For civil services which stream i best- simple ba programme or ba honours?

If you are an IAS aspirant, you would undoubtedly want to commence your IAS studies right from college. So, it would be prudent on your part to take up subjects that would aid your IAS preparation. You not only save time but also would have the extra mileage compared to candidates who would start these subjects afresh. This article discusses the best subject in BA for IAS.

Let us take a look at the subjects that are part of the UPSC syllabus.

• General Studies I: History, Geography
• General Studies II: Polity, Public Administration
• General Studies III: Economics, Ecology, Environment, Science & Tech
• General Studies IV: Ethics (Philosophy/Psychology)

As you see, most of them are humanities subjects. In your graduation, you could take up any of the above subjects like history, geography, political science, public administration, philosophy, etc. Economics is also recommended for those who are interested in it. It will help you understand a lot of the concepts at the college level itself. Frankly, it is a good backup subject in case your IAS dream remains unfulfilled. You could also take up philosophy in your graduation since it will help in GS Paper IV and also in the essay paper.

Analyze the options before you and take up subjects that you can optimize for your general studies papers. Generally, humanities subjects have received good success in the UPSC exams. It is regarded as the home ground of the UPSC. Although there are many toppers who have bucked this trend, if you are sure about your IAS goal even before graduation, it would be wise to take up a related subject in your graduation.