Which Optional to take?


Many aspirants are messaging me on how to take optional. Some are confused on how to select it and some are not sure about switching from a graduation subject to a different optional. I will try to answer that in this post.

First, let me start about myself. I did my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Guwahati. Although my alma meter imparted me a sound knowledge about the subject, but finally I ended up taking Geography as optional.

When I started my preparation I understood that a good optional should have following credential:
  1. High scoring potential: In CSE-2016, my final marks tally was 1023 out which optional contributed a hefty 285. Hence its importance can never be overstated.
  2. Easy guidance, materials, notes: I started my preparations when I was working and posted at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. I know how difficult it is for a person outside Delhi to arrange for materials, books etc. 
  3. Help in General Studies, Essay.etc: A good optional's work does not end with optional paper I and II. It goes beyond to impart you a sound knowledge which can be used in Essay or GS papers. For e.g Geography helped me in attempting essay on 'Inter state water disputes' and many more questions in GS for CSE-2016
  4. Easy to understand and comprehend: one should feel connect with the optional for you are about to invest a lot of man hours in it.
After considering all these factors.. I zeroed on Geography.

But this is a personal call which cannot be binding on anyone. Hope it helps. All the best!

Comments

  1. Unknown12 June 2017 at 18:07

    First of all many many congratulation for your great success .I am Bibhash Kumar Ojha and i am preparing for civil service focus at 2018 .As i too have done Btech in Mechanical engineering in 2013 from lpu but i have opted geo as my main subject.I am working professional so i have no time to join coaching .Please help me and guide me like your mechanical brother .How to proceed specially for geo option and which book to refer and how to start for geo option .and if possible please provide me your email id .Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown12 June 2017 at 21:06

      Vibhash, I am planning to share my strategy with a dedicated post on it. Do check it later here!

      Delete
    2. Unknown2 October 2017 at 22:12

      sir plzz share strategy fr optionl...m cnfused with it

      Delete
  2. Unknown12 June 2017 at 21:15

    Thanks for your valuable points about taking optional .Could you share your strategy about geography optional

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown13 June 2017 at 01:57

      I will come out with strategy in due course of time.

      Delete
  3. Unknown13 June 2017 at 12:53

    thank u so much for ur valuable advise :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown13 June 2017 at 12:54

    please share ur strategy for essay if possible :) once again thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anjali hegde26 July 2017 at 23:01

    Sir, please let me some information... Which place coaching is better in IAS sir. Delhi or bangalore.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown1 August 2017 at 08:52

    Sir, Congrats
    Please post your detailed geography strategy ,with sources,test series ,notes making,etc.

    ReplyDelete
  7. jai15 January 2018 at 16:56

    Thank you Sir for your guidance,sir i have a request Can u tell us any source for penguin dictionary on physical geography,as it is costing 1800/- on amazon.
    thanking you in advance..
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Biography & Facts3 July 2021 at 11:52

    Nice article, thank you for sharing wonderful information. I am happy to found your blog on the internet.
    You can also check - Essay on Importance of Hard Work

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

About Me

Hi This is Gaurav Kapoor, AIR-190 UPSC CSE-2016. I certainly believe that hardwork does really pay you, provided one has put all one has to offer. I did my best and almighty has showered me with his blessings. My Credentials: I completed my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Guwahati in 2012. Job Experience: I joined Indian Space Research Organisation as Scientist SC. UPSC Experience: 2016 was my 3rd attempt (other two being 2014 and 2015)
Read more

THE SMART STUDY!

Image
There is a reason why UPSC Civil Services is called the mother of all exams!  What makes this exam difficult is following factors: Candidates: this exam attracts one of the best minds of our country spanning across all the fields sitting together and writing same papers. Competition : According to news reports the number of candidates registered for UPSC Prelims 2016 were approximately 11.36 lakh and around 5 lakh candidates appeared in the examination. Elimination: with each passing stage, UPSC filters out candidates and hence the difficulty level increases. Subjectivity: there is no escaping route to the fact that this exam has lot of subjectivity and hence one can never be sure of the performance. Seats: ultimately the whole fight is for around 1000 seats of which IAS (the dream of many) is merely 180 Syllabus: there is nothing under the Sun which is not part of this exam. You name it and you have to study it Keeping these points in mind, I have come to conclu
Read more