UPSC Optional Subjects Analysis — Topper-wise Statistics
Comprehensive analysis of optional subjects chosen by UPSC CSE top rankers. View which optionals produced the most toppers, average ranks, and success patterns. Click on any optional subject to see detailed topper lists, marks breakdown, and preparation strategies.
Total Optionals
24
Popular Optionals
7
10+ toppers
Most Chosen
Sociology
Data Coverage
2022-2024
Most Popular Optional Subjects
| Optional Subject | No. of Toppers | Avg Rank | View Toppers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 42 | AIR 227 | View All Toppers → |
| PSIR | 37 | AIR 278 | View All Toppers → |
| Geography | 34 | AIR 235 | View All Toppers → |
| Anthropology | 32 | AIR 231 | View All Toppers → |
| Mathematics | 19 | AIR 225 | View All Toppers → |
| Law | 15 | AIR 246 | View All Toppers → |
| Economics | 11 | AIR 312 | View All Toppers → |
Other Optional Subjects
| Optional Subject | No. of Toppers | Avg Rank | View Toppers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi Literature | 9 | AIR 431 | View All Toppers → |
| Optional Subject | 8 | AIR 28 | View All Toppers → |
| Electrical Engineering | 7 | AIR 225 | View All Toppers → |
| History | 6 | AIR 307 | View All Toppers → |
| Medical Science | 6 | AIR 194 | View All Toppers → |
| Commerce & Accountancy | 6 | AIR 206 | View All Toppers → |
| Public Administration | 5 | AIR 224 | View All Toppers → |
| Psychology | 5 | AIR 342 | View All Toppers → |
| Physics | 5 | AIR 111 | View All Toppers → |
| Chemistry | 4 | AIR 337 | View All Toppers → |
| Philosophy | 4 | AIR 220 | View All Toppers → |
| Political Science & International Relations | 4 | AIR 3 | View All Toppers → |
Choosing the Right Optional Subject
Popular vs Right Optional
While some optionals like PSIR, Geography, and Sociology are popular among toppers, the right optional depends on your background, interest, and availability of study material. Analyze topper patterns but choose based on your strengths.
Optional Marks Contribution
Optional papers carry 500 marks (2 papers × 250 marks each) out of 1750 written marks. A strong optional can boost your total significantly. Top rankers typically score 250-350 marks combined in optional papers.
Using This Data
Click on any optional subject to see detailed topper lists, average marks, rank distribution, and preparation strategies. This helps you understand success patterns and make informed decisions.