Last one month of Mains exam (few takeaways I would like to share):
1) This one month creates a huge difference in the way your answers gonna be written (being nervous, dissatisfied with completion of syllabus, fear of future -becomes multifold)-So CHILLAX and be consistent in tests and Revision and only think of 3hr=20Q... everything gonna be alright.
2) Body is temple .....since mains is a marathon..so balance day with workout/walk for minimum 20-30min...and be mentally active engaging in a hobby or try being calm with meditation (let the thoughts flow freely)
3) 20Q in 3hrs is not impossible but HARD to accomplish in quality...so PRACTISE in SIMULATION MODE is the key.
4) Never skip Breakfast or Lunch during prep or on Exam day(Even GluconD is effective for an hr only....scientifically brain uses only Glucose ,but body deduces it from carbohydrates and proteins too...to keep glucose levels in blood at optimum values...)
So, try and test with light food which suits your body during simulation tests and repeat on Exam day
4) Never get nervous...because our neuronal circuits developed during practise will be disrupted...and will end the task in confusion(absolute disaster)...So MENTAL HEALTH and being HAPPY is of utmost importance...practise stabilising your thoughts...from now on taking a pause consciously when thoughts are in haste during a test.
5) This is a huge opportunity to shower GRATITUDE to all those who have been there for you till now...so don't lose it...HOLD ON till the last second...every question counts.
6) Be competitive...but with the person whom you look daily in the mirror ...work an extra mile each day....(Don't forget appreciating him/her for the efforts which s/he took to reach till this stage...so SMILE :P)
AT the end we are here just for that one seat among many......which you will get for Sure only if you believe in YOURSELF..... everything else is none of your business
The Mains few tips: On the day :-
1) Chillax!!
2) Enjoy the paper...pen down your answers like crazy...
3) Revise your one/two best full length copies just before each exam..for getting idea of pattern of answering & Presentation,
4) Do eat breakfast & lunch, better take a very light meal(egg whites/idli/curd rice-7-8 spoons in combination would work).
5) Just think about 20Q-3hrs,respect each question and try to finish paper. Always remember none in the room /nation writing these papers will ever know all 20 .So....just chill!
6) Live in present...don't worry about paper or answer which went wrong...a single sixer in any of subject can still make you win your match.LET EVERYTHING GO WRONG , BUT YOU STILL STAY SANE.
7) GRATITUDE to self and nature for allowing you to be at this moment
The most important :-
1) OBSERVE like never & ever before …analyse each thing happening in life …be it subject ,newspaper,MOVIE,advertisement,the game you play,people around and their actions…
2)ANALYSE them from the basic point of view …that why do they happen this way…what else can make it different…
3)REVISE -WRITE-ANALYSE——repeat …SPONTANEITY with CLARITY is the essence of any mains answer..
4)Respect your time and attempt…DON’T JUDGE self on any imperfection which you think you hold for this attempt…TRY WHOLE HEARTEDLY…
Best wishes …
~ UPSC CSE Topper