UPSC Optional Subject List 2025: Most Popular & Scoring IAS Optional Subjects

If you are getting ready for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025, one of the most important choices you’ll ever make is deciding on an optimal optional subject. The optional paper contributes significantly to your final rank, which is why it is a point of strategic importance. In this article, we present to you the entire UPSC Optional Subject List 2025, as well as some observations regarding popular and scoring optional subjects to enable you to make the right choice.

What is the function of Optional Subjects in UPSC?

The UPSC Mains examination comprises 9 papers, two of which (Paper VI and Paper VII) are of the optional subject, carrying 250 marks each, amounting to 500 marks. Unlike GS papers shared by everyone, the optional paper is picked by the candidate himself, giving him a chance to score well and have an upper hand in the final merit.

UPSC Optional Subject List 2025

Aspirants can choose any of the UPSC IAS Optional Subjects for the UPSC Exam 2025 based on their educational background and areas of interest. The UPSC has provided a comprehensive UPSC Optional Subject List with 48 UPSC optional subjects, allowing candidates to select the one that best suits them.

The UPSC Sub List for optional subjects includes:

Read More: UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025

How to Choose an Optional Subject for UPSC 2025?

• Interest and Background: Opt for a subject that aligns with your academic background and personal interests. Familiarity with the subject can ease the learning curve and enhance your performance.
• Syllabus and Resources: Evaluate the syllabus and availability of study materials. A well-defined syllabus and ample resources can simplify your preparation.
• Scoring Potential: Analyze previous years’ trends to understand the scoring potential of the subject. Some subjects may have a history of higher scoring.
• Overlap with General Studies: Subjects that overlap with General Studies can reduce the amount of additional preparation needed and streamline your study plan.
• Complexity and Personal Strengths: Choose a subject based on your strengths and ability to grasp complex concepts. Avoid subjects that may be overly challenging or less engaging for you.

Most Popular & Scoring UPSC Optional Subjects

Not all optional subjects are equal in terms of scoring trends and popularity. Here’s a list of highly popular optional subjects that have consistently produced top scorers in recent years:

Top 10 UPSC Optional Subject List

Choosing an optional subject is a personal choice of the candidates as per their interest area, but according to analysis, candidates also tend to prefer the following subject as the best UPSC optional subject. If you are having trouble choosing among 26 subjects, check out the list of the top 10 Most Popular UPSC Optional Subjects below:

• Sociology
• Public Administration
• Geography
• Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
• History
• Anthropology
• Mathematics
• Agriculture
• Medical Science
• Literature Subject (Any)

Read More: UPSC Syllabus 2025

UPSC Optional Subject Trends (Recent Years)

How Much Time Does It Take to Prepare for Optional?

You need around:

• 300–400 hours for basic coverage

• 100–200 hours for answer writing and PYQ practice

• In total, around 700–1000 hours of focused study for optional preparation.

Preparation Tips for Optional Subjects

• Detailed Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan tailored to your chosen subject. Allocate time for each topic and adhere to the plan consistently.
• Reference Books and Study Material: Utilize standard reference books and study materials recommended for the optional subject. Regularly consult previous years’ papers and sample papers.
• Mock Tests and Revision: Practice mock tests and revise regularly to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and improve time management skills.
• Seek Guidance: Consider joining coaching classes or online forums for expert guidance and peer support. Engaging with mentors and fellow aspirants can provide valuable insights and motivation.

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