The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most coveted examinations for students hoping to join the higher Civil Services of the Government of India, such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service.But, the stress and anxiety during the whole preparation process is for real.
The exam primarily assesses students’ broad mastery of general studies, which encompasses courses such as History, Polity, Economics, Geography, and Ethics, among others, and offers up a plethora of opportunities for students who pass the exam. Stress and anxiety management is essential for good performance and can help students achieve their IAS dream.
Here are 5 tips to help you handle exam stress and approach the UPSC CSE 2023 with a clear and confident mind.
1. BE WELL-PREPARED
Maintain and reduce stress by being well-prepared – this may sound obvious, but it bears repeating. Aspirants will feel more confident going into the exam if they know they’ve prepared enough. Cramming, on the other hand, may make them feel as though they don’t have enough time to cover everything, which can lead to greater worry. Candidates should avoid reading anything new before the examination and instead review what they have already learned. Students can revise whatever they have studied at their own pace, with 10-minute activity or nutrition breaks in between.
2. SOLVE MOCK TESTS TO IMPROVE CONFIDENCE
Candidates can get a better understanding of the kind of questions that will appear on the examination by taking mock tests. By providing a simulation of actual exams, they also help to increase the candidate’s confidence, reducing the element of worry. It is also critical to understand how to solve mocks. Mock tests are prepared in the same structure as actual exams, including the curriculum, topics, time limit, number of questions to be attempted, and system of scoring. Instead of focusing just on the correct answers, aspirants should also examine the incorrect answers to obtain a deeper understanding of the subject. This definitely would help to reduce unnecessary stress and boost more confidence.
3. MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT
It is important to create a proper plan and prioritise the exam preparation path. Initially, the goals must be realistic so that when they are met, confidence is boosted. This enhances in reducing anxiety during the exam preparation. Then, gradually increase your daily exam goals and targets. If the goal is difficult to begin with, failing to meet it can leave applicants feeling disheartened and unmotivated. Many candidates give up at this point. A well-thought-out plan and precise timeline will help ease candidates’ exam preparation and make studying more streamlined, as well as alleviate a considerable amount of stress and anxiety that surrounds the Civil Services Exam. We at Eduzone IAS, give a detailed and clear study plan to reduce the last moment stress and anxiety during the preparation.
4. PREPARE LOGISTICS AHEAD OF TIME
Anxiety can be escalated by being unprepared and then rushing. It is vital for aspirants to check the schedule so that they know when and where they will take the exam. This allows students to bring everything they will need for the exam. Candidates must give adequate time to arrive at the examination centre without feeling rushed. Understand what to expect at the exam, including the format of the questions and the topics covered. It’s crucial to note that when candidates enter the test hall, it’s typical for them to feel as if they can’t remember anything they’ve studied.
5.REMAIN POSITIVE, EAT WELL, AND SLEEP WELL
Aspirants must have a positive attitude throughout the exam process by treating their minds and bodies with care and compassion. Maintaining physical and mental health through exercise and other activities is important for aspirants throughout their UPSC preparation journey. Techniques such as meditation and yoga might also help in reducing stress and anxiety. Talk to your loved ones, so that you can feel yourself being relieved. You can even take a walk and to lighten your mind.
Eating properly plays a significant part in reducing stress. Cortisol, a hormone, is responsible for stress in your body. Magnesium helps in cortisol reduction. Magnesium is abundant in foods such as almonds, leafy greens, berries, and raw cocoa. Eat a low-sugar, high-protein diet and avoid drinking your calories. Do not skip meals and snack on healthy food.
Meditation provides numerous mental and physical benefits. Just 10 minutes of meditation per day can do wonders for your brain. Meditation can help you deal with a variety of issues in life. Above all, it aids in the elimination of random unpleasant thoughts that occupy your mind and add to stress and anxiety.
