Duration of Paper I in UPSC Exam

The duration of Paper I in the UPSC exam is an important aspect that candidates need to be aware of in order to effectively manage their time and perform well in the examination. Paper I is a part of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination and is commonly known as the General Studies paper. It is conducted to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subjects.

Overview of Paper I:
Paper I consists of multiple-choice questions and is conducted in an offline mode. The total marks for this paper are 200. The questions in this paper are designed to test the candidate's knowledge in subjects such as history, geography, polity, economics, science, and current affairs.

Duration:
The duration of Paper I in the UPSC exam is 2 hours. Candidates are given a total of 120 minutes to complete the paper. It is important for candidates to manage their time effectively in order to attempt all the questions within the given time frame.

Time Allocation:
To effectively manage time during the exam, candidates should consider allocating a specific amount of time to each section of the paper. This can be done by dividing the total time available by the number of questions and sections in the paper. It is advisable to spend a little more time on sections that one is more comfortable with and allocate sufficient time for difficult sections.

Strategy to Complete Paper I:
To successfully complete Paper I within the given time duration, candidates can follow a few strategies:

1. Read the instructions carefully: Before starting to attempt the questions, it is important to read the instructions provided on the question paper. This will help in understanding the marking scheme and any specific guidelines.

2. Skim through the entire paper: Candidates should quickly skim through the entire paper to get an idea of the questions and their difficulty level. This will help in planning the order in which questions need to be attempted.

3. Start with easier questions: It is advisable to start with the easier questions first as this will help in gaining confidence and saving time. Attempting the difficult questions initially can lead to time wastage.

4. Time management: Candidates should keep a watch or track the time regularly to ensure that they are able to attempt all the questions within the stipulated time duration. It is important to allocate time for each section accordingly.

5. Prioritize accuracy: While speed is important, it should not be at the cost of accuracy. Candidates should ensure that they answer the questions correctly to maximize their chances of scoring well.

Conclusion:
The duration of Paper I in the UPSC exam is 2 hours, and candidates need to manage their time effectively to attempt all the questions within this time frame. By following a strategic approach, candidates can enhance their performance in the exam and increase their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the examination process.