Which is the shortest optional in UPSC?

The optional subject for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a subject of the candidate’s choice and has two papers. The length of the optional subject can vary depending on the subject and the number of books that need to be studied. However, some optional subjects are considered to be shorter in terms of the amount of material that needs to be covered and the time required to prepare for them.

According to the general perception, the following optional subjects are considered to be shorter in terms of preparation time and the amount of material that needs to be covered:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Statistics
Geography
Public Administration
It’s worth noting that the above mentioned subjects are considered to be shorter in terms of preparation time as compared to other subjects and it does not mean that they are easier. The difficulty level of the optional subjects can vary from candidate to candidate depending on their background, interest and aptitude.

It’s also worth noting that the optional subject is not a make or break factor in the UPSC. The candidate’s overall performance in the main exam (Paper I to Paper V) and interview carries more weightage than the optional subject. Therefore, the candidate should choose the optional subject based on their interest, background and aptitude, rather than the length of the preparation time