Madhavi Gaur
September 27, 2023 04:29
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UPSC Psychology Optional Paper has 2 sections paper I & paper II, each of 250 marks. To ace UPSC Psychology Optional Paper, candidates requires to solve Previous Year Paper and analyse the Paper trends discussed in the article given below.
UPSC Psychology Optional Paper: In the UPSC Mains exam, Psychology optional paper consists of two papers, specifically Paper I and Paper II. Each of these papers carries a weightage of 250 marks, summing up to a total of 500 marks for this optional subject. Among the various optional subjects offered by UPSC, Psychology is one of the 48 choices available to candidates.
The examination schedule for the UPSC Civil Services Mains includes Paper-A in Indian Language and Paper-B in English, both scheduled for September 23, 2023. This is followed by the Optional Subject-Paper-1 (Paper-VIII) and Optional Subject-Paper-2 (Paper-IX), which are set to be held on September 24, 2023.
In this article, we delve into the world of UPSC Psychology Optional Paper, its structure, analysis, trends, and success rates.
Also Read:
UPSC Psychology Optional Question Papers from 2018 to 2022 are readily available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation. Solving past year papers allows aspirants to practice and gauge their performance, helping them identify areas that need improvement. We provide access to the UPSC Psychology optional question papers in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation.
Here links of pyqs should be hyperlinked with appropriate year paper.
| UPSC Psychology Optional Previous Year Question Papers | |
|---|---|
| Year | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Papers PDF Link |
| 2022 | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper 1 |
| 2021 | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper 1 |
| 2020 | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper 1 |
| 2019 | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper 1 |
| 2018 | UPSC Psychology Optional Question Paper 1 |
Over the span of six years, from 2015 to 2020, more than 1000 dedicated aspirants chose Psychology as their optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination. The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for Psychology during this period:
| UPSC Psychology Optional Success Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Number of Candidates with Psychology Optional | Number of Candidates Selected | Success Rate (%) |
| 2020 | 155 | 11 | 7.1% |
| 2019 | 164 | 15 | 9.1% |
| 2018 | 128 | 9 | 7.0% |
| 2017 | 193 | 21 | 10.9% |
| 2016 | 244 | 38 | 15.6% |
Paper 1 of the UPSC Psychology Optional covers a wide array of topics, including the history of psychology, basic psychological processes, and developmental psychology. It evaluates candidates’ understanding of fundamental psychological theories and principles.
Paper 2 of the UPSC Psychology Optional delves into the applied aspects of psychology. It covers topics such as psychological testing, clinical psychology, and counseling. This paper assesses candidates’ ability to apply psychological knowledge to real-world situations.
A thorough analysis of the UPSC Psychology Optional Paper reveals the need for a balanced approach between theoretical and practical aspects of psychology. Candidates must not only grasp the concepts but also understand how to apply them to various scenarios.
Over the years, the trends in the UPSC Psychology Optional Paper have shown an increasing emphasis on the practical and applied aspects of psychology. Candidates should stay updated with these trends to tailor their preparation accordingly.
Popularity
Scoring Trends
Recent Changes and Trends
However, it’s important to note that scoring well in any optional subject, including Psychology, still requires thorough preparation, a deep understanding of the subject matter, and effective time management during the examination. Candidates should not underestimate the importance of consistent and comprehensive preparation to maximize their scores in the Psychology Optional Paper.
Candidates who choose Psychology as their optional subject do so for various reasons:
Selecting Psychology as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination can be a strategic choice for several reasons:
If you have a genuine interest in the field of psychology or have a background in psychology-related studies, this optional subject can be an excellent choice. Your prior knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject will make the preparation process more enjoyable and effective.
Psychology has a reputation for being a scoring subject in the UPSC examination. The questions are generally straightforward, and the subject matter is well-defined. A thorough understanding of the topics can help you score well in this optional paper.
Psychology is an interdisciplinary subject, which means it overlaps with various other subjects like sociology, ethics, and even general studies. This can be advantageous as it can help you integrate your knowledge across multiple areas of the UPSC syllabus.
Compared to some other optional subjects, the number of candidates opting for Psychology is relatively low. This can work to your advantage as it may reduce the intensity of competition and increase your chances of securing a higher rank.
To excel in the UPSC Psychology Optional Paper, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the syllabus. The syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II.
This paper covers the foundational concepts in psychology, including:
This paper focuses on the practical applications of psychology in real-life situations, including:
Preparing for the UPSC Psychology Optional Paper requires a structured and comprehensive approach. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for both Paper-I and Paper-II. Create a checklist of topics to ensure you cover everything.
Select reliable and comprehensive study materials, including textbooks, reference books, and online resources. Some popular books for Psychology optional include “Psychology” by Morgan and King, and “Psychology” by Robert A. Baron.
Create a consistent study routine that allows you to cover all the topics within a reasonable timeframe. Allocate sufficient time to each topic based on its weightage in the exam.
Make concise and organized notes while studying. This will help in quick revision before the exam and aid in better retention of information.
Practice solving previous years’ question papers to get a sense of the exam pattern and types of questions asked. It will also help you manage time during the actual exam.
Consider enrolling in coaching classes if you feel the need for expert guidance. Coaching classes can provide valuable insights, study materials, and mock tests.
To excel in the UPSC Psychology Optional Paper, keep the following tips in mind:
Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and research in psychology. It can add depth to your answers.
| UPSC Optional Paper Related Links | |
|---|---|
| UPSC History Optional Paper | UPSC Public Administration Optional Paper |
| UPSC Geography Optional | UPSC English Compulsory Paper |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
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