Statistics Optional UPSC Strategy: Tips for UPSC Mains Optional

Choosing Statistics for UPSC optional has its own advantages for the students. Candidates need Statistics optional UPSC strategy to outshine in this subject and score good marks. This UPSC optional subject strategy includes a deep understanding of the syllabus, following recommended books, and more. Besides that, candidates with mathematical, engineering, and economic backgrounds should leverage their quantitative skills. This is an in-depth article for candidates to know the popularity of Statistics and top-scoring candidates, along with the best strategies to perform well in the exam.

Popularity of Statistics Optional Among Candidates

The below table shows the popularity of statistics optional among candidates over the years. Take a look at the trends in a number of candidates who appeared and recommended this subject along with the success rates.

Top Scoring Statistics Optional Candidates

Apart from popularity, here is the information about the top-scoring candidates in UPSC Geology optional along with year and rank.

Statistics Optional UPSC Strategy

Candidates must follow the UPSC Statistics optional strategy to achieve better marks and secure a good rank. Here are some in-depth strategies for preparing Statistics for UPSC optional.

Know the Syllabus

Candidates must start by understanding the syllabus thoroughly for Statistics optional. You can familiarize yourself with every topic and find the areas where you need improvement.

Select Right Books

Choosing books is crucial for the candidates preparing for UPSC Statistics Option. You should choose the latest books edition that covers the whole syllabus in-depth. 

Create a Study Plan

Candidates must create a study plan that allows them to cover all syllabus topics, assign more time to focus on difficult areas, and do regular revision.

Practice Previous Year Papers

Practicing UPSC Statistics previous year papers is an effective strategy to understand the exam pattern and practice accordingly. It also helps candidates to know the types of questions asked in the examination and the marking scheme.

Focus on Numerical Problems

Focusing on numerical problems is an effective Statistics optional UPSC strategy because this subject involves multiple numerical problems. You must solve the questions daily and improve your speed and accuracy.

Join a Test Series

Students must enroll in the best test series for statistics optional to enhance their exam preparations. By doing so, you will gain insights into your weaknesses and strengths and also be helpful in improving your answer writing skills.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Statistics Optional

There are also some pros and cons of opting Statistics optional for UPSC mains. Students must consider them first and then choose this subject for the UPSC Civil Services exam.

Advantages of Statistics Optional

• Statistics has high scoring potential compared to other subjects because of its objective and precise nature.
• Candidates with technical background can score better due to their scientific and logical approach.
• Some topics in Statistics can overlap with General Studies papers, such as data interpretation and analysis.
• Statistics is very concise and does not need more time for practice and revision.

Disadvantages of Statistics Optional

• This subject is highly technical in nature and requires strong mathematics and statistics knowledge.
• There are very limited resources available for statistics as compared to other subjects.
• Competition is also high in statistics because of higher scoring potential.
• Solving numerical problems might be time-consuming and require extra time during the exam.
• Candidates with non-mathematical background can face difficulties at the initial stage.

Statistics Optional Syllabus for UPSC Optional

The syllabus for Statistics optional is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Both the papers focused on topics like Probability, Statistical Inference, Multivariate Analysis, Sampling Theory, and other advanced topics. For a detailed syllabus guide, candidates can visit our dedicated page for the UPSC Statistics optional syllabus and prepare better for the examination.

Recommended Books for Statistics Optional UPSC Strategy

Candidates must choose the books with the latest edition and updated according to the recent syllabus. Here is a list of some of the most recommended books for UPSC Statistics optional are mentioned below.

• An Introduction to Probability Theory & Mathematical Statistics by V K Rohtagi
• An Outline of Statistical Theory (2 Vol.) by A M Goon, M K Gupta and B. Dass Gupta
• Fundamentals of Applied Statistics by S C Gupta and V K Kapoor
• Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics by A C Gupta and V K Kapoor
• Fundamentals of Statistics (2 Vol.) by A M Goon, M K Gupta and B Dass Gupta
• Introductory Probability and Statistical Applications by Paul Meyer

For more books and study materials, you can visit our dedicated page for important books for Statistics Optional for UPSC IAS Mains.

This is all about the Statistics Optional UPSC strategy that every candidate must follow to score higher. Besides that, you can also download the Testbook App to get more details about other UPSC optional subjects as well. This app is available on the Play Store for free.