UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus

by Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus contains topics from linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, analytical geometry, etc. One of the optional subjects that candidates can choose in the UPSC Mains exam is Mathematics, catering to those with a strong mathematical aptitude and a genuine passion for the subject. One of the advantages of choosing this subject is the static syllabus of Maths Optional.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus, providing a detailed outline of the topics that candidates can expect to encounter.

What is the UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus?

Understanding Maths Optional Syllabus is a crucial step to begin your UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation. Mathematics lays a strong foundation for higher studies in various fields, such as pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and theoretical physics. Mastering complex mathematical concepts fosters a sense of achievement and boosts self-confidence.

UPSC Mathematics Syllabus for Optional Paper 1

UPSC CSE Maths Optional Paper 1 has a weightage of 250 marks. The order of the topics in the UPSC Maths syllabus is Linear Algebra, Calculus and Analytic geometry (Section A), followed by Ordinary Differential Equations, Vector Analysis and Dynamics and Statics (Section B).

SECTION A
Linear Algebra	Vector spaces over R and C, linear dependence and independence, subspaces, bases, dimensions, Linear transformations, rank and nullity, matrix of a linear transformation. Algebra of Matrices; Row and column reduction, Echelon form, congruence’s and similarity; Rank of a matrix; Inverse of a matrix; Solution of system of linear equations; Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, characteristic polynomial, Cayley-Hamilton theorem, Symmetric, skew-symmetric, Hermitian, skew-Hermitian, orthogonal and unitary matrices and their eigenvalues.
Calculus	Real numbers, functions of a real variable, limits, continuity, differentiability, mean-value theorem, Taylor’s theorem with remainders, indeterminate forms, maxima and minima, asymptotes; Curve tracing; Functions of two or three variables; Limits, continuity, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, Lagrange’s method of multipliers, Jacobian. Riemann’s definition of definite integrals; Indefinite integrals; Infinite and improper integral; Double and triple integrals (evaluation techniques only); Areas, surface and volumes.
Analytic Geometry	Cartesian and polar coordinates in three dimensions, second degree equations in three variables, reduction to Canonical forms; straight lines, shortest distance between two skew lines, Plane, sphere, cone, cylinder, paraboloid, ellipsoid, hyperboloid of one and two sheets and their properties.
SECTION B
Ordinary Differential Equations	Formulation of differential equations; Equations of first order and first degree, integrating factor; Orthogonal trajectory; Equations of first order but not of first degree, Clairaut’s equation, singular solution. Second and higher order linear equations with constant coefficients, complementary function, particular integral and general solution. Second order linear equations with variable coefficients, Euler-Cauchy equation; Determination of complete solution when one solution is known using method of variation of parameters. Laplace and Inverse Laplace transforms and their properties, Laplace transforms of elementary functions. Application to initial value problems for 2nd order linear equations with constant coefficients.
Vector Analysis	Scalar and vector fields, differentiation of vector field of a scalar variable; Gradient, divergence and curl in cartesian and cylindrical coordinates; Higher order derivatives; Vector identities and vector equation. Application to geometry: Curves in space, curvature and torsion; Serret-Frenet's formulae. Green’s, Gauss and Stokes’ theorems.
Dynamics and Statics	Rectilinear motion, simple harmonic motion, motion in a plane, projectiles; Constrained motion; Work and energy, conservation of energy; Kepler’s laws, orbits under central forces. Equilibrium of a system of particles; Work and potential energy, friction, Common catenary; Principle of virtual work; Stability of equilibrium, equilibrium of forces in three dimensions.

UPSC Maths Optional Paper 2 Syllabus

Just like Maths Paper-1, Maths Optional Paper-2 also has a weightage of 250 Marks.

The order here should be Modern Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis and Linear Programming (Section A) followed by Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis and Computer Programming and Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

SECTION A
Modern Algebra	Groups, subgroups, cyclic groups, cosets, Lagrange’s Theorem, normal subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphism of groups, basic isomorphism theorems, permutation groups, Cayley’s theorem. Rings, subrings and ideals, homomorphisms of rings; Integral domains, principal ideal domains, Euclidean domains and unique factorization domains; Fields, quotient fields.
Real Analysis	Real number system as an ordered field with least upper bound property; Sequences, limit of a sequence, Cauchy sequence, completeness of real line; Series and its convergence, absolute and conditional convergence of series of real and complex terms, rearrangement of series. Continuity and uniform continuity of functions, properties of continuous functions on compact sets. Riemann integral, improper integrals; Fundamental theorems of integral calculus. Uniform convergence, continuity, differentiability and integrability for sequences and series of functions; Partial derivatives of functions of several (two or three) variables, maxima and minima.
Complex Analysis	Analytic function, Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy's theorem, Cauchy's integral formula, power series, representation of an analytic function, Taylor’s series; Singularities; Laurent’s series; Cauchy’s residue theorem; Contour integration.
Linear Programming	Linear programming problems, basic solution, basic feasible solution and optimal solution; Graphical method and simplex method of solutions; Duality. Transportation and assignment problems.
SECTION B
Partial Differential Equations	Family of surfaces in three dimensions and formulation of partial differential equations; Solution of quasilinear partial differential equations of the first order, Cauchy’s method of characteristics; Linear partial differential equations of the second order with constant coefficients, canonical form; Equation of a vibrating string, heat equation, Laplace equation and their solutions.
Numerical Analysis And Computer Programming	Numerical methods: solution of algebraic and transcendental equations of one variable by bisection, Regula-Falsi and Newton-Raphson methods; solution of system of linear equations by Gaussian elimination and Gauss-Jordan (direct), Gauss-Seidel(iterative) methods. Newton’s (forward and backward) interpolation, Lagrange’s interpolation. Numerical integration: Trapezoidal rule, Simpson’s rules, Gaussian quadrature formula. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations: Euler and Runge Kutta-methods. Computer Programming: Binary system; Arithmetic and logical operations on numbers; Octal and Hexadecimal systems; Conversion to and from decimal systems; Algebra of binary numbers. Elements of computer systems and concept of memory; Basic logic gates and truth tables, Boolean algebra, normal forms. Representation of unsigned integers, signed integers and reals, double precision reals and long integers. Algorithms and flow charts for solving numerical analysis problems.
Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics	Generalised coordinates; D’Alembert’s principle and Lagrange’s equations; Hamilton equations; Moment of inertia; Motion of rigid bodies in two dimensions. Equation of continuity; Euler’s equation of motion for inviscid flow; Stream-lines, path of a particle; Potential flow; Two-dimensional and axisymmetric motion; Sources and sinks, vortex motion; Navier-Stokes equation for a viscous fluid.

Benefits of Choosing Mathematics as an Optional Subject

Taking Mathematics as an optional subject offers several benefits:

Scoring Potential: Mathematics is often regarded as a scoring subject, allowing students to secure high marks and boost their overall exam scores. Being highly objective in nature, higher scores are possible compared to subjective papers.
Analytical Skills: Studying Mathematics enhances analytical and logical thinking abilities, which are valuable for problem-solving in various fields.
Complementary Subject: Mathematics complements other subjects like physics, chemistry, and economics, enhancing the understanding of complex concepts.
Competitive Exams: Mathematics is a common subject in competitive exams like civil services, engineering entrance tests, and management exams, providing an advantage to students who are well-versed in the subject.
Problem-Solving Skills: Studying mathematics improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in everyday life and professional settings.
Logical Reasoning: It develops logical reasoning, enabling students to approach challenges in a structured and organised manner.

Overall, taking mathematics as an optional subject can prove to be advantageous for academic, professional, and personal development, offering valuable skills that can be applied throughout life.

Tips to Prepare UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus

UPSC aspirants often prefer Maths Optional, especially engineering students, due to its objective syllabus. Here are some tips to help you prepare the UPSC Maths Optional syllabus efficiently:

Build Conceptual Understanding: Prioritise developing a clear understanding of each topic mentioned in the UPSC Maths Optional syllabus.
Optimal Revision: Allocate fixed time for regular revision to retain information effectively. Solve UPSC previous year papers and mock tests.
Master Answer-Writing: Focus on effective presentation in UPSC answer-writing. Learn from toppers' answer scripts or get your answers evaluated by mentors.
Emphasise Logical Flow: Avoid cramming mathematics; instead, focus on building a logical flow to solve different types of questions in the exam.
Formula Sheet: Maintain a separate formula sheet or notebook with all essential formulas and theorems. Regularly revise it to avoid forgetting important information.
Minimise Mistakes: Practice extensively to reduce the chances of making silly mistakes while solving questions.

By following these strategies, you can enhance your preparation and excel in the UPSC Maths Optional paper.

Books to Study UPSC Mathematics Optional Syllabus

For the UPSC Maths Optional, there are a number of Books that you can refer to:

Maths Paper 1:

LINEAR ALGEBRA

SCHAUM SERIES - Seymour Lipschutz
LINEAR ALGEBRA - Hoffman and Kunze
CALCULUS
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS - S C Malik and Savita Arora
ELEMENTS OF REAL ANALYSIS - Shanti Narayan and M D Raisinghania
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
ANALYTICAL SOLID GEOMETRY - Shanti Narayan and P K Mittal
SOLID GEOMETRY - P N Chatterjee
ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (ODE)
ORDINARY AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS - M D Raisinghania
DYNAMICS AND STATICS
KRISHNA SERIES
VECTOR ANALYSIS
SCHAUM SERIES - Murray R. Spiegel

Maths Paper 2:

ALGEBRA - CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT ALGEBRA - Joseph Gallian
REAL ANALYSIS - SAME AS CALCULUS OF PAPER 1
COMPLEX ANALYSIS
SCHAUM SERIES - Speigel, Lipschitz, Schiller, Spellman
LINEAR PROGRAMMING
LINEAR PROGRAMMING AND GAME THEORY - Lakshmishree Bandopadhyay
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
SAME AS ODE OF PAPER 1
ADVANCED DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS - M D Raisinghania
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
For Numerical Analysis
COMPUTER BASED NUMERICAL AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES - M.Goyal
NUMERICAL METHODS - Jain, Iyengar and Jain
FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
DIGITAL LOGIC AND COMPUTER DESIGN - M. Morris Mano
MECHANICS AND FLUID DYNAMICS
KRISHNA SERIES

Is there a specific order in which Maths Optional Syllabus should be covered?

The Mathematics optional syllabus, like all other optional subjects, is divided into two papers, further bifurcated into two sections each. The preparation, however, must not be done paperwise or sectionwise. The best strategy is to remember which topics should be done consecutively or at least in the vicinity of the other. You may start from any topic, but the following combinations must be adhered to. One must do Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) and Partial Differential Equations (PDE) in sync with each other. Not only is there a link between the two conceptually, but there is also overlap in terms of some methods. Moreover, the book is also common (Ordinary and partial differential equations by MD Raisinghnaia).

Next, one must always prepare Real Analysis and Calculus simultaneously. This is imperative also from the point of view of the UPSC Maths syllabus as there are some topics like Riemann integration or improper integrals, which are covered in both. Linear Algebra, especially the vector spaces portion, must be tuned with Abstract algebra as a sound clarity about properties of groups and rings (specifically fields) helps to do theorems in a more logical and structured manner.

Then, one must keep in mind to do Vector calculus before doing the Physics topics as it forms the backbone of the same. Complex Analysis similarly must be done after real analysis. Even though some topics like Gauss elimination, Gauss Seidel etc. are more or less covered in Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis may be done independently. Likewise, linear programming can also be done more or less without support from other topics, though it is preferable to do both after linear algebra. Since 3-dimensional geometry is also not required in-depth for others, Analytic geometry may be done without keeping any order in mind.

FAQs on UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus

What is the duration in which Maths optional syllabus can be effectively covered?

One of the biggest advantages of mathematics optional is its static syllabus. Hence, once properly covered, repetitive revisions with some enhancements are the best way to strengthen the optional. The first round, or foundation-level preparation, is the longest period, stretching to close to 6-6.5 months. Thereafter, the second revision can be done in half the time, which is advised till before prelims. The third revision is to be corroborated with writing tests, which completes one full cycle of revision effective for writing mains.

Is Maths a Good Optional Subject?

Mathematics has consistently remained a high-scoring subject, whether in UPSC exams or any other examination. With thorough preparation and accurate answer writing, achieving high marks becomes a highly probable outcome.

Is there any step marks in the UPSC Maths Optional Paper?

Yes, there is step marking in the optional Mathematics paper of the UPSC CSE examination. Candidates may lose marks if they skip an important step while solving a problem. Also, in theorems/theoretical questions, marks are given for attempting it upto a certain level. Moreover, if the answer does not match completely in a numerical question, then depending upon the presentation and stage at which a mistake has occurred, some marks are allotted if the student has written the solution in steps.