Trends in the selection of optional subjects among UPSC candidates indicate a preference for subject familiarity and interest. Subjects like Public Administration, Geography, and Anthropology remain popular due to their applicability in the civil services. Additionally, candidates often select subjects based on syllabus overlap with General Studies papers, enhancing their overall preparation efficiency. With varying trends witnessed in each examination cycle, candidates continuously analyze previous years’ results to strategize their choices, often opting for subjects they perceive as scoring or those aligned with their academic background and interests.