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UPSC Essay Paper: Structure, Significance, Toppers and Their Marks

Unlock success in UPSC Mains with expert insights on the UPSC Essay Paper. Learn structure, scoring, and top scorer trends. FAQs answered for mastering this 250-mark exam challenge.

UPSC Essay Paper: Structure

The Union Public Service Commission conducts Civil Services Exams every year which comprises three stages i.e Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The Mains exam consists of multiple papers, with the first paper being the UPSC Essay paper. In this article, we will explore every aspect of the UPSC Essay paper. Before going further let’s see the structure of the UPSC exam .

Marks Distribution of Mains Examination: The 250-Mark Weightage of UPSC Essay Paper

Each Paper of mains exam of UPSC has an equal weightage of 250 marks. So UPSC Essay paper has a weightage of 250 marks, and marks scored in the UPSC Essay paper were considered for evaluation.

Structure of UPSC Essay Paper: Sections, Topics, and Scoring

• The UPSC CSE Essay Paper in Mains Exam consists of two sections A and B with four topics each of 125 marks and a total of 250 (125×2) marks.  
• Candidates are given a choice to select a topic from each section and write about it in 1,000 to 2,000 words within the given time of three hours.

Importance of UPSC Essay Paper: Probing Skills, Knowledge, and Ethics for Administration

The UPSC essay paper of the UPSC mains examination is a comprehensive tool for evaluating a candidate’s intellectual, analytical, communication, and decision-making abilities. It extended beyond the factual knowledge, emphasizing the qualities necessary for effective and ethical administration. Let us see the importance of essay paper in UPSC Mains:

• Articulation of Ideas- The UPSC Essay paper assesses a candidate’s ability to articulate thoughts and ideas coherently. It tests the candidate’s proficiency in expressing complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Analytical Skills- The UPSC essay paper evaluates analytical and critical thinking skills. Candidates are expected to analyze a given topic from various angles and present a balanced view.
• Integration of Knowledge- It requires candidates to integrate knowledge acquired from various subjects. This reflects the interdisciplinary approach necessary for administrative services.
• Current Affairs Awareness- The UPSC Essay topics often cover contemporary issues. This ensures that candidates are not only aware of current affairs but also capable of providing insightful perspectives on them.
• Language Proficiency- It assesses the candidate’s command over language, including grammar, vocabulary, and overall language proficiency.
• Time Management- Writing two essays in a span of three hours challenges a candidate’s time management skills. It assesses their ability to prioritize and allocate time effectively.
• Personality Assessment- The UPSC essay paper provides insight into a candidate’s personality, thought process, and values. It helps the UPSC to evaluate whether the candidate possesses the qualities required for a career in public service.
• Communication Skills- Effective communication is a crucial aspect of administrative roles. The UPSC Essay paper evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Decision-Making Abilities- The UPSC Essay topics often require candidates to take a stance or make a decision. This helps in assessing their decision-making abilities and the rationale behind their choices.
• Ethical Dimension- Essay topics may also touch upon ethical dilemmas. This allows the UPSC to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of ethical principles and their ability to apply them in real-life situations.

Key Areas Evaluated in UPSC Essay Paper: Skills, Knowledge, and Effective Communication

Candidates should keep in mind that the UPSC Essay paper is an opportunity to showcase not only their knowledge but also their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Practicing diverse topics and refining writing skills are essential for success in this component of the UPSC examination.

• This involves demonstrating knowledge, facts, and insights about the subject matter. 
• The ability to incorporate relevant data, examples, and references is essential.
• Ideas should be presented in a coherent manner, with a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion. 
• Logical sequencing of thoughts is crucial for effective communication.
• This involves evaluating different perspectives, weighing pros and cons, and presenting a balanced view. 
• Analytical skills are essential for addressing complex issues and offering nuanced solutions.
• Language Proficiency: The command over language, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, is a vital aspect of the evaluation. 
• Merely reproducing information from study materials is not sufficient. 
• Candidates are encouraged to present their own ideas, viewpoints, and conclusions.
• The essay should directly address the key issues raised in the question.
• Transitions between paragraphs and ideas should be smooth, ensuring a cohesive narrative throughout the essay.
• Conclusion and Summation- The essay should conclude with a strong summary of the key points discussed. The conclusion should be insightful and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Significance of UPSC Essay Paper in Mains: Trends and Analysis

• High Scoring Potential- If we go through the marksheet of toppers and selected candidates in general we can see that candidate gets highest marks in essay out of other nine subjects in UPSC mains.
• No barrier in content- There are no content barriers in the essay paper. It stands unique among the exam components as candidates enjoy the freedom to explore and elaborate on the topic without being constrained by specific question conditions.
• Gives a boost for other papers- Essay paper of UPSC mains is scheduled on the first day of UPSC mains exam schedule so writing a good essay can give a confidence boost which will help in rest of the papers.
• Opinion Based Topics- Last few years papers of essay shows the inclination of essay topics towards opinion based topics either focusing on society or philosophy. In a nutshell UPSC puts a general topic in which its test candidate’s intelligence and opinion about the topic.

Top Scorer Trends in UPSC Essay Paper: Marks of Toppers Over the Years

Let us see the marks in essay paper of the toppers over the years

• The UPSC Essay Paper of the UPSC Mains examination is a pivotal component, embodying the essence of the Commission’s assessment philosophy. Beyond its weightage of 250 marks , the UPSC Essay holds the power to illuminate a candidate’s intellectual prowess, analytical acumen, and communication finesse. 
• The structured evaluation criteria, ranging from articulation of ideas to decision-making abilities and ethical considerations, reflect the multifaceted demands of a career in public service. 
• As evidenced by the consistently high scores of toppers in this section, the UPSC Essay Paper not only distinguishes itself as a scoring opportunity but also as a platform for candidates to exhibit their unique perspectives and original thinking. 
• By emphasising the significance of critical analysis, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of diverse topics, the UPSC essay remains a cornerstone in identifying individuals equipped for the challenges of responsible and ethical administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the upsc essay paper, is the essay paper in upsc mains qualifying in nature, do toppers always get highest marks in upsc essay paper, what is the word limit for each essay.

UPDATED :     

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

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

1.1 India Since Independence

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

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

2 Economy, Development

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

3 Education

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

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

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

5 Women empowerment

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

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

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

7 Science-Technology

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

Section-A (write any one)

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

Section-B (write any one)

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

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

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

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

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ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017 – How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained 

Essay strategy.

How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained 

By Anudeep Durishetty

UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017

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. 

How and from where to prepare?  

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.  

Vocabulary   

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 Essay:    

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

https://anudeepdurishetty.in/my-upsc-marksheet/

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

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

• Personality Test/ Interview

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

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

Basic Overview of the Exam

Also Read: Important Facts About UPSC Exam

Exam Pattern For UPSC Prelims

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

Facts About Prelims

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

Exam Pattern For UPSC Mains

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

Facts About Mains

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

Qualifying UPSC Mains Papers

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

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

Merit UPSC Mains Papers

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

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

• May 17, 2018

IASbaba's Toppers

ESSAY STRATEGY-APURVA PANDEY RANK 39

Hello everyone ,

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

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

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

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

2) Do I need to use very flowery language?

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

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

3) Should I write in simple paragraphs or subheadings?

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

4)How do I choose my topic?

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

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

5)Do I really need to practice essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5) Some important but oft-repeated points:

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

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

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

Best wishes,

Apurva Pandey

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

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Essay Marks Maximization Program

In the scheme of the upsc mains examination, the essay paper plays a very important role. this paper carries a total of 250 marks. initially, the candidates were asked to write only 1 essay in 3 hours till 2013, but after the change in syllabus, the challenge is now of writing 2 essays in 3 hours on diverse topics. so, now you will have to write two essays each with a word count of 1000 - 1200. there are two sections - section a and section b each of which has four topics of essays. out of these, candidates can select one topic from each section to write an essay. candidates can select the topic of their choice from a choice of four topics. the upsc essay paper is for a total of 250 marks with one essay for 125 marks. essay paper now also gives you philosophical topics wherein you need creativity and dynamism. with proper guidance you can not only crack the art of essay writing but also you can make this paper you strength..

  5 Lectures on Essay Writing Skills (Separate lectures on Introduction, Body & Conclusion)

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How To Write A Good Essay In Civil Service Mains Exam?

Last updated on September 15, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

It has been observed that many candidates, unfortunately, take the essay paper too lightly resulting in a score not comparable with their potential.

It is vital to attempt essay paper with the same seriousness as all other papers in GS Mains and learn the art of writing a good essay.

Table of Contents

Practice is the key!

Practice, not talent, is the key to success.

Make reading good essays a habit. And more importantly, start writing essays from today.

Participate in the ClearIAS Answer Writing Program (AWP) for mains. It’s completely free!

Also read: ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC

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Understanding Essay Paper in IAS Exam

250 marks out of 2025 (12.3 %) are the weight-age of essay paper on total Civil Services Mains Marks as per the latest UPSC syllabus. Since 2015, candidates are asked to write two essays out of 8 choices. Each essay is for 125 marks (1000-1200 words). Check the UPSC CSE Essay Syllabus here .

Time allotted is 3 hours.

Note: Before 2013, UPSC CSE essay paper was only for 200 marks with a single essay to write upon!

UPSC’s expectation from Essay Paper

Examiners will pay special attention to the candidate’s grasp of his/her material, its relevance to the subject chosen and to his/her ability to think constructively and to present his/her ideas concisely, logically and effectively.

• Make a framework (blueprint) of the essay you are going to write first.
• Our advice would be to use simple language. As Anton Chekov once said ‘Brevity is the sister of talent’.
• The idea of using ornamental language to showcase your English vocabulary may backfire at times. But, don’t make your essay sound like a General Studies answer.
• If the introduction can generate curiosity in the reader, that would be great.
• There should be a logical continuation from beginning to end.
• The essay should be organized in well-structured paragraphs coherent with the flow of the essay.
• Don’t be too aggressive or pessimistic in your tone.
• Come up with good points and express new viewpoints.
• Go through well-written essays by experts in newspapers and magazines, and understand how they frame the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Conclusion’ paragraphs.
• In most cases, there will not be any need for separate coaching or preparation for essays, and candidates’ reading and preparation for General Studies Mains should suffice. But make sure your writing and analytical skills are up to the UPSC expectations; if not, polish it.
• Write mock essays and get it evaluated by experts in the field.

Let’s analyze a few previous year UPSC essay papers.

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Essay Questions Asked in the UPSC (Mains) Examination

Write an essay on any one of the following topics:

• 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.
• 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?
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible?
• Managing work and home – Are the Indian working women getting a fair deal?
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic, and developmental implications.
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?
• Credit-based higher education system –status, opportunities, and challenges.
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial and combating terrorism.

How much is a good score on the UPSC CSE essay paper?

As the essay paper is out of 250, marks which are above 50% can be considered good, ie. 125.

Marks between 110-125 is considered as average.

Marks in the range of 150-160 are possible for exceptional essays.

Note: UPSC may award poorly written essay marks as low as ‘0’ or ’20’. So beware and pay sufficient attention to proper practice.

Also read: 10 Common Essay Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Important Essay Topics for UPSC CSE

Topics like Women empowerment, Rural Development, Social Justice, Terrorism, Internal Security, etc. are hot topics for essays, and be prepared with various dimensions of the same in the UPSC Exam.

Books that help in Essay Writing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam

• Essays for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations by Pulkit Khare .
• Selected Contemporary Essays by Saumitra Mohan (MHE)
• Essay Paper for Civil Services Main Examination by Pavneet Singh and Sonali Bansal

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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.

Reader Interactions

January 17, 2016 at 2:06 am

I am b.tech student and confuse in choosing optional subject between political science or history or any other suggestion

March 22, 2016 at 5:14 am

Chose anyone..if confused between any 2..start studying a basic book of both the subjects..1 hr each day each subject..and after 1 week..You will be ready with your final subject! Surprisingly!

June 30, 2016 at 8:34 am

You should go with public administration.

September 12, 2017 at 2:14 pm

May be mathematics is suitable

July 5, 2016 at 7:05 pm

Please tell which book should be best for electrical subject

July 24, 2016 at 11:01 pm

Really this app is soo usefull the clear ias app is one kind of the teacher really great full to you

August 17, 2016 at 7:43 pm

I am in 10 class.so please tell me in which academy I have to join in my inter standard………

December 2, 2016 at 12:24 pm

Hello sir, i am a b.sc student. Please tell me how to prepare my self for upsc civil service exam and tell me a best academy for coaching..

April 22, 2017 at 12:01 pm

hello sir I am BE student how ro prepare upsc without coaching

June 12, 2017 at 8:27 pm

Can I write the mains in my own language…?

September 12, 2017 at 2:21 pm

Why not.?.. definitely…

July 17, 2017 at 12:40 pm

very helpfull Post

September 9, 2017 at 9:21 am

Tamil is my mother tongue I don’t know english , I studied in Tamil medium can I write all exams of IAS in Tamil, please clear this doubt.

November 29, 2017 at 11:57 am

Looking at the language of your query, it looks like you are well versed in English. You are trying to sensitize “The Issue”.

November 15, 2017 at 12:28 pm

Hello sir I’m very confusing how to prepare for paper 1 please give some Important tips and some books sir

July 23, 2019 at 2:59 pm

Sir l am a plus one student l want to crack civil service and to improve my English what should I do???????

January 8, 2020 at 12:41 pm

Dear sir, I will complete 29 year on 15-01-2020, And if i will enroll BBA program now it will be completed in fy 22-23, that time my age will be 32, i belong to OBC category, is i am eligible for upse exam?

Please suggest me

June 15, 2020 at 9:19 pm

You are eligible till your age is 35 . Still you will so much time for the preparation which is more than enough for you , so go for it and remember eventually your dedication towards your studies will decide your future , even I m also thinking about upsc . I hope we will end up with something gud

June 28, 2021 at 8:58 am

i think you can but i would suggest you to see youtube once as i saw for general it was 21-32 years and obc i think its till 34-35 not clear with the last year

March 3, 2020 at 3:31 pm

Really this is very much helpful app. Thanks a lot to clear ias.

July 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Sir, which subject takes BSC students as optional subject for civils service

March 22, 2021 at 11:41 am

i am revanasidda g vangi ,i am studieng in bachelor of arts in kcp college in vijayapur state karnataka , i want to civil servise examination details. how to do face exam ?please tell me sir \madam please contact me 9380093040 thank you….. .

October 17, 2021 at 8:58 pm

I am pharmacy student and confuse in choosing optional subject between political science or history or any other suggestion Their Latest Reference Books

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If you are preparing for the upcoming UPSC 2024, it is important to review the IAS Topper List with Marks . This list can help you set a target for yourself and develop a study plan accordingly.

Aspiring IAS, IFS, and IPS officers put in a lot of hard work to achieve their goals. The IAS topper list with marks can help you learn about the best strategies for preparing for this challenging exam, the books you should refer to, and the optional subjects that can help you score higher.

The UPSC exam requires rigorous practice and determination. To achieve the highest marks in the UPSC exam, you need to carefully plan and implement the strategies used by previous years' toppers. Therefore, knowing the UPSC Toppers Marks can be helpful in developing a better strategy. In this article, we will provide a list of UPSC toppers by year, the highest marks ever scored in the UPSC exam, and the topper's mark sheet.

UPSC Toppers List with Marks 2023 

April 16, 2024, witnessed the announcement of the results of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2023, with ADITYA SRIVASTAVA emerging as the topper. ANIMESH PRADHAN secured the second position, followed by DONURU ANANYA REDDY and P K SIDHARTH RAMKUMAR in the third and fourth spots respectively.

Download:  UPSC Topper List with Marks PDF (2023-24)

UPSC IAS Toppers List 2022-23

On May 23, 2023, the results of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2022 were announced, and Ishita Kishore was declared the topper. Ishita, an economics graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, secured All India Rank 1 in the exam. She was followed by Garima Lohia, Uma Harathi N, and Smriti Mishra in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place respectively.

Ishita is a very active sportsperson and has cracked the UPSC exam in her 3rd attempt.

The UPSC Topper List with Marks is a valuable resource for CSE exam aspirants. It can help you set a target for yourself, develop a study plan, and learn from the best. If you are serious about becoming an IAS, IFS, or IPS officer, going through the UPSC Topper List 2022 will help you set your target score for UPSC 2024 .

Download:  UPSC Topper List with Marks PDF (2022-23)

UPSC Toppers List 2022 with Marks

Check the marks scored by UPSC toppers in the Mains exam and Personality Test in the following table:

Highest Marks in UPSC Optional

The Optional Paper plays an important role in determining the overall score of a candidate. Having a high score in the Optional Paper can significantly improve your final rank in the UPSC Final Result list. The Highest Optional Score in 2022 was earned by Nidhi Pal, Rank 36. She scored a total of 325 marks in her Optional paper I & II and had Anthropology as her Optional Subject. Lets have a look of the Highest marks in the Optional paper-

Highest Marks in Essay Paper 2022

The highest Marks in the UPSC Main Essay Paper 2022 were scored by Rank 61 Gautam Vivekanandan with the highest Essay score of 149 marks. The essay paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination plays a pivotal role in determining your overall success. It serves as a unique platform for you to showcase your analytical skills, clarity of thought, and the ability to articulate complex ideas coherently. This paper holds the potential to set you apart from the competition and boost your scores significantly. Moreover, the essay paper not only evaluates your knowledge but also your capacity to present your ideas concisely and persuasively.

Highest Marks in UPSC Mains GS Papers 2022

The UPSC Mains Examination consists of four General Studies Papers- I, II, III and IV. All the four GS Papers are counted in determining the merit score of the candidate in the UPSC Exam. Lets have a look at the Highest Marks scored by the candidates in UPSC Mains GS Papers 2022.

UPSC IAS Toppers List 2021

The Union Public Service Commission released the results of the 2021 Civil Services Examination on its official website. Shruti Sharma, a resident of the Bijnor District in Uttar Pradesh, topped the exam with a score of 1105 marks. This was her second attempt at the exam. Sharma opted for History as her optional subject, as she has a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Modern History.

Ankita Agarwal was the second-ranked candidate in the 2021 UPSC Civil Services Examination. She cleared the exam on her third attempt and scored more marks on the personality test than Sharma. Agarwal obtained an AIR 236 in 2019 and was training with the Indian Revenue Services Customs and Indirect Taxes at Faridabad when the results were declared.

Download: UPSC IAS Toppers 2021 Marks PDF

UPSC IAS Toppers List 2020

Shubham Kumar, UPSC IAS Topper 2020 a resident of Bihar, topped the exam with a score of 1054 marks. He had always dreamt of serving the underprivileged and chose Anthropology as his optional subject because he felt it would help him understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The other toppers in the list are also highly accomplished individuals. Jagrati Awasthi is a graduate of the University of Delhi and worked as a teacher before taking the UPSC exam. Ankita Jain is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and worked as a software engineer at Google before taking the UPSC exam. Yash Jaluka is a graduate of the Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, and worked as a consultant at Bain & Company before taking the UPSC exam . Mamta Yadav is a graduate of the University of Delhi and worked as a researcher at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations before taking the UPSC exam.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest exams in the world, and the toppers are truly exceptional individuals. Their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Download:  UPSC Toppers List with Marks 2020 PDF

The top 10 UPSC toppers in 2020 are:

• Shubham Kumar (Anthropology)
• Jagrati Awasthi (History)
• Ankita Jain (Political Science and International Relations)
• Yash Jaluka (History)
• Mamta Yadav (Sociology)
• Meera K (History)
• Praveen Kumar (History)
• Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai (Geography)
• Apala Mishra (Geography)
• Satyendra Singh (Geography)

UPSC IAS Toppers List 2019

Pradeep Singh UPSC Topper 2019, is a resident of Haryana and cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank 1. Prior to this, he had completed his Engineering in Computer Science at DCRU College of Science and Technology in Murthal, Haryana.

Jatin Kishore is a resident of Bihar and cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank 2. He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and worked as a software engineer at Amazon before taking the UPSC exam.

Pratibha Verma is a resident of Madhya Pradesh and cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank 3. She is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and worked as a software engineer at Google before taking the UPSC exam.

All three toppers are highly accomplished individuals and their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. They are an inspiration to us all and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Download:  UPSC Toppers List with Marks 2019 PDF

Who Scored the Highest Marks in UPSC Ever?

Anudeep Durishetty scored the highest marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination ever , with a total of 1126 marks in 2017. He is a graduate of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and cleared the UPSC exam on his fifth attempt. His optional subject was Political Science and International Relations. Durishetty's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Who scored the highest marks in UPSC Mains till now?

Anudeep Durishetty scored the highest marks in UPSC Mains till now. He scored 950 marks out of 1025 marks in 2017. He qualified the UPSC Exam 2017 in his fifth attempt.

Why is it important to know the IAS topper list with marks?

IAS Topper list with marks can help you in your UPSC preparation . It can guide you and motivate you to set realistic goals and perform better with determination.

Who scored the highest marks in UPSC ever?

Anudeep Durishetty is known to have obtained the highest marks in UPSC CSE 2017, making it to be the highest score in UPSC ever.

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• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• UPSC Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern Of UPSC IAS Civil Services Examination

The UPSC Exam pattern is set by the conducting body, i.e., the Union Public Service Commission. It is a yearly conducted examination and the paper pattern for the IAS Exam has been the same since 2013. This article aims to give the reader an overview of the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus for CSE 2024 .

UPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus PDF Download PDF Here

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered to be the toughest examination in India. It has earned this moniker partly due to the intense competition and partly due to the comprehensive UPSC Syllabus . Apart from that, the exam pattern for UPSC CSE is quite complicated, and a typical examination cycle lasts for almost a year from the preliminary exam until the final results are declared.

For the updated UPSC syllabus exam pattern, check IAS Notification  in the linked article.

UPSC Exam Pattern 2024

The UPSC civil services exam pattern is officially divided into two stages called Preliminary and Main Examination while in practice, it is a three-stage exam. The third being Personality Test/Interview.

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.

Stage 1: UPSC CSE Prelims Exam Pattern

The Prelims Exam date is 26th May 2024. Visit the link to get free study material and preparation strategy for UPSC Prelims .

The UPSC exam pattern for the Preliminary stage consists of two papers, conducted on one day. Both the papers comprise objective type questions with multiple choice of answers. The prelims examination is a qualifying stage to filter candidates for the mains exam. The marks secured at this stage are not counted towards the final merit list, though candidates have to prepare well for this exam as cut-offs are unpredictable and depend on the average score every year. The details of UPSC prelims pattern is given below:

To sit for prelims, one has to fill the application using the UPSC Apply Online portal.

Stage 2: UPSC CSE  Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam pattern for the Mains stage consists of 9 papers conducted over 5-7 days. Only those candidates who secure at least the declared cut off in General Studies I and 33% in General Studies II in Prelims will be allowed to appear for the Mains Examination. 

As per the exam pattern of UPSC Mains , all of the papers consist of descriptive answer type questions. It is an exhaustive phase and the total marks in UPSC mains can directly affect your final scores. Thus, the UPSC exam marks for the mains phase are extremely valuable as it acts as a key factor in merit declaration. The details of UPSC syllabus with marks are given below:

All of the mains papers except for the language papers A and B are of a merit ranking nature. Paper A and B are of qualifying nature and candidates must score at least 25% in each for the marks from their Paper I – Paper VII to be given weightage.

Paper A is not compulsory for candidates from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim as well as candidates with hearing impairment, provided they can prove that they have been exempted from such 2nd or 3rd language courses by their concerned board or university. The Indian Language paper covers any of the languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

The subjects which are covered by the General Studies Papers in Mains Exam are:

The Optional subjects for Paper VI and VII of the mains examination have to be any one of the subjects from the following list:

All the papers except the Language papers A and B can be answered in English or any of the languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The optional papers can be answered in English even if none of the other papers has been answered by the candidate in English.

Stage 3: UPSC CSE Pattern for Interview

This is the final stage of the IAS Exam before the final results are declared. Officially it is called the Interview/Personality Test and counted as a part of the Mains Examination for merit ranking purposes. From a preparation standpoint, it is considered the third stage as preparation strategies for the written and interview stages are different. As per the IAS exam pattern, this consists of an interview by the UPSC board to assess the candidates’ suitability for a civil services career and associated responsibilities. The board consists of competent and unbiased observers who have a record of the candidates’ career. The board would judge the candidates mental and social traits by asking questions of general interest. Some of the qualities that the board looks for are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, a balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

The total marks of the UPSC interview stage is 275, thus bringing the total marks for UPSC Mains and Interview for the merit list consideration to 2025.

The whole exam pattern of the UPSC IAS examination is comprehensive, and the competition is intense. One should start preparing in-depth as the examination process lasts for almost a year and not making the cut means starting from scratch the following year.

You can find more information here:

UPSC Books List PDF: Download PDF Here

Apart from the UPSC paper pattern for prelims and mains, candidates can also refer to the links given below for UPSC preparation:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Exam Pattern

Q 1. what are the total marks that can be scored in upsc prelims, q 2. what are the total marks for upsc cse mains, q 3. what is the syllabus for upsc mains, q 4. what is the upsc paper pattern, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Good evening sir/Madam I have completed bsc in hotel management degree in 2013 Now I am eligible for IAS Can I give exams for IAS

Hi Danial To sit for UPSC Prelims 2020, the minimum educational qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree. The minimum age limit is 21 while the maximum is 32 (Unreserved Category.) Read Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Exam in the linked article.

My date of birth is 21/05/2000 and my graduation is complete in 2021 june..so I’m eligible or not for 2021 upsc examination plz give and question answer…

Hi Prafull As per UPSC Eligibility Criteria , an aspirant has to be a minimum of 21 years of age before or on 1st August of the year of examination. In your case, you will be 21 on 21st May 2021 and if you pass your graduation degree, you can sit for UPSC 2021.

respected mentors, i have completed my degree in economics and i started preparing for upsc, could u plzz suggest or guide me some books to read which will be worthwhile useful

Hi Pradeep You can check the following links to complement your preparation: 1. UPSC Books 2. NCERT Books PDF

I am soon going to be a pharma graduate so what can be the optional subjects for me as none of the pharma subject is mentioned in the syllabus.

Hi Shivanshu UPSC provides a list of 48 optional subjects (25 subjects and 23 languages). One subject from the list can be chosen as your optional subject. Since, there is no such subject called Pharmacy, you can choose any other subject which you are most comfortable with. Read which subject is best for IAS Exam from the linked article.

Hie mam/sir I have completed my bams last year and i am interested in giving upsc exam next year But am little but confused about the prep of upsc can you please tell me the procedure for the preparation of upsc ?

Hi Please check below mentioned links: 1. IAS Exam 2. UPSC Syllabus 3. UPSC Eligibility Criteria

Hello! Need clarification. Do both Optionals consist two different paper each? If yes, do we have the option of selecting between Paper I and II?

No, you have to select one subject for which you will have two papers. Check the list of UPSC Optional Subjects in the linked article.

Respected mentors, I’m completed my graduation in 2020, and I’m interested in civil services so can I start the upsc preparation. Plzzzz suggest me the books of UPSC which will be worthwhile useful.

Hi. Pls. refer to: 1. UPSC Books 2. NCERT Books for UPSC

respected mentor, I am a BE graduate . I am complete my graduate in 2022 . I am interested to write UPSC exam . But i didn’t no the details related to that exam please suggest the inform about that exam.

Hi You should first know the UPSC Eligibility Criteria in detail, which you can find in the linked article. Then, you can follow-up with the following articles: 1. IAS Exam 2. UPSC Notification 3. UPSC Syllabus

respected mentor, i am post graduate in computer science i am interested in upsc exam ,can i apply as optional subject as computer science

Hi Babita There is no such subject as ‘Computer Science’ in the list of optional subjects given by UPSC. You may choose one from the stated Optional Subjects for UPSC .

Sir/Ma’am What is option A compulsory indian language? Is it English or can we take English as option A. And how is it different from English Literature. Is literature same as other optionals like Anthropology etc

Hi Harita Paper A and Paper B are two compulsory language papers. While in Paper A, you have to choose one Indian language. Paper B is English Language paper. English Literature is one of the optional subjects in the list of 48 optional subjects.

sir am currently doing my 2nd year engineering and i hav a dream to become a civil servant so how can i prepare for the upsc exam and should i start my prepration now itself??and what are the tips for prepration??

Hi Prajwal Taking it that you already know the exam pattern, we suggest you go through the UPSC Syllabus thoroughly. Then, you can start with important NCERT Books . Anaylse the UPSC Previous Years’ Question Papers . Make sure to keep yourself updated with current affairs.

I want to take mathematics as an optional subject, Can you please suggest appropriate book / books for this please

Take reference from the link – Mathematics Optional Book List

Respected mentors. My DoB is 25/12/2001. When I will eligible to sit in exam.

Hi Aman You will be eligible to sit for UPSC 2023 and onwards.

My birth year is 1988, will I be eligible?

Hi Arunabh You have to a minimum of 21 as of 1st August of the exam year. Also, one should not be 32 as of 1st August (exam year.) This is for general category. If you fall within the age brackets, you may sit for UPSC Exam. Read IAS eligibility here .

hi, I want to opt for Management as an optional subject for the exam.

please suggest me booklist and resources for the preparation of optional subject only

Hi Please refer to the following posts: 1. Strategy for Management Optional 2. Management Optional book list

Sir how to make revision stratgy of studied topics. I am pursuing graduation this year and complete 2021

Hi You should for frequent revision technique that helps you to stay in touch with what you have learnt. Read more about in the article here

Is there any strategy to start the preparation from the selected subjects ? like starting preparation from the subjects with wider syllabus to the lesser one ?

Start with the subjects you are new to. Strategies vary from person to person w.r.t their interests in subjects and their existing knowledge of the syllabus. Hence, we suggest you take any two subjects per day along with current affairs. You can also make a timetable for UPSC preparation to track your goals.

I have completed my graduation in bsc computer Science, statistics and mathematics. I have interested in the upsc Civil service exam. Please suggest best books for upsc prelims and mains.

Hi Check: 1. NCERT Books for UPSC 2. UPSC Books

I’m from tamilnadu Can I choose my mother tongue to attend my personality test

Yes, you can.

Will I be able to take up the Interview in my mother tongue even if I attended the prelims and the mains in English?

Hi, Yes, a candidate can opt for any one official language of India to be his/her medium of language in an interview.

Hi , Mentor I have Completed my Masters In Psycholgy can I Take This as a Optional Subject in Upsc Exam

Yes, you can go through the Psychology Optional Syllabus for UPSC at the linked article

Hello mentor , which are the subjective type writing papers( descriptive writing ) in upsc mains ? Only essays are their ? There are other descriptive writing paper in upsc mains other than essay writing?

Hi All the papers in UPSC Mains are descriptive-type. Essay, GS I-IV, Hindi Language, English Language, and two optional papers.

hi my birth date is 11/08/2002 can i take upsc in 2023

Hi As per the exiting UPSC Eligibility Criteria , you can sit for UPSC 2024. The minium age should be 21.

Should 2 subjects be selected for the optional exams? Also are the subjects to be selected from a BSc point of view because of question pattern?

Only 1 subject has to be chosen. Any subject from the list of optional subjects can be chosen.

My birth date is 10 3 2007. When I will give upse exam.

You can sit for the 2028 examination going by the current UPSC eligibility criteria .

If a candidates fails at interview of Mains stage does he need to re appear for all three levels again ?

Hi, Yes. As far as the UPSC CSE format is concerned, failing in any of the stages would require candidates to reappear in the prelims of the next year. Learn about UPSC Eligibility Criteria in the linked article.

Does a degree form ignou is valid to appear in civil service exam

Yes, it is valid.

What is the Paper A in the Mains Examination? Also what are the subjects available?

Hi, Get the detailed information about Paper A in UPSC Mains here .

Hello, I have a feeling that I might fail in my bachelor’s. So once I clear it by writing it once again, will I be eligible to give UPSC? Will it affect my chance to try out the UPSC exams? Thank you.

Hi Raja, Candidates who are in their final year or awaiting results are also eligible to appear for UPSC preliminary Examination. All such candidates who are likely to appear for IAS exams must produce proof of having passed the said examination along with the application for the main IAS examination.

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Aditya Srivastava AIR 1 UPSC 2023 Topper – Biography, State, Marksheet, Testimonial and Answer Copy

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

In the highly competitive civil service examination, Aditya Srivastava has secured AIR 1 in the recently declared UPSC CSE 2023 final Results. His incredible journey from a determined aspirant to securing the coveted All India Rank (AIR) 1 and becoming a UPSC 2023 topper is truly inspiring.

Aspiring civil servants across the nation will want to know the details behind Aditya’s extraordinary success, hoping to draw inspiration and invaluable lessons from his remarkable voyage to the coveted top rank. Therefore, in this blog, we delve into the remarkable story of Aditya Srivastava, exploring the facets of his UPSC Journey, filled with dedication and Perserverance and come up with the required details like Biography, State, Mark sheet, and Answer Copy of Aditya Srivastava. Aditya Srivastava AIR 1 UPSC IAS Topper 2023

Aditya Srivastava, UPSC AIR 1 Biography

Birth and domicile state: Aditya Srivastava hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh was born and brought up in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Family Background: Aditya’s father Ajay Kumar Srivastava is an Assistant Audit Officer by profession, and his mother Abha Srivastava is a housewife. Aditya got his primary education in the Lucknow itself.

Educational Background: He did his graduation from reputed Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in Electrical Engineering. He also did his M. Tech from IIT, Kanpur.

Previous work Experiences: Aditya worked as an Analyst in a reputed firm, Goldman Sachs, for a brief period of 15 months.

UPSC Preparation Journey of Aditya Srivastava

Aditya started his preparation for Civil Services Exam in the college itself, however he gave his first attempt in the year 2021. Though, he was already serving as an IPS after hist first 2 attempts, but he achieved the highest feat in his third attempt in UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Medium of Exam – English

No of UPSC CSE Attempts -3

Optional Subject – Electrical Engineering

Aditya, being an Electrical Engineer, has always wanted a job that is meant for helping society and working towards the most deprived and vulnerable sections.  

Answer Copies of Aditya Srivastava, AIR 1, UPSC 2023 topper

Aditya Srivastava, AIR 1 – MGP Sample Answer Copy – GS Paper 

Mark sheet of Aditya Srivastava, UPSC CSE 2023, AIR 1

Prelims Mark sheet

Mains and Interview Mark sheet

Aditya Srivastava, AIR 1, UPSC 2023 topper

1. Who is Aditya Srivastava? Aditya Srivastava, a 2019 graduate in Electrical Engineering from prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur aced the highly competitive Civil Services Exam 2022, securing an All India Rank (AIR) 1. The UPSC announced the results on April 17, 2024. Prior to his civil service aspirations, Aditya honed his skills at Goldman Sachs, a multinational firm. Aditya is son of Ajay Kumar Srivastava, an ex Assistant Audit officer and he resides in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. In pursuit of his dream career, he left his job in 2021 to focus on the demanding UPSC exam preparation.

2. What was Aditya Srivastava’s UPSC Optional Subject? Aditya has chosen Electrical Engineering as his optional for this coveted exam. Aditya has chosen this subject as his optional as he has done his B. Tech and M. Tech from Electrical Engineering stream from IIT, Kanpur.

3. Did Aditya Srivastava take coaching to clear Civil Services Exam? Ajay had joined Mains Guidance Program at ForumIAS to hone his answer writing skills. He has taken an edge in the answer writing through MGP program that helped him to crack IAS exam with rank 1 in Civil Services Exam.

4. How many attempts did Aditya take to clear UPSC IAS exam? He was already selected for the post of IPS, after his first 2 attempts, but achieved the highest available reward, in the form of 1st rank, in his third attempt in UPSC Civil Services Exam.

To Read the Details of Other Toppers – Visit this Page

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Latest articles.

• 10 PM UPSC Current Affairs Quiz 14 May, 2024
• 9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 14 May, 2024
• Need for theatre commands in India’s defence
• Nepal experiencing political and economic instability
• Anxiety caused by deepfakes in elections
• Factors responsible for the increase in employment in India
• Adopting a living wage approach
• Declining poverty ratio
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Prelims 2024 Current Affairs

• Art and Culture
• Indian Economy
• Science and Technology
• Environment  & Ecology
• International Relations
• Polity &  Nation
• Important Bills and Acts
• International Organizations
• Index, Reports and Summits
• Government Schemes and Programs
• Miscellaneous
• Species in news

• Upsc study material

Economics Cracker Program for UPSC Prelims 2024 Based on the Latest Exam Pattern by Adda247

• Access to Structured Classes in Live & Recorded Form
• Interactive classes, handouts and class notes
• Doubt Solving on app, Telegram Groups & in person at offline centers
• Seminar & Topper Talks at Offline Centers
• In-Person Counseling, Physical Support Helpdesk at Offline Centers
• Planner, Previous Year Papers & Preparation Tips on emails regularly

This Course Includes

Faculty profile.

• 3+ years of Experience
• More than 2000 Aspirants Mentored
• Appeared for UPSC Mains Examination 2 times along with 2 PCS attempts for UPSC and Bihar and qualified Mains examination. He is a excellent guide for PCS with his expertise in Geography & IR etc.

This Package Includes

Subjects covered, exam pattern.

• Great opportunity to cover Polity for the UPSC IAS as well as all the States PCS Examinations you target, while learning avoidance of mistakes in preparation for the UPSC IAS Examination 2024.
•  Comprehensive coverage of Economics and its current Affair The syllabus will be covered in a time-bound manner.

Prepare for UPSC CSE Economics with the Economics Cracker Program, tailored for UPSC Prelims 2024. Led by  Vishisht Mishra Sir, the program offers 25- 30 hours of live interactive classes, covering all Economics subjects with expected questions and discussions. Specially crafted handmade notes and roadmaps ensure comprehensive preparation and efficient revision. Benefit from expert guidance, interactive learning, and a proven track record of success. Master fundamental concepts, exam strategies, and complex topics to excel in the UPSC examination. Choose the  Economics Cracker Program for a holistic, time-efficient, and structured approach to Polity preparation, setting yourself on the path to UPSC success.

• Batch Starts: 13th May
• Batch Duration: 1 Month
• Mentorship of Vishisht Mishra Sir throughout the course.
• Classes:  Monday to Friday  according to the study plan
• 30 hours of  Live Interactive classes .
• Lecture Notes and Road Maps  framed critically by Vishisht Mishra Sir. 
• Economics for UPSC CSE

UPSC conducts 3 stages of recruitment for the Civil Services Examination – Prelims, Mains, and Interview! UPSC Preliminary Examination is an objective type consisting of 9 descriptive examinations to shortlist the candidates for the Main Examination. Only the candidates who qualify for all the papers of the Main Examination will be called for the interview round to assess their intelligence, attentiveness, balance of judgment, and human qualities like honesty, integrity, and leadership qualities, which will form part of the final selection process.  

UPSC Prelims 2024 Exam Pattern: UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the examination and is qualifying in nature. Candidates must have obtained a minimum 33% marks with marks above the cut-off decided by UPSC. UPSC preliminary examination is conducted to shortlist a limited number of candidates for the main examination. The UPSC syllabus for the Prelims exam consists of two papers namely General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).  

Important Points: 

• For each wrong answer, 1/3 of total marks will be deducted.
• No marks will be deducted for blank answers.
• In General Studies (Paper I), each question carries 2 marks and there is a negative marking of 0.66 marks
• In CSAT (Paper-II), each question carries 2.5 marks and there is a negative marking of 0.833 marks for each wrong answer.
• Marks of the preliminary examination will not be included in the final result (merit list).
• Paper II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying

UPSC Syllabus 2024 for Main Exam: Candidates who qualify the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the main examination. This is the scoring and rank-determining stage of the examination process and the candidates have to qualify for each paper. The Main Examination tests the candidate's academic knowledge and ability to present understanding as per the requirements of the question in a time bound manner. UPSC Syllabus 2024 for Mains Exam is given below.  

• The Main Examination consists of two qualifying papers, namely “Paper A” and “Paper B”, each of 300 marks.
• The two qualifying papers are “Any Indian Language from the Eighth Schedule” and “English Language Paper”.
• Candidates must obtain 25% marks in both the qualifying papers i.e. 75 marks each.
• All other seven papers are scored, and their marks will be included in the final merit list.
• Candidates can answer all scoring items in English or any of the eight scheduled languages.
• Candidates must select any one subject from the table as their optional subject for Paper VI and Paper VII.

Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper: PDF Download

img src="https://img.jagranjosh.com/images/2024/May/252024/UPSC-CAPF-Previous-Year-Paper-.jpg" width="1200" height="675" />

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper is a crucial study resource to prepare well for the written exam. Practising questions from the UPSC CAPF AC previous year question paper with solutions will help candidates master the concepts and advance their preparation.  The UPSC CAPF question paper provides information about the topics from which questions are asked frequently in the exam. Solving past papers will also help them identify the sections requiring more focus and dedication. In this article, we have compiled PDFs of UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers with the latest exam patterns and trends.

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper 2024

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper is a useful resource to get insights into exam format, distribution of marks and marking scheme. Those planning to appear in the upcoming written exam must get their hands on the UPSC CAPF previous year's paper PDF to identify the level of their preparation and strategize accordingly. Get the direct link to download the UPSC CAPF previous question paper PDF from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018 on this page.

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers PDF

Aspirants must solve questions from the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper pdf to know the types of topics trending over the years along with their weightage in the exam. Additionally, they must attempt the UPSC CAPF AC previous year question papers to learn about the mistakes that must be avoided in the exam. Here are the UPSC CAPF previous papers PDFs for 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 shared below.

Benefits of Solving UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers

Solving questions from the UPSC CAPF previous year papers comes with endless benefits. Some of them are discussed below.

• It enables candidates to gauge their preparation level and build a strategic plan to achieve favourable results.
• Practising UPSC CAPF previous papers will also help them to revise the concepts that have been studied so far and will strengthen their base.
• Solving questions from the previous year papers will help them discover their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Attempt UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper?

Here is the step-by-step guide to solving questions from the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper shared below:

• Read carefully all the questions in the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Question Paper.
• Place the stopwatch or timer to solve questions in a real-time environment.
• Attempt easy questions first and keep difficult ones for last to solve UPSC CAPF AC previous year papers.
• Once the entire paper is solved, tally your response with the UPSC CAPF answer key to elevate your preparation.

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates must go through the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper pattern to learn about the exam details prescribed in the official notification. Paper I will be of the objective (multiple answers) type, in which the questions will be set in English as well as Hindi. In Paper II, candidates will be allowed the option of writing the essay component in English or Hindi, but the medium of precis writing, comprehension components and other communications/language skills will be English only. The UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2024 for the written exam is shared below.