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Explore the UPSC Topper Optional Subjects List 2024 and analyze trends from past UPSC toppers to understand which optional subjects like PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, and History consistently lead to higher scores and top ranks.
PWOnlyIAS
May 08, 2025
UPSC Topper Optional Subjects play a significant role in determining the final ranks in the Civil Services Examination. While the UPSC provides candidates with the flexibility to choose from an extended UPSC Optional Subject list 2024, the choice of an optional can be a game-changer. It can either boost or restrict an aspirant’s score, making it very crucial to understand the patterns followed by top rankers in recent years.
The UPSC Optional Subjects play a key role in determining a candidate’s success in the Civil Services Examination. Out of the nine papers in the UPSC Mains, two are dedicated to the optional subject, contributing 500 marks to the final score. Candidates are required to select one subject from the extensive UPSC Optional Subject list 2024, which includes a range of disciplines from humanities, science, engineering, and literature.
The right choice, often influenced by interest, academic background, and guidance availability, can significantly enhance scoring potential. Over the years, subjects like PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, and History have consistently emerged as favourites, especially among toppers.
In the UPSC CSE Final Result 2024, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) stood out once again as the most chosen subject among top rankers. Both AIR 1 Shakti Dubey and AIR 2 Harshita Goyal opted for PSIR. Notably, this subject has been consistently popular among toppers such as Tina Dabi (2015), Ishita Kishore (2022), and now Shakti Dubey (2024).
Here is the list of UPSC Topper Optional Subject 2024;
| List of UPSC Topper Optional Subject 2024 | |||
| Rank | Topper | Optional Subject | Educational Background |
| 1 | Shakti Dubey | Political Science & International Relations | Biochemistry |
| 2 | Harshita Goyal | Political Science & International Relations | Commerce |
| 3 | Dongre Archit Parag | Philosophy | Electrical & Electronics |
| 4 | Shah Margi Chirag | Sociology | Computer Engineering |
| 5 | Aakash Garg | Sociology | Computer Science |
This clearly indicates that subjects like PSIR, Sociology, and Philosophy continue to be top choices.
An analysis of optional subjects selected by past UPSC toppers demonstrates valuable insights into subject trends and success strategies. From PSIR to Anthropology, each subject reflects a strategic choice tailored to individual strengths and preparation styles.
Here is a closer look at the UPSC Topper Optional Subjects from the previous years, along with their backgrounds and rationales:
| Optional Subjects Chosen by Past UPSC Toppers | ||
| Year | Topper’s Name | Optional Subject |
| 2024 | Shakti Dubey | Political Science and International Relations |
| 2023 | Aditya Srivastava | Electric Engineering |
| 2022 | Ishita Kishore | Political Science and International Relations |
| 2021 | Shruti Sharma | History |
| 2020 | Shubham Kumar | Anthropology |
| 2019 | Pradeep Singh | Public Administration |
| 2018 | Kanishak Kataria | Mathematics |
| 2017 | Anudeep Durishetty | Anthropology |
| 2016 | Nandini K. R. | Kannada Literature |
| 2015 | Tina Dabi | Political Science and International Relations |
| 2014 | Ira Singhal | Geography |
| 2013 | Gaurav Agarwal | Economics |
| 2012 | Haritha V. Kumar | Economics |
| 2011 | Shena Aggarwal | Medical Science and Psychology |
| 2010 | S Divyadharshini | Public Administration |
The answer varies yearly, but certain subjects have produced high scores consistently. The List of UPSC Toppers who scored 400 marks in UPSC optional often includes candidates from PSIR, Anthropology, and Mathematics. In some exceptional cases, candidates have even crossed the 320+ mark in technical subjects like Electrical Engineering, proving that strategic preparation can yield top results in any subject.
Choosing the UPSC optional subject with the highest success rate can give aspirants a strategic edge in the Mains. Subjects like Anthropology, PSIR, and Sociology have consistently shown better performance in terms of marks and selection ratio. These subjects often combine concise syllabi with scoring potential, making them popular among toppers.
For a detailed understanding of ‘UPSC Optional Subject with Highest Success Rate’, candidates must CLICK HERE
Toppers like Aditya Srivastava and Shakti Dubey have shown that strategic alignment, not just academic background, plays a critical role in success. The decision is generally based on:
Toppers typically consider several aspects before finalising their UPSC Topper Optional Subjects:
The analysis of UPSC Topper Optional Subjects over the years reveals a recurring preference for a few well-performing subjects such as PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, and History. However, aspirants must understand that while trends provide insight, success in the UPSC Mains depends on interest, preparation strategy, and consistency. Candidates should choose from the UPSC Optional Subject list 2024 based on their strengths, not merely on popularity.
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