Critical thinking enhances a candidate's answers in the UPSC examination by allowing them to analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, and construct logical arguments. This skill enables candidates to provide nuanced responses rather than superficial ones. By using critical thinking, candidates can approach questions from multiple perspectives, identify underlying assumptions, and justify their opinions with sound reasoning. This analytical approach not only improves the quality of answers but also demonstrates a candidate's depth of understanding, which is crucial for impressing evaluators and securing higher marks.