Introduction

The journey of becoming a civil servant through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is a dream cherished by many. Aspiring candidates not only have to master the general studies but also to make a crucial decision regarding UPSC Optional Subjects 2024.  Choice of optional subject is often seen as a game-changer, a key determinant of one’s success in the examination. In this blog post, I will delve into the realm of UPSC optional subjects, understanding their significance, and offering insights to help you make an informed decision.

Latest Report on UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024

 

For more information, you can visit:

https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-CSP-24

As per the above UPSC notification,

Preliminary Examination of the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the

Services and Posts mentioned below will be held by the Union Public Service Commission on 26h May, 2024
in accordance with the Rules published by the Department of Personnel & Training in the Gazette of India
Extraordinary dated 14th February, 2024. All candidates must carefully read the Civil Services Examination2024 Rules together with all the Appendices along with the Annexures thereof and this Examination Notice
derived from the CSE Rules-2024 in entirety for gaining awareness of the current Rules and Regulations as
changes may have been incorporated since the previous Examination Rules.

SERVICES COVERED THROUGH THIS EXAM-

(i) Indian Administrative Service
(ii) Indian Foreign Service
(iii) Indian Police Service
(iv) Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(v) Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(vi) Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
(vii) Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(viii) Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
(ix) Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’
(x) Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
(xi) Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
(xii) Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
(xiii) Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) Group ‘A’
(xiv) Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) Group ‘A’
(xv) Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
(xvi) Indian Railway Management Service, Group ‘A’
(xvii) Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
(xviii) Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’
(xix) Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’
(xx) Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’
(xxi) Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’

The number of vacancies to be filled through the examination-

It is expected to be approximately 1056
which include 40 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category, i.e. 06 Vacancies for
candidates of (a) blindness and low vision; 12 Vacancies for (b) deaf and hard of hearing; 09 Vacancies for
(c) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular
dystrophy; and 13 Vacancies for (e) multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (c)
including deaf-blindness. The final number of vacancies may undergo change after getting firm number of
vacancies from Cadre Controlling Authorities. Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to
Scheduled Castes. Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, the Economically Weaker Sections and
Persons with Benchmark Disability in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

 

The Significance of UPSC Optional

Subjects 2024

The optional subject in the UPSC examination holds immense importance for several reasons:

• Scoring Potential: The optional paper carries 500 marks out of the total 1750 marks in the Mains examination, significantly impacting the final rank. A well-chosen optional subject can be a decisive factor in achieving a high score.
• Interest and Expertise: Opting for a subject you are passionate about or possess prior knowledge in can make the preparation process more enjoyable and rewarding. A subject of interest can motivate you to delve deeper into its nuances.
• Differentiation: Your optional subject can set you apart from the competition. An uncommon yet well-prepared optional can create a unique profile, catching the attention of the evaluation panel.

Factors to Consider While Choosing

UPSC Optional Subjects 2024           

Selecting an optional subject should be a meticulous process. Here are some factors to                 consider:

• Interest and Aptitude: Your genuine interest and understanding of the subject matter are crucial. Remember, you’ll be studying the subject for months, so it’s essential to enjoy the process.
• Syllabus and Overlap: Analyze the syllabus of your chosen subject. Some subjects might have overlapping content with the general studies papers, potentially easing your preparation load.
• Availability of Resources: Adequate study materials, books, and online resources are vital for thorough preparation. Choose a subject for which you can find sufficient quality resources.
• Previous Knowledge: If you have a background in a particular subject, it might give you a head start. However, be cautious not to let overconfidence cloud your preparation.

Popular UPSC Optional Subjects 2024

While the choice ultimately depends on your personal interest and strengths, some optional subjects have been historically popular due to their scoring potential and relevance:

• Geography: A favorite among science and humanities graduates, geography offers a diverse syllabus that overlaps with general studies and can be well-rewarding.
• History: History enthusiasts often opt for this subject. The wide range of topics allows candidates to showcase their analytical skills.
• Public Administration: Suitable for those inclined towards governance and administrative studies. It can be particularly helpful for candidates aspiring for administrative roles.
• Sociology: A popular choice due to its relevance in understanding societal issues. It can be particularly appealing to candidates with a background in social sciences.

How to prepare Geography for Mains 2024

Here’s a roadmap to help you prepare for Geography as an Optional Subject for UPSC Mains 2024:

UPSC Syllabus:

This is your north star. Download and thoroughly understand the official syllabus for the Optional Geography subject from the UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in/).

NCERT Textbooks:

Build a strong foundation with NCERT Geography textbooks from Class 6 to Class 12. These provide a clear understanding of basic geographical concepts.

Standard Textbooks:

Refer to reputed textbooks recommended by toppers or coaching institutes for in-depth subject knowledge. Some popular options include:

Physical Geography:

“Fundamentals of Physical Geography” by Miller & Skinner,

“Geomorphology” by Easterbrook

Human Geography:

“Human Geography” by Majid Hussain,

“Economic Geography” by Smith

Previous Year Papers:

These are goldmines! Analyze question papers from the past 5-10 years to understand exam trends, question types, and answer writing style.

Atlas & Maps:

Invest in a good quality world atlas and practice using maps to locate geographical features, understand spatial relationships, and visualize concepts.

Here’s a roadmap specifically designed to help you prepare for History as an Optional Subject for UPSC Mains 2024:

How to prepare for UPSC Mains History 2024

UPSC Syllabus:

This is your prime resource. Download the official syllabus for the Optional History subject from the UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in/).

NCERT Textbooks:

Build a strong foundation with NCERT History textbooks from Class 6 to Class 12. These provide a clear understanding of major historical events and personalities.

Standard Textbooks:

Refer to reputed textbooks recommended by toppers or coaching institutes for in-depth subject knowledge. Some popular options include:

Ancient & Medieval History:

“A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India” by Upinder Singh,

“Early Medieval Indian Society” by R.S. Sharma

Modern History:

“India’s Struggle for Freedom” by Bipan Chandra,

“India Since Independence” by Bipin Chandra

Previous Year Papers:

These are essential tools! Analyze question papers from the past 5-10 years to understand exam trends, question types (thematic, chronological, specific events), and answer writing style.

Primary Sources:

Whenever possible, consult primary sources like historical documents, inscriptions, speeches, and autobiographies to gain a deeper understanding of historical events and perspectives.

A Balanced Approach: UPSC Optional Subjects         2024

While the choice of optional subject is pivotal, remember that it is just one aspect of the UPSC preparation process. A well-rounded approach, comprising comprehensive coverage of general studies, current affairs, essay writing, and aptitude tests, is equally crucial for success.

In conclusion, the choice of an optional subject in the UPSC examination is a pivotal crossroads demanding deliberate contemplation, as it holds the power to shape your path towards success. Your interest, expertise, and available resources should all influence your choice. Ultimately, your dedication, consistency, and the quality of your preparation matter most. With the right balance and strategy, you can confidently navigate the maze of UPSC optional subjects and pave your path to success in this prestigious examination.