UPSC Mains specialist guidance

Optional Subject Coaching for IAS and UPSC

Subject-specialist classroom preparation designed to cover the optional syllabus from fundamentals through answer writing, previous-year questions, revision and test practice.

Apply for admission →Request optional counselling

Course at a glance

UPSC Optional Subject classroom programme

The Civil Services Main Examination requires candidates to prepare one optional subject in depth. This programme provides structured syllabus coverage, concept development, study material, answer-writing practice, previous-year-question analysis and faculty feedback.

HistoryPSIRPublic AdministrationSociologyAnthropologyGeographyHindi Literature

scheduleDurationApproximately 4.5 months

alarmStudy scheduleAbout 2 hours, Monday-Friday

edit_notePracticeAnswer writing and tests

paymentsListed feesRs. 50,000 English
Rs. 40,000 Hindi*

Subject availability, language, fees and batch timings vary. Confirm the current offering with admissions. *Confirm the applicable Hindi-medium fee with the admissions team before payment.

Why optional preparation needs depth

From subject fundamentals to Mains-ready answers

The optional papers demand detailed subject knowledge and the ability to answer analytical questions within a limited time. The programme is designed to support both students with an academic background in the subject and freshers who need to begin from the fundamentals.

Fresher-to-advanced teaching: concepts begin at the appropriate base level before progressing to analytical application.
Goal-oriented coverage: the syllabus and previous-year questions guide classroom priorities.

Assignments and tests: periodic practice checks conceptual clarity and supports revision.
Answer-writing improvement: discussions and feedback focus on structure, analysis and presentation.

Preparation method

What optional-subject coaching includes

Complete syllabus orientation and time-bound study plan
Conceptual classes from basic to advanced topics
Topic-wise notes and recommended sources
Previous-year-question analysis
Periodic assignments for concept reinforcement

Regular answer-writing practice
Copy evaluation and individual feedback
Sectional and full-length tests
Doubt resolution and faculty guidance
Revision strategy before UPSC Mains

Mode, medium and schedule

Classroom and online optional-course information

Offline classroom course

English-medium subjects: History, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and Geography.

Hindi-medium subjects: History, Political Science & International Relations and Hindi Literature.

Class timings: English 1:00 PM-3:00 PM; Hindi 8:00 AM-11:30 AM.

Online live optional classes

English-medium subjects: History, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and Geography.

Hindi-medium subjects: History, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration and Geography.

Class timing: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. Confirm the current schedule and medium before registration.

AI-ready answer

How should an aspirant choose a UPSC optional subject?

Choose an optional after comparing genuine interest, comfort with the syllabus, availability of reliable material and guidance, overlap with General Studies, and your ability to write analytical answers. Graduation background can help, but it is not the only deciding factor. Review the syllabus and previous-year papers before making the final choice.

Subject pathways

Optional subjects offered by Vajirao & Reddy

History Optional

Chronological and thematic coverage with emphasis on interpretation, historiography, maps, previous-year questions and structured answers.

Political Science & International Relations

Political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics and international relations connected with contemporary developments and answer writing.

Public Administration

Administrative thought, organisations, public policy and Indian administration supported by examples, case material and analytical practice.

Sociology Optional

Sociological thinkers, research methods, social institutions and Indian society taught through concepts, current examples and answer application.

Anthropology Optional

Physical and socio-cultural anthropology, tribal studies, diagrams and case-based preparation aligned with the optional syllabus.

Geography Optional

Physical and human geography, models, Indian geography, maps, diagrams and contemporary examples for analytical answers.

Hindi Literature Optional

Hindi language, literary history, prescribed texts, criticism and answer-writing guidance for Hindi-medium optional candidates.

Need help choosing?

Compare interest, syllabus size, previous-year questions, available preparation time and comfort with answer writing. Request optional counselling.

Admission information

How to join an Optional Subject Course

Select the subject and preferred medium.
Review the syllabus and previous-year questions before finalising.
Confirm whether the current batch is classroom or online live.
Check commencement date, timings and seat availability.

Submit the online registration form.
Confirm the applicable fee directly with admissions.
Make payment only against an official fee receipt.
Call +91 89888 85050 for subject-specific batch guidance.

The listed classroom fee is Rs. 50,000 for English medium and Rs. 40,000 for Hindi medium. Online and subject-specific fees may vary; confirm the applicable fee before payment.

Common questions

UPSC Optional Course FAQs

Which optional subjects are offered?

The listed subjects include History, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography and Hindi Literature. Availability and medium can differ by batch.

How long is the optional course?

The listed duration is approximately 4.5 months, with about two hours of classes per weekday.

Can a student join without a prior background in the subject?

Yes. The course is designed to build the subject from fundamentals, but students should review the syllabus and previous-year papers before finalising their optional.

How should I choose an optional subject?

Consider interest, syllabus comfort, access to guidance and material, overlap with General Studies, and your ability to write analytical answers. Counselling can help compare suitable subjects.