Arpit Gupta (AIR-54 CSE-21) Mathematics 306 Marks

Hello Everyone,

I am Arpit Gupta (AIR 54, CSE'21). I belong to a small town Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur (UP). I have done my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee. I worked as Financial Market Analyst for 3 months then left my job in Aug'19. I started my preparation in Sept'19 with Mathematics as my optional.

My UPSC Journey:

I gave 2 attempts. I have done self-study and did not join classroom coaching for anything (No GS coaching, No optional coaching). In my first attempt in 2020, I could not clear Mains (i got 735, 736 was the cutoff in 2020). I also fell severely ill (due to chicken pox 20 days before my 1st mains). During my 1st mains, I had pneumonia, so I gave it in highly feverish condition. It was a learning curve as I understood that health was to be given topmost priority. I shifted back to home just after my 1st mains. I gave 2nd attempt in 2021 from my home. In this attempt, I cleared the exam with AIR 54. My marksheet:

Maths Optional Strategy (completing Maths with self-study):

Although the no. of days for each topic can vary, the rough distribution should be like this. Everyday you have to give 3 hours (can add another hour based on your convenience) to maths.

The Plan:

• Start with Linear Algebra - Nearly 20 days (can be flexible since most of the engineers study this in college)
• 3-D Geometry - 25 days (focus on conicoids more because it is tougher)
• Vector Analysis - 15 days (after understanding 3D figures, this part becomes a bit easier)
• ODE+PDE - 25 days (Easy part hence must be covered properly)
• Calculus+Real Analysis - 30 days (calculus is easy for most of the maths optional people, real should be covered in continuity)
• Complex Analysis - 15 days (low hanging fruit)
• LPP - 10 days (Easiest among all but prone to calculation mistakes hence practice practice & practice)
• Modern Algebra - 30 days (toughest topic, but if you master it, it becomes the deadly weapon. In my 1st attempt, I was frightened of modern a bit, in my 2nd attempt, modern was my deadly weapon.)
• Numerical Analysis + CP - 18 days (focus on derivation rather than mugging up. UPSC has evolved in this portion)

Physics Topics:

• Statics and Dynamics - 25 days (Easy topics should be picked and mastered. Conceptual understanding is the key here. You can practice 20 problems and then fail to solve 21st here. Hence, concept holds the prominence.
• Mechanics - 15 days (lagrangian+hamiltonian is the low hanging fruit here. Rigid body is a bit tougher and less chances of hitting the question present.)
• Fluid Mechanics - 20 days (follow the themes of PYQ; conceptual understanding needed otherwise you will suffer)

Now, this is around 8 months plan for completion of maths syllabus. It includes the tests & PYQs to be solved. PYQs must be a priority while you learn the syllabus. I know when we go forward in maths syllabus, we tend to forget things behind. So, once in a while simply look at what you studied previously. Note making is a personal choice. I followed Kanishak Sir's notes. I studied all the topics of sir's notes from books and then used his notes as primary reference afterwards. IMS notes (in my personal opinion) are not sufficient for the maths paper.

Test Series:

• Many old test series papers are present on the G-20 drive. You can go for that.
• Once you clear prelims you might need a good test series to maintain regularity. Your priority should be a test series which prepares good papers, evaluates your copies on time & gives proper feedback which helps you improve.
• I had joined Aryabhatta Ashram's test series in my 2nd attempt. I joined it because I wanted to face good papers that might prepare me for exams. Mahitosh Sir helped me a lot through regular feedbacks. He was really prompt in evaluating copies. I also gave Pariksha Ganga's open tests between prelims and mains. Their paper setting is really good.
• Even if you don't join a test series, it will not matter if you can maintain regularity and be disciplined (my discipline sucks 😛).

Maths & Prelims:

Maths can be left in last 2 months before the prelims if it is your 1st attempt. Repeaters should try to take maths to at least 40 days before prelims (just 2 hours would also work). I know when you pick maths books after prelims, it feels like you can't even recall "Rolle's theorem". That's okay. You will be back in a week if you keep slogging.

Maths Booklist:

1. Linear Algebra - Shaum/Krishna series

2. Calculus - Malik & Arora or any engg book

3. 3D - Krishna series/PNC

4. ODE - MD Raisinghania

5. Vector Analysis - Any engg book.

6. Statics & Dynamics - Krishna series

7. Modern Algebra - R Kumar (2 books - one of group & other of ring)

8. Real Analysis - Malik & Arora

9. Complex Analysis - Krishna Series

10. LPP - Watch any engg youtube channel and learn simplex, trasportation & assignment.

11. Numerical Analysis - Iyengar

12. PDE - MD Raisinghania

13. Mechanics - Krishna

14. Fluid - MD Raisinghania

Use Kanishak sir's notes (AIR 1, 2018) to see what is in syllabus. Also use them as point of reference.