Accessing previous year's question papers for Statistics Optional is a crucial step in the preparation process for the UPSC examination. These papers provide valuable insights into the pattern, type of questions, and level of difficulty of the exam. Here is a detailed guide on how to access these question papers.

1. Visit the Official UPSC Website:
- Open your web browser and go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The website URL is www.upsc.gov.in.

2. Navigate to the Examination section:
- On the UPSC homepage, look for the "Examination" tab in the menu bar at the top of the page.
- Hover your cursor over the tab to see a drop-down menu.
- From the drop-down menu, select "Previous Question Papers" option.

3. Select the relevant year and examination:
- On the "Previous Question Papers" page, you will find a list of all the previous year's question papers for various examinations.
- Scroll down and look for the "Statistics" optional subject.
- Click on the appropriate year for which you want to access the question papers.

4. Download the question papers:
- Once you select the year, you will be redirected to a new page.
- On this page, you will find a list of question papers for different stages of the examination (Preliminary, Mains, and Interview).
- Click on the desired question paper link to download the PDF file.

5. Additional sources:
- Apart from the official UPSC website, you can also find previous year's question papers on educational platforms like EduRev.
- Visit EduRev's website (www.edurev.in) and search for "UPSC Statistics Optional previous year question papers."
- You will find a comprehensive collection of question papers that you can access and download for free.

Remember to cross-reference the syllabus and exam pattern while solving these question papers. Analyze the questions and try to identify recurring topics or areas that require more attention. Solving these papers will not only help you understand the exam pattern but also improve your time management skills and problem-solving abilities.