Yes, solving previous years' papers of UPSC Chemistry optional can help in improving problem-solving skills. Here's how:

1. Familiarity with exam pattern:
Solving previous years' papers helps you understand the exam pattern, question types, and distribution of marks. It allows you to become familiar with the structure of the exam and the topics that are frequently covered. This gives you an advantage in managing your time during the actual exam.

2. Identification of important topics:
By solving previous years' papers, you can identify the important topics that are frequently asked in the exam. This helps you prioritize your preparation and focus more on these topics to improve your chances of scoring well.

3. Application of theoretical knowledge:
Chemistry is a subject that requires a strong theoretical foundation, but it is equally important to apply that knowledge to solve problems. By solving previous years' papers, you get the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. This enhances your understanding of concepts and improves your problem-solving skills.

4. Time management:
Solving previous years' papers helps you practice time management skills. It allows you to gauge the time required to solve different types of questions and helps you develop strategies to answer them within the given time frame. This is crucial for performing well in the actual exam where time is limited.

5. Exposure to different question formats:
UPSC Chemistry optional papers consist of various question formats such as multiple-choice questions, numerical problems, and theoretical questions. By solving previous years' papers, you get exposure to these different formats and learn how to approach each type of question effectively.

6. Self-assessment and improvement:
Solving previous years' papers provides an opportunity for self-assessment. After attempting the papers, you can evaluate your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving them. This iterative process helps you enhance your problem-solving skills over time.

Conclusion:
Solving previous years' papers of UPSC Chemistry optional is an effective method to improve problem-solving skills. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, identifying important topics, applying theoretical knowledge, managing time, getting exposure to different question formats, and assessing one's performance. Regular practice of previous years' papers can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UPSC exam.