UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam 2023: Exam Day Guidelines

The Union Public Selection Commission will hold the Civil Services main examination from September 15 onwards. The exam is just a day away and hence the students are advised to revise their strengths strongly and leave the new topics as of now. 

UPSC CSE Mains 2023: Exam pattern

• The Civil Services Mains exam comprises 9 subjective papers, including one essay paper, four GS papers, two optional papers and two language papers.
• The entire process will be completed within five days, with two papers each day.
• Candidates who are clearing the Civil Services Mains exam will appear in the interview/ personality test round.

UPSC CSE Mains 2023: Guidelines for exam day

• You must reach the exam hall 30 minutes prior to the exam time to avoid last-minute hassle.
• Basic stationery items such as pen, scale etc. must be carried. Please note, Any type of digital stationery will not be allowed in the examination hall.
• You must carry an admit card, one identity proof and passport-size photographs.
• You can carry a transparent water bottle and a small bottle of hand sanitiser without any written text on it.
• Although there isn't a set attire for taking the exam, electronic devices and digital watches are not allowed in the testing room.
• Be sure to plan your arrival time to the exam room with the risk of traffic congestion or obstacles in mind.

UPSC CSE Mains 2023: Tips for exam day

• Organise your time according to the exam schedule. You will have 170 minutes to complete the questions; be sure to divide that time according to how confident you are with the questions, worth 10 or 15 points. You should also give yourself 7 to 10 minutes to use the loo and sign the OMR attendance sheet. It's crucial to schedule your time well.
• Before responding to the problem, make sure you have read the question completely. Also, keep in mind how crucial it is to focus on phrases and keywords. Make sure your response has an introduction and a conclusion. Each response should start with a unique heading if the question is divided into sections.
• Stick to the facts, i.e., include facts and (accurate) data to make your answer stand out and capture the evaluator's attention.
• Use legible handwriting, and don't mark your responses with a strikethrough. The easier it is for the assessor to understand what you have written, the better. Use the underlining technique to highlight your answer's strong points for the assessor.