Last Minute Revision for UPSC Prelims 2024

As the UPSC Prelims 2024 draws closer, aspirants are in the final stretch of their preparation journey. With the exam scheduled for 16 June 2024, it's crucial to make the most of this time to ensure success. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the last few hours of preparation effectively.

A Day Before Exam

This is an important day, and to perform better, aspirants should avoid distractions by staying off social media and mobile phones. They should remain calm and relaxed to keep stress levels low. Visualising success can also help build confidence. 

What to Revise?

With only a few hours left, students should avoid starting new topics and concentrate on revising what they already know. They could follow the strategy:

• Focus on High-Yield Topics: Concentrate on the most important topics that are likely to be asked in the exam. This will help you maximise your time and ensure you are well-prepared for the exam.
• Do’s
  • Learning from already attempted mock tests: Review mistakes and patterns from previous tests.
  • Short Notes: Focus on quick revision notes for important topics.
  • Mapping: Revisit maps and geographical locations.
• Don’ts
  • New Topics: It can lead to unnecessary stress.
  • Mock Tests: Do not attempt any mock test as the score unnecessarily hampers your confidence.

Plan Your Exam Day Strategy

Plan your approach to the questions in both the GS and CSAT papers. Begin to take calculated risks by revising what you have learned from your practice tests and preparation.

Gather Essentials

Aspirants should ensure that silly mistakes do not cost them a year. To avoid this, ensure to recheck your exam centre, reporting time, and any other important details to prevent last-minute confusion. Additionally, make sure you have maintained the following list:

• Essential Items
  • Hall Ticket (Carry 2 Printouts)
  • ID Card (Matching the ID submitted during the application)
  • Passport size Photo (if ID photo is unclear)
  • Black Ball Pen (2-3)
  • Transparent Water Bottle
• Optional Items
  • Transparent Writing Pad (to avoid issues with broken benches)
  • Chocolates to boost energy
  • Do not carry gadgets in your bag (smartwatches, pen drives, or Bluetooth devices)

Health and Wellbeing

• Maintain a balanced diet: Eat healthy and nutritious food to stay focused and alert during the exam. Avoid heavy, spicy food to prevent stomach issues.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially since it’s summer
• Maintain a positive mindset: Avoid negative thoughts and stay positive. Remind yourself of your preparation efforts and capabilities. This will help you stay calm and focused.
• Get good sleep: Ensure you get at least 8 hours of sleep to stay well-rested and energized for the exam.

D- Day

Stay calm and trust your preparation; confidence is key. Avoid anxiety by trusting what you have studied and focusing on your preparation rather than worrying about what you haven't covered. This approach will help you stay composed and avoid unnecessary last-minute stress.

• Ensure essentials: Make sure you have packed the essential items mentioned above in your bag.
• OMR: Fill in the details calmly; if you have any doubts, ask the exam invigilator.
• Time Management: Quickly decide on your attempt strategy based on the difficulty level of the paper
• Approach to the questions:
  • Attempt the subjects and questions that you find easiest first. Go through the entire paper on your first attempt.
  • The number of questions you attempt depends on the paper; therefore, do not have any pre-planned number. Decide during the examination itself.
  • Read the questions properly and check for contradictions in the question statements.
  • Some questions do not require regular preparation; smart guessing will suffice.
  • All questions carry equal marks, so do not spend too much time on any particular question unnecessarily.
  • Do not leave the OMR sheet to be filled out at the end. Instead, fill it in at regular intervals or after your first attempt.

After GS I: Crucial 3 Hours

After your first paper is over there will be 3 hour rest time. During this time you ensure to follow:

Do’s:

• Shift Focus to CSAT: Concentrate entirely on the Civil Services Aptitude Test.
• Carry PYQs of CSAT: Use previous years' questions for a smooth transition from GS I to CSAT.
• Review essential formulas: Ensure you have key formulas at your fingertips and revise them during this break.
  • Average, HCF and LCM, Probability, Age-related questions, Number series, Linear equations, Profit and loss, Percentage, Time-speed-distance, Time and work, Permutation and combination etc.
• Stay Hydrated and Calm: Maintain your composure and keep yourself hydrated.

Don’ts:

• Don’t spend time thinking about the first paper.
• Refrain from Checking Answers: Avoid verifying your answers immediately after the exam.
• No Discussion with Peers: Stay away from discussing the exam with others.
• Avoid Full Meals: Opt for light snacks to avoid feeling sluggish.

The last few hours of UPSC Prelims preparation are critical. Stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and believe in your hard work. Consistency, perseverance, and strategic planning are essential to cracking the UPSC Prelims. Good luck!