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Home / IAS Preparation / UPSC Zoology Optional Strategy

UPSC Zoology Optional Strategy: Tips for Zoology Optional UPSC Mains

Last Updated on Jun 24, 2024
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Zoology as an optional subject in UPSC has gained attention among the students because of a defined syllabus, scoring potential, and overlapping with General Studies syllabus. Candidates having life science background with keen interest in animal biology can outshine in this subject with the best UPSC Zoology optional strategy. Here in this article, candidates will get in-depth information about UPSC optional subject preparation strategy from UPSC Zoology optional, including popularity and top scoring candidates.

Popularity of Zoology Optional Among Candidates

Here is the information about the popularity of Zoology optional among candidates over the years. Candidates can also check the number of candidates who appeared and recommend this subject for UPSC optional.

Year

No. of Candidates Appeared

No. of Candidates Recommended

Success Rate (%)

2018

350

40

11.4

2019

370

45

12.2

2020

400

48

12.0

2021

420

50

11.9

2022

410

47

11.5

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Top Scoring Zoology Optional Candidates

The below table shows the top scoring candidates in Zoology optional, along with the year and rank.

Name

Year

Rank

Akash Gupta

2018

26

Priya Sharma

2019

18

Ravi Kumar

2020

32

Sneha Patel

2021

24

Amit Chaturvedi

2022

21

UPSC Zoology Optional Strategy

Candidates should follow the best strategy for Zoology optional UPSC papers as beginners and score good marks. Following these strategies helps them to understand the exam patterns, practice time management, and attempt all questions.

In-Depth Understanding of Syllabus

Understanding the syllabus is the foremost strategy for performing well in the Zoology examination. Candidates should break down the syllabus into small, manageable sections and prioritize topics according to their weightage and difficulty.

Choose Standard Textbooks

Students must choose textbooks recommended by experts, toppers, and coaching centers for exam preparation. You should also select books with the latest edition updated as per recent syllabus.

Make Concise Notes

Always choose study materials from reputed stores or online platforms to make concise notes. You can also use diagrams and flowcharts to simplify difficult concepts and memorize them easily.

Practice Previous Year Papers

Attempting UPSC Zoology previous year papers is one effective UPSC Zoology optional strategy to understand the exam pattern and types of questions asked in the exam paper. This also helps you practice time management by answering all questions within the allotted time.

Regular Revisions

Students preparing for UPSC Zoology optional must do regular revisions to keep the concepts fresh in their mind. Also, use notes and practice papers to improve learning and practice time management.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Zoology Optional

Apart from strategies, there are some pros and cons to Zoology UPSC optional subject. So candidates must consider them before choosing Zoology as the UPSC optional subject.

Advantages of Zoology Optional

  • Zoology syllabus is well-defined and less evolving as compared to other optional subjects.
  • This subject has higher scoring potential, especially for candidates who write perfectly illustrated answers.
  • Some topics from Zoology overlap with the General Studies exam.
  • Number of study materials and online resources are available for exam preparation.

Disadvantages of Zoology Optional

  • Zoology required better technical concepts and understanding of scientific terminology.
  • The syllabus for Zoology optional is quite lengthy.
  • Candidates should have neat and accurate drawing skills.
  • There are limited peer group discussions available for Zoology optional subjects.

Zoology Syllabus for UPSC Optional

The Zoology syllabus is divided into two sections: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I includes topics like Non-Chordata and Chordata, Ecology, Ethology, Economic Zoology, and Biostatistics. On the other hand, Paper II focuses on Genetics and Evolution, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology. 

Candidates can check out our dedicated page on UPSC Zoology syllabus and get detailed information of syllabus and exam pattern for better understanding.

Recommended Books for UPSC Zoology Optional Strategy

Candidates must choose books with the latest edition that are updated as per the recent syllabus and topics. Here is a list of the most recommended books for Zoology, an optional subject in the UPSC.

  • Modern Zoology by Ramesh Gupta
  • Organic Evolution (Evolutionary Biology) by Veer Bala Rastogi
  • Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology
  • Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
  • Cell Biology by CB Powar
  • Genetics by PK Gupta

These are some books for UPSC Zoology exam preparation. For more study materials, candidates can check out our detailed page on important books for Zoology Optional for UPSC IAS Mains.

So it’s a wrap for UPSC Zoology optional Strategy, and we hope this guide will be helpful for the candidates preparing for this subject. Moreover, you can also download the Testbook App and get more details about the UPSC Civil Services exam and study materials. This app is available on the Play Store for free, just download and sign in to get details about any government exam.

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UPSC Zoology Optional Strategy FAQs

Candidates should focus on creating a balanced study schedule, doing regular revisions, practicing mock tests, and reviewing previous year papers to improve Zoology exam preparations.

It is advantageous for students with a Zoology background because they have a better interest in that subject.

Candidates can score higher in areas like Non-chordata, Genetics, and Physiology are considered the most scoring areas in Zoology.

Diagrams are very essential for improving the clarity of your answers in exams and helping you score better marks.

Yes, online resources such as video lectures, online courses, and digital courses can improve your exam preparation effectively.
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