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How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper In 3 Hours?

Tricks to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours will help you to plan your time effectively. Learn how to complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 hours here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit6 Sept, 2024
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How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper In 3 Hours?

How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper In 3 Hours ? The answer to this question is by following a well-planned structured approach. The UPSC Civil Services Mains exam is known for its challenging nature, requiring candidates to efficiently manage time while answering complex questions. Completing the entire paper within 3 hours is essential for scoring well.

The key to completing the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours is strategically dividing time for different sections of the exam, ensuring that every question is comprehensively answered. Read on to find out the answer to ‘How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper In 3 Hours?’ along with tips to enhance your writing speed.

Importance of Time Management in UPSC Mains 2024

Mastering the art of time management in the UPSC Mains 2024 exam is crucial for success. Without a clear strategy, candidates often run out of time or fail to provide adequate answers to each question. Since this stage is worth 1750 marks, with each paper contributing 250 marks, it’s essential to efficiently allocate your time across all questions to maximize your score. Having a structured approach to complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 hours ensures you can present your knowledge effectively within the given time limit, maximizing your score potential. Therefore, it becomes crucial that you know the essential tactics to complete the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours .

How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper In 3 Hours?

The UPSC Mains paper is 3 hours long, and to finish it on time, a clear understanding of time limits for different sections is crucial. Further, each paper has different types of questions; for instance, GS papers have 20 questions, while the Essay paper has 2 topics. Therefore , each question demands a specific allocation of time. Here is a brief overview of suggested time allocation to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours:
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Time
Type of Question Marks Time Allocation Total Questions Total Time Required
10 Marker Questions 10 7-8 minutes per question 10 Approximately 80 minutes
15 Marker Questions 15 11-12 minutes per question 10 Approximately 110 minutes
Essay 125 90 minutes per essay 2 180 minutes (90 minutes per essay)
Case Studies (Ethics) 20 12-15 minutes per case study 6 72-90 minutes
By managing your time according to these limits, you can efficiently complete the UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours without rushing through important sections.

Strategy to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours

To efficiently complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours, a proper plan is essential. This involves breaking down the paper into manageable sections, keeping an eye on the clock, and ensuring every answer is well structured. In the last few days before UPSC Mains, you can practice these strategies through mock tests to tackle different question types:

Read the Questions Carefully

Spend a few seconds reading the question carefully to fully understand its demands. This prevents mistakes like missing key parts of the answer or overexplaining unnecessary points.

Start with High-Yield Questions

Identify questions you are most confident about and start with them. This boosts your morale and allows you to complete these questions quickly. Spending the initial 30-40 minutes on easy or high-scoring questions can give you a head start.

Divide Your Time Strategically

Allocate specific time limits for each section or question as suggested above. Stick to these limits to avoid spending too much time on any one question. Remember, each question is equally important to attempt in the UPSC Mains.

Be Concise and Relevant

Stick to the core points required by the question. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on addressing the question directly. Use fewer words to convey more information, ensuring clarity and precision. This is key to managing time and presenting a comprehensive answer quickly.

Monitor Your Time

Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you stay on track. Use the watch to help manage each section effectively. Set aside 10-15 minutes at the end of the exam to quickly review your answers. This gives you a chance to make necessary corrections and check any skipped questions.

Difficult Questions in Last

If a particular question seems difficult or confusing, move on to the next one . Return to the tricky questions at the end when you have spare time. This prevents you from wasting valuable time on a single answer. This balanced approach helps you manage time wisely and complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours, giving equal attention to every section.

Tips to Increase Writing Speed for UPSC Mains 2024

Increasing your writing speed is essential to complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours. Here are some tips to help you improve your writing pace without compromising quality:
  • Practice regularly : Regularly attempt mock tests, focusing on writing answers within the allocated time.
  • Follow a structured format: Adhering to a clear answer writing format for UPSC such as an introduction, body, and conclusion can help in quickly organizing thoughts during the exam.
  • Improve handwriting : Neat, legible handwriting reduces the need for corrections and helps maintain a steady pace. Practice writing faster while maintaining clarity.
  • Mind time limits: Track the time you take to complete each answer. If necessary, set personal goals for how many minutes each type of question should take.
By applying these strategies, you'll see an increase in writing speed, helping you finish the exam on time. In conclusion, with consistent preparation and a focus on maintaining speed and quality, candidates can complete UPSC Mains paper in 3 hours. Time is running out. Ace the UPSC Mains exam with the best courses at Physics Wallah. Join now!
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UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours FAQs

How to complete the IAS Mains paper in 3 hours?

To complete the paper in 3 hours, allocate time-based on the marks of each question and focus on concise, relevant answers.

How many hours is UPSC Mains paper?

Each UPSC Mains paper is 3 hours long, requiring effective time management.

How to increase writing speed for UPSC Mains?

Practice mock tests regularly, follow a structured answer format, and improve handwriting for clarity and speed.

How to finish the Ethics paper in 3 hours?

Allocate time equally for Section A and Section B, aim for concise answers, and stick to a clear structure to complete within 3 hours.

What are the best techniques to avoid time wastage during the UPSC Mains 2024?

Prioritise high-yield questions, avoid getting stuck on difficult ones, and keep track of time throughout the exam.
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