Mathematics Optional Strategy by Kashish Mittal (AIR-58)
Mathematics Optional Strategy by Kashish Mittal
Introduction
(in his own words):
Regarding myself, I joined IIT Delhi in 2006 after securing AIR-4 in JEE (2006) and graduated in Computer Science and Engineering in 2010. I then wrote the UPSC Civil Services Exam (2010) with Physics and Mathematics as optional subjects and was awarded AIR-58.
I chose Mathematics and Physics as optional subjects as I had a considerable exposure to the topics in their syllabi from my study since classes +1, +2 upto college level.
The books I referred for Mathematics are as follows:
Paper I
1.
Linear Algebra:
Linear Algebra by Vasishtha and Sharma (Krishna Series)
Matrices by Vasishtha and Vasishtha (Krishna Series)
2.
Calculus
Differential Calculus by Shanti Narayan (S. Chand)
Integral Calculus by Shanti Narayan (S. Chand)
A Course of Mathematical Analysis by Shanti Narayan (S. Chand)
3. Analytic Geometry:
Analytical Solid Geometry by Shanti Narayan (S. Chand)
4. Ordinary Differential Equations:
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations by M.D. Raisinghania (S. Chand)
Laplace Transforms:
Brilliant Tutorials
Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig
5. Statics :
Statics (Krishna Series)
Dynamics:
Dynamics (Krishna Series)
6. Vector Analysis:
Vector Calculus (Krishna Series)
Curves in Space:
Calculus by Thomas & Finney
Paper II
Algebra:
Abstract Algebra by Khanna and Bhambri
Topics in Algebra by I. N. Herstein
Real Analysis:
Elements of Real Analysis by MD Raisinghania (S. Chand)
Complex Analysis:
Functions of a Complex Variable (Krishna Series)
Linear Programming:
Linear Programming (Krishna Series)
Partial Differential Equations:
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations by M.D. Raisinghania (S. Chand)
Boundary Value Problems:
Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig
Numerical Analysis and Computer Programming:
Numerical Methods by Jain, Jain and Iynger
Mechanics:
Rigid Dynamics Volume I & II (Krishna Series)
Fluid Dynamics:
M.D. Raisinghania (S. Chand)
[Due to some time constraint, I studied Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis mostly from 12 markers point of view. However, looking back, I think I could (& should) have done them thoroughly as well.]
While studying these books I basically attempted the solved examples. In the first cycle of my study, I read selective solved examples and tried to register them in my mind, and solved some of them on my own. In the second cycle of the syllabus I properly attempted the solved examples on paper, trying my best to maintain the quality and language of the answers as close to the solutions in the books. The way of writing a solution is very important in the Mathematics paper, and can be best learnt from the solved examples themselves.
After that I also attempted questions from the past 15-20 years’ papers. The answers/solutions can be verified from the Brilliant Tutorials and the books mentioned above. This exercise helps in giving an idea as to what is the kind and level of questions asked in the exam, and may also prove beneficial in case some questions in the exam come on similar lines as in the past.
Finally, I also made summary sheets for every unit/topic (2 pages per unit) in which I listed the important results/formulae/theorems/tips which can be gone through a day before the exam. This is helpful as it can give you a holistic & quick revision of the entire syllabus before the exam.
In the exam, my correct attempt was 258 in Paper I and 260in Paper II. My score in the exam was 207 in Paper I and 198in Paper II. I think the accuracy in the Mathematics paper is extremely necessary, as candidates are penalised heavily for any errors in the solution/answer.
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