New Delhi: As lakhs of aspirants gear up for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 scheduled for May 25, many are immersed in final revisions and coping with pre-exam anxiety. Amid this tense atmosphere, Altap Shaikh, a 2020-batch Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) officer, took to social media platform X to share an inspiring message for candidates.
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support – not just for those attempting the exam tomorrow but also for those considering skipping it out of self-doubt.
“No One Is 100% Prepared – Attempt the Exam Anyway”
In his opening post, Shaikh urged aspirants not to opt out of the exam due to fear of under-preparedness.
“Skipping the exam will only add burden on your shoulders. No one is 100 percent prepared,” he wrote.
He emphasized that doubts about mains preparation should be set aside for now and that the focus must remain on showing up and trying.
“Miracles Happen in Uncertainty”
In a motivational tone, he encouraged aspirants to stay confident and keep their energy levels up.
“Miracles happen during the times of such uncertainty… only if one dares to trust himself and takes a step ahead,” he said, also advising candidates to carry glucose or an energy source for the paper.
Practical Pre-Exam Tips: Rest, Eat Light, and Stay Ready
Shaikh stressed the importance of rest before the exam.
“Even today you should revise. But sleep early,” he advised, acknowledging that anxiety and panic are natural.
He also reminded aspirants to keep essentials like their ID card and hall ticket ready the night before and to eat a light, nourishing meal.
Visualise Success: A Personal Ritual
Offering a glimpse into his own routine, Shaikh wrote – “Before you sleep, pray to your god. Visualise yourself in the exam hall attempting questions confidently.”
He shared how he used to sit at Nanaksar Gurudwara in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, to visualise both the exam and even his results – a technique that helped ease his anxiety.
“Switch Off and Sleep Well”
In his final tweet, the ICLS officer warned against letting anxiety ruin sleep, as it did in his own first attempt:
“In my first attempt, I could sleep by 4 a.m. due to anxiety. It affected my exam day,” he wrote.
His final words were full of encouragement – “So all the best. We will discuss the paper tomorrow.”
#upsc #UPSCPrelims2025
— Altap Shaikh ICLS (@altapshaikhICLS) May 24, 2025
Everyone should attempt this exam.
Skipping the exam will only add burden on your shoulders.
No one is 100 percent prepared, so dont think that you are not prepared.
Those who feel that they have not studied for the mains, just leave that thought.
A Message of Hope for Every Aspirant
Altap Shaikh’s message has resonated widely among the UPSC community online, offering both reassurance and strategy for one of India’s most competitive exams. As thousands of aspirants head to examination centers tomorrow, his words may just offer the calm and confidence they need.
