UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Special: Have last minute exam day strategy doubts — we have got answers

About our Expert: Rohit Pande brings over a decade of experience in strategy and consulting to the world of CSE examinations. His team has helped many students clear the exam using scientific framework-driven mentorship. He keeps a keen eye on the evolving patterns of the UPSC IAS exam and the changing study habits of GenZ UPSC aspirants, enabling them with deep, actionable, and unrivaled insights.

Question: What is the safe number of questions to attempt to clear the cutoff?

Answer: Aim to attempt every question where you can confidently eliminate at least one option.

Ideally, attempt at least 85–90 questions. Often, even in the 10–15 you initially skip, you’ll find you can eliminate at least one option on review. This pushes your attempt count higher.

If you’re strong in reasoning and have sharp intuition, going beyond 95 attempts can work — provided your guesses are reasoned, not random.

Question: What if there is a surprise element in the paper this year? What were the surprise elements in recent years?

Answer: If the paper throws a few surprises your way, take a deep breath — it’s the same for everyone. Don’t panic. Every question has a pattern and logic; your job is to crack it.

In recent years, some unexpected areas have shown up, such as sports questions (Olympics, Chess Olympiad, Laureus Awards, even the Cricket Test Championship), a whole bunch of “only”-type statements (47 in 2023), and 18 assertion-reason questions. In 2024, they even included defence-related topics — military ranks, operations, and exercises.

So, expect a few curveballs. But remember, it’s not about knowing everything — it’s about staying calm, thinking smart, and playing the game well.

Question: Should an aspirant guess answers or skip doubtful ones? How should an aspirant balance risk vs. accuracy while guessing?

Answer: The golden rule for attempting questions in the Prelims is simple: attempt every question where you have confidently eliminated at least one option. Once you eliminate even a single choice, your odds improve significantly — with three options left, you now have a 1 in 3 chance, which statistically leads to a net-positive outcome.

If your logical reasoning and elimination skills are sharp, you can take calculated risks and attempt more questions. But if you are not confident in your techniques, it is smarter to play it safe. In that case, keeping your total attempts between 88 and 92 is often a sweet spot.

Question: What should be done if the GS paper is too tough this year? How should an aspirant assess the paper during the exam?

Answer: Do not go into the exam hall trying to judge the difficulty of the paper — that is not your job. Your focus should be on attempting every question where you can eliminate at least one option. That is your green light — stick to it no matter what.

Take a deep breath. The paper might feel tough — but it will feel that way for everyone. And remember, when the paper is tough, the cutoff usually drops. So stay calm, stay sharp, and don’t let the pressure get to you.

Question:  What if the CSAT turns out unexpectedly difficult? Why is there so much fear around this paper?

Answer: We don’t expect the CSAT paper to be as difficult as it was in 2023 — that year saw significant backlash, with even cases filed in the Supreme Court over the level of difficulty. As a result, the 2024 paper was more balanced. So, there is a good chance this year will follow that pattern. But just in case it doesn’t, be mentally prepared. Stay well-rested — calmness and composure can make all the difference.

CSAT requires a solid strategy. That is why we emphasize mastering both Comprehension and Maths & Logical Reasoning. If one section turns out to be tough — like Maths in 2023 — shift gears and focus more on Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. If Comprehension feels hard, rely on the other areas. Flexibility is your best weapon.

Question: How much time should ideally be spent on each question? How can an aspirant avoid spending too much time on one tricky question? When should the OMR sheet bubbling process begin?

Answer: Ever wondered why UPSC gives only 2 hours for this exam while most 100-question exams offer 3 hours? It is intentional — this exam tests decision-making, clarity under pressure, and your ability to act decisively.

If you have spent around a minute on a question, you have likely exhausted your reasoning and recall. Lingering longer rarely helps. Be decisive and move on.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” time per question. Instead, manage your paper in time blocks. For example:

• First 30 minutes: First round — attempt all straightforward questions.
• Next 30 minutes: Second round — tackle questions 1–50 with more attention.
• Final 30 minutes: Repeat the second round for questions 51–100.
• Last 30 minutes: Final sweep — review flagged questions, double-check, or attempt a few more.
  

Time management is non-negotiable. If you are  falling behind, speed up and make decisions faster. The goal isn’t perfection — it is smart decision-making under pressure.

Question: Should all questions be attempted in one go, or is it better to take multiple rounds (easy first, then difficult)? Is it better to solve easier questions first or go sequentially?

Answer: It is absolutely essential to approach the GS Paper with a multi-round strategy. The most effective method is the three-round approach:

• Round 1: Attempt questions you are factually sure about — no second-guessing.
• Round 2: Use logic and elimination to attempt questions where you can eliminate at least one option.
• Round 3: Take calculated risks based on intuition or partial knowledge. These attempts can convert uncertainty into marks.
  

Have a well-rehearsed strategy and stick to it on exam day. Avoid panic-based decisions or switching strategies mid-way.

Question: What should an aspirant do — and avoid — after GS Paper 1?

Answer: Don’t discuss the paper or search for answers online. It’s tempting, but it does more harm than good — leading to panic, self-doubt, and lower performance in CSAT.

Instead, mentally draw a line under the GS paper — it’s done. Now shift focus completely to CSAT.

During the break:

• Take a short nap or close your eyes to relax.
• Revisit a few formulas or shortcuts — only if it helps confidence.
• Avoid heavy meals. Eat light, energy-rich snacks — protein bars, fruits, nuts, or an energy drink to stay alert.

Question: What are the most common silly mistakes aspirants make in the prelims?

Answer:

• Misreading questions or missing keywords like “correct/incorrect.”
• Filling the OMR sheet incorrectly or rushing at the end.
• Changing strategies mid-exam (e.g., shifting from 3-round method to linear solving).
• Panicking or overthinking and getting stuck.
• Reducing attempts due to fear or sudden loss of confidence.
• Rushing through familiar questions and mis-marking.
  

Remember, D-day is all that counts. It’s not just about your knowledge — it’s about how well you execute under pressure. Stick to your strategy, stay calm, and trust your preparation.

Question: How can an aspirant avoid misreading questions or options under pressure?

Answer: Slow down just enough to read with intention. Start by carefully reading the question and all options. Don’t rush, even if it seems familiar.

Underline or circle keywords — especially critical ones like: “not,” “only,” “all,” “some,” “incorrect,” “correct,” etc.

These completely change the question’s meaning. If something feels off, reread it. A second reading often reveals hidden traps.

Question: What should be done if an aspirant panics or blanks out during the paper?

Answer: If you panic or blank out, don’t change your strategy. Pause. Take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I got this” (or any personal mantra you use). This helps calm your nerves and re-engages your brain.

Then return to the paper with a steady mind. Trust your preparation and stick to your process.

All the best!

For your queries and suggestions write at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com

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