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UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus 2025, Books, Preparation Tips, PYQs

UPSC Psychology Optional 2025 is one of the popular humanities subjects for the Mains. UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus 2025, booklist, preparation tips, and previous year questions are provided here.
authorImageAnil Solonki18 Jun, 2025
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UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus

 

UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus 2025: Are you looking for an optional subject that welcomes students of all backgrounds? Psychology is one of those subjects on the list of 48 UPSC optional subjects that any interested candidate can pick. Psychology optional perfectly balances the humanities with science, where students study human behaviour scientifically.

Candidates with a good command of the syllabus can easily score high marks in the psychology optional. The article provides a detailed paper-wise syllabus, the advantages of taking this subject, a booklist, and a strategy to prepare for the UPSC Psychology optional.

UPSC Psychology Optional 2025

Psychology is the scientific study of the ‘mind and behaviour’. As a part of the UPSC Mains optional subject, Psychology focuses on fundamental concepts such as the human brain, various mental processes, social psychology, and their application. Psychology optional is challenging as well as rewarding. One of the major advantages of the Psychology optional in UPSC is that if you understand all the concepts of Paper 1, then Paper 2 will become a cakewalk. The weightage of both papers is 250 marks, with each having 8 questions divided into two sections, Section A and Section B. The pattern of the Psychology optional question paper is:
UPSC Psychology Optional Exam Pattern
Total Papers Two, Paper I and Paper II
Total Marks 500 (250 Each)
Sections Section A and Section B
Questions Total 8 questions with subparts
Compulsory Question Question No. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution 10, 15, and 20 marker questions

UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus 2025

The Psychology optional syllabus may look vast, but candidates can cover it with the help of standard books and online resources. The Psychology optional syllabus is divided equally between Paper 1 and Paper 2. The Paper 1 syllabus focuses on the foundation of psychology,  and the Paper 2 syllabus emphasises the application of these concepts. The detailed syllabus of the psychology optional is as follows: 

UPSC Psychology Optional Paper 1 Syllabus

The UPSC has designed the syllabus for Paper 1 to give candidates an introduction to the major concepts of psychology. The Psychology optional syllabus of Paper 1 includes crucial subjects such as the emergence of psychology as a discipline, research methods, learning, memory, motivation, etc.

The table below presents a complete syllabus for Psychology Paper 1:

Foundations of Psychology (Paper I)
Topics Subtopics
1. Introduction
  • Definition of Psychology
  • Historical antecedents of Psychology and trends in the 21st century
  • Psychology and Scientific Methods Psychology in relation to other social sciences and natural sciences
  • Application of Psychology to Societal Problems.
2. Methods of Psychology
  • Types of research: Descriptive, evaluative, diagnostic, and prognostic
  • Methods of Research: Survey, observation, case study, and experiments
  • Characteristics of experimental design and non-experimental designs
  • Quasi-experimental designs
  • Focussed group discussions
  • Brainstorming
  • Grounded theory approach.
3. Research Methods
  • Major steps in psychological research (problem statement, hypothesis formulation, research design, sampling, tools of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and report writing)
  • Fundamental versus applied research
  • Methods of data collection (interview, observation, questionnaire, and case study).
  • Research Designs (Ex-post facto and experimental).
  • Application of statistical techniques (t-test, two-way ANOVA, correlation and regression, and factor analysis) item response theory.
4. Development of Human Behaviour
  • Growth and development
  • Principles of development
  • Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour
  • Influence of cultural factors in socialization Life span development —Characteristics, development tasks, promoting psychological wellbeing across major stages of the life span
5. Sensation, Attention and Perception
  • Sensation: concepts of threshold, absolute, and difference thresholds, signal-detection, and vigilance
  • Factors influencing attention including set and characteristics of stimulus
  • Definition and concept of perception , biological factors in perception
  • Perceptual organization, influence of past experiences, perceptual defence , factor influencing space and depth perception, size estimation and perceptual readiness
  • The plasticity of perception
  • Extrasensory perception
  • Culture and perception
  • Subliminal perception.
6. Learning
  • Concepts and theories of learning (Behaviourists, Gestaltists, and Information processing models).
  • The processes of extinction, discrimination and generalisation .
  • Programmed learning
  • Probability learning
  • Self-instructional learning
  • Concepts, types and schedules of reinforcement
  • Escape, avoidance and punishment.
  • Modelling and social learning .
7. Memory
  • Encoding and remembering
    • Short-term memory
  • Long-term memory
  • Sensory memory
  • Iconic memory
  • Echoic memory
  • The Multistore model, levels of processing
  • Organization and Mnemonic techniques to improve memory
  • Theories of forgetting: decay, interference and retrieval failure
  • Metamemory
  • Amnesia: Anterograde and retrograde.
8. Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
  • Concept formation processes
  • Information processing
  • Reasoning and problem-solving
  • Facilitating and hindering factors in problem-solving
  • Methods of problem-solving
  • Creative thinking and fostering creativity
  • Factors influencing decision-making and judgement
  • Recent trends.
9. Motivation and Emotion
  • Psychological and physiological basis of motivation and emotion
  • Measurement of motivation and emotion
  • Effects of motivation and emotion on behaviour
  • Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
  • Factors influencing intrinsic motivation
  • Emotional competence and related issues.
10. Intelligence and Aptitude
  • Concept of intelligence and aptitude
  • Nature and theories of intelligence (Spearman, Thurstone, Guilford Vernon, Sternberg and J.P. Das)
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Social Intelligence
  • Measurement of intelligence and aptitudes, Concept of IQ, deviation IQ , constancy of IQ
  • Measurement of multiple intelligence
  • Fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.
11. Personality
  • Definition and concept of personality
  • Theories of personality (psychoanalytical, sociocultural, interpersonal, developmental, humanistic, behaviouristic, trait and type approaches)
  • Measurement of personality (projective tests, pencil-paper test)
  • The Indian approach to personality
  • Training for personality development
  • Latest approaches like the big 5-factor theory
  • The notion of self in different traditions.
12. Attitudes, Values and Interests
  • Definitions of attitudes, values and interests
  • Components of attitudes
  • Formation and maintenance of attitudes.
  • Measurement of attitudes, values, and interests.
  • Theories of attitude changes
  • Strategies for fostering values.
  • Formation o f stereotypes and prejudices
  • Changing other’s behaviour
  • Theories of attribution ; Recent trends.
13. Language and Communication
  • Human language —Properties, structure, and linguistic hierarchy
  • Language acquisition —predisposition, critical period hypothesis
  • Theories of Language Development —Skinner and Chomsky
  • Process and types of communication —effective communication training.
14. Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary Psychology
  • Computer application in the psychological laboratory and psychological testing
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Psycho-cybernetics
  • Study of Consciousness
  • Sleep-wake schedules, Dreams, Stimulus deprivation, Meditation, hypnotic/drug-induced states
  • Extrasensory perception
  • Intersensory perception
  • Simulation studies

UPSC Psychology Optional Paper 2 Syllabus 

Paper 2 of Psychology Optional revolves around issues and applications of psychological concepts such as measurements, abnormal psychology, ethical issues, social integration, etc. Candidates should approach these subjects only after having gone through the Paper 1 topics. Here is the detailed syllabus for Psychology Optional Paper 2:
Psychology: Issues and Applications (Paper II)
Topics Subtopics
1. Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences
  • The nature of individual differences.
  • Characteristics and construction of standardized psychological tests .
  • Types of psychological tests.
  • Use, misuse and limitation of psychological tests.
  • Ethical issues in the use of psychological tests.
2. Psychological Well-being and Mental Disorders
  • Concept of health-ill health, positive health, well-being
  • Casual factors in Mental disorders (Anxiety disorders, mood disorders; schizophrenia and delusional disorders; personality disorders, substance abuse disorders).
  • Factors influencing positive health, well-being
  • Lifestyle and quality of life
  • Happiness disposition.
3. Therapeutic Approaches
  • Psychodynamic therapies.
  • Behaviour therapies.
  • Client-centered therapy.
  • Cognitive therapies.
  • Indigenous therapies (Yoga, Meditation).
  • Biofeedback therapy.
  • Prevention and rehabilitation of the mentally ill.
  • Fostering mental health.
4. Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour
  • Personnel selection and training.
  • Use of Psychological tests in the industry.
  • Training and human resource development.
  • Theories of work motivation . (Herzberg, Maslow, Adam Equity theory, Porter and Lawler, Vroom).
  • Leadership and participatory management
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Stress and its managemen t;
  • Ergonomics; consumer psychology
  • Managerial effectiveness; Transformational leadership
  • Sensitivity training
  • Power and politics in organizations.
5. Application of Psychology to Educational Field
  • Psychological principles underlying effective teaching-learning process.
  • Learning styles.
  • Gifted, retarded, learning disabled and their training.
  • Training for improving memory and better academic achievement.
  • Personality development and value education.
  • Educational, vocational guidance and Career counselling.
  • Use of Psychological tests in educational institutions
  • Effective strategies in guidance programmes.
6. Community Psychology
  • Definition and concept of Community Psychology.
  • Use of small groups in social action.
  • Arousing Community consciousness and action for handling social problems.
  • Group decision-making and leadership for social change.
  • Effective strategies for social change.
7. Rehabilitation Psychology
  • Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes —role of psychologists.
  • Organising of services for rehabilitation of physically, mentally and socially challenged persons including old persons.
  • Rehabilitation of persons suffering from substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, and criminal behaviours.
  • Rehabilitation of victims of violence.
  • Rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS victims
  • The role of social agencies .
8. Application of Psychology to disadvantaged groups
  • The concepts of disadvantaged, deprivation social, physical, cultural, and economic consequence s of disadvantaged and deprived groups.
  • Educating and motivating the disadvantaged towards development
  • Relative and prolonged deprivation.
9. Psychological problem of social integration
  • The concept of social integration .
  • The problem of caste, class, religion, and language conflicts and prejudice.
  • Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the ingroup and outgroup .
  • Casual factors of such conflicts and prejudices.
  • Psychological strategies for handling conflicts and prejudices.
  • Measures to achieve social integration.
10. Application of Psychology in Information Technology and Mass Media
  • The present scenario of information technology and the mass media boom and the role of psychologists.
  • Selection and training of Psychology professionals to work in the field of IT and mass media.
  • Distance learning through IT and mass media.
  • Entrepreneurship through e-commerce.
  • Multilevel marketing.
  • Impact of TV and fostering value through IT and mass media.
  • Psychological consequences of recent developments in Information Technology.
11. Psychology and Economic development
  • Achievement motivation and economic development.
  • Characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour.
  • Motivating and Training people for entrepreneurship and economic development
  • Consumer rights and consumer awareness
  • Government policies for promotion of entrepreneurship among youth including women entrepreneurs.
12. Application of Psychology to environment and related fields
  • Environmental Psychology , effects of noise, pollution and crowding.
  • Population Psychology
  • Psychological consequence of population explosion and high population density.
  • Motivating for small family norms.
  • Impact of rapid scientific and technological growth on degradation of the environment .
13. Application of psychology in other fields
  • Military Psychology: Devising psychological tests for defence personnel for use in selection, Training, counselling, and training psychologists to work with defence personnel in promoting positive health. Human engineering in defence.
  • Sports Psychology: Psychological interventions in improving the performance of athletes and sports. Persons participating in Individual and Team Games
  • Media influences on pro and anti-social behaviour.
  • Psychology of Terrorism .
14. Psychology of Gender
  • Issues of discrimination
  • Management of diversity
  • Glass ceiling effect
  • Self-fulfilling prophesy
  • Women and Indian society

UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus PDF Download

The  UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus PDF is available in the official notification of the UPSC. The syllabus covers both theoretical and applied aspects, making it an excellent choice for aspirants with or without a background in the subject. This PDF provides the complete and updated UPSC Psychology Optional syllabus, structured to help candidates plan their preparation effectively. Candidates can download the Psychology optional UPSC syllabus PDF from here:

UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus PDF Download - Click Here

Why Choose Psychology Optional in UPSC Mains? 

The concepts of psychology are not limited to textbooks and are applicable to life. Even after clearing the exam, candidates can use their learnings during administration to manage the manpower and public service. For instance, social psychology's concepts and case studies have practical applications. Psychology optional has its own merits and demerits, which must be known to aspirants. The pros and cons of opting for psychology as an optional subject are as follows:

Pros of Choosing Psychology Optional

The advantages of selecting Psychology as an optional in UPSC CSE are:
  • Interesting Subject: Psychology is regarded as one of the most interesting subjects due to its application in daily life, which makes it easier to devote hours to it.
  • Study Material: Compared to other subjects, the books and other learning resources are limited and readily available for the psychology optional; however, they require effort.
  • Scope to Score: Candidates can fetch marks by providing real-life examples in their answers. For instance, while answering a question on intrinsic motivation, candidates can use daily examples.
  • No Specialization: While prior knowledge may add an advantage in this subject, the psychology optional in UPSC can be studied and understood by any graduate.
  • Application: The subject can be useful in the Essay and Ethics papers to some extent.

Cons of Choosing Psychology Optional

While the subject may seem interesting, candidates should always consider both sides before choosing any optional subject. The disadvantages of going for this optional subject are as follows:
  • Lengthy syllabus: The syllabus of psychology is quite vast, and candidates need to put extra effort into completing some minor but important topics.
  • Subjective Paper 2: Due to the subjective nature of Paper 2, this paper is slightly less scoring.
  • Lack of Support: Psychology is one of those subjects with a lack of quality test series and guidance. Candidates often struggle with finding the right mentorship in this optional.
  • Less Overlap: Except for Essay and Ethics, the syllabus rarely overlaps with any GS subject.

UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper

The Psychology previous year's question papers are the best guide for candidates. By analysing previous year’s questions in the psychology optional, candidates can understand the requirements of this subject and high-yield topics. Here is the link to download the previous year's question papers:
Download Psychology Previous Year Question Paper
Year Paper Download Link
2024
 		 Psychology Paper I  Click Here
Psychology Paper II  Click Here
2023 Psychology Paper I Click Here
Psychology Paper II Click Here
2022 Psychology Paper I Click Here
Psychology Paper II Click Here
2021 Psychology Paper I Click Here
Psychology Paper II Click Here
2020 Psychology Paper I Click Here
Psychology Paper II Click Here  

UPSC Psychology Optional Books

The psychology books for UPSC mains are comparably limited. Candidates have to rely on foreign authors’ textbooks to prepare foundational concepts in psychology. Toppers recommends utilising online research and case studies after going through books on psychology for UPSC. Here is the booklist to study for Psychology optional subject:
Psychology Optional Books for UPSC Mains
Paper 1 Booklist Paper 2 Booklist
NCERTs 11th and 12th NCERTs 11th and 12th
Psychology (Fifth Edition) by Robert A Baron Applied Psychology by Smarak Swain
Psychology by Morgan and King (Selective Chapters like Attitude and Intelligence) Abnormal Psychology & Modern Life James.C. Coleman
Psychology by Saundra Ciccarelli (South Asian Edition) Social Psychology by Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, and Robin M. Akert
Systems & Theories of Psychology by Krawiec & Chaplin The Psychology of Small Groups Shaw
Social Psychology by Baron and Branscombe  
Research book by AK Singh  

UPSC Psychology Optional Preparation Strategy 

The trick to scoring well in psychology is having a good plan. Candidates should begin their preparation by analysing the syllabus and PYQs of psychology. The next step is to cover the syllabus using standard resources. Here is a strategy for the psychology optional in UPSC mains:
  • Strengthen Basics: Ensure that you have studied all topics from cover to cover. Do not ignore NCERTs of classes 11th and 12th as these books simplify crucial topics like biological behaviour, perception, etc.
  • Study Topic wise: After going through core books, research for trivial topics like brainstorming from online resources. Do not neglect any topic in the Psychology optional.
  • Make Notes: Going through bulky books like Baron is not possible multiple times during revision, also some concepts are better explained in different books. Therefore, make topic-wise notes from the most comprehensive book for that particular topic.
  • Online Sources: Make notes of reliable case studies, experiments, and theories available online for topics not available in regular books and practice using them in answers. Refer to the toppers’ psychology notes for UPSC as a reference.
  • Paper 1 First: Candidates should ensure that they have a solid command of every topic of paper 1 of the psychology optional before proceeding with paper 2. The paper concepts are applied to paper 2, also candidates are expected to do research for the application part of this paper.
  • Apply Concepts: One of the benefits of this subject is that candidates can apply their learning during preparation. For example, learning theories and mnemonic techniques are highly useful during study.
  • Answer Writing: Practice answering questions from previous years, and join a psychology optional test series for mains. Learn to incorporate the names of psychologists, real-life examples, and experiments to fetch marks.

Psychology Optional Success Rate

 The psychology optional has produced decent results, including many toppers achieving good ranks such as AIR 1 Dr. Shena Aggarwal. The past five years' track record, as per the official UPSC report of 2018, reflects that the success rate of this subject is good.

Psychology Optional Success Rate
Year Success Rate Candidates Appeared Candidates Cleared
2017 10.9% 193 21
2016 10.9% 1061 116
2015 11.8% 238 28
2014 15.8% 373 59
2013 9.8% 348 34

The Psychology optional highest mark is 333,  which was achieved by Anuraj Jain AIR 24 (2018). IAS toppers with psychology optional are:

Get ready to achieve your dream of becoming an IAS with us, join UPSC coaching at Physics Wallah now!

UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Which optional is better among sociology and psychology?

Both optional subjects have their own advantages; therefore, candidates should decide based on their interests.

Which book is best for the psychology optional in UPSC Mains?

The NCERTs, Psychology by Robert A. Baron, Psychology by Morgan and King, and Psychology by Saundra Ciccarelli is best for Paper 1 and for Paper 2 the Applied Psychology by Smarak Swain is the best.

Is the psychology optional syllabus lengthy?

Yes, the syllabus of psychology is lengthy and requires various sources other than books.

What is the success rate of the psychology optional in UPSC CSE?

The success rate of the psychology optional in UPSC CSE is usually around 10% on average.

How to score good marks in the psychology optional?

Practice answer writing and use examples to score good marks in psychology optional.
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