How to download previous year’s UPSC Maths Optional Papers?

Those who have opted for mathematics optional for the UPSC mains must go through the previous year’s UPSC Maths Optional Paper to understand the question types and paper patterns. Candidates can download the maths optional paper for the UPSC exam below. UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2021 UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2020 UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2021 UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2020

What is the difficulty level of the UPSC Mathematics optional paper?

The difficulty level of the UPSC Mathematics optional paper is moderate. The questions are usually picked from standard textbooks. However, candidates need to be well-prepared to score well in this paper.

Is Maths a good optional for UPSC?

Yes, maths is a scoring optional subject if you have prepared well and written the answers correctly, then you will score big. In addition, there is a clear answer to the questions, unlike the theoretical papers.

What are the best books to prepare for UPSC Maths optional question paper?

Some of the highly recommended books to prepare for UPSC Maths question paper are -Dynamics, Statics, and Hydrostatics – M. Ray, Calculus – Shanti Narayan, PK Mittal, Analytic Geometry – Shanti Narayan, DK Jha, HC Sinha, and Sharma, Linear Programming & Theory of Games – SD Sharma, Algebra – K C Prasad, KB Datta, Mechanics & Fluid dynamics – Azaroff Leonid, and AP Mathur.

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UPSC Maths Optional Paper – PDF Download

By Balaji

Updated on: February 17th, 2023

UPSC Maths Optional Paper includes topics like Linear Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Vector Analysis, Differential Equations, etc. Those who have studied Mathematics in their curricula would find the UPSC Maths Optional Paper syllabus familiar. Experts recommend that candidates only with a background in maths should choose it as their optional subject. It is simply because the level of difficulty in the UPSC exam is higher, and those with prior knowledge in Maths would find it difficult to deal with UPSC Maths Optional Paper.

Those who are planning to opt for mathematics as their optional subject need to go through the previous year’s UPSC Mathematics optional paper. It would help them to analyze the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty. After analyzing the UPSC Mathematics optional paper from the previous year, they can come up with a better preparation strategy to ace the paper.

Table of content

1. UPSC Maths Optional Paper
2. Download UPSC Maths Optional Papers
3. Importance of Solving Previous Year’s UPSC Maths Optional Papers
4. Tips for UPSC Maths Optional Paper

UPSC Maths Optional Paper

There are 48 Optional Subjects for UPSC, in UPSC Mains exam and Mathematics is one of them. The UPSC Maths question paper carries a total of 500 marks, and it is divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks. The UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus is static in nature, and candidates can easily fetch marks if they are well-prepared.

The UPSC Maths Optional Paper will play a significant role in the UPSC Mains exam, as it contributes 500 out of 1750 marks in Mains. That’s why candidates need to score well in this paper to increase their selection chances. Going through the UPSC Mathematics optional paper from previous years will aid in the preparation and guide the candidates in the right direction.

Download UPSC Maths Optional Papers

As you know, there the UPSC Maths optional question paper is divided into two parts- Paper 1 and Paper 2. We will provide direct links to download both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the UPSC Maths Optional Paper below from 2015 to 2021.

Previous Year UPSC Maths Optional Papers for Paper 1- Download PDF

Download UPSC UPSC Mathematics Optional Paper for Paper-2

Importance of Solving Previous Year’s UPSC Maths Optional Papers

The best preparation is to know the road ahead and the challenges to be faced by preparing accordingly. Solving the previous year’s UPSC Maths Optional Paper will give a clear picture of the kinds of questions asked and the important areas. It will also tell if the questions are from a dynamic part or a static part. Let’s discuss the importance of solving the previous year’s UPSC Maths question paper below.

Understanding the UPSC Exam Pattern makes things easier for the aspirants and helps them to take a strategic approach. By solving the UPSC mathematics optional papers from previous years, candidates would be able to figure out the paper pattern and weight of marks.
The maths optional syllabus includes vast topics, and the previous year’s question papers will give an idea about the trending topics in the last few years.
Those who have opted for Maths optional must practice the questions as much as they can. Practicing the previous year’s UPSC Maths Optional Paper will help the candidates to improve their accuracy for UPSC Exam.
Solving the previous year’s Maths optional questions for the UPSC exam will also help in revising the topics. Solve as many as UPSC Mathematics optional papers once you are done with the preparation.
It will also help you in self-assessment, and you will be able to point out your mistakes and redefine your preparation strategy.

Tips for UPSC Maths Optional Paper

Maths is a scoring optional subject with low competition. If you have prepared well for the UPSC Maths Optional Paper then you will score high marks for sure. Here are some tips that will help you to prepare well for this optional paper.

Practice is the key when it comes to dealing with Maths. Practice as much as you can so that you will be able to get faster in solving problems.
You must avoid silly mistakes while solving the questions. Be careful with using the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ sign. Go through the problem carefully and work out the answer step-by-step.
Present your solution in a clear manner, line-by-line.
Try to understand the concept, and don’t try to learn the process because it won’t work with mathematics.
Always keep a formula sheet and the right UPSC Books with you.
Most importantly, try to solve the problems with a relaxed mind. The more you panic, the more confusing it gets.