With just 10 days to go for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam, this is the time to focus, strategise, and execute with precision. These final days are crucial — every moment you invest wisely can decide your outcome.

1. Prioritise the last 10 years’ question papers
The UPSC has a distinctive way of framing questions, and the best way to understand its pattern is by practising the last 10 years’ prelims papers.

• Understand the types of questions asked repeatedly
• Identify important topics and trends
• Get comfortable with the difficulty level and question style
• Practise under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy
• This focused approach builds confidence and helps avoid surprises on exam day.

2. Sharpen your CSAT skills — especially comprehension
Though CSAT is qualifying, clearing it is mandatory — and many candidates stumble here. Focus on:

• Comprehension passages: Read and answer with speed and precision
• Logical reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude
• Use the elimination method to rule out wrong options quickly
• Improving your CSAT performance can eliminate last-minute hurdles and ensure you qualify.

3. Master the elimination technique
When in doubt, don’t guess blindly. Use elimination:

• Cross out obviously incorrect options using facts or logic
• Be cautious of extreme words like “always” or “never” — these are often traps
• Narrow down choices to 2 or 3 and make an informed guess if needed
• This strategy increases accuracy and reduces negative marking.

4. How to use the elimination technique in MCQs
The elimination technique is one of the smartest ways to tackle multiple-choice questions (MCQs), especially when unsure of the correct answer. Here’s how to apply it:

• Read the question carefully
• Analyse each option for factual correctness or extreme language
• Eliminate options that are clearly wrong
• Focus on narrowing down rather than guessing
• Choose the best answer from the remaining options

Example:
Question (UPSC Prelims 2020):
In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following types of citizens?

• Person with an annual income of less than ₹1,00,000
• Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹2,00,000
• Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹3,00,000
• All senior citizens
  
  Options:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only

Applying elimination:
Statement 3 is not fully accurate; OBCs don’t automatically qualify based on income → Eliminate (b) and (c)
Statement 4 uses “All senior citizens,” an extreme term — not all automatically qualify → Eliminate (d)
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

5. Follow the three-round attempt strategy
Divide your question attempts into three strategic rounds:

• Round 1: Attempt questions you know 100%
• Round 2: Attempt those where you’ve eliminated at least two options (50:50 shot)
• Round 3: Take calculated risks on a few remaining ones if time permits
• This approach improves time management and minimises mistakes.

Practice these techniques with previous years’ question papers and timed mock tests. Click here to try the latest UPSC Prelims 2025 mock test series from Manorama Yearbook — designed as per the latest syllabus.

6. Revise smart — avoid new topics
These last 10 days are for revision, not new learning.

Focus on:

• High-yield static topics and current affairs
• Your personal notes and mind maps
• Strengthening weak areas, not starting fresh topics
• Smart revision boosts recall and builds confidence.
• 7. Stay calm, confident, and positive

Remember, many toppers cracked UPSC after multiple attempts. It’s a journey — not a sprint.

• Trust your preparation
• Prioritise health and sleep
• Stay optimistic and visualise success

These last 10 days can break you — or make you. Choose to make them your breakthrough. Use every hour wisely, stick to your strategy, and believe in your hard work. Success is just around the corner.