A very important decision that every UPSC candidate must make is selecting the appropriate optional subject for the UPSC CSE Mains. A general rule of thumb is to enrol in the subject in which you have academic training and a sincere passion. Along with this, other elements including the subject’s prior performance in UPSC exams, the amount of time needed to prepare for the subject, its contribution to the general studies syllabus, and the coaching offered in the subject should also be taken into account when choosing the optional subject.

The same requirements apply if you choose mathematics for UPSC CSE Mains.

• An applicant must have studied maths during their undergraduate degree, first and foremost. Having studied maths only up until the 12th grade is insufficient for the UPSC Mains, regardless of how well one has done.

• Second, a candidate must truly enjoy the subject, as someone who doesn’t have a passion for it will find the curriculum overwhelming. But a student who is passionate about maths won’t find it difficult at all to develop concepts and put them into practice.

In order to keep your preparation on track and avoid spending time studying material that was never actually necessary, it is crucial to consult the proper set of books during the preparation process. Always keep in mind that using the appropriate study resources is just as important as learning the content itself. To guide you with that Ankur Nain, director of Vimarsha IAS, himself, mentors students for the right approach and also teaches mathematics optional as well.