Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in a candidate's ability to work under pressure during the UPSC. Candidates with high emotional intelligence can manage their own emotions, recognize stress signals, and employ strategies to mitigate anxiety and overwhelm. This adaptability helps in maintaining composure during intense situations such as examinations and interviews. Furthermore, strong interpersonal skills facilitate better interactions with peers and mentors, creating supportive environments. By effectively responding to feedback and learning from experiences, emotionally intelligent candidates can enhance their performance, ensuring that pressure becomes a motivating force rather than a detractor.