UPSC Maths Optional Paper – UPSC Maths Optional Previous Year Question Papers
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 15th, 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.
In this article, we are going to cover the previous year’s UPSC Mathematics optional paper as it would help aspirants to analyze the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty. In addition we will be discussing UPSC Maths Optional Paper pattern, and strategy to ace the maths optional paper.
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UPSC Maths Optional Paper
There are 48 Optional Subjects for UPSC, 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 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.
UPSC Maths Optional Previous Year Question 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 – Paper 1
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2021
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2020
- UPSC Maths Optional Question Paper for Paper-1 2019
- UPSC Mathematics Optional Paper for Paper-1 2018
- UPSC Maths Question Paper for Paper-1 2017
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2016
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-1 2015
UPSC Maths Optional Previous Year Question Papers – Paper 2
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2021
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2020
- UPSC Maths Optional Question Paper for Paper-2 2019
- UPSC Mathematics Optional Paper for Paper-2 2018
- UPSC Maths Question Paper for Paper-2 2017
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2016
- UPSC Maths Optional Paper for Paper-2 2015
UPSC Maths Optional Question Paper Pattern
The maths optional subject is divided into two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. These papers focus on different areas. The questions of paper 1 are related to
- Calculus
- Dynamics & Statistics
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Vector Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Analytic Geometry
Paper II contains questions related to-
- Algebra
- Linear Programming
- Partial Differential Equations
- Real Analysis
- Numerical Analysis, and Computer Programming
- Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics
- Complex Analysis
Tips to Prepare for UPSC Maths Optional Paper
Choosing an optional subject can be an overwhelming task, as it contributes 500 marks in the final result-making. There are 48 Optional Subjects in UPSC, and candidates opt for Maths because it is highly logical in nature. However, it is not always easy to score in this subject as the questions can be very tough. That’s why we have covered some tips that would help the candidates to crack this optional subject.
- The first step in preparing for any exam is to have an in-depth understanding of the syllabus. It goes the same for this optional subject as well. Candidates must know the whole UPSC Syllabus for Maths to ensure proper planning and preparation.
- After that, candidates must select the best reference Books for the Maths optional. Some of the highly recommended Maths Books are Calculus and Real Analysis by S.C Malik and Savita Arora, Shanti Narayana, Linear Algebra by A.R.Vasista, and Numerical Analysis by K. Shankar Rao, Ordinary Differential Equations by M.D. Raisinghania, 3-D Geometry by P.N. Chatterjee, etc.
- The next step is to come up with an effective study plan. Make a month-by-month schedule, weekly plan, and daily schedule for UPSC Maths optional question paper.
- Try to cover all the important topics from the UPSC Maths syllabus, such as Statics & Dynamics, Calculus, Analytical Geometry, Abstract Algebra, Linear Programming, etc.
- Solve UPSC Previous Year Question Papers to understand the difficulty level of the UPSC Maths Optional Question Paper and figure out a preparation strategy accordingly. It will also boost your confidence and accuracy level.
Importance of Solving UPSC Maths Optional Paper
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.
Is Mathematics a good Optional for UPSC?
Mathematics can be a good optional subject for the UPSC exam, provided one has a strong aptitude for mathematics and are comfortable with the subject. Most of the candidates who have studied maths in their curriculum opt for maths optional. One of the advantages of choosing mathematics as an optional subject is that it is more or less static in nature. Mathematics can also be a scoring subject, as the questions are often objective and require precise calculations. Additionally, this optional subject has less competition compared to other subjects. There have been many IAS toppers in the past who have opted for Maths as their optional subject. So, overall maths is a good optional subject.
