Paper-I: Essay

UPSC Mains Papers : The ranking 7 Compulsory papers(Paper I to V) are Essay and General Studies. Papers VI and VII relating Optional subjects. Marks obtained in these 7 papers will be counted for Interview and also Final Ranking.

• This paper expects the candidates to write essays on multiple topics. As per the current pattern, the Essay Paper is divided into two sections having multiple topics. The candidate is expected to write essays on two topics, choosing one from each of the two sections.
• The UPSC expects that the essays are presented as an effective expression of ideas that are relevant to the topic and are arranged in an orderly fashion.
• The Aspirants may be required to write concise and strictly followed the Essay writting Pattern
• Credit will be given for Effective and Expression of the Ideas on the given Topic.

Understanding of the Essay Paper for the Mains

• The Strcuture and marking scheme is - Total Marks 250(125 marks for each Essay)
• Essay Paper consists of two Sections - Section A and Section B, Each section consists of four topic's, The Candidate has to choose one topic for each Section
• Each Essay should be write around 1000 - 1200 Words

Evaluation of the Essay Paper

The UPSC Examiners evaluate the essay paper based on the following criteria

• The Strcuture of the ESSAY -Needs Effective Introduction, Body of Content, Critical data and if neccessary flow charts and Balanced Conculsion
• Simple Language - Write Simple Sentences without using defficult Vocabulary, Coherence of sentences and paragraphs, And Pragraphs should be error free and hazzle free writting.
• Clarity of Thought -Ability to present Ideas, Thoughts, Information Cleary and precisely.
• Content Quality - Depth of Understanding of the Ideas and content and write Relavent information.
• Balanced Answer - Presenting Balanced answer rather than biased opinion.

Key Components of ESSAY

The UPSC Essay Paper does not mention a list of topics. While observing the last five years Essay Papers, noticied Certain key compenents of each topic are as follows.The Candidate has to pay attention on the following aeras. To following aeras to attempt effective Essay writting.

1. Contemporary Issues

• Contemporary Issues – Focuses on national and international developments and understanding of the following areas- Including Geopolitics. example, the US–China power dynamics and recent G2 concpet to adminster global governance,The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the changing dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region etc.
• National Issues - Recent government policies and challanges on various sectors
• Socio-Political Developments in the Country – Including legislative, administrative, judicial, and democratic challenges faced by India and the world.

2. Social and Economic Problems / Challanges

The UPSC has Identified Certain Critical socio - Economic challanges of the india and worldare as follows

• Unemployment
• Poverty and Equality
• Educational Issues Including new Education policy NFC and other Issues
• Health Care
• Issues pertaining to sustainable development of India and World

3. Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions / Concepts

• Ethical Isuues , Ethical Issues Values and the behavioural patterns in the daily life of the human beings in the Contemporary society.
• Philosophical ideas of various philosophers and their contributions

4. Issues and Challanges in Governance and Public adminstration Including Public Policy

• Good Governance
• Adminstrative reforms at National and Local Level
• Panchayati Raj and public policy issues pertaining to rural development and strengthening grassroots democracy

5. Cultural heritage of India and their developments

6. The role and impact of Science and Technology in Every Day Life adn their Callanges

7. Issues and Challanges Environment and Ecology and Climate change of India and World.

The Smart Strategy to write effective Essay For UPSC

To score high marks through effective approach of writting Essay

• Understanding the given topic and grasp its core theme.
• Brain Storming Thought Frame Work is essential for effective Essay.
• Pragraphs shall be linked cohesively and in an orderly fashion.
• Write Balanced Arguments of the given topic.
• Thought Provoking Conculsion.