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Essay – 149 | AIR 61 | Gautam Vivekanandan

GS 1 Highest – 128 | AIR 110, Abhishek Dawachya

GS 2 Highest – 125 | AIR 23, Vaishali

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GS 4 Ethics Highest – 141 | AIR 02, Garima Lohia

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

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

UPSC Essay Paper: Structure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Significance of UPSC Essay Paper in Mains: Trends and Analysis

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Who got the Highest Marks in UPSC Ever? How to Score Well in Prelims, Mains, and Interviews

Results are the most awaited period of a UPSC aspirant. Everyone eagerly waits for the results and as soon as the results are announced the toppers list is declared. And they become an inspiration for several others.

Have you ever wondered who got the highest marks in UPSC ever? Or indifferent optional subjects? Well, in this article I will find out each topper and take tips and strategies to score well directly from them.

UPSC CSE: Dreams of Aspirants

Every year UPSC conducts different examinations among which CSE is the most prestigious and difficult one. UPSC CSE is the exam for the selection of civil servants of India for various posts, such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IFoS. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the examinations.

Why? because it is one of the most prestigious government jobs of India which will bring you money and power.

UPSC CSE is the toughest competitive examination in India. Out of thousands of students, only some hundreds can clear it. The unpredictability of the UPSC paper makes it more difficult.

Phases of the Examination

There are three main phases:

# Prelims: It consists of two papers and is qualifying in nature.

# Mains: It consists of nine different papers.

# Interview: It is a personality test of candidates.

The competition level is really hard but still, it is the dream of many aspirants. Every aspirant has their way of UPSC preparation. Some choose the guidance of a coaching institute, while others prefer to study alone.

But one thing is common among every aspirant, what? evaluating strategies of toppers. Toppers have their popularity among aspirants, they see them as their role models and want to walk in their footsteps.

With every year, a new list of toppers are released by UPSC and the aspirants begin learning from the list of UPSC toppers.

Toppers of UPSC (2015-2019)

Marksheets of various air-1.

2015- Tina Dabi

2016- Nandini KR

2017- Anudeep Durishetty

2018- Kanishka Kataria

2019- Pradeep Singh

Who Got the Highest Marks in UPSC Ever?

Till now Anudeep Durishetty secured the highest total marks in UPSC. he is currently posted as an IRS officer. He created a record in 2017 by securing the highest total marks. According to him, it wasn’t an easy journey. He has to face multiple failures. and on his fifth attempt, he was able to grab the first rank of the CSE.

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the UPSC Prelims?

Prelims papers are qualifying in nature and therefore no information of their scores are available.

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the Mains?

Anudeep Durishetty scored the highest marks in the mains in UPSC till now. He secured 950 marks out of 1025 marks.

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the UPSC Interview?

Zainab Sayeed of Kolkata got the highest marks in the interview. She was able to secure 220 marks out of 275 months.

Also Read: Do you Know What is the Highest Marks in UPSC Interview? Important Facts about IAS Interview

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the Essay?

Nishant Jain secured the highest marks in the essay paper of UPSC in 2015.

Here are his seven rules of success:

# Stay neutral

# Extremely strong introduction and conclusion

# Presentation of the essay

# No grammatical errors

# Vocabulary

# Good handwriting

Toppers of UPSC Subject Wise: Highest Marks in Optional UPSC

Who secured the highest marks in mathematics.

Anubhav Singh( UPSC-2017 batch)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Geography?

Ayush Sinha (UPSC Batch- 2017)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the PSIR?

Kothamasu Dinesh Kumar (UPSC Batch- 2016)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in the Public Administration?

Abhilash Mishra (UPSC Batch: 2016)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Anthropology?

Sachin Gupta (UPSC Batch: 2017)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Literature?

Nandini K R (UPSC Batch: 2016) in Kannada literature.

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Medical Science?

Artika Shukla (UPSC Batch: 2015)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Science?

Bilal Bhat (UPSC Batch: 2016) in Veterinary Science.

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Sociology?

Anu Kumari (UPSC Batch: 2017)

Who Secured the Highest Marks in Philosophy?

Athar Aamir (UPSC Batc:2015)

Also Read: UPSC Exam Syllabus 2021: Know all the Insights about Prelims, Mains and Interview Round

How to Secure the Highest Marks in Prelims?

Strong grip on the basis.

It is very important to understand the course object and its topic. NCERT is the best book for this you can take reference for six to 12.

Current Affairs

Curraffairairs are an integral part of your UPSC. UPSC is increasing its importance every year. Here are some stats of current affairs

For better current affairs practice, you can read Current Affairs Magazine.

Understand the Format

Every candidate must have a proper understanding of the format of Prelims.

Previous Year Questions

To understand the question button clearly you need to solve something, yes your question papers. It will help you to understand the types of questions of prelims, it will help you to evaluate yourself.

Short and Crisp Notes

revision before an exam is very important but this doesn’t imply that you should read all those books. It is a waste of time. Therefore, make a short and crisp note of these topics.

Also Read: Strategy for UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam: Steps to Clear Prelims in the First Attempt

Tips From the Toppers for UPSC Prelims

Tina Dabi started her prelims preparation 3 months before her preliminary exams. She secured the first rank in UPSC 2015 batch. Here are some prelims tips from her:

# According to her, a candidate should develop a habit of reading newspapers. This will help her to stay updated and learn the news of the world.

# Rather than learning new topics before some days of your exam, you should revise old topics well. According to her, you should at least revise each topic three times.

# Current Affair is an integral part of Prelims exams. Therefore read Yojana Magazines, PIB, Manorama Yearbook, etc.

# You need to take a break in between your schedule. Therefore allocate enough time for recreational activities.

# You should eat a balanced diet for better focus and concentration. Moreover, proper sleep is very important for you.

Also Read: Which Newspaper is Best for UPSC? Hindi and English Newspapers for IAS Preparations

# Prelims test series and mock series are important for your prelims preparation strategy. IT helps to get an idea of the prelims format.

# Make a realistic, practical timetable and try to achieve set targets. And also include 8 hours of sleep, 1 hrs of sports and 5 minutes break in between each schedule.

Anudeep Durishetty

# Rather than learning new topics prior some days before your exam, revise old topics first.

# Focus: You should be focused on your aim. Rather than getting nervous and cramming everything on the day of your exam, try to stay focused and confident.

# Give your best shot: Rather than thinking about the results and score, focus on your exam.

Kanishka Kataria

# Test Series is an important part of your prelims preparation. It will help you to get a proper understanding of the pattern.

# Follow a perfect strategy for your exam day.

# NCERT is very important for the basics of each topic.

Pradeep Singh

# You should start your preparation for prelims 6months before your exam.

# Maintain short and crisp notes for the revision.

How to Secure the Highest Marks in Mains?

Candidates who clear UPSC Prelims can give mains examination. This paper is very crucial as it is a major factor in deciding your marks.

There are 9 papers in the mains examination.

# Choose optional subject wisely: The most important factor of deciding your mains marks is optional. Rather than searching for a subject that is considered a most scoring optional subject, go with the subject you are familiar with.

# Writing Practice: Mains paper is descriptive therefore you need to give a considerable amount of time writing your answers. Try to solve as many questions as you can. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.

# Time Allocation: Set your monthly, daily and weekly goals. You should revise what you have studied.

Here is the apt amount of time allocated to each paper:

Also Read: UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Tips to Write the Perfect UPSC Answer to Score Well

Tips From the Toppers for UPSC Mains

# Proper Time Management: It is very important for you to allocate your time smartly.

# Current Affairs: Current Affairs is very important in mains too.

# Proper Schedule

# Writing Practice: Give at least 2-3 hours daily to writing. Try to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.

# Optional Subject: Try to choose an optional subject that you are familiar with. Try to decide before your graduation and choose the subject of your graduation then.

# Start preparation for mains before your prelims examination.

# Practice answer writing.

# Solve mock series and previous year question papers.

# Finish the syllabus of mains well.

# Improve your essay score by practising well.

# Formulate answers well using diagrams, small paras, flowcharts and bullet points.

# Illustrate facts, figures, examples or stats with your answers.

# Go through five years of question papers in detail.

# Read all those books in depth.

# Use the internet to find out about the topics.

# Study current affairs for better marks in General Studies pacers.

# Practice answer writing for more than 6 hours in 5 days a week for better efficiency.

# Study maps for better scores.

# Practice test series.

Kanishka Katariya

# Stay focused and avoid distractions.

# Be cautious while selecting your optional subject. Choose the subject in which you are most confident.

# Be consistent with your preparations.

# Allocate your time strategically.

# Make short and crisp notes.

# Take a Mock test for evaluation yourself.

# Take enough breaks in between to ensure better efficiency.

# Prepare for 6 months prior-year prelims preparation.

# Choose an optional subject that intrigues you most.

# Practice essay papers well and take help from toppers answers.

# Practice Answer writing.

In the interview, the interviewer is likely to ask a lesson about yourself, Therefore explore more about yourself, such as hobbies, interests, reasons to choose subjects of your graduation, etc. Moreover, gather knowledge about your city and state.

#1. Positive Attitude

Maintain a positive attitude throughout your interview. This will set a good impression on your interviewer about you.

#2. Self-Confidence

Nervousness can ruin your interview. You would start stuttering, panting and sweating. This will give a clear indication to your interviewers that you are nervous and not well prepared.

#3. Communication skills

Develop your communication skills for a better score in your interview. This will help you to answer in a better way and communicate your opinions, feelings, interests

#4 Newspaper

Don’t leave the habit of reading the newspaper. Reading newspapers will help you to stay updated with recent issues.

#5. Hobbies

Prepare your hobbies as well as they can ask you to demonstrate your hobby or tell your reasons about why you like it.

#6. Revise Your Optional Subject

Interviewers are likely to ask questions from your optional subject therefore review your optional notes before your interview.

#7. Graduation

Revise your graduation subject once as they can ask your question regarding it.

#8. Develop a Strong Opinion

Read all current affairs wisely and maintain a strong opinion on this. As well as you should have the proper information, facts and stats for why you have this opinion.

#9. Honesty

Honesty is the best policy. Remember this and follow this firmly. Don’t lie to make your resume more attractive as they can catch your lies easily.

Also Read: What is the Best Way to Introduce Yourself in the UPSC Interview? Here’re Some Tips & Tricks

Tips From the Toppers for UPSC Interview

# Dress neatly and smartly.

# Re-read your DAF again and again and prepare all those questions which can be asked from it.

# Prepare your graduation subjects.

# Have a strong grasp of current affairs.

# Prepare well for such questions:

Why do you want to join the IAS?

What IAS means to you?

What is the future of civil services?

# Read your DAF properly before your Interview and prepare questions that can be asked.

# Before developing any view, read and analyse first.

# Don’t stop and stay mum. Try to answer the question you know and be confident with what you don’t.

# Develop your English skills for a better impression.

# The content of your answer matters the most.

# Explore more about yourself.

# Don’t hesitate to tell me about yourself whenever you get a chance.

# Prepare a question bank beforehand about all those questions the interviewer can ask.

# Be honest and don’t lie.

# Prepare well for some trickiest questions.

# Prepare to answer about your past i.e. education background and career.

# Form a firm opinion about recent issues.

# Read different articles from the internet, newspapers and magazines.

# Prepare well about different government schemes.

# Know about recent issues and form an opinion based on factual information and statistics.

# Prepare well about your optional subjects and graduation also.

UPSC is one of the toughest competitive examinations in India. The unpredictability of this paper and competition makes it this hard. But with proper strategy, tips, guidance, and courses you can easily clear any obstacle and score well.

Here in UPSC Pathshala , you can find several courses, high-quality video lectures, and expert advice on your doubts. Therefore don’t wait and check out the site for success.

You can try out these courses by UPSC Pathshala: All India Prelims Test Series for Prelims and All India Mains Test Series for Mains.

Also Read: How you are studying Current Affairs all wrong!

One Comment

Every candidate of the UPSC exam strive to get maximum marks in the exams. This article has supported my knowledge in terms of knowing the techniques to prepare for the exam along with acknowledging all the UPSC toppers. Do you guys have anything to ask?

About the Author

Shilpa is a professional web content writer and is in deep love with travelling. She completed her mass communication degree and is now dedicatedly playing with words to guide her readers to get the best for themselves. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of ‘live and let live. Apart from writing and travelling, most of the time she can be seen in the avatar of 'hooman' mom to her pets and street dogs or else you can also catch her wearing the toque blanche and creating magic in the kitchen on weekends.

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UPSC Toppers 2021: Names and Marks of Civil Service Exam Top Rankers

Last updated on May 30, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the names and marks of all recommended candidates in the final rank list in CSE 2021 .

Shruti Sharma secured All India Rank 1 with 1105 marks out of 2025 (54.56%).

Ankita Agarwal came second with a difference of 55 marks. She scored 1050 out of 2025 (51.85%).

Table of Contents

UPSC Toppers 2021: Marks of Recommended Candidates

The final rank is calculated by adding the marks secured in Main Exam (written) and Personality Test (Interview).

The written exam marks are out of 1750.

The interview marks are out of 275.

Learn more from: ClearIAS Study Materials

The full list of UPSC CSE Toppers with names and marks secured

There were 749 vacancies in 2021.

The Commission has recommended 685 candidates for appointment into various services like IAS , IPS , IFS, IRS etc in its first rank list.

A supplementary list will be released later.

Click to download the topper’s names and marks .

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Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

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IAS Toppers Marks Subject Wise

IAS Toppers Marks Subject-Wise

The UPSC civil services exam, considered one of the toughest exams in the country, is attempted by lakhs of people every year. Out of them, only a tiny fraction emerge successful after the long-drawn process concludes. The IAS exam is so rigorous that the toppers generally create much curiosity every year. Aspirants are eager to know the toppers’ preparation strategies, their book lists, their optional subjects and of course, their marks in the various subjects. In this article, we bring you the IAS toppers’ marks in all the subjects in the civil services exam.

Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Marksheet PDF of which can be download from the linked article.

For videos of IAS Toppers along with strategy, preparation tips and more, aspirants can check the linked article.

List of IAS Toppers Interview + Mains Marks in last few years:

IAS Topper 2022 – Ishita Kishore (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1094)
IAS Topper 2021 – Shruti Sharma ( Marks in Mains + Interview = 1105)
IAS Topper 2020 – Shubham Kumar ( Marks in Mains + Interview = 1054)
IAS Topper 2019 – Pradeep Singh (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1072)
IAS Topper 2018 – Kanishak Kataria (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1121)
IAS Topper 2017 – Anudeep Durishetty (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1126)
IAS Topper 2016 – Nandini KR (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1120)
IAS Topper 2015 – Tina Dabi (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1063)
IAS Topper 2014 – Ira Singhal (Marks in Mains + Interview = 1082)

IAS Toppers 2022

AIR 1 – Ishita Kishore (1094/2025, 54.02%)
AIR 2 – Garima Lohia (1063/2025, 52.49%)
AIR 3 – Uma Harathi N (1060/2025, 42.34%)

IAS Toppers 2021

AIR-1 Shruthi Sharma (1105/2025, 54.7%)
AIR-2 Ankita Agarwal (1050/2025, 51.85%)
AIR-3 Gamini Singla ( 1045/2025, 51.60%)

IAS Toppers 2020

AIR-1 Shubham Kumar (1054/2025)
AIR-2 Jagruti Awasthi (1052/2025)
AIR-3 Ankita Jain (1051/2025)

IAS Toppers 2019:

AIR-1 Pradeep Singh (1072/2025, 52.94%)
AIR-2 Jatin Kishore (1063/2025, 52.49%)
AIR-3 Pratibha Verma (1062/2025, 52.44%)

IAS Toppers 2018:

AIR- 1 Kanishak Kataria (Final Total – 1121/2025, 55.36%)
AIR- 2 Akshat Jain (Final Total – 1080/2025, 53.33%)
AIR-3 Junaid Ahmed (Final Total – 1077/2025, 53.18%)

Marks of IAS Toppers Across the Years:

Check the following comprehensive table that gives the IAS topper list with marks of candidates from various years. You can also know the optional subject of the candidates.

To know more about the inspiring journeys of 2019 & 2018 IAS toppers, click on the links below:

Himanshu Jain (AIR – 4, 2019)
Jeydev C.S. (AIR – 5, 2019)
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh (AIR – 5, 2018)
Sreedhanya Suresh (CSE 2018)
Pujya Priyadarshini (AIR – 11, 2018)

Do you want to see your name in a list like the one above? You can! If you have decided to take the UPSC exam and enter into the prestigious civil services, all you need is fierce determination and utmost perseverance until you achieve your goal. The UPSC exam might be tough, but it is certainly possible to crack it and come out with flying colours. With a planned approach and guided study, you can clear the IAS exam successfully. BYJU’S helps you prepare for the IAS exam, wherever you are. With the Free IAS Prep website, you can access unmatched coverage of current affairs, history, geography, polity and other subjects.

If you want to get your hands on the BYJU’S IAS Preparation Tablet or attend our offline coaching classes, call 9243500460 now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who got the highest marks in upsc ever.

The highest marks ever scored in the UPSC exam were by Anudeep Durishetty, the topper for UPSC 2017. He scored 1126 (55.60%) out of 2025 marks. He scored 950 out of 1750 marks in Mains and 176 out of 275 in the personality test (UPSC Interview). The 2018 IAS Topper came close with 1120 marks.

How many hours do IAS toppers study?

IAS toppers study between 4-16 hours a day, depending on their preparation strategy. However, studying efficiently and focusing on one area of preparation at a time, some toppers have managed to top the UPSC exam by studying as low as 3 hours a day. The key to their success is understanding the Syllabus of UPSC and the IAS exam pattern and studying according to the structure of the UPSC exam.

Are IAS officers allowed to have tattoos?

Tattoos are allowed in the IAS as long as they are inoffensive and inconspicuous. Tribal tattoos are allowed for candidates belonging to scheduled tribes with a tradition of displaying tattoos. Though information on tattoo policy in the DoPT is hard to find online, different departments who absorb successful candidates from the UPSC exam have their own rules. Tattoos are heavily restricted in most government services and aspirants should check their target department’s rules regarding the same.

What is the last rank for IAS?

The last rank which secured an IAS officer position in UPSC 2018 was 92 in the general category. The last rank for IAS in OBC was 457, SC 492. The ST candidate who secured IAS with the last rank was ranked 528.

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(Getting Started) How to Score 161 Marks in UPSC Essay by AIR-51 Vikram Grewal

Vikram Grewal is a topper in UPSC Civil Services Examination in the year 2018. He is one of the highest rank holders at an all-India rank of 51 as well as a very high scorer in the UPSC Mains Essay paper which he claims is one of the larger contributors in his rank. He is a History graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Vikram has his eyes set on UPSC from when he was a teenager in school. In 2018, his dream finally came true.

Vikram’s Strategy

Vikram divided his essays into 2 parts

part 1 was content and
part 2 was the presentation.

He believes both are equally important. He paid more attention to presentation as he believed content is rich for most serious candidates already.

Preparation

Whenever you come across a topic in your day to day studies, note it down and think for a few minutes what you may write if that were your essay topic. Originality is key. Consider your essay to be a conversation with the examiner and develop that perspective. He did not practice any essay a few weeks preceding the exam so that he could approach the topics with a fresh mindset. Vikram even suggests downloading a Chrome extension that suggests quotes by famous people every time you open a new window to use in your essays.

Presentation

Vikram believes one of his weak points is his handwriting. Which is why he focused on spacing out his sentences. He wrote 2 paragraphs per page and a total of 20 paragraphs for each topic, which is roughly 1000 to 1200 words. Each paragraph should end on the same page. At least 2 keywords or references must be in each paragraph.

ESSAY STRATEGY BY ESSAY TOPPER: Chandra Mohan Garg, Rank 25, Essay Marks 149, CSE 2015 - INSIGHTSIAS

One Way To Structure Your Essay

The main part is planning in the first 15-20 minutes. He would read the topic, take 15 minutes to think up the content and break it up into 20 points, and then write for an hour to an hour and a half each. Each point was broken down into a paragraph and each paragraph talked of something new.

Essay Study Kit for UPSC IAS Mains Exam

Approach each topic or title with a fresh perspective. Try to enjoy what you are writing and it will translate into an interesting writeup. Vikram didn’t have a specific strategy in mind for content. He only wrote 5 Essay mock tests to get a decent idea. Assume that the examiner is not well-versed in the topic and write in a generalized manner. Use real-life and popular examples to put your point across. Vikram even used movies as an example. Use information accumulated in your general studies preparation wisely.

Choosing The Right Topic

Know your strengths and your weaknesses. For example, Vikram found interest in Philosophical topics as he found himself able to write using more varied dimensions. Similarly, choose as per your strengths. Make sure you stay true to the topic. Use keywords used in the question itself now and then within the essay to keep your writing grounded.

Message To Aspirants

You will not be able to predict how your essay is scored. So instead of overthinking about it choose a topic that you will enjoy writing.

Keep an eye on the clock and pen your original thoughts.

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Gautam Vivekanandan, AIR-211 CSE-22 Essay Strategy (149 Marks)

This is the 2nd Topper Journey & Strategy post from the Batch of 2023 and it pertains to essay writing.

Till date of writing this post i.e. 01-06-2023, I have gathered and analyzed 154 mark sheets of CSE-22 selected candidates and Gautam has scored the highest marks i.e. 149 .

Few pertinent pointers from the analysis to ponder upon:

Average essay score is 115.
Only 8 out of 154 have scored > 140 Marks.
24 have scored between 131-140.
27 have scored between 121-130.
36 have scored between 111-120.
30 have scored between 101-110.
And the rest i.e. 29 have scored 100 or less marks including 8 scores of less than 90!!!

Thus, you can see that there is a huge variation in essay scores in CSE-22 and out of all subjects, essay turned out to be a ‘king maker’ . This is the reason I bring to you Gautam’s Essay Strategy as under in his own words.

Introduction

Hello fellow aspirants. My name is Gautam Vivekanandan . I live in Valsad, Gujarat and I hold a B. Tech degree in Electronics & Communication engineering. I secured AIR 211 in UPSC CSE 2022 , and this was my first attempt. During college, I had joined weekend batch of Chahal Academy in Gujarat. That was my first exposure to the UPSC CSE preparation. However, I was occupied with college activities and so could not focus on preparation. Thereafter, I worked in TCS for 6 months (till April 2021). From May 2021 I started my full-fledged UPSC preparation. I joined Vision IAS foundation course in Delhi for GS preparation. My optional subject is English Literature for which I took classes from Prof Radhakrishnan (Kerala) – he was my mentor and guide for both optional subject as well as essay.

You may contact Gautam on his Telegram Channel , Instagram Profile and his Mail: [email protected]

The term ‘essay’ is derived from the French word ‘essai’ which means to ‘try’ or ‘attempt’. Paper 1 in the UPSC CSE-Mains is the Essay paper. Personally, I am a big fan of this paper for two reasons. One is that there is no fixed syllabus here and we have the freedom to express ourselves, and two – this paper in a way reflects the personality we have.

My Strategy

1) Went through the essay topics of last 25 years (available online) and found out which topics were asked more than once (e.g.: Agriculture, Education, Technology, Terrorism &c.)

2) For topics that were repeated and for some other important topics such as – Health, Poverty, Women empowerment &c., I prepared short 3–4-page notes. These notes inter alia included

Relevant data and statistics
Important quotes
Initiatives/Schemes in India & the world
Solutions (Way Forward)

3) There are templates that can be used for writing essays such as – Problem, Challenges & Solution approach or Dimensions approach (social, political, economic etc). I used them when required but they were not my only option. It is my personal opinion that essays should be free flowing and creative. Repetitive use of any set template may make your essay boring and it will also not allow your brain to be more creative.

4) Some pre-requisites for a good essay, according to me, include the following

Adequate & relevant content
Good arguments + equally good examples/data (relevant)
Quality of being on point always
Smooth flow (should not feel like paragraphs are mechanically placed together)
Covering various dimensions (horizontally & vertically)
Good introduction & conclusion – Introduction is where you can make a first good impression & conclusion is where you can make a lasting impression.

5) I had looked for quotes or lines from some famous poems which could in general be applied to various topics and could be used in introduction or conclusion. e.g. – Road not taken, Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening, If &c.

6) Had gone through some well-known philosophies such as feminism, universalism, Socialism, Humanism &c. The knowledge of these can help you decode philosophical essay topics.

7) For philosophical essays, I tried to interpret the topic right at the onset and thereafter my attempt was to justify my interpretation using various arguments and examples.

Join here for free UPSC guidance from Mudit Jain, IPS-15, IPS-16, IRS-18, Author of Decode CSAT , Decode Essay , Decode GS2 , Decode Ethics 4.0 & Decode History Books Ethics book referred by CSE 22 Toppers: AIR –76, 91 , 176 , 189 , 249 , 288, 297, 299 , 326 , 356 , 476, 541, 611, 616 , 700, 737 , 739, 746 & others History book referred by CSE 21 Toppers: AIR – 44, 212, 572, 653 & others Find PDFs of All Decode Series Books Here

Why do I think I secured 149 in essay paper

1) The topics I selected were unique (This criterion however does not give a candidate any significant edge is what I believe)

Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities

2) I tried to write as many relevant & diverse examples as possible. For e.g., in the 1st essay, I wrote about both foreign and Indian poets such as – Wordsworth, Auden’s theory of agape and eros, our very own Kabir and his ‘dohas’ which had social overtones. Tried to quote a few of their lines too.

3) Right at the onset I mentioned my interpretation of the topic. Thereafter, my attempt was to expand the same and cover as many dimensions as possible.

4) Did not stick to any template for essay. I personally believe that essays should be free flowing.

5) Tried to start and end on a high. Quote or anecdotes etc.

A thumb rule that I followed- Whatever one has experienced or gone through in life, whatever one has read or heard, all of that could be utilized in an essay (however it is extremely important that your points are relevant). It’s the only paper where there is no fixed syllabus. It is where you can express yourself. Use that opportunity to the fullest.

Important Note: The reason why I selected those topics was because I was extremely comfortable in them. Not because I thought that they would be less chosen (As I have mentioned earlier, unique topics does not equal good marks). This is an important point of difference. Whatever you feel you are comfortable with and can write with conviction, go for that. You need to have both good points as well as good examples. I was very fortunate that there were these two topics where I could easily write with conviction and with appropriate examples.

Disclaimer – This is a personalized opinion-based post and not a flawless strategy that can be endorsed. No one can guarantee that any fixed approach will work for scoring good marks in essay. You can use this as a framework to try and understand the requirements of the essay paper.

Feel free to reach out to me regarding any queries with respect to UPSC CSE preparation. You can join my Telegram channel where I will be sharing my detailed strategy and plan along with my notes.

Best wishes to all.

Gautam Vivekanandan

CSE-22 Topper Strategies:

1) Dwij Goel AIR-71 Journey & GS-2 124 Marks & His Anthropology Strategy 315 Marks

2) Gautam Vivekanandan AIR-211 Essay Topper 149 Marks

3) Khushboo Oberoi AIR-139 Prelims, Ethics & Public Administration 294 Marks

4) Aaditya Sharma AIR-70 Prelims, Mains & Medical Science

5) Abhishek Dawachya AIR-610 Prelims, Mains (GS-1 Topper) & Sociology

6) Avinash Kumar AIR-17 Philosophy Topper 319 Marks

7) Virendra Kumar Meena AIR-883 Hindi Medium Cleared Prelims Thrice

8) Jatin Jain AIR-91 Prelims, Mains & Sociology

9) Kasturi Panda AIR-67 Prelims, Mains & Interview

10) Laxmipriya Upadhyaya AIR-176 Prelims, Mains & Agriculture

11) Nidhi Goyal AIR-202 GS-3 Topper 107 Marks

12) Ishan Sinha AIR-234 Prelims Strategy & Booklist

13) Anirudha Pandey AIR-64 Prelims, Mains & Essay

14) Tanisha Jetly AIR-400 Botany Optional

15) Damera Hima Vamshee AIR-548 Inspirational Journey & Sociology

16) Kunal Jain AIR-356 Journey & Learnings

17) Shaik Habeebulla AIR-189 Journey, Prelims, CSAT & Anthropology

18) Priyanka Goel AIR-369 Journey & Public Administration 292 Marks

CSM 2021 Essay: Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian while materialism is a chimera

CSM 2022: The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining

Author: DecodeCIVILS - Mudit Jain

I gave 5 attempts and got selected 3 times including twice in IPS and IRS(IT) in 2017 CSE. I have started DecodeCIVILS initiative to reach Aspirants with my strategies and notes. Aspirants can connect with me at: Youtube.com/muditjainupsc Facebook.com/decodecivils View all posts by DecodeCIVILS - Mudit Jain

How to Start Answer Writing in UPSC: Insights from Top Scorers

Table of contents.

Answer writing is a critical skill for any UPSC aspirant. It requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also the ability to structure your thoughts, present your ideas coherently, and manage your time effectively. However, answer writing is not something that can be mastered overnight. It takes time, practice, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. That’s where insights from top scorers can be invaluable.

In this blog post, we will explore the strategies used by top scorers in answer writing and provide practical tips on how to start your answer writing practice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced UPSC aspirant, this post will give you the tools and techniques you need to develop your answer writing skills and achieve success in the exam. So, let’s get started!

Why Answer Writing is Important?

Answer writing is a critical skill for UPSC aspirants, and for good reason. In the UPSC exam, the quality of your answers can make the difference between success and failure. Here are some reasons why answer writing is so important:

Demonstrates Understanding: Answer writing is a way to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter. By structuring your thoughts and presenting your ideas in a clear and concise manner, you show that you have a grasp of the topic at hand.
Shows Application: Answer writing also shows your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. By using examples, case studies, and data to support your answers, you demonstrate that you can think critically and analytically.
Time Management: Answer writing requires effective time management skills. In the UPSC exam, you have a limited amount of time to answer a large number of questions. By practicing answer writing, you learn how to allocate your time wisely between different sections and questions.
Practice : Regular practice of answer writing is essential for developing your skills. The more you practice, the better you become at structuring your thoughts, presenting your ideas coherently, and managing your time effectively.
Scoring : Ultimately, your performance in the UPSC exam is based on the quality of your answers. By improving your answer writing skills, you increase your chances of scoring well in the exam and achieving success in your career.

Tips for Mains Answer Writing

Answer writing in the UPSC Mains exam requires a different approach compared to the Prelims. Here are some tips to help you improve your Mains answer writing skills:

Understand the Question: The first step to writing a good answer is to understand the question. Read the question carefully and identify what it is asking for. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate the type of answer required.
Plan Your Answer: Once you understand the question, plan your answer accordingly. This involves deciding on the structure, main points, and supporting examples that you will include in your answer. Create a rough outline to help you organize your thoughts.
Introduction : Start your answer with a brief introduction that sets the context for your answer. This should be concise and to the point.
Main Body: The main body of your answer should contain the key points that support your argument. Use examples, data, and case studies to illustrate your points. Make sure your answer is well-structured and easy to follow.
Conclusion: End your answer with a clear and concise conclusion that summarizes your main points. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
Language and Presentation: Use simple and concise language in your answer. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Use proper formatting, headings, and subheadings to make your answer easy to read.
Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the exam. Allocate your time wisely between different sections and questions. Avoid spending too much time on one question at the expense of others.
Practice: Regular practice of answer writing is essential for improving your skills. Make sure you practice answering a variety of questions from different topics. Get feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to help you identify areas for improvement.

Things to Keep in Mind While Answer Writing in upsc

Answer writing is a critical component of the UPSC exam, and there are some important things to keep in mind while writing your answers. Here are some tips to help you improve your answer writing skills:

Read the Question Carefully: It is essential to read the question carefully and understand what it is asking for. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate the type of answer required.
Stick to the Word Limit: The UPSC sets a word limit for each question, and it is important to stick to it. Write concise and to-the-point answers that address the question asked. Avoid using unnecessary words or repeating the same points.
Use Simple Language: Use simple and concise language in your answers. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Write in a clear and organized manner.
Use Examples: Use examples, data, and case studies to support your arguments. This adds depth to your answers and makes them more convincing. Make sure your examples are relevant and add value to your answer.
Maintain a Logical Flow: Your answers should have a logical flow, with each paragraph building on the previous one. Use proper formatting, headings, and subheadings to make your answer easy to read.
Avoid Bias: Avoid expressing personal opinions or biases in your answers. Stick to the facts and support your arguments with evidence.

7-5-3 Rule of UPSC Answer Writing in UPSC

What is 7-5-3 Rule for answer writing in the UPSC Exam?

The 7-5-3- rule is as simple as the numbers given, where

SEVEN – Candidates’ should ensure to answer the question in 7 minutes
FIVE – Write 5 points in their answers centring the keyword (advised to keep it in bullet-points)
In Social, Economic, Political and Geographical perspective
For, against, and conclusion
What/Why/How

How to Improve UPSC Mains Answer Writing?

Improving UPSC mains answer writing requires practice and continuous effort. Here are some tips to help you improve your answer writing skills:

Analyze Previous Year’s Question Papers: Analyze previous year’s question papers to understand the pattern, types of questions asked, and the approach taken to answer them. This will give you an idea of what to expect and how to approach the questions.
Understand the Question: Read the question carefully and understand what it is asking for. Identify the keywords and phrases that indicate the type of answer required.
Develop a Structured Approach: Develop a structured approach to answering questions. Use the 7-5-3 rule or any other framework that works for you. Ensure that your answers are well-organized and have a logical flow.
Practice Writing Answers: Practice writing answers regularly. This will help you develop your writing skills, build your confidence, and identify areas that need improvement.
Seek Feedback: Seek feedback from experts or peers. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you insights on how to improve your writing.
Use Examples and Data: Use examples and data to support your arguments. This adds depth to your answers and makes them more convincing. Make sure your examples are relevant and add value to your answer.
Manage Time Effectively: Manage your time effectively during the exam. Allocate your time wisely between different sections and questions. Avoid spending too much time on one question at the expense of others.
Revise Your Answers: Revise your answers to correct any mistakes, rephrase sentences, and improve the overall clarity of your answer.

Effective answer writing in UPSC Mains is critical to achieving success in the exam. It is essential to understand the question, plan your answer, stick to the word limit, use simple language, and maintain a logical flow. Additionally, using relevant examples and data, avoiding bias, and managing your time wisely are also important aspects to keep in mind.

Following the 7-5-3 rule for structuring your answers can help ensure that your answer is well-organized and covers all the relevant aspects of the question. Regular practice and feedback can help improve your answer writing skills, and a focused approach can help you achieve success in the UPSC Mains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to start answer writing practice for upsc exam .

Starting answer writing practice for UPSC Mains can be a daunting task, but it is an essential step towards achieving success in the exam. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Understand the Syllabus
Practice Past Year Papers
Analyze Your Answers
Seek Feedback
Develop a Study Plan
Use Model Answers
Stay Updated

How to write a good answer in upsc

Writing a good answer in UPSC requires a systematic and well-structured approach. Here are some tips that can help you write a good answer in UPSC:

Understand the Question
Plan Your Answer
Stick to the Word Limit
Use Simple Language
Use Relevant Examples and Data
Maintain a Logical Flow

How do I manage my time during the UPSC Exam?

Managing time effectively during the UPSC Mains exam is crucial to completing the paper on time and maximizing your score. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively:

Plan Your Time
Read the Question Carefully
Prioritize Your Answers
Use Bullet Points
Avoid Overthinking
Don’t Rush

What is 753 rule of answer writing?

THREE – Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions (as per the need of the question).

Is answer writing difficult for UPSC?

Answer writing can be a challenging task for UPSC aspirants as it requires a combination of knowledge, analytical skills, and effective communication. The UPSC exam demands a high level of proficiency in answer writing, and the questions asked in the exam are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of the topic, critical thinking, and ability to articulate their thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

Moreover, the UPSC syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics, making it challenging for aspirants to retain all the information and recall it during the exam. Additionally, time management is also a crucial aspect of answer writing, as candidates are required to answer a large number of questions within a limited time frame.

However, with regular practice and effective guidance, answer writing can be mastered. Aspirants can improve their answer writing skills by practicing previous year question papers, mock tests, and seeking feedback from mentors or experienced candidates. By developing a structured and organized approach to answer writing, aspirants can improve their chances of success in the UPSC exam.

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Taritla Prateek Rao

"Knowledge - Is - Religion"

The Essay paper in UPSC CSE is marked out of 250, equal weightage to other GS and Optional papers. The catch lies in the disproportionately high marks that can be secured in this paper even at the average score - in relation to other papers. GS papers would average around 95-100, given 2020 marks observed among toppers. Essay averaged around 115-120. This 15-20 mark gain can actually make or break a selection or choice of service.

My Strategy

I relied on writing practice essays at home and getting it checked by mentors and peers for the first 3 attempts. I got scores of 130, 105 and 124 in my previous 3 attempts. This year I joined the essay test series at Vision IAS, and found the feedback, lectures and strategy to my liking, ended up getting a 147 in CSE 2020

Although I did follow strategy of Vision IAS, I also finalized some basics at my end, basis my own experience writing essay over the years. They are as follows -

Introduction, Body, Conclusion - as the basic format

10 pages per essay - 110-120 words per page

1-2 page introduction and body linkage, 7-8 page of Body with 5-6 ideas, 1/2 - 1 page of pre conclusion and 1 page of conclusion

5-10 minutes to choose both topics - basis topic clarity and understanding, knowledge, anecdotes and quotes (in that order)

20-25 mins to brain storm the topic and make rough notes

1 hour of writing one essay

Brainstorm individually - do not spend first one hour choosing the topics and brainstorming both. Brainstorming second essay after writing first will do two things

Sense of completion of one essay - will give confidence

Rest to hands and mind after writing for 1 hour

Ideas from first essay will be out of your mind, you will not repeat the same ideas and come up with fresh ones since now some space in your mind has been freed and dumped on paper

Every idea in 1-2 paragraphs

Every paragraph 3-4 lines maximum.

Every line as simple and short as possible

2-3 Paragraphs per page

Introduce your idea/hypothesis

Additional statement to explain

Example or Data to substantiate the argument

Concluding remark and link to next idea

Stick to the demand of the topic - do not write everything you know about the topic. If you have less material - rather choose another topic, or explain less ideas with more depth.

Write with flow and logic - the introduction, body and conclusion should be one single entity, not various ingredients lying separate. Try to complete every argument in the body. If there are 10 areas that you come up with while brainstorming, stick to 5-6 and do not try to shove all ideas into the essay. It may end up looking like an apple, a dosa and a pasta kept in one plate - non coherent and non aesthetic. Instead, choose few arguments and complete them logically.

Have a set of 20-25 topics prepared in one-pagers - this can be done from GS knowledge

Basic knowledge

Anecdotes

Personalities

Schemes, Govt. initiaties etc

Books

Broad anecdotes that can be used in various topics (Will explain later)

Set of quotes that can be extensively used

Use headings for ideas, conclusion and pre-conclusion

Keep a track of time while writing - do not give 1.5 hours to one essay and 45 minutes to other

Summarize your ideas and give a sense of completion before conclusion in a 'pre-conclusion'

Give a futuristic and hopeful conclusion

Check out essays written in Yojana, Kurukshetra magazine - they will give a good sense on how to approach a topic

Check out copies of previous essay toppers - pick some traits on your own wisdom

Force fit anecdotes or quotes

Leave an essay unfinished. Even if you have written 5 pages and are short on time, complete with a short conclusion

Start a new idea in the conclusion

Focus too much on data and facts -focus on flow, connectivity and cohesiveness

Use too many inks in essay

Use flowcharts, unless absolutely necessary (Max 1 diagram or flowchart)

Only criticize or only eulogize the topic - write both sides, even if the percentage may not be the same (Eg:- 65% criticism and 35% pros and benefits)

My checked copies from 2020

Essay strategy session at shankar ias - kindly refer to the session presentation attached .

General Studies

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Study Material

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.

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[ESSAY and GS ANSWER COPIES] Rank 36 SARANYA RAMCHANDRAN UPSC CSE 2019 TOPPER- IASbaba’s TLP Connect Student

August 24, 2020

IASbaba's Toppers , Important Updates , UPSC Toppers

Hello Everyone,

Please find below the Essay, Ethics, GS Answer copies of SARANYA RAMCHANDRAN Rank 36 UPSC CSE 2019 TOPPER.

She is our TLP CONNECT Student .

Her hard work and judicious use of IASbaba’s Programs like THINK LEARN PERFORM (TLP) -Connect , Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) – Babapedia, Test Series sailed her through the exam with a splendid rank.

ETHICS ANSWER COPY -> CLICK HERE

GENERAL STUDIES (GS 1 Society) ANSWER COPY -> CLICK HERE

ESSAY COPY -> CLICK HERE

TESTIMONIAL:

We at IASbaba , wish her all the success and become a role model for everyone to follow.. and keep us inspiring!

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Essay and GS Answer Copies of Rank 36 SARANYA RAMCHANDRAN UPSC CSE 2019 TOPPER , IAS Toppers 2019 , IASbaba Toppers , IASbaba UPSC Toppers 2019 , Saranya Ramchandran Rank 36 UPSC 2019 , Saranya Ramchandran UPSC CSE 2019 , UPSC IAS 2019 final result , UPSC IAS Civil Services Examination 2019 Final Result , UPSC IAS Civil Services Examination Final Result 2019 , UPSC IAS Toppers 2019

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ESSAY STRATEGY: Manuj Jindal. Rank 53, Essay Score – 158, CSE-2016

A story of improving the score from a paltry 90 to a game changing 158!

ESSAY STRATEGY

Manuj Jindal

Rank 53, CSE – 2016

Hello everyone! My name is Manuj Jindal and I have secured AIR 53 in CSE 2016. The Achilles’ heel in my success to CSE 2015 was the essay component. Despite having been writing for almost a decade on a daily basis (I write my diary), I made some critical mistakes that cost me a spot higher up in the ranks in 2015. Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise, but it was quite a painful blessing! The real question most of you must be thinking about is, how did I recognize this problem and tackle it? How did I improve my score so drastically? Well, here are my two cents on it.

The initial step was to recognize that I failed to get good marks because of my own follies. First, I realized that I did not practice enough for the essay component. I barely wrote 3-4 essays during the 2015 attempt. I ignored this critical part of the exam and took it for granted. I imagined, to my own peril, that since I had been writing for so long, I would be able to handle the essays well. For many of us it works, however there are also many (trust me, MANY), who fall because of this complacency, just like I did.

Also, please realise the fact that essay can fetch up to 160 out of 250 marks, which is 64% marks! I got 1053/2075 as my final score, which is 50.75%. The topper got 1120/2075 which is 54%. Clearly, essay has a central place in our preparation for UPSC as it can literally make or break your rank.

Second, I simply did not write a good enough essay in 2015. Initially I did not believe so. After the mark sheet of main exam was out, I spent countless nights thinking what had I done wrong to get a score of 90?! Was it a mistake at UPSC’s end? My father even told me to file an RTI and all that.

In a matter of a few days I recollected about 20-30% of my essay, or at least how I had gone about it. I also re-read my older essays (although I had written only two or three of them). It was clear to me by this time that the marks I got were not random. They were based in some sort of reality, some basic mistakes I made and also due to lack of good guidance and practice.

Immediately after the marks were out I started looking for Essay test series available in the market. This was the first important step – make a mindset to write a lot of essays and get all of them evaluated by the right people. These people can be your friends, siblings, parents, teachers and successful candidates from past years as well. I wrote a total of 46 essays in the course of my journey for CSE 2016, and it definitely paid off.

So how to write UPSC essays?

Follow the pattern [this is an argumentation technique that is well accepted for conventional academic writing across various universities]:

Introduction
Thesis statement [the main argument of your essay]
Mini-thesis statements to support the main argument
Antithesis, if needed

Example: Topic: “Impacts of Globalisation on Indian Culture” – see my analysis Attached in PDF

This above formulation helped me to get my structure and line of thinking intact. I was not someone who had command over language. I also understood that UPSC does not focus on language/vocab skills when awarding marks in these essays. They are looking for clarity, structure and diversity of thought process. A conventional essay would, on average , fetch you more marks than an unconventional/creative one for sure.

Heading/Subheadings –> for me, these worked as they provided a well-defined structure to my essay. Use them as you wish but do not think that essay means no headings. UPSC wants you to write like a bureaucrat, not an academic. Also, feel free to use extremely relevant diagrams/flowcharts. I did not do so, but they are acceptable in UPSC. If you want to play on the safe side, just go with the headings and not diagrams.

I also followed a video lecture offered free on courser on writing academic papers and essays, which basically talks in detail about the above structure I have provided you.

The link is here [not sure if it’s still offered but providing the link nonetheless]: https://www.coursera.org/learn/getting-started-with-essay-writing/home

Test Series I took:

PunditView – now UPSCMENTORS
+wrote some Insights essays which helped and other old papers of UPSC also

I will also make videos on essay writing soon for a more in-depth analysis of my technique and how you can score well in essay.

Apart from this guidance by mentors, I attribute a large part of my success to my dear brother Anuj Jindal, who has selflessly guided me in essays and other subjects. Also, my dear friend Vipul Khanna, who is one of the most gregarious, creative and objective persons I have ever met. In addition, Rahul Dhote sir (rank 209, CSE 2016), who is an inspiration in himself and kind of my Hindi medium copy J. My teachers and parents obviously are the ones to whom any words of gratitude cannot suffice. Also thanks to Insights for their constant guiding which .has been one of the key reasons behind this.

DOWNLAOD Sample Essay of Manuj Jindal HERE

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COMMENTS

IAS Toppers List with Marks
The highest Marks in the UPSC Main Essay Paper 2022 were scored by Rank 61 Gautam Vivekanandan with the highest Essay score of 149 marks. The essay paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination plays a pivotal role in determining your overall success. ... The top 10 UPSC toppers in 2020 are: Shubham Kumar (Anthropology) Jagrati Awasthi (History ...
UPSC highest scores and topper marks
UPSC Paper-wise highest scores. Essay - 149 | AIR 61 | Gautam Vivekanandan. GS 1 Highest - 128 | AIR 110, Abhishek Dawachya . GS 2 Highest - 125 | AIR 23, Vaishali . GS 3 Highest - 102 | AIR 105, Mayur Hazarika. GS 4 Ethics Highest - 141 | AIR 02, Garima Lohia. Attend Now.
Apurva Pandey, Rank 39 UPSC CSE 2017: HIGHEST MARKS IN ESSAY ...
Ever since UPSC declared marks for CSE Mains 2017, I have been flooded with requests to write a strategy on the essay. But honestly, I never really had a mechanical strategy for the essay. During my mock tests, essay was that one paper where the examiner appeared satisfied and so I sort of shifted my focus to GS and optional.
UPSC Essay Paper: Structure, Significance, Toppers and Their Marks
Structure of UPSC Essay Paper: Sections, Topics, and Scoring. The UPSC CSE Essay Paper in Mains Exam consists of two sections A and B with four topics each of 125 marks and a total of 250 (125×2) marks. Candidates are given a choice to select a topic from each section and write about it in 1,000 to 2,000 words within the given time of three hours.
How I Secured One of the Highest Marks in UPSC CSE's Essay Paper: IAS
UPSC CSE: IAS officer T Prateek Rao scored one of the highest marks in the Essay paper of UPSC Mains. Here's his strategy. By Vidya Raja. December 20, 2021. C learing the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) Civil Service Examination (CSE) was both a personal and professional victory for T Prateek Rao. A graduate of NIT Surathkal and ...
HOW TO WRITE A TOP-SCORING ESSAY to ACE UPSC MAINS 2022?
The UPSC Mains Exam is the most important stage & can be the determining factor that influences the final outcome & your rank. One of the easiest but oft-ignored methods to ensure a high overall score is to work hard at the Essay Paper. So, how to write a top-scoring essay? READ THE UPSC NOTIFICATION: Didn't expect that, did you?
UPSC Toppers Answer Copy
Gaurav Agrawal Rank - 1, 2013, Medium - English. Bharti Dixit Rank - 5, 2013, Medium - English. Sakshi Sawhney Rank - 6, 2013, Medium - English. Divyanshu Jha Rank - 9, 2013, Medium - English. Analyze your Preparation by referring to UPSC Toppers' Answer Copy | 8 in Top 10 Selections in CSE 2021 - Vision IAS - Toppers' Choice.
Who got the Highest Marks in UPSC Ever? How to Score Well in Prelims
Nishant Jain secured the highest marks in the essay paper of UPSC in 2015. Here are his seven rules of success: # Flow. # Balance. # Stay neutral. # Extremely strong introduction and conclusion. # Presentation of the essay. # No grammatical errors.
Toppers Answer Sheets UPSC
K SHASHIKANT (AIR RANK-695, 2018) Essay Essay. Civil Services Examination is one of the most competitive and prestigious exam, conducted by UPSC. NEXT IAS is best IAS Coaching in Delhi which provides coaching for Civil Services Examination.
UPSC Toppers 2021: Names and Marks of Civil Service Exam Top Rankers
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the names and marks of all recommended candidates in the final rank list in CSE 2021. Shruti Sharma secured All India Rank 1 with 1105 marks out of 2025 (54.56%). Ankita Agarwal came second with a difference of 55 marks. She scored 1050 out of 2025 (51.85%).
Marks of IAS Toppers [Subject-Wise Marks Of IAS Toppers 2013-2022]
The highest marks ever scored in the UPSC exam were by Anudeep Durishetty, the topper for UPSC 2017. He scored 1126 (55.60%) out of 2025 marks. He scored 950 out of 1750 marks in Mains and 176 out of 275 in the personality test (UPSC Interview). The 2018 IAS Topper came close with 1120 marks.
(Getting Started) How to Score 161 Marks in UPSC Essay by AIR-51 Vikram
Vikram Grewal is a topper in UPSC Civil Services Examination in the year 2018. He is one of the highest rank holders at an all-India rank of 51 as well as a very high scorer in the UPSC Mains Essay paper which he claims is one of the larger contributors in his rank. He is a History graduate from St. Stephen's College, Delhi.
Gautam Vivekanandan, AIR-211 CSE-22 Essay Strategy (149 Marks)
Hi All, This is the 2nd Topper Journey & Strategy post from the Batch of 2023 and it pertains to essay writing. Till date of writing this post i.e. 01-06-2023, I have gathered and analyzed 154 mark sheets of CSE-22 selected candidates and Gautam has scored the highest marks i.e. 149. Few pertinent pointers from the analysis to ponder upon:
ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services ...
My notes, quote collection and sample essays What UPSC says about the essay paper "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.
Top Scorer Essay
Rank 149 Gautam Vivekanandan has secured Rank 211 in CSE 2022 in his very first attempt. In this lecture, he has shared his essay strategy in which he has sc...
How to Write A Top-Scoring Essay in UPSC Mains 2022: Part 2
Hello Dear Student! The UPSC Mains Exam is barely 1.5 months away. We hope that you are preparing sincerely and not just reading but writing a lot of tests in an exam-like environment! Keep going and persevere through every feeling of self-doubt or fear that you may have. Do not give up, not now. … Continue reading "How to Write A Top-Scoring Essay in UPSC Mains 2022: Part 2"
How to Start Answer Writing in UPSC: Insights from Top Scorers
Understand the Question: The first step to writing a good answer is to understand the question. Read the question carefully and identify what it is asking for. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate the type of answer required. Plan Your Answer: Once you understand the question, plan your answer accordingly.
UPSC Topper 2022: Ranks, UPSC Toppers List with Marks
The top 10 candidates for UPSC 2022 rank-wise are as follows: Ishita Kishore, Garima Lohia, Uma Harathi N, Smriti Mishra, Mayur Hazarika, Gahana Navya James, Waseem Ahmad Bhat, Aniruddh Yadav, Kanika Goyal and Rahul Srivastava. Explore the inspiring success story of UPSC Topper 2022 Ishita Kishore, who secured 1st rank in the Civil Services ...
Essay
Essay | Taritla Prateek Rao
Top Scorer
सिविल सेवा परीक्षा 2022 में 249 रैंक हासिल करने वाली आकृति सेठी को इस साल Essay Writing ...
UPSC Essay Topics
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.
[ESSAY and GS ANSWER COPIES] Rank 36 SARANYA RAMCHANDRAN UPSC ...
Hello Everyone, Please find below the Essay, Ethics, GS Answer copies of SARANYA RAMCHANDRAN Rank 36 UPSC CSE 2019 TOPPER.. She is our TLP CONNECT Student.. Her hard work and judicious use of IASbaba's Programs like THINK LEARN PERFORM (TLP) -Connect, Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) - Babapedia, Test Series sailed her through the exam with a splendid rank.
ESSAY STRATEGY: Manuj Jindal. Rank 53, Essay Score
A story of improving the score from a paltry 90 to a game changing 158! ESSAY STRATEGY Manuj Jindal Rank 53, CSE - 2016 Hello everyone! My name is Manuj Jindal and I have secured AIR 53 in CSE 2016. The Achilles' heel in my success to CSE 2015 was the essay component. … Continue reading "ESSAY STRATEGY: Manuj Jindal. Rank 53, Essay Score - 158, CSE-2016"

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