UPSC Civil Services 2016: How to spend day before the exam

On the day before the exam prepare your stationary and other exam paraphernalia for the exam day. You should have:

– At least 3 pens (black and blue), pencil, eraser

– Admit card, ID proof, normal (not fancy or electronic) wrist watch

– Chocolates, cookies, chewing gums, water bottle, lunch (do not eat from local shops)

– Money (if you need it)

– Hand soap (you won’t find it)

– Any special requirement (if you have)

Pack all these in a bag convenient for you to carry. On the night before the exam, ideally you should try to get about eight hours of sleep, although what usually happens is that candidates only get to sleep for about four to six hours. But sleep is important and candidates are advised to get some sleep, no matter what it takes, or you might not be able to concentrate on your paper.

Read: UPSC Civil Services 2016: Tips for last week preparation from topper

Do not eat or exercise two to three hours before bed time as it will mess with the sleep you have. However, if you still cannot sleep, drink some Red Bull, coffee or other caffeinated drinks, anything which would help your stay away through the exam.

On the last day as well as on the day of the exam, keep as calm and composed as possible and follow these steps:

– Do not think too much about the exam

– Do not try anything completely different or out of the blue

– Relax

– Focus on your revision

– Do not talk to too many people (it might meddle with your mind trying to relaxing)

– Do not have stupid thoughts such as maybe I should skip the attempt or give it next year or something

– Try to revise only hand written notes and nothing else

– If you encounter something which you do not remember, do not panic and just move on

Read: UPSC Civil Services 2016: How to study for prelims and mains together

On the exam day, while keeping the above points in points, make sure you follow these steps:

– Try to see the exam centre a day in advance as familiarity on the exam day will help you be relaxed

– Calculate the approximate travel time using online maps

– Eat a light breakfast without too much liquid

– Do not eat anything new, just your regular meal

– Take chocolates, cookies, sugar snacks etc. with you. They will help in increasing your blood glucose level. You will be able to maintain your energy which will help you in better recalling and paying attention

– Drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks so that you are charged up during the exam and do not feel drowsy, especially if you did not sleep the night before.

– Reach the exam centre by 8:30 am at least to avoid panic attacks or nervousness

– Wear light clothes and comfortable such as flip flops, T-shirts etc.

– Remember to go to the washroom at the centre at least 15 minutes before the exam starts so that you do not waste time later

– Reach your classroom at least 5-10 minutes before the exam and sit quietly

– Make sure you do not have any exam material or your cell phone with you

– Sit down, complete the formalities and wait for the papers

Good Luck!

– With inputs from Roman Saini, Co-Founder, Unacademy, Former IAS officer, MBBS.

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