How to Balance Optional Subjects with GS for BPSC Mains?

Are you feeling overwhelmed while preparing for the BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) mains? If yes, then don't worry! You are not alone! Many aspirants feel the same, as it is the crucial exam that determines your selection for the next interview process. Unlike prelims, where you have to prepare for objective-type questions, the mains exams test your capabilities to structure your descriptive and analytical answers.

In addition, if you are thinking about how to balance the optional subject with General Studies (GS), then this blog will help you follow a practical approach for the same.

Well, it is important to pay equal attention to optional subjects as well as general studies. While optional subjects will help you score well if you ensure targeted revisions using BPSC books, the GS will help you get more opportunities to focus on major topics across polity, geography, history, current affairs, and economics. Making the right balance will aid you in securing a high rank.

What is the BPSC Mains Exam Pattern?

To create a study plan for BPSC mains preparation, you need to understand the exam pattern first-

As mentioned above, the optional subject carries 300 marks, while each GS paper carries  300 marks. Thus, it is time to prepare for both subjects and increase your chances of attaining a high score.

Why is it Important to balance Optional with GS?

Many candidates focus more on the optional or put excessive effort into each subject of GS.  In this scenario, you may lack preparation and time management. That is where balancing is of paramount importance.

• Get a Broader Scope for Scoring with GS: Preparing for GS well will help you in interviews, essays, and overall awareness.

• Maximize Your Score with the Optional: Preparing your optional subject well will help you survive in the fierce competition.

• Grab Overlapping Advantages: Some topics of optional subjects, such as sociology, history, or geography, may overlap with the topics found in general studies.

• Focus on Time Management: Both subjects demand an equal and consistent approach to avoid last-minute cramming.

Therefore, candidates are advised to allocate time effectively for the optional and GS to stay relaxed before the exams.

8 Steps to Balance Optional with GS in BPSC Mains preparation?

Make a Detailed Analysis of the Syllabus

The first step towards balancing optional with GS is to make a thorough analysis of the syllabus from the official BPSE website. Now, check for the overlapping topic in GS with potential subjects. Highlight the topics that are common and supported in other preparations. For example, if GS involves history and culture, then you can skip the related topics in the optional subject and save a lot of preparation time.

Use the Previous Year's Question Paper

One of the beneficial steps to prepare for the BPSC mains is using the previous year's question papers. For GS, it will help you know the preferred topics, while for optional, you will identify the detailed answers expected. Overall, this will lead to comparing the weightage of each topic and targeting high-scoring topics first. It is recommended to prepare with the last 10 years of BPSE previous year question paper.

Read More: Is BPSC difficult to crack?

Use the Right Books for Preparation

Make sure you use reliable BPSC books for strategic preparations. This will help you save time from unnecessary topics. Here are the recommended books for each subject-

It is important to stick to limited editions to avoid any confusion in both optional and GS.

Create a Weekly Plan:

If you create a weekly plan for studying all the subjects, it will be easier for you to allocate equal time to each and have targeted revision. Here is the sample weekly plan you can follow.

Practice Writing Comprehensive Answers:

BPSC mains demand comprehensive answers, not just briefs with facts. Thus, practice writing detailed answers for both the GS and the optional. You can refer to the previous years' question papers to understand how to frame the detailed answer. Also, it is a good idea to support your answer with examples, data, and certain references to score well.

Save Time With Overlapping Areas:

Some optional subjects have certain topics that overlap with general studies. You can understand them to save time.

Don't Skip Current Affairs:

Current affairs is the key to securing well in GS II and also helps a lot in preparing optional papers such as sociology, political science, and even public administration. To boost your knowledge, maintain a notebook of facts and follow The Indian Express or The Hindu. Try connecting events with optional and GS topics.

Do Revision Regularly:

Revision will keep you engaged with the topics you learnt. Go through your notes weekly for GS and monthly for optional subjects. For consistent revision, create flowcharts, short tricks, and mind maps as they are easy to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.How many hours of study are enough for GS and the optional?

It is recommended to study GS and the optional for 3-4 hours each.

Q2. From where can I score more: GS or Optional?

Optional is more scoring if you prepare well. While GS helps in interviews.

Q3. Can I skip the previous year's question papers?

No, the BPSC previous year question paper will help you to analyze trends, question level, recurring questions, and expected detailed answers.

Q4. Can I crack the BPSC mains by relying on only GS?

No, optional is more scoring as it carries 300 marks, which is equal to the GS papers. 

Q5. How to select the Best Books for BPSC Mains Preparation? 

Use the standard books instead of opting for too many resources. You can also refer to the books that are recommended by toppers.

The Key Takeaway

The balancing of optional subjects with GS is not just limited to time management for the main exam, but it is also about how smart you are in integrating. While GS helps you to create a strong foundation, the optional helps you to increase your chances of scoring higher marks. If you strike a balance with detailed analysis of the syllabus, practicing with PYQs, using reliable BPSC books, and consistent revision, then you will most likely clear the mains and gain confidence to perform best in the interview process.