Time management is crucial during the exam for Paper I of the UPSC. It helps ensure that you allocate sufficient time to each section and complete the exam within the given timeframe. Here are some effective strategies to improve your time management skills during the exam:


- Before the exam, thoroughly understand the structure and format of Paper I.
- Identify the number of questions, marks allotted for each question, and the total time duration.
- This will help you plan your time effectively and allocate appropriate time for each section.


- Divide your total time available for the exam by the number of questions.
- Allocate a specific time limit for each question, ensuring that you leave some buffer time for revision at the end.
- Stick to this plan during the exam to ensure you do not spend too much time on any one question.


- Take regular mock tests and practice solving questions within the allocated time.
- This will help you improve your speed and accuracy, ensuring that you are able to complete the exam on time.
- Analyze your performance in these mock tests to identify areas where you tend to spend more time and work on improving them.


- Read all the questions carefully and identify the ones you can answer confidently.
- Start with these questions to gain momentum and build confidence.
- Leave the more challenging or time-consuming questions for later, ensuring that you have attempted all easier questions first.


- If you are facing difficulty in answering a particular question, do not spend too much time on it.
- Skip it for the time being and move on to the next question.
- Come back to it later if you have time remaining after attempting all other questions.


- Reading and comprehending passages can consume a significant amount of time.
- Skim through the passage quickly to get an overview before diving into the details.
- While reading, underline or highlight key points to refer back to them easily.
- Manage your time effectively, ensuring that you have sufficient time to answer the related questions.


- During the exam, stay focused and avoid distractions from fellow candidates or external factors.
- Concentrate solely on the questions at hand and manage your time efficiently.
- Refrain from spending excessive time thinking or second-guessing your answers.


Improving time management skills during the exam for Paper I requires practice, planning, and discipline. By familiarizing yourself with the exam structure, creating a time allocation plan, practicing mock tests, prioritizing questions, avoiding getting stuck, managing reading and comprehension time, and staying focused, you can enhance your time management skills and perform better in the exam.