diff --git a/src/datasets/load.py b/src/datasets/load.py
index 458b917c4f5..cf5fd33c545 100644
--- a/src/datasets/load.py
+++ b/src/datasets/load.py
@@ -2088,6 +2088,28 @@ def load_dataset(
         **config_kwargs,
     )
 
+    # Get available splits
+    available_splits = builder_instance.info.splits.keys()
+
+    # If there are subdatasets or splits, print them and ask for user input
+    if available_splits:
+        print("Available splits or subdatasets:")
+        for i, split_name in enumerate(available_splits):
+            print(f"{i + 1}. {split_name}")
+        
+        # Ask for user input to choose the split/subdataset
+        while True:
+            try:
+                user_choice = int(input("Select the split to load (enter the number): ")) - 1
+                if user_choice < 0 or user_choice >= len(available_splits):
+                    raise ValueError("Invalid choice. Please try again.")
+                break
+            except ValueError as e:
+                print(e)
+        
+        # Load the dataset based on user's choice
+        split = list(available_splits)[user_choice]
+    
     # Return iterable dataset in case of streaming
     if streaming:
         return builder_instance.as_streaming_dataset(split=split)
@@ -2101,11 +2123,12 @@ def load_dataset(
         storage_options=storage_options,
     )
 
-    # Build dataset for splits
+    # Build dataset for the chosen split
     keep_in_memory = (
         keep_in_memory if keep_in_memory is not None else is_small_dataset(builder_instance.info.dataset_size)
     )
     ds = builder_instance.as_dataset(split=split, verification_mode=verification_mode, in_memory=keep_in_memory)
+    
     if save_infos:
         builder_instance._save_infos()