UPSC Prelims 2026: IAS officer Divya Mittal shares 8 tips to handle exam pressure and panic

IAS officer Divya Mittal has shared a set of practical tips for UPSC aspirants on managing pressure and maintaining focus ahead of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, describing the exam as a test of nerves rather than memory alone.

Mittal, reflecting on her own experience, said she once felt mentally blocked just days before the Prelims but overcame panic through preparation and mindset control, which ultimately helped her clear the examination.

Managing last-minute panic before the exam

She advised aspirants not to panic if they feel mentally blank before the exam, stating that such a reaction is normal under pressure. According to her, recognition of answers during the exam is easier than attempting to recall them under stress, and candidates should trust their preparation.

Short reset technique during exam pressure

Mittal recommended a brief breathing reset if anxiety rises at the beginning of the exam. She suggested closing the eyes and taking deep breaths for a few seconds to regain clarity, adding that this short pause helps improve focus during the paper.

Focus on one question at a time

She stressed the importance of treating each question independently and avoiding emotional carryover from difficult questions. Aspirants were advised not to let uncertainty from one question affect performance in the next.

Handling difficult question papers

Mittal noted that if candidates find the question paper unexpectedly difficult, they should avoid panic, as the same difficulty applies to all candidates. She added that tougher papers generally lead to lower cut-offs, and aspirants should maintain confidence and avoid overreaction.

Avoid discussions during exam break

She cautioned against engaging in discussions or answer comparisons during the break between General Studies and CSAT papers. Mittal advised candidates to avoid social media and focus on rest and mental calmness to maintain performance in the second paper.

Attempt strategy for maximising score

Mittal suggested a three-round approach to answering questions, beginning with easy questions, followed by moderately difficult ones, and finally attempting the most challenging questions. She emphasised that all questions carry equal marks and aspirants should prioritise scoring easy marks first.

Importance of rest before exam day

On sleep, she advised aspirants to rest before the exam but added that even if sleep is disrupted due to anxiety, performance would not necessarily be affected, as alertness and adrenaline can compensate to an extent.

Separating self-worth from exam outcome

Mittal further stated that the UPSC exam should not be seen as a measure of personal worth or intelligence. She said it is only a test of focus and strategy on a single day, and candidates should remember that their life and identity extend beyond the examination.