UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2024: Strategies To Score Better In Optional Subjects

To excel in UPSC Mains optional subjects, focus on mastering core concepts, integrating current affairs, and practicing timed answer writing. Balance your preparation with mental well-being.

Check tips to score better in UPSC CSE optional subject.

Source : Shadab Alam

By Ravi Kapoor 

Scoring well in your optional subject is crucial for securing a high rank in the UPSC exam. As optional papers carry 500 marks (250 marks for each paper), they can significantly impact your overall ranking. With the Mains exam just a few days away, it’s time to focus on refining your strategy to maximize your score in the optional papers.

This article will cover broad strategies that can be applied to most mainstream optional subjects like Sociology, Anthropology, Public Administration, Political Science & International Relations (PSIR), and Psychology. While the nuances may differ across subjects, the principles remain the same: mastering static content, integrating dynamic elements, and practicing answer writing effectively.

Strategies To Score Better In UPSC Mains Optional Subjects 

1. Master the Static Content

Core Concepts: Revisiting fundamental concepts and theories should be your top priority in the final days of preparation. A strong foundation in static content will ensure that you can tackle any question that comes your way.

• Sociology: Focus on key sociological theories like Functionalism (Durkheim), Conflict Theory (Marx), and Symbolic Interactionism (Goffman). These theories often form the backbone of questions related to social change, structure, and institutions.
• Political Science & International Relations (PSIR): Revise core political theories such as liberalism, socialism, and realism in international relations. For example, the 2022 question on "Realist theories of international relations" required a clear understanding of realist principles and their contemporary relevance.
• Anthropology: Focus on the basics of physical anthropology, tribal studies, and social anthropology. For instance, concepts like "Marriage, Kinship, and Family" are repeatedly asked, as in the 2020 question about the social structure of tribal communities.

Past Year Questions: Analyze previous year questions to identify recurring themes. This exercise will give you insights into the topics frequently asked, helping you prioritize your revision effectively.

• Sociology: Questions related to caste, gender, and social mobility appear frequently. For example, the 2019 Mains had a question on the role of caste in Indian society, a topic that recurs in various forms.
• Public Administration: Recurring topics include governance models and administrative reforms. The 2021 question on "Good Governance" was rooted in static content, but integrating dynamic content made it stand out.

Concise Notes: In the final days, concise notes are invaluable for quick revision. Ensure your notes summarize key concepts, theories, and case studies, making them easy to recall during the exam.

• Anthropology: Summarize theories of evolution, like Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism, into short points. This helps when answering questions related to human evolution, as seen in past exams.
• Psychology: Break down psychological theories such as Freud’s Psychoanalysis and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs into digestible points, ensuring you can explain them succinctly in the exam.

2. Integrating Dynamic Content

Current Developments: While static content forms the base of your preparation, integrating current affairs will add depth and relevance to your answers. The UPSC increasingly asks questions that require the application of theoretical knowledge to current events.

• Political Science & International Relations (PSIR): Link international developments, such as India’s evolving foreign policy, to IR theories. For example, in the 2021 Mains, a question about India's stance on multilateralism could be enhanced with insights from recent diplomatic developments, like India's role in the Quad alliance.
• Public Administration: Incorporate recent government policies and reforms. For example, questions about governance can be linked to initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission, providing contemporary relevance to static content.

Case Studies: Use relevant examples or case studies to enrich your answers. For instance, in Sociology, you could mention recent movements like #MeToo or farmer protests when discussing social change or rural sociology. In Anthropology, cite tribal movements for autonomy to contextualize theories of tribal integration and exclusion.

3. Effective Answer Writing Practice

Answer writing is crucial in UPSC Mains. The ability to write concise, well-structured answers within a limited time frame is often the difference between success and failure. Here’s how you can improve your answer writing technique in the final days.

Blend Theory with Application: UPSC Mains questions often demand a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This is particularly true for optional subjects like Public Administration and PSIR, where theoretical answers alone may not fetch top marks.

• Public Administration: When writing on administrative reforms, always cite real-world examples. For instance, in a question on e-governance, mention successful initiatives like the Aadhaar-enabled service delivery model or the digitization of land records in India.
• Sociology: If answering a question on the changing structure of family in India, cite recent trends like increasing nuclear families and how these are influenced by modernity and economic factors.

Structured Approach: A well-structured answer stands out. Always start with a brief introduction, followed by the main body, and end with a concise conclusion.

• Introduction: Define key terms or introduce relevant theories. For example, in a Psychology question on motivation, start with a definition and mention Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
• Body: Break the answer into well-defined sections. For example, if answering a PSIR question on "Theories of State," discuss the social contract theory, Marxist view, and pluralist perspective in separate sections.
• Conclusion: Summarize your answer, ensuring you address the core question. If applicable, mention the future prospects or challenges associated with the topic.

Practice Timed Writing: In these final days, practice writing answers within a set time frame. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.

• Optional Papers: Pick previous year questions and set a timer for each answer. Try to complete a 10-mark question within 7-8 minutes and a 20-mark question within 11-12 minutes.
• Model Answers: Review model answers from coaching institutes to understand how to frame high-scoring responses. Compare your answers with these models to identify areas of improvement.

4. Staying Updated and Engaging with New Information

Even though it’s the last leg of preparation, staying updated with recent developments can make your answers stand out. Follow relevant journals, editorials, and news articles related to your optional subject.

• Political Science & IR: Stay informed about India’s evolving foreign relations with China, the US, and neighboring countries. This will provide fresh content to enrich your answers.
• Public Administration: Engage with recent administrative reforms and governance reports. For example, knowing the key points from the NITI Aayog's recent reports on cooperative federalism or decentralized planning will provide a competitive edge.

5. Mental Preparation and Managing Stress

The pressure to perform in the Mains can be intense, but managing stress and keeping calm are critical.

• Focus on Strengths: While preparing for your optional subject, focus on areas where you feel most confident. This will not only boost your morale but also ensure you can answer questions on these topics well.
• Stay Positive: UPSC Mains is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep a positive mindset, and remember that consistent effort in the final days can make a significant difference.
• Rest and Recharge: While preparation is important, so is rest. Ensure you get adequate sleep and take short breaks during study sessions to recharge your mind.

Conclusion

Your optional subject can be the game-changer in determining your final rank in the UPSC exam. By mastering core concepts, integrating dynamic content, and practicing effective answer writing, you can significantly improve your chances of scoring well. Remember, the last few days are about refining your preparation, not overwhelming yourself with new information. Focus on revision, timed practice, and keeping your mental state balanced for optimal performance in the exam. Good luck!

(The Author is a former IRS Officer & Chief UPSC Mentor at Testbook)

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