MAINS TEST SERIES-2024

(JUNE to SEP.-2024)
IAS/IFoS

MATHEMATICS Under the guidance of K. Venkanna

TEST CODE: TEST- 2: IAS(M)/30-JUNE.-2024
ALGEBRA, REAL ANALYSIS AND COMPLEX ANALYSIS & LPP

Time: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 250

INSTRUCTIONS
Each question is printed only in English.
Answer must be written in the medium specified in the admission Certificate issued to you, which must be
stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No marks will be given
for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.
Candidates should attempt Question Nos. 1 and 5, which are compulsory, and any THREE of the remaining
questions selecting at least ONE question from each Section.
The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
Assume suitable data if considered necessary and indicate the same clearly.
Symbols/notations carry their usual meanings, unless otherwise indicated.
All questions carry equal marks.
Important Note: Whenever a question is being attempted, all its parts/ sub-parts must be attempted
contiguously. This means that before moving on to the next question to be attempted, candidates must finish
attempting all parts/ sub-parts of the previous question attempted. This is to be strictly followed.
Pages left blank in the answer-book are to be clearly struck out in ink. Any answers that follow pages left
blank may not be given credit.

HEAD OFFICE:25/8, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR MARKET, DELHI-60. Ph.: 09999197625, 011-45629987
BRANCH OFFICE: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi-9
REGIONAL OFFICE : 1-10-237, IInd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20.
Mobile No.: 09652351152, 09652661152
www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
 (1) (22)

SECTION – A
1. (a) What are the orders of the following permutations in
S10?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 8 7 3 10 5 4 2 6 9 

and (1 2 3 4 5) (6 7). [10]

 a −b  
1. (b) Show that the set of matrices S =   a ,b ∈   is
 b a 
a field under the usual binary operations of matrix
addition and matrix multiplication. What are the
additive and multiplicative identities and what is the
1 −1
inverse of  ? Consider the map f :  → S defined
1 1 
 a −b 
by f(a + ib) =  . Show that f is an isomorphism.
 b a 

(Here  is the set of real numbers and  is the set of

complex numbers.) [10]
∞
 1 
1. (c) Show that ∏ 1 − 4n
1
2  converges and its limit lies

1
between and 1. [10]
2
x 3 y( y − ix )
1. (d) If f (z) = , z ≠ 0 and f(0) = 0, show that
x 6 + y2

f (z) − f (0)
→ 0 as z → 0 along any radius vector but not
z
as z → 0 in any manner. [10]

TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (21) (2)

1. (e) A farm is engaged in breeding pigs. The pigs are fed on

various products grown on the farm. In view of the need
to ensure certain nutrient constituents N1, N2, N3, it is
necessary to buy two additional products P1 and P2.
One unit of P1 contains 36 units of N1, 3 units of N2 and
20 units of N3. One unit of product P2 contains 6 units
of N1, 12 units of N2 and 10 units of N3. The minimum
requirement of N1, N2 and N3 is 108 units, 36 units and
100 units respectively. Product P1 costs ` 20 per unit
and P2 costs ` 40 per unit.
Formulate this Diet Problem as an LP model and solve
it graphically. [10]
G
2. (a) (i) If G is group such that is cyclic, where Z(G) is
Z (G )
centre of G then show that G is abelian.
(ii) Give an example of an infinite group in which every
element is of finite order. [15]
2. (b) (i) Show that x – a = 0 has at most one real positive
n

root if n is a positive integer.

x
(ii) Prove that < log (1 + x ) < x for all x > 0.
1+ x
2n +1 1 1 1
Deduce that log < + + ..... + < log2,
n +1 n +1 n + 2 2n
n being a positive integer. [17]
2.(c) (i) Prove that u = y3 – 3x2 y is a harmonic function
Determine its harmonic conjugate and find the
corresponding analytic function f(z) in terms of z.
2π cos 2 3θ dθ 1 − p + p2
(ii) Prove that ∫0 = π ,0 < p < 1 .
1 − 2 p cos 2θ + p 2 1− p
[6 + 12 = 18]
TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (3) (20)

3. (a) (i) Show that any infinite cyclic group is isomorphic to

< Z, + > the group of integers.
(ii) Any finite cyclic group of order n is isomorphic to
Zn the group of integers addition modulo n.
(iii) Prove that if an ideal U of a ring R contains a unit
of R, then U = R. [18]
3. (b) State the Weierstrass M-test for uniform convergence of
an infinite series of functions. Hence, Prove that the series
∞
x
∑
n =1 n (1 + nx )
2 is uniformly convergent on (−∞, ∞) . [14]

3.(c) A company has three plants at locations A, B and C

which supply to warehouse located at D, E, F, G and H.
Monthly plant capacities are 800, 500, and 900 units
respectively. Monthly warehouse requirements are
400. 400, 500, 400. and 800 units respectively. Unit
transportation costs (in Rs.) are given below :
Determine an optimum distribution for the company
in order to minimize the total transportation cost.
To
D E F G H
A 5 8 6 6 3
From B 4 7 7 6 5
C 8 4 6 6 4

[18]
4.(a) (i) Give an example of a finite noncommutative ring.
Give an example of an infinite noncommutative ring
that does not have a unity.
(ii) Prove that every ideal of a ring  is a subring of .
Is the converse true. Justify your answer.
[8+7=15]
TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (19) (4)

4. (b) For x > – 1, test for convergence

22 22.42 2 22.42.62 3
1 + x+ x + x + .... [15]
3.4 3.4.5.6 3.4.5.6.7.8
4.
(c) Use cauchys theorem and/or cauchy integral formula
to evaluater the following integrals
cos z
(i) ∫ dz
z =1
z (z − 4)

3z 2 + z
(ii) ∫ dz , where C is the circle |z – 1| = 1 [10]
C z2 −1

4. (d) Obtain the dual of the following LP problem :

Max. z = 2x1 + 3x2 + x3,
Subject to 4x1+ 3x2 + x3 = 6, x1 + 2x2 + 5x3 = 4,
and x1, x2 , x3 ≥ 0. [10]

TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (5) (18)

SECTION – B
 a b  
5. (a) Let G =    / a ,b,c , d ∈ Z  under addition.
 c d  

 a b  
Let H =    ∈ G / a + b + c + d = 0  . Prove that H is
 c d  
a subgroup of G. what if ‘0’ is replaced by 1 ? [10]
5. (b) Let R be the ring of 3 × 3 matrices over reals. Show that
x x x  
  
S =  x x x x real  is a subring of R and has unity
 
x x x  
  
different from unity of R. [10]
5. (c) Test the convergence of the following series
(a + x ) (a + 2x )2 (a + 3x )3
+ + + ..... [10]
1! 2! 3!
1
5. (d) Expand f (z ) = in a Laurent’s series valid for
(z + 1)(z + 3)
the regions
(i) |z| < 1 (ii) 1 < |z|< 3
(iii) |z| > 3 (iv) 0 < |z + 1| < 2.
[10]
5. (e) Find all the basic solutions of the system of equations
2x1 + 3x2 – x3 + 4x4 = 8
x1 – 2x2 + 6x3 – 7x4 = – 3 [10]
6. (a) How many elements of order 2 are there in the group
of order 16 generated by a and b such that the order
of a is 8, the order of b is 2 and bab = a .
−1 −1
[13]

TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (17) (6)

6. (b) In a group G, if a5 = e and a * b * a–1 = bm for some

positive integer m, and some a, b ∈ G, then prove that
5
bm – 1 = e. [12]
6. (c) Prove that every field is an integral domain, but every
integral domain is not a field. Give an example of an
integral domain which is also a field. [12]
6. (d) Show that Z  2  = a + 2b / a, b ∈ Z { } is a Euclidean

domain. [13]
7. (a) The function f (x) = 1/x is continuous on (0, 1) but not
uniformly continuous. [10]
7. (b) Show that the sequence of functions fn defined on
1
[0, 1] by fn(x) = n (1 – nx), 0 ≤ x <
n

1
= 0, ≤ x ≤1
n
converges to the function f given by f(x) = 0, x ∈ [0, 1].
1 1
Show that lim ∫ f n (x )dx ≠ ∫0 f (x )dx. Is the convergence
n →∞ 0

of the sequence uniform ? [13]

7. (c) Suppose that f is defined on I = {x : 0 ≤ x ≤ 1} by the
formula
1 j
 2n if x = where j is an odd integer
2n
f ( x ) = 0  and 0 < j < 2n , n = 1, 2,.....,

0 otherwise.

Determine whether or not f is integrable and prove your

result. [13]
TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (7) (16)

7. (d) Test the convergence of when doing Integration by parts and usually the error involves missing negative (-)
1 sign etc. Therefore whenever I come across such type of question I try to devote extra
dx
(i) ∫ 1− x3
1 minute to re-check all my steps.
0 Maths.stackexchange.com is the best online resource for preparation. You can
∞
create an account and get your maths questions answered within minutes.
∫x
m −1 − x
(ii) Prove that the integral e dx is convergent if
Why did I score only 262?
0
Among all the students in the final list who had Maths as an optional, I have scored
and only if m > 0. [14] the least. My paper - 1 was a complete disaster and I only scored 92 marks in it. In fact
8. (a) Prove that all the roots of z7 – 5z3 + 12 = 0 lie between I could only attempt 160 marks paper and had to leave 90 marks paper completely.
the circles |z| = 1 and |z| = 2. [08] The reasons for the above situation in Paper - 1 are as follows:
1 1. Lack of written practice: In many topics (especially statics and dynamics) I
dx
8. (b) Evaluate by Contour integration, 1/3 . [15] ∫( used to just look at a question and its solution without solving it first. As a
x2 − x3) 0 result I forgot the exact method in the exam hall!
8. (c) A manufacturer of electronic equipment has just 2. Left many topics: I prepared only 25% 3-D, 80% Calculus and 25% Statics &
received a sizeable contract and plans to subcontract a Dynamics and had to pay a heavy price in the exam.
On the other hand my preparation for paper - 2 was excellent and therefore I scored
part of the job. He has solicited bids for 6 subcontracts
an amazing 170 marks in it
from 3 firms. Each job is sufficiently large and any firm
BHAVESH MISHRA
can take only one job. The table below shows the bids AIR-58 in CSE-2014
as well as the cost estimates (in lakh of rupees) for
doing the job internally. Not more than three jobs can
be performed internally.
Find the optimal assignment that will result in minimum
total cost. [14]
J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J6
Job
F1
Firm 44 67 41 53 48 64
F2 46 69 40 45 45 68
F3 43 73 37 51 44 62

Internal 50 65 35 50 46 63
TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (15) (8)

Easy paper: The difficulty level of paper is quite moderate and almost all questions 8.(d) Use two-phase simplex method to solve the problem :
are directly picked from the IMS Test Series / Standard Textbooks. 15
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT? Minimize z = x1 − 3x 2 ,
2
Myths around science subjects.
subject to the constraints :
Coaching institutions have mastered the art of brainwashing students and creating
an atmosphere of gloom and doom around science subjects. There are lots of myths
3x1 – x2 – x3 ≥ 3, x1 – x2 + x3 ≥ 2, and x1, x2, x3 ≥ 0.
circulating among students. Let’s bust these myths. [13]
1. Maths optional is only for students from IITs: Definitely not. Anyone willing
to put in hard work can easily score very high marks. The best example
being Nitish K (Rank 8) who is not from any IIT.
2. There is heavy scaling: Let the data speak for itself. I attempted 240 marks
in Paper 2 and got 170 marks. Now would you call it a scaling?
3. It plays no role in GS: Yes it’s true that science optional subjects don’t overlap
with GS but it’s equally true that GS has never been a rank decider in UPSC
IAS.
4. There are 3 major things that decides your rank: Essay, Optional and
Interview. Even if one puts in 5 years of efforts in GS the advantage in terms
of marks would be around 30 marks or so but 1 year of dedicated effort in
maths would give you 50+ marks advantage straightaway.
Do’s and Dont’s:
1. Practice, Practice and Practice. The key to success in maths is filling up as
many notebooks as you can, during the preparation stage. The more you
sweat during preparation the less you will bleed in the battlefield!
2. Don’t read Maths book / notes like GS. It is a recipe for disaster. Rather
always study with pen, paper and calculator.
3. While solving examples don’t jump to see solution first. Try giving your
best shot and after making sure that you are not able to solve it using your
present knowledge then only look at the answer. This will ensure that better
retention.
4. Generally we make lots of silly mistakes while solving a question. It is best to
catch these errors early and not repeat them in exam hall. The best strategy
for this is to maintain a notebook of errors that you
Anyone who has done B.Tech / M.Tech / B.Sc / M.Sc and has an interest in Maths.
Usually commit and their mitigation measures. For example, I commit a lot of mistakes

TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (9) (14)

PREPARATION STRATEGY Irrespective of whether you are very happy or deeply unsatisfied about paper 1, try
to forget about it and stay calm for paper 2.
INTERVIEW
for IAS/IFoS
MATHEMATICS In the interview, you can expect some questions related to mathematics optional.
Generally you won’t be asked to solve a problem because that ability has been tested
(Optional)
in mains. They would like to see whether you have a genuine curiosity regarding
by Successful Candidate
mathematics outside what is mentioned in syllabus. In both my UPSC interviews, I
PARTH JAISWAL
was asked about Ramanujan’s work. There were questions on Vedic Mathematics,
(AIR-5 IFOS) & (AIR-299 IAS)
National Mathematics Day, important Indian Mathematical Institutions, Field medalist
in IFoS-2014 & IAS-2014 Examinations
Manjula Bhargava etc. Hence while preparing for interview, try to be aware about
CLASSROOM STUDENT
these non-theorotical aspects of maths as well.
MY BACKGROUND
Hello,My name is Parth Jaiswal. I come from Jaipur, Rajasthan. I completed my
I hope above tips provide some clarity regarding maths optional to UPSC
graduation in Computer Science discipline from IIT Delhi in 2013. Soon afterwards I
aspirants.
started preparing for Civil services and Indian Forest Service, aiming for the attempt
All the best!
of year 2014.
Luckily I was able to clear both the examinations in my first attempt. I secured AIR-5
in IFoS-2014 and AIR-299 in CSE-2014. My optional subject was Mathematics. In case
Bhavesh Mishra (AIR-58)
in IAS-2014 Examination
of Forest Service Examination, candidate is required to choose 2 Optionals, thus my
CLASSROOM STUDENT
second optional was Forestry with Mathematics as my first optional. I secured 250/400
Why Maths?
(125+125) marks in IFoS Exam and 300/500 (147+153) marks in CSE in Maths. Thus
Simply because it is the best performing optional subject in UPSC/IAS.
I would give much credit for my success to my correct choice of optional as well as
Extremely high scoring: If you get your maths optional right then you will make it
performance in it. I am writing this to share my experience with Maths as an optional
to the final list. This year one of my batch mate in IMS Nitish K (Rank 8) has got a
subject and would feel happy if I am able to clear some of the doubts as well as
mind boggling 346 marks.
apprehensions regarding it which many UPSC aspirants possess.
Certainty: If you have attempted your paper well then you are sure that you will get
Why I Chose Mathematics?
good marks. For example this year just by attempting 400 marks paper you could get
I chose Mathematics because of my inherent interest in it from childhood. I have
a decent 260+ marks. Even if you don’t get good marks in first attempt but you can
performed well in this in my throughout education and thus was confident enough to
be sure that you will increase your marks in subsequent attempt(s).
handle it well. Another reason for choosing it was, I wanted to have my optional from
Fun: Mathematics is a delightful subject and therefore doing maths takes you away
my background and thus Maths proved to be appropriate choice. Having a science
from somewhat boring humanities.
background, I found it much easier to study than any other subject, many of which
Good Impression: The fact that you have taken Maths makes a good impression
we have to study for GS prep.
on interview board members
I would like to assert few points regarding it very clearly.
(it happened in my case !). They are very pleased to see that you have opted for a
tough optional.

TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (13) (10)

PRACTICE • This subject is vast in syllabus and takes more time to study than other optionals.
Just knowing theory is not enough. It needs to be accompanied by consistent problem • It also requires consistent practise. But the positive part is - If you are thorough
solving practice. It is best to solve questions that have already been asked in mains. with the subject and have practised it well, you can comfortably attempt
If some problem seems very non-intuitive, it would help if the trick to solve such complete paper with correct answers and thus gives you a great opportunity
problem is written in your notebook. to score well in your optional (inspite of the scaling often carried out in it)
TEST SERIES pushing you above the list.
Test series is very important for this optional. I had joined IMS test series which helped • In this way, this optional gives a bit of security as well as certainty which again
me in identifying my weak areas. In both CSE and IFoS mains, there were many comes at a price i.e great amount of hard work. Also IFoS Exam prescribes
questions similar to those covered in IMS test series. With enough practice, a candidate certain optionals only and Mathematics is one of them. Not all optionals are
can achieve the ability to complete the maths paper in 3 hours. It is important to assess available for this exam.
your performance after each test. Necessary steps should be taken to rectify common • So again it gives you the flexibility of giving IFoS Exam.
mistakes that you are commiting in the test series. You should be alert not to repeat From where to study?
the same mistakes again & again. As your performance improves with every test, the I attended classroom coaching of IMS, Rajinder Nagar. I restricted my preparation to the
actual mains paper will seem just like any other test & you will be able to comfortably handouts provided by Venkanna Sir. Because of the voluminous syllabus, it is necessary
complete it. Presentation of your answer matters a lot. Your aim should be to make to gauge the point where you have to stop. I found that the notes quite comprehensive and
examiner’s life as easy as possible so that he/she will award you maximum marks. provided me a holistic coverage of the syllabus in a highly structured manner. I believe that
Only the final answer doesn’t matter. Writing proper steps is also imortant to show those notes are sufficient from the theory point of view.
the logical flow with which you arrived at the solution. Specifically mention whichever For practising questions which is of utmost importance, I solved all the questions
theorem or property you are using in a particular step. Wherever possible, draw neat given in the notes (whether solved or unsolved) multiple times in my registers. Besides
diagrams with proper labelling. Such small things will collectively fetch you the extra that, I solved the questions of previous year papers provided by sir, again multiple
marks that you are expecting from this optional. The habit of writing such detailed times. I restricted my preparation upto this point. But if any student faces difficulty in
answers will not develope overnight and hence you have to consciously work through understanding any particular topic or finds notes insufficient for it or wants to practise
the test series in this direction. more, he/she can use any reference book for any particular topic which can easily be
DURING MAINS found on internet or available in market.
The mains exam schedule does not provide much gap between General Studies & But again a word of caution, try to limit your preparation to the concepts relevant to the
Maths papers. You will generally have 1 day in between. Your notebook containing syllabus and don’t delve into unnecessary theorems or proofs otherwise its a slippery
important formulae & theorems will be very useful at such times. You will be able to slope to a massive ocean. We tend to skip the proofs of various theorems provided in
go through this summary of each chapter and it will provide much needed confidence the syllabus while studying them as they are of not much use. Proofs of theorems are
before the actual paper. During the main exam, I would advise completing the generally not asked in the exams. But still I used to go through each and every proof in
compulsory questions 1 & 5 first. Then you can choose 3 out of remaining 6 questions. a brief manner provided in the notes. The reason being it would give me a better insight
Easier questions like those from topics like linear programming, numerical analysis, of the topic and often helped in me developing solutions of questions.
linear algebra etc. should be the priority. Even if you don’t know the complete answer Test Series:
to any question, write as many steps as you can since partial marks also matter. No optional is complete without writing a test series and it holds true in Maths also. Test
Once you finish paper 1, don’t start immediately analyzing your performance. Series is as important in your preparation as your notes + books. Firstly, Test Series is
TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9 TM H.O.: 25/8, Old Rajinder Nagar Market, Delhi-60. B.O.: 105-106, Top Floor, Mukherjee Tower, Mukherjee Nagar Delhi-9
Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected] Ph. 9999197625, 011-45629987. Website: www.ims4maths.com || Email: [email protected]
Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152 Institute for IAS/ IFoS/ CSIR/ GATE Examinations
R.O.: 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyderabad-20. Ph.: 09652351152
 (11) (12)

the best mode of judging your preparation. You can fairly evaluate your performance awaiting the Mains result. This article is a humble attmept to share my experience of
with your marks and then focus on the weak topics. Secondly, its a rehearsal of Mains maths optional preparation for CSE/IFoS exam. I would be glad if it helps any UPSC
Exam and thus helps you greatly in time management. aspirant who is undecided about choosing the optional or those who are already
Mains exam is nearly a marathon for your hand and thus you get very much trained preparing with mathematics as their optional.
for facing them. WHY MATHEMATICS
Test Series also provided me another pool of questions to practise. They also helped It is very important for a UPSC aspirant to have genuine interest in mathematics if
in developing the ability of answer writing which definitely can’t be developed he/she wants to choose this optional. Maths used to be my favourite subject in school
overnight. I attended Test Series of IMS and luckily many questions of Test Series and in IITB also I had pursued additional courses in mathematics out of interest. Since
appeared in both IFoS Exam and CSE. I would also request all the candidates to give the syllabus is large & requires considerable practice, it is necessary to have a genuine
the test series by coming to classroom if possible and stick to the timelines as it really interest. Apart from my inherent inclination, this optional offers certain advantages
helps in completion of syllabus. which made it an obvious choice. In this optional, the marks you get are almost
I hope this writeup clears some of the doubts and gives clarity on maths optional to proportional to your efforts. With proper hard work, a candidate can comfortably
UPSC IAS aspirants. All the Best attempt all the questions in exam and expect to score around 50% marks even after
If anyone wants to contact me, please drop me an email - [email protected]. heavy scaling which can offer the necessary edge in this intense competition. Such
I will be more than happy to help you. candidate generally would not find any question surprising in mains. This kind of
Thank You certainity is not present in humanities optionals.
Parth Jaiswal THE SYLLABUS
AIR-5 in IFoS-2014, The prescribed syllabus for maths is quite large which makes it necessary to stick to
AIR-299 in CSE-2014 limited sources. I relied on notes provided by Venkanna Sir at IMS for covering the
syllabus. Since these notes were very comprehensive, I didn’t have to spend time
KUMBHEJKAR YOGESH VIJAY scanning reference books for relevant material. Venkanna Sir’s classroom coaching
(AIR-08 in IAS-2015) helped me in completing the syllabus in a disciplined manner. Initially I would
(AIR-13 IFoS) & (AIR-143 IAS) underline important theorems, formulae, results mentioned in the notes. Then i used
in IFoS-2014 & IAS-2014 Examinations to compile them in a notebook and this was useful for revision. So eventually i had a
CLASSROOM STUDENT notebook with just the crux of the matter. I would advise all candidates with maths
optional to prepare such a summary for all topics. Due to large syllabus, there is a
MY BACKGROUND
natural tendancy to skip a few chapters. But for the sake of compulsory questions,
I am Yogesh Kumbhejkar. I am an Electrical Engineer from IIT Bombay. I secured
it is necessary to know at least basics of each chapter. The physics related chapters
AIR 13 in Indian Forest Service Exam (IFoS) 2014 with Mathematics & Physics as the
of statics, dynamics, mechanics are generally left untouched while preparing maths
optional subjects. For Civil Service Exam (CSE) also, my optional is Mathematics. In
optional. Regarding these chapters, my preparation was such that i would be able to
IFoS exam, I scored 231/400 (118 + 113) in maths. In 2013 CSE Mains, my maths score
solve the compulsory 10 mark questions. They are quite manageable once you know
was 250/500 (109 + 141). Hence mathematics has helped me in clearing mains in
the basic theory and there is no point in unnecessarily losing marks. The real analysis/
both CSE and IFoS. I was not selected in the final list of CSE 2013. In my second CSE
calculus & modern algebra chapters are time consuming but candidates can’t afford
attempt also I appeared for mains in 2014 with Maths as the optional subject. Now i am
to skip them.