Clearing the Prelims examination is just the first step towards your dream of becoming an IAS officer. The real test begins with the UPSC mains exam. Comprising nine papers, two of these are dedicated to optional subjects chosen by the candidates. The choice of these subjects can often be a challenging task. This article will guide you through the less popular optional subjects in the IAS exam, along with the benefits and drawbacks of opting for them.
Least Popular Optional Subjects in UPSC Mains - Testbook
The Spectrum of Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains Examination:
- Agriculture
- Animal husbandry and veterinary science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil engineering
- Commerce
- Economics
- Electrical engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Philosophy
- Political science and international relations
- Psychology
- Public administration
- Physics
- Sociology
- Law
- Mathematics
- Management
- Mechanical engineering
- Medical science
- Statistics
- Zoology
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Literature Optional Subjects for IAS:
- Assamese
- Gujarati
- Konkani
- Marathi
- Sanskrit
- Telugu
- Bengali
- Hindi
- Maithili
- Nepali
- Santhali
- Urdu
- Bodo
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Odia
- Sindhi
- English
- Dogri
- Kashmiri
- Manipuri
- Punjabi
- Tamil
Based on the number of candidates opting for various subjects, the least popular ones with less than 100 aspirants typically include:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Geology
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Agriculture
- Statistics
- Medical sciences
- Management and
- Most of the literature subjects (excluding Hindi, Tamil, Telugu).
While these subjects may not be as mainstream as geography, history, sociology, and public administration, they do carry their own benefits.
Perks of Opting for the Less Popular Optional Subjects
- Reduced competition due to fewer candidates opting for these subjects.
- If you are passionate about a particular subject or have a strong academic background in it, this can significantly enhance your performance and overall score.
- If you have already studied the subject during your graduation, it can provide you with a solid foundation, making your UPSC preparation more streamlined.
- If you are pressed for time, choosing a subject based on your interest and academic background can be more beneficial than going for the popular choice.
Further Reading:
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