What I used to remind myself before every Prelims-

What I used to remind myself before every Prelims-

1. Focus on one question at a time. Don’t carry the stress of the last question into the next.

2. I may not know everything, but I’ve got enough logic to eliminate the wrong ones. (Don’t leave common sense outside exam hall)

3. If I can eliminate two options, I take the chance — the odds are in my favor.

4. If the paper feels tough or offbeat, it’s not just me. Everyone’s in the same boat. Keep going.

5. Trust the first instinct — that gut feeling is usually right. Don’t keep changing answers without a clear reason.

6. Always attempt 90+ questions. Prelims isn’t about perfect accuracy — it’s about playing the game smart.

7. Whatever happens, I’ve done the hard work. I’ll walk out with my head high.

8. And in the last 2–3 days: I look at the actual UPSC Prelims papers — same font, same layout, same vibe. I solve PYQs again, even if I’ve done them before, just to make sure that on D-day, the paper feels familiar, not scary.

And finally: Confidence is non-negotiable — even if I have to fake it.

If not me, then who?