UPSC Exams-Optional Selection-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling

Dear Sir, I am doing my graduation in Agriculture 3rd year. Help me in choosing the optional for prelim and the mains. What is the success rate of botany as optional and whether it is scoring or not? I am also considering optionals like Sociology and Public administration? Which of these optionals is best considering the fact that my first optional is Agriculture

- Shyam Sundar

Agriculture graduates really perform well in civil services after medical sciences. Both the science and arts subjects are easy for the Agriculture graduates, as they study both in their graduation. So preparation of general studies won't be a problem.
As you are in third year you should start general studies as well. The tips are there in the Book. Just follow it as per the guidance.

As an optional Agriculture is really doing well. The success ratio of Agriculture is about 1:6. to score good marks, follow the strategy given in our website.
The success ratio of Botany is about 1:9 to 1:10.

While selecting the optional one should also consider the following factor.

1. Vastness/Coverage of these subjects.

2. Similarities in the syllabus.

3. Similarities in the question pattern

4. Exam time gap between the subjects. There are times exams are back to

back. Persons who need little revision find it difficult if the exams are back to back
5. Usefulness in the general studies preparation.

If we consider all the factors Botany has more close relation with Agriculture as compared to other two. Public Administration is useful in General Studies. Sociology is neither similar nor useful in General Studies.
Other important subject, you missed is Geography. This has similarity with agriculture and useful in the General Studies. Normally agriculture students go for Botany or Geography in general. Other two subjects you have mentioned also are opted by Agriculture students.

Now it is you to decide based on the detailed syllabus, previous years questions and your interest. This will give an idea to select an appropriate subject as second optional.