Yes, solving previous years' papers can help in improving your ability to solve questions that require application of principles or laws in unfamiliar scenarios. Here's how:

1. Familiarity with question patterns:
- Solving previous years' papers allows you to become familiar with the types of questions that are asked in exams.
- You can understand the pattern of questions, the weightage given to different topics, and the level of difficulty.
- This helps you prepare strategically and focus on areas that require more attention.

2. Application of principles:
- Previous years' papers often include questions that require the application of principles or laws in unfamiliar scenarios.
- By solving these questions, you can develop a deeper understanding of the principles and laws and learn how to apply them in different contexts.
- This improves your ability to analyze and solve problems that involve the application of theoretical concepts.

3. Exposure to diverse scenarios:
- Previous years' papers cover a wide range of topics and scenarios.
- By solving these papers, you expose yourself to various unfamiliar scenarios and challenges.
- This helps you develop a broader perspective and adaptability, enabling you to apply principles or laws in different situations effectively.

4. Enhancing problem-solving skills:
- Solving previous years' papers requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- These papers often present complex scenarios that require you to analyze the given information, identify relevant principles or laws, and apply them to arrive at a solution.
- By practicing these papers, you can enhance your problem-solving skills, develop logical reasoning, and improve your ability to apply principles to real-life situations.

5. Time management:
- Solving previous years' papers helps you practice time management skills.
- You become familiar with the time constraints and learn how to allocate time to different questions effectively.
- This is crucial in exams where you need to solve a large number of questions within a limited time frame.

In conclusion, solving previous years' papers is an effective strategy to improve your ability to solve questions that require the application of principles or laws in unfamiliar scenarios. It helps you become familiar with question patterns, enhances your understanding of principles, exposes you to diverse scenarios, enhances problem-solving skills, and improves time management.