The significance of the General Studies papers in the UPSC examination lies in their broad coverage of crucial subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and current affairs. These papers assess a candidate's understanding and ability to interconnect various fields, which is essential for effective governance. Mastery of General Studies is important for both the preliminary and mains exams, as they lay the groundwork for informed opinions during interviews. They also constitute a significant portion of the scoring, making them critical for overall success in the examination.