UPSC Optional Subjects

Choose from 48+ optional subjects for UPSC Mains examination. Each subject has two papers of 250 marks each, contributing 500 marks to your total Mains score of 1750 marks.

How to Choose Your Optional Subject

Interest & Background

  • • Choose subject you have genuine interest in
  • • Consider your educational background
  • • Prior knowledge gives competitive advantage
  • • Passion helps in sustained preparation

Scoring Potential

  • • Analyze previous years' toppers choices
  • • Check average scores in different subjects
  • • Consider examiner's marking patterns
  • • Availability of quality study material

Overlap with GS

  • • Choose subjects overlapping with GS papers
  • • Reduces overall preparation burden
  • • Examples: Geography, History, Public Administration
  • • Efficient time management strategy

Literature & Humanities

Indian Languages Literature

Assamese

Literature from medieval period to modern times including drama, poetry, and prose.

Bengali

Rich literary tradition from Charyapada to contemporary writers like Tagore.

Hindi

Ancient to modern Hindi literature including Kabir, Tulsidas, Premchand era.

Tamil

Sangam literature to modern Tamil literary traditions and movements.

English

British, American, and Indian English literature across different periods.

Sanskrit

Vedic literature, classical Sanskrit poetry, drama, and philosophy.

Complete List of 48 Optional Subjects

Indian Languages Literature (22 Subjects)

  1. 1. Assamese
  2. 2. Bengali
  3. 3. Bodo
  4. 4. Dogri
  5. 5. Gujarati
  6. 6. Hindi
  7. 7. Kannada
  8. 8. Kashmiri
  9. 9. Konkani
  10. 10. Maithili
  11. 11. Malayalam
  12. 12. Manipuri
  13. 13. Marathi
  14. 14. Nepali
  15. 15. Odia
  16. 16. Punjabi
  17. 17. Sanskrit
  18. 18. Santhali
  19. 19. Sindhi
  20. 20. Tamil
  21. 21. Telugu
  22. 22. Urdu

Humanities (6 Subjects)

  1. 23. Anthropology
  2. 24. Philosophy
  3. 25. Psychology
  4. 26. English Literature
  5. 27. Law
  6. 28. Management

Social Sciences (8 Subjects)

  1. 29. Geography
  2. 30. History
  3. 31. Political Science & International Relations
  4. 32. Public Administration
  5. 33. Sociology
  6. 34. Economics
  7. 35. Commerce & Accountancy
  8. 36. Statistics

Science (6 Subjects)

  1. 37. Agriculture
  2. 38. Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
  3. 39. Botany
  4. 40. Chemistry
  5. 41. Geology
  6. 42. Mathematics
  7. 43. Physics
  8. 44. Zoology
  9. 45. Medical Science

Engineering (3 Subjects)

  1. 46. Civil Engineering
  2. 47. Electrical Engineering
  3. 48. Mechanical Engineering

Popular Optional Subjects Overview

Public Administration

Paper I - Administrative Theory

  • • Introduction to Public Administration
  • • Administrative Thought
  • • Administrative Behaviour
  • • Organizations: Theories, Structure, Dynamics
  • • Accountability and Control
  • • Administrative Law
  • • Comparative Public Administration
  • • Development Dynamics
  • • Personnel Administration
  • • Public Policy and Financial Administration

Paper II - Indian Administration

  • • Evolution of Indian Administration
  • • Philosophical and Constitutional Framework
  • • Public Sector Undertakings
  • • Union Government and Administration
  • • State and District Administration
  • • Planning and Development
  • • Financial Management and Law & Order
  • • Local Governance
  • • Significant Issues

Geography

Paper I - Physical Geography

  • • Geomorphology
  • • Climatology
  • • Oceanography
  • • Biogeography and Environmental Geography
  • • Perspectives in Human Geography
  • • Economic Geography
  • • Population and Settlement Geography
  • • Regional Planning
  • • Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography

Paper II - Indian Geography

  • • Physical Setting
  • • Resources
  • • Agriculture
  • • Industry
  • • Transport, Communication and Trade
  • • Cultural Setting
  • • Settlements
  • • Regional Development and Planning
  • • Political Aspects
  • • Contemporary Issues

Sociology

Paper I - Sociological Theory

  • • Fundamentals of Sociology
  • • Sociological Thinkers
  • • Stratification and Mobility
  • • Works and Economic Life
  • • Politics and Society
  • • Religion and Society
  • • Social Change in Modern Society

Paper II - Indian Society

  • • Introducing Indian Society
  • • Social Structure
  • • Social Changes in India
  • • Social Institutions
  • • Social Movements in Modern India
  • • Population Dynamics
  • • Challenges of Social Transformation
  • • Women and Society

History

Paper I - Ancient & Medieval

  • • Sources: Archaeological, Numismatic, Literary
  • • Prehistory and Proto-history
  • • Indus Valley Civilization
  • • Megalithic Cultures
  • • Aryans and Vedic Period
  • • Period of Mahajanapadas
  • • Mauryan Empire
  • • Post-Mauryan Period
  • • Early Medieval India
  • • Establishment of Delhi Sultanate
  • • Mughal Empire
  • • Economy and Society
  • • Culture, Religion and Philosophy

Paper II - Modern India & World

  • • European Penetration into India
  • • British Expansion in India
  • • Early Structure of British Raj
  • • Economic Impact of British Rule
  • • Social and Cultural Developments
  • • Indian Response to British Rule
  • • Indian National Movement (1885-1947)
  • • Post-Independence Consolidation
  • • World History: Renaissance to Cold War
  • • Post-World War Developments

Political Science & International Relations

Paper I - Political Theory & Indian Politics

  • • Political Theory and Concepts
  • • Indian Government and Politics
  • • Comparative Politics and Political Analysis
  • • Political Economy and Globalization

Paper II - International Relations

  • • India and the World
  • • Theories and Approaches
  • • Contemporary Global Political Economy
  • • Politics of Global Change

Social Sciences

Geography

Physical and human geography, with focus on India and world geography.

History

Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history plus world history.

Public Administration

Administrative theory, Indian administration, and governance issues.

Political Science & IR

Political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Economics

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics.

Sociology

Sociological theory, Indian society, and contemporary social issues.

Science & Technology

Mathematics

Pure and applied mathematics including calculus, algebra, and statistics.

Physics

Classical mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Chemistry

Physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry with analytical methods.

Botany

Plant biology, ecology, genetics, and biotechnology applications.

Zoology

Animal biology, evolution, ecology, and conservation biology.

Medical Science

Human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and preventive medicine.

Engineering

Civil Engineering

Structural engineering, transportation, and construction management.

Mechanical Engineering

Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and design engineering.

Electrical Engineering

Power systems, electronics, and control systems.

Preparation Strategy

Study Plan

  • • Start optional preparation early
  • • Create comprehensive study schedule
  • • Focus on basic concepts first
  • • Regular revision cycles
  • • Practice answer writing daily

Resource Selection

  • • Choose standard reference books
  • • Join test series for practice
  • • Follow expert guidance
  • • Use online resources wisely
  • • Previous years' question analysis

Exam Strategy

  • • Understand marking scheme
  • • Practice time management
  • • Develop answer presentation skills
  • • Mock test performance analysis
  • • Stay updated with current trends
UPSC Optional Subjects 2025 - All 48 Optional Subjects | Civil Services Mains