UPSC Mains Optional Subject Syllabus 2026: Download Subject-Wise PDF, Previous Papers & Important Topics
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to recruit candidates for prestigious services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A services. After qualifying the Prelims stage, candidates appear for the UPSC Mains Examination, where the Optional Subject plays a decisive role in final ranking.
UPSC Mains Optional Subject Syllabus: Choosing the right optional subject and understanding its latest syllabus is one of the most critical steps in UPSC preparation. In this article, you can check the complete UPSC Mains Optional Subject Syllabus 2026, list of optional subjects, literature options, exam pattern, and preparation guidance.
UPSC Mains Optional Subject 2026 – Overview
The UPSC Mains Examination consists of 9 descriptive papers, out of which 2 papers (Optional Paper I & II) are based on one optional subject chosen by the candidate. Both papers carry 250 marks each, making the optional subject a total of 500 marks, which directly affects the final merit list.
Key Highlights
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One optional subject selected by the candidate
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Two papers: Optional Paper I & II
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Total Marks: 500
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Medium of answer writing allowed (subject-wise)
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Syllabus remains largely static but must be checked officially every year
UPSC Optional Subject List 2026 (All Subjects)
UPSC allows candidates to choose ONE optional subject from a list of 48 subjects, divided into Traditional Subjects and Literature Subjects.
📘 Traditional Optional Subjects (25)
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Agriculture
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Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
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Anthropology
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Botany
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Chemistry
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Civil Engineering
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Commerce & Accountancy
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Economics
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Electrical Engineering
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Geography
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Geology
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History
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Law
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Management
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Mathematics
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Mechanical Engineering
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Medical Science
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Philosophy
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Physics
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Political Science & International Relations
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Psychology
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Public Administration
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Sociology
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Statistics
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Zoology
📚 Literature Optional Subjects (23)
Candidates can also choose one language literature as their optional subject:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English.
📌 Important: A candidate can choose a literature subject even if they have not studied it at graduation level.
UPSC Optional Subject Syllabus 2026 – What Does It Include?
Each optional subject syllabus is divided into Paper I and Paper II, covering:
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Core concepts and theory
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Thinkers, scholars, and schools of thought
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Contemporary relevance and applied aspects
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Case studies / analytical questions (subject-specific)
The syllabus is detailed and fixed, which makes optional subjects highly scoring when prepared strategically.
UPSC Optional Subject Syllabus PDF 2026 – How to Download?
Candidates are advised to download the official syllabus PDF before finalising their optional subject.
Steps to Download UPSC Optional Syllabus PDF:
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Visit the official UPSC website
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Go to Examinations → Civil Services Examination
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Open the “Syllabus” section
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Select your optional subject
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Download Paper I & Paper II syllabus PDF
Always refer to the official syllabus PDF for accuracy and completeness.
UPSC Optional Papers Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 | 3 Hours |
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Answers must be descriptive
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Questions test conceptual clarity, analysis, and depth
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Optional papers are evaluated strictly but fairly
How to Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC 2026?
Choosing the optional subject should be a strategic decision, not based on trends alone.
Factors to Consider:
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Interest in the subject
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Availability of study material & guidance
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Overlap with General Studies
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Previous year scoring trends
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Time required for preparation
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Background knowledge (if any)
Popular optionals like Sociology, Geography, PSIR, Public Administration, Anthropology are often chosen due to syllabus overlap, while technical subjects suit candidates with engineering or science backgrounds.
Importance of Optional Subject in Final UPSC Rank
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Optional subject marks = 500
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Difference between top ranks often lies in optional performance
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Strong optional preparation can compensate for GS fluctuations
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Consistent scoring optional increases selection probability
NaukriBee Insight
Most UPSC aspirants fail not due to lack of effort, but due to poor optional subject planning. Finalise your optional early, download the syllabus, analyse previous year questions, and integrate optional preparation with GS wherever possible. Optional is not just another paper — it’s your rank booster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I change my optional subject later?
Yes, but frequent changes waste preparation time. Finalise early.
Q2. Is optional syllabus same every year?
Mostly yes, but always check the official syllabus PDF.
Q3. Which optional is best for UPSC 2026?
There is no universal “best”. Choose based on interest + strategy.
Q4. Can optional be written in Hindi/Regional language?
Yes, subject-wise language options are allowed.
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