A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your UPSC Optional Subject: Geography, History, Political Science & International Relations

Explore the advantages of choosing Geography, History, or Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) as your UPSC optional subject. Learn how Ojaank IAS Academy in Noida offers expert coaching and personalized guidance for these subjects to help aspirants excel in the Civil Services Examination.

Selecting the right optional subject is a crucial decision in your UPSC preparation. With multiple subjects to choose from, candidates often feel overwhelmed, and it's important to pick a subject that aligns with both their interest and scoring potential. Among the most popular choices for UPSC aspirants are Geography, History, and Political Science & International Relations. These subjects not only have a well-defined syllabus but also overlap with General Studies papers, making them advantageous for candidates.


In this blog, we'll explore these three subjects, their significance, and how Ojaank IAS Academy in Noida provides quality teaching for all three options.


 1. Geography as an Optional Subject


Geography is a widely chosen optional subject due to its scientific approach and the relevance of its topics in daily life. The syllabus covers physical geography, human geography, and Indian geography, along with topics like environmental geography and climate change, which are crucial for contemporary issues.


- Why Choose Geography?

  - It offers a well-structured and comprehensive syllabus.

  - Significant overlap with GS Paper I (Geography section) and GS Paper III (Environment and Disaster Management).

  - Availability of resources and study material.

  - Scoring potential for students who can grasp maps, diagrams, and real-world examples.


- Best for: Candidates with an analytical mindset and an interest in understanding natural processes and human impacts on the earth.


 2. History as an Optional Subject


History is another subject that enjoys immense popularity among UPSC aspirants. The syllabus is divided into three main sections: Ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History, along with world history topics. It is a subject that requires a lot of reading and understanding of timelines, events, and their causes.


- Why Choose History?

  - High overlap with GS Paper I (History and Culture) and GS Paper IV (Ethics – Historical Perspective).

  - Useful for understanding the evolution of socio-political structures in India and the world.

  - The subject has a lot of factual data but requires deep understanding and interpretation.

  - Ideal for candidates who are passionate about reading history and understanding events in a cause-effect manner.


- Best for: Aspirants who enjoy reading and can connect historical events with present-day developments.


 3. Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) as an Optional Subject


Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) is increasingly becoming a favorite among aspirants due to its dynamic nature and its relevance to the General Studies syllabus, especially GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) and GS Paper III (International Relations).


- Why Choose PSIR?


  - Direct overlap with key areas of the General Studies syllabus (Polity and International Relations).

  - Helps in developing an understanding of Indian politics, political theories, and global dynamics.

  - Requires analytical thinking and staying updated with current affairs, especially global events.

  - High-scoring for those who can connect theories with current political scenarios.


- Best for: Aspirants with a keen interest in political science, governance, and international relations.


 Ojaank IAS Academy Noida: A One-Stop Destination for Geography, History, and PSIR


Ojaank IAS Academy in Noida has emerged as one of the premier coaching institutes for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Known for its expert faculty and personalized teaching methods, the academy offers coaching for all three popular optional subjects: Geography, History, and Political Science & International Relations (PSIR).


Why Choose Ojaank IAS Academy for Your Optional Subject?


- Experienced Faculty: The academy has a team of seasoned educators who specialize in their respective subjects. They provide in-depth insights and help students develop a conceptual understanding.

- Structured Syllabus Coverage: The coaching programs are designed to cover the entire syllabus efficiently while leaving ample time for revision.

- Interactive Teaching Methods: Ojaank IAS Academy emphasizes student engagement through interactive sessions, regular tests, and personalized feedback to improve answer writing skills.

- Comprehensive Study Material: The academy provides well-curated study material, including notes, books, and previous year question papers, to ensure comprehensive preparation.

- Focus on Current Affairs: For subjects like PSIR, the faculty ensures that students stay updated with global and national political developments, which is crucial for both optional papers and General Studies.


Whether you are inclined toward Geography, History, or Political Science & International Relations, Ojaank IAS Academy equips you with the right guidance and resources to excel in the optional subject of your choice.


Choosing the right optional subject for UPSC can be a game-changer in your preparation journey. Geography, History, and PSIR are three well-established subjects with considerable overlap in the General Studies papers, making them advantageous for UPSC aspirants. 


For those looking for expert guidance, Ojaank IAS Academy in Noida provides comprehensive coaching for all three subjects, helping students navigate the complexities of the UPSC exam and achieve their goals. With the right mentorship and structured preparation, success in the Civil Services Examination becomes much more attainable.

Read more articles in Guidance & Strategy