7 Best and Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

In the UPSC Mains exam, the candidates are expected to choose 25 subjects while writing their government exam. The students can choose these 7 best and easiest optional subjects for UPSC such as Public Administration, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy to crack the exam on their first try and get into any of the three respectable positions as a government servant. 

7 Best and Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

Likewise, the seven most popular, easy and scoring list of optional subjects is mentioned below. We will also discuss why candidates should choose the below-mentioned subjects and their advantages. 

1. Public Administration
2. Geography
3. History
4. Political Science and International Relations
5. Sociology
6. Anthropology
7. Philosophy

Also Read: How to Become an IAS Officer?

1. Public Administration

A subject added to the optional subject list in 1987, Public Administration is very popular among UPSC aspirants as an easiest optional subject for UPSC. Moreover, the success rate is very high, and it is easy to score in this paper. Additionally, it helps broaden your vision as a future administrator.

The students will learn about:

• Accountability
• Personnel and Financial Administration
• Organisations

At the same time, it is a very similar subject to Political Science and Current Affairs, which aspirants must have studied during the prelims exam.

In addition, some common topics will be;

• Public Sector Undertakings
• Union Government & Administration
• Urban Local Government
• Philosophical 
• Constitutional Framework of Government

Apart from this, the paper also shares some common topics with Polity and Government Paper in General Studies, which make it one of the easiest optional subjects for UPSC.

However, it is one of UPSC students' most competitive optional subjects. Hence students must prepare and produce the main exam paper accordingly. Candidates must read the question properly and then attempt the answer.

Also Read: UPSC Study Material

2. Geography

Geography has a lot of toppers because of its technical and non-technical nature. The reason why candidates must go for Geography is because of the amount of study material that is available online. 

Moreover, it makes an interesting learning experience for students who choose Geography, as they study diverse interlinked topics on;

• Environment
• International Relations
• Current Affairs
• Ecology and Economics

The candidates must remember that it is a seemingly tricky subject to prepare for because there are no important or unimportant topics. Geography is undoubtedly one of the Easiest Optional Subject for UPSC, but students who decide to opt for it must have in-depth knowledge of Maps.

3. History

History is also considered to be one of the easiest optional subjects while appearing for the UPSC exam. The history section in the UPSC Syllabus is divided into three parts;

• Ancient India
• Medieval India
• Modern India.

These three sections carry a significant amount of weightage in both UPSC Prelims and Mains exams. Indian History, along with art and culture is considered the most important part of the UPSC exam.

4. Political Science and International Relations

A subject which is not only scoring but also extremely easy on the learner, Political Science and International Relations, is easily comprehended by students hailing from the science, commerce and arts stream.

On top of that, it will turn out to be the Easiest Optional Subject for UPSC for students who are already keen on learning about current affairs, read the newspaper daily and are aware of the worldwide political scenario. A great choice for students who can elucidate creative answers and present information skillfully.

It includes topics such as;

• Organs of Government
• Federalism
• The Constitution

However, candidates must have theoretical knowledge and write well on the subject. Students must also know that the Political Science and International Relations syllabus is quite vast and contains specifications on both previous and current affairs. At the same time, students must update their notes based on regular affairs.

Also Read: IAS Book List - Best Books Recommended by Toppers

5. Sociology

Many aspirants might have previously studied Sociology in the 10+2 levels or their UG or PG degree courses. Hence, it can be the easiest optional subject for these students for UPSC. It involves studying society, its interactions and cultures.

Since it has been one of the traditional optional subjects for students, candidates will find enough online and offline study material. Also, candidates will find a few overlapping topics so that preparations will be easy. The subject matter is mostly bound in India, which will help in the interview stage.

However, students must note that writing answers for the sociology paper will be subjective and elaborate. 

6. Anthropology

Another easiest optional subject for UPSC for students to choose from for their UPSC subject is Anthropology. It is an extremely scoring subject, and students who have chosen it as their optional subject have a reputation for ranking in the UPSC exams.

A static subject with very little research, new concepts, and minimum theory, it is one of the Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC. Aspirants will learn about concepts such as;

• Marriage
• Kinship
• Evolution
• Prehistoric cultures 

Students keen on learning new concepts might be the perfect option for them. Since the subject is an amalgamation of science and social science, it is a superb option for students from science streams, as most answers need to be addressed to the point and using flow charts and diagrams. Even if the questions do not directly ask for a diagrammatic representation, providing one with your answer will up your scores. 

Also Read: IAS Preparation 2023

7. Philosophy

As per studies conducted in 2015-16, Philosophy has a success rate of 7% more compared to subjects such as History, Geography, Public Administration and Political Science which makes it one of the Easiest Optional Subject for UPSC. Moreover, the subject has a compact syllabus and focuses on topics like;

• Gender
• Democracy
• Religion
• Justice

The candidates appearing for the Philosophy paper for the UPSC exam must coherently answer questions since the learning concepts are philosophical. For students with the bandwidth to learn new concepts, Philosophy can be one of the easiest optional subjects for UPSC. 

Choosing the Right Optional Subjects for UPSC

The candidates when making the decision to choose their optional subject for UPSC, must keep certain pointers in mind, and see if the desired subject is meeting the listed criterias.

1. Interest and Passion
2. Background Knowledge
3. Scoring Potential
4. Study Material Availability
5. Coaching Availability

1. Interest and Passion

The candidates who are appearing for the UPSC exam must not only look for easiest optional subjects but also caliberate the interest and passion for the subjects. This will help the students to concentrate more and score high marks while facing their UPSC examination. 

2. Background Knowledge

The candidates ought to inculcate the background knowledge of studying those easy subjects to be able to crack the intectually stimulating questions while facing their UPSC exam. The background knowledge on the subjects will assist the students to answer more smartly and be aware of the questions. 

3. Scoring Potential

The candidates can use the best and easiest optional subjects for UPSC to increase their scoring potential in the examination. The higher the score, higher the chance of getting IAS, IPS or IFS postings for the aspiring candidates. 

4. Study Material Availability

The candidates must check if there is extensive study material available for the easiest optional subjects for UPSC before opting them during filling the UPSC application form. The study materials will act a guide for UPSC exam preparations. 

5. Coaching Availability

The coaching centres must take up teaching and assisting the aspiring candidates on the easiest optional subjects for UPSC. Without having guidance, the easiest subjects could be hard to figure out and find the chapters and areas to score high marks.  

Conclusion

UPSC aspirants must understand that whichever subject they choose, they must study hard and prepare much in advance. Moreover, preparing notes from the right study material is crucial for students to score maximum marks.

Additionally, being aware of current affairs related to their choice of subjects is crucial. The candidates must also refer to the previous year's question papers, take mock tests, and revise in advance to score high marks and get their desired position as a government servant.