Philosophy as an Optional Subject For UPSC

Philosophy is a way of thinking about certain subjects such as ethics, thought, existence, time, meaning and value. Philosophy is considered as the parent of every discipline, since every other subject has originated from it. Philosophy is the fountainhead of every knowledge system and, therefore, it does not presuppose any prior knowledge of the subject.

The UPSC provides aspirants an autonomy to opt for an Optional Subject of one’s own choice. The Philosophy Optional Subject can be prepared with proper planning and schedule. Philosophy is the Subject which can pave the path towards success in more than one way. As an Optional Subject, Philosophy has several points of strength. This optional can help aspirants to score well and secure rank in final list.

Philosophy Exam Pattern: –

In the UPSC CS (Main) Examination, Paper VII and Paper VIII are of Optional subjects. Each of the papers consists of 250 marks. Hence, in total, the optional subject accounts for 500 marks.

Advantages of choosing Philosophy as an Optional: –

• The Philosophy syllabus is not short and precisely defined.

Ø Philosophy has good relevance and it is overlapping syllabus with other general studies and essay papers.

• The philosophy syllabus is static in nature, so you do not have to worry about preparing current affairs for this optional subject.
• Other than that, the syllabus is concise and there are plenty of resources available for the preparation.
• In a very short time span, Philosophy can be prepared sufficiently & comprehensively.
• Students do not require any prior background in the subject to opt Philosophy as an Optional Paper.
• The syllabus of Philosophy is almost one-third to the other Optional Subjects.
• Philosophy can bring about a remarkable improvement in the thinking and writing of the students, and thereby can extend substantial help to the essay paper.

Paper I:

History and Problems of Philosophy

Paper-II