Agreeing to what the others said, I'd suggest you to go through the syllabus and prelims/mains question papers of 4-5 subjects that you would have shortlisted from the unending list of UPSC optional papers. Then just evaluate that what kind of questions are being asked and whether you'd be comfortable and capable to answer them once you are thorough with the syllabus. Selecting the optional paper remains more of an art and if you have to go by something then go by your interest in the subject alone as Neeraj Sir said or opt the subjects which you studied in your graduation as Mathur Sir said,everything else should take a backseat.Apart from t... view more
Agreeing to what the others said, I'd suggest you to go through the syllabus and prelims/mains question papers of 4-5 subjects that you would have shortlisted from the unending list of UPSC optional papers. Then just evaluate that what kind of questions are being asked and whether you'd be comfortable and capable to answer them once you are thorough with the syllabus. Selecting the optional paper remains more of an art and if you have to go by something then go by your interest in the subject alone as Neeraj Sir said or opt the subjects which you studied in your graduation as Mathur Sir said,everything else should take a backseat. Apart from this I'd suggest you to go through the DON'Ts of SELECTING OPTIONAL SUBJECT: 1.Never choose a subject solely or merely because everyone else or your known candidates are going for it. 2. Never choose a subject solely because the availability of resources in terms of books,guidance,coaching etc. for popular it are more easily available. 3. I'd suggest you NOT to go for it just because you have read it in college. Evaluate your interest also. *No optional is safe or unsafe, it's your preparation that decides the result I hope it resolves your query, if yes, MARK this answer as best. Good Luck!
Agreeing to what the others said, I'd suggest you to go through the syllabus and prelims/mains question papers of 4-5 subjects that you would have shortlisted from the unending list of UPSC optional papers. Then just evaluate that what kind of questions are being asked and whether you'd be comfortable and capable to answer them once you are thorough with the syllabus. Selecting the optional paper remains more of an art and if you have to go by something then go by your interest in the subject alone as Neeraj Sir said or opt the subjects which you studied in your graduation as Mathur Sir said,everything else should take a backseat.
Apart from this I'd suggest you to go through the DON'Ts of SELECTING OPTIONAL SUBJECT:
1.Never choose a subject solely or merely because everyone else or your known candidates are going for it.
2. Never choose a subject solely because the availability of resources in terms of books,guidance,coaching etc. for popular it are more easily available.
3. I'd suggest you NOT to go for it just because you have read it in college. Evaluate your interest also.
*No optional is safe or unsafe, it's your preparation that decides the result
I hope it resolves your query, if yes, MARK this answer as best.
Good Luck!