Everybody is scared. Everybody is anxious.
The exam is tomorrow, and you are thinking, "I have to study this, I have to study that, and I have to revise my entire syllabus. How am I going to do it in just one day?"
If your exam is of civil law, you are thinking that you have to revise the entire civil law syllabus. If it is of criminal law, you are thinking that you have to revise everything that is there in criminal law.
But one thing that students do not realise is that one day before the exam, you do not have to learn anything new. You do not have to memorise anything new.
In fact, what you have to do is trick your mind into believing that everything is normal, that everything is under control, and that you are ready for your exam.
So, let's see what you should actually do one day before your Judiciary Mains examination.
First thing: Make it look like a normal day.
The first thing every student should do is get up at the usual time.
The purpose behind this is to keep your brain stimulated and keep away from anxiety by training it to say that everything is normal. I have an exam tomorrow, but I am prepared for it."
Then do whatever you usually feel like doing. Have a relaxed morning. Have your cup of tea or coffee. Take a good bath, relax yourself, and then sit down to study.
Second thing: Practise three to four answers.
Now, what do you actually have to study?
You do not have to sit down and revise every single provision of the entire subject. Instead, practise writing three to four answers.
For example, you can take two theoretical questions from any civil law subject and two practical questions from the same subject.
Sit down, write those answers, and see how confidently you are able to attempt them.
The objective is not to learn something new. The objective is to make yourself confident that you remember the provisions, that you understand how to apply the law, and that you know the basic answer-writing skills.
Once you have written those answers, close your books.
Tell yourself, "Yes, I remember the provisions. I know how to write an answer. I am confident about what I have prepared."
And that's it. You do not need to keep testing yourself throughout the entire day.
Third thing: Take a proper break.
After writing your answers, watch something light. Have a good, healthy meal. Spend some time relaxing.
Do not spend the entire day sitting with your books, feeling anxious that you have not revised enough.
Remember, the purpose of the last day is not to exhaust yourself. It is to make sure that whatever you have studied over the past few months is accessible to you when you sit in the examination hall.
And in the evening?
Keep it light.
If you feel like revising, you can quickly go through your important notes, the provisions that you have already marked, or a few important case laws that you are confident about.
But do not start a completely new topic. Do not pick up a new book. And do not start comparing your preparation with somebody else's.
Have your dinner, keep your examination essentials ready, check your admit card and stationery, and go to bed at a reasonable time.
Because the next day, when you enter that examination hall, you need a fresh mind.
And remember, Judiciary Mains is not only about how much you have studied in the past months. It is also about how effectively you are able to reproduce and apply that knowledge in your answers.
So, trust your preparation. Stay calm, and give your best.