Mainsveer 2022 with Maths Optional, Assemble here !

Experience- Initially it was shocking, then the feeling subsided and now it’s grief. Will get over it in a few days.

I don’t know if Maths is butchered, but a lot of people post 2017 and 2018 have taken maths, hence the competition is just too much. Missing out on any moderate question can prove to be fatal. These are my first observations without knowing anything about the score.

So, this was my first attempt, right out of college in 2022. Maths correct attempt was 170+175 in my estimates. I felt it would pull me through since Essay and GS was good, but now I think missing out on 2 phase method, easy questions of Modern Algebra did cost me 35 straight marks in P2.

As far as the butchering and other things are concerned, I don’t find any point talking around it since all this is very subjective and opaque. 

Definitely going with Maths again. This time will polish everything and I only expect the papers to get tougher or the competition to be more brutal. Having said that, now I am also thinking about targeting other exams based on Maths if possible. Do suggest me if you are aware of.

Experience of seeing the result- My wingmates and roomie had gathered around to download the Mains result pdf. I thought that I would clear Mains for sure. I had already started to prepare for interview. When I did not see my roll number in the pdf, I was not "deeply" shocked or depressed. This is because I have been in the process from the past 5 yrs now (self-study from 2nd year of BTech) and I have understood that no matter how much you work hard, there's always going to be this factor of luck. From the next day, I just picked up my study material and started studying for my next attempt (4th). 

Do you feel maths is butchered this time by scaling or paper standard etc.... what is your correct attempt & are you happpy with the result?                  

• I think Maths was butchered this time by scaling. I sincerely think that the paper was quite easy but I made some silly mistakes in some easy questions. 
• My correct attempt was 350 (P-1 170, P-2 180). 
• I am quitehappywith the result as I know that if I would have even cleared Mains then I wouldn't have secured a good rank and would eventually have to prepare for the next attempt. Now I have a head start for the next attempt which gives an opportunity to actually score more in Maths.  

And also going ahead what are your learning in this journey with Maths optional ? what are your plans next?  

Main learnings in this journey:

I need to-

• Extensively practice questions of Maths with main focus on Previous Year Questions. 
• Practice mocks as much as possible. 
• Cover all topics properly. I need practice in Statics and Dynamics, Analytic Geometry, Mech & FD, LPP. 

My plans ahead:

• Started with Modern Algebra (Group Theory almost completed). 
• Since I have been doing self-study with no peer group, Prelims has always been difficult for me so I have started to prepare for Pre 2023 as well (Started to make Pre specific notes). 

If anyone wants to discuss Maths Opt strategy or GS related things then you can contact me on Telegram- @Have_You_Met_Ted

Excellent And detailed Answer !
 all the best bro :)