UPSC Prelims 2025 Preparation Tips: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. It consists of two papers: Paper I from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and Paper II from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Success in this critical exam requires not only rigorous preparation but also a calm, strategic, and disciplined approach. Here are expert tips from Manjunath Thamminidi—Faculty, Author, and Founder of PMF IAS—along with additional insights to help you perform at your best on the final day.

Last-Day Preparation Tips

Organise Essential Documents and Materials

- Admit Card: Mandatory for entry to the exam centre. Download and print multiple copies in advance and ready every instruction mentioned on Admit card very carefully.

- Exam Centre Verification: Visit your exam centre a day prior to confirm its location and avoid last-minute confusion.

- Photo ID: Bring the same ID mentioned in your admit card (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID).

- Black Ballpoint Pen: Use only a black ballpoint pen for filling the OMR sheet. Opt for a pen with a bold tip 0.8 mm to minimize the risk of tearing the sheet.

- Simple Analog Watch: Smartwatches or digital watches are prohibited. A basic analog watch helps with time management.

- Other Essentials: Carry a transparent water bottle and a small, non-electronic clipboard for convenience.

Understand Exam Rules

- Dress Code: Wear comfortable, simple clothing. Avoid electronic devices, jewellery, or accessories that may cause delays during frisking.

- Arrive Early: Reach the exam centre at least 45 minutes before the reporting time. Entry gates close 30 minutes before the exam starts.

- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, calculators, or any electronic gadgets are strictly forbidden inside the centre.

Prioritize Mental and Physical Well-Being

- Balanced Diet: Eat light, nutritious meals on the day before and the day of the exam. Avoid heavy or oily foods that may cause discomfort.

- Adequate Sleep: Ensure 7–8 hours of sleep the night before to stay alert and focused.

- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk to keep anxiety at bay.

- Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water to maintain energy levels and concentration.

Exam-Day Strategy

- Stay Positive: Approach the exam with confidence and a clear mind. Avoid overthinking or discussing preparation with others at the centre.

- Time Management: With 100 questions to answer in 2 hours, prioritize questions you’re confident about first. Aim to allocate roughly 1 minute per question.

- Accuracy Over Guesswork: Negative marking (-0.33 for Paper I, -0.83 for Paper II) can impact your score. Attempt only those questions you’re certain about to minimize penalties.

- OMR Sheet Precision: Double-check question numbers and options while filling the OMR sheet. Reserve the last 10 minutes to review and ensure all answers are correctly marked.

- Paper II (CSAT) Focus: Treat Paper II as a qualifying paper (33% required). Focus on solving easier questions first to secure the minimum marks efficiently.

Additional Preparation Tips

- No New Studies: Students are advised to work on reviewing their own notes instead of reading new things or watching online lesson videos. These are easy to remember and make you feel better about your self-worth. Last-minute addition of new notes can make things more confusing and lead to nervousness, so it is better to stick to familiar notes, mind maps and resources.

Manjunath Thamminidi Author, Faculty & Founder PMF IAS, emphasises success in the UPSC Prelims hinges on staying calm, organized, and confident in the final days. This exam tests not only your knowledge but also your patience, discipline, and strategic thinking. With a positive mindset, meticulous preparation, and a clear exam-day plan, you can navigate the challenges and move closer to your goal of becoming a civil servant.