How to Start Upsc Mathematics Preparation?

Should I learn Proof of Theorem ?

Don't waste your time on Proof of theorem, during initial Preparation. You just note down all theorems at one place. You learn proof of the theorems only after finishing your syllabus. Learn proofs of ONLY IMPORTANT THEOREMS only. There are hundreds of theorems. It is very difficult to study and remember all of them. It is difficult to make 100% preparation. But it is possible to study 80% of syllabus thoroughly and get 80% marks.

Which Calculator Should I use for Upsc Mathematics Exam?

Upsc Mathematics Optional Exam allows use of Scientific Calculator for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.  It is used for Numerical Analysis and Linear Algebra. In Numerical Analysis, it is used  to solve equations in Newton Raphson method, Iteration method, Secant method, Bisection Method. It is also used in Numerical Integral Calculus in Trapasoid Method, Simpson 1/3. Simson 3/8 method, Gauss Quadrature method. It is also used in solving Numerical Differential equation using R-K method and Interpolation Problems. In Linear Algebra it is used to to check Matrix multiplication, determinants, inverse and eigen values.  

Upsc is not testing your knowledge in Numerical Analysis. Everyone knows the formula and everyone know the substitution method. Questions in Numerical Analysis are straightforward. Everyone can do it. If you don't know how to use calculator, then you cannot solve the problem in less than 5 minutes. Upsc is TESTING your CALCULATOR USAGE SKILL . How fast you operate your calculator and get quick result. Calculator has many modes and you should how these modes thoroughly and should quickly change mode as per requirement. You should know , how to input numerical equation and use the result.  In market, there are MANY Calculators , which have almost SAME features. But operation is different . The operation of One model of Casio is different from other. You can purchase any scientific calculator, which you can operate easily. Don't buy any calculator, because someone has recommended.  You can borrow from your friend, checkout if it suits you, then you can buy. You buy it only once. You have sufficient time, to checkout its suitability and then only you buy.

You need a good calculator. But more important is you should know how to use calculator thoroughly. Always Rememeber that Numerical Analysis problems is to test your CALCULATOR SKILLS. So learn to operate thoroughly , before you give UPSC Maths Mains Exam.

What is scaling in UPSC maths optional? Is there scaling in UPSC optional?

The answer is straight forward and clear . NO ONE KNOWS . Everyone puts his OWN THEORY.    So what is our theory ?

SuccessClap Theory : There is NO SCALING.  By observation you see that only Maths optional can get up to 380 Marks. Have you ever seen 380 marks  in Political Science, Literature, Geography or Anthropology optional. Scaling means putting highest marks of ALL optional subjects at same level and then NORMALISE the marks of every student. If this is TRUE, then ALL Optional Toppers should get Same marks. If Mr Kanishak Kataria gets highest 361 Marks in 2017 Exam, then history optional topper, english literature topper or history topper should also get 361 Marks. But there is ONLY ONE 361 marks in Optional subject. So there is No Scaling concept.     HENCE PROVED.    

Generally Paper 1 is Easy and Paper 2 is Tough. So examiner is tough in evaluating Paper 1 and very liberal in evaluating Paper 2. So the students gets less marks in Paper 1, in spite of good attempt , but get more marks in Paper 2, in spite of bad attempt. It has nothing to do with scaling. Always remember that the examiner is a human being. He will not give marks as a programmed robot. He has his own mood swings while evaluating your paper. So there will be variation in marks distribution. Choosing Mathematics is a very good decision, so make use of this golden opportunity to score highest marks.