- Read the problem carefully and identify the given information and what is required to find.
- Analyze the problem and determine the relevant concepts and formulas that can be applied.


- Make sure you have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry.
- Review important topics such as stoichiometry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, atomic structure, etc.
- Practice solving numerical problems from previous years' papers and other relevant study materials to strengthen your problem-solving skills.


- Break down the problem into smaller steps or subproblems, if necessary.
- Identify the variables and constants involved in the problem.
- Determine the relationships between the given information and what needs to be calculated.


- Use the appropriate formulas and equations to solve the problem.
- Make sure you understand the conditions and assumptions required for using specific formulas.
- Substitute the given values into the equations and solve for the required unknown.


- Pay attention to the units of the given quantities and ensure consistency throughout the calculations.
- Perform dimensional analysis to check the correctness of your calculations and ensure that the units cancel out correctly.


- In some cases, it may be beneficial to use estimation or approximation techniques to simplify complex calculations.
- Round off numbers to appropriate decimal places or use reasonable values to make calculations more manageable.


- After obtaining the final result, double-check your calculations and ensure that your answer is reasonable.
- Compare your answer with the options provided in the question paper, if applicable.


- Practice solving numerical problems within a time limit to improve your speed and efficiency.
- Allocate appropriate time to each question based on its difficulty level and marks assigned.

By following these techniques and strategies, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your performance in solving numerical problems in UPSC Chemistry Optional. Remember to practice regularly and refer to previous years' papers to familiarize yourself with the types of problems commonly asked in the exam.