Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak (AIR-11, CSE-21) Maths Strategy

Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak's Comprehensive Maths Strategy for CSE 2021

Introduction

Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, an engineer from IIT Dhanbad, made history by securing AIR-11 in the 2021 Civil Services Exam (CSE-21). This achievement is remarkable, especially considering that this was his first attempt and his optional subject was Mathematics—a notoriously difficult and time-consuming topic. This post delves into Shubhankar's Maths strategy, providing valuable insights for aspirants looking to navigate the challenging world of the CSE Maths Optional.

Background

Shubhankar completed his 10th and 12th from Sanskriti School in New Delhi and graduated as an Electrical Engineer from IIT(ISM) Dhanbad in 2020. He briefly worked as a Software Developer at Cisco Systems before resigning to focus on his UPSC preparation. He secured AIR 11 in CSE 2021, making him one of the top-performing candidates in the Maths Optional category.

Choosing Maths as an Optional

Who Should Choose Maths?

Shubhankar suggests that candidates with a background in Maths, such as B Sc./M Sc. in Maths or BE/B.Tech. graduates who have covered 60-65% of the UPSC syllabus during graduation, should consider Maths as their optional. To make an informed decision, he advises aspirants to attempt Ordinary Differential Equations/Linear Algebra from Paper 1 and Numerical Analysis/Linear Programming from Paper 2. If these topics are found challenging, Maths may not be the right optional.

Who Should NOT Choose Maths?

Failing to meet the criteria of having a Maths background beyond school-level study could lead to difficulties in preparing for the Maths Optional, as the level of Maths and the topics involved are significantly more complex than those taught in school. Shubhankar recommends against choosing Maths if the candidate has no background in Maths after school, even if they studied it during their 12th board exams.

Advantages of Choosing Maths

1. Objective Scoring: Maths is an objective subject, allowing candidates to predict their score after the exam.
2. High Scoring: Historically, scoring over 300 in Maths has been common, even in years when optional scores have generally declined.
3. Breaks Monotony: Maths can be a refreshing change from the monotony of General Studies papers, improving overall confidence.
4. Readily Available Material: There is a wealth of good material available for Maths, including detailed notes and practice tests.
5. Completely Static: With regular revision, the subject becomes easier over time.

Disadvantages of Choosing Maths

1. Lengthy Syllabus: The Maths Optional syllabus is one of the longest among the available options.
2. Binary Scoring: Candidates are penalized heavily for wrong answers, even if their overall method is correct.
3. Scaling Factor: The scaling factor often reduces the probability of scoring average marks in the Optional, with scores typically ranging between under 235 or over 265.
4. No Overlap with GS: Unlike some other optional subjects, Maths has little overlap with General Studies subjects, requiring separate study.
5. Challenging Physics Topics: Topics such as Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics are particularly challenging.

Why Shubhankar Chose Maths

Shubhankar chose Maths as his optional because he had less than a year to prepare for General Studies and the Optional. Given his background in Maths from his engineering studies, choosing it seemed like a logical decision. Additionally, he did not want to tackle a completely new Optional subject due to the time constraints. Maths was a comfortable choice given his familiarity with the subject.

Preparation Strategy

Coaching for Maths

Shubhankar emphasizes that while coaching can be helpful, it is not necessary and sufficient for success in Maths. He enrolled in IMS online classes but left after four months, continuing his preparation independently using IMS notes. He suggests that candidates should realize the importance of self-study and practice.

Do’s and Don’t’s

Do’s:

1. Solve Problems: Unlike GS subjects, Maths requires active problem-solving. Candidates should pick up their pens and start solving problems.
2. Practice: Extensive practice is crucial for success in Maths.
3. PYQs: Solving previous years' question papers is a must for Maths.
4. Limited Sources: Sticking to a few reliable sources for study material is recommended.
5. Multiple Revisions: Regular revision of topics is key to retaining information.

Don’t’s:

1. Reading Books Cover to Cover: This method is inefficient for Maths preparation.
2. Spending Time on Low-Reward Topics: Topics like Navier Stokes in Fluid Dynamics should be studied minimally.
3. Relying on Coaching Alone: Self-study and practice are essential.
4. Ignoring GS Subjects: Maths alone will not guarantee success; candidates must balance their preparation.

My Strategy

Shubhankar's preparation strategy involved completing the first iteration of the syllabus in 8 months and then focusing solely on General Studies until the Prelims. Upon the delay caused by the second wave of COVID-19, he consolidated his weaker areas in Maths. After Prelims, he revised the entire Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics of Paper 2 before completing his overall Maths revision by November 25. He did not solve any test series, instead relying on previous years' question papers (PYQs).

Booklist and Sources

Shubhankar used a variety of sources for his Maths preparation, including IMS notes and books from authors like Krishna Series and MD Raisinghania. He also extensively used the Maths Optional notes from Mathocrat and solved questions from Kanishak Kataria’s blog. For Paper 1, he focused on Linear Algebra, Calculus, Analytic Geometry/3D, ODE, Statics and Dynamics, and Vector Analysis. For Paper 2, he covered topics such as Modern Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, PDE, LPP, Numerical Analysis, Computer Programming, Fluid Dynamics, and Mechanics.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Shubhankar faced several challenges, including scaling issues and the complex nature of certain topics. He shares his experiences with mistakes he made during the Mains exam, such as a miscalculation in an integration problem and a wrongly solved determinant. He advises candidates to be cautious about time management and not to panic during the exam.

Conclusion

Shubhankar Pathak’s comprehensive Maths strategy demonstrates the importance of self-study, practice, and the right approach to preparation. While Maths is a challenging subject, with the right strategy and dedication, it can indeed be mastered. This strategy serves as a valuable guide for aspirants looking to excel in the CSE Maths Optional.