UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus 2024

UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus – Paper I

(1) 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; Rankof 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.  

(2) 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. 

(3) 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.

(4) 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 liner equations with constant coefficients, complementary function, particular  integral and general solution. 

Section 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.

(5) 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. 

(6) 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-Furenet’s formulae. Gauss and Stokes’ theorems, Green’s indentities.

UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus – Paper II

(1) 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. 

(2) 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.

(3) 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. 

(4) 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. 

(5) 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. 

(6) 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-Jorden (direct), Gauss-Seidel (iterative) methods. Newton’s (forward and backward)  and interpolation, Lagrange’s interpolation. 

Numerical integration: Trapezoidal rule, Simpson’s rule, Gaussian quadrature formula. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations : Eular and Runga 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. 

(7) 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. 

Top 10 Tips to prepare UPSC Maths Optional for Exam

1. Understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the complete UPSC Maths Optional syllabus to know the topics and subtopics that need to be covered.
2. Select the right study materials: Choose reliable study materials, including standard textbooks, reference books, and online resources that cover the syllabus comprehensively.
3. Create a study plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each topic. Balance your study hours with revisions and practice sessions.
4. Master the fundamentals: Focus on building a strong foundation by thoroughly understanding the fundamental concepts of each topic. Practice solving problems to enhance your problem-solving abilities.
5. Solve previous year question papers: Solve past years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, understand the types of questions asked, and practice time management.
6. Join a test series: Enroll in a reputable test series to assess your preparation level and get accustomed to the exam environment. Regularly take mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Seek guidance: Consider joining coaching classes or seeking guidance from experienced mentors to gain insights, clarify doubts, and receive valuable tips and strategies for effective preparation.
8. Stay updated with current affairs: Stay updated with current affairs related to mathematics and its applications. This will help you connect real-world scenarios to the theoretical concepts.
9. Practice time management: During your preparation, practice managing time effectively. Allocate appropriate time to each question during practice sessions to improve your speed and accuracy.
10. Stay motivated and consistent: Maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and be consistent with your study routine. Believe in your abilities and strive for continuous improvement.