Which Optional Subjects Are Best for UPSC CSE Exam? (Insights from Quora + Toppers)
Why Optional Subject Selection Matters in UPSC CSE
The optional subject plays a crucial role in determining your UPSC Mains success. Out of 1750 marks in the Mains exam, 500 are allocated to the optional paper (Paper I and II). This means your optional can literally decide your final rank and whether you make it to the IAS, IPS, or IFS.
So naturally, aspirants turn to trusted sources like Quora, toppers’ interviews, and coaching experts to ask: “Which optional subject is best for UPSC CSE?”
Top Criteria to Choose the Best Optional for UPSC
- Background and academic interest
- Overlap with GS papers and Essay
- Availability of good teachers and test series
- Scoring potential and answer replicability
- Previous years’ performance (strike rate)
Most Scoring Optional Subjects in UPSC (Based on Quora + Toppers)
According to Quora threads and analysis of top scorers in the past 5 years, these are the most consistently high-scoring optional subjects in UPSC:
- Anthropology – Highly scoring, concise syllabus, visual answers. Ideal for science/medical background.
- Sociology – Overlaps with Essay and GS1, good for humanities students. Concepts are easy to understand.
- PSIR (Political Science & International Relations) – Strong overlap with GS2, widely chosen by Arts and Engineering grads alike.
- Geography – Structured syllabus and plenty of resources available. Good strike rate with right strategy.
- Mathematics – Objective and highly scoring for engineers. Requires time and deep understanding.
- Public Administration – Popular for its concise syllabus and GS overlap, though competition is high.
- why students get less marks in paper 2 of sociology optional
Optional Subjects with Better Strike Rate (as per UPSC data)
The strike rate refers to the percentage of students who choose a particular optional and successfully qualify for Mains or Final List. Based on multiple analysis sources, including insights on Quora and past UPSC reports, the following subjects show strong performance:
| Optional Subject | Approx. Strike Rate |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | 9–10% |
| Sociology | 8–9% |
| PSIR | 7–8% |
| Geography | 5–7% |
| Mathematics | 6–7% |
| Public Administration | 6–7% |
Popular Optional Subject Choices by Toppers
Here’s a quick look at the optional subjects chosen by UPSC CSE toppers:
- Shubham Kumar (AIR 1, 2020): Anthropology
- Jagrati Awasthi (AIR 2, 2020): Sociology
- Pradeep Singh (AIR 1, 2019): PSIR
- Ria Dabi (AIR 15, 2020): PSIR
Optional Subjects with Overlap with General Studies
- Sociology: GS1 (Society), Essay, Ethics (GS4)
- PSIR: GS2 (Polity, IR), Essay
- Anthropology: GS1 (Society, Indian Heritage), Essay
- Geography: GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Environment)
- Pub Ad: GS2 (Governance), GS4 (Ethics)
Final Tips to Choose the Right Optional
- Don’t just follow Quora or toppers – assess your comfort with the subject.
- Go through the syllabus and past 3 years’ question papers.
- Take a few demo classes or read sample notes if possible.
- Evaluate availability of teachers, mentorship, and test series.
- Choose a subject you can revise multiple times confidently.
Conclusion: Which Optional is Best for UPSC CSE?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. However, based on scoring potential, strike rate, and GS overlap, the most recommended optional subjects are:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- PSIR
- Geography
Do your research, take help from mentors, and make an informed choice. Remember, your optional can either boost your rank or break your dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best optional subjects for UPSC CSE depend on your background, but the most consistently high-scoring optionals are: Anthropology (manageable syllabus, high scoring), Geography (overlaps with GS, visual preparation), Mathematics (objective, no examiner bias — for maths graduates), Sociology (easy narrative style, GS overlap), PSIR (Political Science & International Relations — short syllabus, analytical), and History (vast but very well-coached in Delhi). Choose based on your interest, background, and scoring data from recent years.
Among popular UPSC optional subjects, Anthropology and PSIR (Political Science & International Relations) consistently show higher success rates relative to the number of students choosing them. Sociology and Geography also show strong conversion rates. Mathematics has the highest per-student scoring potential but requires a strong technical background. History has the largest number of aspirants but also the most intense competition for high marks.
Yes, absolutely. UPSC has no restrictions on optional subject choice based on educational background. Many engineering graduates choose Sociology, History, Geography, or Anthropology as optional subjects and perform excellently. The optional subject should be chosen based on interest and scoring potential — not academic background. Several IAS toppers from IIT have scored above 300 in humanities optionals like Sociology and Public Administration.
For working professionals with limited study time, the best optionals are those with manageable syllabi and high study material availability: Anthropology (compact syllabus, standard notes widely available), PSIR (short syllabus, analytical writing suits working professionals), and Public Administration (significant GS overlap reduces extra study time). Avoid optionals like History or Geography that have vast syllabi requiring extended study time that working professionals often cannot afford.
When choosing between two optionals: compare the syllabi word-count and depth, read 3–4 previous year question papers for each to see which feels more natural, check recent topper scores and average marks in each optional, assess faculty availability and coaching quality for your specific optional, and most importantly — pick the one you can study for 6–8 months without losing interest. The optional you enjoy studying will always outperform the ‘safer’ choice you find tedious.