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UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

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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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Analytical skills can only be enhanced by regularly thinking and writing. Regular writing, in particular, is essential for improving your analytical abilities. Writing answers after reading other people’s answers or reading a synopsis will get you nowhere.

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• Topic Wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains 1994 2018

Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List. In this article, we have listed all the essay topics asked in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. We have also classified the last 25 years essay questions into topics to make your preparation easier.

Latest – See the UPSC Essay Topics in the IAS Mains 2020 Essay Paper. Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. (1994)
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. (1995)
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy. (1996)
• Need for transparency in public administration. (1996)
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. (2000)
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? (2003)

Democracy/India since independence

• Whither Indian democracy? (1995)
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? (2000)
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? (2001)
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? (2003)
• National identity and patriotism. (2008)
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy. (2012)
• Is the colonial mentality hindering India’s success? (2013)
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. (2015)
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task. (2018)

Economic growth and development

• Resource management in the Indian context. (1999)
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? (2014)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (2015)
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. (2016)
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (2016)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. (2016)
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. (2017)

Federalism, Decentralisation

• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. (1998)
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. (2004)
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. (2007)
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? (2007)
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication. (2011)
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. (2016)
• Water disputes between States in federal India. (2016)

Indian Culture & Society

• The Indian society at the crossroads. (1994)
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion. (1996)
• The composite culture of India. (1998)
• Youth culture today. (1999)
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. (2000)
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? (2000)
• As civilization advances culture declines. (2003)
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? (2010)
• Judicial activism. (1997)
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. (2004)
• Justice must reach the poor. (2005)

Social justice/Poverty

• Reservation, politics and empowerment. (1999)
• Food security for sustainable national development. (2005)
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. (2009)
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India. (2017)
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. (2018)

Media & Society

• Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. (1998)
• Mass media and cultural invasion. (1999)
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. (2002)
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? (2007)
• Role of media in good governance. (2008)
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? (2011)
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? (2014)

Environment/Urbanisation

• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997)
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. (2006)
• Urbanisation and its hazards. (2008)
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? (2010)
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. (2017)

Economic sectors/MNCs

• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs. (1994)
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. (2006)
• BPO boom in India. (2007)
• Special economic zone: boon or bane? (2008)
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? (2009)
• Is the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified? (2012)
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? (2014)
• Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
• Irrelevance of the classroom. (2001)
• Privatization of higher education in India. (2002)
• Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
• What is real education? (2005)
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. (2006)
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood. (2007)
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses? (2008)
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges. (2011)
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? (2014)
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? (2014)
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (2015)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. (2017)
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. (1997)
• Woman is god’s best creation. (1998)
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. (1999)
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
• Whither women’s emancipation? (2004)
• If women ruled the world. (2005)
• The hand that rocks the cradle. (2005)
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. (2006)
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal? (2012)
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. (2016)
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. (2017)

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
• Useless life is an early death. (1994)
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. (1995)
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. (1995)
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
• Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
• True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. (2002)
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (2002)
• If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)
• Be the change you want to see in others. (2013)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. (2014)
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. (2014)
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. (2015)
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. (2018)
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. (2018)
• Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man. (2007)
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin. (2008)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. (2015)
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. (2016)
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. (2017)
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. (2018)
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. (2018)
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life. (2018)

Globalisation

• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. (1994)
• The world of the twenty-first century. (1998)
• The implications of globalization for India. (2000)
• My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
• The masks of new imperialism. (2003)
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. (2004)
• ‘Globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’. (2009)
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. (2010)

Science & Tech

• The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
• Value-based science and education. (1999)
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. (2001)
• Spirituality and scientific temper. (2003)
• The lure of space. (2004)
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible? (2012)
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. (2013)
• Technology cannot replace manpower. (2015)
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. (2018)

Internet/IT

• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. (2000)
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. (2006)
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run. (2016)
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium. (2017)

International organisations/relations

• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities. (1996)
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN cooperation. (2004)
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. (2006)
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world. (2017)
• Terrorism and world peace. (2005)
• Are we a ‘soft’ state? (2009)
• Good fences make good neighbours. (2009)
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism. (2011)

Miscellaneous

• India’s contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
• The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
• Geography may remain the same; history need not. (2010)
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (2014)
• Quick but steady wins the race. (2015)

When preparing for IAS Mains, aspirants must focus on UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise as this will improve one’s speed, efficiency and writing skills. It will automatically help in essay writing as well. 

Also, read:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc, q 2. does handwriting matter in upsc.

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EDEN IAS conducts the Essay Writing Course for UPSC CSE Mains under the guidance of one of the best teachers for UPSC exam preparation, Tirthankar Roychowdhary Sir .

This course is a complete solution for Essay writing for UPSC Mains Examination.

As we know, Essay paper is something which needs a lot of practice, which can’t be gained overnight. This course has a lot of practice activity involved in it, with proper individual attention to every aspirant.

The course holistically covers each and every type of essay asked by the UPSC in the Essay paper, be it of dynamic nature, for example the theme being “Role of Education”, or be it a philosophical essay, based on some quote, a trend which is being recently followed by the Commission in the Essay paper.

The course consists of the followings: –

• 6 Classes (1 Guiding Class + 5 Essay Discussions) having duration of approx. 3 Hrs.
• 5 Sectional Tests.
• 2 Mock Tests. 
• Essay Workbook.
• Mentorship.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is an amalgamation of Guiding class + Section wise practice sessions + Discussion sessions + Mock Test Series + Personalized Mentorship . The duration of the course will be around 2 months .

The detailed agenda of the course is as follows:-

Guiding Class

Guiding class is going to start with your introduction to Essay writing in UPSC CSE Mains examination. It starts with the idea of explaining:-

• How is writing an essay for UPSC Mains different from a regular way of Essay writing in schools & colleges?
• What should be the approach & strategy to choose an Essay in UPSC Exam Paper as per your ability? ( Keeping previous year’s question papers of Essay in UPSC Exams as standard reference)
• How to formulate the structure of an Essay from the Introduction to Main Body of the Essay and the final conclusion, depending on the type of Essay. 
• How to manage time, avoid redundancy & manage the flow of content of your Essay. 
• Last but not least, the creativity related to the art of writing Essays for UPSC CSE Mains.

DETAILED SESSIONS

5 detailed essay sessions are conducted, covering different topics such as Philosophical topics, Social & Economic related topics, Geopolitical & Constitutional related topics, Science & Technology related topics and Environmental related topics.

Sectional Tests

These are a total of 5 Sectional Tests covering a diverse range of topics. The aspirants are expected to write both the essays which will be followed by a discussion session covering both the essays by Tirthankar Roychowdhary Sir. The areas to be covered as the syllabus of Essay writing are as follows:-

• Essay on Social Issues.
• Essay on Philosophical topics.
• Environmental Issues.
• Essay on Science & Technology related Issues.
• Essay on Economic Issues.
• Essay on International & Geo-Political Issues.
• Essay on Ethical Issues.

MOCK TEST SERIES

The course includes 2 Full Length Mock Tests , exactly on the similar pattern as that of the Essay paper of UPSC Mains examination.

FEEDBACK/MENTORSHIP

The course also provides one to one mentorship session with the evaluators. Enrollers of this course can get personalised mentorship and  can also get their doubts cleared with the evaluators.

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Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Cultural heritage structures and monuments in our country face various risks. Efforts should be undertaken to protect our cultural heritage for future generations and ensure its continued significance to our society and identity. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu ,  Insights on India

Why the question: The article highlights the issue of damage to heritage sites in India due to neglect and human activities. Key Demand of the question: To write about the reasons as to why heritage is under threat and the need to safeguard India’s art heritage and the steps that need to be taken for the same. Directive word:  Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Explain about what all is included in India’s art heritage – paintings, sculpture, monuments etc Body: First, highlight that preserving our heritage is enshrined as a fundamental duty Next, Examine the threats to art heritage such as Lack of public awareness -This makes the local administrator break the buildings and replace it with other structures, Duplication of paintings and art forms, Theft, Vandalism and Smuggling etc. Discuss why it is crucial to safeguard such heritage such as maintaining identity and pride of our country, tourism etc Next, Discuss the way forward such as – Strengthening institutions – Ministry of Culture, ASI, Museums, Archives, Cultural awareness programs etc Conclusion: Summarize on why this issue requires attention and what needs to be done.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. The socio-religious reform movements played a transformative role in shaping modern India by challenging social norms, advocating for inclusivity and progressiveness, and contributing to the emergence of a more egalitarian and pluralistic society. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society and their contributions. Directive word:  Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement aimed revitalising our society and religion. Body: First, elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these. Mention about the reformist movements and revivalist movements. Mention the major reformers of major religions. Next, write about the contributions of the reform movements to modern India. Conclusion: Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was included in the vision of independent India.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

3. To truly empower the country’s citizens and public sector, public-policy education must evolve to become more accessible, practical and contextually relevant. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question: Engaging students and executives from various disciplines in tackling social challenges will bring forth talented problem-solvers. A wider and better understanding of our problems could improve policymaking. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of public policy education and ways to make it more accessible and practical. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context of public policy education. Body: First, write about the importance of public policy education and the role it can play in country’s development. Next, write about ways of making it accessible, practical and contextually relevant – focusing on real-world applications, tailoring content to local needs, embracing interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting lifelong learning and adaptability etc Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

4. The evolution of the India’s service sector after economic reforms in 1991 has been instrumental in driving economic development, fostering innovation, and improving standards of living. Discuss. (250 words)

Why the question: A deep-dive research report from global investment banking major Goldman Sachs, evocatively titled ‘India’s rise as the emerging services factory of the world’, has captured India’s recent success in providing global services and sought to forecast growth prospects and risks in the medium term. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of service sector. Directive word:  Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Start with brief background of the context of the question. Body: In the first part, explain that the service sector in India has played a critical role in helping it deal with the Covid-19 crisis. Had it not been for digital platforms, (hundreds were created overnight by both large and small Indian IT companies), school and college students would not have been able to attend classes and continue with their education. Next, write about how service sector is vital to India’s goal of five trillion-dollar economy. And measures needed in this regard to further leverage it. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

5. Inequality in India stems from various factors, both historical and contemporary. Hence, targeted interventions should focus on vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to social services and support systems. Analyse. (250 words)

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: French economist Thomas Piketty, along with a few other economists, recently came out with some startling findings on economic inequality trends in India over the last century. In Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922-2023: The Rise of the Billionaire Raj, Piketty and his co-authors estimate that inequality in India today is far worse than during the inter-war British colonial rule. Key Demand of the question: To write about the causes of inequality and measurers needed to address it. Directive word:  Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by defining inequality and cite statistic to show inequalities in the Indian society. Body: First, write about the various reasons for inequality in India – Historical reasons, poverty, informal employment, lack of social security, regional imbalances etc. Write about the impact of inequality in India. Next, write about the steps that are needed to address this and move towards a more equitable society. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance;

6. Brand ambassadors should be held accountable for misleading advertisements and endorsements to protect consumers, uphold ethical standards, and preserve trust and integrity in advertising. Examine. (250 words)

Key Demand of the question: To write about the ethical issues in brand endorsements and accountability of the person who endorses it. Directive word:  Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context. Body: First, wite about the various negative impact of endorsement of socially harmful products by celebrities. Cite examples to substantiate. Next, write about the extent of accountability of the person endorsing the product. Conclusion: Conclude with a balanced opinion.

Topic: Case Study

7. An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in the next two years by 30 June 2021, since the project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by the inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that a minimum of three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of the inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack that will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of the inspecting team and continue working with the same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is a far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you a hint that your further promotion as an additional chief engineer is under consideration by the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier in the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?

b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

 (250 words) (UPSC 2021)

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UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper: PDF Download

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

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

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper 2024

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

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers PDF

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

Benefits of Solving UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers

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

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

How to Attempt UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper?

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

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

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2024

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

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Essay – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

Last updated on March 15, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC Civil Service Mains Paper 1 (popularly known as essay paper) is now of 250 marks.

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics (two topics as of now). They will be expected to keep close 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.

Table of Contents

Recommended Books for Essay Paper – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

• Essays for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations by Pulkit Khare .
• Selected Contemporary Essays by Saumitra Mohan (MHE)
• Essay Paper for Civil Services Main Examination by Pavneet Singh and Sonali Bansal
• A Book of Essays by Kalpana Rajaram
• 151 ESSAYS For UPSC Mains Various State Public Service Commissions and Other competitive Examinations
• English-Hindi-Essay Compulsory- UPSC Mains Examination
• ESSAYS(101 Current) for Competitive Exams

How to write a good essay

Here are some tips for writing a good essay:

• Read and understand the essay topic: Ensure that you understand the topic and what is expected of you in the essay.
• Plan and structure: Plan the flow of your essay and create an outline to ensure that your essay has a clear structure.
• Write in a clear and concise manner: Make sure your writing is easy to understand and avoids unnecessary technical terms or jargon.
• Use examples and evidence: Use real-life examples and supporting evidence to reinforce your arguments.
• Address counter-arguments: Consider and address any counter-arguments to strengthen your essay.
• Conclusion: Sum up your key arguments and present a clear conclusion.
• Edit and proofread: Revise your essay several times to ensure that it is error-free and presents your ideas effectively.

Remember to write in a way that is analytical, evaluative and comprehensive. Also, ensure that you stick to the word limit and allocate enough time for each essay.

To get a detailed idea on how to write a good essay, click here

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Reader Interactions

August 8, 2016 at 6:57 am

June 18, 2017 at 11:08 am

I am preparing for 2018. Kindly share essay content .

June 14, 2021 at 2:45 pm

Clear hua kya aapka ?.?

April 17, 2018 at 11:28 am

Should I buy all the books or any one is OK. Please reply……

April 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

Start with 1 book.

March 9, 2019 at 12:07 pm

plz send essay content

August 25, 2019 at 2:23 pm

Sir , what are the books to read so that i can have a good content for mains examination? I have certain books which are universal for UPSC CS .. For mains i am confused same are enough or not ..if not from where will i get the content ..

November 28, 2019 at 2:28 am

Hello I want to buy kirans upsc English essay solved till date how can I buy

December 22, 2019 at 6:27 am

Sir mughe IAS mains ke liye pahle kon si book Leni chahiye

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UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper: PDF Download

UPSC CAPF Question Paper: Previous year papers help in understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme and provide insights into the repeated topics asked in the examination. Get the direct UPSC CAPF AC previous year question papers PDF download link on this page. Check the exam pattern, difficulty level, and other details here.

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper 2024

Upsc capf previous year papers pdf, benefits of solving upsc capf previous year papers.

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

How to Attempt UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper?

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

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2024

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• How to download the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers PDF? + To download the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper PDF, go to the official website or click the UPSC CAPF previous year question paper PDF link above.
• Is it necessary to solve the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper PDF? + Yes. Practicing UPSC CAPF previous year question paper will provide insights into the question structure, marking scheme and other exam requirements in detail.
• What is the format of the UPSC CAPF Previous Year Paper? + The UPSC CAPF AC Previous Year Paper pdf consists of two papers, i.e., Paper I and Paper II. Paper I carries 250 marks and Paper II carries 200 marks.
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