{"id":368322,"date":"2026-07-28T14:12:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T08:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=368322"},"modified":"2026-07-28T17:19:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T11:49:41","slug":"physics-optional-strategy-by-shaurya-arora-air-14-upsc-cse-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/physics-optional-strategy-by-shaurya-arora-air-14-upsc-cse-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Physics Optional Strategy by Shaurya Arora, AIR 14 UPSC CSE 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this blog, Mr. Shaurya Arora, AIR 14 UPSC CSE 2023 has shared his detailed strategy for Physics Optional. This optional strategy is presented in a comprehensive Q&A format, addressing all the common doubts and queries related to the Physics Optional.<\/p>\n

What is the difference in Physics as a subject in JEE vs UPSC?<\/h2>\n

IIT JEE Physics is conceptual in nature and requires questions to be solved on the spot. Focus is on concepts and less on mugging.<\/p>\n

UPSC physics requires rote memorization of long derivations (sometimes even a few pages long). Questions can only be solved if they are known previously (eg – Describe Stern Gerlach experiment? A – This can only be answered if one remembers the details, less scope of logic\/concept here)<\/p>\n

However, Physics in UPSC is also very fun and topics like Special Theory of Relativity, Quantum Tunneling, Nuclear and Particle Physics (quarks, mesons, etc) are very interesting. These topics are not present in JEE Physics.<\/p>\n

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Physics as an optional?<\/h2>\n

Advantages of Physics optional:
\n– Static portion (no current affairs)
\n– Fixed and well defined Syllabus
\n– Can score very well if done properly<\/p>\n

Disadvantages of Physics:
\n– Difficulty level is higher
\n– Very time taking
\n– Requires many repeated revisions<\/p>\n

Physics is a fantastic optional and I would recommend it to all of you, It has served me really well and is very fun to study (especially if you have a strong passion for Physics), however it would be a dis-service on my part to not mention the following warnings:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Physics can be very difficult\/hard and a soul crushing experience as mentioned by many of the previous toppers as well – many students get stuck in the trap of low marks and thus this optional must be prepared with smart work. Difficulty level is high.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    May require even upto a year to be fully ready and well versed with the full static subject and PYQ’s (not 6 months like other optionals)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Requires lots of self effort because:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    a. DIAS only covers 80% of the syllabus, rest must be done by oneself
    \nb. No book for solved PYQ’s and other stuff
    \nc. Very less guidance and material available online
    \nd. Difficulty of the subject and the topics<\/p>\n

    The above-mentioned points are not to discourage anyone. It is important to be aware about the following before starting as well so that the aspirant will take cognizance of the following and prepare accordingly.
    \nHaving said this, Physics is truly beneficial to those with science and technical backgrounds because it it your strength vis-\u00e0-vis other humanities optionals. As Abhishek Surana sir had said earlier, this optional favours average students. If I hadn’t had Physics optional, I wouldn’t probably have gotten this rank. Don’t be afraid of putting in the hard work and the extra hours, it’ll be worth it in the end. Physics optional is beautiful.<\/p>\n

    What is the Basic Booklist and Exam Pattern of Physics Optional?<\/h2>\n

    Basic booklist and exam pattern – I will not mention these here myself as they have already been explained in great detail by my seniors and previous toppers. There is nothing more to add as the below mentioned sources are the one-stop solution for starting out:<\/p>\n

    YouTube:
    \n– Abhishek Surana sir DIAS Seminar Video: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7keFo130XK0&t=1445s<\/a>
    \n– Anshuman Rajhans sir YT channel video:     https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=z07ajmgH84M&list=RDCMUCPsqZ2T3Fq6dGm6l6AsGLVw&start_radio=1&rv=z07ajmgH84M&t=4<\/a> (very informative and also includes great insights into attempting the paper) (one can also watch his DKT video)
    \n– Varjeet Walia sir DKT Video:     https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jY6KCYG0ojE<\/a><\/p>\n

    Blogs:
    \n– Abhijeet Agrawal sir blog:     https:\/\/abhijeetagrawal.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Physics<\/a> (scroll down and refer to all the posts written on sirs blog)
    \n– Rishav gupta sir blog:     https:\/\/rishavgupta.wordpress.com\/2014\/06\/28\/strategy-for-physics-preparation\/<\/a> (and his notes: https:\/\/rishavgupta.wordpress.com\/2014\/06\/22\/my-notes\/<\/a>)
    \n– Avadh Singhal sir blog:     https:\/\/avadhsinghal.wordpress.com\/physics-optional\/<\/a>
    \n– Divyanshu Jha sir blog:     https:\/\/unacademyupsc.blogspot.com\/2015\/05\/upsc-preparation-physics-optional-tips_26.html<\/a> (also contains links of other topper blogs of previous years)
    \n– Prateek Jain sir blog:     https:\/\/iprateekjain.wordpress.com\/<\/a>
    \n– Abhishek Surana sir blog:     https:\/\/abhisheksurana.wordpress.com\/2018\/05\/22\/cse-physics-strategy\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    Telegram Channels of Toppers:
    \n– Akash Dagar sir:     https:\/\/t.me\/upscphysics_by_dagar<\/a> (very important: contains many physics test papers along with the solutions of the test papers, his flash notes and his short notes)
    \n– Aniket Hirde sir:     https:\/\/t.me\/Aniket_Hirde<\/a> (contains Aniket sirs notes)
    \n– Prafull sir:     https:\/\/t.me\/prafull_loksevak22<\/a> (contains PYQ solutions for paper 2)
    \n– Ashish Mishra sir:     https:\/\/t.me\/alphapandeyreturns\/176<\/a><\/p>\n

    It is compulsory to go through all of the above sources atleast once before starting out ! the blogs and other sources are very very good. It is extremely important to refer to all of them. Just keep in mind to prefer books of Indian authors.
    \n(For E&M book of author Satya Prakash, there are two books, go for the electromagnetic theory and electrodynamics one and not the electricity and magnetism book)
    \n(for Nuclear and Particle Physics – S B Patel is BSc level and D C Tayal is MSc level – both are compulsory. Start with S B Patel first)
    \n(Puri and Babbar – solid state physics and electronics – take the edition which contains electronics as well and not just solid state physics)<\/p>\n

    Note – The textbooks are more important for topics in paper 2 compared to paper 1. Prioritize your time accordingly.<\/p>\n

    How to prepare for Physics Optional?<\/h2>\n

    Step 1 – Make your own notes and cover the full static syllabus. Then revise them multiple times, get all the derivations and formula’s on your fingertips. Refer to the notes of Rishav Gupta sir, Abhijeet Aggarwal sir, Aniket Hirde sir, Vishu Mahajan sir, etc (any of them) and fill all the gaps in your own notes. (There notes can be found on there respective blogs, or telegram channel, or the following link – https:\/\/t.me\/physics_optional_solutions\/477<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Step 2 – Go through the PYQ’s year-wise for last 20 years. Now identify all the extra topics in PYQ’s which are not covered in your notes. They are all important because PYQ’s are repeated very often (even the tough ones) !<\/p>\n

    Note – The syllabus changed in 2013, thus many topics such as Cornu’s spiral, Bose-Einstein condensate, Saha Ionization formula, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian, etc which are present in the PYQ’s before 2013 are not required to be prepared. These topics can be skipped.<\/p>\n

    (For Physics PYQ’s, use Sathish and Brothers publication (https:\/\/raajkart.com\/satish-brothers-previous-years-solved-papers-physics-civil-services-3.html<\/a>) or directly download the individual papers from the UPSC website or get all the papers from the Examrace website – https:\/\/www.examrace.com\/IAS\/IAS-Mains-Papers\/Physics\/<\/a> – it has all the papers from 1987 onwards (except 2008 which I will share below) or use this link – https:\/\/t.me\/physicsupsc_official\/1112<\/a>. In the DIAS tutorial sheets, some of the tough questions may be missing) (one can also use the PYQ compilation from here – https:\/\/t.me\/quantumiasofficial\/501<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    UPSC Physics 2008 Optional Paper Download<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Step 3 – Start using the textbooks now to cover those parts\/questions which are asked in PYQ’s but are not in your notes. Textbooks must be used selectively to do the Worked examples and some extra topics which are not in your notes but are in the PYQ’s\/Syllabus. No need to read the textbook page to page and word to word and cover each and every random topic outside the syllabus – always remember that tough questions will be tough for everyone<\/p>\n

    Tip – For some tough questions of PYQ’s, which are neither in your notes, nor in the textbook, nor in the PYQ resources (which I have shared in this message – https:\/\/t.me\/Shaurya_Arora_AIR14\/63<\/a>), then you can use Chegg and get the solution by pasting the Chegg question link in homeworkify website (https:\/\/homeworkify.st\/mirror-1\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    Note – it becomes very hard to study content from the textbook since all the relevant parts are scattered and multiple books for multiple topics are bulky, so there are two options. Either you can handwrite the extra content into your notes, or you can index the pages and then scan them, print and finally append to your written notes. This way you will have a single compilation of all the important textbook pages along with your handwritten notes all in the same place.<\/p>\n

    (one can also do the same exercise of index, scan, print and append for relevant parts\/important pages from topper notes of Rishav Gupta sir, etc, because even these notes may have some extra value addition\/content\/extra diagrams, etc – but this exercise for the topper notes is completely optional and only if time permits, not at the first instance)<\/p>\n

    Step 4 – Answer Writing Practice<\/p>\n

    Step 5 – Value Addition sheets and optional steps shared in this message (https:\/\/t.me\/Shaurya_Arora_AIR14\/88<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Various help which Mr. Shaurya Arora had taken?<\/h2>\n

    1.. DIAS (DP Vajpayee sir) –> I had taken Physics online coaching from DIAS Institute. The classes are pre-recorded and also include a classroom test series (4 sectional + 2 FLT). I found the online recorded classes to be very good for covering the syllabus in a timebound quick manner in around 100 classes. (However only 80% is covered, remaining one has to do oneself from the PYQ’s and textbooks). Most toppers of previous years have all taken classes from DIAS for Physics optional and it has a great track record.<\/p>\n

    DIAS Website: https:\/\/diasindia.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    Advantage of online coaching:
    \n– The pace of the class is very fast, thus online lectures allow for the student to pause the video and also rewind any part. This is a major advantage since the pace of the classes is very fast and keeping up can be challenging at times
    \n– it is cheaper cost wise<\/p>\n

    Disadvantage of online:
    \n– I had enrolled in the online classes in May 2020 and at that time the tutorial sheets (PYQ’s) were not discussed in the recorded classes (I am not sure of the same now)
    \n– Doubt solving can be an issue<\/p>\n

    2.. QuantumIAS (Shivam sir) –> I had enrolled for Quantum Yoddha test-series cum crash course mentorship program (https:\/\/t.me\/quantumiasofficial\/495<\/a>). It happened between prelims and mains in 2023 and it was free (1000\/- refundable) then for all the mains qualified students. It lasted for about 6-8 weeks. The following were the deliverables of the course:
    \n– Doubt solving on the telegram group by Shivam sir was very useful
    \n– Analog Electronics portion (basics) covered in the crash course
    \n– Scanned QuantumIAS Physics Notes of all topics
    \n– 10 Tests (8 sectional + 2 FLT)
    \n– Daily practice problems – DSET<\/p>\n

    QuantumIAS Telegram – https:\/\/t.me\/quantumiasofficial<\/a>
    \nShivam sir Telegram ID – @QuantumIasSupport<\/p>\n

    Disclaimer – Which coaching to join?
    \nAnswer – I don’t endorse DIAS or QuantumIAS or any other coaching institute. All coaching institutes are good with their own respective pros and cons. Each aspirant must spend adequate time and do his\/her own research\/due diligence before choosing. Many toppers with physics background have also done self-study and cleared, so coaching is not a compulsion, but I would strongly recommend coaching for optional subjects (not GS), because they provide structure and stick to the demand of exam and syllabus.<\/p>\n

    What are the Pointers from the Topper’s end?<\/h2>\n

    1.. Majority of paper is repeated from the PYQ’s year-on-year. In fact 90% of the paper can be traced to PYQ’s only, just asked in a different fashion or different wordings. Thus PYQ’s are the MOST IMPORTANT. It is sine qua non to solve atleast past 10 years PYQ’s and ideally last 20 years if time permits.<\/p>\n

    \u2014 One will have to make the PYQ solutions himself\/herself, that is the only way forward. However, there are few resources to help, namely:<\/p>\n

    a. Rishav Gupta sir DIAS Tutorial Solutions (until 2012) – Shared below<\/p>\n

    b. Prafull sir PYQ solutions for paper 2 – https:\/\/t.me\/prafull_loksevak22\/63<\/a>\u00a0(shared below as well)<\/p>\n

    c. Use this YouTube channel (OuThink) – https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@outhink7671\/videos<\/p>\n

    d. QuantumIAS PYQ solutions – https:\/\/t.me\/quantumiasofficial\/710<\/a>\u00a0or t.me\/physicsoptionalpyqsol<\/p>\n

    e. Use this Telegram group (https:\/\/t.me\/physics_optional_solutions<\/a>\u00a0or https:\/\/t.me\/physics_optional_solutions\/459<\/a>), or message link – https:\/\/t.me\/physics_optional_solutions\/459\/460<\/a><\/p>\n

    f. Selective PYQ solutions prepared by me (shared below)<\/p>\n

    Tip – to get the solutions to some tough PYQ’s, one can also refer to chegg to get verbatim solutions. Just use homeworkify website (https:\/\/homeworkify.st\/mirror-1\/<\/a>) and paste the Chegg solution link to get the free solution. One can also use the bot from https:\/\/t.me\/FreeportSuperChannel\u00a0for solutions from Numerade, etc.<\/p>\n

    2.. Notes – max revision, revision, revision, revision….. One will have to do multiple iterations and this will be never-ending. Keep on iterating again and again and again. There is no limit to the number of revisions that is required. The more revision the better. Keep annotating your notes with different color pens each time you iterate and keep adding mnemonics, tricks, etc to your notes to help in memorization.<\/p>\n

    3.. Minimum sources, maximum revision – Every year there will be 2-3 very tough questions which are almost impossible to solve. Studying ten different books for a single topic in anticipation of solving one tough question which we cant predict anyways in not recommended. Instead focus on the simple 90% which will be directly from the notes and PYQ’s. Often aspirants make the mistake of focusing on the difficult fringe topics instead of solidifying the easy 90% of the paper. Consistency means not missing the easy questions. There is no use of solving a tough question, if you miss 2-3 easy ones. Thus focus on the 90% (Static notes + PYQ’s) – this itself will be time consuming and will require good effort.<\/p>\n

    Note – One can go beyond the simple 90% once he\/she has a very very strong hold over the core static portions of the subject and sufficient practice has been done.<\/p>\n

    4.. Tough questions will be tough for all – thus don’t panic. 99% aspirants have the same notes as you. If you find a question very tough, everyone will find it the same. No need to worry. however if a tough question has been asked in the PYQ’s, now it has to be prepared very thoroughly for next year<\/p>\n

    5.. Syllabus must be on your fingertips. That will allow you to finish a question quicker and thus add value addition, diagrams, interpretation, applications in the 7 minutes. Moreover, if the derivations are on your fingertips, then you can solve the known questions quicker and save yourself time for the tough or new questions<\/p>\n

    6.. Make your own notes !!! Only refer to other topper notes for adding missing topics or finding some value addition. Your own notes for Physics will be as important as Laxmikant is for Polity.<\/p>\n

    Additional points :<\/p>\n

    Derivations – the best way to do them is to practice many times and mug up few intermediate steps for all the long derivations (eg – Quantum harmonic oscillator derivation). It is not recommended to derive the question each time without having intermediate steps. Mugging up few intermediate steps helps in increasing pace and also will ensure you never get stuck in between. Mugging few intermediate steps are very important and useful.<\/p>\n

    Numericals – Practice the PYQ’s and Worked examples from textbook. Use Calculator also for practice.<\/p>\n

    Analog electronics – This is a tough topic for those not from electrical engineering background, thus prepare the easy sitters such that you will be able to solve the compulsory subpart of 10 marks if it comes in Q5. My strategy was usually to skip Q7 and Q8 since the analog electronics question in them is very hard. To cover the basics you can use VK Mehta book or refer to Quantum crash course or use any YouTube resource for simple basics of Analog electronics (such as https:\/\/t.me\/Shaurya_Arora_AIR14\/99<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    Flash notes and Formula sheets – Very important for last minute revision and also for topics on your fingertips. You can refer to Prateek Jain sir flash notes from his blog, and Akash Dagar sir flash notes from his telegram channel (message link – https:\/\/t.me\/upscphysics_by_dagar\/61<\/a>) and from https:\/\/t.me\/physicsupsc_official\/1088<\/a>. I am also sharing mine below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    Download Flash Notes of Shaurya Arora AIR 14<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Note – My flash notes are compiled from my DIAS notes plus some other content from textbooks and PYQ solutions. Unfortunately my handwriting is very poor. This is only shared for reference and each one must make there own flash notes\/formula sheets.<\/p>\n

    However, at the same time, the above sheet (my flash notes) also contain some very nice content, especially for paper 2 (example – from page 14 onwards).<\/p>\n

    Some questions in paper 1 may require our past knowledge of class 11\/12. Thus I have compiled a JEE Formula sheet using the internet which I am sharing below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    Download JEE Formula Sheet<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Pointers for Answer Writing in Physics<\/h2>\n