Yes, attempting previous years' papers in a simulated exam environment is highly beneficial. Here are the reasons:

1. Familiarity with exam pattern:
- Solving previous years' papers helps you become familiar with the pattern and format of the exam.
- It enables you to understand the types of questions that are frequently asked.
- By attempting these papers, you can identify the important topics and prioritize your study accordingly.

2. Time management:
- Attempting previous years' papers under simulated exam conditions allows you to experience the time pressure and constraints.
- This helps you gauge your speed and efficiency in solving questions within the given time frame.
- You can practice time management strategies like allocating specific time slots to different sections, which can enhance your performance during the actual exam.

3. Self-assessment:
- Solving previous years' papers gives you an opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- By analyzing your performance, you can identify the areas where you need improvement.
- It enables you to focus your efforts on topics or sections that require more attention, thereby maximizing your chances of scoring well in the actual exam.

4. Building confidence:
- Attempting previous years' papers in a simulated exam environment helps you build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Familiarity with the exam conditions helps in reducing stress during the actual exam.
- It boosts your self-assurance as you become more comfortable with the exam pattern and time constraints.

5. Identifying patterns and trends:
- Solving previous years' papers enables you to identify patterns and trends in the types of questions asked.
- This can help you anticipate the possible question formats and prepare accordingly.
- It provides insights into the examiner's preferences and helps you align your preparation strategy accordingly.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, attempting previous years' papers in a simulated exam environment is highly recommended. It helps in familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern, improving time management skills, assessing your strengths and weaknesses, building confidence, and identifying patterns and trends in the questions. By incorporating this practice into your preparation strategy, you can enhance your chances of success in the UPSC exam.