Principles guiding effective reading comprehension for UPSC candidates include the ability to identify main ideas, draw inferences, and recognize contextual clues. Aspiring candidates should practice active reading by asking questions about the text and summarizing sections in their own words. Developing a strong vocabulary also aids comprehension and speeds up the reading process. Engaging with diverse texts, from newspapers to academic papers, enhances analytical skills and prepares candidates for varied materials encountered in the examination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to reading.