How to choose your Optional Subject for UPSC CSE?

Summary

The video script discusses the critical decision-making process for selecting optional subjects in the UPSC exam preparation journey, emphasizing the importance of choosing wisely to excel in the exam. It highlights the need to consider scoring potential, personal interest, and the availability of study materials and guidance for each optional subject. The speaker shares a detailed approach to narrowing down choices and making an informed decision based on past trends and personal preferences, ultimately advising thorough research and a deep dive into subject syllabi to ascertain interest and scoring potential.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of selecting optional subjects for the UPSC exam, likening it to choosing a life partner due to its significance in the preparation journey.
• 🗓 The decision on optional subjects should be made considering the exam year 2025-26, and the preparation process involves a strategic approach to selecting the right subjects.
• 🎯 The speaker suggests that the choice of optional subjects can significantly impact one's preparation time and should be based on a minimum of six months of study, depending on the subject chosen.
• 🏆 The speaker mentions that some optional subjects like Anthropology may have a higher score potential, with many candidates scoring above 300 marks, unlike other subjects.
• 't The impact of one's optional subject on their overall preparation for the Mains exam is highlighted, with the suggestion that the choice should align with one's interests and capabilities.
• 🔄 The speaker discusses the challenges of switching optional subjects, explaining that it can be difficult and may require additional attempts in the exam.
• 📈 The importance of considering the scoring potential of optional subjects is stressed, with the speaker advising to look at the top scores in previous years to gauge the subject's scoring capacity.
• 📝 The speaker advises to consider personal interest in the optional subject, as it can affect the depth of study and, consequently, the exam performance.
• 📚 The role of background and graduation subjects in the choice of optional subjects is mentioned, suggesting that they can provide an added advantage.
• 📋 The speaker outlines a decision-making process for selecting optional subjects, which includes eliminating impossible subjects based on one's background, narrowing down to probable subjects, and making a final choice based on scoring and interest.
• 🤔 The speaker encourages introspection and research, including reading the syllabus and understanding the terms, to determine genuine interest in a subject before making a final decision.

Q & A

What is the primary decision discussed in the video script?

The primary decision discussed in the video script is the selection of optional subjects for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam preparation.

Why is the choice of optional subjects important for UPSC aspirants?

The choice of optional subjects is important because it significantly impacts the preparation time, the ability to score well, and ultimately the success in the UPSC exam.

What is the process suggested for selecting an optional subject?

The process suggested involves eliminating impossible subjects based on one's background, narrowing down to probable subjects, making a table to compare scoring and interest, and finally selecting the top two or three based on scoring and interest.

How does the scoring of optional subjects impact the selection process?

Scoring impacts the selection process as subjects that have higher scoring potential in recent years are more likely to be chosen to improve the candidate's overall score in the exam.

What role does interest play in choosing an optional subject?

Interest plays a crucial role as it determines the depth of study and understanding of the subject. A subject of interest is more likely to be studied thoroughly, which can contribute to better scoring.

What is the significance of looking at the top scorers' choices in the optional subjects?

Looking at the top scorers' choices helps in understanding which optional subjects are currently scoring well and can guide the selection process for one's own preparation.

How does the speaker's background as a doctor influence the selection of optional subjects?

The speaker's background as a doctor influences the selection by eliminating subjects that are not feasible or relevant, such as Civil Engineering, Economics, Commerce, and Chemistry, and considering subjects related to their medical background.

What is the speaker's strategy for finalizing the optional subjects after the elimination process?

The speaker's strategy involves making a table to compare the scoring and interest levels of the probable subjects, considering the availability of guidance, and finally selecting the top two or three subjects based on these criteria.

Why is it recommended not to base the selection solely on current affairs?

It is recommended not to base the selection solely on current affairs because the UPSC exam requires a deep understanding of the subject, which cannot be achieved by just being aware of current events.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of not switching optional subjects?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not switching optional subjects by explaining that once a subject is chosen, it should be studied in depth for several months, and switching later can be very difficult and time-consuming.

What advice does the speaker give for making the final decision on optional subjects?

The speaker advises to make the final decision after thorough research and understanding of the subjects, and to stick with the decision to avoid confusion and ensure consistent preparation.