Professional skills contribute significantly to a candidate's performance in the UPSC exams by enhancing analytical and communication skills. Skills such as time management, critical thinking, and effective writing can improve the quality of responses. Candidates with a background in public speaking may excel in articulating their ideas during interviews or in essays. Furthermore, the ability to analyze complex problems and present solutions succinctly plays a crucial role in the personality test and optional subjects. Overall, professional experiences can provide practical insights that enrich exam preparation.