Madhavi Gaur
August 18, 2023 05:43
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When considering the most suitable path for pursuing a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after completing 12th grade, a strategic combination of subjects emerges as highly advantageous. This strategic blend comprises History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics, forming the fundamental pillars of UPSC preparation. A profound grasp of these subjects is indispensable for any aspirant striving for success in the UPSC examination.
As the journey toward preparing for the UPSC examination unfolds, the selection of optional subjects for the UPSC Mains assumes paramount importance. Hence, making an informed choice about the Best Graduation Subject for UPSC IAS after 12th grade becomes a pivotal decision. Notably, opting for a subject that aligns with both the general studies syllabus and the optional syllabus of the UPSC exam holds the potential for substantial advantages in the candidate’s overall preparation.
The selection of History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics as the core subjects for graduation lays a robust foundation for aspiring IAS candidates. These subjects not only contribute significantly to the UPSC syllabus but also furnish candidates with the essential foundational knowledge necessary to navigate the intricate domains of public administration and governance. By investing in a comprehensive understanding of History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics, aspiring civil servants equip themselves with a competitive edge that extends well beyond the examination hall.
For those aspiring to pursue a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after completing their 12th grade, a prudent choice for a graduation program would be one that encompasses humanities or arts subjects. An optimal blend may comprise subjects such as History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics. Statistical data reveals that a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is notably favored by a majority of applicants for their UPSC IAS preparation. Candidates hailing from these streams have frequently demonstrated remarkable performance and achieved commendable results in the Civil Services Examination.
| General Studies Syllabus | Optional Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Political Science | Political Science |
| History | History |
| Public Administration | Public Administration |
| Psychology | Psychology |
| Geography | Geography |
| Economics | Economics |
| Sociology | Sociology |
| Philosophy | Philosophy |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
| Agriculture | Agriculture |
| Botany | Botany |
| Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Physics | Physics |
| Zoology | Zoology |
| Statistics | Statistics |
| Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Medical Science | Medical Science |
| Law | Law |
| Anthropology | Anthropology |
| Commerce & Accountancy | Commerce & Accountancy |
| Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Geology | Geology |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
History syllabus for UPSC
UPSC Polity Syllabus
Geography Syllabus for UPSC
Economics Syllabus for UPSC IAS
| Graduation Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Humanities and Arts Stream | The Humanities and Arts stream offers a diverse range of valuable choices for IAS aspirants. These disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of society, culture, and governance, along with essential qualities like critical thinking and analytical skills. |
| History | Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History can be a strategic step for IAS aspirants. Studying history not only offers insights into the past, but also provides knowledge about governance evolution, societal structures, and policy-making. |
| Political Science | Opting for Political Science as a graduation subject is a prudent choice for those intrigued by government functioning and political systems. This discipline delves into theories, ideologies, and institutions that shape governance at national and international levels. |
| Geography | Geography is a promising avenue for IAS aspirants. It offers insights into physical, environmental, and socio-economic aspects of regions and nations. Studying geography helps aspirants understand geographical phenomena relevant to land use, resource management, and disaster preparedness. |
| Economics | A Bachelor’s degree in Economics is a wise choice for IAS aspirants interested in comprehending the economic intricacies underlying governance and policy formulation. Economics provides insights into market dynamics, fiscal policies, developmental economics, and more. |
Recent years have witnessed an influx of candidates with technical degrees and backgrounds participating in the IAS exam, achieving notable success.
When embarking on the journey to become an IAS officer, the choice of a graduation subject holds a significant impact on an aspirant’s preparation. Opting for a subject that aligns with the general studies syllabus and optional subjects of the IAS examination can provide a strategic advantage that should not be underestimated. In this regard, the humanities and arts stream presents a golden opportunity for aspiring civil servants.
The inherent advantage of overlapping syllabi cannot be overstated. Humanities and arts subjects, such as History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics, seamlessly integrate with the content of the IAS examination. This alignment offers a seamless transition from the academic world to the realm of IAS preparation, giving aspirants a head start in their studies.
For instance, a candidate who has chosen History as their graduation subject would find themselves at an advantageous position when approaching topics related to Indian history, culture, and heritage in the IAS examination. Similarly, those with a background in Political Science would have a deeper understanding of governance structures, political theories, and international relations, which are crucial components of the IAS syllabus.
This strategic alignment of subjects enhances an aspirant’s ability to explore topics in greater depth. As they dive into the complexities of their chosen discipline during their graduation years, they simultaneously build a strong foundation for the IAS examination. This approach empowers candidates to not only excel in their academic pursuits but also develop a holistic comprehension of the subjects, which is essential for the multifaceted challenges of the civil services.
Moreover, the power of overlapping syllabi extends beyond mere content familiarity. It fosters the cultivation of critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and an enriched perspective. Aspirants are poised to approach problems from various angles, considering historical contexts, socio-political dynamics, economic implications, and geographical factors. This multidimensional approach to learning is highly valuable in the IAS examination, where the assessment goes beyond rote memorization to evaluating the candidate’s capacity for comprehensive analysis and innovative problem-solving.
In 2019, a total of 2302 candidates appeared for IAS interviews, with 922 individuals receiving recommendations, resulting in a success rate of 40.1%, as indicated in the 71st Annual Report published by the Union Public Service Commission. Among the graduate programs for IAS, humanities exhibited the highest success rate at 48.4%, closely followed by science with a success rate of 39.1%.
Nonetheless, there is no definitive or singularly ideal graduation course prescribed for UPSC IAS candidates. Hence, the responsibility lies with the candidates to opt for a graduation program that aligns with their passions and convictions, fostering a sense of confidence in their ability to excel.
Best Degree for Becoming an IAS: Analyzing Previous Year Trends (2019)
In 2019, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published its 71st Annual Report, providing valuable insights into the success rates of candidates pursuing different graduation and postgraduate courses for the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) examination. This analysis offers aspiring IAS officers a glimpse into the trends and preferences that could influence their educational choices.
Success Rates Based on Graduation Courses
Below is a tabulated representation of the success rates of candidates who appeared for interviews and were recommended based on their respective graduation courses:
| Graduation Courses | Interviewed | Recommended | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science | 69 | 27 | 39.1% |
| Medical Science | 126 | 44 | 34.9% |
| Engineering | 1382 | 524 | 37.9% |
| Humanities | 159 | 77 | 48.4% |
| Total No of Candidates | 1736 | 672 | 38.7% |
Success Rates Based on Post Graduation Courses
Similarly, the success rates for candidates with different postgraduate degrees are presented in the following table:
| Post Graduation Courses | Appeared | Recommended | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science | 92 | 34 | 37.0% |
| Medical Science | 27 | 12 | 44.4% |
| Engineering | 132 | 58 | 43.9% |
| Humanities | 315 | 146 | 46.3% |
| Total No of Candidates | 566 | 250 | 44.2% |
Comparative Analysis: Bachelor’s vs. Master’s Degrees
Upon closer examination of the success rates, it becomes evident that candidates with master’s degrees tend to exhibit higher success rates compared to those with bachelor’s degrees. Among the total number of candidates, 672 (72.9%) held bachelor’s degrees, while 250 (27.1%) possessed postgraduate degrees or higher education qualifications.
Informed Decision-Making
The data from the 71st Annual Report underscores the significance of educational qualifications in the IAS examination. While success rates vary across disciplines, it is clear that candidates with humanities, engineering, and medical science backgrounds have demonstrated commendable success rates in the interview process.
Aspiring IAS officers can use this information as a guiding light while making decisions about their educational pursuits. The analysis serves as a valuable tool to help individuals align their academic choices with the trends and preferences observed in previous years, enhancing their chances of success in the competitive and prestigious realm of the Indian Administrative Services.
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC examination mandates candidates to hold a graduate degree from a government-recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification. Any degree conferred by a recognized college or university in India is considered valid.
Eligibility Requirements for UPSC
Which Field of Study is Most Suited for Becoming an IAS Officer?
The following compilation features a roster of UPSC Toppers spanning several years, along with details of their chosen graduation subjects pursued after the 12th grade and the optional subjects they selected for the UPSC Mains Examination.
| Year | UPSC Toppers | Best Graduation Course Taken After 12th | Optional Subject Chosen for IAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Haritha V Kumar | BTech E&C | Economics and Malayalam |
| 2013 | Gaurav Aggarwal | BTech Computer Science | Economics |
| 2014 | Ira Singhal | Computer Science BTech | Geography |
| 2015 | Tina Dabi | Political Science Hons. | Political Science |
| 2016 | Nandini KR | BTech Civil Engineering | Kannada Literature |
| 2017 | Anudeep Durishetty | Civil Engineering BTech | Anthropology |
| 2018 | Kanishak Kataria | BTech in CS | Mathematics |
| 2019 | Pradeep Singh | BTech in Computer Science | Public Administration |
| 2020 | Shubham Kumar | BTech Civil Engineering | Anthropology |
| 2021 | Shruti Sharma | BA History | History |
The Arts Stream subjects offer a favorable choice for the optimal graduation course when preparing for the UPSC IAS after completing the 12th grade. Students may opt for disciplines like history, geography, political science, or economics as their post-12th graduation subject, as these areas constitute the foundational knowledge required for success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
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| Also Read: | |
| How to Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level | UPSC Calendar 2024 Out, Official UPSC Annual Calendar PDF |
| UPSC Optional Subjects Syllabus | How to Start Preparing for UPSC 2024? |
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