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UPSC Essays Simplified: Understanding and Deconstructing the Essay topics – the first step

How to write a good essay in upsc cse our expert, takes you through various stages of writing an essay in upsc essentials' new series. don't miss the essay exercise towards the end of the article..

How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? This is one of the most popular questions among aspirants. In UPSC Essentials’ special series ‘ UPSC Essays Simplified ‘, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay. While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed, Manas Srivastava talks to Ravi Kapoor , our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a simplified framework on how to write a good essay.

Don’t miss ‘The Essay Exercise’ towards the end of the article. Ravi Kapoor focuses on the following steps of pre-writing and writing stages which will help aspirants to write a ‘good essay’.

Today, we will focus on Step 1. 

About our Expert:   Ravi Kapoor, an IRS officer , has now ditched his coveted rank of deputy commissioner and has offered free quality mentorship to UPSC aspirants, drawing upon his ten years of experience to create customised and productive curriculum. Through a free mentorship programme, he integrates tailored educational materials, psychological principles, visual learning techniques, and a strong emphasis on mental well-being into his teaching skills granting aspirants a chance to learn from his expertise.

How to understand and deconstruct the UPSC essay topics?

Ravi Kapoor: UPSC Essay topics can be deceptively hard at times. Some topics are deeply reflective and philosophical like the recently asked topic “Mathematics is the music of reasons.” Others can have social and ethical connotations such as “A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.” Regardless of the type of essay topic the UPSC asks, aspirants must know that the first step before beginning writing is to understand the essay’s core thoroughly. We call this step ‘Understanding and Deconstructing the Essay topic’.   What follows is a series of checklists and advice to aid — the 5 elements of the first step. Let’s understand with examples.

5 elements to understand and deconstruct the essay topic:

1. check your prior knowledge- context.

Even though UPSC essay topics seem generic, some of them require substantial understanding and prior knowledge of the topic to do justice. It is critical to be deeply honest with yourself about your prior knowledge of the topic before delving into it.

For instance, “History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man” might seem like a generic debate about rational thinking and idealism but the essay will not be of any value unless you can illustrate your arguments via concrete historical examples traversing the dark ages, the Copernican revolution, Renaissance, the industrial age etc.

It might be a wise decision to altogether skip writing on essay topics about which you have limited or half-baked knowledge, even if it seems appealing.

2. Isolate the core themes- Deconstruction

Deconstruction Method is a powerful analytical tool where a statement is broken up into its basic building blocks for analysis. It means that you must look at the individual parts of the UPSC essay topic separately first, and later see how they combine to form the essay topic statement. It is a bottom-up approach where you start with the small and build up to the big Essay topic.

For instance, “Forests are the best-case studies for economic excellence” speaks of 2 core themes or concepts- ‘Forests’ and ‘Economic Excellence’.

Another example- “Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.” It consists of 3 main themes or concepts- “Visionary decision-making” , “Intuition” and “Logic” .

It is critical to mention that the statement in the essay topic may have to be temporarily ignored to isolate the core themes. Once isolated, the core themes can be considered in more detail. This makes for superior ideation and brainstorming when the essay topic is read as a whole. It also helps to ensure that the content in the body of the essay is comprehensive.

3. Consider the counterarguments – Balance

A mistake aspirants often make is to simply agree with the essay topic and elaborate on the contents without realizing that an essay topic does not always have to be agreed upon. Regardless of how definitively correct an essay topic may appear, it always has counterarguments that deserve to be highlighted.

Like two sides of a coin, an essay topic has two sides that need to be appreciated in depth. Advertisement

For example- “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” It seems straightforward and correct. The statement highlights the need for preparedness and serves as a call to be vigilant when times are good.

Counter-argument- While preparedness for the future has solid strategic merit, life is short and when times are good, it is perhaps also the ideal time to appreciate the present moment, count one’s blessings, be grateful and “stop and smell the roses”, so to speak.

An essay that elaborates blindly without appreciating the other side of the topic will not be good enough and will reflect your restricted vision and wisdom. Considering the counter-arguments will bring balance and lend a more mature perspective to your writing.

4. Penetrate the depth

Think after looking at the essay topic: Is the statement superficial, or metaphorical or does it lead to a much deeper issue at hand?

It might be tempting to look at an ambiguous and open-ended statement like “You cannot step twice in the same river” and try and interpret it with your own understanding. While it is possible to superimpose your understanding based on common sense on such topics, it might not be the best way forward because the depth of some topics can be elusive.

“You cannot step twice in the same river” is a deeply philosophical quote by Heraclitus that underscores the ever-changing nature of the universe. It is a metaphysical statement that uses the metaphor of the river to illustrate that constancy is an illusion as the river always moves and is never really the same, except in our minds. It also speaks to the ever-changing nature of beings such as humans whose experiences, personalities and even bodies are slowly changing with each passing moment. In fact, the complete quote by Heraclitus is “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

The idea of impermanence is central to religions such as Buddhism (Annica), philosophy, psychology, and even science (Entropy, thermodynamics). To write effectively on this topic you would need to penetrate its depth which is no small feat to do on the spot in the examination hall. Therefore, while thinking about essay topics, be cautious and proceed only when you are certain about the topic’s intellectual depth.

5. Map the width

Think after looking at the essay topic: What are all the dimensions that are important for the essay topic?

Often, you may get the feeling of familiarity with an essay topic because it is abstract and generic like “Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities” . That means you know something about it but not most of all there is to know about it.

In the above essay topic, for instance, one can easily make out that the essay topic is about smiling as a deceptive signal that can be used to convey or disguise genuine emotions. While this topic revolves predominantly around social psychology, that’s not all there is to it. To be comprehensive would be to highlight various dimensions along with examples associated with it such as:

· A smile can be used to convey or disguise- confusion, malice, jealousy, joy, surprise, love, hate, disgust etc.

· Other themes and ideas worth touching upon include- Non-verbal communication, empathy, compassion, relationships, emotional intelligence, mental health, social media, depression etc.

· Used by marketing agencies, politicians etc. to appear more likeable.

· Ethical dimension of how deception is normalized in our society.

This underscores the need for being comprehensive from the point of view of content while writing the essay.

The Essay Exercise

The 5 elements above are essential considerations before choosing and writing the essay. Here is an exercise to put this into practice:

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The UPSC articles of  Indian Express  is now on Telegram.  Join our Telegram channel-  Indian Express UPSC Hub and stay updated with the latest Updates. For your answers, queries and suggestions write at manas.srivastava@ indianexpress.com .

Manas Srivastava is currently working as Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and majorly writes for UPSC-related projects leading a unique initiative known as UPSC Essentials. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called ‘Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik’ and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called ‘You Ask We Answer’.His talks on ‘How to read a newspaper’ focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also currently working on a monthly magazine for UPSC Aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University’s Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women’s Studies by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on ‘Psychological stress among students’ at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More

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Beginner’s Guide To UPSC Exam Preparation

We at Insights IAS have been guiding students with varied backgrounds and preparation levels since 2011. And with these many years of experience in dealing with issues of students, we feel it is important for any aspirant to have a very clear idea about the examination that they are preparing for. You need to take a firm decision on preparing for the UPSC exam after having analysed the avenues & prospects of a civil servant, recruitment procedure, competition level, the demand of the examination and the level of commitment required for an aspirant.

The UPSC examination needs you to know what should not be done, identify the Myths along with what should be done.

In this article, we have tried to cover all basic questions that would arise in the minds of a beginner.

What is Civil Service?

Civil service refers to the body of government officials who are employed in civil occupations that are neither political nor judicial. They are entrusted with the administration of the country and mandated to carry out the policy of the government of the day. A well-functioning civil service helps to foster good policymaking, effective service delivery, accountability and responsibility in utilizing public resources which are the characteristics of good governance. The civil service is expected to give continuity and change to the administration no matter the political scenario and turmoil affecting the country.

The importance of the Civil Service to governance stems from the following:  

• Service presence throughout the country and its strong binding character 
• The administrative and managerial capacity of the services 
• Effective coordination between institutions of governance 
• Leadership at different levels of administration. 
• Service delivery at the cutting-edge level 

What is Civil Service Examination?

Civil Service Examination popularly known as IAS examination is a competitive examination in India conducted by UPSC for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India.

What is UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission, commonly abbreviated as UPSC, is India’s premier central recruiting agency. It is responsible for appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & group B of Central services.

What are the different Exams Conducted by UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central agency of the government which is responsible for conducting examinations for recruiting officers and staff into various services of the central government. It conducts the Civil Services Exam every year along with various other important exams.

What are the prospects of being a civil servant?

The Civil Service is made up of a large number of different departments, which implement government policies and deliver services to the public.

Civil Service administrators may have direct dealings with individuals and have the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives, or may conduct research, compile reports and work on policy documents.

The career prospects in civil services are many. A candidate who clears UPSC or the state level civil services examination and has completed his/her training is commissioned as an officer. 

For instance, In Central Services, the first posting is usually as a Diplomatic attaché/ Undersecretary/ Probationary IPS officer, depending on the branch chosen. In state civil services, it is referred to as Deputy Collector/Deputy Superintendent of Police/ Taxes Commissioner etc.

A Civil Servant will have the power to move and bring a systemic change in society.

On a personal front Civil Service offers job security. Special facilities include subsidized accommodation, telephone and transport facilities, medical benefits, leave travel concession, etc. Post-retirement, they get very good social welfare facilities.

However, Last but not least; one derives a great deal of satisfaction and feels privileged to make the lives of people better.

What are the Different Services under the Civil Services Examination?

There are about 19 services that come under the Civil Services Exam conducted by UPSC every year:

• Indian Administrative Service
• Indian Foreign Service
• Indian Police Service
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Information Service, Junior Grade Group ‘A’
• Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) Group ‘A’
• Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) Group ‘A’
• Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III)
• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’
• Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’

What is the minimum qualification to appear for CSE?

The candidate must hold a degree of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University Under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.

However, many aspirants like to take up Humanities in school as well as in college, since the pattern of the exam is based on subjects such as Indian Polity, Constitution, Geography, World News, History, etc. You can choose any degree and any subject of your choice, the only thing that matters is your interest in it, and alternate career options that you can build out of that subject and degree.

What is the pattern for UPSC Exam?

The pattern of the UPSC exam is officially divided into two stages called Preliminary and Main Examination while in practice, it is a three-stage exam. As per the IAS exam pattern, candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible for Mains and candidates who clear the Main reach the interview stage. The three stages of the IAS exam are Prelims, Mains and Personality Test.

Preliminary Exam : It has two papers of objective type and carries a maximum of 400 marks. General Ability Test (GAT) and the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT). This will test the analytical skills of the candidates. All questions are objective in nature.

Mains Exam : There are two types of Papers – Qualifying Papers and Papers that will be counted for Merit. The former will consist of two language exams, one of the candidate’s choice and the other of English. The latter will consist of 9 papers including 7 merit and 2 qualifying language papers. The main exam will comprise both essay writing and objective type questions. The sum total of all papers and the score secured in the interview round will be used for the ranking of candidates.

Personality Test: An interview of 275 Marks would be taken of the candidates qualified in Main Exam. This would include Psychometric Test, Assessment Test as well as a Personal Interview. Marks obtained in the test would be added in the calculation for the declaration of the final Merit list.

How many students appear in the examination and what is the competition?

What is the syllabus for UPSC Exam ?

Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation General Science

Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper II)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)

Qualifying Papers:

• Paper A: (One of the Indian Languages to be selected from the ones included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution – 300 Marks)
• Paper – B English -300 Marks; This paper is of qualifying nature

Merit Papers:

• Paper-I Essay – 250 Marks; Can be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice
• Paper-II General Studies-I 250 Marks; (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
• Paper-III General Studies-II 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
• Paper-IV General Studies-III 250 Marks (Economy, Development, Science and Technology, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
• Paper-V General Studies-IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) 
• Paper-VI Optional Subject – Paper 1 -250 Marks
• Paper-VII Optional Subject – Paper 2 -250 Marks

UPSC Exam Preparation – Where to Begin?

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered to be the mother of all examinations. One may be worried about the vast syllabus and the paucity of time. However, remember, this exam is not only about knowledge. It is also about your ATTITUDE towards the exam and Emotional Quotient. 

Your attitude should be an ambitious one guided by a clear strategy and rooted in humility. Confidence must be a constant companion. As you know confidence is proportional to incremental improvements.

The preparation phase is a journey – short /long which can mould our attitude towards life. One not only gets humongous knowledge but also gets only better in the process and nothing less in any way.

The success in this examination is for those who are determined and committed and for the one who believes in themselves.

Preparation for this examination can be done by

• Taking Guidance / Coaching 

For studying who can rely on Self-Study, Insights IAS is a reliable source as we have rolled out various free initiatives catering to students who study from any corner of the world with an internet connection.

Students who feel they would need a guide throughout / coaching will have to be cautious in choosing the institutions and ensure that the services offered are according to their needs.

What books to refer to?

Firstly, start your preparation With NCERTs, The NCERT textbooks from classes six to twelve play a very significant role in IAS exam preparation. Aspirants can get basic concepts and theories from NCERT textbooks.

This is a sample booklist for UPSC CSE. Your selection of books may vary depending on your preference. However here are the books widely recommended by toppers.

Strong Fundamentals and wide knowledge are one part of your preparation. The actuality starts once you start applying the knowledge you have. Application of Knowledge comes in an array of Recollection of retained information, skills of analysis, skills of elimination (in prelims exam), proper presentation and structuring of mains answers.

All this gets developed with PRACTICE & REVISION.

Keep your sources/books minimal and revise them n number of times. 

A detailed article on How to Read Books, How to Make Note, How to Start writing Answers etc will be covered in other articles.

You must constantly improve your abilities such as working hard under pressure, enduring the long process without draining your energy, staying disciplined and updated on a regular basis, self-control with respect to avoiding going for multiple strategies or sources, sticking to a plan, and ability to talk about any issue with precision and relevance etc.

These Should be Priorities for your UPSC Preparation: 

• A timetable and strategy:  Nothing is possible without proper planning, a daily timetable and short/long term goals set. So, plan and timetable is the first pillar.
• A strong foundation and conceptual clarity:  it is important to ensure whatever we read, we understand it thoroughly. UPSC questions are very much applied, they need analysis and that can come only when we are crystal clear with our concepts of subject matter.
• Consolidation and revision: The syllabus is like a vast ocean, it is important to keep consolidating and revising it time and again. So make notes and continuously revise every now and then.
• Evaluation of Preparation:  At every point of time, you should know where your preparation stands, which is possible through self-evaluation and evaluation through tests.
• Consistency: Nothing happens without it. People who show consistency are sure shot to be rewarded, provided they work smartly
• Discussions and Answer writing: Discussions are very important; they will help in clearing your doubts & better understanding of the subject matter. Similarly, Answer writing has a very important role, knowledge without the ability to express and articulate is futile. It is important to develop the ability to deliver in 8 minutes.

If you’re looking for the best coaching for UPSC exam, Insights IAS is the right IAS coaching centre. We’re an IAS academy with a reputation for teaching excellence & UPSC rank holders. Sign up for InsightsIAS’ INSTA courses today.

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SUGAM (Beginners)

H ome   > Courses > SUGAM (Beginners)

SUGAM (Beginners) Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice Course

For SUGAM, we offer a thorough exploration of the ethics syllabus, encompassing theoretical foundations, practical case studies, daily writing exercises, and personalized mentorship.

Course Overview

• There are many UPSC aspirants who consider Mains answer writing as the biggest challenge during the UPSC CSE preparation. To tackle this problem, Eden IAS has come up with a daily Answer writing course for beginners – SUGAM, meaning “Easy” .  This course covers the complete syllabus of GS I, II, III & IV for UPSC CSE Mains.
• Aspirants can opt for, either the entire course covering all the GS Papers i.e., GS1,2,3, & 4 or they can choose any of the GS paper/s out of the 4 in Module form depending upon their need (You can refer to the brochure for further details).
• This answer writing course is a daily based answer writing course for which the syllabus would be given to the aspirant. This course is going to help them start the answer writing, get familiar with the art of writing Mains answers and also will help them to cover the entire UPSC / IAS syllabus, which will help them to gain confidence and develop daily answer writing discipline.

Course Structure

Course duration – 4 Months

GS Paper division – 1 Paper/ Month

Answer writing – 6 Days/ Week.

Questions – 4 ques/ day

Evaluation in 72 hrs.

Model Answers

Course Content

What Do We Cover Under SUGAM ?

This course covers the complete syllabus of GS I, II, III & IV for UPSC CSE Mains.

Unique Value Proposition

Structured Approach: The course follows a structured approach, breaking down the extensive GS syllabus into manageable segments. This allows aspirants to focus on one GS paper per month, ensuring in-depth coverage and understanding.

Daily Answer Writing Practice : With answer writing exercises scheduled six days a week, aspirants receive consistent practice in articulating their thoughts concisely and effectively. This regular practice helps in building confidence and improving writing skills over time.

Customized Syllabus Coverage : Aspirants have the flexibility to choose either the entire course covering all GS papers (GS1, 2, 3, & 4) or select specific GS papers based on their individual needs. This modular approach ensures that aspirants can tailor their preparation according to their strengths and weaknesses.

Rs. 15,339 /- (Including GST)

Course duration - 4 months, daily 4 questions , online & offline modes, evaluation in 72 hrs, gs-i, ii, iii, iv, personal mentorship, daily answer writing.

Embark on a journey Of Knowledge and Discovery.  Join EDEN IAS  Today

Related courses.

Ethics GS-4

Ethics Integrity and Aptitude commonly known as General studies paper IV is one of the high-scoring subjects for the UPSC Mains examination.

Essay Writing UPSC Mains

Essay writing is crucial to attain high marks in the Civil Services Mains Written Examination. It requires a lot of preparation & practice.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing

EDEN IAS has come up with an Answer writing course for beginners – SUGAM, which means “Easy”. This course covers the complete syllabus of UPSC Mains – GS I, II, III, IV.

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How to Write an Essay? 9 Tips To Score Better in UPSC Essay Paper

It can be easily said that many UPSC exam aspirants overlook the importance of preparing their writings well. A majority of novices mistakenly feel they can write the perfect content on their exam day, while the repeaters equate the knowledge gained through their General studies preparation to successful writing. In both cases, writing practice is left unconsidered.

UPSC essay paper carries a total of 250 marks comprising 2 essays in total (125 marks each). Leaving behind writing a good content of 1000 to 1200 words to mere chance is a grave error.

Do not worry, we have you covered!

Check out These Tried and Tested Tips to Write Essay for UPSC

Our experts understand the significance of converting your gained knowledge conceptually into well put-down words. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 9 superb essay writing tips that’ll help you prepare the right way:

Right Knowledge

To write an astounding essay for UPSC, you must first possess the correct knowledge.

UPSC essay syllabus is not your regular school or college question. Here, along with your knowledge of a topic, your ability to produce it sequentially, consistently and with precision is given equal importance.

So, how do you gain the knowledge to do that?

Undoubtedly, the content will come from your general studies preparation.

Besides this, you must regularly read magazines like Economic and Political weekly, Yojana, etc. These magazines will not only help you revise your GS content but will also give you good ideas regarding the content presentation.

You must also try reading non-fiction occasionally; it’s a great way to grow your thought process and learn how to represent them powerfully through words.

Also Read: What is the Difference Between the Indian Forest Service and Indian Foreign Service?

Avoid Unnecessary Jargon

You must keep the language of your UPSC essay paper simple. The exam tests your vocabulary too, agreed, but avoid using complex words just to sound well-read.

Instead, concentrate on writing clear, concise and meaningful sentences that put your point across. It is best to avoid redundant sentences. A common mistake made by many is writing lengthy sentences. It’s best to put down small and simple sentences rather than elaborate ones that will make the reader lose out on the crux of your point.

Keep up the Good Vocabulary

As mentioned above, a good vocabulary showcases how well-read you are. This doesn’t mean you use it incessantly. But, a strong word can add value to your sentences when used the right way.

We know that you can’t read up an entire dictionary in a week. And we do not expect you to do so too.

The best way to build up a strong vocabulary is by reading the newspaper daily. Even reading non-fiction can be of great help here. What you must do is write down the words, phrases and quotes that seem unique alongside their meanings.  Writing an example sentence along with it will also help you retain it in your memory longer.

Create Intelligent and Worldly-Wise Subheadings

The subheading is the entire body copy at a glance. Representing a paragraph with a catchy, smart and content-aligned subheading can get you major points in an essay for the UPSC exam. It raises the interest of the examiner and also aids readability.

Keep your Paragraphs Coherent to Each Other

When writing a long essay for UPSC of 1000-1200 words, it’s quite easy to end up losing out on the main message you want to convey.

To ensure that you deliver the desired message, it is crucial to present your sentences/ paragraphs in an organized and sequential manner.

Practice is essential if you want to deliver a write-up that showcases your well-connected thinking ability. You can end a paragraph with a question, or an introduction to the next paragraph. This will help you maintain a smooth connection between your subtopics.

Let’s take a look at two sample paragraphs for the topic taken from some essay book for UPSC – “women, gender inequality and the Indian economy,”

The practice of men handling major financial decisions and managing the family’s income in India’s traditional patriarchal society is another reason for the sad state of women’s dependence on men. Such practices hinder potential women equality in economic development.

Similar practice in higher echelons of the corporate sector where women are obstructed in entering powerful positions by way of glass-ceiling is a continuation of such patriarchal ideologies.

Notice how the sentences actually tell and take forward the message in a sequence respectively.

Giving an outro and intro to your paragraphs is a great way of establishing a connection and sequence between the two.

The Introduction Should Ideally be a Relatable Quote or an Event

Starting your GS answers with a definition is the right thing to do, but doing so in essays just makes it stale and boring.

You must try to up the examiner’s interest by quoting a famous personality, an interesting quote, or a relatable real-life/fictional event.

Books, magazines and newspapers will help you learn essay-worthy anecdotes and incidents.

Let’s Take the Same topic as above

• Starting with a definition

“In simple terms, Gender Inequality can be defined as the unequal treatment of individuals because of their gender.”

• Starting with an interesting fictional event/ story

“Let me take you to a modest two-room house in a remote village in India. Rupa is crying in a corner of her room. Her father wouldn’t allow her to go to her primary school anymore. Her brother has already left for today’s class, but Rupa has chores to finish around the house. Father says it’s not important for girls to study.”

The contrast between the two is stark and clearly the latter reads more interesting to the reader.

Create Your Essay’s Content as per the Topic

One way of writing for a particular topic might not necessarily work for the other. To completely understand how to write an essay, you must first understand the nature of your topic and then decide how you want to tackle it down further.

For example, the topics presented as a question are best written in the problem and solution pattern.

Back-up Your Arguments with Substantial Reasons

To add value to your essay for UPSC, it is a must to include constitutional provisions, examples, statistics and expert opinions.

Let’s say, in an essay on “women, gender inequality and the Indian economy,” it is not enough to state that: –

“Gender inequality is predominant in the education sector in India. The bridge between the enrolment ratio of men and women has widened. The drop-out rates of girls are alarmingly more than boys, which adds to the gender gap prevalent in our society.”

Agreed, the points made are valid, but substantiating them with required facts is important to add value to it.

So, adding a fact like below will back up your opinions and fetch you more marks.

“at higher education level, the GER for males is approximately 19 %, while for females, it is merely 15-16% approximately (as per 12th five-year plan.)”

Write a Powerful Conclusion

You must always summarise your essay on an optimistic note in 3-4 lines. It is advisable to not skip on giving your vision for the future.

Important Topics for UPSC CSE Essay Syllabus

There are certain topics that have a higher possibility of being included. These are: –

• Rural Empowerment
• Women Empowerment
• Internal Security
• Social Justice

Although highly suggested, please do not limit yourself to the above strictly. you can use these topics for preparing a model essay.

Also Read: A Detailed Guide to Choosing the Best Optional Subject for UPSC Exam

Let’s Take a Look at Some Good Questions from Previous UPSC Essay Paper: 

• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible?
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implications
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?
• 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?

Conclusion:

To conclude, keep your essays expansive yet meaningful and relevant to the topic, you can refer to different essay books for UPSC for this purpose. You must try not to steer away from what is asked. And finally, when preparing for essay writing for UPSC, keep up the daily reading, and do not forget, “practice makes perfect.”

Very nicely guided

This guide was actually helpful and is providing a structured image of how to write the essay paper, as you know may students are suffering from stress, can you also provide some tips on that?

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Greeta Sulochana is a content evangelist with a flair for compelling creative writing. She has penned down her thoughts in poetry and prose since the past five years, and has catered her skills to the Indian and international audiences. She started out as an advertising intern with Grey worldwide, and is now a full-fledged writer in passion and profession, who has worked for major national brands.

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The journey of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination examination is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that opens the doors to a distinguished career in civil services. As a beginner , the path may seem daunting, but with the right approach, dedication, and strategy, success is achievable. Additionally, it's essential to begin practising Mains answer writing from the very beginning and develop the essential answer writing skills that would help you write a perfect answer within 7 minutes. This early focus on answer writing will not only strengthen your understanding of the subjects but also prepare you effectively for the mains examination. Here's a comprehensive guide to help beginners navigate the world of UPSC preparation .

How to Start UPSC Preparation as a Beginner?

The UPSC examination consists of three stages - the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview. Each stage is distinct, testing different skills and aspects of a candidate's personality. The Prelims is an objective test that focuses on general awareness and aptitude, while the Mains evaluates in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities.

Lay the Foundation

Begin by understanding the UPSC syllabus thoroughly. The foundation of your preparation rests on a clear comprehension of the topics. Start with the NCERT books for subjects like history, geography, polity, and economics to build a strong base.

Create a Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is crucial. Divide your time efficiently among different subjects, allocating more time to areas you find challenging. Balance is key - cover the syllabus comprehensively while allowing time for revision and mock tests.

UPSC Prelims Preparation Tips for Beginners

The UPSC Preliminary Exam is a screening test that assesses a candidate's aptitude and general knowledge. It is important to focus on the basics and build a strong foundation in subjects such as history, geography, economics, and polity. Here are some key tips for UPSC Prelims preparation :

• Focus on NCERT textbooks: The NCERT textbooks are a great resource for building a strong foundation in the basics. They are comprehensive and well-written, and they cover the entire UPSC syllabus.
• Read newspapers and magazines regularly: Staying updated on current affairs is essential for the UPSC Prelims Exam. Make sure to read newspapers and magazines regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.
• Practise UPSC Prelims mock tests and PYQs: The best way to improve your chances of success in the UPSC Prelims Exam is to practise. Solve as many mock tests and previous year question papers, as you can, to improve your speed and accuracy.

Choose Optional Subjects Wisely

You're required to choose an optional subject for the Mains . Pick one you're passionate about and have a good grasp of. Your optional subject should complement your strengths and interests.

UPSC Mains Preparation Tips for Beginners

The UPSC Mains Exam is a more in-depth test of a candidate's knowledge of the subjects than the Preliminary Exam. It is a subjective exam, which means that candidates need to write detailed answers in the mains papers. Here are some key tips for UPSC Mains preparation :

• Read standard textbooks and reference books. The standard textbooks and reference books are a great resource for gaining detailed knowledge of the subjects. They are comprehensive and well-written, and they cover the entire UPSC syllabus in depth.
• Practice answer writing regularly. The best way to improve your writing skills is to practise answer writing regularly. Set aside some time each day to practise writing answers to UPSC Mains questions.
• Analyse UPSC previous year question papers . This is a great way to understand the pattern and type of questions that are asked in the UPSC Mains Exam. Make sure to analyse the questions carefully and identify the areas where you need to improve.

Develop Analytical Skills

UPSC isn't about rote memorisation; it's about analysing and applying information. Integrate your static subject notes with dynamic current affairs. Read critically, form opinions, and practice writing structured answers.

Ethics and Integrity

Ethics is a vital aspect of the UPSC Mains Examination. Develop a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and social responsibility. Read about moral thinkers, case studies, and real-life examples to enhance your ethical understanding.

Revise and Reflect

Frequent revision is crucial. UPSC Syllabus is vast and requires regular revisiting of what you've studied to reinforce your memory. Reflect on your progress, analyse mistakes, and work on improving them.

Stay Healthy and Positive

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and practise relaxation techniques. Surround yourself with positive influences and believe in your capabilities.

Join a UPSC coaching

Joining coaching institutes or online platforms can provide structured guidance. Their decades of experience can help you prepare in an organised manner with expert mentorship. However, remember that self-study and self-discipline are equally important. Utilise online portals like the Vajiram & Ravi Portal to receive regular updates.

Sure-shot Mains Test Series for Beginners

Our " Sureshot Mains 2025 for Beginners " is meticulously designed to incorporate Mains preparation right from the outset of your UPSC journey. This innovative program offers a comprehensive, integrated, and effective preparation strategy, recognizing the pivotal role of the Mains exam in determining your rank and eventual selection.

• It comprises 40 Comprehensive Tests , including 20 subjective assessments focusing on specific syllabus sections, 8 sectional tests covering half the syllabus, and 12 complete tests spanning the entire syllabus.
• Our Unique Methodology leverages previous years' question analysis and syllabus keywords to replicate exam patterns and difficulty levels. By blending basic and applied questions, it enhances conceptual clarity and application skills. Model answers provided offer insight into the expectations of UPSC examiners and indicate the relevance of each question to the test series, based on the past year's questions.
• Adhering to best answer writing practices, model answers incorporate maps, figures, and schematics where necessary. A strategically designed test timetable ensures comprehensive coverage of the UPSC GS Mains syllabus, including current affairs, with systematic division for timely completion and multiple revisions. Personalised post-test mentorship and strategy sessions further enhance preparation by offering tailored strategies for mastering the syllabus effectively.

Strategy for UPSC 2025 Preparation for Beginners

Follow this plan if you are a beginner and planning to prepare for UPSC 2025 from May 2024:

The journey to cracking the UPSC examination requires patience, determination, and consistency. It's not just about taking an exam; it's about becoming a responsible and informed public servant. Embrace the learning process, stay committed, and let your passion fuel your preparation. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream of serving the nation through the civil services.

What is the ideal time to start UPSC preparation for a beginner?

• 1-2 years: This is the generally recommended timeline for beginners to prepare for the UPSC exam . This will give you enough time to cover the syllabus, practice for the exam, and take mock tests.
• 6-8 hours of daily study: This is the minimum amount of time that you should study each day if you want to be successful in the UPSC exam . However, you may need to study more if you are not familiar with the material or if you are struggling to keep up.
• Never too late to start: It is never too late to start preparing for the UPSC exam. However, the earlier you begin, the better your chances of success. This is because you will have more time to cover the syllabus, practice for the exam, and take mock tests.

How do I begin my UPSC preparation as a beginner?

Embarking on the UPSC journey as a beginner might seem challenging, but with a strategic approach, it's achievable. Start by grasping the syllabus and laying a strong foundation with NCERT books. Craft a study plan that includes current affairs, mock tests, and analytical practice. Remember, dedication, regular revision, and a positive mindset are your allies on this path toward becoming a successful civil servant.

How can Beginners Start UPSC Preparation Without Coaching? 

Starting UPSC preparation as a beginner without coaching requires a structured approach.

Here are the steps involved:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: This will help you know what you need to study and how much time you need to devote to each subject.
• Choose the right study material: There are many different study materials available, so it is important to choose the ones that are right for you. You may want to consider using a combination of books, online resources, and coaching materials.
• Create a personalised study plan: This will help you stay organised and on track. Your study plan should be realistic and flexible, and it should take into account your other commitments.
• Focus on building a strong foundation in the basics: This will help you answer questions confidently in the exam. Make sure to study all the important concepts and topics.
• Practice regularly: This is the best way to improve your chances of success. Solve as many previous year question papers and mock tests as you can.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC

Last updated on September 15, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

ClearIAS has consistently been the guiding light for UPSC CSE aspirants, illuminating the path to success with its innovative and results-driven approach.

Keeping in line with its commitment to excellence, ClearIAS is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest offering: a comprehensive and game-changing course on essay writing.

Here is the direct link to join !

Table of Contents

ClearIAS Essay Writing Course: What will you get?

Once you join the ClearIAS Essay Writing Course, you will get access to:

• ClearIAS video classes which cover the art of essay writing in detail.
• ClearIAS notes on essay writing
• ClearIAS sample essays
• ClearIAS essay practice and feedback

Admissions Open. Join now !

Mastering the Art of Essay Writing: The ClearIAS Way:

Essay writing in the UPSC CSE exam isn’t just about words; it’s about weaving a narrative that resonates with depth, clarity, and perspective.

ClearIAS recognizes the challenges that aspirants face and has designed this course as a guiding beacon to navigate these challenges with finesse.

This new course is poised to revolutionize the way aspirants approach the essay paper in the UPSC CSE examination.

More details here …

ClearIAS Essay Writing Course for UPSC – Highlights:

Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking addition to the ClearIAS repertoire .

• Customized for UPSC CSE: The course is exclusively tailored to meet the unique demands of the UPSC CSE essay paper, providing aspirants with a roadmap to success that’s aligned with the exam’s intricacies.
• Genre Exploration: From analytical to philosophical, the course equips you with the skills to excel in diverse essay genres, ensuring you’re prepared to tackle any topic that comes your way.
• Captivating Introductions: The course unveils the secrets behind crafting introductions that not only capture the examiner’s attention but also set the stage for an impactful essay journey.
• Structured Brilliance: Learn the art of organizing thoughts coherently, resulting in essays that exhibit a seamless flow of ideas, making your arguments persuasive and captivating.
• Developing Your Voice: ClearIAS believes in nurturing individuality. The course empowers you to develop a unique writing voice that sets your essays apart, giving you an edge that’s bound to impress evaluators.
• Time Management Mastery: Excelling in the UPSC CSE essay paper requires not just quality but quality within the exam’s time constraints. The course equips you with time management strategies to tackle this challenge with confidence.
• Guidance by Experts: ClearIAS has assembled a team of educators and experts who are renowned for their domain knowledge. Their guidance ensures that you’re learning from the best in the field.

Enroll Today: Your Path to Success Begins Here!

ClearIAS’ new essay writing course isn’t just a course; it’s a transformative experience that empowers you to wield the power of words effectively.

Whether you’re a seasoned aspirant or just beginning your UPSC CSE journey, this course has something invaluable to offer.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this revolutionary leap in your essay-writing journey.

Enroll today and embark on a path that promises not only success in exams but also mastery in expressing your thoughts with eloquence and impact.

ClearIAS has once again raised the bar, and it’s time for you to rise above it.

Let the journey to essay writing excellence begin!

Also read: Best UPSC CSE Coaching Institute in Kerala

Aim IAS, IPS, or IFS?

About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

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October 24, 2023 at 8:41 am

Good morning sir my son name is Ranjith who is studying B.Tech 3rd year NIT CALICUT he wants to appear 2025 CSE. 6th Dec to 30th 2023 holidays. Would you please provide offline coaching for Essay writing. Vasantha Kumar AP

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The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers for the IAS main exam. With this, the scores obtained in the UPSC essay topics will also be considered in the merit list. Hence, it is important to cover all the aspects of the UPSC essay syllabus .

In this paper, candidates need to write two essays, each with a word limit of 1000-1200 words. Moreover, they are required to choose one IAS essay topic out of the four options in each section i.e. A and B.

The UPSC essay paper is conducted for 250 marks with one essay UPSC paper for 125 marks. Therefore, aspirants should use the best books and strategies to excel in this section.

In this article, we have compiled all the details of the UPSC IAS essay for the candidates aspiring for the upcoming civil services exam.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Structure

• As per the UPSC exam pattern , the essay paper is one of the nine subjects in the civil services main exam. In this paper, aspirants need to write essays on assigned UPSC essay topics .
• Candidates should practice writing essays on multiple topics in order to learn how to arrange their ideas and execute the same in the proper order.
• Furthermore, the UPSC essay paper will carry 250 marks with an exam duration of 3 hours.

UPSC Essay Previous Year Papers

The previous year’s UPSC essay paper is one of the finest resources to prepare well for this section. This will strengthen their vocabulary and writing skills and also provide them insights into the type of essay topics UPSC asked over the years.

Hence, we have compiled below the official UPSC essay previous paper PDF link for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 for the reference of the candidates.

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Best Strategy for UPSC Essay Writing

UPSC essays must be well-formatted and presented in a manner that the readers can easily understand without any obstacles. Above all, it must include the ideas about the issue mentioned in the question.

Candidates must note that the general essay papers also play an important role in compensating for the less scores in general studies and optional papers. Hence, it is advisable to focus on improving the vocabulary and writing skills from the first leg of the preparation.

Let’s look at the best strategy to score high marks in the UPSC essay topics in the main exam.

• Go through the entire UPSC essay syllabus to cover all the aspects of the section.
• Build a habit of reading newspaper editorials and journals every day. Going by the trend analysis, it is found that many essay questions were asked directly from current affairs in the past few years.
• Next, note down relevant quotes from the books/magazines/journal and implement them whenever required in the essay writing.
• Focus on IAS essay topics related to democracy, environment/urbanization, judiciary, social justice/poverty, philosophies, media & society, education, economic sector, etc as questions can be asked from these topics.
• Pick the essay topic very carefully. Also, it is advised to take some time to think about the topic and collect ideas and thoughts.
• One should make sure that the essay comprises sections like introduction, main body, theme, and conclusion.
• Moreover, aspirants can also reach out to their mentors, experts, seniors, or teachers for feedback on their essay writing. This will allow them to recognize their mistakes and focus more on their weak points for effective preparation.

Read More: How to write an essay for UPSC here!

Best Books for UPSC Essay Writing

Along with the best UPSC essay strategy , aspirants should also choose the finest books that comprise multiple essay topics UPSC for the exam. Here, we have shared below the best books and resources to strengthen the preparation of the general essay section:

• Monthly Current Affairs Magazines by OnlyIAS
• Only IAS Yogana Magazine
• Only IAS Praarambh Post-Independence India
• Only IAS Kurukshetra Magazine
• Only IAS Praarmabh Indian Society
• The Hindu (editorial articles)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How to score 150 in UPSC essay?

Ans. One can score 150 marks on the UPSC essay paper by managing time effectively throughout the exam and avoiding any kind of deviation from the topic.

Q2. What are the topics for UPSC essay?

Ans. Some of the important IAS essay topics include democracy, environment/urbanization, judiciary, social justice/poverty, philosophies, media & society, education, economic sector, etc

Q3. What is essay paper 1 in UPSC?

Ans. The UPSC essay paper 1 is one of the nine papers for the IAS main exam. In this paper, candidates need to write two essays, each with a word limit of 1000-1200 words. The maximum mark is 250 with a duration of 3 hours.

Q4. Is UPSC essay tough?

Ans. Yes, the UPSC essay paper is moderately tough as per the past year’s exam analysis. However, it also depends on the aspirant knowledge of the topic.

Q5. How many pages is 1,000 words in UPSC?

Ans. 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced is about 1000 words in UPSC.

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UPSC Preparation for Beginners: IAS Study Plan and Preparation Guidance

Upsc cse preparation strategy for beginners: get expert strategies to kickstart your upsc ias preparation. here you will get insights into upsc ias preparation. read now.

Understanding the UPSC CSE Exam Pattern

Upsc cse preliminary examination (prelims).

The prelims consist of two objective-type papers i.e. General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I) and General Studies Paper II (GS Paper II or CSAT). GS Paper I consists of questions from History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, and Current Affairs whereas GS Paper II or CSAT consists of Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.

UPSC CSE Mains Examination (Mains)

Personality test (interview), upsc cse preparation strategy for beginners, understanding the syllabus, creating a study plan, set achievable goals, right study material, focusing on current affairs, newspaper and magazines.

Newspapers and Magazines play a vital role in covering current affairs as well as preparing for the main answer writing. Some of the recommended newspapers and magazines are listed below:

The Hindu: The Hindu is widely considered an essential newspaper for UPSC preparation. It provides in-depth information and editorial opinions. The topics covered in the editorial sections are very helpful for writing the main answers.

The Indian Express: The Indian Express is another popular newspaper among UPSC aspirants which covers diverse news on politics, governance, economy and social issues.

Business Standard: For UPSC having a good understanding of the economy is important and Business Standard provides insightful information on initiatives by governments, economic changes, and trends in the market.

Yojana: Yojana is a monthly magazine published by the Government of India. It covers topics related to socio-economic issues, government schemes, policies, and development initiatives.  Understanding the point of view of the government and getting an understanding of important national issues becomes easy by reading Yojana.

Prioritise Subjects

Make notes , mains answer writing , mock test and previous year papers, consistent breaks, positive mindset.

Maintaining a positive attitude is critical during the UPSC preparation process. The examination is difficult, and setbacks are expected. Beginners should have a positive attitude, be motivated, and have faith in their talents. Having a supportive environment and seeking advice from mentors or peers helps build confidence and keep on track.

NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

Ias officer salary.

A motivation to prepare for the most prestigious job of country is its allowances and benefits. The starting of an officer ranges from 56000 to 60000 with lots of benefits and allowances. Read out our article of IAS officer salary to get in detail of what benefits an IAS officer gets     

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• How often should I revise my study material? + Regular revision is crucial for UPSC preparation. Aim to revise your study material periodically, ensuring that you retain information and strengthen your understanding of the subjects.
• Can I choose any subject as an optional for the UPSC examination irrespective of my background? + Yes, you can choose any subject as an optional subject for the UPSC examination irrespective of your background. However, it is always advisable to consider your strengths, interests, and scoring potential choosing optional.
• What is the importance of Current Affairs in the UPSC examination? + Current Affairs has a significant role in prelims as well as mains examinations of UPSC CSE. Aspirants should stay updated with current affairs.
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• Topic Wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains 1994 2018

Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List. In this article, we have listed all the essay topics asked in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. We have also classified the last 25 years essay questions into topics to make your preparation easier.

Latest – See the UPSC Essay Topics in the IAS Mains 2020 Essay Paper. Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. (1994)
• 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)
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? (2003)

Democracy/India since independence

• Whither Indian democracy? (1995)
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? (2000)
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? (2001)
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? (2003)
• National identity and patriotism. (2008)
• 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)
• Is the colonial mentality hindering India’s success? (2013)
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. (2015)
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task. (2018)

Economic growth and development

• Resource management in the Indian context. (1999)
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? (2014)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (2015)
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. (2016)
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (2016)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. (2016)
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. (2017)

Federalism, Decentralisation

• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. (1998)
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. (2004)
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. (2007)
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? (2007)
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication. (2011)
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. (2016)
• Water disputes between States in federal India. (2016)

Indian Culture & Society

• The Indian society at the crossroads. (1994)
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion. (1996)
• The composite culture of India. (1998)
• Youth culture today. (1999)
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. (2000)
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? (2000)
• As civilization advances culture declines. (2003)
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? (2010)
• Judicial activism. (1997)
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. (2004)
• Justice must reach the poor. (2005)

Social justice/Poverty

• Reservation, politics and empowerment. (1999)
• Food security for sustainable national development. (2005)
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. (2009)
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India. (2017)
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. (2018)

Media & Society

• Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. (1998)
• Mass media and cultural invasion. (1999)
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. (2002)
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? (2007)
• Role of media in good governance. (2008)
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? (2011)
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? (2014)

Environment/Urbanisation

• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997)
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. (2006)
• Urbanisation and its hazards. (2008)
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? (2010)
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. (2017)

Economic sectors/MNCs

• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs. (1994)
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. (2006)
• BPO boom in India. (2007)
• Special economic zone: boon or bane? (2008)
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? (2009)
• 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)
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? (2014)
• Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
• Irrelevance of the classroom. (2001)
• Privatization of higher education in India. (2002)
• Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
• What is real education? (2005)
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. (2006)
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood. (2007)
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses? (2008)
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges. (2011)
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? (2014)
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? (2014)
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (2015)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. (2017)
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. (1997)
• Woman is god’s best creation. (1998)
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. (1999)
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
• Whither women’s emancipation? (2004)
• If women ruled the world. (2005)
• The hand that rocks the cradle. (2005)
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. (2006)
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal? (2012)
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. (2016)
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. (2017)

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
• Useless life is an early death. (1994)
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. (1995)
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. (1995)
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
• Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
• True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. (2002)
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (2002)
• If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)
• Be the change you want to see in others. (2013)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. (2014)
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. (2014)
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. (2015)
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. (2018)
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. (2018)
• Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man. (2007)
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin. (2008)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. (2015)
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. (2016)
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. (2017)
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. (2018)
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. (2018)
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life. (2018)

Globalisation

• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. (1994)
• The world of the twenty-first century. (1998)
• The implications of globalization for India. (2000)
• My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
• The masks of new imperialism. (2003)
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. (2004)
• ‘Globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’. (2009)
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. (2010)

Science & Tech

• The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
• Value-based science and education. (1999)
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. (2001)
• Spirituality and scientific temper. (2003)
• The lure of space. (2004)
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible? (2012)
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. (2013)
• Technology cannot replace manpower. (2015)
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. (2018)

Internet/IT

• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. (2000)
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. (2006)
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run. (2016)
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium. (2017)

International organisations/relations

• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities. (1996)
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN cooperation. (2004)
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. (2006)
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world. (2017)
• Terrorism and world peace. (2005)
• Are we a ‘soft’ state? (2009)
• Good fences make good neighbours. (2009)
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism. (2011)

Miscellaneous

• India’s contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
• The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
• Geography may remain the same; history need not. (2010)
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (2014)
• Quick but steady wins the race. (2015)

When preparing for IAS Mains, aspirants must focus on UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise as this will improve one’s speed, efficiency and writing skills. It will automatically help in essay writing as well. 

Also, read:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc, q 2. does handwriting matter in upsc.

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Please share all essay mains paper for UPSC ?

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