How to Choose an Optional Subject

Given the level and intensity of competition in the Civil Services Examination, every single decision of yours hold lot of significance in terms of success and failure. A wrong selection of optional subject therefore can easily make and mar your fortunes in the examination. 

We can help you to apply appropriate criterions and to think scientifically while taking decision on Optional subjects.

There are two major criterions on the basis of which you can choose your optional subject.

1. Your interest and natural inclination for the subject without which you just cannot even visit the full scope of the syllabus let alone establishing mastery over the same. Don’t get swayed by the size and quantitative dimension of the subject which means what appears on the face of it as a small sized syllabus will become huge and unmanageable if you don’t have any interest in it and vice versa. Further it is not necessary that what you have studied in Graduation should naturally be your choice. There is a possibility that you had opted for the subjects during Graduation under external influence without much consideration. So, feel free and decide your optional subject in sync with your natural academic throw.

Now, the question arises as to how to locate that natural inclination?

The answer lies in being a little alert, observant and vigilant in the course of reading newspapers, magazines, watching news channels debate and discussion etc. What comes easily to your cognition in terms of thinking, observation, analysis and expression should be your choice of subject. 

2. The extent to which the subject can draw commonality with the vast syllabus of General Studies which is an ensemble of subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Ethics, current affairs and so on. As for example, as a science graduate you may opt for Chemistry but this subject has little reflection in the syllabus of General studies. On the other hand, if you take Public Administration, it will easily account for almost 30% to 40% of the syllabus of G.S. It means an appropriate choice of optional subject can significantly reduce the burden of G.S. which can facilitate better revision, consolidation and command over G.S.

Apart from these two major criterions that you apply, several other factors may be taken into consideration before you decide the things.

Don’t imitate others.

More than subjects, students are scoring.

What is good for others may not be necessarily good for you and vice versa.

Don’t allow others to impose their personal prejudices and apprehensions regarding any subject, syllabus or even IAS exams on you.

Note: If you still have any doubt, you can seek an appointment with our counsellor.