1. Understand the Syllabus
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus of the Medical Science optional subject for UPSC.
- Break down the syllabus into topics and subtopics to get a clear understanding of what needs to be covered.

2. Create a Study Plan
- Develop a comprehensive study plan that includes a balanced distribution of time for solving previous years' question papers and practicing mock tests.
- Allocate specific time slots for each activity to ensure adequate coverage of both.

3. Prioritize Weak Areas
- Identify your weak areas in the subject and allocate more time to practice and revise those topics.
- Focus on improving your understanding and knowledge in these areas to perform better in exams.

4. Solve Previous Years' Question Papers
- Solve previous years' question papers to get acquainted with the exam pattern and question types.
- This will help you understand the level of difficulty, identify important topics, and practice time management during the actual exam.

5. Analyze and Learn from Mistakes
- After solving each previous years' question paper, analyze your performance and identify the areas where you made mistakes.
- Understand the concept or approach required to answer those questions correctly.
- Revise those topics and try to avoid similar mistakes in future practice sessions.

6. Practice Mock Tests
- Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you develop exam-taking strategies.
- Analyze your performance in mock tests and work on areas that need improvement.

7. Time Management during Practice
- While solving previous years' question papers and mock tests, allocate a specific time limit for each section or question.
- Practice solving questions within the time limit to enhance your speed and efficiency.
- Use techniques like skipping difficult questions initially and revisiting them later to maximize your score.

8. Regular Revision
- Set aside dedicated time for revising the topics covered in previous years' question papers and mock tests.
- Revision helps reinforce your understanding and improves retention of important concepts.

9. Seek Expert Guidance
- If you face difficulties in understanding certain topics or solving specific questions, seek guidance from subject experts or mentors.
- They can provide valuable insights, clarify doubts, and offer effective strategies to tackle challenging areas.

Remember, effective time management requires discipline, consistency, and regular practice. Stick to your study plan, prioritize your efforts, and stay motivated throughout the preparation journey.