The Prelims examinations consist of objective questions, whereas the Main examinations have subjective questions, even comprising essays. However, it has been observed that most UPSC applicants have failed to pass the Prelims threshold. 

The Prelims, the first stage of the UPSC examination, examines the tenacity and basic skills of the candidates and eliminates most applicants from passing the examination successfully. 

While we understand that it is natural to feel nervous while facing the UPSC examinations, it is quite disheartening to see applicants missing the Prelims threshold, sometimes owing just to their silly mistakes. 

Stick to the end of the article as we share some useful tips to avoid silly mistakes in the Prelims examination.

Silly mistakes involve OMR mishaps, i.e., marking wrong answers despite knowing the correct answers. Increasing practice and awareness is one of the best ways to avoid silly mistakes. Seeing even some of the brightest candidates or those who have put in exceptional hard work and dedication fail Prelims because of silly mistakes is quite disheartening. 

While it is natural to feel nervous, candidates should take ample rest, i.e., have 8 hours of sleep every day. Lack of concentration and exhaustion are common factors that can cause candidates to make silly mistakes on paper. 

Before answering the question, it is essential to complete the details, like writing your roll number and other important pieces of information. 

While answering the paper, experts always recommend not pondering over questions that candidates fail to recall answers actively. It will not only cause the candidate to lose time and make them answer other questions hastily, increasing the risk of making mistakes, but it can also affect their confidence, increase doubt, and cloud their thought processes. Foremost answer questions that you already know the answer to any questions that do not require much time. 

It has been observed that candidates have the habit of misreading the questions. Having untrained eyes usually leads to such mistakes. Each question contains certain keywords that help determine the answer the question asks for. Train your eyes and mind to search for these important keywords during the examination to help you to answer the questions correctly. 

When it comes to avoiding silly mistakes in the Prelims examination, it is best to say that practice creates perfection. Solving mock tests will help overcome these mistakes as the tests will not only improve your answering skills but will also help you become aware of mistakes that will make you avoid them in the next tests. 

While answering the mock test, if you observe conceptual or factual gaps, you should address them immediately. Revise the portion, and you can create keywords to help you remember the answers easily. It is also advised to avoid guesswork unless it is based on correct factual information. 

We believe candidates commit silly mistakes in prelims as they fail to develop an exam mindset. Candidates stressing out before the examination can result from not being adequately trained to face such situations in the first place. While solving mock tests, face them with the same sincerity as your main examination. Practice answering questions on OMR sheets will help avoid committing silly mistakes and other mistakes commonly observed on OMR sheets.