essay topics on education upsc

• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• 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.

Explore The Ultimate Guide to IAS Exam Preparation

Download The E-Book Now!

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Please share all essay mains paper for UPSC ?

Hi Download UPSC Question Papers from the linked article.

IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true!

Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation.

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

General Studies

All Programmes

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.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
• Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
• The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
• You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022

Essay: 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 orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Brainstorming the Essay

Topic - education.

How to Brainstorm UPSC Essay topic?

Example - If topic is related to education - you can expand it in following way-

• Primary / Secondary / Tertiary
• Technical / Non Technical
• School / Home Education / Peer Learning / Experiential Learning
• Private vs Public
• Adult vs Child
• Girls / Boys
• Transgender education
• education in jail for inmates
• education for kids of workers like in brick kiln
• education for mentally special kids
• education for divyang kids
• PVTGs and Tribal Kids
• Life saving skills as well
• Culture/ ethos / scientific temper (DPSP mention)
• Protection of nature / wildlife
• Respect for human life particularly for female dignity
• Educating for empowerment and equity
• Learning how to learn (Margaret Mead Quote)
• Tools for healthy, happy and fulfilling life- eg. Yoga, Meditation
• Online medium / offline medium
• Peer learning
• taking to places of cultural importance like museums/ exposure to Olympiads and exhibitions
• Experiential learning- learning by actually doing. Eg. agriculture, marketing
• Developing their cognitive functionalities to ask the right Q and self discover the Answer with help from teacher
• Delhi Model Schools/ Unayan Banka Model / Gyanoday Godda model
• NAS / Pratham does the survey as well / different state surveys etc
• Commercialization of education
• Difference between literacy and education- development of knowledge v/s character
• Role of family, society, peers to inculcate values, civic sense
• Nai taleem of Gandhiji
• Rote learning, marks rewarded for reproducing what is taught not understanding why? Less emphasis on the intellectual and spiritual role of education in Indian education system
• Mismatch between curricula and industry's needs
• Educated practicing patriarchy and caste system (lack of value education)
• Flaws in Indian R&D system which lets plagiarism happen
• Continuous learning not emphasised in our education system
• Low value given to research vis a vis package
• Start ups being seen as undesirable endeavours by parents and failure of them seen as taboo in society
• Disagreeing with teacher is seen as being rude but education should teach dissent
• Schooling promoting materialism
• Need for adaptive learning, knowledge creation by children and learning by doing for children
• Education to instill constitutional morality into pupil, role of education to inculcate values of public service, sympathy, empathy, compassion, integrity, honesty, tolerance, justice, truthfulness, love caring, humanitarianism, trusteeship, social unity, altruism, EQUITY, REDISTRIBUTION, benevolence, philanthropy and in the students
• Aware and mature electorate through political education of masses- not go for vote bank politics
• Macaulay’s Minute on Education- universities still produce clerks for government administration and not innovators of the future.

These are all random pointers - (fodder material). Now, based on exact topic, you can arrange relevant points from above material to write a orderly, concise and relevant essay!

Try writing a essay on topic related to education now. Also, start to think in multiple dimensions as shown above. It'll help you write uniqe and interesting essays! Happy learning.

💌 Subscribe to UPSCprep.com

Actionable insights for improving your Prelims, Mains and Optional preparation, direct to your inbox.

Thank you for joining! Please check your inbox for a link to confirm your email address.

[email protected]

• Our Centers Delhi Bhubaneswar Lucknow

Book My Slots

Upsc modular courses essentials.

• Free Downloads

Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

• Categories Optional

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) gets efficient candidates on-board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview. Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such exam without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay writing topics and their related components. It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC Essay Topics which have been widely asked in previous years question papers .

Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay writing topics , you need to start practicing:

Social Topics

• Literacy and education.
• Modernization and Westernization in India
• Gender Equality-problems and perspectives
• Information Revolution and its increasing effects
• Consumerist culture and its effects.
• Reservation: Need, problems and solutions
• The issue of child labour: what to do?
• The mentality of misusing freedom
• Composite culture of India
• Rewriting of History
• The problem of conversion and its solution
• Uniform Civil Code: Need and perspective
• Sustainable Development
• Population Explosion:  Problem and solution
• Indian nationalism: Nature and perspectives
• The freedom of expression and its limitations.
• Socialism: An irrelevant ideology
• The responsibilities of Journalism
• Human Rights: Need of every human being        
• Corruption: A part of our way of life
• The problem of language and its solution             
• Need of saving childhood
• Youth unrest: Causes and solutions
• The problem of vulgarity
• Need for a youth and culture policy
• Indian culture: Unity in Diversity.

Like above questions Mirant Parikh, IAS(AIR 67, CSE 2016) has written Essay on one of above questions:

Click here for Full Copy

Political topics.

• India as a soft state
• The Constitutional Review: need and perspective
• The need of interaction between administration and public
• Every right is attached with a duty.
• The criminalization of politics
• Political instability: A hurdle in national development
• Achievements and failures of Democracy in India
• Is India really a secular state?
• Parliamentary Democracy: situation, problems and solutions
• Corruption in politics
• Judicial Activism
• The need of sensible administration
• National Security: Challenges and hopes
• Democracy: A way of life
• Kashmir problem: Need of a proper solution
• Coalition politics: past, present and future
• The gifts of Democracy: Casteism, Regionalism and Communalism.

Economic Topics

• India in the age of privatization, liberalization and globalization.
• New economic policies and the ideal of Democratic Socialism
• Poverty and socialism: the Indian contradiction
• New economic policies: oceans of poverty and islands of wealth
• Regional imbalance in development
• Human resource development and management.

International Topics

• The problems of third world countries
• The problem of international terrorism
• India's contribution to the world
• United Nations: Evaluation
• Human Rights: A universal propaganda
• Indian foreign policy: Need of restructuring
• India and its neighboring countries
• Idealism and pragmatism in foreign policy.

Mock answer by Mirant Parikh, IAS (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Click here for full copy

Philosophical/imaginative topics.

• God is a subject of belief, not of reason
• The philosophy of post-modernism in context of India
• India's basic philosophy and its effect on our society
• Religion and Politics: the professions without capital
• 'Who cares’: the basic of youth culture.

Other topics

• New concepts of alternative medicine: Realities about them
• Natural disasters: the management of rescue
• Need of a sport policy for India
• Environment Protection: problem and solution.

Essay Preparation Strategy By: Mirant Parikh (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Apart from these topics, candidates should browse through articles, columns, features of newspapers, magazines, journals for the preparation of good essays. Regular clippings and jotting down of important points on the side of clipped topics will ease your time and tension while giving a cursory look during the UPSC IAS examination period.

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

GS SCORE, 1B, Second Floor, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

GS SCORE, Plot No.2298, Jaydev Vihar Square, Near HCG Day Care, BBSR - 751013

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

GS SCORE, 2nd Floor, B-33, Sangam Chauraha, Sector H, Aliganj, Lucknow, UP - 226024

© 2024 IAS SCORE. All Rights Reserved

Welcome to our secure login portal. Access your account with ease.

• Using Password

Not registered yet? register here!

Welcome to our secure register portal. For a brighter future, register now and unlock endless learning opportunities.

User Register

Already have an account? Login

Oops, forgot your password? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Reset it here

Lost your login details? No problem! forgot your password in just a few clicks

Forgot Password

Verify your mobile number, you have successfully logged in.

Join Us on WhatsApp

Education System in India – A Comprehensive Analysis

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

The Indian education system, for a long time, is faced with the problem of inaccessibility and low-quality education that make Indians unemployable. Due to this, India is not able to use the potential of its human capital. Education is one of the vital tools that help a nation to develop. The government needs to address this issue through proactive involvement for the betterment of all Indian citizens.

This topic of “Education System in India – A Comprehensive Analysis” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

How did it all begin?

• In ancient times, India followed the Gurukula system of education.
• This system involved the teacher teaching student many subjects like Sanskrit, Holy Scriptures, mathematics metaphysics, etc., in his home.
• The student stays in the teacher’s house as long as he wished or until the guru felt he had taught everything he could teach.
• All learning in Gurukula was closely linked to nature and life and not confined to memorizing information like it is today.
• The modern school system was brought to India, including the English language, originally by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay in the 1830s.
• The curriculum was confined to the “modern” subjects such as science and mathematics, and subjects like metaphysics and philosophy were considered unnecessary.
• Teaching was limited to classrooms and the link with nature was broken, as also the close relationship between the teacher and students.
• Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education was the first Board to be established in India in the year 1921.
• Later, other boards were established in several states.
• This kind of education system underwent reforms following independence from the British Empire.

Express Learning Programme (ELP)

• Optional Notes
• Study Hacks
• Prelims Sureshots (Repeated Topic Compilations)
• Current Affairs (Newsbits, Editorials & In-depths)
• Ancient Indian History
• Medieval Indian History
• Modern Indian History
• Post-Independence Indian History
• World History
• Art & Culture
• Geography (World & Indian)
• Indian Society & Social Justice
• Indian Polity
• International Relations
• Indian Economy
• Environment 
• Agriculture
• Internal Security
• Disasters & its Management
• General Science – Biology
• General Studies (GS) 4 – Ethics
• Syllabus-wise learning
• Political Science
• Anthropology
• Public Administration

SIGN UP NOW

What is the structure of India’s schooling system since independence?

The Indian education system consists of the following levels of education:

• Pre-primary level : 5-6 years of age
• Primary (elementary) level : 6-14 years of age. It is guaranteed by the Indian Constitution under Article 21A . The elementary education is universalised by Sarva Shikha Abhiyan .
• Secondary level : 14-18 years of age. The government had extended SSA to secondary education through Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan .
• Higher Education in India generally has 3 levels: UG, PG and MPhil/Ph.D . The Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) provides for the strategic funding to higher education institutions throughout the country.

Prelims Sureshots – Most Probable Topics for UPSC Prelims

A Compilation of the Most Probable Topics for UPSC Prelims, including Schemes, Freedom Fighters, Judgments, Acts, National Parks, Government Agencies, Space Missions, and more. Get a guaranteed 120+ marks!

What are the provisions of the Indian Constitution on education?

• Article 45 in Directive Principles of State Policy stated that the government should provide free and compulsory education to all until the age of 14 within 10 years from the commencement of the Constitution. Since it was not realized, Article 21A was introduced by the 86 th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 . It made elementary education a fundamental right rather than a directive principle.
• Article 45 was amended to provide for early childhood care and education to children below the age of 6 years.

Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 :

• In order to implement Article 21A , the parliament had passed the Right to Education Act .
• This Act provided necessary legal backing for the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
• SSA is the government programme that provides for the Universalization of Elementary Education in a time-bound manner. It has been operational since 2000-01 .

Provisions:

• Free and compulsory education to all Indian children between 6 to 14 age groups. “Compulsory” here means the government must provide free elementary education and ensure compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education to all Indian children.
• The non-admitted child must be admitted to an age-appropriate class.
• As per the Act, the government schools must provide free education to all children and they are managed by School Management Committees (SMCs).
• The private schools are to admit at least 25% of the children in their schools without a fee.
• This Act mandates a 25% reservation for the disadvantaged sections of the society that includes the SC and STs, Socially Backward Class and differently-abled.
• The standards like Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings and infrastructure, schools’ working days, teacher’s working hours, qualifications and training of the teachers are defined under this Act.
• The deployment of teachers is rationalised so that there is no urban-rural imbalance.
• It prohibits the deployment of teachers for non-educational works, other than services like decennial census, elections, and disaster reliefs.
• It prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment, screen procedures for students’ admission, capitation fee, private tuition by teachers and running of non-recognized schools.
• This Act also states that the financial and other responsibilities should be shared between the Centre and state governments.
• It aims to make child free of fear, trauma and anxiety through a system of child-friendly and child-centred learning.
• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2019 removed the clause for “No Detention Policy”.
• Though the RTE and SSA have increased accessibility to school that had resulted in a high enrolment rate, drop-out rates have increased. Little has been done to address this issue.
• Adequate importance is not given to PTR.
• There is a provision in this Act that allows the local authorities to decide on aspects related to the academic calendar. However, this has not been implemented.
• Since all state holidays are not relevant to all localities, decisions on the academic calendar should be in the hands of the local authorities so that there is an increase in attendance and the local governments can take ownership of the school.
• There is a difference between urban-rural and rich-poor in education. The RTE students in private schools are forced to pay extra fees because they claim that the government fund is inadequate.
• Most of the private schools treat RTE as a charity. They feel that the responsibility of universalization of education should be on the government’s hands and not them.
• The 2019 Amended Act scraps non-detention policy to allow detention for students of class V and VIII if they fail to pass in examinations.
• The provision of “non-detention policy” under the previous Act stated that the students till class 8 must not be failed in the exams. This was done to reduce the drop-out rate.
• The amendment was in response to the reducing quality of elementary education.
• This RTE Act gives more importance to the education of children from the age of 6. The Kothari Commission had recommended the establishment of centres for the development of pre-primary education in all districts.
• The RTE Act recommends a PTR of 30:1 for primary classes and 35:1 for upper primary classes. The District Information System for Education (DISE) report found that 30% of primary and 15% of the upper primary schools have higher PTRs.
• Despite the improvement in the Student-Classroom ratio (SCR), India still faces inequality in this context.

How did the modern education system evolve to the present state?

• As previously mentioned, the British colonial government introduced India’s modern education system.
• From Macaulay minute to Wood’s dispatch to several commissions like Sadler commission, 1904 Indian education policy etc., has built the foundation for the Indian education system during the colonial period.

Radhakrishnan Committee:

• In 1948-49, the University Education Commission was set up under Radhakrishnan.
• It shaped the education system of independent India based on the needs and aspirations of the newly-formed independent nation.
• It projected out the value system of the Indian Education System.
• Previously, the education system was only favouring the aspirations of the British government.
• For example, Macaulayism focused on eliminating indigenous culture through the planned substitution of British culture through education.
• Independent India’s education system is based on the following values as recommended by the commission:
• Wisdom and knowledge
• Aims of the social order
• Love for higher values of life
• Training for leadership

Kothari Commission :

• It gave the basic framework of the Indian education system.
• It recommended the following:
• Standardisation of the education system on a 10+2+3 pattern.
• Pointed out the need to make work experience and social and national service an integral part of education.
• Linking of colleges with several schools in the neighbourhood.
• Equal opportunities need to be provided for all to achieve national and social integration.
• Increase in the expenditure on education from 2.9% of the GDP to 6% by 1985.
• The banning Neighbourhood school system from separating students based on social or religious differences.
• A school complex system integrating primary and secondary levels of education.
• The Establishment of the Indian Education Service.
• The report by this committee paved the way for National Education Policy , 1968 which became the basis for further development of the Indian education system.

National Education Policy, 1968:

• It provided for the “radical restructuring” and equalization of educational opportunities to achieve national integration and greater cultural and economic development.
• It also increased the government’s expenditure on education to 6% of the GDP.
• It provided for the better qualification and training of the teachers.
• The three-language formula: The first language should be the mother tongue/regional language. The second language for the Hindi-speaking states should be modern Indian language. If it is non-Hindi speaking states it should be either Hindi or English. As for the third language, it can be either English or modern Indian language for the Hindi-speaking states and non-Hindi Speaking states. Hindi was encouraged in all states to promote a common language for all Indians.

National Educational Policy, 1985:

• Its objective is to remove differences and to provide equal educational opportunities especially to the marginalised sections of the society.
• It launched “Operation Blackboard” to improve primary schools across the nation.
• IGNOU was set up.
• The “Rural university” model was adopted based on the Gandhian philosophy. This was done to promote economic and social development at the grassroots level in rural India.

T.S.R.Subramanian Committee report:

• It was entrusted with the task of preparing a new education policy for India.
• It submitted a report to the government in May 2016.
• It had suggested numerous measures the government must take to improve education in India.
• Some of the key recommendations are:
• Education for children between 4 to 5 age groups must be declared a fundamental right. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is uneven across the states. So all the government schools should have facilities for pre-primary education so that too much reliance is not in private schools.
• This committee recommended that the “no-detention policy” should be upheld only till class V and not till class VIII.
• As there is an increase in the teacher shortage, absenteeism and grievances, there is a need for the establishment of an Autonomous Teacher Recruitment Board and 4 years integrated B.Ed. course.
• There is insufficient integration of Information and Communication Technology and the education sector.
• This committee recommended the enhancement of the National Skills Qualification Framework.
• The vocational training courses must be on par with the local opportunities and resources and the formal certification must be equivalent to the conventional education certificates.
• All India Education Service must be established.
• National Accreditation Board (NAB) must subsume the existing accreditation bodies.

What is the current state of India’s school education?

The following are the key findings of the latest Annual Status of Education Report, 2023:

• Youth Enrollment in Education : 86% of youth in the 14-18 age group are within the formal education system (school or college). At age 14, the percentage of youth not enrolled is 5%, increasing to 30% by age 18​ ​.
• Educational Attainment Levels : 54% of youth in the 14-18 age group are enrolled in Std X or below, 25% in Std XI or XII, and 6% in undergraduate or other degree courses. 14% are not currently enrolled in any form of formal education​ ​.
• Gender Disparity in Enrollment : The enrollment gap between males and females in formal education widens with age. At age 18, 32% of females are not enrolled compared to 28% of males​ ​.
• Mathematical Ability : More than half of the youth struggle with division problems, with only 43% able to solve them correctly​ ​.
• Reading Skills : 53% of all 14-year-olds can read English sentences, increasing to about 60% for 18-year-olds. Of those who can read English sentences, 79% can explain their meaning​ ​.
• Applied Literacy and Numeracy Skills : A significant proportion of youth, even those who have completed eight years of schooling, lack foundational skills in reading and math​ ​.
• Financial Literacy : 76% of youth could not count money correctly, and 56% could correctly add weights in kilograms​ ​.
• Employment Among Youth : 42% of youth in the 14-18 age group are working, regardless of whether they are enrolled in formal education. Of these, 79% work in agriculture, primarily on their family’s farm​ ​.
• Digital Skills and Access : Mobile phone usage is widespread among youth (73% had used a mobile phone within the last week). However, significant gender differences exist, with higher male usage compared to females. Only 28% had used the Internet, and 26% had used computers in the last week​ ​.
• Geographical Awareness : 14% of youth could not identify a map of India, 36% couldn’t name the country’s capital, and 21% could not identify their state​ ​.
• Career Aspirations : Medicine is the most preferred career (18.1%), followed by engineering (11.6%). The majority of boys wish to join the Army or police, while teaching is the most common preference among females. Only 1.2% of rural youth aspire to work in the agriculture sector​ ​.

What are the problems faced by India’s education system?

Very few have higher education:

• Even after more than 100 years of the implementation of Gokhale Bill, 1911, universal primary education is still not achieved.
• According to the 2011 Census, about 26% of the Indian population is still illiterate.
• Currently, half of the population is either illiterate or with only primary education.
• According to Educational Statistics at a Glance (ESAG) 2018, the measures to provide primary education has produced results across social and gender categories in Gross Enrolment Rate (GER).
• There is an improvement in the female participation up to the secondary level and the GER for girls is more than the boys.
• However, the girl’s gross enrolment rate is less than boys at the higher education level.
• According to the National Sample Survey Office 71 st round, 2014, the drop-out rates are high for boys at the secondary level because of the economic activities, lack of interests and financial constraints.
• Also, the transition rate from secondary school to higher education is very low.

Limited outcomes from education policies :

The reasons for this are as follows:

• Higher priority is given to tertiary education when it comes to government spending. Though the government expenditure on elementary education is more than tertiary education, the expenditure per student is more in tertiary. Thus, the quality of elementary education is brought under question.
• The quality of education is poor. 2018 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) pointed out the deficiency in the foundational reading and arithmetic skills. The students are not improving in their higher studies since they are not thorough in the basics.
• These policies are focused more on implementation rather than outcomes.

Problems with teachers:

• Limited availability of teachers
• Corruption in teacher appointment
• Limitations of teacher training
• Socio-cultural factors like a cynical attitude towards the teaching profession.
• There is no accountability for the government teachers as they are guaranteed lifetime job security despite the performance.

The Economic Divide:

• There is a stark difference between the rich and the poor at all levels of education.
• The poor children are mostly concentrated in the government schools where the education quality and facility is poor.
• In contrast, private schools, where the rich children are concentrated, provide a quality education leading to better results.
• This difference is because there is an unreasonable hike in the private school fee, making them unaffordable for the poor.
• The SC had once addressed this issue by stating that private schools have the power to increase the school fee. It had stated that a reasonable surplus can be generated by schools for the expansion of the institution. It had also pointed out the need for a balance of autonomy of institutions and measures to prevent commercialisation of education are necessary.
• The vagueness of this judgement has dampened its outcome.
• Though there are state laws that cap private school fees, the implementation and litigation problems have made them ineffective.
• The CAG report had also mentioned the cases of misreporting and mismanagement of the private schools. There is a need for stricter laws, inspections and penalties to address this issue.

Unemployable workforce:

• The educated youth in India are not employable since they lack the necessary industry-level skills.
• The Indian education system does not give priority to the basic foundation.
• Skill development programs cannot succeed without a basic foundation.
• The government measures to address the unemployment crisis like PMKVY has shown poor results because of this reason.

Issues with Research and Development :

• Though there is a steady increase in the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), as a fraction of the total GDP, it has remained stagnant between 0.6-0.7percent of the GDP for the past 2 decades.
• The universities play a relatively small role in research in India as there is a disconnection between research institutions and universities.
• The separation of research from teaching has resulted in a situation wherein the universities have students but lack additional faculty support, while the research institutes have qualified faculty but no young students to undertake research work.
• India currently spends very little on R&D purposes.
• Incentives must be provided for private companies and universities to increase their R&D activities.

Low-quality infrastructures and education in government schools :

• The RTE and SSA have increased the accessibility to government schools.
• However, the quality of education and infrastructure in these schools is dismal.
• There is a need for the rationalisation in the number of government schools in a particular area so that quality is given more focus instead of the quantity.
• Integrated school complexes like Rajasthan’s Adarsh, wherein one school provides classes from I to XII under one principal, is a need of the hour.

New Education Policy 2023 (NEP 2023)

• Aims to overhaul India’s education system to be more holistic, accessible, affordable, and relevant for the 21st century​ ​.
• Achieve 100% youth and adult literacy by 2030.
• Focus on imparting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Increase Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2025.
• Emphasize multidisciplinary and flexible learning, and employability through vocational exposure​ ​.
• Focus on equitable quality education for children aged 3-18 years.
• Emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and vocational skills.
• Introduction of innovative institutions like digital universities.
• Replacement of the 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 system.
• Multilingual approach with a three-language formula up to Grade 12.
• Curriculum to integrate fundamental concepts, skills, and multidisciplinary education.
• Higher education to offer flexibility, integration with vocational education, and academic credit portability​ ​.
• Use of mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction from Grades 1-5​ ​.
• Integration of hands-on vocational education from Grade 6 onwards​ ​.
• Focus on joyful, engaging, and stress-free learning.
• Emphasis on experiential learning​ ​.
• Introduction of a 5+3+3+4 system aligned with cognitive growth stages.
• Reduction in curriculum load to prevent rote learning.
• Flexibility in undergraduate programs with entry/exit options.
• Board exams to assess core capacities instead of memorized facts​ ​.
• Overhaul of regulatory architecture.
• Restructuring of professional councils like AICTE and NCTE.
• Evolution of HEIs into large multidisciplinary colleges by 2040​ ​.
• Hybrid learning combining online and offline instruction.
• Establishment of digital universities.
• Use of SWAYAM platform for online courses and virtual labs.
• Implementation of an academic bank for credit storage and transfer​ ​.
• Introduction of skills labs in schools from Grade 6.
• Opportunities for internships/apprenticeships​ ​.
• Targets for achieving quality education by 2040, including 50% GER by 2025.
• Development of a teacher vacancies database and virtual labs.
• Setting up the Higher Education Commission​ ​.

What can be the way forward?

• Embracing Holistic and Inclusive Education : The New Education Policy (NEP) 2023 sets a transformative path for India’s education system. It advocates for a holistic educational framework that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, aligning with the needs of the 21st century. Emphasis should be placed on implementing this holistic approach at all educational levels to foster a generation of innovative, adaptable, and intellectually equipped individuals.
• Achieving Comprehensive Literacy : In line with NEP 2023’s ambitious goal to achieve 100% youth and adult literacy by 2030, concerted efforts are required at both governmental and grassroots levels. This includes enhancing accessibility to quality education across rural and urban divides and ensuring inclusive education for marginalized communities.
• Restructuring Curriculum and Pedagogy : The NEP 2023 introduces a progressive 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, which better aligns with the cognitive development stages of learners. This restructured approach necessitates a comprehensive revamp of the existing pedagogical practices, focusing on reducing rote learning and encouraging experiential and inquiry-based learning methods.
• Digital and Vocational Integration : In response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, NEP 2023’s emphasis on digital empowerment and vocational education from an early age is a step forward. The integration of digital tools and vocational training in the curriculum can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thus enhancing employability and adaptability in a dynamic job market.
• Addressing Environmental Education : As underscored by the UNESCO 2023 State of the Education Report for India, integrating environmental education into the curriculum is vital. Educating the young generation about climate change and sustainability practices is imperative for fostering environmental stewardship and addressing the global challenges of climate change.
• Fostering Research and Innovation : Strengthening research and innovation in educational institutions is crucial. Encouraging a research-oriented approach in higher education, coupled with adequate funding and support for innovative projects, can place India at the forefront of global educational and technological advancements.
• Collaborative Efforts for Implementation : Successful implementation of NEP 2023 requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders including educators, policymakers, industry experts, and communities. Regular monitoring, feedback mechanisms, and adaptive strategies should be employed to ensure the policy’s objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Revamping India’s education system can enable us to solve all of the current problems faced by India. This includes poverty, unemployment, intolerance, etc. The government must take steps to mend the existing lacunae in India’s education system so as to improve the lives of all Indians.

Test Yourself

Critically analyse how India’s education system can be revamped to address the current demands. (250 words).

• Academic Bank of Credit: will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in Higher education;
• 1st Year Engineering Programmes in Regional Languages
• Guidelines for Internationalization of Higher Education.
• Vidya Pravesh, a three month play based school preparation module for Grade 1 students
• Indian Sign Language as a Subject at secondary level
• NISHTHA 2.0, an integrated programme of teacher training designed by NCERT
• SAFAL (Structured Assessment For Analyzing Learning Levels), a competency based assessment framework for Grades 3, 5 and 8 in CBSE schools
• A website dedicated to  Artificial Intelligence.
• DIKSHA is the nation’s digital infrastructure for providing high-quality e-content for school education in states and UTs, as well as QR-coded Energized Textbooks for all grade levels (one nation, one digital platform).
• Each class from 1 to 12 has one designated Swayam Prabha TV channel (one class, one channel).
• Shiksha Vani – makes extensive use of radio, community radio, and CBSE podcasts. Special e-content for the visually and hearing impaired developed on the Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) and in sign language on the NIOS website/YouTube.
• PM eVIDYA – unifies all initiatives related to digital education to enable multi-mode access to education.
• UNESCO 2023 State of the Education Report for India : This report emphasizes the role of education in addressing climate change, integrating environmental education into the curriculum, and promoting sustainable development . The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) aligns with the NEP 2020 in addressing climate change through school education. The report offers recommendations for enhancing the education sector’s role in combating climate change​ ​.

GET MONTHLY COMPILATIONS

Related Posts

UGC Directive on University Courses

Foreign university branch campuses in India – Prospects and challenges...

Role of Government Schools in Post-pandemic Learning Recovery

Nice Blog Great work. Thank you so much.

Nice Blog Great work.

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

• See blocked member's posts
• Mention this member in posts

Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Main Question Paper
• JEE Main Cutoff
• JEE Main Advanced Admit Card
• JEE Advanced Admit Card 2024
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• KCET Result
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
• CAT 2023 College Predictor
• CMAT 2024 Admit Card
• TS ICET 2024 Hall Ticket
• CMAT Result 2024
• MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• NEET Rank Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Admit Card 2024
• NEET PG Application Form 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top NLUs Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Top NIFT Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• Free Ebooks
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th
• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet
• CUET Mock Test 2024
• CUET Admit card 2024
• CUET PG Syllabus 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET Exam Pattern 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Cut Off 2024
• CUET Exam Analysis 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• CUET 2024 Exam Live
• CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses
• Specializations
• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

UPSC Essay Topics 2024 - Topic-Wise Essay Questions

• Application
• Eligibility
• Selection Process
• Preparation Tips
• Exam Pattern

The UPSC Civil Services mains exam includes UPSC essay topics paper out of 9 papers. Candidates can check trending UPSC CSE essay topics here. These UPSC Essay questions range from multiple topics like Economic Growth, Art & Culture, Women Empowerment, Media & Society, etc. UPSC IAS essay topics are significant for candidates to clear the mains paper 1 of UPSC IAS exam .

New:  UPSC IAS 2023 final Result & Toppers List | UPSC CSE 2023 cutoff

Latest: UPSC CSE sample papers | Complete guide | UPSC IAS 2024 application OUT; Direct link

Also See:  UPSC IAS Mains question papers (2016-23)

UPSC IAS essay exam topics play a vital role in UPSC IAS exam. UPSC IAS mains paper carries 250 marks and aspirants are asked to write at least 2 essays between 1000 to 1200 words in 3 hours. Aspirants need to analyse UPSC essays from last year's question papers to get an idea about UPSC CSE Essay topics. Practising IAS topics from previous years' papers assists candidates to clear the UPSC IAS exam 2024 easily. Candidates are required to read daily newspapers to get a clear idea about UPSC IAS essay 2024 exam topics.

UPSC IAS Essay Topics 2024

UPSC CSE essay paper is one of the 9 papers of the UPSC IAS mains examination. The IAS essay paper analysis is the perspective of aspirants on economic, social and political issues. UPSC usually takes IAS essay questions either from Current Affairs or affecting present society to a large extent. A few of the engaging UPSC CSE 2024 essay questions can be asked from the UPSC 2024 IAS exam.

Social Media

Surveillance/Privacy

Urbanisation

Globalisation

Bureaucracy

Water Security

Media Tourism

Constitution

Food Hunger/Poverty/Security

Human Resources - Employment

Development

Higher Education/Education/Foreign University in Higher Education

UPSC CSE Essay Questions - Previous Years

Aspirants must be aware of the latest trends of the IAS exam pattern 2024 for mains. Candidates will come to know about the types of IAS essay topics asked and important recent essay questions. The UPSC CSE essay topics asked in the IAS Mains exam in previous years are detailed below.

UPSC IAS Essay Topic 2023

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

Not all who wander are lost.

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands - two equally harmful disciplines.

Mathematics is the music of reason

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Previous year

Poets are the harmony of the world.

Forests can be the main area of discussion for economic excellence.

History of battle between scientific man and romantic man.

Ship in the Harbour is secured but not for that case.

When the sun shines, the roof needs repair.

Move twice on the same river.

A smile is a solution to all problems.

Topic-Wise UPSC IAS Essay Questions

Every year, the Union Public Service Commission tends to give two or more essays from one of the 9 subjects in the UPSC CSE 2024 exam. To write about these IAS essay questions, candidates must go through reference books on these subjects to get a clear picture of the CSE Essay topics.

1. Environment/Urbanization

Protection of Ecology and Environment

Urbanisation and its side-effects

Must a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in the tribal areas?

Brave human laws can’t resist natural laws.

2. Economic Sectors/MNCs

Multinational Corporations

BPO boom in India.

Special Economic zone - boon or bane?

Globalisation would finish small sectors.

Are traditional handcrafts finishing up slowly?

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of development is more than a boon in the Indian Context.

Tourism can be the next big thing for India.

3. Education

Restructuring of the Indian Education System

Irrelevance of the classroom

Privatisation of Higher Education in India

Modern technological education and human values

What is real education?

The new emerging women's power

Greater political power will not wash out women’s plight

The woman is God’s best creation

Challenges and Prospects of Women's Empowerment

Empowerment cannot help our women

Whether women’s emancipation

If women ruled the world

The hand that rocks the cradle

Women’s reservation bill

Managing Work and Home

If development is not engendered, it is endangered.

The fulfilment of a ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.

5. Character

Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man.

Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin.

The character of an Institution is reflected in its leader.

Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.

Joy is the easiest form of Gratitude.

A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both

Custom morality can be a path to modern life.

6. Globalisation

Modernisation and Westernisation are not similar concepts.

The implication of globalisation in India.

The world of the 21st century.

Nationalism vs Globalization.

Globalisation and its effect on Indian culture.

The masks of new imperialism

My vision of the ideal world order.

Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

7. Science and Technology

The modern doctor and its patients.

Value-based education and science

Spirituality and scientific temper

The lure of space.

The march of Science and erosion of human values.

Science and Mysticism

Science and Technology are the panaceas for the growth and security of the nation.

Technology cannot replace manpower.

Alternative technology for a climate change resilient India.

8. International Organizations/Relations

Significance of Indo-US nuclear agreement.

Good fences make good neighbours.

Restructuring of UNO reflects present realities.

Has the Non-Alignment Movement lost its relevance in the multipolar world?

9. Security

Tourism and World Peace

Are we in a ‘soft’ state?

Both human intelligence and technical intelligence are important in combating terrorism.

10. Internet/IT

The cyberworld: its charm and challenges.

Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to human civilization in the long run.

Social media is inherently is selfish medium

A rapid increase in computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanised society.

11. Media & Society

Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India.

Mass Media and Cultural Invasion.

Responsibility of media in a democracy.

How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets?

Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?

Is string operation an invasion of privacy?

How to Bring a Good Score on UPSC IAS Essay Topics?

Writing is a way to improve your thought process. It should be exactly what the examiner needs while accessing your written UPSC essay answer scripts. An essay is a well-structured collection of thoughts on any specific topic. The art to score high on the UPSC IAS mains paper 1 requires immense practice and perseverance. The UPSC Essay is never merely a test of factual knowledge but a test of creativity and spirit. To score good marks in UPSC CSE essay questions, follow the steps given below.

1. Choose IAS Essay Topics Carefully

The UPSC IAS Essay paper comprises two sections and candidates need to write one essay from each of the two given sections. Both UPSC essays are of 125 marks each of 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a UPSC essay topic, think over the topic whether it is controversial or you have enough data to write it.

2. Ponder the topic

While selecting the UPSC IAS essay question, think over the topic and select the main keywords that you are going to use during writing the essay. Implement a multi-dimensional approach to it and try to curate a good structure intro body and conclusion.

3. Curate Well

The introduction paragraph is the heart of the UPSC CSE essay topics and must have a concise and clear thought about the topic. The basic theme should be to talk about your views on the topic. The main body of the UPSC Essay should be divided into small paragraphs but must be well interlinked. The UPSC essay topic language should be lucid, convenient and easy to understand. The essay must evaluate your critical thinking ability rather than using decorative words. If needed, candidates must use data and facts. The usage of sayings and quotes adds weight to the UPSC Essay questions. The conclusion paragraph must be seen as self-explanatory. Candidates must have a balanced approach to UPSC IAS essay questions.

4. Go through ABC of Essay Writing

The ABC of UPSC essay writing must stand for appropriateness, brevity and consistency of UPSC essay topics. Following this rule will assist candidates while writing the UPSC CSE essay questions.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

UPSC Essay question papers have two sections with 4 to 5 essays each. A candidate must write two UPSC IAS essay topics, one from each section consisting of 1000-1200 words. The UPSC Essay paper is 250 marks and each essay contributes 125 marks.

A score of 125 and above is considered a good mark in Essay topics UPSC while a score between 100-120 is average. However, it’s not easy to score marks on paper if you haven’t prepared well enough. So, prepare well in the best possible method for UPSC IAS essay questions.

To start practising UPSC IAS essay topics, candidates must keep the following points in mind.

Read the best UPSC daily newspapers.

Highlight crucial lines or quotes and write them differently.

Practise one previous year's UPSC essay topic for at least a week and obtain it for peer review.

Use normal creative language while writing.

Implement integrated attitude thinking.

UPSC IAS 2023 essay topics can be divided into four categories - argumentative, expository, narrative and descriptive essays. The essay must be written in such a way that it would provide meaningful information to the reader.

Most of the UPSC IAS essay topics asked in the UPSC IAS exam are taken from Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Politics, Economic Growth, Judiciary, Poverty, Indian Culture, Media, Justice, Environmental Pollution, Quotes, Women, Education, Globalization, Science & technology, etc. Candidates must pay attention more to these subjects while preparing UPSC CSE essay questions.

To write a good essay, you need to understand the topic properly so that you will be able to explain it in a proper way. During preparation, keep making notes and read the newspaper daily. You can listen to podcasts on various topics to develop a deep understanding.

• Latest Articles
• Popular Articles

Upcoming Competition Exams

Institute of banking personnel selection common written examination for clerk.

Others : 12 August,2023 - 30 June,2024

Life Insurance Corporation of India Apprentice Development Officers

Score Card Date : 19 April,2024 - 18 October,2024

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Common Recruitment Process for Regional Rural Banks

Others : 30 April,2024 - 29 May,2024

Union Public Service Commission Central Armed Police Forces Exam

Interview Date : 13 May,2024 - 14 June,2024

Staff Selection Commission Sub Inspector Exam

Result Date : 14 May,2024 - 28 May,2024

Certifications By Top Providers

• Most Viewed

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

• Universities

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Upsc ias salary.

64 + Downloads

यूपीएससी आईएएस मेन्स प्रश्न पत्र (2016-23)

2401 + Downloads

IAS Syllabus

1592 + Downloads

UPSC CSE Prelims Paper 1 Exam Mock Test 1

3576 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Telugu Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

533 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Sindhi Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

173 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Tamil Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

125 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Sanskrit Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

92 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Punjabi Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

53 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Marathi Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

103 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Manipuri Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

47 + Downloads

UPSC CSE 2022 Assamese Literature (1 & 2) Question Paper

380 + Downloads

Questions related to UPSC CSE

I assume you want to know the eligibility criteria to becoming an IAS. First of all, to become an IAS,  one has to clear UPSC CSE examiner. There are certain eligibility criteria for applying in this examination and they are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree from any recognised college.
• Age between 21-32; with some relaxation for reserved categories.
• Citizen of India ora subject of Nepal/ Bhutan or Tibetan refugee who came to India, to permanently settle here before January 1, 1962, or People of Indian origin who migrated from Uganda, Burma, Pakistan, Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

For more information, please visit the website by clicking on the link given below:

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-eligibility-criteria#toc_1

And other government jobs, the eligibility test is different for different jobs. It would have been if you could mention the government job you are interested in.

Hope this answers your query. Thank you

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !

Yes it will be considered because Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) is a 4-year degree course . It is a multi-disciplinary profession with core subjects including speech pathology, language pathology, and audiology.

Hope it helps you ;

Dear Aspirant !

Hope you are fine!

The main subjects for the UPSC Exam are Indian Politics, Indian Economy, International Relations, Science and Technology, Geography, History, Environment and Ecology, and related Current Affairs . There are 25 subjects and 23 literature optional that one can choose from in addition to this..

Hello aspirant,

With the help of the IAS Answer Key 2024, applicants can estimate their potential score for the IAS preliminary exam, learn about the various IAS question types, gauge the exam's difficulty, and much more.

To get the answer key, you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-answer-key

Hope this information helps you.

Hope you are doing good !!

The syllabus of these papers includes subjects like Modern Indian History, World Geography, International Relations, Indian Economic development, Disaster Management and Ethics, Aptitude and Integrity . To know all the subjects in detail, you can check UPSC syllabus 2024 for CSE in the given link below ;-

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-syllabus&ved=2ahUKEwiYh_iZ_byEAxXLhlYBHf8GC1EQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0LptyFY3WnS35rKlE8MAhL .

Hope it helps you !

Thanking you

Applications for Admissions are open.

Manipal University Online MBA

Apply for Online MBA from Manipal University

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Save 10% on your TOEFL exam with ApplyShop gift cards!

Manipal Online M.Com Admissions

Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University

GRE ® Registrations 2024

Apply for GRE® Test now & save 10% with ApplyShop Gift Card | World's most used Admission Test for Graduate & Professional Schools

UPSC IAS 2024 application form released

UPSC IAS prelims result 2023 out

UPSC IAS 2022 toppers announced

Stay up-to date with UPSC CSE News

Download careers360 app's.

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

Essay on Education for UPSC

Students are often asked to write an essay on Education for UPSC in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Education for UPSC

The importance of education.

Education is a powerful tool that can change the world. It is not just about reading and writing, but also about gaining knowledge, learning new skills and becoming a better person. It helps us to understand the world around us.

Education and Society

Education plays a crucial role in society. It helps in building character and shaping one’s future. An educated society is a progressive society. Education promotes equality and social justice, leading to a harmonious and inclusive society.

Education and Development

Education is the key to development. It fosters innovation and creativity, which are essential for economic growth. It also helps in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes. Without education, development is not possible.

250 Words Essay on Education for UPSC

Introduction.

Education, the cornerstone of human development, is a powerful tool that empowers individuals and shapes societies. It is the catalyst for economic prosperity, social progress, and political stability. It is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about cultivating critical thinking, fostering innovation, and nurturing empathy.

Importance of Education

Education is the bedrock of a civilized society. It fosters an understanding of our social responsibilities and equips us with the skills to contribute to societal progress. It plays a crucial role in eradicating poverty and inequality, promoting health and hygiene, and ensuring sustainable development.

Challenges in Education

Despite its significance, access to quality education remains a challenge, especially in developing countries. The widening gap between urban and rural education, lack of infrastructure, inadequate teacher training, and outdated curriculums are some of the pressing issues that need to be addressed.

The Role of Technology in Education

Technology can play a pivotal role in transforming education. Digital learning platforms can democratize access to education, personalized learning can cater to individual learning styles, and AI can help in monitoring student progress and providing targeted interventions.

Education is a fundamental right and a critical driver of human development. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is imperative to reimagine education, making it more inclusive, relevant, and future-ready. Leveraging technology can be a game-changer in this regard, but it needs to be coupled with systemic reforms to truly unleash the transformative power of education.

500 Words Essay on Education for UPSC

Education, in its broadest sense, is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people sustain from one generation to the next. It plays a pivotal role in the development of a society and is a critical tool for the progress of a nation. For India, a country with diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, education is the unifying force that can drive growth, equality, and social justice.

The Significance of Education

Education is much more than mere literacy. It is about acquiring knowledge, developing critical thinking, fostering creativity, and building character. It empowers individuals, opens up opportunities, and promotes social inclusion. Education is the cornerstone of a democratic society as it encourages active participation in societal affairs and instills a sense of responsibility among citizens.

Education and Economic Growth

There is a strong correlation between education and economic growth. Education equips individuals with skills and knowledge that can improve their productivity and enhance their employability. It can foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and drive economic development. For a developing country like India, investing in education can yield high economic dividends.

Challenges in the Indian Education System

Despite the importance of education, India faces numerous challenges in its education system. These include issues of access, equity, quality, and relevance. Many children, especially in rural areas, do not have access to quality education. The education system is often criticized for its rote learning approach, which stifles creativity and critical thinking. There is a need to make education more relevant to the needs of the economy and society.

Reforming the Education System

Reforming the education system requires a multi-pronged approach. It involves improving infrastructure, enhancing teacher training, revising curriculum, promoting inclusive education, and leveraging technology. The recent National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a step in the right direction. It aims to overhaul the education system and make it more holistic, flexible, and aligned to the needs of the 21st century.

Role of Technology in Education

Technology can play a transformative role in education. It can help overcome barriers of access, personalize learning, and make education more interactive and engaging. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of digital learning and highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide.

Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, societies, and nations. It is the key to unlocking India’s demographic dividend and achieving sustainable development. However, it requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders – government, educators, parents, and students – to realize its full potential. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In the Indian context, it is not just a weapon but a necessity for change and progress.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Child Education
• Essay on Education Must Be Free
• Essay on Education Is the Most Powerful Weapon

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Education in India – A Detailed Analysis

Last updated on April 21, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

This article is a detailed analysis of the Education System of India.

The post covers various aspects of the problems faced by the Indian Education sector, the Constitutional provisions related to education, and the education policies adopted by modern India.

Also read: Learning Poverty

Table of Contents

History of Education in India

India has a rich tradition of imparting knowledge.

The ‘gurukul’ was a type of education system in ancient India with shishya (students) living with the guru in the same house. Nalanda has the oldest university system of education in the world. Students from across the world were attracted to Indian knowledge systems.

Many branches of the knowledge system had their origin in India. Education was considered a higher virtue in ancient India.

However, the renaissance and scientific thinking as happened in Europe didn’t happen in India at that time.

The British who took control of the Indian affairs by that time had different priorities. Education in British India initially lagged a lot.

However, later, the British established the modern education system still followed in India. They replaced age-old systems of education in the country with English ways . 

Still, the education system in India needs a lot of reforms.

Also read: Examination System in India

Current Status of Education in India: Data from Census 2011

• Literacy rate in India as per Census 2011:  74%.
• Literacy rate: Male: 82.1%; Female: 65.5%
• Kerala tops the rankings, followed by Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Bihar is the lowest among states, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, etc., however, they are improving their position.
• Bihar has a literacy rate of 63.8%, and that of women is 53.3%.
• Literacy rates for both adults as well as youths have increased, still, the absolute number of illiterates in India is as much as India’s population was at the time of independence.
• The gender gap in terms of literacy began to narrow first in 1991 and the pace has accelerated, however still lags far behind the global female literacy rate of 7% (UNESCO 2015).
• There are large state variations in the gender gap.
• However, during 2001 – 2011, the male literacy rate increased by 6 percentage points but female literacy increased by nearly 12 percentage points. Achievement in female literacy in Bihar is noteworthy: from 33% in 2001 to 53% in 2011.
• Be that as it may, India is still lagging behind the world  literacy rate of 86.3%(UNESCO 2015).  A major group of states lies in the average rank i.e. just above the national level of 64.8 percent.  

Indian Education System: The Present Pyramidal Structure

The Indian education system can broadly be considered as a pyramidal structure:

• Pre-primary level: 5-6 years of age.
• Primary (elementary) level: 6-14 years of age. Elementary-level education is guaranteed by our constitution under Article 21 A . For this level, the government has introduced Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) under the Right To Education(RTE) Act.
• Secondary level: Age group between 14-18. For this level, the government has extended SSA to secondary education in the form of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan .
• Higher education: generally of three levels: UG→ PG→ MPhil/PhD. To cater to the requirements of higher education, the government has introduced Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).

Read: Examination System in India

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to Education

Goal 4 of SDG : Education for all – ensures equitable, inclusive, and quality education along with the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.

Provisions in the Indian Constitution related to Education

• Under  Article 45 in DPSP , it was mentioned that the government should provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years within 10 years from the commencement of the Constitution. As this was not achieved, Article 21A was introduced by  the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 , making elementary education a fundamental right rather than a directive principle. Article 45 was amended to provide for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
• To implement Article 21A, the government legislated the RTE Act. Under this act, SSA – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan – got a further impetus. SSA aims to provide Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time-bound manner.
• SSA has been operational since 2000-2001. Its roots go back to 1993-1994 when the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) was launched. However, under the RTE Act, it got legal backing.

RTE Act 2009

• 86th Amendment Act 2002 introduced Article 21-A, which provides for free and compulsory education of all children in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right.
• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act was enacted to implement this fundamental right.

Provisions of the RTE Act

• ‘Compulsory education’ means an obligation of the government to provide free elementary education and ensure compulsory admission, attendance, and completion of  elementary education.
• Provision for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age-appropriate class.
• Rational deployment of teachers, ensuring that there is no urban-rural imbalance in their postings.
• Prohibition of deployment of teachers for non-educational work, other than services like decennial census, elections, etc.
• It prohibits (a) physical punishment and mental harassment (b) screening procedures for admission of children (c) capitation fees (d) private tuition by teachers (e) running of schools without recognition.
• Development of curriculum in consonance with the values enshrined in the constitution, ensuring all-around development of the child, building a system of child-friendly and child-centered learning.
• To further inclusiveness, 25% reservation is provided for disadvantaged students in private schools.

Criticisms of the RTE Act

• Even though the RTE + SSA have increased access to schools, resulting in a high enrollment rate, dropout rates increased in tandem. However, there is inadequate attention given to this scenario.
• There is a fear of financial burden on the government for teacher recruitment and training.
• The grey area of teacher transfer is also not helping the cause.
• Since all state holidays are not relevant for all localities, such a calendar preparation by local authorities can increase attendance and can also encourage local panchayats to take ownership of schools.
• RTE students in private schools are paying extra fees as the schools claim that the government fund provided for the same is not adequate.
• Most private schools treat RTE as charity and demand that the onus of universalizing education should be on the government’s head rather than putting pressure on them.
• 70% of students are in government schools. So it must be fixed in priority, by providing infrastructure , teacher quality , and targeted   learning  for children from  disadvantaged  groups to provide an equitable education system.
• Under the RTE Act, till class 8, students should not be failed in exams. This is called the No detention policy. It had reduced dropout rates.
• There is growing criticism of the policy resulting in reducing the quality of elementary education. Hence the RTE Act was amended to scrap the policy.
• RTE Act prioritized schooling of children only from the age of 6, thus ignoring pre-school education. Kothari Commission had recommended the establishment of a center for the development of pre-primary education in each district.
• District Information System for Education (DISE) report states that 30% of primary and 15% of upper primary schools have higher PTRs.
• According to the Economic Survey 2018-19, the PTR at the national level for primary schools is 23 and 27 for secondary schools. Thus PTR appears to be satisfactory, as there are sufficient teachers. However, the main issue is a balanced deployment of teachers based on student strength.
• Even though the Student-Classroom ratio (SCR) improved in almost all of the States, there is disparity across the country.

Modern Education in India: The Evolution of the System through various policies

The British government had introduced modern education in India. From Macaulay’s minutes to Wood’s dispatch to several commissions like the Sadler Commission, 1904 Indian education policy, etc. built the foundation of the Indian education system during the colonial period.

Radhakrishnan committee

In 1948-49, the University Education Commission was constituted under Radhakrishnan . It molded the education system based on the needs of an independent India. The pre-Independent Indian education value system was catering to colonial masters. There was a need to replace Macaulayism  with the Indian value system.  ( Macaulayism is the policy of eliminating indigenous culture through the planned substitution of the alien culture of a colonizing power via the education system). Some of the values mentioned in the commission were:

• Wisdom and Knowledge 
• Aims of the Social Order : the desired social order for which youths are being educated.
• Love for higher values in life
• Training for Leadership

The Independent Indian education system developed along the lines of this value framework. In the present times, where there are imminent threats of political ideologies hijacking the pedagogy of education and commercialization of education eroding value systems, it is appreciable to dust off the values promulgated by the commission. A recent controversial circular by the Central University of Kerala (CUK), directing that research topics for Ph.D. students must be by ‘national priorities’, and research in ‘irrelevant topics’ and ‘privilege areas’ must be discouraged, is a case in point.

Kothari commission

If the Radhakrishnan committee charted out the value system of the Indian education system, it was the Kothari Commission that provided the basic framework of the same. The commission provided for:

• Standardization of educational system on 10+2+3 pattern.
• Emphasized the need to make work experience and social/national service an integral part of education.
• Linking of colleges to several schools in the neighborhood.
• Equalization of opportunities to all and to achieve social and national integration .
• Neighborhood school system without social or religious segregation and a s chool complex system integrating  primary and secondary levels of education.
• Establishment of Indian Education Service.
• On-the-job training of the teaching staff and efforts to raise the status of the teachers to attract talents into the profession.
• To raise expenditure on education from 2.9% of the GDP to 6% by 1985.

This committee report paved the way for the National Educational Policy 1968 which provided the base and roadmap for further development of the education system in India.

National Educational Policy 1968

• The policy provided for “radical restructuring” and  equalization of educational opportunities to achieve national integration and greater cultural and economic development.
• Increase public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP.
• Provide for better training and qualification of teachers.
• Three-language formula : state governments should implement the study of a modern Indian language, preferably one of the southern languages, apart from Hindi and English in the Hindi-speaking states, and of Hindi along with the regional language and English in the non-Hindi-speaking states. Hindi was encouraged uniformly to promote a common language for all Indians.

National Educational Policy 1985

• The policy aimed at the removal of disparities and to equalize educational opportunities, especially for women, SC and ST.
• Launching of “Operation Blackboard”  to improve primary schools nationwide.
• IGNOU, the Open University, was formed.
• Adoption of the “rural university” model , based on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, to promote economic and social development at the grassroots level in rural India.

T.S.R.Subramanium committee report

• ECCE is inconsistent across states. So all government schools should have facilities for pre-primary education, which would facilitate pre-school education by the government instead of the private sector.
• The policy of no detention should be upheld only till class five and not till class eight.
• There is a steep rise in teacher shortage, absenteeism, and grievances.
• Need to constitute an Autonomous Teacher Recruitment Board.
• Four years integrated B.Ed. the course should be introduced.
• There is an inadequate integration of information technology (IT) and the education sector.
• The National Skills Qualification Framework should be scaled up.
• The choice of vocational courses should be in line with local opportunities and resources . 
• Bringing formal certification for vocational education at par with conventional education certificates.
• All India Education Service.
• Existing separate laws governing individual regulators in higher education should be replaced by the said act.
• The role of existing regulatory bodies like UGC and AICTE should be revised.
• National Accreditation Board (NAB) subsuming the existing accreditation bodies.

Kasturirangan Report On School Education (Draft National Education Policy)

For restructuring the education system in India, the government is preparing to roll out a New Education Policy that will cater to Indian needs in the 4th Industrial Revolution by making use of its demographic dividend. Committee for Draft National Education Policy (chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan) submitted its report on May 31, 2019.

You can read about the National Education Policy 2020 in detail here .

School Education: 

• Low accessibility.
• The curriculum doesn’t meet the developmental needs of children.
• Lack of qualified and trained teachers.
• Substandard pedagogy.
• Currently, most early childhood education is delivered through anganwadis and private preschools. However, there has been less focus on the educational aspects of early childhood.
• Guidelines for up to three-year-old children.
• Educational framework for three to eight-year-old children.
• This would be implemented by improving and expanding the Anganwadi system and co-locating anganwadis with primary schools.
• Expanding the ambit of the Act to all children between the ages of three to 18 years, thus including early childhood education and secondary school education.
• There should be no detention of children till class eight. Instead, schools must ensure that children are achieving age-appropriate learning levels.
• The current structure of school education is to be restructured based on the development needs of students.
• 10+2+3 structure to be replaced by 5-3-3-4 design comprising: (i) five years of foundational stage (three years of pre-primary school and classes one and two), (ii) three years of preparatory stage (classes three to five), (iii) three years of middle stage (classes six to eight), and (iv) four years of secondary stage (classes nine to 12).
• The current education system solely focuses on rote learning. The curriculum load should be reduced to its essential core content.
• Force students to concentrate only on a few subjects.
• Do not test learning in a formative manner.
• Cause stress among students.
• To track students’ progress throughout their school experience, State Census Examinations in classes three, five, and eight should be established.
• Restructure the board examinations to test only the core concept. These board examinations will be on a range of subjects. The students can choose their subjects and the semester when they want to take these board exams. The in-school final examinations may be replaced by these board examinations.
• Although establishing primary schools in every habitation has increased access to education, it has led to the development of very small schools making it operationally complex. Hence the multiple public schools should be brought together to form a school complex .
• A complex will consist of one secondary school (classes nine to twelve) and all the public schools in its neighborhood that offer education from pre-primary to class eight.
• These will also include anganwadis, vocational education facilities, and an adult education center.
• Each school complex will be a semi-autonomous unit providing integrated education across all stages from early childhood to secondary education.
• This will ensure that resources such as infrastructure and trained teachers can be efficiently shared across a school complex.
• A steep rise in a teacher shortage, lack of professionally qualified teachers, and deployment of teachers for non-educational purposes have plagued the system.
• Teachers should be deployed with a particular school complex for at least five to seven years.
• They will not be allowed to participate in any non-teaching activities during school hours.
• Existing B.Ed. the program will be replaced by a four-year integrated B.Ed. program that combines high-quality content, pedagogy, and practical training. An integrated continuous professional development will also be developed for all subjects.
• Separating the regulation of schools from aspects such as policymaking, school operations, and academic development.
• Independent State School Regulatory Authority for each state will prescribe basic uniform standards for public and private schools.
• The Department of Education of the State will formulate policy and conduct monitoring and supervision.

Higher Education

• According to the All India Survey on Higher Education , the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education in India has increased from 20.8% in 2011-12 to 25.8% in 2017-18. Lack of access is a major reason behind the low intake of higher education. The policy aims to increase GER to 50% by 2035.
• Multiple regulators with overlapping mandates reduce the autonomy of higher educational institutions and create an environment of dependency and centralized decision-making.
• The National Higher Education Regulatory Authority (NHERA) should replace the existing individual regulators in higher education. Thus the role of all professional councils such as AICTE would be limited to setting standards for professional practice. The role of the UGC will be limited to providing grants.
• Separate the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) from the UGC into an independent and autonomous body. It will function as the top-level accreditor and will issue licenses to different accreditation institutions. All existing higher education institutions should be accredited by 2030.
• Replacing the current system of establishing higher educational institutions by Parliament or state legislatures. Instead, institutions can be set up through a Higher Education Institution Charter from NHERA.
• Research universities focus equally on research and teaching.
• Universities focus primarily on teaching.
• Colleges focus only on teaching at undergraduate levels.
• All such institutions will gradually move towards full autonomy.
• Total investment in research and innovation in India has declined from 0.84% of GDP in 2008 to 0.69% in 2014. India also lags behind many nations in the number of researchers, patents, and publications.
• NRF will act as an autonomous body for funding, mentoring, and building the capacity for quality research.
• Undergraduate programs should be made interdisciplinary by redesigning their curriculum to include: a common core curriculum; and one/two area(s) of specialization.
• Introduce four-year undergraduate programs in Liberal Arts.
• By the next five years, five Indian Institutes of Liberal Arts must be set up as model multidisciplinary liberal arts institutions.
• Poor service conditions and heavy teaching loads, augmented by a lack of autonomy and no clear career progression system, have resulted in low faculty motivation.
• Introduction of a Continuous Professional Development program and permanent employment track system for faculty in all higher education institutions by 2030.
• The student-teacher ratio of not more than 30:1 must be ensured.
• All higher education institutions must have complete autonomy on curricular, pedagogical, and resource-related matters.

Read: Institutions of Eminence Scheme

Additional Key Focus Areas:

Additional key focus areas are (1) Technology in Education (2) Vocational Education (3) Adult Education and (4) the Promotion of Indian Languages.

Technology in Education

• Improving the classroom process of teaching, learning, and evaluation
• Aiding teacher training.
• Improving access to education.
• Improving the overall planning, administration, and management of the entire education system.
• Electrification of all educational institutions paves the way for technology induction.
• An autonomous body, the National Education Technology Forum, set up under the Mission, will facilitate decision-making on the use of technology.
• Single online digital repository to make available copyright-free educational resources in multiple languages.

Vocational Education

• Less than 5% of the workforce in the age group of 19-24 receives vocational education in India, in contrast to 52% in the USA, 75% in Germany and 96% in South Korea.
• Vocational courses : All school students must receive vocational education in at least one vocation in grades 9 to 12.
• Higher Education Institutions must offer vocational courses that are integrated into undergraduate education programs.
• The draft Policy targets to offer vocational education to up to 50% of the total enrolment in higher education institutions by 2025, up from the present level of enrolment of below 10%.
• National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education for charting out plans for the above objectives.

Adult Education

As per Census 2011, India had a total of 26.5 crore adult non-literate (15 years and above).

• Establishing an autonomous  Central Institute of Adult Education as a constituent unit of NCERT. It will develop a National Curriculum Framework for adult education.
• Adult Education Centers will be included within the school complexes.
• Relevant courses are made available at the National Institute of Open Schooling.
• National Adult Tutors Programme to build a cadre of adult education instructors and managers.

Education and Indian Languages

• The medium of instruction must be the mother tongue until grade 5, and preferably until grade 8.
• 3 language formula be continued and flexibility in the implementation of the formula should be provided. Implementation of the formula needs to be strengthened, particularly in Hindi-speaking states. Schools in Hindi-speaking areas should also teach Indian languages from other parts of India for national integration.
• To promote Indian languages, a National Institute for Pali, Persian, and Prakrit will be set up.
• The mandate of the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology will be expanded to include all fields and disciplines to strengthen vocabulary in Indian languages.

Transforming Education

The policy talked about the synergistic functioning of India’s education system, to deliver equity and excellence at all levels, from vision to implementation, led by a new Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog.

Education Governance

Revitalize education governance by bringing in synergy and coordination among the different ministries, departments, and agencies.

• Constitute the National Education Commission or Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog, as an apex body for education headed by the Prime Minister. It would be responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising the vision of education and overseeing the implementation and functioning of bodies including the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), National Higher Education Regulatory Authority, and National Research Foundation.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Development must be renamed the Ministry of Education to bring the focus back on education.

Financing Education

• The Draft Policy reaffirmed the commitment to spending 6% of GDP as a public investment in education.
• The draft Policy seeks to double the public investment in education from the current 10% of total public expenditure to 20% in the next 10 years. 5% will be utilized for higher education, 2% in school education, and 1.4% for early childhood care and education.
• There should be optimal and timely utilization of funds through the institutional development plans and by plugging loopholes in the disbursement of funds.

Criticism of the New Education Policy of India

• The New Education Policy lacks operational details.
• It is not clear from where the funding will be sourced.
• Enough importance is not given to innovation, startup culture or economic principles to be added to the curriculum.
• One-size-fits for all states can’t be a solution as each state in India is diverse in its educational needs. Controversy on NEET has shown this.
• With technological advancement and the democratization of knowledge, the policy should have focused more on how to teach rather than what to teach.
• Economic Survey 2017-18 mentioned the perils of the distinction between research institutions and universities in higher education. The policy recommendation of three distinct higher education institutions of research universities, teaching universities, and teaching colleges will further augment the gap between research and universities.
• The draft policy is silent on the Institutions of Eminence and agencies like the Higher Education Funding Agency.
• The role of Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog should be defined clearly. What would be its role vis-a-vis existing regulators? Also, there are criticisms from some quarters that RSA will open the door to the politicization of education.
• Earlier the 3-language formula proposed by the draft policy made Hindi compulsory in non-Hindi speaking states. However, after the furor, the proposal was removed.
• Even though the policy talks about bringing “unrepresented groups” into school and focusing on educationally lagging “ special education zones” , it doesn’t comprehensively address the inequalities prevalent in the system. It misses methods to bridge the gaps between rich and poor children.
• The policy proposes to remove the provision mandating that primary schools be within stipulated distance from students’ homes and common minimum infrastructure and facility standards that should be met by all schools. If a common minimum standard is not specified, it will create an environment where quality in some schools will fall further thus augmenting the inequalities between schools across the country.

India’s education history is rich with ambitious policies failing at the altar of inadequate implementation of the same. In the absence of a handholding mechanism for states to embark on the path-breaking reforms mentioned in the policy and that too in a short time, will be too much to ask.

Funding requirements and governance architecture pose major challenges in the implementation of the policy. Political commitment is required to increase funding. RTE Act expansion to include preschool should keep in mind the present infrastructure inadequacies and teacher vacancies.

Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog may face administrative problems and turf battles. Also, it will raise questions on the role of new bodies like the National Medical Council.

The recent controversy on 3 language formula shows the sensitivity of language education in India and care should be taken to appreciate the emotional overtures while implementing the same.

Politically acceptability, social desirability, technological feasibility, financial viability, administratively doability, and judicially tenability are 6 pillars that will impact the implementation of the policy.

Be that as it may, the new education policy aims to address the challenges of (i) access, (ii) equity, (iii) quality, (iv) affordability, and (v) accountability faced by the current education system. It aims to revitalize and equip the education system to meet the challenges of the 21st century and 4th industrial revolution rather than catering to 19th and 20th century needs of industrialization. Also, India is on the cusp of a demographic dividend, rather than entered into this phase. So the education system catering to these needs is not a luxury that we hope for but rather a dire need at this moment in Indian history.

The Problems associated with the Education System in India

HRD ministry: Over 1.4 million schools and 50,000 higher educational institutions are operating in India. Out of 907 universities, there are 399 state universities, 126 deemed-to-be universities, 48 central and 334 private universities.

• Even after more than a hundred years of “ Gokhale’s Bill”1911, where universal primary education was originally mooted, India is yet to achieve this goal.
• China had achieved it in the 1970s. As per Census 2011, over 26% of India’s population is still illiterate, compared to 4% in China. About 50% of India’s population has only primary education or less, compared to 38% in China. The 13% of the population with tertiary education at the upper end in India is comparable with China.
• Progress has been made in respect of female participation up to secondary level and GER for girls has exceeded that of boys.
• But the girl’s enrollment rate is lower than that of boys at the higher education level.
• A gap is visible across social categories in terms of enrollment rate at the higher education level.
• According to NSSO’s 71st round (2014), drop-out rates are very high for boys at the secondary school level. Reasons for the same are economic activities, lack of interest in education, and financial constraints.
• The transition rate from secondary school to senior secondary and further to higher education is very low.

Despite these highly ambitious education policies and elaborate deliberations on the same, the outcomes are rather shaky. Major criticisms and shortcomings of these policies and their implementations are:

• Half the population is crowded at the bottom, either illiterate or with only primary education. Meanwhile, a disproportionately large segment is at the upper end with tertiary education.
• The 2015 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) reflects this deteriorating quality. The report opines that deficits in foundational reading and arithmetic skills are   cumulative, which leaves students grossly   handicapped for further education .
• India had fared poorly in the Programme for International Student Assessment  (PISA) test in 2008, and 09.
• Education policies in India are focused on inputs rather than on learning outcomes.
• Teacher shortages.
• Local politics.
• Corruption in teacher appointment.
• Defects in teacher training.
• Socio-cultural factors like caste division, and cynical attitude towards the teaching profession.
• There is no accountability, as there is a guaranteed lifetime job independent of performance.
• From 1952-2012 , education expenditure as a percentage of total government expenditure increased from 7.92 to 11.7, and as a percentage of GDP increased from 0.64 to 3.31. But it has still not reached 6% of GDP, as was recommended by the Kothari Commission way back in 1964.
• Expenditure by the government on elementary education is more than tertiary level, but expenditure per student is more in tertiary. So there is a need to increase expenditure in all segments.
• All India survey on higher education has shown that in West Bengal Muslim students in universities are very low. Lack of education at the primary and secondary levels is said to be the main reason.
• Even though Article 15(4),(5) provides reservations for SC, ST, and OBC in higher education institutions , the Economic Survey 2018-19 points out their inadequate representation in these institutions.
• The suicide of Rohit Vemula, a Ph.D. scholar at the University of Hyderabad, in 2016 had brought forward the discrimination still existing in these institutions.
• Also, the representation of teachers at these levels is skewed against the backward class in spite of reservations. Article 16(4) provides for reservations of backward class in jobs.
• At the school level, poor children are primarily concentrated in government schools. The poor quality of government schools thus disproportionately affects these children and creates a vicious cycle of illiteracy.
• At the higher education level, the situation is more critical. One reason for the introduction of the National Medical Commission Bill is to curb the exorbitant fees charged by medical colleges.
• Youths coming out of the higher education system in India are not employable, as they lack relevant industry-level skills.
• India’s long-standing neglect of primary and secondary education has limited access to quality basic education. No skill development program can succeed without an underlying foundation of basic education.
• National Policy on  Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 (PMKVY) has shown disappointing results.
• Budget 2019-20  stated that the government enables about 10 million youth to take up industry-relevant skill training through the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The  Budget has also increased focus on  ‘new-age skills’  like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality, and Robotic.
• Currently, B Tech courses in AI are offered mostly in premier institutions only.
• The budget 2019-20 proposed the National Sports Education Board for the development of sportspersons under the  Khelo India program (2017).

Now we will look at each rung of the education ladder in India.

Early childhood education

• Early childhood education (ECE) is needed for  cognitive development in the early stage.
• Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)  has a component for providing ECE through Anganwadis . But lack of effective regulation in this sector is eroding the quality of ECE.
• There is a National Early Childhood Care and Education Policy 2013 . However, the policy has not been properly implemented.
• There are multiple service providers but there is no clarity in the types of services provided.
• The sprawling of an unregulated private channel, both organized and unorganized, which is also spreading to rural areas, has led to inequitable access, uneven quality, and commercialization of ECE.
• Both Anganwadis and private schools focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic rather than cognitive and conceptual development.
• There is a decline in the quality and training of teachers.
• S.R. Subramanian’s committee report has brought focus to the quality deterioration in this sector.

Primary level

• There is an increasing trend of parents choosing private schools for the primary level. However, there is variable quality in private schools. Also, fees vary from school to school and are on the higher side.
• Eschew rigid curricula and make them more cognitive and flexible. There should be a broader cognitive approach than rote learning.
• There is a need for activity-based learning. Teachers should teach at the right level, rather than teaching for the average learner.
• The government has launched Padhe Bharat Bade Bharat –  targeting early reading and writing. The twin-track  approach of comprehension and math is the main focus.
• There is a supply-side problem . The government is pumping funds through government schools thus increasing the number of schools and thus enrollment. However, quality and inclusiveness have dropped and dropout rates increased. These lead to poor learning outcomes.

School Complex

• RTE and SSA have resulted in over-access but low-quality primary-level education. Now the aim should be to integrate these into school complexes, as mentioned by the Kasturirangan committee report, thus rationalizing the number of schools in an area.
• The ‘Adarsh’ integrated school system of Rajasthan is an example of a school complex system . Here one school provides classes from l to XII under one principal. There is one such school in every gram panchayat.
• This is an efficient way to solve teacher shortages and also to address the shortages of secondary schools. It can also address the problem of resource scarcity by integrating and rationalizing resources.
• Inclusive learning can be furthered through school.
• Also, these complexes can act as a pivot around which new reforms in education can be implemented.

Secondary level

ASER Rural 2017: In 2017, ASER changed the age group of the survey from primary level to secondary level. The report mentions the following:

• Enrollment is low in this age group. There is a high digital divide at this level. Low quality also persists at this level. There is a high amount of absenteeism as well.
• There is a need to expand RTE to cover the 14-18 age groups.
• To realize the demographic dividend, skill education for these groups is necessary.

Economic Survey 2018-19 points out that Indian demography is changing and it requires more quality secondary education system rather than merely an increasing number of primary-level schools.

Private fees

• The vagueness in the judgment regarding ‘reasonable surplus’ and ‘commercialization’ of education has watered down the outcome of the judgment.
• There are state laws for capping fees. However, implementation problems and litigation make them ineffective.
• CAG report mentioned misreporting and mismanagement by private schools. So laws should address this problem through stricter inspection, penalties, etc.

Higher education

There is an increasing number of higher education institutions but their quality is questionable, effectively making ‘islands of excellence amidst the sea of mediocrity. Increased accessibility to a low-quality higher education system has made democratization of mediocrity.

Raghuram Rajan, the ex-RBI governor, argued that India needs idea factories and universities by leveraging India’s inherent strengths like tolerance, diversity, etc. He said that there is a need for strong accreditation agencies and continuing education.

Problems of the higher education system in India

• There is a dual problem of both quality and quantity. The gross enrollment ratio (GER) in higher education is only 24.5.
• Even though education policy had an elitist bias in favor of higher education, the state of the same is much worse than the state of school education. Unlike school education, there is no national survey of the learning levels of college students.
• The desired levels of research and internationalization of Indian campuses remain weak points.
• Also, there is a low philanthropic investment in this sector. This creates an exclusive dependency on government funding by universities. This, in turn, reduces the autonomy and vision of these universities.
• Privatization of higher education has not been led by philanthropy but the commercial interest that does not have a symbiotic relationship with the vision of universities.
• These have led to inadequate human capacity, shoddy infrastructure, and weak institutions. Recommendations of the Narayana Murthy committee,  on the role of the corporate sector in higher education, have not been implemented and thus channeling of CSR funds to higher education remains inadequate.
• Banks and financial institutions are not giving adequate attention to this area. Giving PSL status to these institutions can be considered.
• Indian higher education system is of a linear model with very little focus on specialization.
• UGC and AICTE act more as controllers of education than facilitators.
• Due to the mushrooming of colleges at a higher rate since the 1980s , there is a regulatory sprawl in higher education.
• Poor governance , with mindless  over-regulation , is widespread in this sector. Educational institutions responded to this with claims of academic and institutional autonomy for themselves, which was mostly a smokescreen for a culture of sloth in these institutions.
• There is a concentration of powers, as these regulatory institutions control all aspects like accreditation, curriculum setting, professional standard-setting, funding, etc.
• Compartmentalization and fragmentation of the knowledge system.
• Disconnect with society.
• Overemphasis on entrance tests.
• Absence of innovation in learning methods.
• Corrosion of autonomy of universities.
• For long basic disciplines across the physical and social sciences and humanities were ignored.
• However, the Economic Survey 2017-18 mentioned that there is an increase in Ph.D. enrolment in India in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) due to efforts by the government to increase the number and quantum of fellowships. However, there are still fewer researchers in India in comparison to other countries.
• Budget 2019-20 proposes ‘Study in India’  with a focus on bringing foreign students to higher educational institutions in India to make India a “hub of higher education.”
• Higher education institutions are used as rewards for loyalists and channels of graft by political parties in power.
• Indian higher education system is plagued by unregulated and shoddy coaching institutions. The coaching industry makes around Rs. 24000 crores a year in India. Proper regulation of the same is required.

Research and development (R&D)

Economic Survey 2017-18 stated: “To transform from net consumer to net producer of knowledge, India should invest in educating its youth in science and mathematics, reform the way R&D is conducted, engage the private sector and the Indian diaspora, and take a more mission-driven approach in areas such as dark matter, genomics, energy storage, agriculture, and mathematics and cyber-physical systems”.

• Although Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is consistently increasing, as a fraction of GDP it has been stagnant between 0.6-0.7  percent of GDP over the past two decades.
• The universities play a relatively small role in the research activities in India. There is a disconnection between research institutes and universities. This results in the compartmentalization of research activities and teaching into two separate silos.
• The  separation of research from teaching leads to a situation where universities  have students but need additional faculty support, while research institutes have qualified faculty but are starved of young students.
• India was, at one point, spending more on R&D as a percentage of GDP than countries like China – but currently, India under-spends on R&D.
• Doubling of R&D spending is necessary and much of the increase should come from the private sector and universities.

The need of the hour

• It is imperative to improve math and cognitive skills at the school level to make a difference at a higher level.
• There is a need to expand R&D in India and to go beyond paper presentations and patents to a broader contribution of providing value for society.
• There is also a need to encourage Investigator-led Research for funding science research.  Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) 2008,  a statutory body of DST, is a step in the right direction.
• 50:50 partnerships with SERB for industry-relevant research under the Ucchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) is the right way to go forward.
• It would strengthen state universities and provide knowledge in areas specific to a state.
• National Research Foundation,  to fund, coordinate, and promote research at the college level, is proposed by the Kasturirangan report. It is reiterated in Budget 2019-20 : NRF will ensure the overall research ecosystem in the country is strengthened with a focus on areas relevant to national priorities without duplication of effort and expenditure. The funds available with all Ministries will be integrated into NRF.
• Link national labs to universities and create new knowledge ecosystems. Together they can link up with the commercial sectors and help develop industrial clusters.
• National Mission on Dark Matter
• National Mission on Genomics
• National Mission on Energy Storage Systems
• National Mission on Mathematics
• National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems
• National Mission on Agriculture
• Ramanujan Fellowship Scheme.
• Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research ( INSPIRE ) Faculty Scheme.
• Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship.
• Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme ( VAJRA ).
• Improve the culture of research thus ‘ ease of doing research’. There is a need for less hierarchical governance systems that encourage risk-taking and curiosity in the pursuit of excellence.
• Greater public engagement of the science and research establishment is needed. A greater effort at science communication  is needed.

Government initiatives on higher education

The government is trying to revitalize the Indian higher education system and for this many initiatives have been launched. Let’s discuss the importance of them.

National Testing Agency (NTA) 2017

• NTA was set up for conducting entrance exams in higher educational institutions. It is based on the recommendations of the Ashok Mishra committee on IIT entrance 2015.
• It will conduct JEE, NEET, National Eligibility Test (NET), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT).
• It will provide diversity and plurality in higher education. It will also ensure independence and transparency in conducting the exams.
• However, it should be ensured that the computer-based test should not lead to further exploitation of rural students.
• NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test . It is for admissions in medical courses by replacing a plethora of medical entrance tests with one national-level test.
• Supreme Court had said that NEET should be the sole basis for admission to medical courses.
• There is a controversy about whether urban and CBSE students will dominate NEET. The government should pay heed to this criticism.
• In Tamil Nadu doctors serving in rural areas get weightage in PG admission. NEET will effectively dislodge this system.
• This controversy brought forward the conflict between the fair and transparent system of admission to curb the commercialization of medical education and the socioeconomic goals of the state, which in the case of Tamil Nadu includes ensuring enough doctors for rural areas.
• Controversy on NEET has brought the following question to the limelight: should uniformity be thrust upon a country with such vast disparity and diversity? The political leadership should iron out the differences and produce a suitable admission policy. This task should not be left to the judiciary.
• Be that as it may, states can’t remain insulated from the need to upgrade their education standard.

RUSA: Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan 2013

• About 94 % of students in higher education study in 369 State universities, whereas less than 6% of students study in 150 Centrally-funded institutions.
• 11th 5-year plan  (2007-12) opined that the center’s bias towards premier central institutions had skewed funding for these institutions mainly and thus neglected state-level institutions.
• State investment in higher education was declining. UGC’s system of direct release of funds to State institutions bypassing State governments also leads to a sense of alienation for the states.
• RUSA tried to correct this bias. The scheme aims at financing state institutions concerning their governance and performance.
• RUSA has shown the result in increasing the performance of state institutions and changing the way regulators function for the good. State Higher Education Council(SHEC)  made medium-long-term state perspective plans.
• Cabinet in 2018 decided to continue the scheme. A renewed focus by the center on RUSA will be a success only if it is impartially administered and states are willing to heed the advice of SHEC.

HECI: Higher Education Commission of India bill

• On the recommendation of the Yashpal Committee 2010 for renovation and rejuvenation of higher education, the National Commission on Higher Education and Research bill was introduced but was not passed.
• HECI was proposed to act as an overarching regulator of higher education by replacing UGC, which will maintain academic standards, approve new educational institutions, etc. but with no funding powers.
• Draft Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act) Bill, 2018 was introduced in 2018. Budget 2019-20 proposed to bring a bill on HECI this year.
• The draft bill had separated funding and placed it under MHRD. This was criticized for the fear of increasing political control and reducing the autonomy of universities.

IoE: Institutions of Eminence 2017

• Around 2005, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings started, and in 2009 the Academic Ranking of World Universities started. From India, only the Indian Institute of Science was included in the top 500 every year. This prompted the government to introduce NIRF and IoE.
• Under IoE, UGC was tasked to select 10 government universities and 10 private ones as IoE. These would be given autonomy in operations.
• Selected government institutions would be provided with ₹1,000 crore over five years.
• The IoE tag is expected to help them achieve the world’s top 500 higher education institutions in a decade and later into the top 100.
• Institutes among the top 50 in the National Institute Ranking Framework rankings or in the top 500 in international ratings were eligible.
• The model for the sector remains dependent on state patronage.
• Entry into the global education race could now become an overriding concern when many systemic issues are plaguing the sector.
• Funding only for public institutions is discriminatory.
• Humanities institutions were neglected.
• Transparency in the selection process, and the public sharing of benchmarks and guidelines. The furor over the selection of Jio Institute, even before it functioned, had attracted many eyeballs and criticisms.
• Separate category to include sectoral institutions like IIM.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2015

NIRF is a methodology adopted by the MHRD to rank higher education institutions in India.

• NIRF is common for public and private institutions as well as state and central institutions. Comparison of state-level colleges with central and private colleges may lead to a vicious cycle of low funding, poor performance, and low ranks among state-level institutions because of the resource gap.
• So performance index values should be normalized concerning investments and resources that have gone into that institution. Also should consider making another ranking system for state-level institutions.

HEFA: Higher Education Financing Agency 2018

Introduced in Budget 2018-19, HEFA is a joint venture of MHRD and Canara Bank

• With an initial capital base of Rs 1,000 crores, it will act as a not-for-profit organization that will leverage funds from the market and supplement them with donations and CSR funds. These funds will be used to finance improvement in infrastructure in top institutions.
• It has been tasked with raising ₹1 lakh crore to finance infrastructure improvements in higher education by 2022.

 Foreign Education Providers Bill 2013 

• There is no account of programs delivered by foreign universities in India. Inadequate regulation has led to low-quality courses offered in this sector.
• The foreign Institution bill was not been able to pass in Parliament. However,

EQUIP report has mentioned the revival of this bill.

There are many other schemes and initiatives like SWAYAM, which offers open online courses from Class IX to post-graduation free of cost, GIAN and IMPRINT which are primarily focused on elite institutes like IITs and IISc.

APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card

The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) is a transformative initiative introduced in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 and the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCrF).

It aims to provide a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India by assigning a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student, consolidating their academic achievements in one place.

Other Major Issues connected with the Education sector in India

The Indian education sector is also affected by other issues like the politicization of campuses, gender parity problems, poor-quality standards, etc.

Politicization of campuses

• JP movement had provided an impetus to the politicization of students.
• In Indian higher education institutions, university politics has become a launchpad for political ambitions.
• Though campus politics is vital for democracy, as it makes students better citizens, the negative side of the politicization of campuses has been visible across Indian campuses. Recent incidents at Kerala University are a case in point.
• One of the most important problems of student politics in India is that it acts as an appendage to political parties without having an independent identity or autonomy.

Gender Parity

• By parents → who send boys to private and girls to government schools. Economic Survey 2018-19: enrollment of girls is higher than that of boys in government schools but the pattern gets reversed in private schools. The gender gap in enrollment in private schools has consistently increased across age groups.
• By teachers → who reinforced the belief that boys are quick learners.
• Girls are eased out of school to work on home chores or get married.
• Economic Survey 2018-19 opines that BBBP has been a success and proposes to extend the cause of Gender equality by coining the slogan of BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay-Lakshmi) to enhance the contribution of women in the workforce and the economy.
• For ranking states based on gender disparity, Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girl’s Education was launched by MHRD.
• In higher education, gender disparities still prevail in enrollment.
• Efforts by the Government through programs like Beti Padhao, and Beti Bachao, the GPI has improved substantially at the primary and secondary levels of enrolment.

Quality of education

Learning outcomes are not assessed in India as numerical outcomes. The 12th Five-Year Plan noted the need for measuring and improving learning outcomes.

• Children of illiterate parents can’t supplement school studies at home and also can’t afford expensive tuition, leading to a vicious cycle of illiteracy.
• From 2014 to 2018, there was a gradual improvement in both basic literacy and numeracy for Class III students but only a quarter of them are at grade level (ability to read and do basic operations like subtraction of Class II level).
• The report also shows that 1 out of 4 children leaving Class VIII are without basic reading skills (ability to read at least a Class II level).

Government initiatives

• Central Rules under the RTE Act were amended in February 2017 to include the defined class-wise and subject-wise learning outcomes.
• Nationwide sub-program of SSA to improve comprehensive early reading, writing, and early mathematics programs for children in Classes I and II.

Teacher Training

• Teachers play the most critical role in a student’s achievement.
• The need is for better incentives for teachers, investments in teacher capacity through stronger training programs, and addressing the problems in the teaching-learning process.
• However, teachers in India, especially in government schools, are considered a cog in the way to efficient governance. There is an inadequate focus on their motivation and skill updation.
• NCERT study shows that there is no systematic incorporation of teacher feedback into designing pieces of training. Also, there is no mechanism to check whether this training is translated into classroom performance.
• These results in de-professionalizing the teaching profession and curb a teacher’s “internal responsibility” — the sense of duty to the job.
• World Development Report on Education (2018) opined that both teaching skills and motivation matter. Individually targeted continued training is important. In line with this, MHRD and the National Council for Teacher Education launched the National Teacher Platform, or Diksha in 2017 . It is a one-stop solution to address teacher competency gaps.
• However, the current training through Diksha follows a one-size-fits-all approach. Even though the platform is designed to democratize both access to and creation of content by teachers, its real benefits are in the ability to provide continuous professional development which complements existing physical training.
• This technology-enabled platform allows training to become a continuous activity rather than an annual event and also creates a feedback loop ensuring the effectiveness of the material.
• Diksha has the potential to re-engineer in-service teacher training in India. It is important to create good content and also to ensure technology consumption by teachers, the role of headmasters in promoting teachers’ professional development, etc.

As India participates in the PISA in 2021, it is to be made sure that we recognize the importance of teachers and their role in education outcomes.

Private Schools vs Public Schools: The Big Debate in Education

At least 30% of students between the 6-14 age groups are in the private sector.

• There is an increasing perception that the quality of teaching in private schools is better than that of public schools. Thus there is a clamour for increasing the number of private schools and simultaneously limiting public spending on government schools.
• However, the claim on the quality of private schools is debatable as there is a wide disparity of the same among these schools.

Research paper by Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, professor of education and international development at the Institute of Education, London, offers insights into private-public school education in India:

• The paper points out that between 2010-11 and 2015-16, the average enrolment in government schools declined from 122 to 108 students per school, while in private schools it rose from 202 to 208.
• Nevertheless, according to the District Information System for Education (DISE), 65% of all school-going children, 113 million, get their education from government schools.
• The study points out that the migration to private schools is due to the belief among parents that these schools offer better value for money in terms of quality.
• IndiaSpend, in 2016, reported that despite the Rs 1.16 lakh crore spent on SSA, the quality of learning declined between 2009 and 2014. It also points out that less than one in five elementary school teachers in India are trained. Also, the contractual teachers, who are high in number in government schools, are likely to be less motivated and accountable.
• Preference for private school tutoring is there.
• The quality of schools varies between states. In 2016, in Kerala, the proportion of children enrolled in primary government schools increased from 40.6% in 2014 to 49.9% according to ASER 2016.
• States with better-functioning government schools have more expensive private schools as there is no market for the ‘low-fee’ budget private schools. Around 80% of private schools in India are ‘low’ fee schools.
• ASER 2016 has shown small improvements in learning outcomes in government schools.
• Between 2010-11 and 2015-16, the number of private schools grew by 35% – to 0.30 million. On the other hand, the number of government schools grew only by 1%, to 1.04 million. The migration out of government schools has left many of these economically unviable.
• Government teachers in India earn four times that of China but don’t perform as well. Up to 80% of India’s public expenditure on education is spent on teachers. There is a need to link teacher salaries to their accountability.
• However, the salary of private teachers is very low compared to their government counterparts. This is due to the “bureaucratically-set high ‘minimum wage’, which is being influenced by strong unions of government school teachers.
• Another reason for the low salary of private school teachers is that the private education sector offers salaries based on market factors of demand and supply. Since 10.5% of graduates are unemployed in India, there is a high supply of teachers.
• Rather than merely increasing the budget outlay for education, the need is to revise the Education policy for better accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
• Gandhi argued that a Public-private partnership (PPP) model may be the solution, with public sector funding and private resources for education, since reforming the present system may not be politically feasible.

Rather than debating about private versus public schools, the focus should be to  enable the private sector to set up more schools under the scrutiny of regulatory authorities. There is no point in driving off the private initiative in schooling given the limited resources of the states. Private investment should be encouraged but made accountable for quality and conduct.

The above discussion showed the challenges of the Indian education system. A workforce that India wants to create in this digital age requires reforms in education at all levels. UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2016 opined that India is expected to achieve universal primary education in 2050. India is 50 years late in achieving its global education commitments. If the nation wants fundamental changes in the education system, it has to meet the 2030 SDG targets on education. There is an urgent requirement for greater evolution in education in India.

Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP): How to transform Education in India?

EQUIP is a  five-year vision plan on education, released by MHRD, by  the Prime Minister’s decision to create a five-year vision plan for each Ministry.

The EQUIP project is crafted by ten expert groups led by experts within and outside the government:

• Group 1: Strategies for expanding access
• Group 2: Towards global best teaching/learning process
• Group 3: Promoting Excellence
• Group 4: Governance reforms
• Group 5: Assessment, Accreditation, and Ranking Systems
• Group 6: Promotion of research and innovation
• Group 7: Employability and Entrepreneurship
• Group 8: Using Technology for Better Reach
• Group 9: Internationalisation
• Group 10: Financing Higher Education

The groups have suggested initiatives to transform the education system completely. The goals set by the groups are:

• Double GER in higher education and resolve the geographically and socially skewed access to higher education institutions.
• Upgrade the quality of education to global standards.
• Position at least 50 Indian institutions among the top 1000 global universities.
• Introduce governance reforms in higher education for well-administered campuses.
• Accreditation of all institutions as an assurance of quality.
• Promote Research and Innovation ecosystems for positioning India in the top three countries in the world in matters of knowledge creation.
• Double the employability of the students passing out of higher education.
• Harness education technology for expanding the reach and improving pedagogy.
• Promote India as a global study destination.
• Achieve a quantum increase in investment in higher education.

We can see that each of the above goals has been known to us for a long time. The problem is its implementation. The political class and all other stakeholders should come together to achieve these goals. The plethora of government initiatives on higher education is a sure sign of the importance given by the political class in the reform of the education system of India. Let’s hope that a new dawn of Indian education is around the corner which will bring back the glory of ancient times when India was the centre of knowledge production.

As the Economic Survey 2016-17 points out, lack of health, malnourishment, etc. affects the cognitive ability of children. This will, in turn, have a detrimental effect on their future educational prospects. This leads to a vicious cycle of inter-generational illiteracy, poor health, and ultimately poverty. So education and health are complementary to each other and reforms in one sector should invariably be preceded and followed by reforms in other sectors. Human development as a whole can be considered as a wholesome development and we must appreciate the interlinkages of each section of human capital formation, be it health, education, digital literacy, skills, etc.

Also read: PM-USHA

In the larger domain of human capital , education, and skill development have a big role.

Census 2011 data on literacy gives us a quick perspective on the current status of education. However, education is not just about literacy.

RTE act acts as a cornerstone for Indian education. Nevertheless, it is the various education policies, charted out since Independence, which led to the historical evolution of the education system in India.

The results of these policies can be said to be mixed. There is still a lot of room for improvement.

There are various government initiatives targeting each level of the education system in India. The higher Education System is given a greater focus these days.

The latest update in the education sector is the Kasturirangan report or draft new education policy . It captures the need of the hour for reforming education.

The modern Indian education system is crying for a revamp. The draft New Education Policy (NEP) is the right moment to take stock of its history, achievements, and misgivings to chart out a futuristic education plan for 21st-century India.

Article by  Sethu  Krishnan M, curated by ClearIAS Team

Aim IAS, IPS, or IFS?

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

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.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

November 27, 2019 at 10:33 pm

Wow what the largest matter of education is?. Very nice thank u sir

November 28, 2019 at 12:09 pm

Nice article but it is too long we need around 400 words which explains education in india,challenges,way forward only It is very hard to remember and segrate from given imp because all points look like imp please try to make it around 400 words only

November 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm

@MKM – The aim was to cover almost everything about Education in India as a comprehensive post. The post covers: (a) History of Education in India (b) Current Status of Education in India: Data from Census 2011 (c) RTE Act (d) Various Educational Policies in the past (e) The New National Educational Policy (NEP) (f) The Problems associated with the Education System in India (g) Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP): How to transform Education in India?

Though ClearIAS prefers short and crisp articles, for important areas like Education, we felt a detailed write-up would be useful.

Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to create concise articles as well.

November 28, 2019 at 12:35 pm

Good Source thank you Team.

November 28, 2019 at 1:56 pm

November 28, 2019 at 2:41 pm

November 29, 2019 at 7:45 am

This is a very nice and comprehensive information on education.

November 29, 2019 at 2:21 pm

Such a nice article sir thank you..

December 16, 2019 at 5:31 pm

March 30, 2020 at 12:48 pm

Sir,a small corrrection regarding literacy rate ranking, Kerala (93%)tops its followed by Lakshadweep(92 %), Mizoram (91 %) , Tripura (87.7 %) and Goa (87.4 %) as 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places repectively according to 2011 census.

June 16, 2020 at 12:20 am

Excellent Work

August 31, 2020 at 1:14 pm

Thank you vry much team.🤗 You provide excellent data ,analysis,facts,etc…evrything at one doc.

November 16, 2020 at 10:47 pm

Absolutely amazing stuff. Can’t believe.. Thanks from the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️

May 27, 2021 at 12:38 pm

Great article about Education ​very informative thanks for sharing

May 31, 2021 at 11:55 pm

Well and easy to understand…thank u for the team

September 12, 2021 at 10:37 am

Very good and such a broad information thank u 💖.. Lots of love

December 16, 2021 at 11:10 am

Need to update with current data eg how much percentage of school/ children get access of online education in pandemic Era COVID challanges others family support etc thank

January 28, 2022 at 10:32 am

Thank you so much for your birthday support

February 27, 2022 at 5:33 pm

good information

June 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Nice article very informative…traditional classroom study should be changed into a smart classroom online

July 14, 2022 at 8:55 pm

December 18, 2022 at 1:05 am

Absolute coverage article, Kindly keep it up for your determined spectators.

May 28, 2023 at 9:10 pm

desserstation on education/slums/miagration par hindi me pdf mil sakta hai

January 23, 2024 at 8:06 pm

The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of India’s education system, highlighting its pyramid structure and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. Constitutional provisions like Article 21A and the RTE Act aim for universal education. However, the RTE Act faces criticism. To enhance educational outcomes, addressing these concerns and ensuring effective implementation are imperative. Schools in Pataudi Gurgaon focus on quality, inclusivity, and overcoming criticisms can lead Indian education to new heights. Thank You Samriddhi Sharma

February 7, 2024 at 7:44 pm

It’s crucial to delve into the challenges confronting the Indian education sector and understand the constitutional framework and policies guiding it. Exploring these aspects sheds light on the complexities and opportunities within the system. However, it’s equally important to consider how these discussions translate into action at the grassroots level, especially in local communities like Rajajinagar, Bangalore. How are schools in rajajinagar bangaloreaddressing these systemic issues and implementing reforms to ensure quality education for all students? This intersection of policy discourse and on-the-ground realities is where meaningful change happens.

March 8, 2024 at 6:22 am

Is there any data on how many states provide free education to girls till grade X and how many provide it till grade XII?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

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

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• IAS Exam Eligibility
• UPSC Free Study Materials
• UPSC Exam Guidance
• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Prelims
• UPSC Interview
• UPSC Toppers
• UPSC Previous Year Qns
• UPSC Age Calculator
• UPSC Calendar 2024
• About ClearIAS
• ClearIAS Programs
• ClearIAS Fee Structure
• IAS Coaching
• UPSC Coaching
• UPSC Online Coaching
• ClearIAS Blog
• Important Updates
• Announcements
• Book Review
• ClearIAS App
• Work with us
• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

Take ClearIAS Mock Exams: Analyse Your Progress

Analyse Your Performance and Track Your All-India Ranking

Ias/ips/ifs online coaching: target cse 2025.

Are you struggling to finish the UPSC CSE syllabus without proper guidance?

• UPSC IAS Exam Pattern
• UPSC IAS Prelims
• UPSC IAS Mains
• UPSC IAS Interview
• UPSC IAS Optionals
• UPSC Notification
• UPSC Eligibility Criteria
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Admit Card
• UPSC Results
• UPSC Cut-Off
• UPSC Calendar
• Documents Required for UPSC IAS Exam
• UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus
• General Studies 1
• General Studies 2
• General Studies 3
• General Studies 4
• UPSC IAS Interview Syllabus
• UPSC IAS Optional Syllabus

Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018)

The initial paper in the UPSC mains examination is the Essay (Paper I). In this section, candidates who have qualified in the prelims stage must compose two essays from a selection of provided topics. The paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List. This article compiles all the essay topics presented in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. Additionally, we have organized the essay questions from the last 25 years into distinct topics to facilitate your preparation.

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• 1994: The nexus of politics, bureaucracy, and business – a lethal trio.
• 1995: Politics bereft of ethics spells disaster.
• 1996: The VIP cult poses a detriment to Indian democracy.
• 1996: Advocating the necessity for transparency in public administration.
• 2000: Addressing the nation’s imperative for an improved disaster management system.
• 2003: Guidelines on the conduct expected of a civil servant.

Democracy/India since independence

• 1995: The trajectory of Indian democracy—where does it lead?
• 1997: Unlearned lessons in fifty years of independence.
• 2000: Reasons to take pride in our Indian identity.
• 2001: Assessing the gains from our democratic framework.
• 2003: Evaluating the effectiveness of democracy in delivering positive outcomes in India.
• 2008: Exploring national identity and patriotism.
• 2012: Examining the evolutionary significance of ‘Swadhinata,’ ‘Swaraj,’ and ‘Dharmarajya’ in the context of Gandhiji’s views and their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy.
• 2013: Is India’s success hindered by a lingering colonial mentality?
• 2015: Aspirations that should keep India awake.
• 2018: Navigating the intricate challenge of managing Indian border disputes.

Economic growth and development

• 1999: Managing resources in the Indian context.
• 2013: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alongside GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) as apt measures for assessing a country’s well-being.
• 2014: The hindrance to our country’s growth—was it policy paralysis or implementation inertia?
• 2015: Assessing the crisis in India—moral or economic in nature.
• 2016: Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms.
• 2016: The digital economy: An equalizer or a source of economic inequality.
• 2016: Identifying innovation as the pivotal factor influencing economic growth and social welfare.
• 2017: Examining the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.

Federalism, Decentralisation

• 1998: Tracing the language problem in India—its historical evolution, current status, and future prospects.
• 2004: Advocating for central government control over water resources.
• 2007: Assessing the effectiveness of the panchayati raj system in India in empowering the people.
• 2007: Examining whether autonomy is the optimal solution to counter balkanization.
• 2011: The establishment of smaller states and its resultant administrative, economic, and developmental implications.
• 2016: Cooperative federalism in India: Myth or reality?
• 2016: Exploring water disputes between states in federal India.

Indian Culture & Society

• 1994: The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture.
• 1996: Emerging cults and spiritual leaders posing a challenge to traditional religion.
• 1998: Examining the mosaic of India’s composite culture.
• 1999: Contemporary youth culture in focus.
• 2000: Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
• 2000: Indian culture today—myth or reality?
• 2003: Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline.
• 2010: From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model—natural progression or paradigm shift?
• 1997: Exploring the realm of judicial activism.
• 2004: Investigating the intersection of judicial activism and Indian democracy.
• 2005: Advocating for the imperative that justice extends to the impoverished.

Social justice/Poverty

• 1999: Reservation, politics, and the pursuit of empowerment.
• 2005: Envisioning food security as a foundation for sustainable national development.
• 2009: The disproportionate focus of healthcare on the privileged segments of our society.
• 2017: The diminishing capacity of farming to serve as a subsistence source for the majority of Indian farmers.
• 2018: Recognizing poverty anywhere as a menace to prosperity everywhere.

Media & Society

• 1998: The misinterpretation and abuse of freedom in India.
• 1999: Mass media and its impact on cultural invasion.
• 2002: The democratic role and responsibility of the media.
• 2007: Examining the cultural shift in Indian mindsets brought about by satellite television.
• 2008: The contribution of media to fostering good governance.
• 2011: Assessing whether Indian cinema shapes our popular culture or simply mirrors it.
• 2014: Contemplating whether sting operations constitute an invasion of privacy.

Environment/Urbanisation

• 1997: Unraveling the hidden benefits of urbanization.
• 2006: Asserting the crucial role of safeguarding ecology and the environment for sustained economic development.
• 2008: Exploring the perils associated with urbanization.
• 2010: Debating the imposition of a moratorium on new mining activities in tribal areas of the country.
• 2017: Acknowledging the inevitability of succumbing to natural laws despite challenging human laws.

Economic sectors/MNCs

• 1994: Multinational corporations—saviors or underminers.
• 2006: Contemplating the potential demise of small-scale industries in India due to globalization.
• 2007: The surge of BPOs in India.
• 2008: Evaluating the Special Economic Zone—benefit or detriment?
• 2009: Pondering the fate of our traditional handicrafts, destined for a gradual decline.
• 2012: Scrutinizing the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model is more of a curse than a blessing in the Indian context.
• 2014: Exploring the prospect of tourism as the next major venture for India.
• 1995: Overhauling the structure of the Indian education system.
• 1996: Noting the rapid increase in literacy without corresponding growth in education.
• 2001: Questioning the relevance of traditional classrooms.
• 2002: Examining the privatization of higher education in India.
• 2002: Navigating the intersection of modern technological education and human values.
• 2005: Reflecting on the essence of real education.
• 2006: Investigating the “Education for All” campaign in India—myth or reality.
• 2007: Advocating for the cultivation of independent thinking from early childhood.
• 2008: Contemplating whether educating the masses can pave the way for an egalitarian society.
• 2011: Assessing the status, opportunities, and challenges of the credit-based higher education system.
• 2014: Evaluating the impact of growing competition on the youth.
• 2014: Questioning the effectiveness of standardized tests as a measure of academic ability or progress.
• 2015: Highlighting the limitations of education without values.
• 2017: Acknowledging the pivotal role of classrooms in shaping the destiny of a nation.
• 1995: Unveiling the emerging power of women: the realities on the ground.
• 1997: Asserting that greater political power alone won’t improve the plight of women.
• 1998: Contemplating woman as God’s finest creation.
• 1999: Delving into the challenges and prospects of women’s empowerment.
• 2001: Emphasizing that empowerment alone cannot fully uplift our women.
• 2004: Questioning the trajectory of women’s emancipation.
• 2005: Imagining a world where women rule.
• 2005: Acknowledging the influential role of the hand that rocks the cradle.
• 2006: Advocating for the Women’s Reservation Bill as a catalyst for empowerment in India.
• 2012: Evaluating whether the Indian working woman receives a fair deal in managing work and home.
• 2016: Stating that if development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• 2017: Dispelling the myth of the fulfillment of the ‘new woman’ in India.

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• 1994: Youth is a mistake, manhood a challenge, old age a remorse.
• 1994: A purposeless life is an untimely demise.
• 1995: Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life force of civilization.
• 1995: When money speaks, the truth remains silent.
• 1995: Our actions define us as much as we shape our actions.
• 1996: Truth is something to be lived, not just taught.
• 1997: True religion cannot be misappropriated.
• 2002: The pursuit of truth is inherently a spiritual challenge.
• 2002: The paths of glory ultimately lead to the grave.
• 2002: If youth possessed knowledge, if age possessed capability.
• 2003: Nothing is inherently good or bad; it is our perceptions that shape it.
• 2013: Be the change you wish to witness in others.
• 2014: With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• 2014: Words have a sharper impact than a two-edged sword.
• 2015: Extending a helping hand is superior to merely giving charity.
• 2018: The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• 2018: Reality may not conform to the ideal, but it affirms it.
• 2007: Attitude shapes habits, habits form character, and character defines a person.
• 2008: Discipline paves the way to success, while anarchy leads to ruin.
• 2015: The character of an institution is a reflection of its leader.
• 2016: Need fosters greed, and an increase in greed tarnishes the lineage.
• 2017: Joy is the purest expression of gratitude.
• 2018: A fulfilling life is one fueled by love and steered by knowledge.
• 2018: A society that prioritizes privileges over principles forfeits both.
• 2018: Traditional morality cannot serve as a guide for modern living.

Globalisation

• 1994: Modernization and Westernization are distinct concepts.
• 1998: Envisioning the world in the twenty-first century.
• 2000: Unraveling the implications of globalization for India.
• 2001: Articulating my vision of an ideal world order.
• 2003: Unmasking the facades of new imperialism.
• 2004: Assessing the impact of globalization on Indian culture.
• 2009: Contemplating the clash between ‘Globalization’ and ‘Nationalism.’
• 2010: Evaluating the readiness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

Science & Tech

• 1997: The contemporary physician and their relationship with patients.
• 1999: Embedding values in science and education.
• 2001: Examining the progress of science and its impact on human values.
• 2003: Exploring the interplay between spirituality and scientific temper.
• 2004: The magnetic appeal of space.
• 2012: Debating the compatibility of Science and Mysticism.
• 2013: Asserting that science and technology serve as the cure-all for the nation’s growth and security.
• 2015: Emphasizing that technology cannot replace human manpower.
• 2018: Advocating for alternative technologies to build a climate change-resilient India.

Internet/IT

• 2000: The allure and challenges of the cyberworld.
• 2006: The rise of computerization and its potential to foster a dehumanized society.
• 2016: Reflecting on the long-term impact of cyberspace and the Internet on human civilization—blessing or curse?
• 2017: Contending that social media, by its nature, is a self-centered medium.

International organisations /relations

• 1996: The restructuring of the UNO as a reflection of current realities.
• 2004: Analyzing India’s contribution to fostering ASEAN cooperation.
• 2006: Assessing the significance of the Indo-US nuclear agreement.
• 2017: Questioning the continued relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in a multipolar world.
• 2005: The impact of terrorism on global peace.
• 2009: Examining whether we are a ‘soft’ state.
• 2009: Asserting the value of well-defined boundaries in fostering good relations between neighbors.
• 2011: Recognizing the importance of both human intelligence and technical intelligence in addressing terrorism in the Indian context.

Miscellaneous

• 1998: India’s impact on global wisdom.
• 2001: The quest for excellence.
• 2010: Geography may be constant, but history is subject to change.
• 2014: Aspiring for fifty gold medals in the Olympics—can India turn this into a reality?
• 2015: Embracing the strategy of swift yet consistent progress.

Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018) FAQS

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc.

 Essay writing not only checks your ability to understand the topic but also how well you can explain the same. While preparing for any subject, keep making notes. Read editorial articles in newspapers like The Hindu. Listen to analysis of particular topics on Rajya Sabha TV. There is no shortcut to master the essay, it is all about regular practice.

Q 2. Does handwriting matter in UPSC?

If the answer is good and the handwriting is not good, then there is a possibility of being at a state of disadvantage because the person who evaluates your paper will be evaluating thousands of other papers. Hence, to make sure that your evaluator has not missed out on any piece of information that you have written, it is better to have good and legible handwriting.

3.  What is the format of the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination?

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper (Paper I), which is the initial paper in the exam.

4. How many essays are candidates required to write in the Essay paper?

Candidates are required to compose two essays from a selection of provided topics in the Essay paper.

5. How many marks does the Essay paper hold, and how does it contribute to the Final Merit List?

The Essay paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List.

6. What is the time duration for the Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination?

The time duration for the Essay paper is not specified, but candidates are advised to manage their time effectively.

7. Can candidates choose any topic for their essays, or are there specific topics provided?

Candidates must choose two essay topics from a selection of provided topics.

8. How are the essay topics categorized in the provided list?

The essay topics from the last 25 years are categorized into distinct topics such as Administration, Democracy/India since independence, Economic growth and development, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian Culture & Society, Judiciary, Social justice/Poverty, Media & Society, Environment/Urbanisation, Economic sectors/MNCs, Education, Women, Quotes-based/Philosophy, Character, Globalisation, Science & Tech, Internet/IT, International organisations/relations, Security, and Miscellaneous.

9. What are some examples of essay topics related to Indian Culture & Society?

Examples include “The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture,” “Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline,” and “Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.”

10. Are there specific essay topics related to Economics and Development?

Yes, essay topics related to Economics and Development include “Managing resources in the Indian context,” “Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms,” and “Exploring the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.”

11. How can candidates prepare for the essay paper effectively?

Candidates can prepare by reviewing and understanding essay topics from previous years, practicing essay writing, and staying updated on current affairs and relevant issues.

12. Are there any specific guidelines for essay writing provided by UPSC?

While specific guidelines are not mentioned, candidates are expected to express their thoughts coherently, provide well-reasoned arguments, and adhere to the given word limit. It is advisable to maintain clarity, conciseness, and a balanced perspective in essay writing.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.  

For UPSC Prelims Resources,  Click here

For Daily Updates and Study Material:

Join our Telegram Channel –  Edukemy for IAS

• 1. Learn through Videos –  here
• 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs –  here
• 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered –  here
• 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice –  here

Visit our YouTube Channel –  here

• Top-notch strategies to follow to crack the UPSC exam
• What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (150 Words 10 Marks)
• UPSC Interview: Common mistakes candidates make
• Decline of Mughals – What can Civil Servants learn from it?

Edukemy Team

What are the sources to refer for upsc history, upsc daily current affairs – 15th march 2024, upsc indian polity notes, upsc topper 2023 – air 6 srishti dabas , upsc prelims 2015 – question 94, upsc prelims 2015 – question 90, how to get rid of stress during upsc exam preparation..., upsc topper 2023 – air 9 nausheen , upsc prelims 2015 – question 77, how to read the newspaper for upsc preparation, step-by-step explained, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies Got it

Keep me signed in until I sign out

Forgot your password?

A new password will be emailed to you.

Have received a new password? Login here

Win up to 100% Scholarship

• UPSC Online
• UPSC offline and Hybrid
• UPSC Optional Coaching
• UPPCS Online
• BPSC Online
• MPSC Online
• MPPSC Online
• WBPSC Online
• OPSC Online
• UPPCS Offline Coaching
• BPSC Offline Coaching
• UPSC Test Series
• State PSC Test Series
• DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
• SUBJECT WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
• DAILY EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
• DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
• Daily Prelims(MCQs) Practice
• Daily Mains Answer Writing
• Free Resources

• Offline Centers
• NCERT Notes
• UDAAN Notes
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Prelims PYQs
• UPSC Mains PYQs
• Prelims Preparation

UPSC Essay Topics: Structure and Effective Writing Strategies

Crack the UPSC Essay Topics with insights on Paper, structure, and effective writing strategies. Exploring the exam format, marks distribution, and practice tips for success. Get a list of previously asked UPSC essay topics and expected themes for 2024. Boost your essay writing skills with valuable information on word limits, sections, and scoring.

Know about UPSC Essay Topics and Exam 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 Essay paper. Every year UPSC mains essay papers have UPSC Essay Topics relevant to current scenarios. So, in this article, we will explore every aspect of the Essay paper and probable UPSC Essay Topics. Before going further let’s see the structure of the UPSC exam .

Marks Distribution of Mains examination: The 250-Mark Weightage of UPSC Essay Topics

• Each UPSC Essay Topics of the main UPSC exam has an equal weight of 250 marks. 
• So, essay papers have a weight of 250 marks, and marks scored on the essay papers were considered for evaluation.

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics: Practice Strategies and Important Topics

• Practicing for UPSC Essay Topics: Tackling Changing Topics with Practice
• UPSC Essay topics of the UPSC mains exam change every year, so it becomes quite challenging for candidates to decide which UPSC Essay Topics they will face in the exam. It can be about things like how the economy is doing, how women can be stronger, art and culture, or how the media affects us. To make some predictions of UPSC Essay Topics from previous years question papers can be used. 
• It is a good idea to look at the essay questions from previous years to get an idea of what might be asked. 
• This will help candidates to practice writing essays and do well in the exam. With enough practice, candidates can excel in writing essays for the UPSC exam.
• So here we will see the UPSC Essay Topics from the previous year’s question papers and will give a list of probable UPSC Essay Topics which can be asked in the coming exam.

Expected UPSC Essay Topics for Paper 2024: UPSC Essay Topics and Writing Skills

For better practice we are putting some expected questions on which candidates can write an UPSC Essay Topics to brush up their essay writing skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do upsc essay topics get repeated, how many essay questions are asked in the upsc essay paper, what if the candidate exceeds the word limit of the essay paper, how can i write a good essay for upsc.

UPDATED :     

Recommended For You

NDA 2 2024 Notification, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Syl...

UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024

UPSC Mains Cutoff – Check Out The Last 5 Years UPSC Cu...

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper, Pattern and Trend Analysis!

UPSC Mains GS 3 Paper, Subject-wise Breakdown, Trends!

UPSC Mains GS 2 Paper Analysis, Subjects Weightage and Trend...

Latest comments.

UPSC Results 2024 Live, Result Declared, Down...

UPSC CSE Final Result 2024 – Prelims, M...

UPSC Topper 2024 – Download List, Marks...

Recent posts, nda 2 2024 notification, application form, ex..., upsc mains cutoff – check out the last ..., upsc mains gs 4 paper, pattern and trend anal..., upsc mains gs 3 paper, subject-wise breakdown..., archive calendar.

THE MOST LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

Our Courses

Our initiatives, beginner’s roadmap, quick links.

PW-Only IAS came together specifically to carry their individual visions in a mission mode. Infusing affordability with quality and building a team where maximum members represent their experiences of Mains and Interview Stage and hence, their reliability to better understand and solve student issues.

Subscribe our Newsletter

Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.

Contact Details

G-Floor,4-B Pusha Road, New Delhi, 110060

• +91 9920613613
• [email protected]

Download Our App

Biginner's roadmap, suscribe now form, fill the required details to get early access of quality content..

Join Us Now

(Promise! We Will Not Spam You.)

CURRENT AF.

<div class="new-fform">

Select centre Online Mode Hybrid Mode PWonlyIAS Delhi (ORN) PWonlyIAS Delhi (MN) PWonlyIAS Lucknow PWonlyIAS Patna Other

Select course UPSC Online PSC ONline UPSC + PSC ONLINE UPSC Offline PSC Offline UPSC+PSC Offline UPSC Hybrid PSC Hybrid UPSC+PSC Hybrid Other

</div>

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Indian Exams /

UPSC Essay Topics

• Updated on  
• May 30, 2023

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, and so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) gets efficient candidates on board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview . Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such tests without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay topics and their related components. 

This Blog Includes:

Upsc exam dates 2023, general overview , upsc essay topics previous years, upsc essay topics-important areas, upsc essay topics in english, essay topics on arguments for or against , essay reports for 200 words, 2019 essays, 2018 essays, other upsc essay topics, what is upsc looking for in an essay, how to make transition from one para to another, read essays, topper tips for upsc essay writing.

The following are the important dates for the UPSC exam in 2023:

UPSC is India’s apex body that recruits candidates across the country for All India Group A & Group B central services. While prelims is an objective type of paper, the UPSC mains comprises nine subjective papers including an essay paper. Candidates have to write two UPSC essays on the allocated topics with a word count of 1000-1200. 

Have a Look at the Public Administration Syllabus for UPSC !

It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC essay topics which were widely asked in previously based question papers. Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay topics, you need to start practising:

Now that you have got the list of important UPSC essay topics, have a look at the History Questions for UPSC & SSC Exams !

Usually, the UPSC Essay questions cover these areas:

• Media & Society
• Philosophies
• Environment/urbanization
• Social justice/poverty
• Economic sector
• Indian Culture & Society
• Administration
• Cauvery Water Dispute
• Satluj Yamuna Link Canal case
• The Inter-State River Water Amendment Bill
• Agricultural schemes of the government in the era of farmer suicide:
• effectiveness of the schemes
• Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme
• Apolitical Education
• Politics and the Degradation of the education system
• Frequent changes in educational curriculum
• The higher education system and its issues
• CSR funds for skill enhancement
• National Policy for skill development
• Current environmental crisis due to extensive population growth
• Lack of initiatives and policymaking to save the environment
• The impact of globalization on the environment
• The unrecognised slum areas and the slum dwellers
• Unequal economic distribution
• Revolution of technology
• Demographic dividend
• The position of India against China
• The modern Foreign policy
• International relations- changing nature
• Fast track diplomacy and Para diplomacy
• Basic income and subsidy policy
• Can subsidies eradicate poverty?
• The debate over nationalism
• The effect of global capitalism
• UN multilateralism and its role
• Universal civil code
• Agriculture
• Impaired food security
• UPI, BHIM, and ADHAAR linkage and cyber security
• BRICS developmental bank and its policy
• The anti-western attitude
• The China factor
• The pollution in urban areas
• Threatening diseases and health hazards
• Progressive thoughts regarding religious beliefs
• Social mobility
• Artificial intelligence

Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

• Emerging Threats to India’s Internal Security
• Crime against women is an expression of male domination
• Crisis of Credibility in Indian Electronic Media
• Securing India’s International Borders is a Challenging exercise for the Indian Armed Forces
• Parenting in a competitive Indian Society is a challenge
• Ensuring social justice is a human right
• Life is a Long Journey between Human Beings and Being Humane
• Mindful Manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
• Technology is the silent factor in the international relations
• Solitude during a Pandemic is not welcome
• Political awareness amongst the social elite is inconsequential
• Provision for Primary Education Sector in the New Education Policy
• Impact of the Agricultural Laws on Farmers

Here are the previous year’s questions for UPSC Exam:

• Wisdom finds Truth
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• Courage to accept and dedication to improving are two keys to success
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural culture and plural identities
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
• Biased Media is a real threat to the Indian Democracy
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and Upskilling
• The Earth is not for Humans Only
• The Impact of Social Media on Social Relationships
• Role of the Indian Army in Nation Building
• Alternative Technologies for a climate change resilient India
• A good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes- a complex task
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• People that value privilege above principle lose both
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it
• Civil wrong emerging from religious bigotry, constitutionally punishable
• Reservation suppresses civil dynamism
• Privacy is an elitist Idea

Must Read: Beginner’s Guide to Writing an Essay

Now that you have a clear picture of the major UPSC essay topics, we have another set of current affair-based topics for you:

• Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
• India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
• COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
• Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy
• Importance of Skilling the Youth of the Nation
• New India at 75
• The Future of TV Channels with the Advent of OTT Platforms
• Impact of Work From Home on Employees’ Health
• Remote Working vs Working From Office
• Environment vs Growth
• Cyberspace and Internet
• Digital Economy

You will be asked to write answers to different essays on the question. Your essay should be closer to the subject and organize ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. In UPSC Exam, your marks are only based on the content however, the examiner will pay attention to your grammar, coherence and the manner in which you have structured your content.

Making proper transitions from one paragraph to another is important. It can be done in three ways:

• Create a connection sentence at the end of the paragraph.
• Add a question at the end of the paragraph to create interest for the next paragraph.
• Use transition words to signal a change in the paragraph.
• Speech on Fear
• Essay on India
• Importance of Social Media
• Child Labour
• Essay on Digital India
• Essay On Sikkim
• Save Electricity Essay: Format & Samples
• Essay on Education System
• Essay on Global Warming
• Essay on Internet

Apurva Pandey from batch 2017 shared her topper tips on how to prepare and write essays for UPSC.

In UPSC exams, there will be 2 essay questions for which you have to write essays within 1000-1200 words each.

The IAS exam usually consists of topics related to general awareness. For a clear insight, you can refer to the aforementioned UPSC essay topics.

The latest topics for essay writing are: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?; India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality? COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities; Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy, etc

Hopefully, this blog on UPSC essay topics has helped you with a clear understanding of the way forward. To read informative articles like this one, keep following Leverage Edu !

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

• Education News

UPSC Prelims 2024 on June 16: 8 tips to master Current Affairs for this exam

Visual Stories

Call us @ 08069405205

Search Here

• An Introduction to the CSE Exam
• Personality Test
• Annual Calendar by UPSC-2024
• Common Myths about the Exam
• About Insights IAS
• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Director's Desk
• Meet Our Team
• Our Branches
• Careers at Insights IAS
• Daily Current Affairs+PIB Summary
• Insights into Editorials
• Insta Revision Modules for Prelims
• Current Affairs Quiz
• Static Quiz
• Current Affairs RTM
• Insta-DART(CSAT)
• Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Prelims 2024
• Secure (Mains Answer writing)
• Secure Synopsis
• Ethics Case Studies
• Insta Ethics
• Weekly Essay Challenge
• Insta Revision Modules-Mains
• Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Mains
• Secure (Archive)
• Anthropology
• Law Optional
• Kannada Literature
• Public Administration
• English Literature
• Medical Science
• Mathematics
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Monthly Magazine: CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
• Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• InstaMaps: Important Places in News
• Weekly CA Magazine
• The PRIME Magazine
• Insta Revision Modules-Prelims
• Insta-DART(CSAT) Quiz
• Insta 75 days Revision Tests for Prelims 2022
• Insights SECURE(Mains Answer Writing)
• Interview Transcripts
• Previous Years' Question Papers-Prelims
• Answer Keys for Prelims PYQs
• Solve Prelims PYQs
• Previous Years' Question Papers-Mains
• UPSC CSE Syllabus
• Toppers from Insights IAS
• Testimonials
• Felicitation
• UPSC Results
• Indian Heritage & Culture
• Ancient Indian History
• Medieval Indian History
• Modern Indian History
• World History
• World Geography
• Indian Geography
• Indian Society
• Social Justice
• International Relations
• Agriculture
• Environment & Ecology
• Disaster Management
• Science & Technology
• Security Issues
• Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

• Indian Heritage & Culture
• Enivornment & Ecology

[Mission 2024] STATIC QUIZ, 18 May 2024 – Art and Culture

Quiz-summary.

0 of 5 questions completed

Information

We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, ( 0 )

• Not categorized 0%

1 . Question

Consider the following statements regarding the development of architecture during Mughal period.

• Use of red sandstone is the chief feature of architecture during Akbar’s time.
• Humayun’s tomb is an example for Charbagh style.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• c) Both 1 and 2
• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: c)

The chief feature of the architecture of Akbar’s time was the use of red sandstone.

Humayun’s garden-tomb is an example of the charbagh (a four quadrant garden with the four rivers of Quranic paradise represented), with pools joined by channels.

2 . Question

Which of the following famous images/sculpture are likely to be found in Ajanta caves?

• Padmapani and Vajrapani
• Shiva slaying Andhaka and Wedding of Shiva
• Mahaparinirvana of Buddha
• Trimurti, Gangadhara and Ardhanarishvara

How many of the above options is/are correct?

• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) Only three
• d) All four

Solution: b)

Option 1 and 3 is correct.

Statement 1:  Seated Buddha in Dharmachakrapravartana mudra is notable sculpture while the notable paintings include Padmapani and Vajrapani.

Statement 3:  Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall and the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall. The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha is when he finally achieves release from the mortal world.

Statement 2 and 4:  These are found in Elephanta caves. Described as a “masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art”, the most important sculpture in the Elephanta caves is the Trimurti. The carved panel facing this one is a two-level depiction of Ravana lifting Kailash.

• Differential weathering refers to the process by which different types of rocks weather at different rates due to their varying compositions, structures, and resistances to weathering agent This leads to the development of diverse and often striking landforms as some rocks are worn away faster than others. This process can occur in any climate and involves all types of weathering mechanisms (chemical, physical, and biological).
• Hence, option (b) is correct .

3 . Question

Among the following, the cave site that has Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain works is?

Solution: a)

It is located in Aurangabad District is Ellora. It is located a hundred kilometres from Ajanta and has thirty-two Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain caves.

Locally known as ‘Verul Leni’, the caves are hewn out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharasthra, known as ‘Deccan Trap’,

Ellora is also world famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world, the great Kailasa.

It is a unique art-historical site in the country as it has monastries associated with the three religions dating from the fifth century CE onwards to the eleventh century CE.

4 . Question

Consider the following statements regarding Cave architecture

• Rock cut architecture started to develop during Chandra Gupta Maurya Period.
• Ajanta caves depicted the incidents from the life of the Buddha.
• Kailasha temple was commissioned by Dantidurga.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• c) All three

Only Statement 2 is correct.

In the 3rd century BCE Indian rock-cut architecture began to develop, starting with the already highly sophisticated and state-sponsored Barabar caves in Bihar, personally dedicated by Ashoka circa 250 BCE.

Ajanta caves: The caves depict a large number of incidents from the life of the Buddha (Jataka Tales). Cave number one contains wall frescos that include two great Bodhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara.

The Kailash Temple was created through a single, huge top-down excavation 100 feet deep down into the volcanic basaltic cliff rock. It was commissioned in the 8th century by King Krishna I and took more than 100 years to complete.

5 . Question

The triple headed rockcut Shiva, Maheshamurti, can be found on the island of

• c) Elephanta

Described as a “masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art”, the most important sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti, carved in relief at the back of the cave facing the entrance, on the north-south axis.

It is also known as Trimurti Sadashiva and Maheshmurti.

The image, around 20 ft in height, depicts a three-headed Shiva, representing Panchamukha Shiva.

The three heads are said to represent three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, protection, and destruction.

Join our  Official Telegram Channel  HERE  for Motivation and Fast Updates

Subscribe to our  YouTube Channel   HERE  to watch Motivational and New

Join our  Twitter Channel   HERE  

Follow our  Instagram Channel   HERE

Follow us on  LinkedIn :  HERE

• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Director’s Desk
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Prelims
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Mains
• Environment & Ecology
• Science & Technology

• Bihar Board

RBSE Result 2024

Srm university.

• Goa Board Result 2024
• Maharashtra HSC Result
• Maharashtra SSC Result
• RBSE 10th Result 2024
• RBSE 12th Result 2024
• CBSE Board Result 2024
• Shiv Khera Special
• Education News
• Web Stories
• Current Affairs
• नए भारत का नया उत्तर प्रदेश
• School & Boards
• College Admission
• Govt Jobs Alert & Prep
• GK & Aptitude

UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Previous Year Question Paper: PDF Download

Upsc esic nursing officer previous year question paper 2024: pyps help in understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme, and provide insights into the repeated topics asked in the examination. get the question paper pdf download link on this page and identify key topics. check the exam pattern, difficulty level, benefits of solving and other details here..

The UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Previous Year Paper 2024 is a valuable tool for successfully preparing for the recruitment exam. Candidates preparing to take the upcoming exam can download the nursing officer question paper to plan their approach based on the most recent exam requirements. This will provide helpful knowledge about the topics that have been asked often on the examination.

There are numerous benefits to solving questions from the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year question papers. It helps candidates focus more on the areas that require improvement. 

UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Previous Year Paper

Upsc esic nursing officer previous year papers pdf, benefits of solving upsc esic nursing officer previous year papers.

• It will help them keep a check on their progress in preparation and learn from their mistakes to improve their overall performance.
• Solving UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year papers will increase their speed of accurately solving questions in the exam.
• Practising UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year question papers will help them to identify the weak areas and devise the strategy accordingly.
• UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous question papers with solutions PDFs offer valuable insights into the trending chapters, question weightage and difficulty level.

How to Attempt UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Previous Year Question Paper?

• Read the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year paper carefully.
• Set a timer to solve the questions in a real-time environment.
• Attempt easy topics first and keep the difficult ones for last in the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer's previous year papers.
• After solving the entire question paper, compare your responses with the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer answer key to improve performance.

UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Question Paper Pattern

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

• How to download the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Previous Year Papers PDF? + To download the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year paper PDF, visit the official portal or click the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year question paper PDF link above.
• Is it necessary to solve the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Question Paper PDF? + Yes. UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year paper provides an in-depth analysis of the trending topics and latest exam requirements.
• What is the format of the UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer previous year question paper? + The UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer question paper pdf consists of objective-type questions with multiple-choice answers for 300 marks. The exam duration will be two hours.
• JAC 9th, 11th रिजल्ट 2024
• JAC 9th रिजल्ट 2024
• JAC Result 2024
• jac.jharkhand.gov.in 11th Result 2024
• JAC 11वीं रिजल्ट 2024 रोल नंबर
• GBSHSE SSC Result 2024
• SSC Result 2024 Goa
• CDS 2 Notification 2024
• results.gbshsegoa.net Result 2024
• CBSE 10th Result 2024

Latest Education News

Most Sixes In IPL 2024: आईपीएल में चौकों-छक्कों की रेस में कौन सबसे आगे? देखें पूरी लिस्ट Virat ऑन टॉप

IPL 2024 Qualifier, Eliminator: कब, कहां और किसके बीच होगा क्वालीफायर और एलिमिनेटर, Tickets और Live Streaming कैसे देखें

[Fast Update] IPL Points Table 2024: आईपीएल 2024 अपडेटेड पॉइंट टेबल यहां देखें, KKR और RR, SRH Qualify

IPL 2024 RCB Players: रॉयल चैलेंजर्स बेंगलूरू के खिलाड़ियों की पूरी लिस्ट यहां देखें Today RCB vs CSK मैच

TS TET Exam Centre 2024: Check District Wise Telangana TET Test Cities

TS TET Previous Year Question Paper with Answers, Download Telangana TET PYQ PDF

TS TET Syllabus 2024: Download Paper 1 & Paper 2 Latest Telangana TET Syllabus PDF

TS TET 2024 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Check Strategies to Score High Marks

CUET UG Question Paper 2024, May 17: Download Question Paper PDF (SET A, B, C, D)

TN TRB Result 2024 Declared at trb.tn.gov.in: Download UG Graduate Teacher BRTE Marks and Final Answer Key

TS TET Hall Ticket 2024 OUT at tstet2024.aptonline.in/tstet: Download Telangana TET Admit Card Manabadi

[Official] MBSE HSSLC Result 2024 Date and Time Released at mbse.edu.in, Check Official Notice Here

[लिंक एक्टिव] JAC 9th, 11th Result 2024 @jacresults.com पर जारी: 8वीं के नतीजे जल्द होंगे घोषित

बिहार एसटीईटी परीक्षा विश्लेषण May 18, 2024: पेपर 1 रिव्यु, पेपर समीक्षा, स्तर और प्रयास

UP Board Class 12 Computer Syllabus 2024-25: Download The Full Syllabus For Free!

CUET Exam Analysis 2024, May 16: Check Detailed Paper Review, Difficulty Level, and Good Attempts

CUET UG Answer Key May 16, 2024: Download Set Wise Answer Sheet PDF

CUET UG Question Paper 2024, May 16: Download Question Paper PDF (SET A, B, C, D)

CUET UG Answer Key May 17, 2024: Download Set Wise Answer Sheet PDF

CUET UG Exam Analysis 2024, May 17: Check Detailed Paper Review, Difficulty Level, and Good Attempts

• Nawaz Sharif Alleges Ex-Chief Justice Conspired To Oust Him As Pak PM In 2017
• In Raebareli, BJP Fights Hard To Breach Congress' Last UP Bastion
• "Amethi Has Suffered In Last 5 Years": Priyanka Gandhi Hits Out At BJP's Smriti Irani
• "She Can Now Rest": Parents Of German Woman Whose Body Was Found In Gaza
• 1 Killed, Jaipur Couple Injured In Kashmir Twin Attacks Ahead Of Polling
• Change Font Size A A
• Change Language हिंदी | Hindi বাঙালি | Bengali தமிழ் | Tamil
• Focus on Story
• Dark Theme Light Theme

UPSC 2024: Applications To Soon Close For Central Armed Police Forces, Check Details

The deadline to complete the registration process is may 14, 2024 by 6pm..

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will soon close the registrations for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) exam 2024. Interested aspirants are required to apply online only by using the website https://www.upsconline.nic.in. The deadline to complete the registration process is May 14, 2024 by 6pm.

It is essential for the applicants to register first at One Time Registration (OTR) platform, available on the Commission's website, and then proceed for filling up the online application for the examination. 

Candidates will have time to make corrections in the application forms from May 15-21, 2024. 

Applicants applying to the post should be between the age group of 20-25 years as on  August 1, 2024. He/she must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1999 and not later than August 1, 2004. 

As per the official notification by UPSC, "Candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree of a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification."

The selection of candidates for the post will be based on  written test, physical standards/physical efficiency tests and medical standards tests and final interview of personality test.  The merit list will be drawn on the basis of marks obtained by the candidates in the written examination and interview/personality test.

Syllabi of the written papers:-

Paper I : General Ability and Intelligence The objective type questions with multiple choices in this paper will broadly cover the following areas: 1. General Mental Ability The questions will be designed to test the logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, and data interpretation.

2. General Science The questions will be set to test general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation including new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science.

3. Current Events of National and International Importance: The questions will test the candidates' awareness of current events of national and international importance in the broad areas of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalisation, and interplay among nations.

4. Indian Polity and Economy: The questions shall aim to test candidates' knowledge of the Country's political system and the Constitution of India, social systems and public administration, economic development in India, regional and international security issues and human rights including its indicators.

5. History of India : The questions will broadly cover the subject in its social, economic and political aspects. This shall also include the areas of growth of nationalism and freedom movement.

6. Indian and World Geography: The questions shall cover the physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to India and the World.

Paper II : General Studies, Essay and Comprehension Part-A – Essay questions which are to be answered in long narrative form either in Hindi or English totaling 80 Marks. The indicative topics are modern Indian history especially of the freedom struggle, geography, polity and economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and analytical ability.

Part-B – Comprehension, précis writing, other communications/language skills – to be attempted in English only (Marks 120) – The topics are Comprehension passages, précis writing, developing counter arguments, simple grammar and other aspects of language testing.

India Elections | Read Latest News on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live on NDTV.com . Get Election Schedule , information on candidates, in-depth ground reports and more - #ElectionsWithNDTV

• Notifications
• Web Stories
• TV Schedule
• Big Bonus REGISTER NOW
• मध्य प्रदेश

• International
• Today’s Paper
• Premium Stories
• ⏪ Election Rewind
• Express Shorts
• Health & Wellness
• Brand Solutions

CUET UG Toppers’ Tips: ‘NTA mock tests are an insight to the real tests’

Cuet ug 2024: the board exam and cuet exam demanded a different approach. while the board exam preparation was mostly for subjective parts, in cuet ug, the questions were framed to test the details and intricacies involved in a subject, says topper.

CUET UG 2024: Ekanshi Ojha aced the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) in 2023 by scoring 800/ 800 in the exam. She is doing a BA in Political Science (Hons) from Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is in her second semester.

Seventeen-year-old Ojha did her schooling at the Delhi Public School, Kanpur. She appeared for English, history, political science, psychology, economics and general test papers in CUET UG 2023. Her pass percentage in Class 10 was 96.4 per cent and in Class 12, she scored 98.8 per cent marks. Speaking to the indianexpress.com , Ojha shares how she prepared for the CUET UG.

Read edited excerpts here:

How did you prepare for CUET?

I did not register for coaching and started preparing for the CUET on my own. A few topics on the board exam syllabus were deleted. I studied those deleted portions for CUET preparation.

After the board exams were over, I focussed on revision. I tried to revise two chapters of one subject every day. 

For other domain-specific subjects, I mainly used the NCERT textbooks. However, for economics, I referred to Sandeep Garg as well. Also, I bought Oswal Publications books for mock tests. I also took the mock tests available on the NTA website. That proved to be important to me. It was like an insight as to what the real exam would be like. I repeated the NTA mock tests.

What was it like preparing for the board and CUET exams simultaneously?

The board exam and CUET exam demanded a different approach. While the board exam preparation was mostly for subjective parts, in CUET UG, the questions were framed to test the details and intricacies involved in a subject. The board exam was slightly on the tougher side. However, with consistency, it could be managed.

Do you remember any question that was difficult to answer in CUET?

Oh yes. I found the questions in chronological order a bit difficult. Those questions were specific and had confusing dates. I analysed the question paper after the result was declared, and I found that questions in chronological order can be tackled by using the elimination method. 

Moreover, there are internal choices in the question paper, where one can answer only 40 questions out of the total 50. If a candidate finds the questions difficult, they can ignore them and not answer.

What would you recommend to CUET UG 2024 aspirants?

– Revision. Stress a lot on revision

– Read NCERT again and again

– Take adequate mock tests

– Time management is the key

– Try elimination technique to answer difficult questions

– CUET is not that difficult. Do not take stress

How is life in the Miranda House?

My first preference was Miranda House mainly because due to its rich legacy and the great alumni network. It has been ranked among the best colleges in NIRF as well.

I am in my second semester now and during this period, I have found it has widened my perspective of the world.  I might take the UPSC CSE exams after my graduation is over. 

I am part of a few societies in my college. I am in the Tula, Vatavaran and women’s development cell. With Tula, I along with my teammates create awareness among consumers, especially among the students and the academic community about their rights. Vatavaran is the environment society of the college. In my first semester, I was part of Suvakta as well. With Suvakta, I honed my speaking skills.

Sponsored | Sharpen Your CTO Edge: Master Strategy, Leadership, and Innovation at ISB Executive Education's CTO Programme

Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More

• CUET UG 2024
• Toppers' Tips

Ahead of the big-ticket clash, the weather continues to improve in the city with light-moderate showers expected between 4-8 pm.

• Delhi News Live Updates: 'In the battle of political giants, I'm getting quashed,' Bibhav Kumar tells court in Swati Maliwal case 11 mins ago
• RCB vs CSK Live Score, IPL 2024: Rain threat looms in Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings clash 6 mins ago
• Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: 'INDIA bloc will win LS polls, BJP will not even cross 200 seats,' says Mamata Banerjee 26 mins ago
• Maharashtra Board SSC HSC Result 2024 Live Updates: Class 10th, 12th result trends, what we know so far 40 mins ago

Best of Express

Buzzing Now

May 18: Latest News

• 01 Gunmen kill three foreign tourists in Afghanistan’s central Bamyan province
• 02 Sahara Group warns of legal action against makers after Scam 2010: The Subrata Roy Saga announcement: ‘An abusive act has been demonstrated….’
• 03 Bhinde says he was not director when hoarding put up; police says he was aware of illegality
• 04 The Great Indian Kapil Show drops mid-season trailer featuring Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor; Ed Sheeran says Pushpa’s iconic line. Watch
• 05 EU bans distribution of four Russian news outlets
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Movie Review
• Newsletters
• Web Stories