The Dichotomy of Control
The core tenet of Stoicism is the Dichotomy of Control: separating what you can control from what you cannot. You cannot control the difficulty of the UPSC Mains paper. You cannot control what questions the JEE examiner decides to set. You cannot control the cutoff marks.
Worrying about these external factors drains your cognitive bandwidth. You can only control your daily study habits, your revision strategy, and your focus in the present moment.
Amor Fati: Love Your Fate
If a mock test goes terribly, do not despair. Treat it as valuable data. A difficult paper is an opportunity to prove your composure. By tracking your daily efforts meticulously, you build a fortress of self-trust. When you know you have checked the boxes every single day, anxiety gives way to quiet confidence.