The Quest for the Highest Marking Optional Subject in UPSC CSE Post-2013

The subject with the highest average marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) can vary each year, with some subjects historically performing exceptionally well. This article aims to explore the performance of various optional subjects, with a particular focus on mathematical excellence post-2013.

Historical Context and Utility of Earlier Results

While the Public Administration, Geography, and Literature subjects have traditionally seen strong performances, the Mathematics optional has stood out as a notable high scorer in recent years. However, every optional subject comes with its unique set of challenges and benefits, which candidates must consider when choosing their examination route.

Mathematics: The Path to High Scores

Mathematics is an optional subject known for its high scoring potential, as evidenced by the performance of high achievers in the UPSC CSE. Let's delve into the marks achieved by top contenders:

Anubhav Singh (2017): 375/500 and AIR 8. Paper 1: 181, Paper 2: 194. Atul Prakash (2017): 368/500 and AIR 4. Paper 1: 165, Paper 2: 203. Kanishka Kataria (2018): 361/500 and AIR 1. Paper 1: 170, Paper 2: 191. Nitish K (2014): 346/500 and AIR 8. Paper 1: 173, Paper 2: 173.

Geography: A Well-Received Option

Another option with high marks is Geography. Some notable high scorers include:

Saumya Pandey (2016): 314 and AIR 4. Paper 1: 156, Paper 2: 158. Shweta Chauhan (2016): 326 and AIR 8. Paper 1: 171, Paper 2: 155. Pratham Kaushik (2017): 327 and AIR 5. Paper 1: 166, Paper 2: 161. Ayush Sinha (2017): 350 and AIR 7. Paper 1: 169, Paper 2: 181.

PSIR and PubAd: Less Competitive but Strong Performers

PSIR and Public Administration (PubAd) are also options that have consistently produced strong results:

Tina Dabi (2015): 299 and AIR 1. Paper 1: 128, Paper 2: 171. Abhilash Mishra (2016): 334 and AIR 5. Paper 1: 166, Paper 2: 168. Anudeep Durishetty (2017): 318 and AIR 1. Paper 1: 171, Paper 2: 147.

Other Options: Literature and Science

Multilingual literatures and science disciplines such as Physics and Literature subjects also show promise:

Kannada: 2016 Nandini K R: 331 and AIR 1. Paper 1: 164, Paper 2: 167. Physics: 2015 Anupam Shukla: 268 and AIR 10. Paper 1: 114, Paper 2: 154.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path

While certain optional subjects have historically shown high performance indicators – Mathematics, Geography, and others – candidates must meticulously assess their strengths, interests, and the subject's suitability to their overall preparation strategy. The UPSC CSE is complex, and each optional has its unique challenges and rewards.

References

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