UPSC Prelims 2026: Things to Carry & Tips

[Shekar]

All the best to everyone appearing on 24th May 2026. Here are some things to carry on exam day: 1. Admit card, preferably a colour printout if your photo is unclear or old. 2. The same Photo ID you mentioned while filling the form. 3. 3-4 black ball pens, thicker nib pens like Rorito or Reynolds are easier to use. 4. A transparent water bottle with ORS, glucose or lemon water. 5. A handkerchief, some centres have poor ventilation. 6. A simple analog watch for time management. 7. An umbrella or cap for the heat. 8. Passport-size photos, 2 extra just in case. 9. Dark chocolate or a protein bar for energy before entering the centre. 10. A transparent writing board for uneven desks. 11. An eraser for CSAT questions. 12. Try aligning your body clock with exam timings. 13. Use a 3-round approach: attempt easy questions, then marked ones, and finally take calculated risks. 14. After GS Paper 1, focus on CSAT. 15. Don't stress about things outside your control. 16. Fix your sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and take short walks if anxious. 17. These last 2 days, sleep properly and avoid cutoff prediction videos. Don't forget to carry your confidence.

[Sachin]

You forgot brain.

[Neha]

If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. Confidence and Self-Belief calms your brain.

[Tushar]

An arsenal of Rifel, a dozen of E1 51 mm mortars, a canister of  GBU 57 aur ek rack of launchers kaun bolega??

[Ehsan]

Thanks a lot. My first attempt, I'm trying to revise and get data as much as possible and give it a go. If I fail, atleast I've learned something. All the best to all aspirants. Is eraser allowed?

[Sangeeta]

These are the things I believe should be carried on exam day

[Esha]

Nice helpful tips, 3 years back before the exam I went through sleepless nights... good luck everyone

[Vinay]

Don't forget this http://example.com

[Subhash]

For point 15, I know we won't actively feel the heat during exam but it will still subconsciously affect results. We tend to think better when comfortable. Thanks for the tips.

[Asha]

Sabse imp naseeb

[Nikhil]

We can take bottle inside exam? That's a relief, I usually get dehydrated.