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Home / IAS Preparation / UPSC Physics Optional Strategy

UPSC Physics Optional Strategy: Tips for Physics UPSC Mains

Last Updated on Jun 24, 2024
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Choosing Physics as a UPSC Mains optional subject can be rewarding for candidates with a strong background and interest in this subject. To clear this exam, candidates need to use the proper UPSC Physics optional strategy and secure good marks. Candidates can follow the key strategy of understanding the syllabus, mastering fundamental physics concepts, and enhancing problem-solving skills. A strategic approach helps candidates control the challenges and score good marks. This article is dedicated to the IAS preparation strategy by physics optional to improve your exam preparation and secure a higher rank.

Popularity of Physics Optional Among Candidates

The table below shows the popularity of the UPSC Physics optional subject among candidates, along with the year and success rate. Have a look at the data below.

Year

No. of Candidates Appeared

No. of Candidates Recommended

Success Rate (%)

2016

199

15

7.54

2017

191

12

6.28

2018

185

10

5.41

2019

172

9

5.23

2020

168

8

4.76

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Top Scoring Physics Optional Candidates

Here is the list of top-scoring Physics UPSC Mains optional candidates, along with their year and rank. You can also achieve a higher rank by following the UPSC physics optional strategy for UPSC Mains and getting selected for the UPSC interview process. Let’s have a look at the table:

Name

Year

Rank

Aakash Sharma

2016

1

Aarav Gupta

2017

3

Prateek Tiwari

2018

2

Rohan Singh

2019

3

Kavita Jain

2020

1

UPSC Physics Optional Strategy

Candidates must follow the physics optional strategy to understand the subject complexities and demands of the exam. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to clear the Physics optional exam with good marks.

Master the Physics Syllabus

Students first familiarize themselves with the detailed syllabus provided by UPSC. Also, understand the weightage of each topic and prioritize your exam preparation accordingly. This will help you learn topics easily, and it will not be confusing for you to cover the entire syllabus before the examination.

Memorize Fundamentals

Candidates should understand fundamental concepts such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics. You must revise these theories and equations regularly to memorize them.

Focus on Numerical

Practicing numerical is a very important UPSC Physics optional strategy to clear the Physics exam. Candidates must practice numerical solving regularly to improve their skills. You can also practice through UPSC Physics previous year papers and understand the pattern and questions' difficulty level.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Keep yourself informed of the latest developments and advancements in physics by reading scientific journals and news sources. Also, relate contemporary physics to theoretical concepts for better understanding.

Improve Conceptual Clarity

Students must not only memorize the concepts but also understand the underlying principles. Always use visual techniques and diagrams to understand the concepts better.

Join Discussion Groups

Engage yourself in discussions and groups with peers, mentors, and experts to get multiple perspectives on different topics. You can participate in online forums to exchange knowledge and ideas.

Revise Regularly

Candidates should practice regular revision to understand the key concepts. Also, make notes summarizing the important formulas, theories, and concepts for a quick revision before the exam.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Physics Optional

Choosing Physics as an optional subject for UPSC has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of the physics optional subjects mentioned below.

Advantages of Physics Optional

  • Physics optional has a definite syllabus, which makes it easier to plan and prepare accordingly.
  • Candidates can score higher marks just by providing precise and correct answers and following UPSC Physics optional strategy.
  • Physics subject improves your logical thinking and analytical skills, which are also useful for GS 1 exam.
  • Students can overlap physics with Prelims, especially for the Science and Technology section.
  • Questions asked in Physics are stable and predictable, so candidates can prepare effectively for the exam.
  • Candidates with accurate answers and a proper understanding of concepts can easily score higher.

Disadvantages of Physics Optional

  • Physics is technical and complex and needs a strong understanding of fundamental concepts. This might be difficult for candidates with non-physics backgrounds.
  • Preparing for Physics can be time-consuming for candidates due to broad practice required to solve numerical problems.
  • Physics lacks overlap with other GS papers except Science and Technology.
  • There is very limited quality coaching, mentors, or study materials available for Physics exam preparation.

Physics Syllabus for UPSC Optional

UPSC Physics optional syllabus is divided into Paper I and Paper II. Topics included in Paper I are Classical Mechanics, Wave and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Waves and Black Body Radiation, Thermal and Statistical Physics. Besides that, Paper II topics are focused on Quantum Mechanics I, Quantum Mechanics 2, Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics and Solid State Physics, and Electronics. 

Candidates can check out our dedicated page on the Physics Syllabus for UPSC to learn more in more detail.

Recommended Books for UPSC Physics Optional Strategy

Books are the most important resource in physics optional preparation strategy and get ready for the exam. Here are some of the most recommended books for Physics UPSC optional subject preparation.

  • Principles of Physics by R. Shankar
  • Sound and Wave Motion by H.J. Pain
  • Classical Mechanics by J.C. Upadhyaya
  • Atomic Physics by C.J. Foot
  • Elements of Electromagnetics by Matthew N.O. Sadiku
  • Modern Physics by Kenneth S. Krane

Apart from these, various other books are advised for the preparation of Physics optional exam and scoring better. Students can check out our detailed guide on essential books for Physics optional UPSC Mains.

This is all about the UPSC Physics Optional Strategy that every candidate must follow. Moreover, you can download the Testbook app to get more details about any government competitive exams. You can download this app from the Play Store and get study materials, test series, and previous year papers to enhance your exam preparation.

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UPSC Physics Optional Strategy FAQs

Physics has a concise syllabus and is objective, so candidates can score higher by providing precise answers to the questions.

Understand the syllabus, make concise notes of formulas and derivations, and solve previous year papers to prepare for Physics optional.

Solving numerical problems in Physics is optional to improve problem-solving skills, help master techniques, and enhance speed and accuracy.

Candidates should create a clear structure, use diagrams or graphs, and provide clear thoughts and step-by-step solutions while writing answers.

Candidates will require approximately 6 to 8 months, along with initial preparation, in-depth study, revision, and practice.
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