UPSC Management Optional Preparation Strategy  

Management, although not a highly popular optional subject, is usually considered a secure option. Its performance has been consistent and each year among those that clear the UPSC exam, there are a couple of candidates with the management optional. If you check out the functions that an IAS officer must perform like administration, policy planning and implementation, allocation and usage of state funds, and so on, there's an uncanny resemblance to the functions that a ‘manager’ must perform during a corporate set-up.

Even the traits that an IAS officer is meant to possess like good leadership skills, inclination to require initiatives, moderating between disputing parties, conflict resolution, quick response to emergency situations, and therefore the like, these seem to be the type of traits and capabilities a B-school graduate tries to imbibe. So, how is management as optional for UPSC aspirants? We discuss this and more during this article.

How many take Management optional?

The number of individuals who take up the management optional is usually but 200 although it varies. In any case, it's not as high as geography or public administration, or politics. But, the topic features a decent success rate of around 12 – V-J Day. within the following table, you'll see the number of candidates who choose management optional and clear the IAS exam.

General tips for Management optional

• In Paper I, you ought to specialize in OB, HR, finance, and marketing. within the accounting section, the UPSC has thus far only asked small topics like marginal costing vs absorption costing, budgeting techniques, inventory management, and therefore the like.
• Even within the finance section, they ask theory-based questions.
• OB and HR are really important in Paper I because they create up about 80% of the questions asked.
• You will have a choice in either marketing or finance. But as mentioned before, HR and OB may be a must.
• Even though it's a theoretical paper, attempt to write in points and with subheadings.
• Since the questions are direct and everybody gives equivalent content, attempt to make the solution presentation good and appealing.
• Draw diagrams and tables when necessary.
• For case studies during this paper, it's advisable to stay to simple formulas and basic framework and models. Study basic concepts just like the BCG Matrix, Porter’s Five, McKinsey's framework, etc. there's no got to get into advanced models.
• Do undergo previous UPSC question papers. a minimum of 50% of the questions is repeated.

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