Managing time effectively during the UPSC exam while answering PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) questions is crucial to maximize your chances of scoring well. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time efficiently:

1. Read the entire question paper: Start by reading the entire question paper to get an overview of the questions and their difficulty level. This will help you plan how much time to allocate to each question.

2. Analyze the questions: Carefully analyze each question to understand its requirements and identify the key points you need to address in your answer. This will prevent you from going off-topic and wasting time.

3. Prioritize the questions: Prioritize the questions based on their marks allocation and your level of confidence in answering them. Begin with questions you are most comfortable with, as this will boost your confidence and save time.

4. Allocate time for each question: Divide your total available time by the number of questions you plan to attempt. This will give you an approximate time limit for each question. However, remember to be flexible and adjust the time allocation based on the complexity and marks distribution of each question.

5. Plan your answer: Before writing your answer, spend a few minutes planning the structure and main points you want to include. This will help you maintain coherence and avoid unnecessary digressions.

6. Stick to the word limit: Each question usually has a specified word limit. Make sure to adhere to it, as exceeding the word limit may result in your answer not being evaluated. Use the word limit as a guide to manage your time effectively.

7. Manage your writing speed: Practice writing answers within a given time frame to improve your writing speed. Avoid spending too much time on one question, as it may eat into the time you have allocated for other questions.

8. Use headings and subheadings: Organize your answers using headings and subheadings. This not only enhances the readability of your answer but also helps you stay focused and ensures that you cover all the necessary points.

9. Revise and edit: Once you have completed answering all the questions, allocate a few minutes to revise and edit your answers for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies. This final step can significantly improve the quality of your answers.

By following these strategies, you can effectively manage your time during the UPSC exam while answering PSIR questions. Remember to stay calm and composed, and practice time management techniques during your preparation to improve your overall performance.