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Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

• 13 Aug 2018
• 20 min read

Understanding Essay Writing

An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic, notes that the essay is “Any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.”

Broadly speaking, there are two types of essays - formal and informal. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), we are concerned with the formal essay. The formal essay is relatively impersonal, the author writes it as an authority and such essays tend to be less emotional. Formal essays can also have factual elements in it, like quoted statistics from a government report etc. It is never in the form of a conversation, never uses first-person references and seldom gets intimate with the audience. In short, a formal essay has a certain degree of seriousness attached to it.

Essay writing for CSE

• For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250.
• The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section.
• The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is being expected from the aspirant. Aspirants are ‘expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly.It furthur tates that, credit will be given for effective and coherent expression’.
• The underlined keywords are important because after content, these are the exact parameters on which the essay will be evaluated. 

Beginning Essay Writing

Practice makes perfect. For scoring good marks in the essay, one needs practice. But, before we get to the practising part, we should do some basic homework first. We would start by looking at what a well structured essay is, how it can be planned, what elements can be added to make the essay more scoring, and most importantly, how to do it all within the prescribed time limit.

Basic structure of an essay

The most common method of structuring a essay is breaking it up into paragraphs. In this technique, besides the introduction and the conclusion, there will be body-paragraphs. In these body-paragraphs, the aspirant will have to fit in all his content.

• Body-paragraphs can broadly be supportive, critical or narrative. Ideally, one can start any argument in an aptly phrased narrative paragraph which describe the topic in some detail and then move on to a supportive paragraph containing a few positive facts/ideas on the topic. Though critical paragraphs look best when they are placed last, there are no such rules, and for some topics it can be used as the opening paragraph for the topic.
• The most important part of the essay is perhaps the introduction. First impressions are very important, and a well thought out introduction will definitely make a positive impression on the examiner. We will discuss how to write a proper introduction later in this strategy.
• Similarly, the conclusion is where one can score additional marks if done properly. This will also be discussed later.

Keywords of the essay syllabus

• 'closely': Any deviation from the topic will be tolerated only up to a certain point. One must, therefore, as a rule stick as closely as possible to the topic at hand. Any example, quote, anecdote or reference must be on topic or related closely to it.
• 'arrange': The essay must be in an arranged form. The aspirant is supposed to plan ahead and form a structure of the essay before actually writing it down.
• 'orderly': The ideas or arguments put forward in the essay must follow an order. A haphazard essay that does not flow sequentially, must be avoided at all costs.
• 'concise': The essay and the matter discussed therein must be expressed as precisely possible. Clarity of thought and brevity of expression is what is looked for in the CSE essay.
• 'effective': The essay must be written in a language that makes a strong impression. Thus, one needs to be conveying a point with every sentence, every paragraph. Flowery language is best avoided.
• 'coherent': Coherence is required of all forms of writing, including answer writing, but in the CSE essay one must be extra careful to check that all individual sentences in the essay are making sense. Also, paragraphs as a whole must convey a clear and well thought out exposition on the theme of the essay.

Planning to write an essay

A good essay needs planning. There are three steps to it - defining or understanding what the essay is going to be about in very clear terms, brainstroming on the topic and thirdly, devising the outline of the essay.

Central idea of the thesis statement

• All CSE essays have a thesis statement. For example, in CSE 2016, the following essay was asked— ‘Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare’ . Here the central idea is ‘innovation’. The aspirant is supposed to explore those dimensions of innovation that affect ‘economic growth and social welfare’. In doing so, the aspirant should not veer from the central topic of innovation but if possible add a few related ideas which may supplement the overall central idea that not only socio-economic but also other areas like technology and culture are affected by forces of innovation.
• In another essay asked in CSE— ‘Water disputes between States in federal India’ – the central idea is how the water disputes between various Indian states have played out and what are its various dimensions. Constitutional, legal, social and political dimensions, for ex, are a must for addressing this topic. In order to find out the various dimensions of any given topic we should perform a brainstorming exercise.

Brainstorming for essay writing

• Brainstorming for essay is a crucial step. Brainstorming helps you get all the ideas at one place for quick reference. There are no hard and fast rules, but typically one can begin with the given topic and immediately start listing the things that come to mind. One can ideally devote an entire page for this exercise.

Brainstorming guide

• The first requirement for brainstorming is focus. One should be able to focus single-mindedly on the job at hand, which in this case is jotting down as many points as possible regarding the essay topic.
• Boundaries must also be properly defined. If the topic does not absolutely require a particularly complex point or if it does not require following a difficult train of thought, it should be avoided. Keeping the essay as simple as possible without sacrificing the most valid points is what we should be looking for.
• Then we must set a time limit for the brainstorming session. Ideally, for CSE that time limit works out to about 25 minutes per essay. Within that time limit one is supposed to come up with all the necessary points and plans for writing the essay.
• Another important point to be made here is that aspirants should have a fair understanding regarding  the expectations of the CSE examiner from the essay. Every topic will have some basic ideas that the aspirants must necessarily try to explore or address. During brainstorming such a requirement can be searched for.
• In the brainstorming exercise one may also take help of diagrams, flow-charts, mind-maps etc., if needed. Sometimes doing this may clear things up to a great extent or even save precious time.
• Three things that one must exclusively do while brainstorming are — identify causes and factors, define the various issues and make a list of associated ideas. Doing this is key to success in the entire brainstorming exercise.

Adding elements to the essay

• Any good essay will definitely have a multitude of elements and dimensions to it. For CSE essay writing, there are certain basic rules that one can follow while searching for these elements and dimensions.
• The first of such rules would be to follow and uphold Constitutional values at all times . This is very crucial for essay writing in CSE, that the values enshrined in our Constitution reflect in whatever idea, problem or solution we discuss in the essay. At no point should one try and support an idea that is unconstitutional.
• One must also be democratic while addressing issues . The concepts of ‘freedom and equality’ should be the guiding principles while suggesting solutions and while criticising events or issues.
• Generally, one must also avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions . In fact, the best way to handle complex problems is to find the middle ground.
• One must also try not to make sweeping generalisations on any given issue. Instead, there should be hints of patience, justice and understanding in addressing or discussing any given topic.
• Lastly, there are two more things that an aspirant need to keep in mind while attempting the CSE essay. (A) Do not question the topic itself, which is to say, in other words, do not contradict yourself. Pick a position (ideally, the middle path) and stay true to it throughout the essay. (B) Never use positively, things that are universally considered or used in a negative sense, and vice-versa. For ex, one must not say that ‘terrorism’ under certain conditions is equivalent to a freedom struggle, even though quotes like ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ are quite common.

Elements in an essay

• The three basic elements — social, political and economic — form the bedrock of a good CSE essay.
• To these, one may add other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, technical etc. 
• Another important element is the persona Good personal experiences or anecdotes can no doubt be used to increase the effectiveness of the essay but these should stay within the accepted framework of ethical conduct.

PESTLE Analysis

• Political – Economic – Sociological – Technological – Legal – Environmental Analysis.
• Use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic.

Outlining the essay

• Before writing the essay, it is best to outline it. To outline an essay means to figure out what to say in the introduction/conclusion, which idea comes where, or even what quote to use for the essay etc.
• Outlining the essay in rough helps us grasp the entirety of the essay before actually writing it. It helps us get the big picture, and also see what we could be missing.
• It is said that once we can figure out the conclusion to our essay, it becomes much easier to not only begin but finish it with confidence.

Writing An Essay 

Sticking to the time limit

In the CSE, one has to write two essays in 3 hours which translates into 1 hour 30 minutes for each essay. Out of this, around 45 minutes to 1 hour will be required to write one essay. One can add another 10 minutes for the revision of one essay. This leaves us with roughly 30 minutes of time to prepare the essay in rough, and it includes time for carrying out the brainstorming and outlining exercises.

How to introduce the essay

• The goal of the introduction should be to arouse the reader’s interest in the topic and to prepare the reader for what is to follow.
• A good introduction to the essay can be a brief explanation of the essay topic itself. It can be made further interesting by adding to it some personal experience, or some relevant anecdotes or quotes
• The introduction should not be confusing or lacking in clarity, rather it should be able to immediately clear up any doubts regarding the topic if there is any.

Writing in paragraphs

• In a stand-alone paragraph, the concluding sentence announces that the paragraph is finished, complete. In an essay, the concluding sentence of a paragraph is more likely to play the role of a transitional device, joining one paragraph to the next.
• Flow is very important in an essay. It is also connected to writing order. Writing orders are of two types
• Known-to-New is the order of writing where the author by choice goes from known (given) concepts to unknown ones. New material is gradually added to build on the unknown.
• Simple-to-Complex is the order of writing where the author first establishes a base of concepts that are easily understood and then develops over it increasingly complex ideas.
• One can use the FREQOES method to add matter to the various paragraphs.

How to conclude the essay

• The essay can be concluded in the following ways - restating the main points in brief and with different wordings (summarizing), suggesting a way forward or a course of action, or adding an interesting personal comment or any relevant anecdote.
• Another way to conclude the essay is by returning to the discussion begun in the introduction. This is called the ‘cyclic return’ and a lot of essays follow this simple method of concluding an essay.
• The conclusion should bear a positive outlook, it should see the silver lining in the clouds. It should also be as clear and concise as possible.

Revising the essay

• To revise, read the essay in its entirety, underlining (preferably with scale and pencil) important words or phrases. Correct spelling or grammatical mistakes if any. Make sure the pages look clean and tidy.
• One may add or omit a few words but it should not be overdone. It is also not advisable that entirely new ideas/sentences are inserted in the essay at the time of revision, unless such information is critical to the essay.

Some tips on essay writing

• One can go through the CSE previous year’s essays and understand the concepts, dimensions and solutions required to solve those. Having a simple understanding of complex social problems is the secret to writing a good essay for the CSE.
• One can also keep handy a small collection of quotes or quotable phrases and citable anecdotes to be used while writing the essay. This keeps one prepared for writing any type of essay.

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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

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

Related Posts :

Rstv- the big picture : india-nepal-china corridor, iasbaba’s daily current affairs [prelims + mains focus] – 17th may 2018.

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• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• Essay In UPSC Exam

How to Write Essay in UPSC Exam

The Essay Paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC civil services mains exam. In this paper, you will have to write two essays, each with a word count of 1000–1200. One topic can be selected from a choice of four topics. The Essay Paper is for a total of 250 marks, with one essay for 125 marks.

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper from the linked article.

Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper  from the linked article.

You would have read many articles on our website on how to prepare for the essay paper in the IAS mains exam. This article tells you how to write an essay for the UPSC exam.

It is recommended that you follow certain steps while writing the essay paper.

How to Write the Essay for UPSC?

• Read the topics thoroughly

This is the most important step in the process. You should choose one of the four topics. While selecting your topic, make sure you know most about that topic out of the given topics. What not to pick:

• A sensitive or controversial topic.
• A topic about which you are too passionate or feel strongly about. In this case, you may tend to get excited and fail to write a balanced essay. This can work against you.
• Think for some time

Once you’ve selected your topic, you should not start writing straight away. It is prudent to think for some time and collect your thoughts. Write in pencil the points you want to write. This is important because only then can you write your points in the correct sequence. For instance, if you are writing about India’s relations with its neighbours, you need to write the historical facts and events in the beginning. Suppose you start writing the essay and realise only towards the end that you have forgotten to mention a crucial detail in the historical part, it would be too late to add it because of a space crunch. Therefore, it helps if you write your rough points in the beginning.

Once you have the rough points in hand, you can start writing the essay. While writing, you must adhere to a good structure. The structure of a good essay is as follows:

• Introduction
• Main issue/problem/subject
• Current scenario/current news related to the topic
• Positive and negative aspects
• Reforms/way forward

You can get brownie points if you also include:

• Relevant quotes/sayings by famous personalities (ensure to quote verbatim).
• Relevant government schemes and policies.
• Any figures or numbers (must be accurate otherwise, don’t include them).

Important pointers to note while you write:

• Don’t resort to name-calling. Never get personal in your essay.
• Don’t have extreme views. The Buddha’s middle path can help you here!
• Don’t just present problems. Give possible reforms/solutions also.
• Don’t criticise the administration excessively.
• Even if the topic is provocative, your essay shouldn’t be. Present a balanced picture. You don’t HAVE to agree to the topic.
• Avoid writing utopian solutions.
• Keep in mind you are a future officer, not a journalist!

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Writing a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained by Anudeep Durishetty

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.”

Writing is a window to your thought process. What you write on paper will tell the reader how you think, how you argue and the way you substantiate your viewpoint. This is why for most competitive examinations and academic entrance tests, essay is mandatory.

In the Civil Services Exam too, we have a paper worth 250 marks, equivalent to a General Studies paper. Despite its importance, essay paper often does not get the attention it deserves from aspirants. First timers think they will write an excellent essay in the final exam itself, whereas experienced aspirants believe that since they had already studied a ton for GS, it will alone be enough to write a good essay. This is a fatal miscalculation.

I was one of those who made these errors in the past, and it is not a coincidence that I scored only 100 in CSE 2015. But in 2017, I devoted adequate time to this paper. I collected useful quotes, prepared notes and even made rough essay drafts for frequently asked topics. All this effort in essay paper helped me score 155.

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows:

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

• On subheadings and rough drafts
• What you must avoid
• How to write a powerful introduction?
• Developing the content of an Essay

Substantiating your arguments

• How to conclude an Essay
• My notes, quote collection and sample essays

“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 an orderly fashion, and to write concisely . Credit will be given for  effective and exact expression .”

Essay distinguishes itself from GS in the sense that in GS, marks will be awarded purely for content. But in essay, examiners will pay special attention to not just the content, but also the language, coherence and the way you organise your write-up.

So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors.

Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help:

• Reading non-fiction  helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s  Homo Deus  to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read  Why Nations Fail,  a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one  non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run.
• Referring to specific magazines:  For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector.
• Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes: Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons.

         List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.

Language in essay must be simple and clear with as little jargon as possible. If you want to use complex definitional terms such as, say, ‘Constitutionalism’ or ‘Sanskritisation’ please define it in sentence just before you use it. Examiner will also understand clearly what you want to convey. Clear writing is clear thinking. And that is what any reader looks for.

Keep your sentences short and powerful. Long, winding sentences makes it difficult to read and understand. If you tack on one clause after another through conjunctions, what you get is a bad sentence sprawl.

Example of a bad sentence sprawl:

At the end of World War 2, on the one hand, while capitalism was successfully championed by the nations in North America and Europe, on the other hand, it was USSR that put Communism at the forefront due to which there was an ideological clash between the the two superpowers which had led to proxy wars in various parts of the globe, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of the security of the world.

(By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence)

So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while  reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two.

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend):

After World War 2, while the North American and European nations championed capitalism, USSR put communism at the forefront. This ideological clash between the superpowers led to several proxy wars, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of world security.

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge.

Also, I believe that learning numerous words by rote will not make them stick in your brain for long. The best way to build your vocabulary is by reading non-fiction and English newspapers. While reading these, if you come across a good turn of phrase, or a word that you don’t recognise, please note it down in a book, find its meaning and understand the context in which the word was used. This helps in long term memory. Having a dictionary app on your phone also helps.

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words.

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘ Benefits of Nuclear Energy’  we can use “ Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?’  Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media ’, I wrote  “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article.

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question.

What you must avoid in Essay

• Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional.
• During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No  mann ki baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic.
• If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112.
• When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist.
• No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it ? You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note.
• Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time.

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:

Here, at the end of a para, you write a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next. For example, let’s say you have just written a para about the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to jobs. At the end of that para you can write a link sentence—   “Further, we must be mindful of the fact that Artificial Intelligence poses a major challenge not just economically, but also ethically.”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Through a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of a para so that examiner’s attention is helplessly carried to the next. To take the similar example as above, the question can be something like—   “Thus we have examined the threat posed by AI to our economy, but what about the challenges brought by AI to our ethics and morals?”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

Here you can simply add a word or two at the beginning of a para that signals a shift in your subtopic. For example in an essay on  Globalisation , let’s say you have just written a para about its historical evolution and impact. You can start the next para with something like—  “Politically too, globalisation has had a tremendous impact……” This way examiner immediately knows what to expect.

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt.

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character); a real life anecdote; a quote; or a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay)

In GS, definitional approach is a great way to introduce your answers. But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction.

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

“Before partition, North and South Korea might have been homogeneous in every respect, but after the division, they steered onto different paths. While schools in the North chose to ‘educate’ their children in the worship of a cult leader, ideological indoctrination and servility, its southern counterpart focused on liberal education, innovation and economic growth.

“Today, almost seven decades later, the difference in the fates of these people and the trajectories of both these nations cannot be more stark. One is known for gross violation of human rights, while the other a champion of liberal democracy. One is known for gut-wrenching poverty, while the other unbridled prosperity.

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”

Similarly, for the Social Media essay, my introduction sought to bring to the fore the paradox of Social Media. I wrote on how social media was leveraged to crowdsource help and rescue during Chennai floods in 2015. At the same time, I mentioned how it was used nefariously in 2012 to cause mass exodus of northeast people from Bangalore. And taking cue from this introduction, in the main body, I discussed about the inherent selfishness and altruism associated with social media.

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best.

• Temporal: Past, present and future
• Sectoral: Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc
• Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global
• Problem & Solution:  Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions
• Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal

Example: for a topic like  “Has Globalisation delivered on its promise?”  I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question.

In the main body of the essay, each para must have an argument or an idea and a reasoning to back that argument. You can substantiate it through a real life example, a statistic, an authentic committee or organisational report etc.

For example, if you are arguing that Capital punishment is an expensive form of justice, you should be able to given an example or a statistic or Law Commission’s opinion as to how the subjects of death penalty are overwhelmingly from poor communities.

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative.

Concluding an Essay

Conclusion needs to be on  a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future.

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like  Sabka saath sabka vikas ,  Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India  etc can come handy.  Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay.

But suppose in your introduction, if you had written about a fictitious character, then it’s always advisable to end your write-up with a reference to that character. It gives a sense of completeness to the essay.

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to upload them publicly :D)

They are fragmented in certain pages, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely, but nevertheless I hope you take home something useful.

Link to handwritten notes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku

Quote collection:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-

Sample Essays:  

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo

Read More at: https://anudeepdurishetty.in/ 

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Essay Test Series - 2024 (Only)

Essay test series 2024 (7 tests), course fee: ₹. 3,499/-, batch date: 21 july 2024.

Download Essay Test Series Date Schedule starting 21 July.

Akshay Doshi, IAS (AIR-75, 2023). Listen what this highest  scorer in Essay Paper, 2023 says about our Essay Test Series and Bibhash Sharma.

Essay For UPSC: HIGHLIGHTS

• 7 High-Quality Essay Tests for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 (crafted from themes of previous years). These test papers will be evaluated with meticulous attention to detail. This series is exclusively designed for candidates appearing in the UPSC CSE Mains 2024 . It aims to thoroughly assess and prepare candidates before the Grand Finale  of Essay Paper (mains) on September 20, 2024.
• Exclusive Theme-wise Holistic Notes for in-depth understanding.
• Detailed discussion after every test.
• One-on-one test discussions with the faculty after copy evaluation.
• Model hint answers for every UPSC essay test.
• Model Essays are prepared using innovative approaches that reflect the actual UPSC exam pattern.
• 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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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

Following are the topics on which our followers have written (and writing essays) every Sunday to hone their essay writing skills. The topics are chosen based on UPSC previous year topics. Writing one essay on each Sunday will help you get better marks in this paper.

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 1 CSE 2017

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 25 CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 40 CSE 2015

• [VIDEO] How to Improve Marks in Essay and Ethics Papers?
• [VIDEO] How to Write Philosophical Essays

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

• 1 September 2024 : The worst form of injustice is pretended justice
• 25 August, 2024 : Science is the poetry of reality.
• 18 August, 2024 : A Budget Tells Us What We Cannot Afford, But It Doesn’t Keep Us from buying it
• 11 August, 2024 : The world is not magic and that is the most magical thing about it. 
• 4 August, 2024 : Art is I; Science is We. 
• 28 July, 2024 : History, in general, only informs us what bad government is
• 21 July, 2024 : Sarcasam : the last refuge of the chaste-souled individuals when their privacy is coarsely invaded.
• 14 July, 2024 : Wound is the place where light enters you
• 7 July, 2024 : What is Religion to One is Superstition To Another
• June 30, 2024 : Gender Is Spectrum
• June 23, 2024 : Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
• June 16, 2024 : Saint Has A Past. Sinner Has A Future
• June 9, 2024 : The worst disease in the world today is corruption and the cure for it is transparency.
• June 2, 2024 : Escape Competition Through Authenticity.
• May 26, 2024 : Creativity Is Allowing Yourself to Make Mistakes. Art Is Knowing Which Ones to Keep.
• May 19 2024 : In No Man’s Land, the only way to survive is to adapt.
• May 12, 2024 : Economics is concerned with what emerges, not what anyone intended.
• May 5, 2024 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.
• April 28, 2024 : We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
• April 21, 2024 : Well done is better than well said.
• April 14, 2024 : Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative. 
• April 07, 2024 : Came from plant, use it; made in plant, don’t.
• March 30, 2024 : A Business That Makes Nothing More Than Money Is Poor Business
• March 24, 2024 : If Voting Really Made Difference, They Would Not Let Us Do It
• March 17, 2024 : Cinema Is Not A Slice Of Life, But A Piece Of Cake. 
• March 10, 2024 : Education Can give skill, but a liberal education can give dignity
• March 3, 2024 : Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself
• February 25, 2024 : Who Looks Inside Awakes, Who Looks Outside Dream
• February 18, 2024 : Never Let School Interfere With Your Education
• February 11, 2024 : Whoever Controls the Media Controls the Mind
• February 04, 2024 : A certain darkness is needed to see the stars
• January 28, 2024 : Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
• January 21, 2024 : Subtle Is powerful
• January 14, 2024 : The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. 
• January  07, 2024 : Give them Quality. That’s The Best Kind of Advertising

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

• December 31, 2023 : The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain
• December 24, 2023 : All Great Changes Are Preceded By Chaos
• December 17, 2023 : We are drowning in information, but starved for Knowledge
• December 10, 2023 : Violence Is the last resort of the incompetent
• December 03, 2023 : Be a Voice, Not an Echo
• November 26, 2023 : A Society that has more justice is the society that needs less charity
• November 19, 2023 : Sell Your Cleverness and Buy Bewilderment
• November 12, 2023 : love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within
• November 5, 2023 : Clothes Make The Man
• October 29, 2023 : Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
• October 22, 2023 : Mathematics is the music of reason
• October 15, 2023 : Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines
• October 08, 2023 : Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
• October 01, 2023 : Not All Who Wander Are Lost
• September 24, 2023 : Visionary Decision-Making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic
• September 17, 2023 : Thinking Is Like A game. It does not begin unless there is an opposition team.
• September 10, 2023 : Unless we have well-educated people, we are vulnerable on National Security
• September 03, 2023 : Harsh Laws are, at times, better than No laws
• August 27, 2023 : Nations Do Not Die From Invasion. They Die From Internal Rottenness
• August 20, 2023 : In Individuals, insanity is rare; In groups, parties and nations, it is the rule.
• August 13, 2023 : Economics Is Too Important To Leave To The Economists.
• August 06, 2023 : A self without a book-shelf is naked.
• July 30, 2023 : Wrong Choices Lead To Right Places
• July 23, 2023 : Credit where credit is due.
• July 16, 2023 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take away from you.
• July 9, 2023 : The measure of intelligence is the ability to change
• July 2, 2023 : Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. 
• June 25, 2023 : In the long run , the sword will always be conquered by the spirit
• June 18, 2023 : The company you keep determines your Success
• June 11, 2023 : A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• June 4, 2023 : Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future but to shape it
• May 28, 2023 : Action breeds confidence and courage
• May 21, 2023 : A library is a hospital for the mind
• May 14, 2023 : Self-Education is Life-Long Curiosity
• May 7, 2023 : Silence is Spurious Golden
• April 30, 2023 : The price of greatness is responsibility
• April 23, 2023 : Progress is impossible without change
• April 16, 2023 : The Impact of Artificial Intelligence.
• April 9, 2023 : People would rather believe than know.
• April  2, 2023 : Prioritizing education technology for global growth
• March 26, 2023 : Technology is a weapon against poverty
• March 19, 2023 : Every choice you make makes you
• March 12, 2023 : Patience is a virture ; virtue is a grace
• March 5, 2023 : Before any fight, it is the fight of mind
• February 26, 2023 :  The Measure of a man is what he does with Power.
• February 19, 2023 : When you kill time, you kill life.
• February 12, 2023 : Delayed success mostly stays forever.
• February 05, 2023 : The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
• January 29, 2023 : Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.
• January 22, 2023 : I am what I am, so take me as I am
• January 15, 2023 : Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased
• January 08, 2023 : Time hurts but it also heals. It punishes but it rewards too- it is the greatest teacher ever for a human.
• January 01, 2023 : The Beginning is the End and the End is The Beginning.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

• December 25, 2022 : To tolerate is purely an act of mind
• December 18, 2022 : The arc of moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice
• December 11, 2022 : Religion is a culture of faith; Science is a culture of doubt.
• December 04, 2022 : My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read
• November 27, 2022 : Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits
• November 20, 2022 : We are always blind as we want to be
• November 13, 2022  : By your stumbling, the world is perfected.
• November 6, 2022 : You cannot step twice in the same river
• October 30, 2022 : Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
• October 23, 2022 : A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• October 16, 2022 : The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
• October 9, 2022 : A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for
• October 2, 2022 : History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
• September 25, 2022 : Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• September 18, 2022 : Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
• September 11, 2022 : Culture changes with economic development.
• September 4 2022 : We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.
• August 28 2022 :  The obstacle is the path.
• August 21 2022 : What is to give light must endure burning.
• August 14 2022 : “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” Aristotle.
• August 7 2022 : Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein
• July 31, 2022 : A bad conscience is easier to cope with than a bad reputation. Friedrich Nietzsche.
• July 24, 2022 : Time is all we have and don’t
• July 17, 2022 : Life fritters away when distractions become your lifestyle
• July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn
• July 3, 2022 : Mind – a beautiful servant? Or a dangerous master?
• June 26, 2022 : Education Breeds Peace
• June 19, 2022 : A great leader is never angry
• June 12, 2022 : That which hurts, instructs; That which instructs, creates; Creates Wonders!
• June 05, 2022 : Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do
• May 29, 2022 : The journey is a reward as well as destination
• May 22, 2022 : Imagination creates reality
• May 15, 2022 : The curious paradox is, only if we accept things as they are, things can change
• May 08, 2022:  The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, while wiser people are so full of doubts
• May 01, 2022:  Loyalty To Country Always. Loyalty To Government Only When It Deserves
• April 24, 2022: Successful Investing Is Anticipating The Anticipations of Others
• April 17, 2022: Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear
• April 10, 2022 : Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn
• April 03, 2022 : Forgiveness is the final form of love
• March 27, 2022 : The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless
• March 20, 2022 : Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.
• March 13, 2022 : Everything we hear is an opinion; not a fact
• March 5, 2022 : There are better practices to “best practices”
• February 27, 2022 : History repeats itself first as a tragedy second as a farce.
• February 20, 2022 : What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• February 13, 2022 : Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
• February 6, 2022 : The real is rational and the rational is real.
• January 30, 2022 : Philosophy of Wantlessness Is Utopian, while the philosophy of materialism is chimera.
• January 23, 2022 : Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• January 16, 2022 : The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• January 09, 2022 : Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom
• January 02, 2022 : Biased Media Is A Real Threat To Indian Democracy

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

• December 26, 2021 : What Gets Measured Gets Managed
• December 19, 2021 : The enemy of stability is complacency
• December 12, 2021 : A clear conscience fears no accusation
• December 05, 2021 : Power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas
• November 28, 2021 : The whole is more than a sum of its parts
• November 21, 2021 : Scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity
• November 14, 2021 : The price of our vitality is the sum of all our fears
• November 7, 2021 : Lawlessness is the result of failure to cultivate a sense of self-evaluation
• October 30, 2021 : What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make
• October 24, 2021 : Science for the economic freedom of humanity
• October 17, 2021 : An interdependent world cannot be an inequitable world
• October 03, 2021 : Strength comes from an indomitable Will
• SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 : Ethnocracy and concentration of power can derail even an affluent nation
• SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 : Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.
• SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 : Culture of entitlement comes with unreasonable expectations and insecurities 
• SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 : Literacy is a vital skill that enhances dignity, improves health outcomes, empowers people to access their rights and bolsters opportunities
• AUGUST 29, 2021 : A parliamentary system of government rests on a functioning opposition as ‘no democracy can do without it’.
• AUGUST 22, 2021 : Development must lead to dismantle all kinds of human unfreedom
• AUGUST 15, 2021 : Sport is a reflection of larger social phenomena
• AUGUST 8, 2021 : Every social stratum has its own Common Sense and its own good sense
• AUGUST 1, 2021 : Capitalism without competition is not Capitalism. It is Exploitation.
• JULY 25, 2021 : We don’t have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment
• JULY 18,2021 : We Need not a social conscience, but a social consciousness.
• JULY 11, 2021 : The cure for evils of democracy is more democracy.
• JULY 04, 2021 : No Constitution by itself achieves perfect justice
• JUNE 27, 2021 : Our world has achieved brilliance without conscience.
• JUNE 20, 2021 : Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible.
• JUNE 13, 2021 : Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
• JUNE 06, 2021 : The political problem of mankind is to combine three things: economic efficiency, social justice and individual liberty.
• MAY 30, 2021 : Economics without ethics is a caricature & ethics without economics is a fairy tale.
• MAY 23 , 2021 : Indecisiveness is the rival of Progression
• MAY 16 , 2021 : Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.
• May 09, 2021 : The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth
• May 02, 2021 : The truth of character is expressed through choice of act ions
• April 25, 2021 : It is not our differences that divide us; It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.
• April 18, 2021 : Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• April 11, 2021 : Solutions emerge if situations are not forced
• April 04, 2021 : Morality is subservient to materialistic values in present times
• March 28, 2021 : Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible
• March 21, 2021 : Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence but are a reflection of it
• March 14, 2021 : The Future of Multilateralism : Towards a responsible Globalization
• March 07, 2021 : Subtlety may deceive you; Integrity never will
• February 28, 2021 :Technology as the silent factor in international relations
• February 21, 2021 :Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
• February 14, 2021:There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
• February 07, 2021: Culture is what we are civilization is what we have
• January 31, 2021: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
• January 24, 2021: Ships do not sink because of water around them , ships sink because of water that gets into them
• January 17, 2021: Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
• January 10, 2021: Life is long journey between human being and being humane
• January 03, 2021: The Covid pandemic has revealed the urgent need for effective governance everywhere”
• December 27, 2020: Challenges of 21st Century – insurmountable?
• December 20, 2020: Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
• December 13, 2020: Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

• December 06, 2020 : As you Start to walk on the way, the Way appears
• November 29, 2020: Need of the Hour is to Maximise Possibilities of Agriculture in India
• November 22, 2020: The survival of democracy depends on its ability to lower social uncertainty
• November 15, 2020: There is no greatness where there is no simplicity
• November 08, 2020: Inequality can be Reduced by the Power of the Market rather than the Government
• November 01, 2020: Civil liberties are fundamental to the functioning of modern democracies
• October 25, 2020: Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
• October 18, 2020: Wherever law ends, tyranny begins
• October 11, 2020:Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity
• September 27, 2020: Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions
• September 20, 2020: In India Agriculture and the Farmer are both the Victims of Narrow Political Vision
• September 13, 2020: India Needs Aggressive and Pragmatic Neighbourhood Policy
• September 6, 2020: “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his  attitude .
• August 30, 2020: The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal
• August 23, 2020: Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
• August 16, 2020: Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.
• August 09, 2020: Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value
• August 02, 2020: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
• July 26, 2020: In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility
• July 19, 2020: Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance
• July 12, 2020: The human spirit must prevail over technology
• July 05, 2020: When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
• June 28, 2020: Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity.
• June 21, 2020: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
• June 14, 2020: Post Independence, the Issue of Land is at the Core of India’s Non-Achievement of Its Development Aspirations
• June 7, 2020: Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste
• May 31, 2020: Despite Challenges, To be a Healthy and Successful Nation, India must Ensure Universal Health Coverage 
• May 24, 2020: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
• May 17, 2020:The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little
• May 10, 2020: Urban Exclusion of Migrant Workers in India is a Reality and Needs Urgent Robust Policy Measures
• May 03, 2020: Uncertainty should ignite creativity, not depravity
• April 26, 2020: The fool doth think he is wise but the wise man knows himself to be a fool
• April 19, 2020: Social Harmony, not Social Distancing, is the final solution to all our problems
• April 12, 2020: It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities
• April 05, 2020: Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking
• March 29, 2020: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them”
• March 22, 2020: In order to understand the world one has to turn away from it on occasion
• March 15, 2020: Pandemics such as COVID-19, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
• March 08, 2020: Those who have wisdom have all: Fools with all have nothing
• March 01, 2020: Indifferentism is the worst kind of disease that can affect people.
• [VIDEO] Perspectives on Essay Topic of Feb 23
• February 23, 2020: To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.
• February 16, 2020 : When civil services does its job, people will not need social service
• February 09, 2020 : The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
• February 02, 2020: Ability will get you success, Character will keep you successful.
• January 26, 2020: Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion.
• January 19, 2020: Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes
• January 12, 2020 : Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
• J anuary 5, 2020 : All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal
• December 29, 2019 : There cannot be daily democracy without daily citizenship
• December 22, 2019: War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
• December 15, 2019 : Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a peaceful society
• December 08, 2019: Justice Loses Character if it becomes Revenge
• December 01. 2019: Economic Growth and Development are Shaped by the Societies in which they Operate
• November 24, 2019: Social Media is the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 17, 2019: Media is No More a Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 10, 2019: Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling
• November 03, 2019:Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy
• October 27, 2019: Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
• October 20, 2019: South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities
• October 13, 2019: Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
• October 06, 2019: Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• September 29, 2019: Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• September 22, 2019: Wisdom finds truth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

• September 15, 2019: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
• September 08, 2019: India’s Space Ambitions – Are they Welfarist?
• September 01, 2019: India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
• August 25, 2019 Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
• August 18, 2019 The mind is everything. What you think you become.
• August 11, 2019: Virtue is Knowledge
• August 04, 2019: Inclusive governance begets Inclusive growth
• July 28, 2019: India’s headache: Unemployment or Underemployment?
• July 21, 2019: The road to science and spirituality are opposite, but we should tread both
• July 14, 2019: India is a leading power, rather than just a balancing power
• July 07, 2019: Should the world embrace democratic socialism or progressive capitalism?
• June 30, 2019: Impact of Digital Revolution on Human Wellbeing
• June 23, 20 19: Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty
• June 16, 2019: The definition of happiness is the full use of your powers, along the lines of excellence.
• June 09, 2019: Not Corruption, Communalism is the Greatest Threat India is facing Today
• May 19, 2019: First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
• May 12, 2019: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake
• May 05, 2019: Happiness equals reality minus expectations
• April 28, 2019: Political correctness is tyranny with manners
• April 21, 2019: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
• April 07, 2019: Dogma is the sacrifice of wisdom to consistency
• March 31, 2019: The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
• March 24, 2019: Terrorism has No Religion
• March 17, 2019: Money and Religion – Great Unifiers of Humankind?
• March 10, 2019: Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay
• March 03, 2019: Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower
• February 24,2019: Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens
• February 17, 2019: Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back
• February 10, 2019: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• February 03, 2019: You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality
• January 27, 2019: Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
• January 20, 2019: All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
• January 12, 2019: All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.
• January 06, 2019: National security is Irreversibly linked to good economic growth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

• December 28, 2018: To plan for smart development, governments and business must recognize nature’s role in supporting economic activity
• December 23, 2018: Government Surveillance – Good or Bad?
• December 16, 2018: Trade Wars – Economic or Geopolitical?
• December 02, 2018: Immigration is Not a Threat, but Fundamentally it’s an Economic Issue
• November 25, 2018: A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• November 18, 2018: “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• November 11, 2018: A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• November 04, 2018: Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task
• October 28, 2018: Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
• October 21, 2018: Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• October 14, 2018: Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it
• October 07, 2018: Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• September 30, 2018: Commercialization of Space : Importance and the need for regulation
• September 23, 2018: E-commerce as a new form of trade and its challenges to India.
• September 16, 2018: Ability is nothing without opportunity
• September 09, 2018: Death Penalty eliminates Criminals, not Crime.
• September 02, 2018: Dissent is the foundation of democracy.
• August 26, 2018: Mars Mission and Mob lynchings are two obverse faces of India
• August 19, 2018: Strengthening Land Rights Strengthens Development
• August 12, 2018: Age of Big Data: Data is the New Oil, History is its oldest bank
• August 05, 2018: Strong Institutions and fair procedures, not personalities constitute the fundamentals of good governance
• July 29, 2018: Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• July 22, 2018: Section 377, not the carnal acts banned under it is ‘against the order of nature ‘
• July 15, 2018: Schooling Is Not Education
• July 08, 2018: Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.
• July 01, 2018: Normal human activity is worse for nature than the greatest nuclear accident in history
• June 24, 2018: Gender Sensitive Indian Society is Prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment
• June 17, 2018: Where Should India Invest More – Human Capital or Human Development?
• June 10, 2018: Has Democracy Taken Backseat Due to the Rise of Populists and Demagogues?
• June 03, 2018: We won’t have a society ,if we destroy the environment
• May 27, 2018: Can Development and Environment Protection Go Together?
• May 20, 2018: Governor is the Choke Point of Federal Circuit of India
• May 13, 2018: Anonymity is the Best and the Worst Feature of Urbanism
• May 06, 2018: A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes
• April 29, 2018: Guaranteeing Right to Vote may Establish a Democracy, But Ensuring it’s Right Use Only Will Bring a True Democracy
• April 22, 2018: Stereotyping is an Ideological Force Which Hinders and Endangers Consolidation of India
• April 15, 2018: Can Education and legislation Address Violence Against Women and Children in India?
• April 8, 2018: Banking Crisis in India – Failure of Governance and Regulation?
• April 1, 2018: Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights
• March 25, 2018: Impact of Technology on Human Relations and Human Productivity
• March 18, 2018: India’s Focus should be on Ease of Living, not on Easy of Doing Business
• March 11, 2018: A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody
• March 04, 2018: Capitalism can not Bring Inclusive Growth
• February 25, 2018: The unprecedented advance of technologies facilitate individual empowerment but at the cost of Institutions and Democratic societies
• February 18, 2018: Threats being Faced by Liberal Democratic Systems are both Dangerous and Permanent
• February 11, 2018: For India, Stigmatised Capitalism is Better than Crony Socialism
• February 04, 2018: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.
• January 28, 2018: Politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak
• January 21, 2018: Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime
• January 14, 2018: Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding
• January 07, 2018: The Root Cause of Agrarian Distress in India – Failure of Policies or Failure of Governance?

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

• December 31, 2017: Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
• December 24, 2017: Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth
• December 17, 2017: Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• December 10, 2017: Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India
• December 03, 2017: Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
• November 19, 2017: Has the Non- Alignment Movement(NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world
• November 12, 2017: Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• November 04, 2017: We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws
• October 29, 2017: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
• October 22, 2017: Harith Diwali, Swasth Diwali : What measures are needed to deal with Festivity and Air Pollution?
• October 15, 2017: Biggest Threat to Humanity – Moral Crisis or Climate Change?
• October 08, 2017: The monsoon is a defining aspect of India’s nationhood
• October 01, 2017: India’s Infrastructure Story – Why is India not able to Build like China?
• September 24, 2017: Impact of Digital Technologies on Globalisation
• September 17, 2017: Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management in India – Challenges and Opportunities
• September 10,2017: Gender Equality and Peace: Are They Connected?
• September 03, 2017: Recent Natural Disasters – What do they Reveal about Humanity?
• August 27, 2017: Godmen – A Threat to Indian Society and Culture
• August 20, 2017: Corruption in India: Neither Systemic Reforms nor Surgical Strikes would End it
• August 13,2017: Interrelationship between Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
• August 06, 2017: Utility and relevance of Parliament in our polity
• July 30, 2017: Caste System – Source of India’s Eternal Inequality?
• July 23, 2017: Indian Democracy, Media and Public Opinion – Does Public Opinion Matter in Policymaking?
• July 16, 2017: Poverty and Environment – Their Interrelationship is the Key to Sustainable World
• July 09, 2017: Soft Power is India’s Strength, not its Weakness
• July 02, 2017: Technology and Jobs – Is Technology a Curse?
• June 25, 2017: Democracy’s Relevance in the Face of New Global Threats
• June 18, 2017: Federalism in India – Competitive or Cooperative?
• June 11, 2017: Peace, Environment and Development: Are these Interrelated?
• June 04, 2017: Role of Technology in Development – Is Technology Helping or Hindering Development?
• May 28, 2017: Poverty is a State of Mind
• May 21, 2017: Does India Need Superpower Status?
• May 14, 2017: India’s Achilles Heel – Lack of Ambition or Lack of Leadership in Achieving Greatness?
• May 07, 2017: Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.
• April 29, 2017: The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation
• April 23, 2017: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom
• April 16, 2017: One-Party-Dominant System – Is it Good for India?
• April 09, 2017: Should Youth in India Consider Politics as Career?
• April 02, 2017: Can World Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War?
• March 26, 2017: Low, stagnating female labour-force participation in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?
• March 19, 2017: When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw
• March 12, 2017: The marks humans leave are too often scars
• March 05, 2017: Environmental Challenges and Geopolitics: How to save our Environment?
• February 27, 2017: Radical Solutions are Needed to Address Today’s Radical Problems
• February 19, 2017: India’s Importance in the Post-truth World
• February 12, 2017: The Role of Politics in Development
• February 05, 2017: Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
• January 29, 2017: Building Walls and Banning Refugees – Does this Help Humanity?
• January 22, 2017: Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality
• January 15, 2017: Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run
• January 08, 2017: Water disputes between states in federal India
• January 01, 2017: Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

• (December 25, 2016) – Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• (December 18, 2016) – Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
• (December 11, 2016) – Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• (December 04, 2016) – If development is not engendered, it is endangered
• (November 27, 2016) – Social media is better at breaking things than at making things
• (November 20, 2016) – Deglobalization is good for the world
• (November 12, 2016) – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others
• (November 06, 2016) – It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence
• (October 30, 2016) – Reducing Poverty while also Conserving Nature is an Impossible Task
• (October 23, 2016) – Poverty can be eliminated by putting science at the heart of development
• (October 16, 2016) – People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people
• (October 09, 2016) – Better Access is Key to Inclusive Cities
• (October 02, 2016) – The weaker sections of Indian society – Are their Rights and Access to Justice Getting Better?
• (September 25, 2016) – Imagination is more important than intelligence
• (September 18, 2016) – Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life
• (September 11, 2016) – Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance
• (September 04, 2016) – It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
• (August 28, 2016) – If one can Address Moral Crisis, many of World’s Problems can be Solved
• (August 21, 2016) – Overdependence on Technology will Advance Human Development
• (August 14, 2016) – Geography may remain the same ; history need not
• (August 07, 2016) – Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom
• (July 31, 2016) – To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all
• (July 24, 2016) – True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing
• (July 17, 2016) – We Can Not Fight Terrorism – We have to Live With it
• (July 10, 2016) – A house divided against itself cannot stand
• (July 02, 2016) – When the going gets tough, the tough get going
• (June 26, 2016) – India a Reluctant Participant in the New Global Order?
• (June 19, 2016) – Inclusiveness in India – Still a Dream?
• (June 12, 2016) – No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
• (June 05, 2016) – Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted
• (May 29, 2016) – It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere
• (May 22, 2016) – Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress
• (May 15, 2016) – Fire is a good servant but a bad master
• (May 08, 2016) – The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
• (May 01, 2016) – Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Development
• (April 24, 2016) – It takes a whole village to raise a child
• (April 17, 2016) – Trust take years to Build, Seconds to Break
• (April 10, 2016) – Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• (April 03, 2016) – Honesty is the Best Policy
• (March 27, 2016) – Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes
• (March 20, 2016) – Caste System – India’s Enduring Curse
• (March 13, 2016) – Fortune favors the bold
• (March 06, 2016) – Quick but steady wins the race
• (February 28, 2016) – Dreams which should not let India sleep
• (February 21, 2016) – Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole
• (February 14, 2016) – Technology cannot replace manpower
• (February 7, 2016) – Character of an institution is reflected in its leader
• (January 31, 2016) – Can Capitalism bring Inclusive Growth?
• (January 24, 2016) – Crisis Faced in India – Moral or Economic?
• (January 17, 2016) – Too many cooks spoil the broth
• (January 10, 2016) – The Best Things in Life are Free
• (January 3, 2016) – Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

WEEKLY ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2015

• 27 December 2015
• 20 December 2015
• 13 December 2015
• 06 December 2015
• 28 November 2015
• 21 November 2015
• 15 November 2015
• 08 November 2015
• 01 November 2015
• 25 October 2015
• 18 October 2015
• 11 October 2015
• 04 October 2015
• 27 September 2015
• 20 September 2015
• 13 September 2015
• 06 September 2015
• 31 August 2015
• 30 August 2015
• 23 August 2015
• 16 August 2015
• 09 August 2015
• 01 August 2015
• 26 July 2015
• 19 July 2015
• 12 July 2015
• 05 July 2015
• 28 June 2015
• 21 June 2015
• 14 June 2015
• 07 June 2015
• 31 May 2015
• 24 May 2015
• 17 May 2015
• 10 May 2015
• 03 May 2015
• 26 April 2015
• 19 April 2015
• 12 April 2015
• 05 April 2015
• 29 March 2015
• 22 March 2015
• 15 March 2015
• 01 March 2015
• 22 February 2015
• 15 February 2015
• 08 February 2015
• 01 February 2015
• 25 January 2015
• 18 January 2015
• 11 January 2015
• 04 January 2015

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Essay Writing for UPSC - Weekly Essay Writing Programme

by Vajiram & Ravi

Essay Writing for UPSC: Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach. The UPSC essay paper is not just limited to assessing a candidate's creative writing skills, but rather, the focus is on evaluating a candidate's ability to think critically, express their ideas clearly, and present a balanced perspective on various issues. This article discusses the do’s and don'ts that need to be remembered while writing your Essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

Check:  UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

Essay Writing for UPSC

The UPSC Mains Examination comprises a total of nine papers, inclusive of an essay paper. The Essay Paper is categorised into sections A and B, each containing four topics. These topics hold a value of 125 marks each, thereby totalling 250 marks (125×2). Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and compose an essay spanning 1,000 to 1,200 words within the allocated three-hour duration. UPSC provides the following guidelines in its Notification on the Essay Paper:

• 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.

Essay Writing for UPSC - What is Expected?

When preparing for the UPSC Mains Essay Paper, there are a few basic points that you should remember. The paper tests the diversity of your content and not its creativity .

When writing your Essay Paper for the UPSC Mains Exam, your focus should be on the following points-

• Diversity of the content: Incorporating diverse content in the essay paper not only enriches the content but also showcases your depth of knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to present a comprehensive perspective on complex topics.
• Focus on the topic: Centre your essay around the core theme of the chosen topic. By maintaining a clear focus on the topic and consistently reinforcing its relevance, your essay becomes a well-structured and compelling piece that effectively communicates your ideas to the examiner.
• Clarity, Depth, and Language: Language plays a crucial role in conveying your ideas effectively. Use precise and simple language to articulate your points and maintain a formal and coherent tone throughout the essay. Focusing on clarity of thought ensures that your ideas are easily understood by the examiner, and providing an in-depth analysis supported by relevant examples, data, and arguments, helps showcase your ability to engage with the topic critically.
• Providing Evidence: While stating a Quote, there should be evidence to support your thought. This helps you to avoid the superficial treatment of the subject and delve into its complexities, showcasing your ability to engage with the topic critically.

How to Write Essay for UPSC Mains?

Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach.

Choose the Right Topic

Read the given UPSC essay topics carefully and choose the one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Pick a topic that allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding effectively.

Brainstorm Ideas

Spend some time brainstorming ideas related to the chosen topic. Jot down key points, arguments, examples, and relevant data that you could use to support your essay.

Create a Structure

A well-structured essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your introduction should introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of your stance. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point, argument, or example. The conclusion should summarise your main points and reiterate your thesis.

Format for UPSC Essay Writing

The UPSC essay format requires a thoughtful approach to convey your ideas effectively. There are three stages or steps in any essay - Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.

Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

Craft a strong introduction paragraph that outlines your main argument or perspective. This paragraph should be concise and provide a roadmap for your essay. You can begin your essay with a quote, and the last line of the introduction paragraph should end with reinforcing the main topic.

For example: Topic: The Health of the Nation is more important than the Wealth of Nation

Start your essay with a quote-

“P ublic Health depends upon winning over Hearts and Minds. It's not enough to just have a good policy; you have to convince people to actually follow it .”

In a country's journey forward, we often talk about how having a lot of money is crucial. But there's another side to this story, which says that the good health of the people in a country is even more vital. If there is something that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how no economy with ample amounts of money can guarantee the health of its nation and how the health of its citizens eventually affects the wealth of the country. This idea highlights how the health of the nation is more important than the wealth of the nation.

Writing in Paragraphs

Writing in paragraphs is important in an essay because it enhances readability and organisation. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea, argument, or point, making it easier for readers to follow the logical flow of your thoughts . Paragraphs create visual breaks, helping to structure your essay into manageable sections. The following points have to be kept in mind while framing your Essay Paragraphs:

Address Counter-arguments:

Acknowledge potential counter-arguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthened your argument.

Use Examples:

Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Examples make your essay more relatable and persuasive.

Gather Evidence:

Collect relevant current affairs facts, statistics, historical examples, and real-life incidents to support your arguments. Ensure that your evidence is accurate and well-researched.

Logical Flow:

Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Use of simple Language:

Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using overly complex language that might obscure your message. Focus on communicating your ideas effectively.

Avoid Repetition:

Be mindful of repeating the same points or ideas. Each paragraph should contribute something new to the discussion.

Conclusion of the Essay

The conclusion serves the purpose of providing a seamless ending to the essay. It's worth noting that a strong ending holds the same level of significance as a compelling beginning. Both aspects contribute to achieving higher scores.

To effectively conclude an essay, you can utilise various elements, including facts, statistics, reasons, examples, quotes, opinions, experiences, and sensory details . The essay's conclusion can take on several forms: it might involve briefly reiterating the main points, suggesting potential future steps or actions, or injecting an engaging personal comment or relevant anecdote.

An alternative approach to concluding an essay involves revisiting the topic introduced in the introduction. This is known as a 'cyclic return,' and it's a straightforward method employed in many essays to bring the discussion full circle.

Ultimately, a conclusion should carry a positive perspective, seeking out the silver lining amidst challenges. It should also strive for clarity and brevity, ensuring the ideas are expressed concisely.

Proofread and Revise the Essay

Once you've finished writing, take some time to proofread and revise your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity of expression.

Vajiram & Ravi Essay Module

Our Essay Course,by Mr. Brijendra, offers a comprehensive platform to master essay writing, guiding aspirants through the demanding path of UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation.

Course Objectives:

• Enhance Competency: Develop proficiency across diverse and essential themes.
• Strengthen Understanding: Utilize provided handouts containing all pertinent information essential for crafting quality essays.
• Refine Writing Proficiency: Improve language, grammar, and flow through two specialized classes.
• Evaluate Proficiency: Assess skills with a thorough test series.

This meticulously designed Essay Course assists students in structuring their essay preparation and cultivating a crucial set of skills to enhance their chances of securing high scores. Clear, concise, and well-structured essays are indispensable for aspiring civil servants, and mastery of essential elements of essay writing is paramount.

Through this course, students will:

• Organize and articulate ideas clearly.
• Analyze primary sources with critical insight.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate information.

Course Features:

• Comprehensive Classes: 11 sessions covering various themes used for framing essay topics.
• Well-Curated Handouts: Concise handouts on each theme providing exam-ready content.
• Special Emphasis: Focus on philosophical and quote-based essays.
• Mini-Assignments: In-class assignments to master the nuances of essay writing.
• Simulated Writing Practice: 6 tests (2 half-length and 4 full-length) for exam-like practice.
• Detailed Evaluation: Objective evaluation of essay scripts with exhaustive feedback.
• Guidance and Support: Post-test guidance for individual doubt clarification.

This comprehensive essay writing course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the essay component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Join us to enhance your essay writing skills and significantly boost your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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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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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How to Calculate Marks in UPSC NDA and CDS Exam 2024: Check Negative Marking Scheme

How to calculate marks in the upsc nda and cds exam: to get the final marks for the written exam nda and cds, add marks for each correct answer and deduct 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in objective papers. check the steps on how to calculate marks in the upsc nda and cds exam..

How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA and CDS Exam: The marking scheme of the UPSC NDA and CDS exams is almost similar. There is the provision of a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in objective papers of the NDA & CDS exam. The UPSC NDA exam is divided into two subjects: mathematics and general ability, whereas the CDS exam comprises three sections, such as English, general knowledge, and elementary mathematics. The number of questions and maximum marks vary as per the subject. Read on to learn more about how to calculate marks in the UPSC NDA and CDS exams on this page.

• NDA Admit Card 2024
• NDA Question Paper 2024 
• CDS Question Paper 2024
• CDS Exam Analysis 2024

UPSC NDA and CDS Exam 2024: Negative Marking 

• There will be four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which the candidate has given a wrong answer. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
• If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers is correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
• If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is provided by the candidate, there will be no negative marking for that question.

UPSC NDA 2024 Exam Marking Scheme

Understanding How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam With Examples

How to calculate marks in the upsc nda exam for mathematics paper.

Let’s consider a student, ABC, who is preparing to attempt the NDA written examination. She has prepared well for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers of the NDA exam. ABC attempted 70 questions in the mathematics paper of the NDA exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 10 of her responses were wrong.

How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam for GAT Paper?

Let’s consider another student, XYZ, who is preparing to attempt the NDA written examination. She has prepared well for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers of the NDA exam. XYZ attempted 100 questions in the GAT paper of the NDA exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 20 of her responses were wrong.

How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS Exam?

Understanding How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS Exam With Examples

How to calculate marks in the upsc cds exam.

Let’s consider a student, ABC, who is preparing to attempt the CDS written examination. She has prepared well for the English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers of the CDS exam. ABC attempted 70 questions in the mathematics paper of the CDS exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 10 of her responses were wrong.

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• Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS & NDA Exam? + Yes, there is the provision of a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in objective papers of the NDA & CDS exam.
• How many questions are asked in the UPSC CDS & NDA Exam? + The number of questions and maximum marks varies as per the subject. Check the complete details above.
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UPSC CSE Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Last updated on September 8, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a challenging journey and a dream of millions of aspirants.

This examination serves as the gateway to some of the most prestigious positions in the civil services. So having a better understanding of this exam is very important.

In this article, we are going to talk about exam patterns and marking scheme-related details of the UPSC Civil Services Examinations.

Table of Contents

About UPSC Civil Services Examination

The Civil Service Exam is conducted by UPSC every year. It is a dream of lakhs of students but the selection criteria and exam pattern of this exam make this task challenging.

Before getting into the UPSC CSE preparation, each and every aspirant shall have an in-depth understanding of the nature of this exam, including a detailed UPSC syllabus , exam pattern, marking pattern, nature of questions, etc.

The selection process of the UPSC exam comprises three stages, Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Only a handful of aspirants make it to the interview every year. So, it is important to be aware of each and every detail regarding this paper.

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

Understanding the UPSC Exam Structure

All the stages of this exam have a different pattern. Like UPSC prelims paper is objective in nature and the main examination is descriptive. Let’s understand the UPSC exam pattern in detail here.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

The first stage of the selection process is the prelims exam which consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).

• General Studies Paper-I contains objective-type questions and aspirants are required to choose the most suitable option out of all.
• GS Paper-I contains 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, summing up to 200 marks in total.
• General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) contains 80 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks, totaling 200 marks.
• GS Paper II which is CSAT is qualifying in nature, which means, in order to clear that paper, an aspirant has to secure a minimum of 33% marks in the exam.
• The duration of both GS paper I and paper II is two hours. UPSC conducts both exams on the same day, but there will be a three-hour time gap between both papers.
• There is a negative marking on both papers, with one-third of the marks allotted for each incorrect answer deducted.

Negative Marking in UPSC CSE Prelims Paper

The marking criteria of UPSC CSE for Paper I and Paper II are described below in detail:

• There will be a deduction of 1/3rd marks allotted to each right question, in case an aspirant has marked the wrong answer.
• There will not be any deduction of marks if the aspirant leaves the question unattended.
• So, there will be a negative marking of 0.66 for GS Paper I for each wrong answer.
• There will be a mark deduction of 0.83 for GS II (CSAT) for each wrong answer.

Also read: UPSC Prelims Test Series 2024 – Practice Mock Exams

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

Those aspirants who will successfully clear the prelims exam will have to attempt the mains exam, which is the second stage of the selection process.

The second stage consists of a written examination with nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature (means an aspirant needs to secure just 25% of the total marks in these papers in order to qualify them.

Marks of these two papers will not be included in the final merit list), four are GS papers and two are optional subject papers.

Also read: UPSC Mains Test Series: Online Mock Exams

UPSC Personality Test (Interview)

The third and final stage of the selection process is the Interview round. Those aspirants who succeed in this round will be called for training purposes.

This round is very important as it assesses the candidate’s personality, mental alertness, and suitability for a career in civil services.

The interview carries 275 marks.

Also read: ClearIAS Interview Program

Tips for Success in UPSC CSE

Here are some general tips to succeed in this exam.

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly for both Prelims and Mains. Do not neglect the importance of interviews as well.
• Practice time management during Prelims, considering the length of the questions, speed, and precision, both are important.
• Develop a well-structured approach for the main answers, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Stay updated with current affairs and build a strong foundation for diverse subjects.
• Take mock tests and analyze your performance regularly, it will help you improve in this journey.

Also read: ClearIAS Programs: Online and Offline Courses for UPSC Civil Services Prelims, Mains, and Interview

Understanding the UPSC CSE exam pattern and marking scheme is important. Though this journey is tough, but with dedication, strategic preparation, and a clear understanding of the process, you can improve your chances of success.

Remember that each stage of the examination serves as a stepping stone towards your dream of joining the civil services. Stay focused, stay motivated, and you can achieve your goal of becoming a civil servant.

Also read: Civil Services Exam Pattern Change Controversy: The Reality

Article Written By: Priti Raj

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Decoding Optional Subjects in UPSC: Making an Informed Choice

Quick Summary

• UPSC is a constitutional body in India that conducts competitive exams for civil services.
• Shortlist optional subject based on your interest, review past papers and assess availability of resources.
• 5 best optional subjects in UPSC exams include sociology, medical science, literature, law and history.

Table of Contents

UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. With more than 10 lakh applicants annually, the UPSC Exam stands out as a top choice among government examinations, attracting fierce competition. To gain an edge in this examination, selecting the best optional subject for upsc is important. This strategic choice increases your chances of clearing the exam and pushes you closer to achieving your aspirations.

Unlike the compulsory General Studies papers, the optional subject offers candidates an opportunity to showcase their expertise in a particular field. This choice not only reflects their academic background and interests but also plays a significant role in determining their overall score.

Now, the question arises: how you are going to select your optional subject. This article will help you decide to choose the best optional subject for upsc for you.

Choosing the Best Optional Subject for UPSC

According to the latest UPSC exam syllabus, there are 48 UPSC optional subjects from which the candidate can choose one. Each optional subject in UPSC comprises two papers (Paper I and Paper II) carrying 250 marks each, making it a total of 500 marks.

Hence, the weightage of the optional paper, i.e. 500 marks out of the total 2025 marks, makes the optional subject about 25% of the final score. Therefore, the choice of UPSC’s main optional subject is extremely crucial. You have to choose an alternative subject in which you believe you can score well.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC

Now coming to the question “ Which optional subject is best for UPSC? “, both technical and non-technical subjects can be selected depending on your knowledge of these subjects.

Technical subjects like Mathematics can fetch you high marks as the answers in it are absolute. Basically, unlike humanities subjects , the examiner’s biases or preferences don’t have much impact. However, non-technical subjects, especially those that overlap with the General Studies syllabus, give you more preparation time and reading material overall, thereby helping you prepare well for the IAS Mains exam. Certain factors can help you decide on the best optional subject in UPSC. Before deciding on an optional subject, a candidate must ask themselves the following questions:

• How much is the syllabus of the optional subject in UPSC?
• How much time for preparation do you have?
• Do you have any prior knowledge of the subject at the graduate/PG level?
• How much syllabus overlap is there between your optional subject and General Studies subject in Prelims or UPSC Mains?
• Are the study material and coaching facilities readily available?
• Do you have the required drive/interest to study the subject for the UPSC exam?

Once you get the answers to the above questions, you can make the right choice in selecting the best optional subjects.

Also Read: Amazing Tips for IAS Preparation at Home

List of Optional Subject in UPSC

A list of the different optional subject in UPSC is provided below to help you easily decide:

Overlapping Optional Subject in UPSC with General Studies

Here is the UPSC optional subjects list, which is the popular choice among IAS aspirants from both technical and non-technical fields. Because of the high overlap with General Studies papers or other sections of the UPSC exam, these subjects can appear to be the right choice.

• Public Administration: Paper II (Indian Administration) overlaps highly with the polity and governance part of GS II.
• Sociology: Information from Sociology can be used in GS I, essays, and even in ethics papers.
• History: Relevant for both prelims and GS I.
• Geography: Important for prelims as well as GS I.
• Political Science: Relevant to both prelims and GS II.
• Law: Beneficial for prelims as well as GS II.

Subjects like Economics, Philosophy, and Agriculture are also good choices for optional subjects in UPSC.

Ways To Shortlist Optional Subject in UPSC

• Based on the above-mentioned criteria, prepare a list of 4 to 5 subjects that you are interested in.
• Go through the syllabus of each optional subject in UPSC. Read all topics carefully. Underline or highlight the points that you think you know something about or have some interest in the syllabus of each shortlisted optional subject.
• Check out the previous year’s question papers (3-4 years) on the shortlisted optional subjects . Read all the questions. Then again, measure the level of interest you have or the knowledge you have to answer each question.
• The availability of materials and guidance through training matters a lot. For a few papers, it is hard to get standard books, and for some subjects, tuition may not be available. Non-technical subjects can be prepared by self-study.
• By now, you will have a reasonable picture of choosing between 2-3 optional subjects in UPSC. For instance, if you are from an engineering background and are especially good at your engineering subjects, you can choose engineering. If you have an interest in literature or your native language, it will be optimal to select between these two subjects.
• In this scenario, the ‘success rate’ counts. Generally, literature subjects have performed well in all years. You may wind up choosing literature of your native language as your alternative paper. It’s a decent choice.

Other Factors to Consider

For a few people who have worked in a big company, Public Administration is a great choice and in fact, it has been the most chosen option by working aspirants or the people who have worked in the past. Medical students may settle on Medical Science, Zoology or Anthropology as these papers are related to their field.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC for Medical Students

Out of the available options, Medical Science is a natural choice. There have been several IAS toppers with a medical background who took medical science as their optional subject in UPSC. To some extent, subjects like Zoology, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science can also be considered. However, if a candidate from a medical background isn’t willing to opt for medical science as the choice for the optional subject, then non-technical subjects that have some overlap with GS become their choice.

Best Optional Subject in UPSC for Engineering Students

A lot of candidates from engineering backgrounds perform well in the IAS exams. However, if a candidate wants to choose an optional subject based on their previous knowledge, then there are comparatively fewer options, namely Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering.

No one would prefer to opt for a technical subject unless one studied the same at the graduate level. Subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry can also be considered. The UPSC optional subject reduces the subjectivity in marking to some extent, but the preparation time and effort are huge. So, it’s always better to go through the IAS syllabus and past question papers first.

Also Read: Difference between IAS and IES | Guide to UPSC

Top 10 Optional Subjects in UPSC

After considering the latest UPSC syllabus and recent IAS results, the top 10 optional subject in UPSC can be listed as follows:

1. Sociology 2. Agriculture 3. Medical Science 4. Literature 5. Anthropology 6. Public Administration 7. Psychology 8. Law 9. Geography 10. History

UPSC Exams: Format and Preparation

We know that the UPSC exam is conducted in three phases. While each phase has its own different approaches, the toughest one to crack for many is the UPSC Prelims. The Prelims consist of two examinations – General Studies I and II , which are also known as CSAT or the Civil Services Aptitude Test . These exams test the general knowledge of candidates in the different fields of Math, Science, and English. Due to its complicated questions, UPSC Prelims are considered to be one of the toughest entrance exams in the country. Therefore, students work hard to get through UPSC Prelims. However, if you heed the following steps, you can have a better chance of cracking the IAS exam .

Steps on How to Prepare For UPSC

Step 1: understand the exam.

A student cannot excel in an exam if they do not know what the exam contains. While it is important to know the type of examination, it is equally important to understand the topics that can be covered within the examination. The UPSC releases a document on their website consisting of all this information, including the syllabus for the exam, the type and format of the paper, and even the schedule. Students must also understand the eligibility criteria well before starting their preparations. All of this is categorized as pre-preparation for the examinations. This must be done as the first step so that the student is not left confused, or a few days before the exams, about these small details. Thus, starting with these important details lets you move through the preparation journey in a more systematic and organized manner.

Step 2: Start Reading

After completing step 1, you must be aware of the syllabus and the format of the papers. With this knowledge, you can begin your actual studies for the exams. The easiest method of studying is to pick up your old schoolbooks. All the basic syllabus for the UPSC exams can be studied from the NCERT books. If you are unable to find your old schoolbooks, then you can download them for free. While reading, you may remember most of the concepts, however, you must go over them twice to better prepare yourself. Additionally, you need to start reading the latest news. The majority of questions in the General CSAT exams come from current events.

Step 3: Take YouTube Lessons

Watching YouTube videos on topics of History and Science can also help students better prepare for the exams. Many YouTube channels offer UPSC coaching and can be used for their preparation.

Step 4: Read and Write

One of the habits we leave after we complete our schooling is learning by writing. While many do it in school, after it ends, people focus more on glazing through the contents of a book to memorize it. While this may work in schools, for the UPSC examinations, you must practice by writing. Writing helps you learn a particular topic twice: once when you read it out loud and once when you write it. But, more importantly, it psychologically embeds the topic in your mind. Thus, when you are done through your first round of glancing over the books, you must find your old notebooks and begin penning down your subject matter.

Step 5: Take mock exams

After you have prepared yourself well for the exam, you must take many practice exams. Many websites will provide you with past exam question papers for you to attempt. This step is crucial in your preparation as it helps you understand what a real exam would be like. You must take it with honesty and stick to the time limits. This will not only help you manage your time better, but it will also help you understand your mistakes and calm your nerves for the final paper. You can learn more about it on UPSC Exams.

Choosing the best optional subject for UPSC is entirely your decision. Only an aspirant knows their strengths, weaknesses, tastes, and availability of study materials. Therefore, you can follow the process recommended by us and choose what suits you best.

Ace Your UPSC Exams

Serving your nation in any way is a dream of every Indian, by becoming a civil officer after clearing your UPSC exams, you get a chance to do so. But to be able to pass your exams with flying colors, you need to know all about exam patterns, optional subject in UPSC, scoring, syllabus etc.

For those considering self-study, selecting the best UPSC optional subject is even more important. Choosing subjects that are easier for self-study, such as those with concise syllabus and abundant study materials, can help you prepare efficiently.

And now that you know what the best optional subjects are in UPSC and how to choose the ones that are the right fit for you, you can make your decision easily. So, without any further delay, start preparing to ace your IAS exam.

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on  Career Advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which optional subject is best for upsc.

The best optional subject in UPSC is the one that suits your interests and aptitude. You should opt for an optional subject that will help you achieve success. Some of the best subjects are History, Geography, Economics, Political Science and Sociology.

Which is the easiest optional subject in UPSC?

Some of the easiest UPSC optional subjects are: 1. History 2. Geography 3. Public Administration 4. Political Science 5. Sociology

How many optional subjects are there in UPSC?

There are 48 optional subjects in UPSC out of which one subject can be chosen for both Paper I and Paper II. Both the papers are 250 marks each. The optional subject syllabus is of graduation level. Candidates can choose an elective subject depending on their graduation degree or the subject in which they are interested.

What are the 26 optional subjects in UPSC?

The 26 optional subjects in UPSC are: 1. Anthropology 2. Agriculture 3. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science 4. Botany 5. Chemistry 6. Civil Engineering 7. Commerce 8. Economics 9. Electrical Engineering 10.  Geography 11.  Geology 12.  Indian History 13.  Law 14.  Mathematics 15.  Management 16.  Mechanical Engineering 17. Medical Science 18. Philosophy 19. Physics 20. Political Science and International Relations 21. Psychology 22. Public Administration 23. Sociology 24. Statistics 25. Zoology 26. Literature

Which optional is high scoring?

Philosophy is one of the highest-scoring subjects in UPSC as its syllabus is less as compared to other subjects. Apart from this, Sociology and Public Administration are also scoring subjects. But scoring the highest in UPSC also depends on the candidate’s interest in the subject and how familiar they are with it.

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Who is UPSC topper Aditya Srivastava, whose UPSC CSE 2023 marksheet went viral earlier this year?

Aditya srivastava, who topped the upsc cse 2023 on his third attempt, has gained widespread attention after his marksheet went viral. with an impressive 1099 marks, his transition from a corporate career to the ias in hopes of making a positive impact at the grassroots level is truly inspiring..

Ever since Aditya Srivastava topped the UPSC CSE 2023 on his third attempt, his remarkable achievement has been making waves, particularly after his marksheet went viral. Hailing from Lucknow, Srivastava's inspiring journey from persistence to success is capturing widespread attention.

Who is Aditya Srivastava?

Hailing from Lucknow, Aditya Srivastava completed his schooling at CMS Lucknow's Aliganj branch, where he excelled with an impressive 95% in his Class 12 exams.

He pursued a dual B.Tech and M.Tech degree at IIT Kanpur, followed by a 15-month stint at a leading global investment bank and securities firm, Goldman Sachs.

Yet, he soon felt a deeper calling to make a meaningful impact beyond financial success, inspiring his transition to the UPSC path in pursuit of contributing positively at the grassroots level.

What was UPSC CSE 2023 topper Aditya Srivastava's score?

In the UPSC CSE 2023, Aditya Srivastava achieved an outstanding total of 1099 marks, with 899 from the written exams and 200 from the interview.

His performance was notably consistent across General Studies papers, with scores ranging from 95 to 143 marks.

Further, he got an exceptional 117 marks in the Essay paper, a key differentiator, and a combined score of 308 in his optional subject, Electrical Engineering.

Check out his marksheet here:

Prelims and Mains Mark sheet of UPSC CSE AIR- 1 Aditya Srivastava pic.twitter.com/o0G6dM3tXN — UPSC NOTES (@UPSC_Notes) April 20, 2024

Reflecting on his first-place finish, Srivastava told PTI , "Till the morning, I was praying that may God put me in the top 70. It took a bit of time to sink in that I have got 1st rank. I don't think anyone can say that he or she was expecting to get 1st rank."

IAS Topper AIR-1 Aditya Srivastava Congratulations 🎉❤️ pic.twitter.com/5GBdxzZTYt — UPSC NOTES (@UPSC_Notes) April 16, 2024

At a college event in Lucknow, Srivastava shared a piece of advice from his father that fuelled him: "Today's labour will give you lifelong happiness not just to you but also to other people, not just your family."

He urged students to stay diligent, emphasising that "relaxing now and wasting today's time will make it hard to succeed in this ultra-competitive environment."

Check out his speech here:

For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education .

Srishti B Dutta brings you everything from rags-to-riches tales and inspiring student success stories to those "No way, this can't be real!" moments. Whether it's intriguing, heartwarming, or just plain quirky, she's got it covered.

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UPSC Mains Essay Paper

The UPSC essay paper is one of the important papers of the civil services mains exam. Furthermore, the marks obtained in the UPSC essay paper 2022 will be counted for merit ranking. Thus, it is essential to give priority to essay papers in preparation.

In broader terms, candidates are required to write two essays, pick one IAS essay topics from each of sections A and B and write in about 1000-1200 words each. Moreover, each UPSC essay paper carries 125 marks, making a maximum of 250 marks.

Thus, the candidates should adhere to the best books, and strategies, and solve the previous year’s UPSC essay paper with answers to prepare well for this section.

In this article, we have shared complete details on the Essay 1 exam paper for the candidates aspiring for the upcoming UPSC IAS exam.

UPSC Essay Topics-Overview

• As per the UPSC notification , the essay paper is one of the nine subjects in the IAS main exam. Thus, the candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics.
• Hence, it is advised to stay updated with the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in proper order and write concisely.
• Moreover, credit is usually given for effective and exact expression. The maximum mark for essay questions UPSC is 250 and the exam duration is 3 hours.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

UPSC Essay Previous Year Papers

Candidates should solve past UPSC essay paper with answers to strengthen their preparation. This will improve their writing skills and also help them to understand essay UPSC topics asked in the exam over years.

Hence, we have shared below the official UPSC essay previous paper PDF link for ease of the aspirants.

How to Prepare for UPSC Essay Topics in IAS 2023 Exam?

While preparing for the IAS mains exam, candidates devote their maximum time to studying general studies and optional subjects. However, they should give equal importance to the UPSC essay paper .

Let’s look at the best preparation tips to excel in the Essay 1 exam paper .

• Inculcate the habit of reading newspaper editorials on a daily basis. It is also observed that many times essay questions are based on current affairs.
• Next, jot down relevant quotes from the newspaper/books and use them when writing an essay.
• Practice writing on the IAS essay topics related to health, women, education, science, internet, technology, etc to improve your vocabulary and overall writing skills.
• Select the essay topic wisely. Candidates should go through all the topics carefully and pick the topic they are familiar with.
• Candidates should also ensure that their essay includes an introduction, body, basic theme, and conclusion.
• Lastly, ask for feedback on the essay from the mentors, seniors, or teachers. This will help them to discover their weak points and allow them to focus more on improving the same for better results.

Best Books for UPSC Essay Paper

Along with the best preparation strategy, candidates should pick the most reliable Books for UPSC and study material for the essay paper. Let’s look at the expert-recommended books for essay preparation shared below:

Check the latest CSAT books for UPSC.

Q1. How to write an essay for IAS exam?

Ans. Candidates must prepare an outline first before writing the essay. This will also help them to prepare an introduction/conclusion, ideas, quotes, etc that can be used to write a good essay for the IAS exam.

Q2. What comes in essay paper of UPSC?

Ans. The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine subjects in the IAS main exam. Moreover, candidates need to write two essays with a word limit of 1000–1200 for each paper. Each essay paper carries 125 marks, making a maximum of 250 marks.

Q3. Which type of essay comes in IAS exam?

Ans. There are four types of essays in the IAS mains exam including narrative essay, descriptive essay, informative essay, and persuasive essay.

Q4. Is handwriting important for IAS?

Ans. Candidates will not get extra marks for good handwriting in the essay paper because the quality of the answer matters. However, bad handwriting can definitely decrease the chances of scoring high marks on the paper.

Q5. How can I improve my UPSC essay?

Ans. To improve the UPSC essay preparation , one should keep their outline consistent, avoid using too many jargon/technical terms, and practice essay writing to strengthen the preparation.

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