How to attempt UPSC Prelims Exam on D-Day? | Mock Test for UPSC Prelims 2026 PDF Download

UPSC Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern

The Prelims include two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), both held on the same day in offline mode. Here’s the exam pattern:

Exam Day Guidelines

Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience:

1. Understand the Exam Schedule: The Prelims are conducted in two sessions:
   • Paper-I: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
   • Paper-II (CSAT): 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
     It is crucial to arrive at least 45 minutes early to allow sufficient time for entry procedures.
2. Know the Exam Pattern: 
   • Paper-I focuses on general knowledge and current affairs.
   • Paper-II (CSAT) is a qualifying exam that assesses your aptitude and reasoning skills.
3. Adhere to the Dress Code: 
   • Opt for simple and comfortable clothing.
   • Avoid wearing heavy jewellery or smartwatches.
   • If you plan to wear traditional attire, such as religious headgear, please inform the invigilator in advance and arrive early to the examination centre.
4. Avoid Barred Items: Don’t bring electronic devices, stationery, or any paper except your admit card and ID. Pens will be provided by the UPSC for the examination.
5. Carry Mandatory Documents: Bring your admit card, a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, or driving license), and a passport-size photograph. PwD candidates need their disability certificate.
6. Follow General Instructions: Sit at your assigned seat, sign the attendance sheet, and follow invigilator instructions.

Time Management Tips

The Prelims require quick thinking. Here’s how to manage your time:

• Arrive Ahead of Time: Aim to arrive at the examination centre at least 45 minutes before the start time. This will help you stay calm and allow time for any necessary security checks.
• Scan the Question Paper: Take the first 2–3 minutes to quickly scan through the questions. This will help you identify and prioritise the easier questions.
• Allocate Your Time Wisely: For Paper-I, try to answer 50–60 questions in the first hour. For Paper-II, aim to tackle 40–50 questions initially.
• Avoid Overthinking: If you encounter a difficult question, mark it for review and move on to the next one. Overthinking can waste valuable time.
• Fill in the OMR Sheet Carefully: Gradually fill in the OMR sheet to minimise mistakes. Always double-check your roll number and paper code to avoid errors.
• Use the Last 10 Minutes Wisely: In the final moments of the exam, review your OMR sheet and attempt any marked questions that you may have skipped.

Dress Code and Barred Items

• Dress Code: Wear light clothes (e.g., half-sleeve shirts). Use open-toed sandals. Report early if in customary attire.
• Barred Items: No mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, pens, or jewelry. Only carry admit card, ID, and photograph.

General Instructions

• Entry and Seating: Arrive by the reporting time. Sit at your assigned seat.
• Exam Hall Conduct: Maintain silence and face the camera during recording.
• Test Booklet and OMR Sheet: Verify booklet and OMR codes. Report issues immediately.
• Restrictions: No food or drinks, except for medical exemptions with prior approval.

Preparation Tips for Paper I and Paper II

• Practice Mock Tests: Solve past papers under timed conditions.
• Stay Focused: Avoid pre-exam discussions to stay focused.
• Plan Your Strategy: Start with strong sections but stay flexible.
• Rest Well: Get 6–8 hours of sleep to stay sharp.

Conclusion

The UPSC Prelims is a big exam, but with preparation, you can do great. Follow these guidelines, manage your time, and stay calm to take a confident step toward your civil services dream.