Hello Ekta,

I would like to tell you that, Yes! Now UPSC provides options to write GS and Optional papers in different mediums (Since 2018). If you choose to write GS and Essay papers in Hindi and Optional Paper in English you can do so.

But point to be noted here is, If you choose to write GS and Essay papers in English then you have to write Optional papers also in English. It means, given the technical/subject specific terminology in optional, you are given opportunity to write it in English while writing GS papers in your fluent or compatible language.

You will get these option while filling the application form for prelim. UPSC ask optional subject and medium both for GS & Essay papers and Optional subject separately in the preliminary stage itself. So, you get sufficient time to get yourself ready and mater in the chosen language.

Further, If you write your GS papers in English medium and want to choose Hindi for interviews that option is also available. But that is not vice versa, that is if your medium for mains is Hindi/regional languages, you can not opt English for Interview.

So, Go ahead without any hesitation or concern if you are more comfortable for Optional to write in English and confident for GS and Essay papers to write in Hindi or any other regional languages (VIII Schedule languages).

Hope this helps,

All the best!

The syllabus of UPSC and WBPCS are same. Psychology Optional Paper 1 syllabus- Foundations of Psychology, Methods of Psychology, Research Methods, Development of Human Behaviour, Sensations, Attention and Perceptions, Learning, Memory, Thinking and Problem solving, Motivation and emotion, Intelligence and Aptitude, Personality, Attitudes, Values and Interests, Language and Communication, Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary Psychology.

Psychology Optional Paper 2 syllabus- Issues and Applications of Psychology : Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences, Psychological Well Being and mental disorders, Therapeutic Approaches, Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour, Application of Psychology in educational field. Community Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Application of Psychology to disadvantaged groups, Psychological Problems of social Integration, Application of Psychology in IT and Mass media, Psychology and Economic development, Application of Psychology to environment and related field, Application of Psychology in other fields, Psychology of gender.

Hey there!

The Psychology has seen an exceptional increment in the number of aspirants choosing for the same as their optionals subject for WBCS mains exam. No doubt it is an extremely interesting optional subject. By the day’s end, no optional subject is pretty much scoring. It is one’s devotion and duty which decides the execution.

Psychology Paper-I  deals with the theoretical aspects. It widely covers the basic principles of Psychology. Paper-II of Psychology deals with the application part in diverse fields.

Books for Psychology optional for WBCS Mains

• Introduction to Psychology Morgan & King
• Psychology by Ciccarelli
• Psychology by Morgan and King
• Psychology Robert A Baron
• Social Psychology Aronson, Wilson
• Social Psychology by Robert Baron, Branscombe, Gopa Bhardwaj, Byrne
• Statistics for Psychology by Aron, Aron, Coups
• Systems & Theories of Psychology Krawiec & Chaplin
• Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences by A K Singh (Bharti Bhawan publications)
• The Psychology of Small Groups Shaw
• Theories of Personality Hall & Lindzey

There are many previous question papers available online.

Have a nice day!