Choosing the right UPSC Optional Subject and getting the right guidance can make a huge difference in your IAS Mains marks. ClearIAS offers online optional subject courses that focus on conceptual clarity, exam-oriented coverage, and answer writing practice.
On this page, you can explore all ClearIAS Optional Courses – understand who
each optional is ideal for, and directly access the detailed course pages.
Why Your UPSC Optional Subject Choice Matters
In UPSC Mains, the optional subject carries 500 marks
(Paper I and II). A strong optional can:
- Boost your total score and improve your rank.
- Offset slightly weaker performance in some GS papers.
- Give you an edge if the subject overlaps with GS or your background.
A poorly chosen optional, on the other hand, can become a burden and
delay your selection by years. That’s why we have designed
ClearIAS Optional Courses with a focus on:
- Conceptual clarity from basics to advanced level.
- Complete syllabus coverage as per UPSC trends.
- Answer writing training for high-quality mains answers.
- Smart notes and revisions to save your time.
UPSC Optional Subject Courses Offered by ClearIAS
ClearIAS plans to offer a curated set of high-scoring, popular, and manageable optional subjects.
Each course will have its own detailed page with features, syllabus coverage, class plan, and fee details.
Sociology Optional Course
Known for its short syllabus, good overlap with GS and Essay, and relatively
predictable questions. Suitable for aspirants from any academic background.
Anthropology Optional Course
Popular for high-scoring potential when prepared scientifically. Attractive for
those with interest in humans, evolution, tribes, and society.
Psychology Optional Course
Ideal for aspirants interested in human behaviour, motivation, learning, personality
and real-life applications. Helps in Essay and Interview as well.
Political Science & IR Optional Course
Strong overlap with GS Paper II, International Relations, and current affairs.
Suitable for those who enjoy politics, diplomacy, and global issues.
Public Administration Optional Course
Connects directly with governance and administration. Helpful in GS II, GS IV,
and Interview, especially for those targeting administrative roles.
Law Optional Course
Best suited for law graduates or those willing to work with bare acts and case laws.
Overlaps with Polity, Governance, and some parts of Ethics.
Economics Optional Course
For aspirants who like numbers, graphs, policies, and analysis. Strong synergy with
Indian Economy in GS and for policy-oriented roles.
Philosophy Optional Course
Syllabus is compact and conceptual rather than factual. Helps in
Ethics, Essay, and Interview by sharpening your thinking.
History Optional Course
Recommended for aspirants who already have a strong interest in Ancient, Medieval,
and Modern History. Good overlap with GS Paper I.
Zoology Optional Course
Suitable for candidates with a background in Biology, Biotech, Veterinary Science, or Medicine.
Strong scientific orientation and scoring potential for the right profile.
More optional subjects may be added gradually based on demand, faculty availability, and UPSC trends.
How to Choose the Right Optional Subject for You
There is no single “best optional” for everyone. The right choice depends on your
background, interest, aptitude, and time available. Use this simple checklist:
- Interest: Can you read this subject for 2–3 hours daily without getting bored?
- Background: Do you have prior exposure (degree, work, or serious reading)?
- Overlap: Does it help in GS, Essay, or Interview?
- Material & guidance: Are good classes, notes, and previous-year analysis easily available?
- Scoring pattern: Is the subject reasonably stable and not extremely unpredictable?
If you are confused between 2–3 optionals, you can:
- Go through the syllabus and a few chapters of each.
- See previous year questions to understand the level of thinking required.
- Talk to mentors or seniors who have written the exam with that optional.
You may also reach out to the ClearIAS team for guidance on choosing
your optional subject and course.
Common Features of ClearIAS Optional Courses
While each optional has its own teaching style and faculty, most ClearIAS Optional Courses
share some common features:
- Complete syllabus coverage for both Paper I and Paper II.
- Concept-first teaching with real-life examples and case studies.
- Topic-wise notes and PDFs in an easy-to-revise format.
- Answer writing practice with model answers and feedback (where applicable).
- Previous year question (PYQ) analysis and trend mapping.
- Flexible access – learn through mobile app or web platform.
Some optionals may also include exclusive doubt-clearing sessions, test series,
or mentorship support depending on the course design.
Integrate Your Optional Course with GS, Test Series, and Mentorship
An optional subject cannot be prepared in isolation. ClearIAS encourages you to
integrate your optional preparation with:
-
GS Full Syllabus Courses – to ensure your General Studies preparation
is complete. See GS Full Syllabus Courses. -
UPSC Test Series – for answer writing practice and time management.
Explore Prelims and Mains Test Series. -
Essay & Ethics modules – to build your writing style and
ethical reasoning. -
Interview guidance – to connect optional knowledge with real-world
policy questions in the Personality Test.
Who Should Join a ClearIAS Optional Subject Course?
Ideal for
- Aspirants who have finalised their optional subject.
- Those who want structured guidance rather than self-study alone.
- Candidates targeting a specific attempt like UPSC CSE 2026 or 2027 and
want to align optional prep with GS. - Working professionals who need time-efficient, curated content.
Maybe not ideal for
- Aspirants who have not yet shortlisted 2–3 potential optionals.
- Those expecting “magic tricks” without consistent effort.
- Students who only want notes but are not ready to invest time in
answer writing practice.
How to Enrol in a ClearIAS Optional Course
- Shortlist 1–2 optional subjects that genuinely interest you.
- Click on the relevant course link in the list above (for example, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, etc.).
- Read the course details, coverage, classes, and fee on the course page.
- Choose the batch or mode if applicable (recorded/live).
- Click on Enrol Now and complete payment through the ClearIAS platform.
If you are still confused between different optionals or course variants,
you can contact ClearIAS or explore our
UPSC coaching guidance page for more clarity.
FAQs on UPSC Optional Subject Courses
1. Do I need coaching for my UPSC optional subject?
Not everyone needs coaching, but most serious aspirants benefit from structured guidance,
especially for understanding answer writing and exam expectations. Coaching can save time, provide clarity,
and help you avoid common mistakes.
2. When should I start my optional preparation?
Ideally, you should start your optional preparation at least 8–12 months before Mains.
Many aspirants begin with optional along with GS or soon after building basic GS concepts.
3. Can I change my optional subject later?
It is possible to change your optional in subsequent attempts, but frequent changes
waste attempts and time. It is better to spend some time choosing wisely and then
stick to one optional.
4. Are ClearIAS Optional Courses fully online?
Most optional subject courses are designed as online programs to support aspirants
across India and abroad. Depending on demand, some optionals may also have offline or hybrid
components in future.
5. Can I combine an Optional Course with a GS Full Syllabus Course?
Yes. Many aspirants combine a GS Full Syllabus Course
with a suitable Optional Course. This gives a complete UPSC preparation plan for both GS and Optional.
