final merit. Candidates should select a subject based on interest, scoring trends, syllabus overlap, and resource availability. A well-planned strategy, combined with regular answer writing practice and revisions, can help aspirants score high in the optional paper. With the right approach, the optional subject can become a scoring advantage in the UPPCS Mains examination, helping candidates secure their place in the final selection.
