Best practices for time allocation during the UPSC exam include careful planning and prioritization. Candidates should allocate specific time blocks to each section, ensuring they remain aware of the overall time limit. Developing a strategy for tackling easy questions first can enhance confidence and momentum early in the exam. Time management techniques, like the two-pass method, can also help in revisiting challenging questions later without losing track. Regular mock tests under timed conditions can further refine pacing, giving candidates a realistic sense of how to allocate time most effectively during the actual examination.