The time duration for the General Studies papers in the UPSC Mains is three hours for each paper. There are two General Studies papers in the Mains examination, making an overall total of six hours dedicated solely to these subjects. This timeframe is crucial as candidates must effectively manage their time to cover vast syllabi under pressure. Each paper evaluates a range of topics, including current affairs, Indian polity, and geography, requiring succinct and well-structured answers to demonstrate understanding and analytical thinking.