Keep your OPTIONS open
There are many factors to consider before selecting the best optional subject for the Civil Services exam such as syllabi, time available for preparation, etc. The syllabus of the subjects offered by UPSC is somewhere hyphenated between the graduate and Postgraduate levels.
You 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.
Here are some popular optional subjects based on the success rate:
Popular optional subjects
Over the years, a few subjects are consistently chosen by the vast majority of IAS aspirants. These most popular or most opted optional subjects are so because their syllabus overlaps with other parts of the IAS exam ( UPSC Prelims, GS I, II, III or IV, Essay). However, there are many candidates who don’t opt for popular choices either because they are more interested in or have prior knowledge of some other subject. Also, candidates often feel that scoring in a popular optional subject can be tough as there is more competition.
As per the recommendations of the candidates, the optional subject Geography has a high success rate followed by History, Public Administration, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology and Law subjects. Subjects like Mathematics and Science can help students score higher if they overcome challenges like a vast syllabus, complex concepts, and the need for prior knowledge.
Going by the number of candidates appearing for the optionals, the least popular subjects are Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Geology. Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Agriculture. Statistics. Medical sciences.
Let’s encapsulate the oscillating pendulum in choosing these combinations. For instance Anthropology and Sociology.
Anthropology and Sociology
Anthropology is the study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including human evolution, culture, and biology, making it highly interdisciplinary. It also looks at case studies that provide practical insights into human behavior and social structures. For those of you with a scientific temperament, this subject is often regarded as more scientific, offering precise answers and straightforward scoring opportunities.
Sociology, on the other hand, encompasses the study of society, social relationships, and institutions. It focuses on understanding human social interactions and how societies evolve. Sociology is more theory-heavy, requiring aspirants to be well-versed in sociological thinkers, social systems, and concepts. It also calls for logical analysis, but can have some concepts that are abstract, making it harder to present concrete, right-or-wrong answers.
There is a set of candidates who say Anthropology can be more scoring:
Concreteness of syllabus
Anthropology at times becomes a better choice due to the specificity and concreteness of its syllabus. Unlike Sociology, which can be more abstract, Anthropology provides specific case studies and examples that are easy to grasp. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to avoid too much theory and prefer scientific explanations.
High potential for scoring
Anthropology's factual and science-based approach makes it easier to write precise answers, improving scoring opportunities. Over the past few years several toppers with Anthropology as an Optional have been able to achieve top ranks because of the subject’s scoring nature. When compared to Sociology, where the answers are more interpretative, Anthropology provides clear-cut answers that are easier to evaluate.
Overlap with General Studies
Another point that candidates consider is the overlap with General Studies, particularly in topics like tribal issues, social justice, and culture. This overlap can save time and effort in preparation, allowing you to focus on fewer topics while mastering more than one subject.
There is another set of candidates who say Sociology is a more popular choice owing to
Popular Choice
When it comes to popularity, Sociology is widely chosen by UPSC aspirants, primarily due to its interdisciplinary nature and its overlap with many sections of the General Studies syllabus. The subject’s concepts like social issues, inequality, and demographic studies are relevant for the essay paper and interview.
Easier to Understand for Non-Science Students
If you are a person with a non- science background, Sociology would be the right option for you.The theories and concepts are based on societal structures and real-world phenomena, making them easier to relate to.
Develops Logical Reasoning Skills
Sociology requires a deep understanding of social theories and thinkers, which can help develop critical reasoning and analytical skills. It can be advantageous in the UPSC Mains exam, where analytical writing is key.
Summing up
While both Anthropology and Sociology offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your strengths and interests. However, if you are looking for a subject with a concise syllabus, high scoring potential, and scientific backing, then Anthropology may be a better option for you.
