The last week before the UPSC Prelims is crucial. Many aspirants make avoidable mistakes that cost them dearly. This blog highlights those pitfalls so you can sidestep them and go into the exam hall fully prepared.
❓Should I study new topics in the last week?
No, avoid studying new topics in the final week. Trying to learn new subjects now will only create confusion and anxiety. Instead, revise only from your trusted resources like your handwritten notes, UPSC CSE prelims book, and previous test solutions. New topics often disrupt your memory of older, stronger ones.
Read More: Tips to Score above 120 in UPSC Prelims 2025
❓How important is it to revise UPSC prelims PYQs?
Very important. The UPSC prelims PYQ book gives you insights into question trends, topic weightage, and framing style. Revisiting the UPSC prelims PYQ book during the last week helps you align your final revision with the actual exam pattern.
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Why Revise PYQs in the Final Week? |
Benefit |
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Understand question language & tone |
Reduces panic on D-day |
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Identify high-yield topics |
Focus on scoring areas |
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Boosts confidence |
You realize how much you already know |
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Works as a quick revision tool |
Saves time & covers a vast syllabus efficiently |
Revise the UPSC prelims PYQ book at least twice in the last 7 days.
❓Should I take full mock tests in the last week?
Yes, but not too many. Taking 2-3 full-length tests from the UPSC mock test papers 2025 prelims series is more than enough. Don’t overdo mocks in the final week. Analyze your mistakes and understand your weak zones.
Stick to quality over quantity. Just taking tests won’t help—reviewing them will.
Use UPSC mock test papers 2025 prelims to improve time management and accuracy. Also, simulate exam conditions while taking these papers.
❓Is it okay to change strategy in the last week?
Absolutely not. Stick to your original plan. Changing your strategy at the last moment—like switching your source from your regular UPSC CSE prelims book to a new one—will backfire.
Trust the process you've followed. Your notes, mocks, and the UPSC CSE prelims book you’ve used till now are your biggest assets.
❓What is the best way to revise current affairs?
Revise from a consolidated source. Don’t pick new compilations now. Go through your short notes, fact sheets, and summaries made over the last few months.
Use tables like this to summarize key months:
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Month |
Focus Areas |
Revision Status |
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Jan 2025 |
Budget, Schemes, IR Events |
✅ |
|
Feb 2025 |
Environment, Polity Bills |
✅ |
|
Mar 2025 |
Summits, Reports, Awards |
🔁 |
For UPSC Online Mock Test Sample Papers and Latest Courses for Latest Exam
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⚠ Final Takeaway: What should I avoid?
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Starting new books, even if it’s a new UPSC CSE prelims book
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Taking 5+ mocks without analysis from UPSC mock test papers 2025 prelims
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Ignoring the UPSC prelims PYQ book completely
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Panicking about what you haven’t done
Stay calm, revise smartly, and trust your preparation.
