The Ultimate Checklist for UPSC Prelims

Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Admin

Introduction

In 2019, I remember going to the exam hall for CSE Prelims and witnessing an interesting incident. A student had not brought his original ID card with him, but only photocopies. When the examiner asked for the original, he said he wasn’t aware of it. Things went little further, the examiner called someone else, probably exam-centre coordinator, there was some discussion with the student, and eventually they asked the student to give an undertaking about his ID card, in writing.

The whole episode took about 15 minutes. While we had already started with our papers, the ‘student’ was busy with this whole thing.

I wish none of this happens with any of you. So, while you’ve already spent last 4-5 months, exclusively studying for this exam, please take out just 5 minutes to go through the below checklist for UPSC prelims, and maybe 15-20 more minutes to ensure that you’ve everything ready. 

Checklist for UPSC Prelims

1. E-Admit Card for Prelims

Make sure you’ve at least 2 copies of admit card.

“A candidate, who does not produce his/her e-Admit Card for checking at the allotted venue, shall not be allowed to take the Examination.”

2. Original Photo ID Card

It is mandatory to carry the ORIGINAL photo ID card whose details are mentioned on your admit card. Additionally, you may carry 2 photocopies of the ID card. 

3. Black Ball Point Pen

Yes, it’s mandatory by UPSC to use black ball point pen while filling the OMR sheet. In the words of UPSC, ‘Answers other than those marked by black ball point pen will not be evaluated’. Carry 2-3 such pens with you and also make sure that you test if they’re working, beforehand.

4. Wrist Watch 

Carry a simple wrist watch, not a smart watch. The examination halls are typically schools or college classrooms, some may have wall clocks, some may not. Smart watches are not allowed inside exam hall.

According to the UPSC official communication, “Use of normal or simple wrist watches by candidates is allowed inside the Examination Rooms/ Halls. However, use of watches fitted with any special accessory that might be used as communication device or smart watches is strictly prohibited and candidates are not allowed to take such watches into the Examination Rooms/Halls.”

5. Water Bottle

It’s good to sip water during exam, to keep your mind fresh. This really helps. But don’t drink too much water just before or during the exam (otherwise you’ll have to visit the washroom during the exam). Also, be careful with water around the OMR sheet.

At some exam centers, they allow only transparent water bottles. So just to be on safer side, you can carry the transparent water bottle.

6. Lunch Box

You get 3 hours between GS and CSAT paper. You’ll need to eat something. You may carry a lunch box or make sure you eat something healthy before the next paper. Please don’t eat anything that will make you drowsy or something else for next paper. It’s important that you remain fresh for CSAT.

7. Mask (not compulsory)

Masks are not compulsory nowadays. But you’ve cough or cold, you can at least keep it with you. 

8. Plan your travel

See your location beforehand. See how much it will take, consider some buffer time. Consider what will be your alternative if your bike gets punctured or something. Leave for exam center accordingly, in advance. 

9. Mobile phone (not inside exam hall)

You can carry a mobile phone to the exam center, obviously not inside the exam hall. Do remember to remove it and keep it in your bag before entering the exam hall. If it’s found on you during exam (even in switched off mode), it could be a big trouble for you. 

10. Memorize your roll no.

Just in case. 

11. Writing Pad

The bench may not be good sometimes. There are examples where OMR sheet got torn because the bench had some hole and student happened to darken the circle exactly at the same place. So you can carry a writing pad with you. It is also observed that in some places, they allow only transparent writing pads, so if you’ll be buying one, better buy transparent one.

12. Have some cash with you

Yes UPI works, and works everywhere. But believe me, I used to work in the IT dept. of a PSB, and so many things go wrong so many times. Have some reasonable cash with you, just in case.

13. Take some light food the day before

Don’t eat anything spicy, oily, too hot or too cold. Don’t eat food that will cause acidity, bloating etc. You know your body well. If you’re confused regarding what to eat, just have some dal-khichadi. After exam, you can eat whatever you like. 

Exam Time

Paper 1 (GS) 9:30 – 11:30

Paper 2 (CSAT) 02:30 – 4:30

In the words of UPSC, “It may also be noted that entry into the Examination Venue shall be closed 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the Examination i.e. 09.00 AM for the Forenoon Session and 02.00 PM for the Afternoon Session. No candidate shall be allowed the entry into the Examination Venue after closure of the entry .“

You have prepared for the whole year for UPSC Prelims. Now, don’t let it spoil because of something insignificant. Pay attention to all the things mentioned here. Thank you for reading the whole article. Now, spend 15-20 more minutes ensuring that you’ve prepared for everything mentioned above. 

Best wishes for upcoming Prelims. Remember, luck favours the brave. See you for Mains preparation🤞