How to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours?

Deeksha Dixit September 19, 2024 03:15 1980 0

How to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours?: Know about tips and strategies to complete the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours with effective time management, answer writing skills, and a calm, focused approach

How to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours?

How to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours: The UPSC Mains Examination is one of the most challenging exams, which comprises multiple challenging stages in the journey of becoming a civil servant. Every year, aspiring candidates struggle to get their way out from one of the pressing concerns, ‘How to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours’. This crucial challenge is intensified by the vast syllabus of UPSC, complex questions, and the high level of competition. In this guidepost, we will discuss the practical tips and strategies that can help aspirants complete the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours, providing a competitive edge to those who aim to score high.

Understanding the Structure of UPSC Mains Papers

Before start discussing the strategies, it is necessary for candidates to understand the structure of the UPSC Mains papers. All of the 9 papers are conducted in the duration of three hours, and this includes two qualifying papers (Paper A and Paper B), four General Studies papers (Paper I to IV), one Essay paper, and two optional subject papers. Each paper, excluding the qualifying ones, consists of a 250 marks.

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The Breakdown of Questions

In the General Studies and optional papers, questions are divided into 10 marks and 15 marks:

  • 10-mark questions: Short answer type, require short yet informative answers.
  • 15-mark questions: Long answer type, needs more detail and analytical answers.

With around 20 questions to answer in 180 minutes, it is necessary for aspirants to strategize on how to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours.

Structure of UPSC Mains Papers
Question Type Marks Number of Questions Suggested Time Allocation
Short Answer 10 10 6-7 minutes each
Long Answer 15 10 10-11 minutes each

Tips to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours

To complete the UPSC Mains paper in the given time frame candidate must have speed, precision, and clarity. The candidate should have skills like time management and strategic prioritization of questions, Now let us discuss some tips that will help the candidates to complete UPSC mains papers in 3 Hours:

1. Master Time Management

Time management plays a crucial role in achieving success in the Mains exam. Here are some time-management techniques that ensure that candidates don’t run out of time:

  • Practice with PW mains test series: Regular practice with PW mains test series is necessary. Attempting these test series under timed conditions will train the candidate’s mind to think and write quickly.
  • Set Time Limits for Each Question: The candidates should allocate approximately 6-7 minutes for a 10-mark question and about 10-11 minutes for a 15-mark question. This strict adherence to time limits ensures you cover all questions.
  • Use a Watch: Keep an analog watch to track your time. This helps in maintaining a sense of speed and pace throughout the examination.

2. Prioritize Questions Wisely

Understanding How to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours involves prioritizing the order in which you answer questions:

  • Start with Easier Questions: Start with answering familiar questions which will boost your confidence and ensure that you gain marks quickly. Attempt the tougher, time-consuming questions for later.

3. Develop Answer Writing Skills

Effective answer writing is necessary while drafting an answer. It’s not just about How many questions to attempt in UPSC Mains but how effectively you can present your answers:

  • Adopt a Structured Approach: Start writing your answer with a brief introduction, after that draft the body, and then conclude with a summary. This structure provides clarity and helps in a logical flow.
  • Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points for factual or point-based questions. This will save you time and make your answer more readable.
  • Underline Keywords: Highlighting important terms and phrases can draw the attention of the examiner to the core of your answer.

4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

The UPSC Mains paper is specifically designed to test the awareness level of current events and issues among aspiring candidates. 

  • Include relevant current affairs in your answers to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topics. This not only helps you complete your answers faster but also helps the candidates to attain good marks.

5. Maintain Speed and Legibility

Writing speed is a crucial factor when candidates are intended to complete the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours. Candidates need to write at a speed that allows them to cover all questions within the allotted time:

  • Improve Handwriting: Ensure your handwriting is readable. Examiners may read your answers easily. Practising neat handwriting under timed conditions is necessary.
  • Practice Writing Faster: Set daily practice sessions where you write answers quickly and clearly. This will help you to build muscle memory and speed.

6. Stay Calm and Focused

Taking abnormal stress while attempting the UPSC Mains paper can hamper the speed and performance of the individual. Staying calm and focused while taking the exam is essential:

  • Take Deep Breaths: If you feel overwhelmed, take deep breaths. This will help you regain focus and reduce anxiety.
  • Avoid Overthinking: Overthinking may consume your valuable time and may lead to missing out on questions. It is advisable to stick to the information that you know only.

7. Evaluate and Adjust

Regularly evaluate your practice sessions, analyze where you are losing time, and adjust your strategies accordingly. Use insights from mock tests to adjust your approach to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours.

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Time Limit for 15 Marks Question in UPSC

In the UPSC Examination, while attempting 15-mark questions, the ideal time limit is about 10-11 minutes. Candidates are directed to use this time to write a well-structured answer that directly addresses the question asked. Spend the first 2 minutes planning your answer, after that spend 7-8 minutes writing the answer, and in the remaining last minute review what you have written.

How Many Questions to Attempt in UPSC Mains?

The golden rule in UPSC Mains is to attempt all questions. Leaving questions unanswered can significantly reduce the chances of selection. The key is not just how many questions to attempt in UPSC Mains, but how effectively you have answered each question within the given time frame.

Conclusion

Completing UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours successfully can be only achieved with the right approach and consistent practice. By mastering time management skills, honing answer writing skills, and by maintaining calmness, aspirants can surely cover all the questions effectively. Remember, the journey to crack the UPSC Mains is not just about hard work but also about smart work. Practising and staying focused will help the candidates master the art of completing the UPSC Mains paper within the given time.

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UPSC Mains 2024 Related Articles
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FAQs On Complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours

To complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours, practice with timed mock tests, manage your time by setting limits for each question, and use structured, concise writing.

Yes, 3 hours is sufficient to answer all questions in the UPSC Mains, if you have practiced time management and developed efficient writing skills.

Some useful tips to complete mains papers in 3 hours include starting with familiar questions, adhering to a time limit for each question, and practicing regularly under timed conditions.

Ideally, you should attempt all the questions in the paper. However, focus on quality by providing well-structured and readable answers to the questions you know best.

The time limit for a 15-mark question in UPSC should be around 10-11 minutes. This allows you to develop a detailed answer without exceeding your time.

Each UPSC Mains paper is 3 hours long, which applies to all nine papers, including General Studies, the Essay paper, and the optional subjects.
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