The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the most competitive in India, and the choice of an optional subject can make or break a candidate’s chances. As of September 2025, UPSC aspirants are carefully analyzing data on success rates, scoring potential, and popularity of various optionals before filling out their mains application.
This article highlights the best optional subjects UPSC 2025, based on official trends, toppers’ choices, and overall performance in the last few exam cycles.
Why the Optional Subject Matters So Much
The UPSC mains examination consists of nine papers, out of which two papers (Paper VI and VII) are devoted to the optional subject, carrying a total of 500 marks. The optional therefore:
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Directly influences the final rank.
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Can improve selection chances if chosen wisely.
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Requires balancing interest, availability of study material, and scoring trends.
Choosing an optional is not about popularity alone—it’s about strategy.
Factors Considered for Best Optionals in 2025
Before ranking, UPSC experts looked at:
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Success rate: Percentage of candidates clearing mains with that subject.
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Overlap with GS papers: Helps reduce preparation burden.
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Availability of resources: Coaching, notes, test series.
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Background of candidates: Science, commerce, or humanities.
Top 5 Optional Subjects for UPSC 2025
1. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
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Popularity: Chosen by nearly 25% of candidates in 2025.
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Success Rate: 8–10%.
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Why It Works: Heavy overlap with GS Papers II & IV, plus relevance in essay writing.
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Who Should Choose: Candidates with interest in current affairs, governance, and diplomacy.
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Trend in 2025: Many toppers continue to come from PSIR background.
2. Sociology
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Popularity: Around 18% of aspirants prefer Sociology.
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Success Rate: 9–11%.
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Why It Works: Easy to understand even without academic background.
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Overlap: GS Paper I (society), essays, and ethics.
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Trend in 2025: Increasingly popular among candidates with arts or commerce background.
3. Geography
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Popularity: Around 15% of aspirants.
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Success Rate: 6–8%.
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Why It Works: Visual subject with maps, diagrams, and overlap with GS Paper I.
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Challenge: Syllabus is vast, requiring consistent practice.
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Trend in 2025: Remains steady, though slightly less popular compared to PSIR.
4. Anthropology
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Popularity: 10–12% candidates.
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Success Rate: 9–10%.
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Why It Works: Compact syllabus, high-scoring potential, especially in Paper II.
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Trend in 2025: Strong choice for science graduates due to structured approach.
5. Public Administration (Pub Ad)
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Popularity: About 12% of aspirants.
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Success Rate: 7–9%.
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Why It Works: Direct overlap with GS Paper II and governance-related essays.
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Trend in 2025: Regaining popularity after a dip in past years due to scoring consistency.
Other Popular Optionals in 2025
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History: Traditional choice but vast syllabus.
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Economics: Popular among commerce graduates, though technical.
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Law: Favored by law graduates; useful for GS II and III.
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Literature Subjects: Hindi, English, and regional languages see steady interest.
Choosing the Right Optional for You
While the best optional subjects UPSC 2025 list gives broad guidance, aspirants should consider:
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Interest & Aptitude: A subject you enjoy sustains motivation.
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Background Knowledge: Prior academic familiarity helps.
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Overlap With GS: Saves time in preparation.
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Availability of Guidance: Coaching and test series can be crucial.
For example, a political science graduate may benefit from PSIR, while a science background candidate may find Anthropology more manageable.
Trends Observed in September 2025
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PSIR remains the most chosen subject with strong success rates.
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Sociology continues to rise in popularity due to ease of understanding.
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Anthropology attracts science students for its scoring potential.
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Geography is steady but requires extra effort due to vast content.
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Optional success rate is narrowing, meaning strategy matters more than subject popularity.
FAQs
Which optional has the highest success rate in UPSC 2025?
Sociology and Anthropology have recorded some of the highest success rates this year, around 9–11%.
Is Political Science still the most popular optional?
Yes, PSIR remains the top choice due to its overlap with GS and relevance to current affairs.
Which optional should science graduates choose?
Anthropology and Public Administration are highly recommended for science graduates.
Is Geography a safe optional for 2025?
Yes, but it requires commitment due to its vast syllabus.
Can a beginner choose Sociology without academic background?
Absolutely. Sociology is considered one of the easiest optionals to start from scratch.