Shivam Kumar Mathematics Optional Strategy

Mathematics Strategy :

Below is the overall strategy that I followed for mathematics optional. In future posts, I will write in detail about how to manage the optional between prelims and mains and how to integrate the optional with GS to maximize the outcome.

1. Sources followed:

a) IMS notes for all chapters except the physics part

b) Mathocrat YouTube channel - Static and dynamics, mechanics, fluid dynamics, real analysis

c) MDR - fluid dynamics

d) Kanishak Katariya Sir’s chapter-wise short notes

e) Krishna Series books - static and dynamics, mechanics, LPP

2. Covering syllabus:

a)Covered the syllabus before prelims

b) Understanding the concept through the sources listed above

c) Practicing questions available in the source material

d) Practicing topic-wise PYQ - - previous year questions were practiced along with the first revision. (Ideally, it should be done before prelims but I could not do it due to excessive focus on prelims)

3. During prelims and mains:

The aim was to cover PYQ, attempting tests to understand the level of preparation and improving on weaker portions

a) 2 rounds on minimum revision is desirable in this period

b) Segregation of conceptual and important questions in a separate notebook to reduce the revision time for subsequent revision

c) Simulation of an exam-like situation 1-2 times before D-day.

4. Test Series followed :

a) Mathocrat test - Mains 2022

b) IMS test - Mains 2022 and 2023

c) Successclap test - Mains 2022 and 2023

Mathematics as an optional demands a lot of practice. Mantra is “read less, practice more”.