Will UPSC Discontinue Optional Subjects in 2020 CSE Exam?

The debate around UPSC discontinuing optional subjects remains a heated topic among aspirants. While some speculate that the removal of one optional in the 2013 CSE saw a potential shift, no concrete action has been taken yet. Here, we delve into the historical context, the reasons behind the recommendations, and what the future might hold.

Historical Context and Committee Recommendations

The idea of discontinuing optional subjects in the CSE has been suggested before. In fact, the State Commission for Higher Education (SCHE) committee was one of the entities that recommended this change many years ago. However, this recommendation hit a brick wall every time with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Despite the recurring nature of such recommendations, no significant changes have been made. This indicates that the current system is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. It is important to understand that waiting for a change is not advisable; instead, aspirants should focus on honing their skills.

Current Curtain on Speculations

Since 2013, when the UPSC reduced candidates' optional subjects from two to one, fears of further reductions have been widespread. Such anxieties are fueled by the desire for uniformity in the exam and the leveling of the playing field. Users often hope for a simpler and more standardized evaluation system.

While speculation is a natural response to uncertainty, it’s crucial to approach the CSE preparation with a clear mindset. Aspirants should focus on previous year's syllabi to prepare as comprehensively as possible, giving themselves the best chance at success.

Future Preparation Strategies

Considering future changes and the recommendations from new commissions, aspirants should adopt flexible preparation strategies. Subjects like Polity, Governance, Economics, Geography, Environment, History, and public policy are more likely to remain relevant despite any structural changes. These subjects provide a strong foundation and a broad base of knowledge that can withstand significant modifications in the syllabus.

UPSC's Role and Future Predictions

It is worth noting that any significant change in the syllabus or structure of the CSE is communicated in advance. UPSC has a history of informing aspirants about future changes well in advance. This ensures that they have adequate time to adjust their preparation plans accordingly.

Meanwhile, UPSC retains the authority over the examination, and no one else (including mentors or coaching institutes) can accurately predict changes before UPSC officially announces them through the notification for the next exam cycle.

Even when optional subjects are phased out, the knowledge and foundational understanding derived from these subjects will be vital. The General Studies papers post-2013 have become more generalized, but they demand a broad-based approach and a foundational vision that stems from various disciplines, including Sociology, Public Administration, Management, Philosophy, Human Geography, and Psychology.

In conclusion, while it is essential to stay informed about any potential changes, aspirants should focus on mastering the current syllabus and domain-specific knowledge, preparing for the ever-evolving aspects of the CSE. This will position them well for any future shifts in the exam structure.