upsc mains essay previous papers

[Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper, Including Topicwise last 28 YEARS Essay Question Papers (1993-2020) with booklist, strategy!

Upsc mains-2020’s essay paper compared to the past papers..

• UPSC Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

UPSC-CSM20-Essay: Section-A

Upsc-csm20-essay: section-b.

1 India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture

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

2 Economy, Development

2.1 Growth vs Development

2.2 Environment vs Development

2.4 Sectors of Economy

3 Education

3.1 Values in Education

3.2 Scheme implementation

3.3 Higher education

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

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 Women empowerment

5.1 @National Politics

5.2 @World / Quote type

5.3 Empowerment overall

5.4 Compared to men

6 International issues, Internal Security

6.1 Globalization

6.2 International Org./ Bilateral

6.3 Security

7 Science-Technology

7.1 Science and Religion

7.2 Science and Education

7.3 Computer and internet

7.4 Sci-Tech: others

• On Jan-08-2021, UPSC Conducted Civil Services Mains Exam (CSM-2020)’s Essay Paper (Because of the Corona lockdown, the exam cycle is running late).

• New aspirants need to take care not to get brainwashed by one sided analysis of coaching-classes that “ just because so many philosophical topics are asked so you should blindly take philosophy as an optional subject And automatically you will get a ticket to IAS selection! ” – As per the latest annual report of UPSC uploaded on their website, the number of UPSC selection from Philosophy was 53 candidates among 1056 candidates selected in 2017 i.e. 7% (btw, It seems UPSC uploads the annual reports with a lot of delay so as to avoid controversies about selections)

What to do for Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

• In the market there are lot of readymade books available for the essay. However, as far as the Civil Service exam is concerned they’re not very useful.
• you have to manually gather the content and cultivate the skill for essay writing. Common resources include:
• Last 3 years Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines: They are available in English, Hindi and other Vernacular languages. They can be downloaded for free from their official website: http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_2018.asp (Tip: Replace the year in URL, when you want to access previous years). There is no need to read each and every article, at least go through the preface / Editor’s Note in the beginning of each PDF.
• Last 3-5 years economic surveys available for free at https://indiabudget.gov.in/bspeecha.asp No need to read entire PDFs, just the introductions and conclusions of each chapter.
• IGNOU MPS-003 module. Available for free at https://egyankosh.ac.in
• NCERT textbooks, especially those related to Sociology, Political Science and World History.
• Newspaper Columns: English (TheHindu or IndianExpress), Hindi (JanSatta). In the vernacular language newspapers (e.g. Divya-Bhaskar Gujarati etc)= the quality of the column is not worthy of civil service exam essays.
• Ethics (GS Paper 4) related preparation would also come handy here.

2020’s Essay Paper in linear/sequential format

(write any one essay in 1000-1200 words, 125 marks)

• 1) Life is a long journey between human being and being humane. (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)
• 2) Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )
• 3) 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 )
• 4) Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है )
• 5) Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता )
• 6) 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 )
• 7) 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)
• 8) Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी)

Topic wise Essays of last 28 years (1993-2020)

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 human being 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
• 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
• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• 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

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[free lecture] mrunal’s mains ans writing [flm/r2] gsm3: economy-socialism & subsidies, psus, gst compensation, 73 comments.

Thank you sir, Please also upload for other subject (GS 1, 2,3,4) It will be a great help

Thank you sir

UPSC solved essay papers

Essay paper download

Thank you sir please provide essay question paper PDF

Thank you so much sir

How to downloded

is essay upsc allowed written in nepali medium ?

Thank You Sir!!

Hii download kese karana he

Need to download

it is arranged nicely, Thank you sir

Where is the link plz help me

Sir,from where we can get model answers (for general idea )of this previous year asked essays. Thanks for sharing above information.

Pl. Send more info.

Great efforts

Sir plz share pvq questions

really amazing guide

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UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers – 10 years [PDF]

Among the plethora of resources available, UPSC Mains previous year question papers (pyq) stand as invaluable gems. In this article, we will explain why these papers are so important and how they can you access to download 10 years Papers.

UPSC Mains 2023

Upsc mains 2022, upsc mains 2021, upsc mains 2020, upsc mains 2019, upsc mains 2018, upsc mains 2017, upsc mains 2016, upsc mains 2015, upsc mains 2014, upsc mains 2013, download upsc ias mains previous year question papers.

Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam? If so, you need to have access to the Previous year question papers (PYQ).

This is where our website comes in.

We have a comprehensive collection of the last 10 years of UPSC Civil Services Mains exam question papers with answers PDF. This means that you can have access to the same questions that previous candidates have faced.

In addition to the question papers, we also provide detailed answers to each question. This means that you can learn from the experts and get a better understanding of the concepts.

What period do the UPSC Mains question papers on this page cover?

The UPSC Mains question papers on this page span a decade, from the year 2013 to 2023.

How can I access the UPSC Mains question papers on this page?

You can easily access the UPSC Mains question papers by clicking on the respective year tabs. This will lead you to PDFs of the question papers for that particular year & subject.

Are the question papers free to download?

Absolutely! All the question papers provided on this page are free to download to aid your preparation.

What benefits will I get from analyzing these past question papers?

Analyzing past question papers will help you understand the exam pattern, familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked, gauge the level of difficulty, and identify important topics that are frequently covered.

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Essay Papers: UPSC CSE Main (2019 to 1993) - Get Past Years’ Essay Question Papers of UPSC CSE

Essay papers upsc cse main (2019 to 1993): previous years’ essay question papers (upsc mains paper 1) are available here. with this article, candidates can access question papers from 1993 onwards..

Essay Papers UPSC CSE Main (2019 to 1993): Previous years’ Essay question papers are available here. With this article, candidates can access question papers from 1993 onwards. How to write an essay in UPSC? This is one the most frequently asked questions by UPSC aspirants, preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Different experts, toppers, teachers and educators have different answers to this question. Essay writing in the UPSC exam is an art and one can't be a master of it in one day. An expert at Jagran Josh has shared some tips which you can check from the link given below

⇒ How to write a good Essay in the IAS Exam: Video

⇒ UPSC Civil Services Exam 2020: 7 Effective Steps to Read Laxmikant Quickly for Indian Polity

You will also find many interview videos of UPSC (CSE) Toppers at JagranJosh.Com. Here we have also provided some links to access interview videos of UPSC Toppers where they are sharing their preparation strategy and giving some useful tips for the preparation of upcoming UPSC (CSE) Prelims and Mains exam.  

⇒ IAS Topper Kajal Jawla Rank 28 shares her strategy

⇒ Kanishak Kataria IAS Topper 2019 Rank 1 shares his IAS Strategy

⇒ Srushti Jayant Deshmukh IAS Topper (among Girls CSE Rank 5)

⇒ Best Books for UPSC (IAS) Preparation: Recommended by Toppers for CSE Mains & Prelims Preparation

These are previous years’ Essay Papers of UPSC CSE Main examination of 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019. Candidates preparing for UPSC 2020 Civil Services Examination can also take help of other important resources provided by Jagran Josh of the preparation of UPSC (IAS) Prelims 2020 exam. 

Get here latest School , CBSE and Govt Jobs notification in English and Hindi for Sarkari Naukari and Sarkari Result . Download the Jagran Josh Sarkari Naukri App . Check  Board Result 2024  for Class 10 and Class 12 like  CBSE Board Result ,  UP Board Result ,  Bihar Board Result ,  MP Board Result ,  Rajasthan Board Result  and Other States Boards.

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Essay Syllabus – Civil Services Mains Exam UPSC

Last updated on April 3, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

Table of Contents

Tips for UPSC Essay Paper from ClearIAS.com

Do keep in mind the below-mentioned tips. Following these strategies can make a huge boost in your Essay Paper marks .

• Try to write a few essays in full during your preparation, simulating the environment in the examination hall.
• Familiarize yourself with previous essays asked by UPSC so that you will have a clear picture of the type and standard of questions to be expected.
• UPSC/the examiner normally gives credit to new perspectives and fresh analysis.
• Avoid verbosity and flowery language. Use a simple style instead.
• You may use relevant quotes to reinforce your arguments. But never try to alter the quotes of great personalities.
• Good handwriting is always an asset. If your handwriting is not legible, put some effort into that area.
• Make your statements precise. Avoid guesses.
• The introductory paragraph should have clear indications about what you are going to write in the essay.
• You may show your inferences in the concluding paragraph.

Also read:   ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC

Additional Links:

• Useful Civil Services Books .
• Civil Services Study Materials for Online Preparation .
• IAS Question Papers .

Aim IAS, IPS, or IFS?

About Alex Andrews George

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

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

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

Reader Interactions

October 16, 2015 at 12:03 am

Hello sir…. May I know what is the language to write an essay…. I mean English or hindi…thanks

August 8, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Your exam medium is essay langauge

July 7, 2022 at 1:37 am

What types of eassy come in upsc?

May 12, 2016 at 12:59 am

Hello sir…… May I know that what is trade under in IAS. & which is the best course after 12th & which is the best subjects for IAS preparation.

August 28, 2020 at 7:20 am

Make any one of the optional subject as your UG stream .it will help you in the preparation

May 23, 2016 at 7:03 am

plz suggest me books for essay in hindi and english language

October 5, 2016 at 12:25 pm

pls tell me good essay book of bengali version.

December 2, 2016 at 9:15 pm

January 7, 2017 at 4:53 pm

Wt is the medium of essay writing Any language…? We can choose

February 18, 2017 at 9:25 pm

suggest some topics for essay writing

October 13, 2017 at 3:24 pm

Which syllabus for essay writing

October 13, 2017 at 3:26 pm

which topics for essay writing tell me please

April 7, 2017 at 4:45 pm

One of the most discriptive and very helpful website for civil services aapirants..

November 8, 2018 at 1:36 pm

Sir IAS yaa IPS Ke liye physical yaa medical exam bhi dena hota h kya

November 22, 2018 at 11:45 am

PLEASE CLEAR CIVIL SERVICE MAINS PAPER A & B

August 5, 2019 at 9:49 am

my mother tongue is Bengali .can I give the mains exam in Bengali??

August 10, 2019 at 1:15 pm

Hello sir!! Can I know from which topic these essays will be given. Like, generally or from optional subjects we choose?!

September 14, 2019 at 12:39 pm

Go through the previous years question papers to find out what type of essay do UPSC ask

October 13, 2019 at 10:52 am

Sir , What are those tips & advices you are gonna give for school students who’s aim is to become an IAS officer ?

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In the journey to cracking the Civil Services Examination, UPSC previous year question papers play an important role. They offer valuable insights into the exam pattern, question types, priority areas, and time management strategies. Moreover, they provide a means for aspirants to assess their progress and build confidence. Aspirants should incorporate the practice of solving UPSC previous year papers into their study routine, making it an integral part of their preparation strategy. In doing so, they enhance their chances of mastering this challenging examination and realising their dream of serving the nation in prestigious administrative roles.

Every year, thousands of aspirants strive to crack this examination to secure prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and various other central services. Among the myriad resources available for CSE preparation, UPSC previous year question papers stand out as invaluable assets. On this page, you can download the last 10 years UPSC question papers PDF and understand how they aid aspirants in their journey toward success.

UPSC Previous Year Question Paper

UPSC previous year question papers offer a window into the variety of question types that the Commission employs. UPSC Questions are designed to test candidates' analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. These may include multiple-choice questions, essay-type questions, and those requiring subjective responses. By reviewing past papers, aspirants can identify common question structures and practice answering them effectively.

Last 10 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers PDF

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Solving UPSC previous year question papers is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for the UPSC exam . Here are some of the benefits of solving previous year's question papers:

• Get familiar with the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. The UPSC exam is a very competitive exam, and the question paper is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subjects. By solving UPSC previous year question papers, you will get a good idea of the type of questions that are asked, the level of difficulty, and the time it takes to answer them. This will help you to prepare better for the actual exam.
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses. As you solve UPSC previous year papers, you will start to identify your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. This will help you to focus your studies on the areas where you need the most improvement.
• Learn time management skills. The UPSC CSE is a three-hour exam, and you will need to manage your time wisely in order to answer all of the questions. By solving previous year question papers, you will get a better understanding of how much time you need to spend on each question.
• Gain confidence. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your ability to answer the questions in the exam. Solving UPSC previous year question papers is a great way to build your confidence and prepare for the actual exam.

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

How to Write the Essay Paper in UPSC Mains?

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

Click here to download the  UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020 .

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

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

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

Let us look at how your essay should be structured!

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

How to select the UPSC essay topic?

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

Features of a good essay

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

Things to avoid in a UPSC essay question paper

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

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

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

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