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Economics Optional UPSC Strategy: Check Out The Best Books To Study From!

Economics Optional UPSC Strategy

UPSC preparation is as difficult as it gets, and the optional subject of Economics is one that some candidates strongly advocate for, while others avoid it altogether. Due to its technical nature, it is widely regarded as a challenging subject. This article aims to provide valuable insights on the Economics Optional UPSC Strategy, like advantages and disadvantages, recommended books, and more.

Some Information Regarding Economics Optional UPSC Strategy

NameYearRank
Kumar Anurag201848
Abhijeet Sinha201719
Tejasvi Rana201612
Namami Bansal201617
Gaurav Agrawal20131
Haritha V Kumar20121
Harshika Singh20118

Advantages of Taking Economics Optional for UPSC

  1. There is significant overlap between Economics and the IAS syllabus of General Studies Paper III. This is advantageous because the optional subject covers nearly 60% of the GS III syllabus, which amounts to approximately 30 marks in the GS mains paper.
  2. A background in Economics is not a requirement for studying the subject. Anyone with an interest in Economics can understand it, regardless of their educational background. It is worth noting that candidates with a science or technical background may find Economics particularly appealing, as it is a social science with logical and rational components.
  3. The syllabus for Economics Optional for UPSC is very clearly defined and understandable, so students don’t need to search much for what to study.
  4. According to many successful candidates, achieving conceptual clarity and developing strong answer writing skills can lead to high scores in Economics as an optional subject. Additionally, the subject involves the use of graphs and diagrams, which, if used correctly and relevantly, can also result in good marks.

Disadvantages of Taking Economics Optional For UPSC

One of the only disadvantages is that Economics is a technical subject that requires precise and accurate answers supported by facts and figures. Vague or roundabout answers are not acceptable. As previously noted, having a clear understanding of concepts is essential for scoring well. Failure to do so can be detrimental to your performance. Moreover, if you are not comfortable working with graphs and large numbers, it may be best to avoid choosing Economics as your optional subject.

Effective Strategies for Economics Optional Subject in UPSC

Economics is a fascinating subject, but it is essential to approach its study with a well-thought-out plan if you wish to succeed in the IAS exam. Some key points to keep in mind when preparing for Economics as an optional subject are as follows:

  1. Taking notes while you prepare can assist you in reviewing the material later.
  2. Prioritize conceptual clarity, as it is the most important factor for success.
  3. Carefully review the syllabus, breaking it down into sections, and organizing your study plan accordingly.
  4. Practice answering past UPSC question papers to improve your answer writing skills.
  5. Graphs, diagrams, flowcharts, pie charts, etc., are critical components of most topics and subtopics. They can help you earn more marks, and some answers are incomplete without them.
  6. Incorporate the names of important economists and their viewpoints or theories/models into your answers. Study the names of some famous economists during preparation.
  7. Keep some numerical data on hand for specific topics and subtopics. Current and relevant data can assist you in writing more comprehensive answers and supporting certain points.
  8. Interlink Paper I and Paper II. For instance, provide real-life examples of the theories and models covered in Paper I.
  9. In Paper II, you have more flexibility to express your opinions. However, make sure you validate your stance with facts and numbers. Use substantiated facts in your answers and avoid taking extreme positions on issues.
  10. Be clear on economic terms. Avoid replacing precise terms like depreciation with incorrect ones like devaluation. Economics is a precise science, and using accurate terms is essential.
  11. It’s also important to study important topics from reputed books for the paper. Some of them are listed in the below section.

Recommended Books for Economics Optional for UPSC Strategy

List of Books for Paper I

List of Books for Paper II

Economics Optional UPSC Strategy: FAQs

What is the success rate of candidates who take Economics optional for UPSC?

According to the latest available information, the success rate stands around at 6.9% for candidates who took Economics Optional.

Are there some toppers who took Economics Optional for UPSC?

Yes, over the years there have been many high-rankers who took Economics as an optional subject for UPSC.

Are there disadvantages of taking Economics Optional for UPSC?

Yes, there is a disadvantage as Economics is a technical subject which requires precise answers and thus, vague answers without any knowledge of the subject will be considered wrong on your paper.

Is it necessary to have a background in Economics to have Economics optional for UPSC?

No, it is not necessary to have Economics as your background to take it as an optional for UPSC.

How to prepare for Economics Optional Subject for UPSC?

It is important to follow clear strategies to prepare for this subject to excel in the exam. Prepare notes for revision and having a clear understanding of technical concepts is necessary.