UPSC Prelims time management: the 72-second drill
Prelims gives you 72 seconds a question, and a wrong answer costs marks. Exam Clock lets you practise on that clock: pick an answer, then say how sure you are, and see when your guesses pay. You can try the Prelims drill below. For Mains, Decode gives you 20 seconds to read a question, then asks what it really wants.
Free to play. Progress is saved in this browser.Try Decode, the Mains drillSee what the paid plan adds
How it works
- Answer on the clock: Each question runs on 72 seconds, marked +2 for right and −0.66 for wrong.
- Say how sure you are: Sure, 50-50 or a guess.
- See your real marks: Your marks with negative marking, and how your sure answers really did.
- Decode a Mains question: Read it in 20 seconds, then say exactly what it asks.
Free and with the paid plan
Free
- GS 1 questions, in rounds of 5
Paid plan adds
- GS 2, GS 3 and current affairs, in rounds of 10
Questions
- Is it worth guessing in Prelims?
- A blind guess among four options is about break-even. With one option ruled out, a guess is worth about +0.23 marks on average; with two ruled out, about +0.67.
- Should I attempt all 100 questions?
- Not blindly. Attempt what you know and the ones where you can cut at least one option. Your mock tests will show your own safe number.
- How do I get faster?
- Practise under the real clock. Speed comes from reading questions often, not from rushing on the day.