18 Apr Scoring optionals in BPSC exam

Scoring Optional Subject for BPSC: A Complete Guide for 2025 Aspirants

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam is one of the most prestigious state-level exams in India. With thousands of aspirants vying for a limited number of administrative positions, choosing the right optional subject can significantly impact your overall score and success in the exam. In this blog, we will explore the most scoring optional subjects for BPSC and help you understand how to make the best choice based on your strengths, interest, and background.

Why is the Optional Subject Important in BPSC?

Unlike UPSC, the BPSC Mains pattern consists of a single optional paper (Paper 6), which carries 300 marks. This makes up a considerable portion of the total marks, and often becomes the deciding factor in final selections. A well-chosen optional subject can maximize your score with relatively less effort compared to GS papers, provided you have the right strategy and resources. best mentorship programe for BPSC

Top 10 Scoring Optional Subjects for BPSC

Here is a list of scoring optional subjects for BPSC that have shown consistent results in the past:

• Anthropology: Compact syllabus, conceptual clarity, and easy to prepare in 3-4 months. Also overlaps with GS Paper I.
• Geography: Highly logical, map-based questions make scoring easier for students with a science background.
• History: Most popular among BPSC aspirants and overlaps with GS Paper I. Easy availability of study material.
• Sociology: Crisp syllabus, lots of current affairs linkages, and conceptual questions make it one of the best options for Arts background students.
• Political Science & International Relations (PSIR): Scoring and highly relevant to GS Paper II. Also overlaps with essay topics.
• Hindi Literature: Native language for most candidates from Bihar, allowing easy understanding and faster completion.
• Philosophy: Short syllabus and a high success ratio make it a hidden gem for those who enjoy abstract concepts.
• Public Administration: Useful for both optional and interview stages, and often chosen by working professionals.
• Economics: Scoring for students with academic background in economics. Requires good conceptual understanding.
• Psychology: Increasingly preferred by candidates due to its straightforward nature and limited syllabus.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Scoring Optional

While these subjects are known to be scoring, you should not blindly choose based on popularity. Consider the following factors before making your final decision:

• Background: Choose a subject you’ve studied in graduation or are comfortable with.
• Interest Level: Even the most scoring subject won’t help if you’re not interested in studying it.
• Study Material: Availability of books, coaching, and test series is crucial for preparation.
• Overlap with GS: Subjects like History, Polity, and Geography help in GS as well.
• Performance Trend: Analyze the BPSC topper copies and trends over the last 3-4 years.

Optional Subjects Offered in BPSC (Paper 6)

As per the BPSC syllabus, candidates can choose from a list of 34 optional subjects. Some of the major ones include:

Subject No.	Optional Subject
4	Anthropology
5	Botany
6	Chemistry
7	Civil Engineering
8	Commerce & Accountancy
9	Economics
10	Electrical Engineering
11	Geography
12	Geology
13	History
14	Law
15	Management
16	Mathematics
17	Mechanical Engineering
18	Philosophy
19	Physics
20	Political Science & IR
21	Psychology
22	Public Administration
23	Sociology
24	Statistics
25	Zoology
26	Hindi Literature
27	English Literature
28	Sanskrit Literature
29	Urdu Literature
30	Arabic Literature
31	Persian Literature
32	Maithili Literature
33	Bengali Literature
34	Punjabi Literature
35	English Language
36	Hindi Language
37	Sanskrit Language

Conclusion: Make a Strategic Choice

There is no such thing as a universally “scoring optional.” The key lies in how well you prepare and how much interest you have in the subject. However, subjects like Anthropology, Sociology, PSIR, and Hindi Literature have proven to yield high scores for a wide range of candidates. Choose smart, study consistently, and seek mentorship from good teachers or platforms that offer expert guidance. Need help choosing the best optional subject for BPSC 2025? Drop your queries in the comments or contact our BPSC mentorship program today! Best BPSC coaching in delhi BPSC syllabus