What should be done in the last 5 days before Prelims? 🎯

In this video, IASbaba Founder Mohan Sir breaks down your final 5 days of preparation into 5 must DO’s ✅ and DON’Ts ❌ that can make all the difference before the exam.

From revision strategies 📚 to mindset management 🧠, this video is a complete guide to help you stay focused, confident, and exam-ready. 💪

So, what are those crucial things you should and shouldn’t do in the last lap before Prelims? 👀

Watch the video now ▶️

https://youtu.be/1c4i5BEKSzc?si=g-fAWIa-6YFFbjx_

📌 Ebola Outbreak: Watch, But Do Not Wait

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. “WHO’s swift emergency declaration over the Ebola outbreak reflects rising concerns over the rare Bundibugyo strain.” Examine the factors behind WHO’s rapid response and the lessons for global pandemic preparedness. (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/watch-but-do-not-wait-on-the-ebola-outbreak/article70998244.ece
 
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-world-isnt-prepared-for-the-next-pandemic-10698428/

📌 India's Evolving Metrology Ecosystem: Strengthening Trade, Transparency, and Consumer Protection

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. “India’s modern metrology reforms are strengthening fair trade, consumer protection, and global competitiveness.” Examine the evolution of India’s metrology ecosystem and assess how recent reforms balance regulation with ease of doing business. (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263113&reg=3&lang=1

UPSC preparation is not just a test of knowledge, but also a test of mental strength. 🧠✨

With Prelims 2026 approaching on May 24th, anxiety, self-doubt, fear, and overthinking can affect even the best-prepared aspirants. 🌿

In this important video, Mohan Sir addresses the mental health challenges associated with UPSC preparation in a simple, practical, and relatable manner. 💯

He explains how to manage pressure, stay emotionally balanced, and approach the examination with clarity and confidence. 📚🎯

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or mentally exhausted before the exam, this video can truly help you regain calmness and focus. ❤️

A must-watch for every UPSC Prelims aspirant before exam day. 🚀🇮🇳

https://youtu.be/PF9vqz-UHQA?si=oOuMhDM8IKwLOmj1

📌 Europe's Shift to Centre of Delhi's Frame: A Welcome Evolution

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. “Europe has become central to India’s trade, technology, and green-energy ambitions.” Examine the factors driving India’s deeper engagement with Europe. What are the key gains from recent FTAs and technology partnerships? (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/europes-shift-to-centre-of-delhis-frame-is-welcome-10700162/

📌 BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Future of Work

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. “With over half their population below 35, BRICS nations hold significant potential to shape the future of work.” Examine the scope of BRICS cooperation in youth entrepreneurship. What lessons can India learn and contribute? (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263380&reg=3&lang=1

📌 On Measuring Freedom of the Press in India: Rankings as Blunt Instruments

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. International indices like the World Press Freedom Index are useful yet imperfect measures. Critically examine their utility and limitations in assessing press freedom in India. (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/on-measuring-freedom-of-the-press-in-india/article71007644.ece

📌 The Quad Question: Rejuvenate, Neglect or Abandon?

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. The Quad faces growing uncertainty due to shifting U.S. priorities and emerging strains in U.S.-India relations. Critically examine the challenges before the Quad and suggest the future course the grouping should adopt. (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/quad-indo-pacific-geopolitics-life-support-trump-china-10701639/

In this video, Mohan Sir explains the crucial mindset shifts every aspirant must make before UPSC Prelims 2026. 🌟

Learn how to move beyond passive studying and develop the exam-oriented thinking needed to clear prelims confidently. 🎯

https://youtube.com/shorts/tb7zkcdhAHw?si=2oXpwqwISDUY4hJI

The last 24 hours before UPSC Prelims are not just about revision 📚

What should you study? What should you avoid? How do you stay mentally sharp before the exam? And what must you do on the exam day to bring out your absolute best performance? 🎯📝

In this power-packed video 🎥, Mohan Sir shares invaluable insights gathered from 15 years of mentoring and interacting with thousands of UPSC aspirants 👨‍🏫🏆 From practical last-minute strategies to mindset management, this session is designed to help you walk into the exam hall prepared, balanced, and confident 💪✨

Sometimes, one right piece of guidance at the right time can make all the difference 🌟

This is one such session. Don’t miss this gem 💎

Watch it now ▶️🔥

https://youtu.be/qhGq3N1HJIU?si=huYY7hqoeqhJXApk

📌 Cockroaches and Dissent: Satire, State Power, and Free Speech

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. The blocking of the Cockroach Janata Party’s X account raises concerns over the misuse of law to suppress satire and dissent. Critically examine its implications for free speech and the judiciary’s role in protecting it. (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/cji-surya-kant-cockroach-janata-party-satire-censorship-editorial-10703256/

📌 Cyber Warfare: Outpacing Global Legal Accountability

UPSC Mains Practice Question

✍️ Q. Despite growing cyber warfare threats, enforcing international law remains difficult due to attribution challenges and weak accountability mechanisms. Critically examine. What role can India play in shaping global cyber norms? (250 words, 15 marks)
 
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cyber-warfare-is-outpacing-global-legal-accountability/article71011864.ece

✍️ From the Founder’s Desk :

My 2 Cents for those who are appearing for UPSC PRELIMS 2026 (24th May 2026):

From my experience of clearing Prelims & guiding students for more than a decade all that i can say is -

Prelims is 30-40% psychological (confidence, belief etc) and 60-70% about your knowledge. That tells you how important is mental health - staying calm & confident!

1.Stay cool/calm at all times.
2.Look at only positive things, avoid anything negative.
3.Have faith and confidence that you will be giving your best tomorrow.
4. Number of Attempts depends on the difficulty level of the paper on D-Day of the exam! (Minimum questions to attempt would be around 70, based on your accuracy to 95 depending on the difficulty level of the question paper and your accuracy again!) Don’t get into the mad rush of attempting 90+ at all times. Many students messed up last year because of this.
5. Don't go with any preconceived notion's - about cutoff, consequences of not clearing the exam, competition etc.
6. Skim through the paper for the first 2-3 mins (only), so that you understand the distribution of questions, difficulty level, surprises. This will help you get into the mode of acceptance. Your anxiety levels will come down. Take 1 question at a time, try your best to get it right, if not move on to the next question, instead of wasting your time.
7. Say, you have gotta a series where it starts with Art & Culture & you are not able to attempt first 5 questions, then turn to the 100th question & come reverse order.. If not from question 51. Always say to yourself you are still left with 95 questions. (Or) Start with the subject you are confident about to gain the momentum.
8.Do Remember that, If you have sincerely prepared and a few questions is difficult for you or a surprise in the exam hall, it will be difficult & surprise for others as well.
9.Avoid discussing the GS paper in the break and dont carry the baggage of GS paper to CSAT. In the afternoon session, calmness is very important to solve the aptitude, reading and comprehension part.

Last but not the least, remember that Prelims is all about identifying the correct answer which is already infront of you, unlike mains or interview.

P.S : Watch the video shared earlier it gives you a lot of clarity and practical inputs on what needs to the done during those 4 hours. Make sure you take your e-admit card, 2 black ball point pen, photos, id card.

Wish you all the best!
-Mohan Sir

UPSC Prelims 2026 - GS 1 (D Series)