How Many Optional Subjects in IAS Mains

 In this article, you will read about the UPSC CSE optional subject list, and a few pointers on how to decide on an optional for the IAS mains exam.

The Prestigious Civil Services examination conducted by the UPSC has three stages. The aspirants who have just begun their preparations have various questions such as “How many subjects in IAS Exam”, “How many optionals in UPSC?” etc. This article attempts to clear the air and familiarise the students with the IAS Exam subjects. The UPSC mains (written) examination comprises nine papers. This includes two qualifying papers and seven papers which will be calculated for ranking. Read on to know what the optional subjects in IAS are.

How many optional subjects for IAS?

According to the new IAS exam pattern, the number of optional subjects for UPSC exam to be chosen by the candidate for the Mains exam has decreased to one. The civil services mains exam General Studies papers account for 1000 marks and the two Optional Papers account for 250 marks each. Therefore, it is very important for an aspirant to consider various pros and cons before choosing an optional subject for IAS Mains.

This article gives you information on how many optional papers are there in UPSC exam.

Here, we give the complete list of optional subjects for UPSC IAS Mains Examination.  Aspirants can click here to know more about UPSC Syllabus and IAS Exam

General Studies Paper I to IV for IAS Mains Exam

The Four General Studies Papers are:

General studies	Topics covered	Total marks
General Studies Paper-I	Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society	250
General Studies Paper-II	Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations	250
General Studies Paper-III	Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management	250
General Studies Paper IV	Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude	250

 What is the Optional Subject in IAS exam?

For the civil services examination, UPSC provides a list of optional subjects.  Candidates have to choose one optional for the mains exam. The optional subject has two papers and each paper accounts for 250 marks.  Candidates can choose from the list of optional subjects that also includes literature subjects (English and Indian languages).

The papers for the examination will be descriptive in nature. Each paper for UPSC mains exam will be of three hours duration. The question papers, other than the literature of language papers will be set in Hindi and English only.  The optional paper plays an important role in the UPSC mains exam.

Read more : 

1. How to prepare for UPSC GS Paper For Prelims | Preparation Strategy For General Studies For Prelims | Career Launcher

2. How to Prepare For UPSC Civil Services Examination Without Coaching?