Madhavi Gaur
July 03, 2023 01:49
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Learn the entire syllabus, books, question papers, coaching options for cracking UPSC Philosophy Optional.
UPSC Philosophy Optional is slowly gaining popularity among UPSC aspirants’ community due to success stories of previous candidates. The strategy, syllabus, booklist, question papers and much more about UPSC Philosophy Optional can be found in this article.
The UPSC Philosophy Optional syllabus for the IAS exam emphasizes candidates’ capacity to understand the subject and apply their knowledge to Indian society.
Candidates having a background in philosophy will obviously find it easy for preparation. However, candidates without a philosophy background can excel in the subject provided they prepare well. There is a category of students who choose Philosophy Optional as it may help them in Essay as well as General Studies IV.
The Philosophy optional syllabus covers topics related to the history of philosophy, religion, and social structures. This optional syllabus primarily deals with the historical and evolutionary aspects of philosophy, as well as its impact on Indian culture.
The Optional Subject in UPSC Mains consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II, each of which is worth 250 marks. The total time available for each paper is 3 hours. Both the question papers consist of eight questions, divided into two sections of four questions each. A candidate has to attempt any five questions. Question 1 and Question 5 are compulsory. Out of the remaining six questions, they will have to attempt any three, choosing at least one from each section. Here is the exam pattern for Philosophy optional UPSC:
| UPSC Philosophy Optional Exam Pattern | |
| Particular | Details |
| Total Papers | Two, Paper I and Paper II |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 Each) |
| Time allowed | 3 Hours for each paper |
| Sections | Section A and Section B |
| Questions | Total 8 questions with subparts |
| Compulsory Question | Question No. 1 and 5 |
| Marks Distribution | 10, 15, and 20 marker questions |
| History and Problems of Philosophy |
|
| Socio-Political Philosophy |
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| Philosophy of Religion |
|
Following is a table containing a comprehensive list of books that a candidate can refer while preparing for UPSC Philosophy Optional:
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
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Philosophy optional coaching can help candidates to orient their preparation towards the exam pattern. They will receive good study material and also guidance from expert faculties. In short, coaching can help them approach philosophy optional in a better way, ensuring that their attempt helps them in clearing the examination. However, candidates not opting for coaching may also prepare well for the examination, provided they receive suitable guidance.
Candidates opting for UPSC Philosophy Optional need to refer to previous year questions to get an idea about the nature of questions asked in the examination. following table contains links of the question papers:
| Year | Question Paper |
| 2023 | Paper 1: Philosophy Optional |
| Paper 2: Philosophy Optional | |
| 2022 | Paper 1: Philosophy Optional |
| Paper 2: Philosophy Optional | |
| 2021 | Paper 1: Philosophy Optional |
| Paper 2: Philosophy Optional | |
| 2020 | Paper 1: Philosophy Optional |
| Paper 2: Philosophy Optional | |
| 2019 | Paper 1: Philosophy Optional |
| Paper 2: Philosophy Optional |
| Year | Name | Marks | Rank |
| 2022 | Avinash Kumar | 319 | 17 |
| 2022 | Amir Khan | 286 | 154 |
| 2020 | Divya Mishra | 265 | 28 |
| 2019 | Himanshu Gupta | 287 | 27 |
| 2019 | K Aman Chandran | 310 | 197 |
Preparing for the UPSC Philosophy syllabus requires a systematic and focused approach. Here is a preparation strategy to help you cover the UPSC Philosophy syllabus effectively:
UPSC Philosophy optional requires a steady and planned approach that will ensure that the candidate grasps the underlying themes and also reproduce them in an easy and accurate way.
Opting for UPSC Philosophy Optional will enable the candidate to score good marks in UPSC mains and get a good shot at qualifying the examination.
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