Selecting the Right Optionals for IAS the Right Way
At least 10 percent of the comments this blog receives is about how to select the the right optionals for IAS Mains so I thought instead of replying individually why not post an article on choosing the optionals for the IAS exam which would benefit all the blog readers. And this includes those who have never appeared for the IAS Mains yet and even those who have appeared but are thinking about switching over to some different optional.
But what does the Right Optional for IAS mean?
I am sure it means differntly to different people but what does it mean to you:
- A scoring optional?
- The most popular optional?
- Easy to understand or which you find interesting?
- Subject with easy availability of study materials like books and notes?
- Optional for which one ‘best’ coaching is available?
- Subject with some previous base in graduation or post-graduation?
- The optional with the best results in the IAS exam?
I hope I have covered all the points that majority of the IAS aspirants consider before selecting the right optionals for Mains. Obviously, you might consider only one of the above points as the basis for selecting your Mains optional or consider multiple criteria. So let’s take them up one by one.
A Scoring Optional
Most IAS beginners choose an optional simply because it is considered ‘scoring’. Some of the optionals that are considered scoring are Public Administration and Geography. While Geography has returned marks with 400+ in IAS Mains, many candidates have been scoring 340+ and 350+ in Public Administration in the past few years. In fact the average marks scored by Mains candidates in Pub Ad in 2008 Mains was 266 which is quite high considering that it is the most preferred optional among IAS aspirants.
But should score be the sole criteria for selecting the Mains optional or are there other related basis for selecting your mains optional? This gets us to the second point.
A Popular Optional
Optionals that come within this definition are Geography, Public Ad, Sociology, History, and Psychology. These four IAS optionals alone account for about 50 percent share of the Mains pie and the rest 22 optionals, taking Literature subjects as one, for the rest.
This gives you some idea about the ‘popular optionals for IAS’. But why are these optionals so popular while the rest aren’t so popular? Here are some reasons:
- Subjects like Pub Ad and Geog have definite syllabus and Pub Ad has quite limited syllabus especially for P2 so you can cover it within 5 months or so.
- You require limited coaching for Pub Ad as most of the syllabus involves self-study.
- The History optional for IAS is quite popular simply because there are so many History post graduates and even graduates with history as a subject. Also we all studied History as part of our school curriculum and most of us found it interesting and some, even scoring.
- Geography is a semi-scientific subjects and a favourite among Engineers and Doctors for its laws, principles, and map-based questions. No wonder so many IAS aspirants opt for it.
- Sociology is easy to understand and very interesting as the topics covered concern the very society we are a part of.
- Psychology has pulled, I feel, simply because it is a combination of all the above attributes and also due to the fact that it is probably the only optional where only one name prevails for coaching: Mukul Pathak of Vajiram.
With this we come to another related question, are all popular optionals scoring or to put it another way are the not-so-popular optionals for IAS not scoring as well?
Let me put it bluntly. Popularity has actually got nothing to do with the scoring potential of an optional. If you want proof, read on. Shah Faesal topped the 2010 IAS exam with Urdu Litt. as one of the optionals, second being Pub Ad. Mona Pruthi, the 2006 IAS topper chose English Litt. and Sociology. Mutyala Raju, the 2007 topper took Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Karthik Adapa aced the 2008 IAS exam with Zoology and Psychology.
What’s common to all these IAS toppers? Except one, all opted for one non-popular optional. And let me also mention that if you read their interviews they chose the optionals based on their interest and background and not because they were scoring or popular.
The fact that they have scored well in both the optionals (that’s why they topped) and not just the popular ones proves that all subjects are equally scoring. So choosing an optional based only on the scoring criteria is incorrect.
So how about the coaching criteria?
Before deciding to select an optional on the basis of the coaching available first determine whether you require coaching in the first place? You must’ve realized this can only be determined after you’ve selected an optional, not before it. So I feel selecting an optional simply on the basis of the coaching available is like saying ” I can never clear the Civil Services exam without coaching”. And once you become completely dependent on coaching then good luck to you as I have already written in my Mains 2010 GS analysis how unpredictable the IAS exam is becoming not just for you but the most well known coaching classes as well.
Of course, it does help if there is good coaching available for the IAS optionals you’ve already selected.
Choosing an optional with some previous background
Many people who’ve graduated or done Masters in some subject opt for it in the CSE. This is really helpful as you’re already familiar with the subject and will need to study just one subject from scratch. This is where graduation in humanities really helps as the most popular IAS optionals listed above are included within the “Arts” subjects. So if you’re pursuing graduation or masters in any of the Arts subjects and plan to take it up in the IAS mains, make sure you pursue it seriously and focus more on the syllabus common to your degree as well as the IAS Mains.
This point again proves that previous base and interest are more important factors in selecting the right optional for IAS than merely popularity or scoring potential. People who have opted for the most obscure subjects like Literature, Veterinary Science, Mathematics have scored heavily in the Mains simply because they were so much in love with their optionals.
I had the good fortune of having a chat with the 2008 IAS topper Karthik Adapa when we had enrolled for mock interview at Vajiram. He was already in the IPS that time and I asked him about the reason for choosing Psychology and he said he simply loved Psychology, that’s why. Nothing about the score or popularity.
Some thumb rules for selecting the right optional for IAS
The subject should..
- Excite you
- Make you know more about it
- Should not put you to sleep
- Make you think out of the box
- Have books available easily
Don’t think about the score at this stage, just focus on selecting an optional with the above qualities and remember, this will differ for different aspirants. Once you have mastered the syllabus and have adequate writing practice the marks will follow.
Some common queries
I have chosen Public Administration but I find it quite boring, especially Paper 1
Remember, Pub Ad usually seems boring to most people but many fall in love with it once they have read and re-read the important books. If you still find it going over your head ask yourself why did you choose Pub Ad? Is it simply because of its popularity?
I love xyz optional but i cannot answer the questions correctly
The fact that you find the optional interesting is half the battle won. As far answer writing is concerned you might consider joining some good test series to hone your writing skills. Once you have enough writing practice marks will not be an issue.
I don’t have any previous base in any of the optionals or I don’t want to choose my graduation subjects, what should I do?
Simply go through the above thumb rules again and try reading something from the basic books of the optional you plan to take up. If you feel you can cope up with the subject then go for it otherwise try another one.
Which optional should I opt along with xyz?
Unfortunately UPSC disallows us from selecting similar subjects. Some of the subject combinations that you cannot take up are:
- Pub Ad and Pol Sc
- Geography and Geology
- Pub Ad and Management
- Two Literature subjects
- Sociology and Anthropology
If you’ve already selected one of the two optionals for IAS, good. I am sure there will be one more subject that will appeal to you. Go for that one. Don’t worry about the complimentary aspect. The optionals need not be complimentary for you to crack this exam.
Suggest some optionals that will be useful from GS Mains point of view
Again this is for reference purpose only. Actually every optional in some way or the other contributes towards the GS or Essay preparation.
- Pol Sc. covers polity and India and the world part
- Pub Ad covers polity and governance part
- History covers the history part
- Mathematics covers Statistics. Ditto for Statistics optional
- Geography covers GS geography, climate change, environment and other related sections
- Law also covers polity
- Economics covers the Economy part of GS mains
- Socio covers questions on social issues as well as one Essay option
Some popular combinations of IAS optionals
This is just for your knowledge. Nowhere am I suggesting you take up the same otherwise what I said above would be idiotic.
- Sociology and Psychology
- History and geography
- Socio and Pub Ad
- Socio/History/Psycho/Geog and Pali Litt.
- Pub Ad and Psycho
- Pub Ad and Geography
- Pub Ad and History
To summarize this long post (couldn’t help it), any optional that you find interesting, stimulating, fun to learn is right for you. Don’t worry about popularity or scoring potential. Both are just an indicator. Every optional is equally scoring provided you have mastered the syllabus and the answer writing aspect. I hope this post helped selecting the right optionals for IAS a much easier task. Eagerly awaiting your feedback!
|
Share the Knowledge
|
Get a Free eBook!
|
Related posts:
- IAS Exam 2010 Guidelines and Suggestions
- Civil Services Coaching, Optionals, and Syllabus with Personal Tips
Manorama Year Book 2012 with CD!
100 Comments »
1 Pingbacks »
Leave a comment!
hi…………….i m a ph.d scholar…in microbiology. and SRF under the ICAR project….i wana ask for the options of subjects which to be choose to crak the ias exam…………..plz guide me..its very much urgent
Based on your qualification you could opt for botany/zoology and one other optional based on your interest
Please guide me guyz..
i have very less percentage % in my graduation..
i hv done BA English Hons with 42% only…:(
M i eligible to prepare for IAS??
can i give exam and become IAS? or i m not eligible coz of less %??
please reply…
waiting…
It no matters that whether u sccore in distinction or less of 40 %. But u need to get pass in your graduation that’s it.
are u an agri grad?…..coz u r wrking under ICAR project….
respected sir,
i m currently pursuing m.pharmacy course.what options should i choose for cracking ias.is pub adm& sociology a right choice in this regard.or i should look after science subjects.kindly reply.
Pub Ad and Socio are very popular Mains combination. Go for them if they excite you!
sir. How is eco. Nd geograph or eco nd phiLosphy both the combination subjects new for me. I am btech grad. And currentely working in BEL and I found eco interseting but nt knw much bout it.
Can you deal with Eco given that you are a Btech? Maybe Geog and Philosophy would be better
And I will be very thankful if somebuddy share something bout dism
sir, do you think that scoring patterns for subjects like pub ad will change as scaling of marks depending on subject for mains exams is being implemented in upsc?
Dear Sir,
I have done B.tech in Information and Communication Technolgy and currently have been working in a software firm for last 3 year.
I want to crack the test, however I am not good in my B.Tech subjects so can't opt for mathematics. I find Chemistry, History very intersting and encouraging. Would this combination be fine.
Moreover I can't leave my job and join a coaching institute insetad have to do self study only.
I want your suggestion, Sir.
If you find Chem and History so interesting then definitely go for them. My next post is about tips for working candidates. Stay tuned!
One more combination I am thiking of Chemistry and Public Ad. I found Public Ad syllabus quite interesting and adequate…
Please give me your suggesstion. In no post Chemistry as an optional was discussed.
Hi i am ashish plz could you tell me about chemistry as an optional subject for mains i intend to take it does it have a v low selection rate
respected sir, i am a B.Sc. graduate and i give coaching for maths and physics(11th,12th) .I am good in both this subjects (up to 11th,12 level) and i like science subjects a lot but not good in any of them in graduation level. so considering my intrest but lack of knowledge of these subjects upto graduation level which subjects should i choose of ias ? iam thinking of geography and pub adm .egerly waiting for ur reply
Dear Sir, i want to know the best coaching material available for IAS prep.. optionals r zoology and botany.. i have done my grad in this subjects.. so i have enough basic knowledge abt these.. i also want to know the best correspondence course available for these subjeccts
Sir,i am currently pursuing my B.E in Electronics and Communication Branch,I am not sure of which subjects to choose to prepare for the ias exam,the subjects of my interest are much related to my course and also subjects like geography and psychology.So kindly suggest me in choosing the subjects.
Hi ..
Please share your next post about tips for working candidates as I am finding it very to manage time while working. Please suggest.
i am a mechanical graduate and i have 43% in my inter will it creat any problem in my selection.
Sir,
I am currently a student of 3rd year Engineering.
I went through an overview of syllabus and as expected the subjects that we learn is nowhere near the syllabus we learn.So I don't think technical subjects would do me any good.
And I'm just a beginner for the preparation and I'm clueless as to what and where to begin with.
Looking at my interests I finally decided upon History and Sociology and I don't know whether it will do me any good.Is the combination fine? Please guide me on how to begin,what books to read and proper approach towards preparation if possible.
Looking forward for your reply,
Thanks and regards
Eagerly,
Neelima
Hello Sir/Madam. I'm a BCA graduate from Bangalore University and I've scored 65% but I completed in 4 year due to some family problem. Shall it create any problem getting selecting in IAS Exam. I'm very much interested in cracking IAS Exam. Can anyone suggest me where and how to start the preparation of IAS. Thanks
Sir/Madam,
I found this blog very useful. I am working as an IT prof. I could spend three hours on working days. I am starting preparation by this week only. I love issues related to politics and always in sync of foreign and international issues. So, I have chosen Polotical science as Mains optional and the other is history. Regarding history i am not sure, but interested. The portion looks big, I also have interest in Stats. Need Ur guidance.
Thanks,
Santhosh
sir,
I am pursuing b.tech in electronics and communication engineering,i am in first year and I want to start my ias preparation from now so plz tell me which subject is compulsory except GS and which subject to choose as optional
also give me a brief reference on ias exam and its preparation
Sir, I am in 3rd year of my electronics and communication engineering course. As I am in the very initial phase of my preparation, I need some guidance that how should I start preparing. Shall I start preparing for GS now and stop myself thinking about the optional for the mains. Actually I have no idea about it. As I am planning to prepare myself at least for 2 years before appearing in exam, so what should be my way of preparation. Please guide.
hello myself anindya acharya.
i am a govt employee and 23 yrs old.
i want to qualify in the IAS.
if it is possible?
plz discuss physics as mains optional. i dnt have physics in graduation bt i like it very much plz tell me wt to do? shd i join DIAS coaching plz reply soon
dear sonam sister
are we all of us preparing for any academic qualification? to my mind,definitely not.and as far as one's interest is concerned ,i think that it ought to be in compliance with that of need-based approach. Surely ,i respect your inclination towards Physics as an optional paper.But one should note that the gestation period for it's preparation certainly a bit longer.But simultaneously,once prepared the subject is rewarding as it has been told by Mr. Gulati(a probationer IAS).But within that time-interval one can easily develop interest in other subject ,esp. Public Administration ,which's the very relevance with the preparation and life-long practice.In LBSNAA i have the previledge to know the fact that the probationers are being encouraged to tackle the CHALLENGES of life, whether it be any book or any project or any situation.But even then you feel dedicated for Phy. ,then just go for that.coaching institutes are just note's facilitators.For conceptual clarity you will have to rely on self-study.This condition is applicable to all cases,more precisely, all subjects.
with best wishes
kislay
Sir, i am a computer engineer, passed out my btech in 2011.i have decided to take CSE. .now i have some questions…(1)my short listed optionals are pub adm/anthropology/psychology/bengaly…as i am from computer background all of those are new for me..i was good in bengaly ,…so..should i take it? or..which two?
(2)i am from west bengal..here is no such good CSE coaching institutes..as i am a working professional in kolkata..i cant shift to delhi..so…should i avail any correspondence course? if yes..then in which subjects?
(3)i have decided to take it in bengaly…is medium varied?
(4)i have to clear it at my first attempt? Then what should my study strategy or books? Please suggest.
Well Chinki, I also wish to appear for CSE, at present working in W.B.Govt secretariate,i.e, Writers Building in Kolkata. It is hardly possible for me to go Delhi & join a coaching institute. So self study is preferred. I hve decided to go for History & Sociology in Mains. As there is lack of good coaching for IAS in Kolkata, group study may be fruitful for both of us, atleast for G.S. If u r interested, then u can contact through my email-id provided here (www.saikat.eng@rediffmail.com). Wish u all the best.
dear sir,
can you guide what should be the optional for a mba grad among these two geography & pub ad.
my other optional is palli.
please guide its urgent as i have to fill the mains dap.
sur padhai ko hi choro sb moh maya h
Sir ,
I have done B.tech in I.T.I just want to know that i have opted Philosophy and Pali Litt. as my optionals , had a word with my friends they are saying like that these two optionals are totally different from G.S , so i would have extra burden of preparing Philosophy , Pali and G.S .? Kindly Suggest.
Secondly i am not in favor of joining any coaching , is it possible with these optionals.
Rgds:
Amit
I have done my post graduation in English literature but I am fearful of getting less marks in comparison to other scoring subjects . Sir help me in choosing the right optional.
dear chitralekha sister
just read the book GET SET GO IAS . i am giving you it's web-link from where you may be able to download the same.you will find most of answer for the questions relating CSE's preparation.
with best wishes
kislay
hello,
i am ba 2nd year student and my respective subjects are econiomics, sociology, and political science. i want to take economics and sociology for my mains .
is this good combination?
sir,i'm doing my b.tech mechanical engg..i have chosen one optional as public admin and i'm not able to zero in on the other sir, i have not preferred mechanical engg because i'm not that good at solving problems,when i visited a coaching institute they suggested sociology. except for pub admin i don't know anything about other subjects. give me a good alternative or shall i go ahead with sociology
PS: there aren't any good coaching institutes in the city i live sir, ie Visakhapatnam.
hello…
currently i m preparing for IAS and taking a psychology coaching….but i m confused in selection of 2nd optional …i m confused b/w pub ad & pali…..
can u plz throw some light on both paper …which will be good to choose…
THANKS
hallo Mr. Sachin
i advise you to go for the Public Administration as an optional paper for CSE- mains. moreover, Pub. Ad. has a bigger syllabus w.r.t. that of Pali. the paper of literature is in itself interesting and creative one where the exercise of brain is not only meant for the understanding of topics of the syllabus but also entertaining.So if you enjoy it ,then just go for it without any dilemma.
But at the same time Pub. Ad. has got it's own value as far as it's relevance and applicability are concerned.Moreover,coming days would witness the uniformity in main's pattern,in which this subject would be meant for all.
with best wishes
k
hello…
currently i m taking coaching for Bank PO..but want to prepare for IAS now….i am BA English hons graduate, done MBA in HR & Marketing also…
so what subjects would be suitable for me? i feel public admin & sociology/ psychology? plz suggest…
THANKS
Sir
i have done my graduation in mathematics, so can you pls suggest me whether the optionals pub ad and sociology is good combination for me.
can we go for history and psychology … what do you say sir
Mr. dhanjit
it depends upon your aptitude & interest only……..
dear sir this a little out of propotion question.. is der any medical issues concerned for ias and ips. like diabetics, bp etc??
Sir,
Thanks a lot for ur response….
Pls help me how to start with for the preparation of general studies…
And which books i should follow for pub ad and sociology….
Thanks
oh my god,,,,,,,,,,i am really inspired alot,,,,,,,,,,,i was thinking which subjects to choose for optionals but,,,,,,after reading these blogs i can say that i am on right path with right decision,,,,,,as i am a commerce student and was thinking to take up commerce as optinal with any other easiest subject,,,,,,,,,but as u guided i am gonna select public ad and history as my subjects,,,,,,,,,,fisrt of all i should go through all the degree text books of these subjects,,,,hope those will play vital role in my preparation,,,
i start believing coz of u that "DO WHAT U LOVE BUT DONT DO WHAT U FEEL EASY",,,,,,,,,
Anju : Why are you not taking commerce as ur optional, as you are frm commerce background??
Hi Anju
Wanted to know why hv u decided to tk up pub ad n history n why not commerce?? I m also a commerce student n m planning to tk commerce n pub ad as optionals..
sir
I am a electrical engineering second year student
please suggest me what subjects should I choose and focus on to clear I.A.S exams
sir
m 21 years old n want 2 know every possible things that make me pass ias m doing my b.pharmacy sir please give me all details required for ias exam……..
Hi Sir,
I am BBA gradutate from Bangalore University. Planning to take Commerce and Pub Ad. as optionals. Plz guide me, if this is the right combination?
greetings sir
i m little bit confused sir i m a graduate in comp. sc. and have some command on maths also,as geography is of scientific approach my one optional will be geography… but for the other should I tke history or pub admin. pls pls suggest and which of the two combination is going to give an edge over essay and also to gs., m giving the exam in 2013
thanks
greetings sir
please list out the books for history as you have given for geo, nd public admin. whether it ll be pub. admin or history . i wanna be acquired with the books .so plz list ou thebooks for history from the very first with step by step correlation……plz sir.i hav started geography
once again many many thanks
hello sir,
I am a commerce graduate and had completed my mba(finance).I had selected my optional as commerce and public administration.Is it a right optionals will i be able to score marks in these subjects.kindly reply to me sir via email. my email id is nagalakshmiorama@gmail.com
Regards,
Nagalakshmi K
Hi Sir,
I am engg graduate & working professional.currenlty i m preparing for MBA entrance exams & IAS.I would like to know as per new IAS prelims patern how much reasoning papers difficulty level is? & how is the marks distribution?, also kindly guide for books on pub.adm.
hi……..
i am a student of class 12th sub. mathscience, i wanna be a IAS,but befor it i have to be a gradueated, now what i should do for it?
hello
i have done my btech in mechanical engineering. got confused while selecing my optional subjct for mains , plz guide me
Hi sir ,
I would like to ask one thing. Is there any optional subjects play role in getting UPSC designations ? I mean IAS,IPS,IFS?
Could you please make away my confusion..?
Thanking you
Santosh
can i choose physics and electrical eng…pls explain
hey i m a btech student persuing in ece trade. i m unable to choose subject. though i m interested in economics bt wat will b d combination for it? plz give all d subject combination for ias exam
Thanks for your information.
they are really usefull.
Sir, I am a btech graduate and want to go for CSE. I have not much information about it. I want to go for Pub Ad. But whats other subject would be better for the combination. Please let me know. I will be very thankful to you.
I am an Eng. GRad and working for almost 5 years now…I always wanted to sit for UPSC, and want to prepare on my own. Also, as per your post, it gives confidence that UPSC is not just about coaching classes..it has more to it. So, I have Zeroed on few subjects, Philosophy, Engilsh. Lit/History/Geography/Psycology.
I would like to start preparing with taking idea about History/Philosophy and Eng. Lit. But I am no sure about scoring potential of Eng. Lit. Can you please help me suggesting which classes notes should I go for as it can give idea about the subject in concise form. Also if you don’t mind, please send me your number on my mail id. Thnx.
can u pls tell me people who took the combination of psychology and public adminstration.is coaching compulsory for above both? can we cover both in less time?
Sir, I m rizwan,final year student of engg.I am doing enn from jamia-delhi, Nw i am final year student,i have CGPA 9.2 on the scale of 10.sir i am selecting one subject as CHEMISTRY but confuse for the second one.i have to take one from PUBLIC ADD. and GEOGRAPHY,so which subject i should take from these two.
SIR plz suggect me that subject from these two which can help me in other steps like essay,interview and gs,
thanking you…..reply plz…i am waiting.
Hello Sir,
I am working outside India- have done engg and mba from India.For my 2011 attempt(first) I used elect engg and mgmt as optionals for mains. But now realise they are not so popular, with less resource materials available. Can you please help me guide regarding the optionals selections for mains?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Nakshatra,
As stated in the article its not about popularity it’s about your interest. Which subjects excite you?
Dear Sir,
I am B.A. 2nd year student and my respective subjects are english, hindi,history and political science. Which subject should I choose with political science for my mains .
reply plz.
thanking you
i am a 2nd yr law studnt. i prefer strting for stdyin for my aim..at the end of 2nd. i read ur above post.
cn u guide me a few subjects tht i cn go on wid..!
sociology,pol.science i hv been reading in law.
evn history is a part of it.
and othr than tht i hv ol law subjct.
guid me please
bhavana
hello sir,I m 27yr old,working,i have done my graduation through correspondence with pol.science and philosphy but i face difficulty in philosphy,i cannot join coaching .which sub.i opt for main,pls. help me.
hello sir,
i have just completed my graduation and i am very confused in choosing the subjects because i have pursued BBA(bachelors of business administration) and i am from commerce background…..which subject should i choose apart from public administration…does sociology needs any specialization..
sir,
currently iam pursuing b.tech in mechanical engineering,its my 2nd yr i want to chose a combination of psychology with geography… or suggest mechanical with…………..? . one more thing i want to know do we have vedas as an optional subjects.iam higly dedicated towards my engineering preparing for GATE as well provide me some qualitative info about my quests.
your suggestions with high regards.
thank you.
it wasreally helpful………
Geography and Geology is allowed sir? there is no mention in the notification that it is not allowed
Hi,i am going to apply for CSAT this year.i had done mba in finance and have commerce background.So, i want to select economics and commerce as my subject but both of them have less success rate.Is that good choice to be made…….please suggest me ..
Econimcs and Commerce cannot be taken together. You can take either one of them and some other subject
I am doing M.Sc in chemistry and want to apply for IAS. Will chemistry and public administration will a good combination for this?
I am doing M.Sc in chemistry and want to apply for IAS. Will chemistry and public administration form a good combination? sorry i have written my email wrong earlier.
Arushi,
As long you’re interested in the subjects any combination will be good. You need to believe in them.
loved this post !!
bt still one question rules m sir tht m dng my gradutaion in sciences(bsc comp sci) nd i ve heard frm alott of ppl tht chossing sci or maths cn create a big mess as these subjcts consumes alot of tym n are vry vast ,,so v cnt realy predict the diffculty level..
so going for pub ad n geo is bttr as it also helps in GS.
Sir,
I have given Mains 2011 with pub ad and Geography but couldn’t qualify for interview. I think Geography has been the casualty this year so I am thinking of switching to either Sociology or Philosophy. I find Pub ad very interesting to study based on this can you please suggest which one would be the better option for me Sociology or Philosophy? I have engineering background.
Thanks
hey im doing my Btech ….i am interested in psycology and literature in general…what do u think will be a good combo for the prelims as well as mains for me??…because i’ve heard that even sociology helps in the essay exam in the CSE..Thanking you!
Dear sir,
I also like history and german…and i’ve already studied sanskrit for the past 8 years…moreover my main aim is to get into Indian Foreign Services!! Could you please guide me for the same..
Thanking you,
Srinidhi
Hi,
I am writing the exams in 2012 as a litmus test and will also appear for 2013. Im a Mechanical Engineer. Hence, one optional is Mechanical Engineer for me and im confident about it.
However, for the other optional, I have zeroed in for Pub Ad. and Management.
I know how popular Pub add is, how easy course material is available, how crisp and articulate the syllabus is.
But.
Management interests me, and engineers like me were taught basics of it in B.Tech years. I have a personal management guru who can clear most of my doubts. But lack of any precise course or even books scares me.
Please tell me if you know any postal course or books if you know. I shall be forever grateful.
Regards,
(P.S.- I am a working person in a remote location, hence cannot attend coaching)
Sir,
I have done M.Sc. Biotechnology from Mumbai University. I am biased about optional subjects for mains. I find science background subjects appealing but at the same time while looking at the syllabus, I myself have to collect the notes for these. where as other subjects such as history, geography also , i find interesting as they are science oriented one. Talking abt my writing skills- I can write on ultra structure of cell or harappan civilisation, etc kind topics more better than someone’s philosophy or any general topic.
Hello Sir,
I would be joining 2 year post graduate program in human resource management (Masters in Human Resource and Organisational Development). I compared the civil services’ MANAGEMENT optional syllabus with the course structure of the program and found them to be pretty much on the same lines. Do you suggest that I take up management as one of my optionals for Mains? I’ve read things about how normalization is done to bring aspirants from all background to level playing field, and it is here that people with management as optional end up with not-so-good scores to clear mains. Please help me in this regard.
Along with it, I plan to take up Political Science and International Relations as another optional, as I am interested in IFS as my service preference. So taking up political science as one optional would help me have a broader perspective of the career that I want to see myself in. Please throw light on this as well.
Thank you.
Hi Kanika,
Realizing that normalization is valid for all subjects, you shouldn’t worry unnecessarily about low scores in Management. If you find the subject interesting go for it. Yes paper 2 of Pol science will help you in GS and interview as well. So if you are interested in it take it up!
sir,
combination of geology and geography is allowed in upsc exam
No Vikram, it’s not
Dear sir,
Hi! im doing my Btech …. what do u think will be a good combo in mains for me?? ..i am interested in psycology and literature in general…… i’ve also heard that even sociology helps in the essay exam in the CSE..I also like history and german…and i’ve already studied sanskrit for the past 8 years…moreover my main aim is to get into Indian Foreign Services!! Will taking political science help me during the interview… Could you please guide me for the same..I would love to hear from you as soon as possible
Thanking you,
Srinidhi
Hi Sir,
Thanks a lot for your valuable information and guidance. Since vikram said that Geography and Geology combination is allowed, I surfed for confirmation. I found that it is allowed. Please look at this link. http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/index.html
Regards
Ravi theja
hi sir,
I am a student of NIFT pursuing fashion technology. If I choose pub ad. and sociology, how should I start preparing for that???? And, your blog is very well writted….
hey hi…m abt to complete engg in ece…tel me dat wat is advisable
studying frm d books at home..or joining somw institute…
& the best teachr fr pub ad & philososphy
hello
Greetings of the day
I am looking for preparation of IAS exam , i am computer science graduate, PLz guide me which subjects i need to chose in optional and mains..
thanks in advance
Hello Sir…! Is Botany A Scoring subject in IAS Mains..???? it was my graduation subject.
I am an IIT,Bombay Student and pursuing my master’s degree with geology…Will it be favourable for me to choose Botany and geology for IAS mains..exam..??
Plz reply ..
I am thinking of taking public adminstration as my optional. Though i have got interest for pol.science as well.compare these two optional??and about maths ??its scoring and all??
I have done my +2 in non med, and i want to ask that which graduation is helpful for ias..?
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed post. I have just finished my MBA and want to appear for the UPSC exam next year. I want to take management as one of the subjects as I have studied it during the two years of my MBA.
It is not very popular and hence I didn’t get too much info about it. Can you tell me something about this subject in terms of difficulty considering the syllabus covers all aspects of management, overall scoring potential and if any good coaching is required/available for this.
P.S. My other optional preference is sociology because I find it interesting and want to delve more into it.
Vipul
Hi Guys,
I have taken Geology as one of my optional. I am preparing by myself. I am facing in finding good institute which gives coaching(both postal and class room). And on net there’s a little information regarding this. Please could some one give link or name of institutes giving good coaching in Delhi (postal is also ok)
hey sir, i am ishita , just 15 years old. but still i have a keen interest in becoming an ias.its hard for me to chose my subjects as i really don’t know which subjects i will be best at because i am able to study all subjects nicely. on the other hand i love singing, playing basketball very much but i feel sorry that ias does not have these options. it would be my pleasure if you could suggest me something about the subjects. i have a sharp mind ,but really want to know what all can they ask for general knowledge?