Organic chemistry is an important topic in the UPSC Chemistry optional exam, and having a strategic approach can help in effectively answering the questions. Here are some specific strategies to consider:

1. Understand the Basics:
- Before diving into the complexities of organic chemistry, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals.
- Focus on topics like bonding, functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and nomenclature. These concepts serve as a foundation for understanding more complex topics.

2. Memorize Important Reactions and Reagents:
- Organic chemistry involves a wide range of reactions and reagents. Memorizing the key reactions and reagents can be immensely helpful in solving questions.
- Make a list of commonly encountered reactions, such as substitution, elimination, oxidation, and reduction reactions, and understand their mechanisms.
- Additionally, remember the reagents used in various reactions, as they often play a critical role in determining the outcome of a reaction.

3. Practice Drawing Structures:
- Developing the ability to draw organic structures accurately and quickly is essential. Regular practice can significantly improve this skill.
- Focus on drawing structures of various compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds, and functional groups.
- Pay attention to the correct placement of double and triple bonds, as well as the position of substituents. Practice converting condensed structures to line structures and vice versa.

4. Analyze Reaction Mechanisms:
- Understanding the mechanisms behind organic reactions is crucial for predicting reaction outcomes and explaining the behavior of organic compounds.
- Analyze reaction mechanisms by breaking them down into individual steps and understanding the movement of electrons.
- Pay attention to key concepts like nucleophiles, electrophiles, Lewis acids and bases, and resonance.

5. Solve Previous Year Question Papers:
- Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to familiarize oneself with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked.
- Analyze the questions and their solutions critically, focusing on the concepts being tested and the approach used to solve them.
- Identify the areas where you need improvement and revise those topics accordingly.

By following these strategies, candidates can approach organic chemistry questions in the UPSC Chemistry optional exam with confidence and increase their chances of scoring well.