110 high yield topics for UPSC Medical Sciences Optional revision

UPDATED FOR YEAR 2026

Find 110 high-yield topics (based on the latest trend and repeat pattern) to revise for UPSC Medical sciences optional final Examination.

Predictive topics in Bold*

Anatomy

1. The facial nerve (Functional components of all cranial nerves)
2. Placenta*
3. Development of heart (Including anomalies)
4. Shoulder joint*/Hip joint*/Knee joint
5. Brachial plexus (Radial Nerve*, Ulnar nerve, Median nerve*, Erbs, and klumpky’s palsy)
6. Anatomy of tongue
7. Autonomic nervous system (Components)
8. Lymphatic drainage of Stomach*/Breast
9. Anatomy of Liver
10. Anatomy of Kidney and Prostate

Biochemistry

1. PCR*/RFLP*/RIA
2. Liver function tests (Approach to jaundice)
3. Vitamins (Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Vitamin A/C/D*) – (Focus on Biochemical functions/reactions)
4. Posttranscriptional and Posttranslational modifications*
5. Inhibitors of protein synthesis

Physiology

1. Ascending pathways
2. Descending pathways
3. Control of Equilibrium and posture
4. Sleep physiology
5. Cardiac output*
6. Erythropoiesis
7. Calcium metabolism*
8. Growth hormone
9. Isotonic and Isometric contraction
10. Reflexes (Golgi Tendon Organ)*

Forensic Medicine

1. Blood and seminal stains
2. OP Poisoning*
3. Snake bite management
4. Drug Abuse
5. Antemortem vs Postmortem Wound
6. Hanging*
7. Duties in forensic Medicine*
8. DNA Fingerprinting

Microbiology (Including Immunology and Infectious diseases)

1. B and T cell maturation*
2. Dengue
3. HIV*
4. Rabies
5. Amoebic vs Bacillary dysentery
6. Candida
7. Giardia*

Pathology

1. Mediators of acute inflammation*
2. Benign vs malignant neoplasm
3. Diabetes Mellitus*
4. Glomerulonephritis
5. Oral cancer*
6. Ischemic Heart Disease

Pharmacology

1. General aspects (adverse effect profile and resistance mechanisms) of antimicrobial agents
2. ATT
3. HAART
4. Antidiabetic agents*
5. Diuretics and Antidiuretics
6. Antihypertensive and Vasodilators*
7. Antimalarials*

General Medicine

1. Uses of USG in medical diagnosis*
2. Pharmacological management of anxiety and depressive disorders
3. Acute Coronary Syndrome
4. Pulmonary embolism
5. Complications of Diabetes mellitus
6. Meningitis (Cryptococcal, Meningococcal and Tuberculous)*
7. Hyper and Hypothyroidism*
8. Nephrotic syndrome
9. Cirrhosis of Liver
10. Dermatitis/Eczema
11. Steven Johnson syndrome*
12. Vitiligo*
13. Psoriasis
14. Lichen planus*
15. Scabies

Pediatrics

1. Cyanotic CHD*
2. Neonatal jaundice
3. ARI protocol/Pneumonia*
4. Respiratory distress
5. Diarrhea management
6. Severe acute malnutrition
7. IMNCI*
8. Breastfeeding*

General Surgery

1. Breast carcinoma
2. Acute pancreatitis/cholecystitis
3. Varicose veins
4. Thoracic injuries
5. Tumors of thyroid*
6. Liver abscess
7. Renal stones/Gall stones*
8. Gall bladder and Bile ducts
9. Disorders of the Anus and Rectum*
10. Bleeding peptic ulcer

OBG including family planning

1. Preeclampsia/eclampsia
2. Antepartum hemorrhage
3. Anemia in pregnancy
4. Postpartum hemorrhage
5. Carcinoma cervix*
6. Menopause
7. IUCD/OC pills*
8. Female sterilization
9. Pelvic Pain*
10. Infertility work up

PSM

1. National Kala-azar elimination program
2. SDGs*
3. PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NIkhay Mitra)
4. END TB strategy
5. Anemia Mukt Bharat*
6. Vandemataram Scheme
7. mHealth Initiatives NRHM*
8. JSY/JSSK/RSBK
9. Ayushman Bharat/Health and Wellness centers
10. Critical Appraisal of Health Care Delivery system*
11. Epidemic investigation
12. Biomedical waste management
13. Infant mortality rate*
14. LBW/Underweight

GREY ZONE TOPICS (Uncertain)

1. Cranial nerves : functional components
2. Peripheral Nerve injuries (Median, Radial and Ulnar Nerve)
3. Joints (Hip/Shoulder/Knee joint)
4. Tools of Biochemistry (RIA/PCR/RFLP)
5. Vitamins and minerals
6. Toxicology/Poisonings
7. Injuries (Forensic Medicine)
8. DNA/Finger print study
9. Immunoglobulins and Hypersensitivity reactions
10. Glomerulonephritis (Renal Pathology)
11. Antibiotics (Antimicrobial agents)
12. Diuretics/Antidiuretics
13. Imaging in medical problems
14. Complications of Diabetes mellitus
15. Complications of Cirrhosis of Liver
16. Meningitis
17. Malabsorption syndromes
18. Dermatitis
19. Cyanotic congenital heart diseases
20. Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
21. IMNCI
22. Kernicterus
23. Management of surgical conditions of Rectum, Anus and Anal canal, Gall bladder and Bile ducts.
24. NRHM/MCH/Nutritional Programmes

UNASKED

1. SDG s
2. Vitiligo
3. Endoscopy
4. Stones of ureter and bladder
5. Coarctation of aorta
6. Neonatal resuscitation
7. 2D Echo
8. Antidiuretics
9. Anti KalaAzar
10. Coagulation disorders
11. Japanese Encephalitis
12. Giardia
13. Osteomyelitis
14. Optic and auditory pathways
15. Gonads
16. Development of gut
17. Ventricles of Brain and CSF
18. Vitamin E