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How I Secured One of the Highest Marks in UPSC CSE’s Essay Paper: IAS Officer

UPSC CSE: IAS officer T Prateek Rao scored one of the highest marks in the Essay paper of UPSC Mains. Here's his strategy.

C learing the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Service Examination (CSE) was both a personal and professional victory for T Prateek Rao. A graduate of NIT Surathkal and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, Prateek attempted the examination four times and cleared two of the four times.

Speaking to The Better India , Prateek says, “Attempting the UPSC CSE and thereafter being a part of the administrative services is one that requires an aspirant to put a lot of thought into it. Before one embarks on this journey, having a very clear-cut reason for wanting to be a part of the services will help keep the motivation levels high.”

He continues, “This examination tests your strategy, not necessarily only your knowledge.”

For Prateek, his role model was his father, who was also part of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). “To follow in his footsteps was a dream that I nurtured for a very long time. Unfortunately, when I was just 21, I lost both my parents in an accident and life as I knew it had changed. What remained was my determination to succeed in the UPSC CSE and make my parents proud.”

Prateek attempted the CSE four times, beginning in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In CSE 2019 he got a rank of 724 and got allotted to Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and in CSE 2020 he secured a rank of 459 with a high score of 147 in the essay paper.

Prateek’s tips to approach the essay:

1. Do not be overconfident in your method:

“Most aspirants have an average to above-average hold on their essay writing skills. However, no matter how good you think you are, it is only repeated practice and regular third-party evaluation that will help you get better,” says Prateek. He reiterates the importance of getting an external person to evaluate and give you feedback on your essay. He also asks aspirants to steer clear of self-evaluation and go to friends to check the essay.

2. Showcase your personality in your writing:

“Remember that the essay question is the same for everyone and the distinction you can bring about in your essay is how you showcase your personality in it. For example, I had written a poem about women and if I had the opportunity I would incorporate the poem in my essay. Embellishing the essay with relevant quotes that you have read will also help in ensuring your essay gets more marks,” says Prateek.

3. Test of flow not of knowledge:

“Ensure that you grab the attention of the examiner right at the beginning. Your arguments must be put forward succinctly. Also, keep in mind that the examiner is reading multiple essays throughout the day and therefore to impress the examiner you must have a great flow to the essay. Give them a ‘wow’ moment just as they start reading your essay,” he says.

4. Make the essay relatable:

“As much as possible include anecdotes and real-life incidents in your essay. Making the essay relatable to the examiner is sure to fetch additional marks. Adding such anecdotes acts as a hook to keep the examiner interested in your essay,” adds Prateek. Adding to this he says that after a few paragraphs, the examiner must be used to the aspirant’s style of writing and that will make it stand apart.

5. Manage your time:

It is easy for an aspirant to lose track of time while attempting the essay and it is important to keep a close eye on that. In the three hours you have, Prateek says that spending between 5 to 10 minutes on choosing both topics you wish to attempt is the first step. He says, “Once you have chosen the topics, spend between 20 to 25 minutes brainstorming and making rough notes that you can use.” He says keeping aside an hour to attempt the essay is good.

He continues,” Go on to brainstorm for the second essay only after you have attempted the first one. The sense of completion after the first essay is done is a great motivator.”

6. Be creative:

The essay paper is the only one that allows aspirants to show their creative side. “Showcasing your creative side is also a sure-shot way of breaking the monotony and boredom that the examiner might be going through reading so many essays,” he says. Having said that, he also urges aspirants to stay away from using flowcharts and diagrams in the essay. “If you feel compelled to use it do not add more than one flowchart/diagram in your essay,” he adds.

7. Work on presentation skills:

“Work on ensuring that the essay is presentable – this means having a proper structure , adding sub-heads as and when needed and also a strong conclusion. You can also be as creative as possible in your writing the sub-heads. Your conclusion can also be solution-oriented and futuristic,” he says. Make sure it is easy for the examiner to read your essay, which will play a major role in determining the marks allotted to it.

8. Read to write better:

“To be able to write well, one must read. That is the first step in ensuring that your writing keeps getting better,” says Prateek. He urges aspirants to pick up Yojana and read the first article in the magazine to get a sense of how governmental essays are written. “Use plain and easy-to-understand language in such a way that it encompasses all the points. Reading of any nature will be beneficial in writing the essay. Keep compiling these points to be used later,” he says.

In conclusion, he says, “Most people know what to do, but fail to do it. So while all aspirants know what to read and how to make notes, only a handful do it diligently and those aspirants manage to clear the UPSC CSE. With respect to this examination, cut the clutter and you’ll see how well it works for you.”

Click here to access the blog that Prateek maintains on preparation strategy and tips.

(Edited by Yoshita Rao)

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Apurva Pandey, Rank 39 UPSC CSE 2017: HIGHEST MARKS IN ESSAY (175)-ESSAY STRATEGY (IASbaba’s ILP Student)

• May 17, 2018

IASbaba's Toppers

ESSAY STRATEGY-APURVA PANDEY RANK 39

Hello everyone ,

Ever since UPSC declared marks for CSE Mains 2017, I have been flooded with requests to write a strategy on the essay. But honestly, I never really had a mechanical strategy for the essay. During my mock tests, essay was that one paper where the examiner appeared satisfied and so I sort of shifted my focus to GS and optional.

That said, I do have a few pointers that I think worked for me and I will be more than happy to share it with you all. I will also try to answer some FAQs regarding essay preparation.

1) Where do I get the content for my essay?

I never studied separately for the essay. I used whatever I had studied for GS and optional. But then again, I was lucky to have PSIR for my optional and from there, I often picked up concepts, thinkers, ideologies etc. to make my point. However, one must be careful to not use one’s knowledge of their optional to such an extent that the essay stops being general. If reading your essay is becoming extra work for the examiner, then that might not be good news for your marks.

2) Do I need to use very flowery language?

Every essay strategy I read during my preparation suggested using simple  English and rightly so. Sometimes, in our quest to put our vocabulary to use, we end up inserting complicated words forcefully in our sentences. Not only does it make the sentence difficult to understand, but also gives it an awkward sound when read.

But that does not mean that we stop getting creative with language. Using metaphors, similes, idioms etc breaks the monotony and makes our essay look attractive. Here again, usage must not appear forced. This comes with a careful reading of good texts and of course, practice.

3) Should I write in simple paragraphs or subheadings?

I don’t think it really matters. I wrote with subheadings in one of my mock tests and got good feedback. But in the final exam, I wrote in simple paragraphs which worked out perfectly fine for me.

4)How do I choose my topic?

For me, comfort triumphs every other factor. I have always had a certain discomfort, more of a mental barrier for topics related to science, technology, economy etc. But with topics that have a socio-political background, I feel very much at ease, even when the topic is relatively unprepared and may require a certain brainstorming.

I personally feel that if we are comfortable with the topic, our expression has a more natural flow. I wrote the essay on women this time around, knowing full well how popular the topic was and how well prepared people must be. But I was not only comfortable but also very passionate about that topic, and everything I wrote came straight from the heart. I have a strong feeling that it is this very essay that helped me secure such high marks in essay. But more on that, later.

5)Do I really need to practice essay?

No matter how confident you are in your writing skills, practicing a few essays beforehand is never a bad idea. If you can get some feedback on it then even better. Even if you have good content and are good at expressing yourself, you might be making other mistakes like writing very long paragraphs, diverting from the topic, not putting in sufficient examples and so on. Therefore, please practice a few essays and get those reviewed.

Now a few pointers on the specific things I did that may have helped me score good marks:

1) Start solid: Somebody once told me that an examiner will probably read hundreds of essays on the same topic, and is likely to get bored after some time. As such, our beginning must be interesting so as to capture his/her imagination at the very outset. In a strategy article that she wrote, Mittali Sethi mam mentioned how she began her essay with a poem she had written herself. I did the same in my NAM essay. Wrote a couplet on the idea of standing for truth, and then began my essay by explaining NAM as India’s way of standing for truth.

Similarly, for my essay on “Fulfilment of new woman in India is a myth”, I started off with a story where I talked about Meena, the new age Indian woman, who is well educated, financially independent, working at a big corporate firm and married to the man of her choice. And then I began to expose the myth by explaining how Meena still takes care of household chores and the kids even when her work hours are same as her husband’s, how sexism still exists for her at workplace where she is asked to take care of the hospitality of important clients while her male peers get to engage with them business-wise, how she quit a previous higher paying job to escape sexual harrassment at workplace, how her family keeps telling her to quit so as to take better care of her children and so on. I hope you got the idea.

2) Having strong opinions: I am sure you can guess by now how opinionated my essay on women must have been. And I really think having strong opinions and being passionate about the topic helps. But your opinion must be supported by examples or facts. For instance, in my essay on women, I wrote that while a woman defence minister in Nirmala Sitharaman may reinstate the myth of the new Indian woman, we must not forget that women Parliamentarians in India have never crossed the 12% mark.

So while keeping balanced views might be the popular advice, I personally think that my strong opinions on certain things helped me score well. Of course, I was worried about this before the results because I really thought that this could work both ways. I played the gamble and was rewarded generously. 🙂

3) Positivity: Even when you are writing passionately and pointing out everything you think is wrong, you must end on a positive note. Again coming to the women essay, my last few paragraphs were about how things have drastically changed over the years, and while there might not be a fulfilled new Indian woman as of now, she is slowly but surely emerging.

4) Flow: If there is flow in our essay, it will keep the examiner engaged throughout. Abruptly jumping from one dimension of the essay to another must be avoided. For good flow in your essay, you can plan beforehand by devoting the initial half hour to deciding the structure and content of your essay. Also, practice helps.

5) Some important but oft-repeated points:

• Try to cover as many dimensions as possible. Mittali Sethi mam and Chandramohan Garg sir mention the SPECLIH technique( Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Linguistic/Local, International, Humanistic dimensions) in their strategies. You can use it for more diverse content.
• Avoid writing very long paragraphs.
• Use examples, facts, data, current developments, anecdotes, anything and everything to substantiate your point. I did not use a lot of statistics because I could never learn it up, but examples I used liberally.
• Read the topic carefully and do not divert from it. For instance, the topic “Has NAM lost its relevance in a multipolar world?” does not require us to explain the entire history of NAM although you may talk about it a little in your introduction. If in your essay you are writing all that you know about NAM without delving on its relevance in a multipolar world, then you might not get good marks. Similarly, if you talk about the relevance of NAM but completely ignore the multipolar world-part of the topic, you are very much on your way to committing a blunder.

So read the topic very carefully, underline the keywords and ensure that you do not divert.

I always knew essay was a scoring subject, but never knew that it would so crucially influence my selection and rank. And so once again, I will ask you all to definitely practice a few essays before the final exam, no matter how good you are with it. Trust me, it will be highly rewarding. I will also suggest you go through Chandramohan Garg sir’s strategy which many have found helpful.

Best wishes,

Apurva Pandey

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• Apurva Pandey Rank 39 , Essay Strategy Apporva pandey Marks 175 , UPSC 2017 Toppers Apurva Pandey

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UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
• Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
• The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
• You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022

Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

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Essay Writing

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How to Write a Perfect and Balanced Essay

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“It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.” -- Friedrich Neitzsche

Essay writing is among those areas in UPSC IAS Exam that can be your savior and improve your marks significantly if worked efficiently. However lack of practice and rudimentary approach may also reduce your marks and jeopardize your chances of selection in Civil services exam . A well-developed approach and rigorous practice can significantly enhance your score in essay paper in UPSC mains Exam . But before delving into the techniques to write a perfect essay it is very important to understand what is an essay and what are its different organs?

What is an essay?

• An Essay Writing is a focused, descriptive and analytical write up on any particular topic. But this is different in format and presentation from any other kind of write up on the same topic.
• An essay is a tight write up which has a certain theme at its core and the write up is marked by its simplicity, lucidity, flow and orderliness.
• It should generally avoid terse and unwieldy expressions, unnecessary exposition and excessive facts, especially numbers.
• An essay is a write up that evolves from childhood to youth and thereafter to maturity.
• An essay should generally reflect the perceptions, understanding, and stance/take of the writer, which may be supported by facts, quotes and findings of similar kinds.

Let's have a look on Vikram Grewal's Copy

For full copy click here

What an essay writing should not be....

• It should not be a mere compilation of information or facts.
• It should not be a long note.
• It should not be a brief note.
• It should not be a theoretical exposition.
• It should not be a conglomeration of great ideas by great people.

What constitutes a good essay?

A good essay should have three distinct parts-

• Introduction
• Description

A good essay should be close to its subject or theme throughout the write up.

Essay Writing Strategy by Vikram Grewal (AIR 51, CSE 2018), A must watch session for more clarity.

A good essay should reflect...

• Understanding of the writer
• Thoroughness of the writer
• Analytical capacity of the writer
• Research and analytical capability of the writer
• Reading habits of the writer

For Example:

Vikram Grewal's Copy, all the following things are considered by him:

Click Here for Full Copy

Essay needs a higher level of communication abilities viz..

• Articulation
• Effective expression
• Logic, flow and rhythm
• Right grammar

Brief for practicing essay writing – pre exam hall approach.

How to write a good Essay can be viewed sequentially, as if going through ten sequential steps in an essay writing process.

• Research : Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making yourself an expert.Assuming you've been given a topic, or have narrowed it sufficiently down, your first task is to research this topic. You will not be able to write intelligently about a topic you know nothing about. To discover worthwhile insights, you'll have to do some patient reading and information gathering. Though IAS aspirants are hard pressed of time but don’t forget it is of 250 marks and highly neglected. It can be done through integration of your daily newspaper reading and through preparation of GS also. But you need some different strategy to do so.
• Analysis : Now that you have a good knowledge base, start analyzing the arguments of the essays/articles you're reading. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons, the evidence, etc. Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths. Learning how to write an essay begins by learning how to analyze essays written by others.

In case of analysis Vikram Grewal shows it perfectly: Here is a look

For Full Copy Click Here

3 .Brainstorming : Your essay will require insight of your own. Ask yourself a dozen questions and answer them. Meditate with a pen in your hand. Think and think until you come up with original insights to write about.

• Thesis: Pick your best idea and pin it down in a clear assertion that you can write your entire essay around. Your thesis is your main point, summed up in a concise sentence that lets the reader know where you're going, and why. It's practically impossible to write a good essay without a clear thesis.
• Outline: Sketch out your essay before straight away writing it out. Use one-line sentences to describe paragraphs, and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain. Play with the essay's order. Map out the structure of your argument, and make sure each paragraph is unified.
• Introduction: Now sit down and write the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention, set up the issue, and lead in to your thesis. Your intro is merely a buildup of the issue, a stage of bringing your reader into the essay's argument.(Note: The title and first paragraph are probably the most important elements in your essay. This is an essay-writing point that doesn't always sink in within the context of the classroom. In the first paragraph you either hook the reader's interest or lose it.)
• Paragraphs: Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the clearest, most sensible way you can. Speak to your reader as if he or she were sitting in front of you. In other words, instead of writing the essay, try talking the essay.
• Conclusion: Gracefully exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence, and then end on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic, or some call to action. Is there something you want the reader to walk away and do? Let him or her know exactly that.
• Style: Format your essay according to the correct guidelines for citation. All borrowed ideas and quotations should be correctly cited in the body of your text, followed up with a Works Cited (references) page listing the details of your sources.
• Language: You're not done writing your essay until you've polished your language by correcting the grammar, making sentences flow, incorporating rhythm, emphasis, adjusting the formality, giving it a level-headed tone, and making other intuitive edits. Proof read until it reads just how you want it to sound. Writing an essay can be tedious, but you don't want to bungle the hours of conceptual work you've put into writing your essay by leaving a few slippy misspellings and poorly worded phrases.

Steps to be followed during examination:

We must keep in mind that an essay writting in the examination hall is developed on the spot within a given time period, is something different from an essay written leisurely and with mature deliberation for a publication or for a prize competition.

A Candidate writing an essay for Civil Service Examination should keep in mind that he has to satisfy the examiner with regard to 3 things:

• He has good ideas on given subject / chosen field.
• He can arrange his ideas systematically.
• He can express, and analyze his opinion correctly using good language.

Required Steps to create a rough sketch before actual writing :

• Selection of suitable topic
• Make an outline of your ideas
• Write introduction points
• Write main points of the body
• Brief sketch about view, history, facts, illustrations, examples etc
• Idea about critical discussions, pro and opposite views
• Drawing a conclusion that clearly expresses your opinion and always end with a futuristic note

Selection of topic is the key for scoring in essay writing . Around 15 to 20 minutes can be spent on choosing best topic. we also needs to be sure about the flow of thought, rich facts and figures, history, analytical expression and all to be collectively rated high in the selected topic. It impacts your marks. Out of six topics consider each one independently in-depth your knowledge and presentation skills not in bird-eye-view manner.

Patience and perseverance must be maintained while selecting a topic and make it sure about excellence to present cogently.

Next step is outlining the selected topic by putting ideas in a separate page, in organized form by writing sub topics and important points to be covered in the essay. For this one can make use flow chart model or line chart or tabulation. Grouping of thoughts must in a way to categories the sub headings while writing the detailed essay. We can use 15 to 20 minutes for this task.

Then start with the introduction which can be a dialogue, quotation or anecdotes produces complete idea to the reader about the essay. A dialogue could be simply the pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you are planning to make. An anecdote is stories that illustrate the point. Be sure your anecdote is short, precise and relevant to the topic.

Three  problems that candidates face while writing an essay. They are:  

• Coherent arrangement
• Expression Ideas

Essay Copy: Vikram Grewal(AIR 51, CSE 2018)

About the subject is nothing but knowledge that needs to be looked in different perspective, whether social, economical, political, religious, cultural, literary, national, and environmental. Candidate should think on different questions

• What are definition / scope / history of the topic?
• What can be said on particular subject from various perspectives?
• What are positives / negatives?
• Answers for different questions/dimensions
• your thought for critical appraisal

Arrangement :

Arrangement of an essay means the contents with a definite structure to be framed. The structure must be exposed indirectly through the flow of writing with interlinking of sub topics and paragraphs explaining the scope meaning, description and discussion.

Illustration and quotations known can be presented lively aptly to increase the richness of the content. It is like the flavor added to the dishes to attract the reader to be perfectly relevant to the topic/ argument.  If the Quotations exceed unnecessarily, it will disturb the quality of presentation. Interlinking of thoughts, comparison and contrasting viewpoints can be expressed only with the special reference to the application of thoughts.

Opinions and arguments with strong self explanatory sentences will reflect the candidates’ solid and clear understanding of the subjects.

Now you need to give the powerful and logical conclusion which is the consequence of everything discussed earlier. Conclusion brings the reader closure or summing up of points and also gives final perspective. It should not be rhetoric outburst. It must be balanced and free from prejudice. Mind it, give proper space to the conclusion. Don’t sump in haste.

Do s and Don’ts for that ‘killer’ 3 Hrs:

• Read the title, understand the meaning and scope.
• Think and comprehensive planning before start.
• Effective, brief and strong words consist of good thoughts makes your essay best.
• Avoid vague generalization, slang’s and colloquialism
• Don’t try to present whatever you know on the subject.
• In controversial topic discuss pros and cons dispassionately and give effective conclusion.
• Length of essay is not fixed. But don’t be exhaustive. This time you may to write multiple essay
• Never forget to read and revise the essay written before submission to examiner.

Verifying, please be patient.

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Essay Test Series for UPSC

Essay Test Series FEES

Essay test series 2024 (25+ test), ias essay featured program.

Comprehensive coverage of full syllabus of UPSC as per the micro listing developed by mentors at ELITE IAS

Total 25 Tests: · 12 NCERT Based · 08 Sectional Test · 05 Full length Test 

Orientation session on answer writing skills, decoding key terms in UPSC Answer writing Live (Offline/Online) Discussion Classes after Each test Fees Rs. 9999/-

Comprehensive coverage of full syllabus of UPSC as per the micro listing developed by mentors at ELITE IAS Total 25 Tests: · 12 NCERT Based · 08 Sectional Test · 05 Full length Test  Orientation session on answer writing skills, decoding key terms in UPSC Answer writing 1-1 On demand mentorship over video call/in person meeting with faculties Live (Offline/Online) Discussion Classes after Each test Fees Rs. 22000/-

How To Join Essay Writing For UPSC Course

To enroll for UPSC essay, student has to register on the website or call us on counselling number 1. Account for Online Classes will be activated within one working day of Enrolment or before batch Starts whichever is earlier. 2. Classes will be conducted online as per the class schedule. 3. UPSC Essay Study Material wherever needed will be made available to students online/offline format. 4. Printed Study Material, if any will be dispatched by courier within a week of enrolment. 5. Soft Copy notes will be uploaded in PDF format into your account.

For Enquiry Call:  7065202020, 8410000036 or Email:  [email protected]

Essay For UPSC: HIGHLIGHTS

• 25 Tests of essay for UPSC. Starting from NCERT based mini-test to the Advance Level essay writing for UPSC. (Find micro-details of the programme in the brochure below.)
• Classes on how to decode the IAS essay topics. How to do brainstorming for essay? As well as structuring the essay, building vocabs-language-flow in writing etc.
• Hand Book on developing the skills of essay writing i.e. a handbook on Fundamental Approach of Writing Essay. Also, compendium of Quotations, Phrases, Anecdotes etc. which can be used while writing essay.
• Detailed discussion after every test
• One-on-one test discussions with the faculty after copy evaluation
• Model answer hints for every UPSC essay test
• Model Essays are prepared with innovative tools and approaches which may be used for various kinds of essays in real examination.
• Practice Worksheets.
• Comprehensive coverage of most important topics from Yojana, Kurukshetra, Front Line and other important Magazines.

Essay Writing for UPSC (CSE)

Understanding the concept of essay writing.

An essay is a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything. – Aldous Huxley, a British critic, explains that an essay is a “flexible form of writing that allows for in-depth discussion on a wide range of topics, expressed in a personal and insightful way.”

Generally speaking, there are two main types of essays: formal and informal. For the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), we focus on the formal kind. Formal essays are serious and not personal. The writer is like an expert and avoids emotional language. These essays often include facts, such as statistics from government reports.

Formal essays are different from informal writing. They don’t use a conversational tone or first-person pronouns like “I” or “we.” They don’t try to be close to the reader. A formal essay is mainly about being serious and clear.

Essay Writing For UPSC (CSE)

• In the CSE essay test, candidates have to write two essays in a 3-hour time frame. Each essay should be within 1000-1200 words. Each essay is worth 125 marks, which makes a total of 250 marks for both essays.
• Structure of the Essay Paper: The essay part of the paper is split into two sections, Section A and Section B. In each section, there are four different essay topics given. Candidates need to choose and write one essay from each section, making sure they pick wisely.
• Writing Guidelines: The rules for writing are clearly stated in the syllabus. Candidates need to stick closely to the topic of their essays and organize their thoughts in a clear, systematic way. The syllabus also mentions that writing that is both effective and makes sense will earn credit.
• Importance of Keywords: The focus on specific keywords in the instructions is crucial. These keywords are not just part of the essay content; they are the main criteria for evaluating the essays. Understanding and following these guidelines is key to performing well in the essay writing part of the CSE.

How To Start UPSC Essay Writing

As the saying goes, practice leads to perfection. Practicing well improves essay writing. For high scores, regular practice is important. But first, it’s essential to understand the basics of a good essay. We need to know how to structure an essay well. We’ll look into planning essays effectively and adding elements that make essays stand out. It’s also important to learn how to fit all this within the time limit. Mastering these skills will help in writing essays that score higher.

Understanding the Basic Structure of an Essay

The standard way to structure an essay is to break it into paragraphs, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body paragraphs, the writer fits in all their main ideas and arguments.

• Types of Body Paragraphs: Body paragraphs can be supportive, critical, or narrative. A good method is to start with a narrative paragraph that details the topic, followed by supportive paragraphs with positive information about the topic. Although critical paragraphs are often placed at the end, there are no fixed rules. Sometimes, starting with a critical paragraph can be effective, depending on the topic.
• The Role of the Introduction: The introduction is a vital part of the essay. It creates the first impression on the examiner. A well-crafted introduction can positively influence the reader. The strategy for writing a strong introduction will be covered later.
• The Importance of a Good Conclusion: Similarly, a well-written conclusion can earn extra marks. It’s where the writer wraps up the essay and reinforces their main points. Tips for writing a compelling conclusion will also be discussed in more detail later. This part of the essay is crucial for leaving a strong final impression. All this you learn in best test series for essay UPSC.

Core Idea of the Central Thesis

(Main argument or primary point around which an entire essay writing is structured.)

In expanding on this idea, it’s useful to consider additional aspects like the role of government, policy-making and cultural influences. These factors contribute to both social justice and economic growth. This approach helps to emphasize that for a society to thrive, it needs both economic prosperity and social justice, not just one or the other.

• In another essay asked in CSE 2022 – “ Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. ” This implies that poets, though not officially recognized, significantly impact society through their poetry. The essay should discuss the ways poets influence our thoughts and the world around us. 

The essay could explore the historical, cultural, and societal impact of poets. It should consider how poets sway public opinion and inspire social movements (including Indian Independence movement) without formal power. To thoroughly cover this topic, examining various perspectives is essential, such as the emotional influence of poetry or its role in times of societal change. This analytical aspect is taught by this UPSC coaching when a candidate join essay test series UPSC.

Strategizing for Essay Writing through Brainstorming

Brainstorming is key before you start writing an essay. It helps you collect all your thoughts in one place. There aren’t strict rules for how to do it. A good way is to focus on your topic and write down everything that comes to mind. It’s useful to use a whole page for this, so you have plenty of space for your ideas. This method makes sure you have a lot of thoughts to work with when you write your essay.

Improving Your Essay with Key Elements

In a good CSE essay, including various elements and dimensions is key. Here are some basic rules for adding these to your essay.

• Foremost among these guidelines is – always stick to Constitutional values . For CSE essays, it’s vital that the principles embedded in the Constitution are reflected in the ideas, problems, or solutions discussed. Never support anything that goes against it.
• While addressing issues, maintaining a democratic perspective is important . Keep the concept of ‘freedom and equality’ as your guiding principles, whether you’re suggesting solutions or critiquing events.
• Avoid taking extreme positions . The best approach to complex problems is often finding a middle ground.
• Don’t generalize too much. Instead, your approach should demonstrate patience, justice, and understanding.
• Lastly, there are two additional aspects to remember for the CSE essay. (A) Do not challenge the essay topic itself . In simpler terms, don’t contradict your own stance. Choose a viewpoint (preferably a balanced one) and consistently adhere to it throughout the essay. (B) Be cautious about presenting things that are universally viewed negatively in a positive light , and vice versa. For example, avoid portraying ‘terrorism’ as a form of freedom struggle, even though sayings like ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ are popular. It’s important to recognize the generally accepted connotations of such terms and not to misuse them.

Essential Elements in a CSE Essay

• For a well-written CSE essay, focus on three fundamental elements. These are considered the cornerstone – social, political, and economic aspects . These are integral in forming a comprehensive and insightful essay.
• You can also add more depth with other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, or technical aspects. These help broaden the essay’s perspective. Makes it more engaging and informative.
• Another crucial component is the personal touch. Personal experiences or anecdotes can make your essay more effective. But they should be used within ethical boundaries and relevant to the essay’s theme. This balance between personal insights and professional ethics can improve the quality and impact of the essay. (Remember, participating in test series for UPSC is important, as mastering the art of writing is vital for achieving high marks in the Mains exam.)

Drafting an Essay Outline

• Before writing your essay, it’s a good idea to outline it. This means deciding what to include in the introduction and conclusion. Determining the order of your ideas, and choosing which quotes or references to use.
• Making a rough outline helps you see the entire essay before you start writing. This process gives you an overall view, helping you identify any potential gaps or areas that need more attention.
• There’s a common saying that if you can determine the conclusion of your essay, the rest of the writing becomes easier. Knowing your conclusion in advance can guide the entire essay. It provides a clear direction right from the start and ensuring that you conclude your essay confidently and effectively.

Managing Time Effectively in Essay Writing for CSE

In the CSE exam, you have three hours to write two essays, meaning each essay gets 1 hour and 30 minutes. Allocate about 45 minutes to an hour for writing the essay itself. Set aside an extra 10 minutes for revising each essay. This planning leaves you with approximately 30 minutes to prepare the essay, including brainstorming and outlining.

How to Introduce the Essay

• The aim of your essay’s introduction is to spark the reader’s interest in the topic and lay the groundwork for what follows.
• Start your introduction with a brief explanation of the essay topic. Add interest by including personal experiences, relevant stories, or meaningful quotes.
• The introduction should be clear, avoiding any confusion. Its job is to clarify the topic right away, clearing up any doubts the reader might have. A clear, straightforward introduction sets the right tone for the rest of the essay, guiding the reader into your main arguments smoothly and effectively.

Structuring Paragraphs in an Essay

• When writing paragraphs in an essay, the concluding sentence of each paragraph serves a dual purpose. Rather than just signaling the end of the paragraph, it often acts as a bridge to the next one. This approach helps in maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the essay.
• The Known-to-New writing order involves starting with familiar or established ideas. Then gradually introducing new or less known concepts. This method allows the reader to build on their existing knowledge as they progress through the essay.
• The Simple-to-Complex order involves beginning with basic, easily understandable concepts. Then progressively introducing more complex ideas. This technique helps in gradually deepening the reader’s understanding.
• To enrich the content of the paragraphs, one might employ the FREQOES method . (FREQOES stands for – Facts and statistics, Reasons, Examples, Quotes, Opinions, Experiences, Senses.) Also use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic. (PESTLE analysis stands for Political – Economic – Sociological – Technological – Legal – Environmental analysis). These approach can be a valuable tool in adding depth and variety to the different sections of the essay. This ensures that each paragraph contributes effectively to the overall narrative.

How To Conclude Essay

• The conclusion of an essay plays a crucial role in smoothly wrapping up the discussion. It’s important to remember that a compelling conclusion is as important as a strong introduction. Both plays important role in scoring high marks.
• There are several effective ways to conclude an essay. One method involves briefly restating the main points using different wording. As well as, effectively summarizing the essay’s core arguments. Another approach, to suggest future directions or actions based on the essay’s discussion. Alternatively, you could enhance the conclusion with a personal comment. Even you can use a relevant anecdote that ties back to the essay’s theme.
• A popular technique for concluding an essay is the ‘cyclic return’. Here you loop back to the topic or scenario presented in the introduction. This method creates a full-circle narrative that many essays utilize for a coherent and impactful ending.
• The best conclusion has a positive tone, finding hope/optimism in challenging topics. It needs to be clear and brief, summing up the essay’s ideas. This way, the conclusion leaves a strong, lasting impression on the reader.

Polishing Your Essay through Revision

• The revision process involves thoroughly reading your entire essay. While reviewing, use a scale and pencil to underline key words or phrases. This step is crucial for identifying and correcting any spelling or grammatical errors. Additionally, ensure that the pages of your essay appear neat and well-organized.
• During revision, you might find it necessary to add or remove certain words for clarity or impact. However, this should be done judiciously and not excessively. It’s generally not recommended to introduce entirely new ideas or sentences during the revision phase. Except in cases where such additions are essential for the completeness of the essay. This approach helps maintain the original flow and structure of the essay while making necessary refinements.

Tips to Improve Essay Writing Skills

• A useful tip for CSE essay writing is to go through essays from previous exams. This helps you understand the required concepts, dimensions, and solutions for various topics. Learning to simplify complex social issues is crucial for writing a good CSE essay . If you are a beginner you can join UPSC online coaching and the mentor will help you to simplify the complex tasks.
• It’s also helpful to have a collection of impactful quotes, phrases, and citable anecdotes. Keeping these ready can help you in writing essays on any subject. This preparation ensures you’re well-equipped to create engaging, well-informed and insightful essays.

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FAQs About Essay Test Series

The best test series for essays trains you in the structure of a good UPSC essay. Following below mentioned points can help you in essay writing for UPSC.

• The introductory paragraph should clearly indicate the topic you will cover in your essay, and consider starting your essay with a quote that is relevant to the theme.
• Clearly articulate your central argument or main point.
• You can strengthen your arguments with relevant quotes, but never modifying the words of well-known individuals/personalities.
• Clearly indicate your approach to answering the questions, the direction of your essay (where), and the rationale behind it (why).
• Fresh insights and unique analyses are generally appreciated by the evaluator.
• Make sure to show how your main points are interconnected.
• Guide the evaluator through your response in a coherent and sequential manner.
• Arrange related information into well-structured paragraphs.
• In your final paragraph, you can present your conclusions.

The topics for the essay for UPSC test papers can vary widely. However, they generally fall into certain broad categories, which might include:

• Current Affairs and Social Issues:  Topics could relate to recent events in the news or long-standing social issues like poverty, education, healthcare, etc.
• Political Issues:  Topics related to governance, democracy, and other political issues might be included.
• Economic Issues:  Topics could relate to economic policies, globalization, fiscal deficits, etc.
• Environmental Issues:  Climate change, environmental degradation, sustainable development, etc., could be potential topics.
• Technology:  Issues related to the impact of technology on society, data privacy, and others may also be covered. For example: Chandrayaan-3 (for UPSC 2024 essay paper).
• Philosophical:  Sometimes, abstract topics that require deep thinking, such as the meaning of freedom or the role of ethics in politics, might be given.
• Historical and Cultural Topics:  Topics could range from specific events in Indian history to cultural practices and their relevance today.
• International Relations:  Topics here could involve India’s relations with other countries, global issues like terrorism, etc.
• Legal and Constitutional Issues:  Issues related to the Indian Constitution, law, justice, etc., might be topics for the essay.
• Ethical and Moral Issues:  Topics might include discussions on morality, ethics, value systems, etc.

Given the broad range of potential topics, it’s essential to be well-versed in diverse issues and to practice writing essays on various subjects to prepare effectively for the UPSC essay paper.

Choosing between an  “Essay without Mentorship” course  and an  “Essay with Mentorship” course  for UPSC preparation ultimately depends on your individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown to help you decide:

Essay without Mentorship:: Pros: – Self-Paced Learning:  You can go through the materials and practice at your own pace, which is helpful if you have an irregular schedule. – Cost-Effective:  Typically, these courses are less expensive as they don’t include mentorship guidance. – Resource-Intensive:  These types of courses often provide a wealth of material that you can refer to multiple times. – Self-Assessment:  Allows you to develop the ability to improve your essays writing, with the evaluated copy. Cons: – Lack of Personal Guidance:  Without a mentor, you won’t have personalized feedback, which might slow down your progress. – Potential for Confusion:  When stuck, you may not have immediate resources to clarify doubts or improve.

Essay with Mentorship: Pros: – Personalized Feedback:  A mentor can provide targeted advice, helping you work on your specific weaknesses. – Accountability:  Regular check-ins can keep you on track and motivate you to stick to your study schedule. – Clarification and Doubt Solving:  Immediate clarification of doubts ensures a smoother and more effective learning process. – Strategic Approach:  Mentors can help you form a study plan and guide you through it, thereby making your preparation more focused and efficient. Cons: – Cost:  This option is generally more expensive due to the personalized guidance provided.

To conclude, if you have prior experience in essay writing, the “Essay without Mentorship” course may suffice. If you are new to UPSC essay requirements, the “Essay with Mentorship” option would be more beneficial. Choose your essay course plan based on your needs and level of expertise in essay writing for UPSC exams.

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper where candidates are generally required to write two essays. The paper is divided into two sections, each containing a set of topics, and candidates are usually instructed to write one essay from each section. The Essay paper is designed to test candidates on various fronts including comprehension, expression, and the ability to present ideas coherently.

Structure for IAS Essay: Two Sections:  Section A and Section B. Choices:  Each section usually has four essay topics. You are required to pick one topic from each section. Word Limit:  The expected word count is generally around 1000-1200 words per essay. Total Marks:  250 marks. 125 marks for 1 essay. Topics:  The essay topics can vary widely and may include subjects like: – Social Issues – Governance – International Relations – Philosophy – Science and Technology – Quotations – Current Affairs, etc.

Evaluation Criteria: The essays are assessed based on several factors, including but not limited to: – Content relevance and depth – Structure and organization – Clarity and coherence – Grammatical accuracy – Critical analysis and interpretation – Presentation and format

Skills Tested: – Comprehension of the given topics – Clarity of thought – Effectiveness in communication – Intellectual and critical thinking The Essay paper is often considered a game-changer in the UPSC exams because doing exceptionally well in this paper can boost your rank significantly.

Yes. It is the true test of an aspirant’s Awareness, Innovation, Inclusive Thinking, Organisational Skills and what not. Over the years essay paper has evolved as a true game changer in the mains examination and we can easily testify this fact with marks of recurrent toppers. Essay paper has contributed immensely in the top ranking aspirants’ score.

Furthermore, essay doesn’t require any specific preparation or to read any specific book for that matter. It is purely a skill and can be developed only through practice in right direction with right approach. Hence to equip the aspirants with pivotal skill of writing good quality essay for UPSC Elite IAS is delighted to announce yet another essay course for UPSC.

Note : Writing essay test series UPSC, makes you a disciplined smart learner. If you study a section without writing practice, it will keep your understanding efficiency incomplete. UPSC appreciates your knowledge with brevity, and this art could be learned only by repeated answer writing training. So, when you read something and simultaneously appear in the test, it has a dual effect (i) you improve your answer writing skill (ii) receive suggestions for improvement from experts. (Both are necessary to fetch better marks in the real mains exam of UPSC.) Nowadays, writing essay for UPSC is almost essential and it would be a rational decision to  EVALUATE YOURSELF BEFORE THE UPSC EVALUATES YOU

For Detail Information Please Contact to Elite IAS Academy for UPSC Exam preparation.  Call:  7065202020, 8410000036   Email:  [email protected]

Useful Readings: How to write an Effective Essay in IAS Exam? IAS Topper Shares Strategy to Ace the Essay Paper In UPSC CSE Exam Tips to Boost Your Memory for UPSC Exam! Essay Paper, Mains, CSE: Some of the Best Resources to Prepare for it Best IAS Interview Questions

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UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

Understanding UPSC Essay Topics holds significant importance as it evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse, present arguments, and communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of UPSC essay topics, their significance, and essential tips to excel in this section. Get ready to enhance your writing and analytical skills and make a strong impression on the evaluators with well-crafted essays.

UPSC Essay Paper

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination requires candidates to write multiple essays , each on a different topic, chosen from a given list of options. The essay topics for UPSC cover a wide range of issues, including social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects, both national and international.

The essay paper holds significant weightage in the UPSC Mains examination, contributing 250 marks out of the total 1750 marks . Scoring well in this section can have a considerable impact on the overall ranking and selection for the coveted civil services.

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Essay Paper is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing ideas and analysing complex issues. Vajiram & Ravi Pensive-Weekly Essay Writing Programme provides you with two Essay Topics every Saturday based on the previous year's question papers and the changing trends analysis. You can submit your Essay for peer evaluation on vajiramandravi.com. This will help you nourish your writing skills, give you clarity of thought, and build the capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

The purpose of the essay paper is to assess the candidate's ability to critically analyse a topic, present well-structured arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. It also evaluates their knowledge of various issues, their clarity of thought, and their capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Some of the Important Essay Topics to prepare for the UPSC Mains Examination 2023 are:

• Gender Equality
• Environment/Urbanization
• Economic Growth
• Federalism/Decentralization
• Agriculture
• Economics 

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

Every year, UPSC typically provides you with two or more essay topics centred around philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from notable personalities. To effectively address these philosophical topics, you should refer to Philosophy Books to gain a foundational understanding. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy :

• Everything comes to him, who hustles while he waits.
• We are always blind as we want to be.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• The price of Greatness is Responsibility.
• People would rather Believe than Know.
• Mind - A beautiful Servant? Or a dangerous Master?

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

The UPSC Essay Topics related to Indian society, art, and culture cover a wide range of subjects, offering great diversity. To gain knowledge about the static content on these topics, you should rely on fundamental books on society, as recommended for the exam. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Art and Culture :

• Culture changes with economic development.
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have.
• Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• Impact of Globalization on Indian Art and Culture.
• Caste System - India’s Enduring Curse.
• Godmen - A Threat to Indian Art and Culture?

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

UPSC essay topics on Science and Technology can largely be addressed through current affairs. You may also benefit from consulting a Science and Technology Book for UPSC to compose a comprehensive and well-rounded essay. Here are some UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology:

• Deglobalisation is good for the world.
• Science is organised Knowledge. Wisdom is Organised life.
• Technology is a Weapon against Poverty.
• Prioritising Education Technology for Global Growth.
• Technology is the silent factor in International Relations.
• Scientific and Technological Progress cannot be equated with Human Progress.

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education stands as one of the preferred UPSC Essay Topics, with an essay related to this subject often appearing in the paper each year. To tackle this topic effectively, you should stay abreast of Current Affairs , incorporating significant changes and advancements in the field. Let's explore some of the Essay topics for UPSC centred around education:

• Self Education is a lifelong curiosity.
• Education Breeds Peace.
• Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
• Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking.
• Schooling is not Education.

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

To comprehensively address Polity and Governance topics, you should acquire fundamental knowledge from Polity Books for UPSC and Current Affairs. These resources offer static information about relevant issues and their historical context, which proves valuable while writing UPSC Essay Topics on Polity. Here are some Essay Topics on Polity and Governance:

• The Role of Politics in Development.
• Should Youth in India Consider Politics as a Career?
• Art, Freedom and Creativity will change society faster than politics.
• The politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak.
• People should not be afraid of their Government. The Government should be afraid of its people.
• Government Surveillance - Good or Bad?

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

Essays concerning economic growth are frequently included in the Essay Paper. To tackle these topics effectively, you should refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to gain a comprehensive understanding. Once the fundamentals are grasped, you can enhance their essays by incorporating examples, data, and statistics to create a multidimensional perspective. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Economy:

• We don't have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment.
• India, a $5 trillion Economy - Dream or Reality?
• Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of Economic Inequality?
• Innovation is the key determinant of social welfare and economic growth.
• Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Growth.

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

Social issues are a significant aspect of the UPSC essay paper, reflecting the candidates' understanding of societal challenges and their ability to propose viable solutions. These essays provide a platform for candidates to analyse, critique, and suggest measures for pressing social concerns. Topics related to social issues in the UPSC Essay paper may include:

• Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a Peaceful Society.
• A Gender-sensitive Indian Society is a prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment.
• The weaker sections of Indian Society - are their Rights and Access to Justice getting Better?

Previous Year UPSC Essay Topics

Practising previous year's essay topics will help you become familiar with the UPSC exam pattern , word limit, and the types of essay questions frequently asked in the Mains Examination. Analysing past essay topics will also allow you to identify recurring themes and trends, enabling you to prioritise their preparation accordingly. Regular practice with past essay topics will instil confidence in you, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual exam.

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

• Understand the Topics: Thoroughly comprehend the essay topics, including the keywords and instructions. Choose a topic that aligns with your strengths and interests.
• Plan and Structure: Devote some time to plan your essay. Create an outline and organise your thoughts in a structured manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Be Objective: Present balanced arguments and avoid a biased or one-sided approach. Consider multiple perspectives and present a holistic view.
• Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, quotes and evidence to strengthen your essay.
• Maintain Clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to improve Essay writing skills. Write essays on diverse topics to enhance your versatility.
• Time Management: Allocate appropriate time for planning, writing, and revising each essay to manage time effectively during the examination.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essays for coherence, grammar, and structure. Make necessary edits to refine your work.

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics asked in Mains Examination previously:

• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• What is research but a blind date with knowledge?
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

To prepare for the UPSC essay, focus on understanding the essay syllabus and past topics to identify recurring themes. Regularly practise writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management. Structure your essays with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

The best sources to prepare Essay for UPSC include official UPSC materials, newspapers, and magazines like The Hindu, Yojana , and Kurukshetra for current affairs, standard books on diverse subjects, government reports and publications, online platforms like PIB and PRS India, UPSC previous year papers for understanding the exam pattern, and regular practice of essay writing on various topics.

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UPSC IAS 2023 Marksheet and Topper’s List with Marks

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 27th May. Click Here for more information.

Today, UPSC IAS 2023 mark sheets has been released.  Along with that, UPSC has also released the Topper’s marks in all 3 stages. If you have appeared in this exam, you can take a look at your marks, on the official UPSC website. Below are the UPSC Toppers 2023 Marks .

Use this link to go to official page.

UPSC has released the mark sheet for the following 3 categories for CSE exam:

1) CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION (FOR CANDIDATES QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) click here

2) CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION (FOR CANDIDATES NOT QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) Click Here

3) CIVIL SERVICES(PRELIM.) EXAMINATION Click here

UPSC Final Result 2023 Toppers List

UPSC has also released the marks of the toppers in a PDF doc. Which can be downloaded from the official UPSC website or the link provided below. We have also provided the marks of the UPSC toppers. In the recently released result of UPSC IAS 2023, ADITYA SRIVASTAVA emerging as the topper. ANIMESH PRADHAN secured the second position, followed by DONURU ANANYA REDDY and P K SIDHARTH RAMKUMAR in the third and fourth spots respectively. UPSC Result 2023 Topper List and Marksheet

Aditya Srivastava, the UPSC 2023 topper, has scored total 1099 Marks, which is around 54% of the total marks. He has also scored good marks in the interview, which helped him to get a good rank. Animesh Pradhan on the 2nd rank has secured 1067 marks.

 Download the UPSC IAS 2023 toppers Marks PDF

Following are the marks of the top candidates.

The marks of the candidates appeared in the exam and the toppers mark sheets are released to maintain transparency in the exam. After checking the marks, candidates will be able to judge, where they may have lagged and in which areas they have performed well.

UPSC IAS Topper’s Mark sheets are released publically every year, also to maintain transparency. It also helps the other candidates in setting their own goals. UPSC Result 2023

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Essay Syllabus

In this article, we will discuss the UPSC essay syllabus and its importance in the preparation for the prestigious Civil Services Examination. The essay paper is a vital component of the UPSC mains exam, and it evaluates a candidate’s ability to express their thoughts in a concise and coherent manner. We will explore the structure and format of the essay paper, the types of topics that usually appear, and the approach that candidates should adopt while attempting the essay. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the IAS essay syllabus and how to prepare for it effectively.

Importance of Essay Paper

Aspiring candidates preparing for the UPSC IAS examination must pay close attention to the Essay Paper section. It holds significant weightage and plays a vital role in determining the candidate’s overall rank. You must dedicate time and effort to develop this skill, as the Essay Paper is a reflection of your critical analytical and comprehensive aptitude. This paper evaluates your presentation skills, creativity, and thought process. Moreover, it tests your ability to articulate your thoughts coherently and succinctly. So, start working on your writing skills from today to make the most of this crucial paper.

Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for the essay paper is not specifically defined . Aspiring civil servants preparing for the highly competitive UPSC IAS exam must focus their attention on the essay paper. This is where candidates can showcase their writing skills and analytical abilities.

The essay paper is divided into two sections, each consisting of four topics. Candidates are required to write two essays in a span of three hours. The essays carry a total of 250 marks and are a crucial part of the selection process. It covers a wide range of topics from socioeconomic issues, to political and philosophical musings.

However, it is important to note that candidates are not expected to be experts in any particular subject. Rather, the essay paper tests their ability to articulate their thoughts and opinions. It is crucial that candidates start preparing for the essay paper well in advance, paying careful attention to the type of essays and common mistakes to avoid.

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Types of Essays

When it comes to the UPSC Essay Syllabus , it’s crucial to understand the types of essays you’ll be asked to write. As such, you must know the different types of essays that are tested in the examination, such as Informative essays, Descriptive essays, Narrative essays, and Persuasive essays. Each type has its unique writing style, skill set, and format to adhere to.

Thus, mastering each essay type is important to score high marks in the exam. While an informative essay highlights the positive and negative points of the given topic, a descriptive essay must focus on describing the topic. The narrative essay must follow a story-style narration while the Persuasive essay must be written in a way to convince the reader about the given topic.

Therefore, a deep understanding of the types of essays is necessary to excel in the UPSC IAS Exam.

Topics for Essay Writing

The UPSC Essay paper is an important part of the Civil Services Examination. As a part of the UPSC essay syllabus , candidates need to write two essays for the examination. The essays are supposed to be on topics of national and international importance, relevant social, economic, and political issues, cultural, historical and geographical significance, and contemporary issues of interest.

The topics for essay writing can range from the economy, politics, education, health, women empowerment, environmental issues, human rights, current affairs, science, technology, and more. It is advisable to read newspapers and books to keep oneself updated with the latest developments and possible essay topics. Additionally, candidates can also refer to previous years’ question papers to understand the nature of the questions and topics that are frequently asked.

Candidates should choose a topic that they are familiar with and express their thoughts and opinions in a coherent and structured way. The essay should be well-researched, free from grammatical errors, and should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. By choosing the right topic and writing an impressive essay, candidates can score well on the UPSC IAS Essay paper .

Essay Writing Tips

Here are some tips for candidates to excel in the essay writing section:

• Understand the topic: It’s important to read and comprehend the essay topic thoroughly. Ensure that you understand the question’s intent, the tone of the essay, and the arguments that you need to present.
• Prepare an outline: Creating an outline before writing helps the writer organise their thoughts and arguments logically. It ensures that the essay is structured and coherent.
• Write in a simple and lucid language: UPSC exams are not meant to test your vocabulary. Therefore, try to write in simple and clear language.
• Stick to the word limit: The UPSC sets a word limit for each essay question. Exceeding the limit can result in a deduction of marks. Therefore, it is crucial to practice writing essays within the stipulated word limit.
• Provide examples and facts: To support your arguments, use real-life examples and factual data to reinforce your views.

By following these tips and practising regularly, aspiring candidates can improve their essay-writing skills, making it easier to crack the UPSC exam successfully.

How to Prepare for an Essay Paper

The essay paper is an integral part of the UPSC IAS exam, and it requires a different level of preparation compared to other papers. In order to ace the essay paper, it is important to have a clear strategy and methodical approach.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the types of essays that might appear in the exam. This will help in creating a plan for essay writing and practicing accordingly.

Another important aspect is staying updated on current affairs and trending topics. Keeping oneself informed about world events and happenings helps in generating ideas and content for the essay.

It is also crucial to focus on improving language skills and creative thinking. Reading widely, practicing writing every day, and taking mock essay tests can help in enhancing these skills.

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When it comes to time management, it is recommended to allocate a fixed amount of time for brainstorming, outlining, and writing the essay. This helps in maintaining a structured and organized approach.

Lastly, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes like using too many quotes, memorizing essays, or not staying relevant to the topic. These mistakes can be easily avoided by focusing on the guidelines and practicing regularly.

Overall, preparing for the essay paper requires focus, dedication, and a structured approach. By following these tips, one can improve their chances of acing the essay paper and moving closer to their dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Essay Writing

UPSC essay writing is an important component of the civil services examination. However, many students make some common mistakes while writing their essays that can prove detrimental to their scores. Here are a few errors to avoid when writing your UPSC essays :

• Lack of clarity: One of the most common mistakes that students make is writing unclear or ambiguous essays. Ensure that the language and ideas that you use are clear and concise.
• Overuse of quotes: Many students use too many quotations in their essays, which makes them sound less original. Try to use quotes sparingly, and only when they add significant value to your essay.
• Poor structure: A well-structured essay requires an introduction, several paragraphs supporting your arguments, and a conclusion. Ensure that your essay has a clear and logical structure.
• Lack of relevance: Many students write essays that are not directly relevant to the question asked, which can result in a reduced score. Make sure you understand the question and write an essay that is directly relevant to it.
• Poor time management: UPSC essay writing requires a student to demonstrate their ability to write coherently and without errors within a given period. Students must manage their time effectively, allowing ample time for each paragraph, revision, and proofreading.
• Lack of examples: Candidates should use examples from real life, which strengthens their arguments and provides more depth to their essays.

Avoid these common mistakes during your UPSC essay writing , and you are one step closer to achieving a high score that will make you proud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q1. Which type of essay comes in the IAS exam?

Ans: The four types of essays that come in the IAS exam are Informative essays, Descriptive essays, Narrative essays, and Persuasive essays.

Q2. How to write a UPSC-level essay?

Ans: Tips to write UPSC Essay are given in the article above.

Q3. What is a good score for a UPSC essay?

Ans: An average score falls within the range of 110-125. However, exceptional essays can receive marks as high as 150-160.

Q4. How long is the UPSC essay paper?

Ans: The candidate is to write two essays in a span of 3 hours with a word limit of 1000-1200 words per essay. There are two sections which contain 4 topics each and out of which the candidate has to pick a single topic from each section to write an essay on.

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UPSC Exam Pattern 2021: Stage and Paper-wise Marks Distribution in UPSC IAS Exams

UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2021 refers to the stages, pattern, marking scheme and duration given of all the compulsory and additional selection papers that together are known as the UPSC Civil Service Examinations. The examination widely divided into three stages:

• Personality Test/ Interview

Many candidates this year appeared for the UPSC Prelims 2020 and are actively preparing for their UPSC Mains, but there are also many new aspirants ready to take their place to start their journey too.

The first step to start preparing for the exam is to conduct a research about the exam to find out in detail about the exam, the kind of questions asked, the kind of answers expected and most importantly, if you are ready to commit and devote yourself for the cause.

Basic Overview of the Exam

Also Read: Important Facts About UPSC Exam

Exam Pattern For UPSC Prelims

Also Read: All You Need to Know About UPSC Prelims Preparation  

Facts About Prelims

• The Prelims stage consists of 2 papers- General Ability Test (GAT) and the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT).
• All MCQ based objective type questions are asked.
• Questions are set in both languages, Hindi and English.
• Questions testing English Language Comprehension skills are set in English only.
• Candidates have to score a minimum of 33% in the Prelims to qualify for IAS Mains.
• Each question in the GAT Paper weighs 2 marks while each question in the CSAT Paper weighs 2.5 marks.
• A penalty of ⅓ marks is deducted for every wrong answer in the form of negative marking.
• 2 answers marked for the same question is considered a wrong answer even if one of the answers is correct.
• No answer marked is not considered as an attempt and hence no penalty is deducted.

Exam Pattern For UPSC Mains

There are two kinds of papers for Mains- Qualifying and Merit. It is compulsory to appear for both. Rank is decided on the basis of Merit. There are 7 papers under Merit:

Facts About Mains

• UPSC Mains is an offline exam conducted on pen and paper.
• Each paper carried 250 marks
• Each paper is 3 hours long with handicapped students getting an extra 30 minutes.
• The exam consists of a total of 9 papers.
• All questions are subjective and descriptive.
• The students are judged on the basis of opinion, content, understanding the problems/ situation, offering feasible solutions/strategies, presentation, language, intellect and knowledge on the given topic.
• Questions are set in both Hindi and English.
• Total marks is 1750.
• The Mains papers are divided into two- Qualifying and Merit.

Qualifying UPSC Mains Papers

Candidates will have to score a minimum percentage in the qualifying exam.

• Paper A: (Any one of the Indian Languages of the candidates’ choice to be selected from the ones included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution – 300 Marks)
• Paper B: English – 300 Marks

Merit UPSC Mains Papers

• Candidates are tested on the basis of their intellect, personal discretion, and interpersonal skills.
• Essay type questions are used to understand the scope of the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of concepts.
• Tests the strength of the candidates’ Indian Language.
• An optional subject is selected from the list provided for which the candidate is to appear.

Also Read: How to Choose The Best Optional Subject For Mains?

Conclusion:

Mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, the balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity are important qualities that UPSC searches for in the candidates.

Training yourself in not only knowledge but also mentally and personality-wise is important as it will help you be ready to solve all problems in a diplomatic and effortless manner. Knowing the exam pattern well enough is the first step to achieving your dreams to be a competent civil servant.

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• IAS Preparation
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• How To Write The Essay Paper For UPSC Mains

How to Write the Essay Paper in UPSC Mains?

The essay paper is an important aspect of the UPSC civil services exams. It can make or break your outcome. There are two sections in this paper. Each section gives you four topics; you have to choose one topic each. Each essay you write is marked out of 125, making a total of 250 marks.

Click here to download the  UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020 .

To download UPSC Prelims 2021 Question Papers PDF, visit the linked article.

Your general studies preparation is enough to cover possible topics, and you don’t have to study separate content for the civil services essay paper. You do have to remember certain aspects of writing a good essay if you want to have the edge over your fellow UPSC aspirants. A lot of IAS aspirants make the mistake of not focusing on the essay paper because of its general nature. However, there are many advantages of concentrating on this paper, such as:

• You have the option of selecting one topic out of four. You should be able to leverage this to your advantage and shine in this paper.
• The essay paper is an area where you can let loose your creativity while displaying your knowledge about the topics.
• Also, you have three hours to write about 1000 to 1200 words per topic (word limit for essay in UPSC exam). Hence, you can do justice to the essay topic as you have ample time to structure your thoughts and then start writing.

Let us look at how your essay should be structured!

Your essay should ideally have an introduction, content, basic theme and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion are self-explanatory. Content should give a historical perspective to your topic. It should also include facts and events related to your topic. Try to cover relevant aspects of the topic. The basic theme should talk about your views on the topic. Take a stand but a balanced one. You should also describe the negative and positive aspects of the topic chosen.

How to select the UPSC essay topic?

• Go through all the given topics well.
• Choose a topic you know most and have significant knowledge about.
• Try to avoid provocative issues where personal opinions can be controversial.
• Select the topic only if you are sure of the meaning. For example, know what IT refers to in a given case – information technology or income tax.
• Don’t necessarily pick a topic because it excites you. You should have content and a balanced approach while writing about it.

Features of a good essay

• It should resonate with the topic given. Don’t stray from the topic merely to fill up the word count.
• It should engross the reader. A good essay should ignite the reader’s curiosity about the topic. It should not be boring. The reader should feel like going on reading it.
• It should be multi-dimensional. Don’t have a single viewpoint. Analyse the topic from different perspectives. You can provide new insights into the topic and impress the examiner.
• It should be simple but effective and coherent. You need not write the Queen’s English but let the language drive home whatever point you are trying to make.
• It should be grammatically perfect. Not only does it enhances your essay’s clarity it also avoids a negative impression.
• It should be neat. This is why it is important to think about what you want to write before starting. This avoids scratching.
• There should be continuity in your essay. Don’t jump from one point to another. Make your shifts seamless and smooth. Let there be a natural flow of points. This indicates clarity of thoughts.
• It should contain quotes, headings, sub-headings and diagrams if required.
• It should be structured appropriately.

Things to avoid in a UPSC essay question paper

• Avoid writing in the first person.
• Avoid being too aggressive in your writing. You want to portray an image of a composed person with balanced views. Aggressiveness can also show inflexibility.
• Avoid being pessimistic in your writing. UPSC wants officers with a cheerful and positive disposition!
• Avoid writing in points. Remember you are writing an essay.
• You don’t have to agree with the stand taken by the question. Sometimes, a question can be a statement giving a particular view. You can write both negative and positive aspects of it.
• Don’t stray away from the topic.
• Don’t get too personal and name politicians or political parties unnecessarily. You are going to be a bureaucrat, not a politician or journalist!
• Avoid giving quotes that you are not sure of. Don’t attribute quotes to the wrong people. And, definitely do not create your own quotes . You can’t fool the examiner. Doing so will certainly get you penalised.

You can write good essays if you develop the habit of reading good UPSC essays on a regular basis. Incorporate reading essays as a part of your UPSC civil services preparation. Also, do note that referring to UPSC previous year’s essay papers will help immensely. Remember, practice makes perfect!

For more on UPSC essay writing, read Useful technique to practice on essay topics for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam .

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Reference: Indian Express

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Reference: Indian Express ,  Insights on India

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Essay is about a long piece of article which demands self-insight, originality and ability to give an analytical view. It demands a different level of writing skill which include not only effective articulation but also giving a logical and coherent view.

Not all can be good at essay writing and for some, it is part and parcel of life. The role of philosophical essay has further complicated the matter for students.

We at Lukmaan IAS have guided hundreds of students in essay including AIR 13 of CSE 2023, AIR 05 of 2016, AIR 18 of 2018, AIR 53 of 2016 Manuj Jindal. Marks also have been secured as high as 160 by Avnindra Kumar CSE 2017.

The Essay Test Series has total seven tests based on the UPSC pattern. It means there are total 56 topics, of which more 40 topics are philosophical. We follow a blend of philosophical and subject-matter based topics so that students have practice on all variety of topics.

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“Since 2013, the UPSC has been changing its pattern and moving towards more Philosophical type essay. In 2018, Section B all four topics were based on philosophical type. And it was a surprise for students. But in 2019, this surprise became a shocker as in Section A, all four topics were not philosophical but rather based on philosophical ethics. We at Lukmaan IAS since 2013 have followed this standard. We have been asking philosophical topics. In total 56 topics, we have almost 32 philosophical topics. We have also been teaching how to write a piece of content of 1000 words on your own terms rather than memorising and adopting some techniques of inter-linkages and following mechanically.  we too have introduced a major shift due to the pattern of 2019. Now we will also have 32 philosophical / philosophical ethics topics. All philosophical ethics discussion taken by S. Ansari (the best teacher for Ethics Paper).

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