In UPSC Mains, candidates pick one optional subject comprising two papers of 250 marks each (500 total). The choice significantly influences the final score.
UPSC offers optionals across humanities, sciences and literatures — including Geography, History, Political Science & IR, Sociology, Public Administration, Anthropology, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, and various literature subjects.
Weigh your genuine interest and background, availability of study material and guidance, overlap with the GS syllabus, and the subject's recent scoring trend.
Two papers of 250 marks each, for a single optional subject.
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