Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:49 pm
Philosophy is becoming increasingly popular as an optional subject among UPSC aspirants due to its reputation for having a concise syllabus. It is also a viable option for candidates from any background who are willing to put in the necessary effort to excel in the subject. To prepare for the philosophy optional in the civil services mains exam, candidates should develop a comprehensive study strategy, identify the right study materials and prioritize understanding over rote memorization. They should also practice answer writing, stay abreast of current events, and seek guidance when needed. There are several recommended books for philosophy optional, and previous years’ question papers are valuable resources for practice. The philosophy optional has produced notable toppers in the IAS exam, making it a viable option for candidates seeking to improve their performance. Overall, the philosophy optional is an attractive choice for UPSC aspirants looking for a subject that is both accessible and rewarding with the right preparation.
Is Philosophy a good option for UPSC?
Philosophy can be a good option for UPSC, depending on an individual’s interests, strengths, and career goals. The philosophy optional has several advantages, including a concise syllabus, the ability to cater to candidates from various academic backgrounds, and a reputation for being scored if prepared well. Philosophy provides a critical perspective on fundamental questions related to life, ethics, morality, and governance, which can enhance a candidate’s analytical and reasoning abilities. Moreover, studying philosophy can aid in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a career in civil services. However, like any optional subject, philosophy requires dedicated effort and time to understand its concepts and apply them to the exam. Candidates should consider their aptitude for the subject, their study approach, and the level of preparation required before deciding whether philosophy is a good option for them.
UPSC Philosophy Optional Strategy:
Preparing for the Philosophy Optional paper in the UPSC exam requires a focused and dedicated approach. Here is a detailed strategy to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the Philosophy Optional paper is to understand the syllabus. The syllabus consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Paper I covers Western Philosophy and Paper II covers Indian Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, the types of questions that are asked, and the weightage given to each topic.
- Choose your study material: Collect study material from reliable sources. Books by renowned philosophers and thinkers, notes from reputed coaching institutes, and previous years’ question papers can all be helpful resources. Some recommended books for Philosophy Optionally are: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy by C.D. Sharma, A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, and An Introduction to Political Theory by O.P. Gauba.
- Make a study plan: Create a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Make sure to allocate enough time for each topic and prioritize based on your strengths and weaknesses. A sample study plan is shown in the table below:
| Month | Topic |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Greek Philosophy, Plato and Aristotle |
| Month 2 | Medieval Philosophy, Descartes and Hobbes |
| Month 3 | Modern Philosophy, Kant, Hegel, and Marx |
| Month 4 | Indian Philosophy, Jainism and Buddhism |
| Month 5 | Indian Philosophy, Nyaya and Vaisheshika |
| Month 6 | Indian Philosophy, Vedanta and Yoga |
| Month 7 | Philosophy of Religion, God and the problem of evil |
| Month 8 | Ethics, Meta-ethics, and Applied Ethics |
- Focus on understanding: Philosophy is not just about memorization, but about understanding concepts and ideas. Focus on developing a deep understanding of the different schools of thought and the ideas of various philosophers. Use diagrams and flowcharts to help you visualize complex ideas.
- Practice answer writing: Answer writing is a critical component of the UPSC exam. Practice answering previous years’ question papers, and try to analyze where you can improve. You can also join a test series offered by a coaching institute to get regular feedback on your performance.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with current events and their philosophical implications. Reading newspapers, magazines, and online forums can help you stay informed.
- Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retaining what you have learned. Make sure to revise your notes and practice answer writing regularly.
- Seek guidance: If you have any doubts or need guidance, do not hesitate to seek help from your teachers, mentors, or peers. Joining a coaching institute can also be helpful in getting expert guidance and support.
Overall, the key to success in the Philosophy Optional paper is consistent and focused effort. With the right strategy and approach, you can score well in this paper
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Philosophy Optional Books:
Here are some recommended books for Philosophy Optional along with their authors:
You can refer to UPSC Optional Books.
| Book Title | Author(s) |
|---|---|
| A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy | C.D. Sharma |
| A History of Western Philosophy | Bertrand Russell |
| An Introduction to Political Theory | O.P. Gauba |
| An Introduction to Indian Philosophy | Satischandra Chatterjee |
| Ethics: Classical Western Texts in Feminist and Multicultural Perspectives | James P. Sterba |
| Indian Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction | Sue Hamilton |
| Introducing Philosophy: A Text with Integrated Readings | Robert C. Solomon and Kathleen Higgins |
| Philosophy of Religion: An Anthology | Louis P. Pojman and Michael Rea |
UPSC Philosophy Optional Success rate:
| Year | Number of Candidates Appeared | Number of Candidates Cleared | Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1866 | 80 | 4.3 |
| 2011 | 900 | 74 | 8.2 |
| 2012 | 1116 | 99 | 8.9 |
| 2013 | 736 | 58 | 7.9 |
| 2014 | 908 | 64 | 7.0 |
| 2015 | 847 | 47 | 5.5 |
UPSC Philosophy Optional Strategy: FAQs
You can prepare for the philosophy optional subject for UPSC by reading the recommended books, solving previous years’ question papers, and practising essay writing.
No, it is not necessary to read all the recommended books for philosophy optional subjects for UPSC, but it is important to read the important topics in depth.
No, it is not necessary to have a background in philosophy to choose it as an optional subject for UPSC.
In this article, we have shared the details about the success rate of this subject briefly. Candidates can check it out and start preparing well.
It is not necessary to join a coaching institute, but it can be helpful for guidance and additional resources.