The Optional Subject (500 Marks) is the kingmaker. If you score 300+ here, you are almost guaranteed a rank. But this leads to the most dangerous question in the aspirant community: “Which subject is the most scoring right now?” Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC
Rumors fly: “Anthropology is booming” or “Geography is dead.” At Trademark IAS, we don’t believe in rumors. We believe in data. Let’s look at the Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC based on the latest official trends.
1. The “Popularity” Trap (Geography & History) Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC
The most popular subjects often have the lowest success rates. Why? Because thousands of non-serious candidates choose them.
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Geography: ~3000 candidates appear. Success Rate: ~5.5%.
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History: ~2500 candidates appear. Success Rate: ~5.0%.
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The Reality: These subjects are not “low scoring.” They are just “high competition.” If you are good, you will still score 300+.
2. The “Trend” Setters (PSIR & Anthropology) Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC
In the last 3 years, these two have dominated the top ranks.
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PSIR (Pol Sci & IR):
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Why it wins: Huge overlap with GS-2 and Ethics.
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Success Rate: ~8-9%.
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Verdict: Excellent for anyone with an interest in current affairs.
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Anthropology:
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Why it wins: Syllabus is short (3-4 months). Questions are direct.
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Success Rate: ~10-12%.
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Verdict: The favorite choice for Doctors and Engineers.
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3. The “Dark Horses” (Literature & Sociology) Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC
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Literature (Hindi/Bengali/Maithili):
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Success Rate: Often 15-20% (Highest statistically).
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Catch: You need very strong command over the language.
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Sociology:
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Why it wins: Helps massively in the Essay paper.
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Success Rate: ~9-10%.
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4. How to Choose? (The 3-Step Filter)
Do not pick a subject just because the Rank 1 topper took it.
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Interest Test: Read the NCERT or basic book for 2 days. Does it bore you? If yes, drop it.
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Resource Check: Is good coaching/material available in Kolkata/Patna? (e.g., Finding good Agriculture coaching is hard).
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GS Overlap:
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PSIR/PubAd: Covers ~500 marks of GS.
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Maths/Medical: Covers 0 marks of GS.
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Conclusion: There is No “Best” Subject
The Highest Scoring Optional Subject in UPSC is the one YOU can study for 4 hours every day without sleeping. UPSC uses a “scaling” system to normalize marks. So, a brilliant History answer will score the same as a brilliant Anthropology answer.
Still Confused? Don’t gamble with 500 marks. Take our “Optional Aptitude Test” to find your perfect match.
