How to choose the best optional subject between Sociology and Geography in UPSC IAS Exam?

Both Sociology and Geography are popular options within the Civil Services Exam. Geography surpasses Sociology if you check out absolutely the number of candidates choosing the themes. In fact, both subjects are considered scoring. tons of individuals from different academic backgrounds select either of those from the list of UPSC optional subjects. this text tries to analyze the pros and cons of Sociology vs Geography. this is able to enable IAS aspirants to form an informed decision on their choice of optional subjects.

Pros and Cons of Geography

The following points list out the pros and cons of selecting Geography as an optional subject.

Geography Optional: Advantages

• It is a scientific subject, one that students from all backgrounds can try their hand at.
• It is a scoring subject. there's no room for interpretation here as Geography is logical. you'll also score marks through diagrams and maps.
• There is many study material available for this subject.
• There is an honest deal of overlap generally studies paper I and also in some parts of General Studies Paper III.

Geography Optional: Disadvantages

• You have to be absolutely correct in maps else you'll lose marks entirely.
• There is tons of competition on this subject as tons of individuals choose this. The candidate will need to present information in an ingenious and interesting way.
• The UPSC Syllabus for Geography is greater than Sociology.

Pros and Cons of Sociology

The following are some pros and cons of selecting Sociology as an optional subject.

• Sociology Optional: Advantages
• Sociology features a shorter syllabus.
• It is easy to know and is scoring too.
• It is a science and is fashionable humanities students. Since it's easy to know, even science background students can attempt it safely.
• It helps with the essay paper since generally a minimum of one essay is asked on social issues. it'll also help within the interview round. Sociology also helps within the ethics paper.
• It is interesting especially if social issues interest you. It helps you understand society and its myriad layers and functioning.
• There is overlap with General Studies Paper I.

Sociology Optional: Disadvantages

• It doesn't have an equivalent scoring potential as Geography
• Answers are hospitable interpretation and candidates got to think before writing on which opinion should be presented and which should be withheld.
• It requires the candidate to be versed with Current Affairs quite what's needed for General Studies.

As you'll see, both subjects have their own advantages and drawbacks. you want to check out your own interests and prior knowledge levels before fixing on an optional subject. Aspirants also can inspect IAS Toppers’ optional subjects to urge a good idea of the scoring potential of the favored optional subjects. this is able to allow them to form a well researched and informed decision regarding the optional subject they choose.

The above details would help candidates prepare themselves against UPSC 2020. And you can also join the IAS Online Course to prepare for IAS Exam at Home.