Best Optional Subject for UPSC Mains Exam 2025: Choosing the best optional subject for UPSC Mains is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your overall score and final ranking. With the right subject, you can maximise your strengths to boost your chances of success in this highly competitive exam.
While each of the 48 optional subjects on the list has equal potential to perform well, a few subjects have been found to have a higher success rate in the 72nd Annual Report of the UPSC. Read on to learn about the best optional subject for UPSC Mains and how to choose it.Optional Subject | Number of Candidates Appeared | Number of Candidates Recommended | Success Rate (Percent) |
PSIR | 1863 | 154 | 8.3% |
Geography | 1322 | 95 | 7.2% |
Sociology | 1245 | 115 | 9.2% |
Anthropology | 1211 | 100 | 8.3% |
History | 581 | 24 | 4.1% |
Mathematics | 580 | 26 | 4.5% |
Public Administration | 509 | 38 | 7.5% |
Philosophy | 347 | 20 | 5.8% |
Hindi Literature | 226 | 19 | 8.4% |
Economics | 236 | 31 | 13.1% |
Here is the list of the top 5 rankers in the UPSC CSE Mains exam along with their optional subject choice:
Rank | Topper | Optional Subject |
1 | Shakti Dubey | Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) |
2 | Harshita Goyal | Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) |
3 | Dongre Archit Parag | Philosophy |
4 | Shah Margi Chirag | Sociology |
5 | Aakash Garg | Sociology |
To conclude, choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Mains 2025 is a personal and strategic decision that plays a crucial role in your final score and rank. While subjects like PSIR, Sociology, and Geography continue to be popular among toppers and show consistent success rates, it's important to select a subject that aligns with your academic background, interest, and preparation strategy. Rather than chasing trends or perceived "easy" subjects, focus on what you can master with confidence.
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