Should I time myself while solving each question in previous papers?

Introduction:
Solving previous papers is an essential part of UPSC exam preparation. It helps candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, understand the type of questions asked, and assess their preparation level. One question that often arises is whether or not to time oneself while solving each question in previous papers. Let's delve into this matter in detail.

Reasons to time oneself:

1. Time management: Timing oneself while solving previous papers helps in developing effective time management skills. The UPSC exam has a strict time limit, and candidates must learn to allocate their time wisely to answer all the questions within the given time frame. Timing oneself during practice sessions will enable candidates to track their progress and identify areas where they need to improve their speed.

2. Realistic simulation: The UPSC exam is known to be challenging and time-pressured. Timing oneself during practice sessions creates a realistic simulation of the actual exam scenario. This will help candidates get accustomed to solving questions under time constraints, reducing anxiety and improving their performance on the actual exam day.

3. Identifying weak areas: Timing oneself allows candidates to identify their weak areas more accurately. If a candidate consistently struggles to complete a particular type of question within the allocated time, it indicates that they need to work on improving their speed or understanding of that topic. By timing themselves, candidates can focus on these weak areas and devise strategies to overcome them.

Reasons not to time oneself:

1. Learning and understanding: The primary purpose of solving previous papers is to learn and understand the concepts and techniques required to answer questions correctly. Timing oneself may create unnecessary pressure and distract from the learning process. Candidates should focus on comprehending the questions and developing a strong foundation in the subject matter.

2. Quality over quantity: Solving questions within a time limit may compromise the quality of answers. Candidates should prioritize accuracy and clarity in their responses rather than rushing through questions just to complete them within the time constraint. Taking the time to think critically and provide well-reasoned answers is crucial for scoring well in the UPSC exam.

3. Initial practice: In the initial stages of preparation, candidates may not be familiar with the exam pattern and may take longer to solve questions. Timing oneself during this phase may unnecessarily demotivate candidates. It is advisable to focus on understanding the concepts and gradually increase speed over time.

Conclusion:
Timing oneself while solving each question in previous papers can be beneficial in terms of time management, realistic simulation, and identifying weak areas. However, it is essential to strike a balance between timing and learning. Candidates should prioritize understanding the concepts, answering accurately, and gradually work on improving their speed. It is advisable to time oneself after gaining familiarity with the exam pattern and having a strong foundation in the subject matter.