The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 on June 16, at various exam centres across the country. The Civil Services Exam is conducted annually in three stages--preliminary, main, and interview--by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

The examination on June 16 is scheduled to begin at 9 am (forenoon session) and 2 pm (afternoon session) with entry to the venue closing 30 minutes before the commencement of the test, according to the UPSC website. The morning session will be for the General Studies paper and the second session will be for the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT).

As the clock ticks down to the final hours before the commencement of the UPSC examination, it is natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Here are a few handy tips and things to keep in mind if you are taking the UPSC exam on Sunday.

Revise Smartly
Avoid last-minute panic and revise the portions with a focus on key concerts and important topics. Go through your notes once but do not panic if you cannot seem to remember all the points as it might just be some last-minute jitters. Revise with a calm mind.

Mock test
Attempting a mock test or solving a previous-year paper might prove useful for some and may help you feel a bit more confident about facing D-day.

Time Management
Plan your exam strategy well. You should have a clear plan in place about solving the questions based on your strengths and confidence areas. Allocate time to each section and always remember not to spend too much time on a single question. Candidates attending the examination must ensure that they reach the venue before time as no candidates will be allowed to enter the examination halls 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the test, i.e. 8:30 AM.

Health and Well-being
Ensure that you get a good night’s sleep before the exam. Being sleep-deprived on the exam day will not help your memory. Eat a light dinner and make sure that you have a balanced breakfast tomorrow. Avoid junk and anything that might upset your stomach. 

Get your documents in place
Check whether you have all the documents like your admit card, I.D. proof, photograph, stationary, etc ready. Pack everything you need and keep your bag ready tonight. Remember that answers can only be marked on the OMR sheet with a black ballpoint pen. 

Meditate
You have put in months and possibly years of hard work for this, so it is natural to feel stressed. However, meditating before stepping into the exam hall will be helpful in calming your nerves. Remember to take a few deep breaths before beginning the exam. Wear light-breathable clothing and keep your hair neat and tidy so that it doesn’t cause you any inconvenience while attempting the exam. 

Read instructions carefully
Read the instructions given on your admit card as well as your question paper carefully. You should also read the questions carefully before marking an incorrect answer on the OMR sheet. This is important due to the negative marking system of the UPSC exam. 

Beware of common OMR mistakes
Make sure that you fill in all the credentials including roll number, test booklet code series, etc correctly. Ensure that you fill the answer bubbles completely. Any discrepancies, omissions, or mistakes can lead to disqualification.

Avoid carrying banned items
Items like mobile phones, valuables, bags, books,  digital watches, and electronic or programmable devices like pen drives, Bluetooth devices, etc are not allowed in the examination halls. Avoid carrying such items to the centres to avoid any last-minute hassles. You must only carry the items that are specified in the admit card. 

Lastly, remember that hard work and dedication have brought you this far. Stay focused, calm, and confident. Treat the exam as an opportunity and not the finale. No matter the outcome, the journey itself has no doubt been a tremendous learning experience. All the best!