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Re: Which subject to choose as optional for IAS exam among Political science, Sociology and Public Administration? Which among these would be helpful and scoring for even GS (General Studies)?

All three subjects you have shortlisted are very good (successful, scoring and relevant with the overall scheme of the examination). If you have interest in them then I certainly recommend them to you.
However, since you want to appear only in 2014, I suggest that you start your preparation in the compulsory papers of the exam first. Initiate preparation in General Studies (Pre and Mains), Aptitude (Pre) and maximum one optional subject right now (the one which you like more).
The basic guideline at the start of the preparations for both Preliminary and Main Examination is to read NCERT books on related subjects. There is no substitute for them. One should refrain in the beginning from reading guidebooks, as they load you with information, but with very little concept.
NCERT Books: Social Studies
� Civics: 6th � 10th standard
� Political Science: 11th and 12th standard
� Geography: 6th � 12th standard
� Sociology: 11th and 12th standard
� History: 6th � 12th standard
� Economics: 9th � 12th standard (latest edition)
NCERT Books: General Science
� Physics, Chemistry, Biology: 9th and 10th Standards
For Current Affairs and General Knowledge (make a habit of reading newspapers and magazines regularly and analytically. The events of National and International which effect human lives at large are important from General Studies point of view)
� The Hindu, Times of India, Frontline, The Economist, Pratiyogita Darpan
After initial groundwork (going through NCERT books and getting in the mode of reading newspapers daily), you should take professional guidance to devise a targeted study plan/approach to crack the exam and study the syllabus in accordance with the pattern and format of the exam.

Re: Which subject to choose as optional for IAS exam among Political science, Sociology and Public Administration? Which among these would be helpful and scoring for even GS (General Studies)?

Dear Aspirant

Don't get confused rather think calmly.Devote some time.Analyze your interest and then take decision

You may take Economics as one of the optional paper as you have Economics in your graduation.But if your interested to take other paper then you may preferred Public Administration.Since civil service examination is mostly relating to administration.This subject will be lot more helpful to you.Besides these it will help you in General Studies paper 2 as well as in Essay if questions are asked about issues related to administration.

Otherwise You may download the syllabus of all three subjects and go through all the topics.If possible download question papers also.See in which subjects syllabus you love to study topics of their subjects.The topics of the subject you like most you may preferred that subject as optional.Because ultimately it is your interest in subjects which will help you to score good marks in examination.

In my opinion Public Administration will be more helpful to you but since interest in subject is also a factor so I can suggest you only.Hope you select the best optional and score good

All the best

Which subject to choose as optional for IAS exam among Political science, Sociology and Public Administration? Which among these would be helpful and scoring for even GS (General Studies)?

Sir,
I am an undergraduate in Economics (Hons.) from Delhi University and I intend preparing for CSE but I am confused between Poltical Science, Sociology and Public Administration as the optional. Since I have no background in any of these subjects I am indifferent between them. I would like to go for one which would help me more in GS, essay and otherwise as a whole and yes which would be more scoring.. Please help.
Thank you.