How to select an optional subject for UPSC Mains exam? What all points should I take into consideration while selecting optional subject? If I select a new subject out of my context and background, will I be able to understand it without coaching?

I mean to ask is wht all points are to be taken into consideration while the selection so that one can prepare for the subject on there own without coaching and understand the subject..

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Hello,

There is a process to choose optionals. You must follow it to get the best ones for YOU. Firstly, strike out the subjects from the complete list that you think you can't take in any circumstances. Secondly, go through the syllabus of each of remaining subjects and select the ones that you think you can manage. Thirdly, ask your more than one seniors who have actually given the exam with those subjects. Finally, make the decision about the subjects.

Mind it, the final decision will be yours and it must be based more on your interest in the subject, availability of good study material, availability of good tutor/guide in case you need some help during your preparation. Don't go by the experience of a single person. If you have right frame of mind, right approach, you can crack UPSC with any subject of YOUR choice.


Most of the candidates select atleast one subject that is totally new to them and still manage to get top ranks.

Thanks,
goyalk

Choice of subject is totally upto you.It is you who will be appearing in the exam.You can not choose your Mains paper based on others recommendation.Someone might find a subject interesting but it may not be necessarily the same for you..You should check in the subject list and try to select the subjects which you are in touch during your graduation level.You can check the syllabus and previous year question papers to get a fair idea of the level of study and preparation.If you are not that comfortable with your graduation level subjects then there are some evergreen papers for Civil Services mains as Geography,History,Public Administration etc which are taken by several candidates as Optionals.Mainly you have to prepare for this subject for prelims as well and also for GS also.So candidates advance those preparations into Mains also