Strategy for Mathematics

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

1. Algebra: 
   Abstract Algebra by Khanna and Bhambri
   Topics in Algebra by I. N. Herstein
2. Real Analysis:
   Elements of Real Analysis by MD Raisinghania (S. Chand)
3. Complex Analysis:
   Functions of a Complex Variable (Krishna Series)
4. Linear Programming:
   Linear Programming (Krishna Series)
5. Partial Differential Equations:
   Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations by M.D. Raisinghania (S. Chand)
   Boundary Value Problems:
   Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig
6. Numerical Analysis and Computer Programming:
   Numerical Methods by Jain, Jain and Iynger
7. 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 ~ 260 in 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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Preliminary Exam

Paper I (General Studies)

The Preliminary Exam is moving on the lines of the Mains Exam since the last couple of years. That is, it is better to study topics in General Studies thoroughly and comprehensively rather than only looking out for key names and words as answers. This is because in the last couple of years, the options of any particular question in General Studies have been quite involved and only a candidate knowing the topic thoroughly can answer correctly and confidently.

For General Studies Prelims I studied from the following sources:

• Took coaching from Vajiram and Ravi and studied their notes and books multiple times. Especially, their Current Affairs material is quite beneficial.
• NCERT books for classes XI and XII (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Sociology and World Politics);
• Other books for General Studies –
  – DD Basu (Introduction to the Constitution of India)
  – Constitution of India (Bare Act)
  – Economic Survey (Selected Topics)
  – Familiarity with the Atlas
  – Manorama & India Year Book (Selected Topics);
• Newspaper – The Hindu;
• Magazines – Important articles from Chronicle, Yojana & Frontline;
• I also took the Vajiram and Ravi Test series for General Studies;
• For any topic of General Studies, especially Current Affairs, Internet (Wikipedia, etc.) can prove to be a valuable source of background information.

Paper II (CSAT)

Though this is the first time that this paper is being introduced, looking at the topics in the syllabus, the following sources can be helpful:

• NCERT Mathematics book for Class X;
• NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) books on Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning for Class X (any good publisher can do);
• NCERT Class X book(s) on English language and comprehension;
• Regular and thorough reading of newspaper(s);
• Vajiram and Ravi new books and notes on CSAT.

Especially for students of non-mathematics background, it should be noted that accuracy in questions of Mathematics, Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning is very important. The questions may not be tough, but the absence of error would be very important to score in such topics.

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On the Shoulders of Giants

There is a tremendous amount of information regarding Civil Services Exam available on the “Blog-space” on the internet. Going go through these can save you a lot of your crucial time, and can give direction to your preparation. I referred to the following Toppers’ Blogs:

Prakash RajPurohit (AIR-2, 2010)

Garima Mittal (AIR-8, 2010)

Prabhjot Singh (AIR -16, 2010)

Abhijeet Agrawal (AIR-24, 2010)

Ghanshyam Thori (AIR-25, 2010)

Shubhra Saxena (AIR-1, 2009)

Supreet Singh Gulati (AIR-2, 2008)

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Mark Sheet

Roll No. : 037779
Name : KASHISH MITTAL

Civil Services (Main) Examination 2010
Subject		Maximum Marks	Marks Obtained
Essay(Paper III)		200	087
General Studies (Paper-IV)		300	100
General Studies(Paper-V)		300	102
Optional I, MATHEMATICS	Paper-VI	300	207
	Paper-VII	300	198
Optional II, PHYSICS.	Paper-VIII	300	184
	Paper-IX	300	173
Written Total		2000	1051
Interview Marks		300	195
Final Total		2300	1246

Remarks : Recommended.

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Outline

In this blog, I will basically outline the path I followed to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam and list down the various strategies I found useful to perform well in the exam.

This shall include:

– The books/notes/magazines/newspapers/blogs I referred for the different subjects;

– The coaching institutes I attended;

– Difference in the approach to face Prelims, Mains and the Personality Test.

It is seen that many candidates apply entirely different strategies and methodologies for the UPSC Exam and still manage to come out successfully. So this blog contains merely the approach which I followed and highlights just one of the many paths to reach the same goal, and the reader may take up any selected ideas from this blog which can be applied in his/her context.

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