UPSC Success Tips: Best optional subjects for Non-Arts students

UPSC Success Tips: Engineering and medical students are increasingly choosing Humanities subjects as optional in the UPSC exam. Discover the reasons behind this trend and how it can be a game-changer for success.

2 Min read

Author : Ishwi Singh

Published : May 04 2025, 11:55 AM IST

Share this Photo Gallery

FB
TW
Linkdin
Whatsapp
GNFollow Us

111

Image Credit : freepik

New Formula for UPSC Success

The UPSC Civil Services Exam is considered India's most prestigious exam, selecting candidates for top administrative posts like IAS, IPS, and IFS. While General Studies is crucial, the UPSC Optional Subject can often be a game-changer.

Add Asianet Newsable as a Preferred Source

211

Image Credit : freepik

New Trend in UPSC Optional Subjects

A new trend has emerged where most candidates with engineering, medical, and science backgrounds are choosing Arts (Humanities) subjects as their optional for UPSC Mains.

From Failing 10th to IPS Officer: Ishwar Gurjar's UPSC Journey

UPSC Success Story: Meet an IAS officer who once worked as a coolie

311

Image Credit : Social Media

Why Non-Arts Students Choose Humanities for UPSC?

Easy availability of study material and coaching: Abundant books, notes, and coaching are available for subjects like Political Science, Sociology, Geography, and Anthropology. These subjects are easy to understand and write about, leading to good scores.

411

Image Credit : Social Media

Strong Correlation of UPSC Humanities with GS Papers

Humanities subjects cover topics that also appear in GS papers, Essay, and Ethics, such as history, politics, international relations, and sociology. This allows for simultaneous preparation for multiple papers.

511

Image Credit : Social Media

Direct Application in Administration

The topics encountered daily as an IAS or IPS officer, such as policy, governance, and ethics, are all taught in Humanities. Therefore, these subjects are more practical for administrative services.

611

Image Credit : freepik

Important Points about UPSC Optional

There are 2 Optional Papers in UPSC Mains (Paper-1 and Paper-2).
UPSC provides a list of 26 subjects, from which you have to choose 1.
Optional has a weightage of about 29%, i.e., 500 out of 1750 marks!

711

Image Credit : social media

UPSC 2024: Background and Success Trend

Academic Background- Candidates (%) - Final Selection with the same optional (%)

Engineering- 63.7%- 5.5%

Science- 7.2%- 7.3%

Medical- 5.5%- 2.1%

Humanities- 23.6%- 85.1%

811

Image Credit : pixabay

UPSC 2024 Toppers' Optional Subjects

Shakti Dubey (AIR-1) – Biochemistry background, chose Political Science

E. Sai Shivani (AIR-11) – Electronics Engineering background, chose Anthropology

911

Image Credit : Freepik

Can UPSC Humanities Optional be Prepared in 4-5 Months?

According to experts, if you have a technical background and strong analytical skills, subjects like Political Science and Sociology can be covered well with 4-5 months of preparation, especially with proper guidance and mock tests.

1011

Image Credit : Getty

UPSC 2024 Statistics

5.8 lakh candidates appeared for Prelims
14,627 reached Mains
2,845 reached the interview stage
1,009 secured a place in the final merit list

1111

Image Credit : Getty

Right Optional and Strategy Essential for UPSC Success

If you are from a science, engineering, or medical background, don't overlook Humanities Optional. In the current UPSC trend, these subjects are becoming the key to success. Choose the right optional, coordinate with GS, and prepare smartly, and UPSC success will be within your reach.

Stay updated with the latest Education News and Career News, including exam notifications, results, admissions, and job alerts. Get expert tips on higher education, government exams, and skill development to boost your career growth. Explore updates on scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and recruitment trends. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in education and career planning.