How to manage time in UPSC Exam hall? | UPSC CSE

UPSC is one of the toughest exams, even the best students sometimes can get into stress. It is important that when you enter the examination hall, leave the stress and anxiety behind and remain calm in the examination hall to give your best. So today we will be discussing in detail how to manage time in the UPSC Exam hall. 

1. First when you receive the question paper and booklet. Read the instructions properly. Another main important thing is to read the question paper well. Check if the booklet is printed correctly or not. If needed you can ask for a replacement. 

2. You can take a few minutes for reading the question paper. Then split the entire time into 3 separate hours. Divide the time into sections, and these sections include the things to do first like writing the answers which you have an idea about, then going for the little tough ones, and then the tough ones at the later end. If you have extra time then you go for the questions that you are unsure about. 

3. The well-known questions can be answered in the first hour and they should be written at maximum speed and neatly. If the examiner doesn’t understand your handwriting then there is a chance of losing marks. So write clearly by maintaining a good speed. When you go through the question paper, it is important to mentally frame answers for all the questions. 

4. Follow a framework for the introduction, headlines, and conclusion. This will help you in saving time and help with the flow of writing. 

5. Sometimes plans inside the exam halls may go wrong. So it is important to have a plan B. Never spend so much time only on the answers which you feel are tough. 

6. To minimize your answer writing, you can introduce flow charts, and diagrams which will help you to save additional time during the examination. It is important to know that if the question requires a diagram, then only include diagrams or any other charts. 

7. There may be some questions that you do not have the slightest idea about them. If that is the case, don’t attempt those questions. 

8. Keep a watch near your paper always and maintain the time as you have planned. We have mentioned above that divide the time into sections. If you do not divide the time, then there is a chance of getting confused about what to write. 

9. Positively approach the exam. You have worked hard for the examination for months, so just stay calm, believe in yourself, and be positive. This will help you focus on the exam in a better way and when you remain calm you don’t commit silly mistakes. 

So this is how you can manage time in the UPSC exam hall. You can learn time management by practicing before the examination. Practicing makes you understand the question, what the answer requires, and what should you write to the question accordingly. So practice daily and get better in your preparation and maintain the same approach in the examination hall as well.

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