Managing time during the UPSC mains exam requires careful planning and practice. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and allocate specific time limits for each section in mock tests to gauge their pacing. Creating an outline or a structured approach for essay questions helps in organizing thoughts effectively and saves time. Prioritizing questions based on comfort and familiarity can optimize time usage. Additionally, practicing writing under timed conditions aids candidates in developing the discipline needed to adhere to time constraints during the actual examination.