# Ways to Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC Exam The UPSC exam is widely recognized as one of the most difficult exams worldwide, and for many people, passing it, securing a position in top government services, and working in various ministries and departments in India is an aspiration. This exam is conducted for administrative posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and others, and numerous individuals embark on the journey to prepare for it. However, commencing the preparation itself can be a daunting task. The UPSC Exam is held in 3 phases, i.e. the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the interview. Aspirants can check the detailed ias syllabus from the notification released by UPSC. Before beginning the preparation for the UPSC exam, it is crucial to comprehend the syllabus thoroughly. Understanding the syllabus provides a roadmap or structure on how to initiate the preparation. The UPSC syllabus is expansive, and it requires a well-planned approach. After obtaining a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern, the next phase of [UPSC exam preparation](https://www.drishtiias.com/) begins. To commence, it is necessary to determine the mode of preparation, i.e., whether to opt for self-study or join an institute. Once a decision has been made, developing an effective study plan is crucial. Even if one joins an institute, a self-made study plan that caters to individual strengths and weaknesses is vital. To ensure comprehensive exam preparation, regular practice and consistency are also essential, including attempting mock tests, solving previous year’s papers, and more. It is necessary to strengthen one’s basic concepts before commencing the actual preparation. Therefore, beginning with NCERT and gradually progressing from there is recommended. Candidates who successfully clear the preliminary exam are eligible to participate in the main examination, which comprises descriptive papers on various topics such as English, an optional subject, and an essay. The optional subject, along with the general studies papers, plays a crucial role in determining a candidate’s final scores in the exam. Therefore, it is essential for candidates to meticulously choose an optional subject that can help them secure high marks. Self Evaluation Method for choosing optional subject — Ask yourself below 7 questions - How much time do you have? Does the subject overlap with the GS part in Prelims/Mains? Do you have prior knowledge about the subject? Does the subject match your skills? Are you choosing the subject only with a scoring perspective or interest perspective or both? Do you have a personal interest in the subject? Can the syllabus be completed within the time available? When selecting optional subjects for the UPSC exam, several factors should be considered. These include: **Scalability:** The most crucial factor to consider is the subject’s scalability, which can be determined by examining past data on the most scoring subjects. **Self-Capability:** Candidates should choose a subject based on their own skills and strengths. For instance, aspirants with exceptional writing skills may find subjects like Political Science and History suitable, while those with excellent diagrammatic or representation skills may find subjects like Geography and Physics more appropriate. **Experience and Background:** It is advisable to select subjects in which the candidate has prior knowledge or experience, as this can help them score higher in the optional. **Length of Syllabus:** Candidates should choose an optional subject that can be feasibly completed within the available duration, as a vast syllabus may not be manageable. **Accessibility to Study Material:** It is recommended to select a subject that has ample study materials available, such as previous year’s question papers, mock tests, online content, etc. Every year, numerous UPSC aspirants flock to coaching institutes in pursuit of fulfilling their dream of cracking the exam. For the majority of these aspirants, Delhi is considered the top priority for joining an institute. This is due to the fact that many of the institutions in this area are well-established and have a long-standing history of delivering excellent results. Areas in Delhi such as Rajinder Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Mukherjee Nagar are renowned for providing some of the best [IAS coaching Centre in Delhi](https://www.drishtiias.com/classroom-program/delhi-coaching-centre).