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

Indian Express

24-05-2025

Are You Prelims Ready? UPSC Prelims 2025 is scheduled for May 25. As the exam approaches, aspirants are often flooded with last-minute doubts and dilemmas — ranging from anxiety and self-doubt to concerns about strategy and performance pressure. These feelings are natural, especially ahead of such a high-stakes and competitive examination.
To help aspirants navigate this crucial phase, here is a comprehensive Prelims Day Strategy Guide, part of our Expert Talk series under UPSC Essentials by The Indian Express. In this edition, Rohit Pande, our expert, speaks to Manas Srivastava of The Indian Express, addressing the most common questions and mental roadblocks that aspirants face just before entering the exam hall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Answer: It is absolutely essential to approach the GS Paper with a multi-round strategy. The most effective method is the three-round approach:
Have a well-rehearsed strategy and stick to it on exam day. Avoid panic-based decisions or switching strategies mid-way.
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:
Answer:
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.
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.
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.
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Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More