Commerce

Hi Manish,
The decision of selection of the IAS Mains Optional is an age old dilemma for Civil Services aspirants. Selecting an overlapping optional with General Studies is a good strategy, as the time required to study an optional subject not mentioned as per GS syllabus can be saved. This case not universally applicable though.
There are also many who made it to the top with optional subjects like Medical Science or Law. None of these overlaps with GS syllabus as subjects like History or Geography do. Never take an optional just for the sole reason of GS overlap.
Please understand that each and every optional subject is scoring. Due to the scaling effects, some optional might not turn high-scoring in some years, but there is no universal trend or theory. You requirement is to score maximum marks for the optional subject as well as in GS. Time available, the effort required and the possibility of maximum marks are three crucial factors to consider before you select the option. So, it depends on how much confident you are with the subjects you have mentioned.

1. ICWA (Institute for Cost and Work Accountants) course is divided mainly in three stages:
Foundation Course
Intermediate course
Final course
2. Eligibility Criteria:candidate must have appeared/ appearing 10+2 level from the recognized board and also above 17 years of age to be eligible for this foundation and certificate part I course.candidate must have done graduation in any discipline or must pass the foundation programme to be eligible for the Intermediate course.
3. The course admission is open throughout the year and the exams are conducted in the months of June and December.
For more, refer- http://icmai.in/student/admission
4. Duration:
Foundation course : 10 months
Intermediate course : 1 year
Final level : 10 months
5. Prospectus Fee- Rs 200/-
For more, refer- http://icmai.in/upload/Students/Admission/feesEffective.pdf
6. The course will enable you to excel in areas of cost accounting and managerial accountancy. After the completion of ICWA course, candidates would be capable of managing the finances of a business organization.