With the UPSC Prelims to be held on May 25, which is just around the corner, it is completely natural to feel a mix of tension, self-doubt, and pressure. Months—sometimes years—of preparation culminate in a few hours on a Sunday morning, and the sheer weight of that can feel overwhelming. Exam anxiety is not a reflection of your ability or dedication; it is a very human response to a high-stakes situation. Instead of ignoring it or letting it spiral, now is the time to respond with care, clarity, and strategy.
1. Befriend the Panic
Anxiety before an exam is like the clingy friend who shows up uninvited, annoying, but not always harmful. A little anxiety can sharpen focus. Instead of trying to wrestle it away, try acknowledging it: “Hello, Anxiety. I see you have brought your pals Sweaty Palms and Racing Thoughts again.” Sometimes, naming the feeling takes away its power.
2. Focus on Revision, Not Perfection
Cramming the night before is like trying to learn French while skydiving. Not ideal. At this point, focus on revision, not reinvention. Skim through summaries, flashcards, or even voice notes you made when you were feeling especially motivated. And if you did not make any, well, YouTube explainer videos are your new best mates.
3. Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Sleep is not for the weak. Sleep is for champions. And brains. Avoid the “I’ll just revise till 3 a.m.” trap. It does not help. Same with meals: your brain cannot run on stress and coffee alone. Feed it. Hydrate it. Trust me, water is underrated.
4. Tame the Mind Circus
Try this: deep breaths in for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. It is called box breathing. It works. So do short walks, yoga stretches, or staring blankly at the ceiling while listening to lo-fi beats. Your brain needs breaks to process information. No guilt allowed.
5. Perspective Is a Superpower
Yes, the UPSC Prelims are important. But they are not your entire existence. You are not your exam results. If things go pear-shaped, life does not end; it just takes a scenic detour. Sometimes, that detour is the best thing that ever happened.
