Optional Subject Myths

1. Choosing the most popular optional guarantees success.

Explanation: Many aspirants believe that selecting an optional subject like Public Administration, Geography, or Political Science increases their chances of success.

Counterpoint: The best optional is the one that aligns with your interest and strengths, not popularity.

Example: Mathematics and Literature have fewer takers but yield high marks for those with strong command over them.

2. The optional subject should match your graduation stream.

Explanation: Many aspirants assume that choosing their graduation subject gives them an edge.

Counterpoint: Many toppers opt for unrelated subjects based on scoring trends and personal interest.

Example: AIR 1 2018 Kanishak Kataria (an IITian) took Mathematics, while AIR 1 2015 Tina Dabi (a Political Science graduate) took Political Science.

3. Some optional subjects are easier than others.

Explanation: Many believe that Humanities subjects (e.g., Sociology, Public Administration) are easier than technical subjects.

Counterpoint: Every subject has its own challenges. The scoring potential depends on syllabus coverage, conceptual clarity, and answer-writing skills.

Example: Sociology is popular, but structuring answers well requires effort. Mathematics is objective but needs strong accuracy.

4. Optional subjects with high success rates should be preferred.

Explanation: Many aspirants select subjects based on past success rates.

Counterpoint: Success rates fluctuate; what matters is your ability to master the subject.

Example: Anthropology had a high success rate in 2017, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for everyone.

5. Technical subjects like Mathematics and Engineering are bad choices.

Explanation: Many think that technical subjects are difficult to score in.

Counterpoint: Objective subjects ensure accuracy in evaluation, whereas subjective ones depend on interpretation.

Example: Many engineers take Mathematics because of its definitive answers and clear marking.

6. Literature optionals are low-scoring.

Explanation: Many believe that language-based optionals like Hindi, Tamil, and English Literature score poorly.

Counterpoint: Literature has a smaller pool of candidates, but those who master it can score well.

Example: AIR 10, 2015, used Tamil Literature and scored high.

7. One must read multiple books for Optional.

Explanation: Many aspirants assume they need 5-6 books per topic for optional subjects.

Counterpoint: Instead of multiple books, revising 1-2 sources thoroughly is more effective.

Example: Public Administration aspirants can focus on Fadia & Fadia and IGNOU notes rather than covering 10+ books.

8. Writing more pages in the optional paper fetches more marks.

Explanation: Many believe lengthy answers mean better scores.

Counterpoint: Quality, structure, and precise analysis matter more than length.

Example: A well-structured 200-word answer with diagrams and relevant examples scores better than a 500-word generic response.

9. A coaching institute’s notes are enough to master the optional.

Explanation: Some aspirants rely solely on coaching material.

Counterpoint: Coaching notes help in consolidation, but UPSC requires deep conceptual clarity.

Example: For Geography, NCERTs, GC Leong, and Savindra Singh are better than any single coaching source.

10. Humanities optionals are always scoring.

Explanation: Many think Sociology, Anthropology, or PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) are scoring by default.

Counterpoint: Every subject is scoring if prepared well. UPSC moderates scores across subjects to ensure fairness.

Example: Sociology had a low average score in some years due to rigorous checking.

11. Certain optionals guarantee interview selection.

Explanation: Some aspirants believe subjects like PSIR and Public Administration give them an edge in the interview.

Counterpoint: The interview (Personality Test) evaluates overall personality, not just subject knowledge.

Example: A Science graduate with a strong personality can outperform a Political Science candidate.

12. Optional papers are checked leniently.

Explanation: Some believe that UPSC awards marks freely in optional subjects.

Counterpoint: Optional papers are evaluated with strict academic standards and require depth.

Example: Even in high-scoring subjects, well-structured, analytical answers are needed to score above 300.

13. One must quote scholars excessively in optional answers.

Explanation: Some aspirants overuse scholars’ quotes and theories to impress evaluators.

Counterpoint: Scholars should be used contextually, not forced into every answer.

Example: In Sociology, quoting Emile Durkheim on every question won’t help unless it’s relevant.

14. Studying Optional for Mains should start only after Prelims.

Explanation: Many aspirants delay optional preparation until after Prelims.

Counterpoint: Optional subjects need continuous preparation, and delaying them can cause overload.

Example: Toppers suggest finishing at least 60-70% of the optional syllabus before Prelims.

15. Only theory-based optionals work well in UPSC.

Explanation: Some believe that subjects like Philosophy or Political Science are easier due to their theoretical nature.

Counterpoint: Analytical ability and structured answers matter more than theory.

Example: Even theoretical subjects require critical analysis and current relevance in answers.

16. You must have a coaching mentor for optional.

Explanation: Many aspirants feel that coaching for optional is mandatory.

Counterpoint: Many toppers prepare optional subjects through self-study using standard books and online resources.

Example: Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017) prepared his Anthropology optional without formal coaching.

17. If you don’t like your optional, you can change it anytime.

Explanation: Some aspirants believe that switching optional subjects mid-preparation is a good strategy.

Counterpoint: Changing optional subjects wastes time and creates additional burden.

Example: It’s better to improve answer-writing skills in your current optional than restart with a new one.

18. Some optionals are always in demand.

Explanation: Many believe that PSIR, Sociology, and Anthropology will always remain the best choices.

Counterpoint: The best optional is one you can master and write well in.

Example: Law or Medical Science has fewer takers, but aspirants with expertise in these subjects score well.

19. You need a PhD-level understanding of the optional subject.

Explanation: Some believe optional answers must be extremely advanced.

Counterpoint: UPSC expects conceptual clarity and analytical skills, not excessive academic depth.

Example: A well-structured 200-word PSIR answer with clarity scores higher than an overly complex one.

20. Optional papers decide selection more than GS.

Explanation: Many believe Optional is the only deciding factor in Mains.

Counterpoint: While Optional is crucial, GS (1000 marks) + Essay (250 marks) + Ethics (250 marks) + Interview (275 marks) = 1775 marks, making them equally important.

Example: A good GS + Essay performance can compensate for an average optional score.