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Home / IAS Preparation / UPSC Optional Preparation Strategy

UPSC Optional Subject Preparation Strategy: Tips for IAS Exam

Last Updated on Jun 18, 2024
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It is important to have a UPSC optional subject preparation strategy for securing good marks in the examination. Choosing a UPSC optional subject is one of the most difficult tasks for candidates. However, it is very important because optional subjects play a major role in calculating the UPSC exam scores.

So, candidates must be careful while choosing any optional subject for UPSC and IAS preparation to secure good marks. This article is entirely dedicated to the UPSC optional preparation strategy that helps candidates prepare for and secure good marks in the examination.

How to Prepare for UPSC Optional Subject Exam?

Candidates preparing for the examination must use the best UPSC optional subject preparation strategy before appearing for the examination. Here are some detailed steps that candidates should follow for UPSC optional subject preparation.

Choose the Right Optional Subject

One of the most essential decisions is to pick the right optional subject for the UPSC exam. Candidates must choose the subject in which they are interested and enjoyable, rather than a task. They should also think about their academic background and know the subject. Apart from that, students can also check the trends and success rates of multiple optional subjects in the last few years.

Understand the Syllabus

Candidates must have an understanding of the subject for the UPSC optional subject preparation strategy. They must get a detailed UPSC syllabus only from the official website and make it smaller and more understandable. Moreover, find the areas that are linked with general studies to save time and effort.

Collect Study Materials

Study materials are essential to prepare for any subject for the UPSC exam. Students can borrow or purchase textbooks and reference books for the respective subjects. Along with that, also use the coaching and topper notes or other supplementary materials to enhance exam preparations. Candidates must also go through the online platforms that provide study materials such as video lectures and articles for more learning.

Make a Study Plan

A study plan will be helpful for the candidates preparing for the UPSC exam. By doing so, they can dedicate some particular hours to the optional subject in a day and strike a balance with other subjects. Set weekly targets to study specific topics and chapters, and also get some revision time to review your preparations.

Create Notes

Making notes is one of the most effective UPSC optional subject preparation strategies. Students must create clear and concise notes on important topics, which include key points, concepts, and facts. They can also use diagrams, tables, and flowcharts for better understanding and quick recall.

Attempt Previous Year Papers

Solving UPSC's previous year's papers is one of the most effective ways to enhance exam preparation. These previous year's question papers are the best resource to get familiar with the exam pattern and types of questions asked in the examination. By doing so, candidates can also improve their answer writing skills and understand the examiner’s perspective.

Solve Test Series

Candidates must attempt the mock tests and test series for the UPSC examination to understand the exam pattern and improve their time management. Solving the test series is the most effective UPSC optional subject preparation strategy that will help them analyze their performance and find the weak areas where they need more improvement.

Concentrate on Answer Writing

Students must practice writing structured answers that have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. According to the answers, they must add relevant examples, case studies, and current events. Apart from that, ensure the handwriting is readable with a neat presentation.

Revise Topics and Stay Updated

It is a must to regularly revise all topics to keep them in memory, which is an important UPSC mains strategy. Candidates should stay updated with subject-related current affairs while preparing for the UPSC optional subjects.

Be Motivated and Consistent

Always keep a positive attitude and stay motivated while preparing for the examination. Join study groups for discussion and motivation. Also, follow a healthy routine, get adequate sleep, and do not take on more study pressure that affects your health.

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Subject Wise Tips for UPSC Optional Subject Preparation

Apart from the general tips, here are some subject-oriented preparation tips for candidates to score well in the optional examination.

Subject wise Strategy

Syllabus

Previous Year Papers

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UPSC IAS Philosophy Tips

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UPSC IAS Commerce and Accountancy Tips

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UPSC IAS Geology Tips

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UPSC IAS Sociology Tips

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Tips to Choose the Best UPSC Optional Subject

Students must be careful before selecting a UPSC optional subject because it determines the overall score in the examination. Here are some tips to choose the best UPSC optional subject.

  • Choose an optional subject according to your interest and knowledge of the particular subject.
  • Some subjects are easy to score well on, like sociology, geography, and philosophy. Candidates must go for these subjects, which are easy to prepare for and help score better marks.
  • The optional subjects must have easy access to study materials for easy preparation.
  • Make sure the optional subjects overlap with general studies, so candidates can prepare for optional and GS exams at once.
  • Check out and practice the previous year's papers to know the exam pattern and scoring potential.
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UPSC Optional Subject Preparation Strategy FAQs

On average, candidates must need 10–12 months to entirely prepare for the UPSC optional examination. This usually depends on the student’s power, caliber, and other factors to determine the time for optional exam preparation.

Candidates can create notes, solve previous year's papers and mock tests to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, revise topics, and follow other tips to prepare for the UPSC optional subject exam.

Philosophy has the shortest syllabus among other UPSC optional subjects, which makes it a popular choice to get better scores in the UPSC exam.

Geography is considered the toughest optional subject in UPSC because it is focused on regional planning and contemporary geography.

Candidates can select one optional subject for the mains exam. The optional subject has two papers, each carrying 250 marks.
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