Drishti IAS

  • Classroom Programme
  • Interview Guidance
  • Online Programme
  • Drishti Store
  • My Bookmarks
  • My Progress
  • Change Password
  • From The Editor's Desk
  • How To Use The New Website
  • Help Centre

Achievers Corner

  • Topper's Interview
  • About Civil Services
  • UPSC Prelims Syllabus
  • GS Prelims Strategy
  • Prelims Analysis
  • GS Paper-I (Year Wise)
  • GS Paper-I (Subject Wise)
  • CSAT Strategy
  • Previous Years Papers
  • Practice Quiz
  • Weekly Revision MCQs
  • 60 Steps To Prelims
  • Prelims Refresher Programme 2020

Mains & Interview

  • Mains GS Syllabus
  • Mains GS Strategy
  • Mains Answer Writing Practice
  • Essay Strategy
  • Fodder For Essay
  • Model Essays
  • Drishti Essay Competition
  • Ethics Strategy
  • Ethics Case Studies
  • Ethics Discussion
  • Ethics Previous Years Q&As
  • Papers By Years
  • Papers By Subject
  • Be MAINS Ready
  • Awake Mains Examination 2020
  • Interview Strategy
  • Interview Guidance Programme

Current Affairs

  • Daily News & Editorial
  • Daily CA MCQs
  • Sansad TV Discussions
  • Monthly CA Consolidation
  • Monthly Editorial Consolidation
  • Monthly MCQ Consolidation

Drishti Specials

  • To The Point
  • Important Institutions
  • Learning Through Maps
  • PRS Capsule
  • Summary Of Reports
  • Gist Of Economic Survey

Study Material

  • NCERT Books
  • NIOS Study Material
  • IGNOU Study Material
  • Yojana & Kurukshetra
  • Chhatisgarh
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh

Test Series

  • UPSC Prelims Test Series
  • UPSC Mains Test Series
  • UPPCS Prelims Test Series
  • UPPCS Mains Test Series
  • BPSC Prelims Test Series
  • RAS/RTS Prelims Test Series
  • Daily Editorial Analysis
  • YouTube PDF Downloads
  • Strategy By Toppers
  • Ethics - Definition & Concepts
  • Mastering Mains Answer Writing
  • Places in News
  • UPSC Mock Interview
  • PCS Mock Interview
  • Interview Insights
  • Prelims 2019
  • Product Promos
  • Essay Previous Year Papers

upsc essay past papers

  • 15 Sep 2023
  • 04 Oct 2022
  • 03 Oct 2022

upsc essay past papers

upsc essay past papers

[Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper, Including Topicwise last 28 YEARS Essay Question Papers (1993-2020) with booklist, strategy!

Upsc mains-2020’s essay paper compared to the past papers..

  • UPSC Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

UPSC-CSM20-Essay: Section-A

Upsc-csm20-essay: section-b.

1 India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 Federalism, Decentralization

1.3 Administration

1.4 Judiciary

1.5 Poverty, Social Justice

1.6 Indian Society, Culture and Values

1.7 Media, TV & Cinema

2 Economy, Development

2.1 Growth vs Development

2.2 Environment vs Development

2.4 Sectors of Economy

3 Education

3.1 Values in Education

3.2 Scheme implementation

3.3 Higher education

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

4.1 Character, Honesty, Ethics

4.2 Knowledge

4.3 Compassion

4.4 Truth and reality

4.5 Youth, Discipline

4.6 Towards excellence

5 Women empowerment

5.1 @National Politics

5.2 @World / Quote type

5.3 Empowerment overall

5.4 Compared to men

6 International issues, Internal Security

6.1 Globalization

6.2 International Org./ Bilateral

6.3 Security

7 Science-Technology

7.1 Science and Religion

7.2 Science and Education

7.3 Computer and internet

7.4 Sci-Tech: others

  • On Jan-08-2021, UPSC Conducted Civil Services Mains Exam (CSM-2020)’s Essay Paper (Because of the Corona lockdown, the exam cycle is running late).
2019’s Essay Paper 2020’s Essay Paper (Continuity and Change)
Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019 Another essay on humanity asked
No Essay topic on women empowerment since 2017 Finally makes a re appearance in relation to patriarchy
Artificial intelligence asked in context of job skill -2019 Artificial intelligence and technology asked in context of international relations
2018, 2019- Majority of the papers focused on philosophy, ethics abstract quotation type of titles – Same pattern continues. Main challenge is the entire Section-A is devoted to such philosophy, ethics, quotation essays So whether you like it or hate it, you have to attempt at least one of them.

– Whereas, all the conventional areas (culture, women, technology, economy-social justice) are ask in section-B- So even if you are good at 2 of them you can attempt maximum one in section-B!

[Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper, Including Topicwise last 28 YEARS Essay Question Papers (1993-2020)

  • New aspirants need to take care not to get brainwashed by one sided analysis of coaching-classes that “ just because so many philosophical topics are asked so you should blindly take philosophy as an optional subject And automatically you will get a ticket to IAS selection! ” – As per the latest annual report of UPSC uploaded on their website, the number of UPSC selection from Philosophy was 53 candidates among 1056 candidates selected in 2017 i.e. 7% (btw, It seems UPSC uploads the annual reports with a lot of delay so as to avoid controversies about selections)

What to do for Essay Preparation/Strategy/Booklist?

  • In the market there are lot of readymade books available for the essay. However, as far as the Civil Service exam is concerned they’re not very useful.
  • you have to manually gather the content and cultivate the skill for essay writing. Common resources include:
  • Last 3 years Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines: They are available in English, Hindi and other Vernacular languages. They can be downloaded for free from their official website: http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_2018.asp (Tip: Replace the year in URL, when you want to access previous years). There is no need to read each and every article, at least go through the preface / Editor’s Note in the beginning of each PDF.
  • Last 3-5 years economic surveys available for free at https://indiabudget.gov.in/bspeecha.asp No need to read entire PDFs, just the introductions and conclusions of each chapter.
  • IGNOU MPS-003 module. Available for free at https://egyankosh.ac.in
  • NCERT textbooks, especially those related to Sociology, Political Science and World History.
  • Newspaper Columns: English (TheHindu or IndianExpress), Hindi (JanSatta). In the vernacular language newspapers (e.g. Divya-Bhaskar Gujarati etc)= the quality of the column is not worthy of civil service exam essays.
  • Ethics (GS Paper 4) related preparation would also come handy here.

2020’s Essay Paper in linear/sequential format

(write any one essay in 1000-1200 words, 125 marks)

  • 1) Life is a long journey between human being and being humane. (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)
  • 2) Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )
  • 3) Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं )
  • 4) Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है )
  • 5) Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता )
  • 6) There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है )
  • 7) Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है)
  • 8) Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी)

Topic wise Essays of last 28 years (1993-2020)

  • Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
  • In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
  • Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
  • Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
  • Whither Indian democracy? -1995
  • How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
  • What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
  • What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
  • My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
  • Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
  • Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
  • Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
  • Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
  • Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
  • Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
  • The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
  • How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
  • Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
  • The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
  • Need for transparency in public administration -1996
  • The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
  • Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
  • We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
  • Justice must reach the poor -2005
  • Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
  • Judicial activism. -1997
  • There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
  • Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
  • The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
  • Food security for sustainable national development -2005
  • Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
  • Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
  • Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
  • Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
  • The composite culture of India. -1998
  • The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
  • From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
  • New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
  • Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
  • Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
  • Role of media in good governance -2008
  • Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
  • How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
  • Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
  • Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
  • The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
  • Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
  • Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
  • Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
  • Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
  • Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
  • Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
  • Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
  • Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
  • Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
  • Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
  • Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
  • Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
  • Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
  • Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
  • Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
  • Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
  • Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
  • Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
  • Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
  • Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
  • BPO boom in India. -2007
  • Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
  • Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009
  • Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
  • Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
  • Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
  • Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
  • Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
  • Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
  • Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
  • Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
  • What is real education? -2005
  • “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
  • Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
  • Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
  • Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011
  • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
  • Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
  • Life is a long journey between human being and being humane. (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
  • Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
  • Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
  • Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
  • Wisdom finds truth -2019
  • A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
  • Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
  • Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
  • Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
  • With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
  • Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
  • Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
  • He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
  • Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
  • ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
  • A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
  • There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
  • Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
  • Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
  • Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
  • Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
  • Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
  • Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
  • Truth is lived, not taught -1996
  • When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
  • Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
  • Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
  • Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
  • If youth knew, if age could. -2002
  • Youth culture today. -1999
  • Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
  • Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
  • Useless life is an early death. -1994
  • Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
  • The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
  • The pursuit of excellence. -2001
  • Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
  • Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
  • The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
  • If women ruled the world -2005
  • The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
  • Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
  • Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
  • If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
  • Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
  • Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
  • Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
  • Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
  • Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
  • Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012
  • South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
  • Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
  • Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
  • ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
  • National identity and patriotism -2008
  • Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
  • The masks of new imperialism. -2003
  • As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
  • The implications of globalization for India. -2000
  • My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
  • India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
  • The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
  • Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
  • Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
  • Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
  • Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
  • The global order: political and economic -1993
  • India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
  • Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
  • Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
  • In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
  • Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
  • Good fences make good neighbours -2009
  • Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
  • Terrorism and world peace -2005
  • True religion cannot be misused. -1997
  • Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
  • Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
  • Modern technological education and human values. -2002
  • Value-based science and education. -1999
  • The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
  • Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
  • ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
  • Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
  • Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
  • The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
  • Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
  • Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
  • Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
  • The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
  • The lure of space. -2004

visit Mrunal.org/download for more papers

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts, economic decoupling- meaning examples impact on india for upsc mains gsm2 international relations, [economy] government scheme financing: “input based” to “result based” financing of government scheme – how does it help.

[Lecture] Mrunal’s UPSC GSM3-2020 Model Ans: Science Technology, Internal Security & Border Management Questions from last Mains Exam Solved!

[Lecture] Mrunal’s UPSC GSM3-2020 Model Ans: Science Technology, Internal Security & Border Management Questions from last Mains Exam Solved!

[Lecture] Mrunal’s UPSC GSM3-2020 Model Ans: Agro, Food Proc, Environment, Disaster Management

[Lecture] Mrunal’s UPSC GSM3-2020 Model Ans: Agro, Food Proc, Environment, Disaster Management

73 comments.

Thank you sir, Please also upload for other subject (GS 1, 2,3,4) It will be a great help

Thank you sir

UPSC solved essay papers

Essay paper download

Thank you sir please provide essay question paper PDF

Thank you so much sir

How to downloded

is essay upsc allowed written in nepali medium ?

Thank You Sir!!

Hii download kese karana he

Need to download

it is arranged nicely, Thank you sir

Where is the link plz help me

Sir,from where we can get model answers (for general idea )of this previous year asked essays. Thanks for sharing above information.

Pl. Send more info.

Great efforts

Sir plz share pvq questions

really amazing guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from mrunal.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Home

  • Study Notes
  • Current Affairs
  • Getting Started

NEW!   The Gist (AUG-24)  | E-BOOKS

HOT!   UPSC IAS COMPLETE PDF NOTES  

upsc essay past papers

UPSC: Essay (Compulsory) - Previous Years Paper (2007-2023)

NEW!    UPSC MAINS G.S. SOLVED PAPERS (LAST 15 Years)

upsc essay past papers

UPSC IAS Mains ESSAY (Compulsory) Papers Download

ESSAY (Compulsory):

  • Year - 2022
  • Year - 2021
  • Year - 2020
  • Year - 2019
  • Year - 2018

DOWNLOAD UPSC MAINS ESSAY PAPERS PDF

Download upsc mains gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc pre gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc mains gs solved papers pdf.

Year - 2017

Year - 2016

Year - 2015

Year - 2014

Year - 2013

Year - 2012

Year - 2011

Year - 2010

Year - 2009

Year - 2008

Year - 2007

(परीक्षा पेपर) UPSC IAS मुख्य परीक्षा : निबंध (Essay)

  • UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2022 निबंध
  • UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2021 निबंध
  • UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2020 निबंध
  • UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2019 निबंध
  • UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2018 निबंध

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2017 निबंध

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2016 निबंध

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2015 निबंध

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2014 निबंध ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2013 निबंध ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2012 निबंध ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

UPSC Mains Essay Compulsory Paper - 2011 निबंध

  • user5's blog

NEW!   UPSC IAS COMPLETE NOTES

NEW!   UPSC MAINS G.S. 12 Years Solved Papers

UPSC IAS STUDY NOTES

NEW! UPSC Exam Complete Study Notes (PDF Available)

  • ALERT: UPSC IAS, IPS, IFS 2025-2026 Exam...
  • Download UPSC IAS PRELIM (GS+CSAT) Question...
  • (Download) UPSC Toppers Study Notes PDF
  • UPSC Exam Complete Study Notes 2024-2025-...
  • (Download) UPSC, IAS MAINS Exam Previous...
  • Getting Started for UPSC, IAS Exam - FAQ for...
  • UPSC Civil Services PRELIM Exam 2024, 2025...
  • UPSC आईएएस प्रारंभिक परीक्षा पिछले वर्ष के...
  • Download E-Books PDF for UPSC IAS Exams
  • (Date Sheet) UPSC IAS EXAM Calendar 2024
  • New! THE HINDU, YOJANA, PIB PDF
  • New! UPSC PRELIM Papers 2004-2024
  • IAS परीक्षा पेपर in Hindi 2004-2024
  • UPSC Syllabus PDF Download
  • New! IAS MAINS Papers 2010-2023
  • PDF Study Notes for UPSC (Hot!)
  • E-books PDF Download  
  • NCERT Books Download  | NCERT Hindi PDF
  • New! UPSC MAINS SOLVED PAPERS PDF
  • OLD NCERT PDF  
  • UPSC 2024 Exam Calendar

UPSC 2024-25  |  Papers  |  PDF Notes  | Coaching  | E-Books

UPSC Hindi  |  यूपीइससी 2024-25   |  पेपर्स  |  IAS HINDI NOTES  

Disclaimer: IAS EXAM PORTAL (UPSC PORTAL) is not associated with Union Public Service Commission, For UPSC official website visit - www.upsc.gov.in

About Us | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

© 2006-2024 IAS EXAM PORTAL - India's Largest Online Community for IAS, Civil Services Aspirants.

Compass by Rau's IAS

Essay (UPSC Mains) - Previous Year Questions

Looking for comprehensive preparation for the UPSC Mains Essay paper? Explore our collection of previous year questions from 2013 to 2023. Get insights, practice, and boost your chances of success with Past year questions and answers.

  • Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
  • Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
  • Not all who wander are lost.
  • Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
  • Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands — two equally harmful disciplines.
  • Mathematics is the Music of Reason.
  • A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
  • Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Value based / Ethical Issues

  • 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.

Philosophical

  • The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
  • You can not step twice in the same river.
  • A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.

Miscellaneous / Mixed

  • Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence. (Environment / Economics)
  • Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world ( Literature / Socio-political-economic impacts)
  • History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man ( History / Values / Philosophy)
  • Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
  • Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
  • The real is rational and the rational is real.
  • Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

History / Culture

  • History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

Science and Technology

  • What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
  • There are better practices to “best practices”. ( Multiple Themes )
  • The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. ( Philosophy / Technology)
  • Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
  • Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
  • Ships do not sink because of water around them; ships sink because of water that gets into them.
  • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
  • Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

Social Issues

  • There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
  • Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
  • Technology as the silent factor in international relations ( Technology / International Relation ).
  • Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
  • Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
  • Wisdom finds truth.
  • South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
  • Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
  • Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.

Science & Technology

  • Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
  • Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
  • A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
  • A people that value its privileges above its principles lose both.
  • “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
  • Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
  • Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
  • Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.

Environment

  • Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

IR & Security

  • Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.
  • Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
  • Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
  • Social media is inherently a selfish medium Domain.
  • Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multi-polar world Domain.
  • Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India Domain. ( Agriculture )
  • Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India Domain.
  • Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.

Polity & Governance

  • We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws Domain.
  • Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
  • If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
  • Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run Domain.
  • Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
  • Water disputes between states in federal India Domain.
  • Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality India.
  • Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. ( Technology / Economy)
  • Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare Domain. ( Technology / Economy / Social Sector)
  • Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
  • Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
  • Quick but steady wins the race.
  • Technology cannot replace manpower.
  • Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
  • Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. ( Education / Ethics)
  • Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. ( Morality / Economics)
  • With greater power comes greater responsibility.
  • Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
  • Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
  • Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
  • Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?
  • Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
  • Are the standardized tests, good measure of academic ability or progress?
  • Dreams which should not let India sleep. ( Multiple themes )
  • Fifty Gold’s in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? ( Sports / Governance )
  • Be the change you want to see in others – Gandhiji
  • Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
  • Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? ( History / Culture / Growth & Development / Ethics )

Trending now

AMUL & India’s Dairy Sector

General Studies

All Programmes

Study Material

UPSC Previous Year Question Paper, Prelims & Mains PYQ's PDF

UPSC Mains Test Series

UPSC Prelims Test Series

2 Years UPSC General Studies Coaching

StepUp UPSC Mentorship Program

In the journey to cracking the Civil Services Examination, UPSC previous year question papers play an important role. They offer valuable insights into the exam pattern, question types, priority areas, and time management strategies. Moreover, they provide a means for aspirants to assess their progress and build confidence. Aspirants should incorporate the practice of solving UPSC previous year papers into their study routine, making it an integral part of their preparation strategy. In doing so, they enhance their chances of mastering this challenging examination and realising their dream of serving the nation in prestigious administrative roles.

Every year, thousands of aspirants strive to crack this examination to secure prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and various other central services. Among the myriad resources available for CSE preparation, UPSC previous year question papers stand out as invaluable assets. On this page, you can download the last 10 years UPSC question papers PDF and understand how they aid aspirants in their journey toward success.

UPSC Previous Year Question Paper

UPSC previous year question papers offer a window into the variety of question types that the Commission employs. UPSC Questions are designed to test candidates' analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. These may include multiple-choice questions, essay-type questions, and those requiring subjective responses. By reviewing past papers, aspirants can identify common question structures and practice answering them effectively.

Last 10 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers PDF

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014

UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper

2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014

UPSC Previous Year Question Papers - Essay

Upsc essay paper 2022, upsc essay paper 2021, upsc essay paper 2020, upsc essay paper 2019, upsc essay paper 2018, upsc essay paper 2017, upsc essay paper 2016, upsc essay paper 2015, upsc essay paper 2014, upsc essay paper 2013, upsc essay paper 2012, upsc essay paper 2011, upsc essay paper 2010, upsc essay paper 2009, upsc mains optional subjects question papers.

2023
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
2022
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
2021
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
2020
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2019
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2015
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2014
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2013
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2012
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2011
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2010
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology
2009
Anthropology
Commerce
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Public Admin
Sociology

Benefits of Solving UPSC Previous Year Question Paper

Solving UPSC previous year question papers is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for the UPSC exam . Here are some of the benefits of solving previous year's question papers:

  • Get familiar with the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. The UPSC exam is a very competitive exam, and the question paper is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subjects. By solving UPSC previous year question papers, you will get a good idea of the type of questions that are asked, the level of difficulty, and the time it takes to answer them. This will help you to prepare better for the actual exam.
  • Identify your strengths and weaknesses. As you solve UPSC previous year papers, you will start to identify your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. This will help you to focus your studies on the areas where you need the most improvement.
  • Learn time management skills. The UPSC CSE is a three-hour exam, and you will need to manage your time wisely in order to answer all of the questions. By solving previous year question papers, you will get a better understanding of how much time you need to spend on each question.
  • Gain confidence. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your ability to answer the questions in the exam. Solving UPSC previous year question papers is a great way to build your confidence and prepare for the actual exam.

Related Topics:

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

[email protected]

  • Our Centers Delhi Bhubaneswar Lucknow

upsc essay past papers

  • Notifications

UPSC Previous Year Papers: 2023

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Mains 2019 Paper Discussions:

Date & Time Paper Faculty
25/9/19
10:00 AM
GS PAPER-2 DISCUSSION Dr. Piyush Choubey & Ashutosh Pandey
26/9/19
10:00 AM
GS PAPER-1 DISCUSSION Dr. Piyush Kumar & Rohit Lodha
27/9/19
10:00 AM
GS PAPER-4 DISCUSSION Manoj K. Jha
30/9/19
10:00 AM
GS PAPER-3 DISCUSSION Saurabh Jain & Gaurav Bansal
1/10/19
10:00 AM
ESSAY PAPER DISCUSSION Manoj K. Jha
1/10/19
1:00 PM
POLITICAL SCIENCE OPTIONAL PAPER DISCUSSION Dr. Piyush Choubey
1/10/19
1:00 PM
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPTIONAL PAPER DISCUSSION Ashutosh Pandey
1/10/19
1:00 PM
GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL PAPER DISCUSSION Rohit Lodha
1/10/19
4:30 PM
HISTORY OPTIONAL PAPER DISCUSSION Piyush Kumar

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDF

The UPSC Previous Year Question Papers provide valuable insights about the types of questions that can be asked in the upcoming UPSC Exam 2024. UPSC PYQ will help aspirants understand the exam’s requirements and familiarize themselves with the exam pattern. They provide insights into the exam pattern , highlight important topics, improve problem-solving skills, and offer an opportunity for self-assessment. Regular practice with previous year papers can significantly enhance a candidate's chances of clearing the UPSC CSE and achieving their dream of becoming a civil servant. To assist candidates in their preparation, UPSC Previous Year Question Papers PDF are provided in this article, enabling candidates to download and utilize them effectively. It is important to note that the UPSC Exam 2024 is scheduled to be held on 16th June 2024 .

GS SCORE brings you all GS UPSC previous year questions essential for the examination all in one place for free to help you save time and focus on the preparation rather than going on a paper-finding mission. The UPSC previous year questions have also been segregated year-wise to make it easy for IAS aspirants.

Below, we have provided the last 10 years UPSC question papers with answers PDF to strategize, revise, and get helpful insights towards your preparation. These papers are essential tools to help you improve your efficiency in clearing the UPSC exam.

Political Science Question Paper-1&2 (2023)

Public Administration Question Paper-1&2 (2023)

Geography Optional Question Paper-1&2 (2023)

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023: ESSAY PAPER

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 4)

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 3)

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 2)

UPSC IAS MAINS 2023 GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER – 1)

UPSC IAS Prelims 2023 GS Paper 1 With Solution

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Previous Year Papers:

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Civil Services Examination:

upsc essay past papers

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

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

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

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

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

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

Delhi (Karol Bagh) Centre

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

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91 8448496262

Classroom / online / Live programs

  • Mains Classes
  • Mains Advance Classes
  • Ethics & Essay Classes
  • IAS Foundation
  • Aadhar:NCERT Foundation
  • Target PT:Prelims Classes
  • Current Affairs Mentorship Program
  • Optional Classes
  • Optional Q&A (TEST SERIES & Mentorship)
  • Mains Previous Year Questions

TEST SERIES/ MENTORSHIP

  • ITS:Integrated Test Series & Mentorship
  • GS Mains Q&A (Mentorship & Test Series)
  • GS Test Series
  • Ethics & Essay Test Series
  • Samarth - Mains Answer Writing

STUDY MATERIAL

  • Prelims Study Material
  • Mains Study Material
  • Mains Answer Writing Workbook
  • Meet the Mentor
  • Terms & Conditions
  • © 2024 - IAS SCORE

All Rights Reserved.

upsc essay past papers

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

Basix Education

  • Using Password

Not registered yet? register here!

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

User Register

Already have an account? Login

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

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

Forgot Password

Verify your mobile number, you have successfully logged in.

upsc essay past papers

Join Us on WhatsApp

upsc essay past papers

  • Insights IAS Brochure |
  • OUR CENTERS Bangalore Delhi Lucknow Mysuru --> Srinagar Dharwad Hyderabad

Call us @ 08069405205

upsc essay past papers

Search Here

upsc essay past papers

  • An Introduction to the CSE Exam
  • Personality Test
  • Annual Calendar by UPSC-2025
  • Common Myths about the Exam
  • About Insights IAS
  • Our Mission, Vision & Values
  • Director's Desk
  • Meet Our Team
  • Our Branches
  • Careers at Insights IAS
  • Daily Current Affairs+PIB Summary
  • Insights into Editorials
  • Insta Revision Modules for Prelims
  • Current Affairs Quiz
  • Static Quiz
  • Current Affairs RTM
  • Insta-DART(CSAT)
  • Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Prelims 2024
  • Secure (Mains Answer writing)
  • Secure Synopsis
  • Ethics Case Studies
  • Insta Ethics
  • Weekly Essay Challenge
  • Insta Revision Modules-Mains
  • Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Mains
  • Secure (Archive)
  • Anthropology
  • Law Optional
  • Kannada Literature
  • Public Administration
  • English Literature
  • Medical Science
  • Mathematics
  • Commerce & Accountancy
  • Monthly Magazine: CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
  • Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
  • InstaMaps: Important Places in News
  • Weekly CA Magazine
  • The PRIME Magazine
  • Insta Revision Modules-Prelims
  • Insta-DART(CSAT) Quiz
  • Insta 75 days Revision Tests for Prelims 2022
  • Insights SECURE(Mains Answer Writing)
  • Interview Transcripts
  • Previous Years' Question Papers-Prelims
  • Answer Keys for Prelims PYQs
  • Solve Prelims PYQs
  • Previous Years' Question Papers-Mains
  • UPSC CSE Syllabus
  • Toppers from Insights IAS
  • Testimonials
  • Felicitation
  • UPSC Results
  • Indian Heritage & Culture
  • Ancient Indian History
  • Medieval Indian History
  • Modern Indian History
  • World History
  • World Geography
  • Indian Geography
  • Indian Society
  • Social Justice
  • International Relations
  • Agriculture
  • Environment & Ecology
  • Disaster Management
  • Science & Technology
  • Security Issues
  • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
  • Insights IAS Brochure

InstaCourses

  • Indian Heritage & Culture
  • Enivornment & Ecology

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

UPSC 2013 Mains Official Question Paper – ESSAY

Write an essay on any of the following topics in not more than 2500 Words (Word Limit Should Be Strictly Adhered)

1. “Be The Change You Want To See In Others” – Gandhiji

2. Is The Colonial Mentality Hindering India’s Success?

3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) Along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) Would Be The Right Indices For Judging The Well-being Of A Country

4. Science and Technology Is The Panacea For The Growth and Security Of The Nation.

 OTHER PAPERS

  • ENGLISH COMPULSORY
  • GENERAL STUDIES PAPER-1
  • GENERAL STUDIES PAPER-2

Left Menu Icon

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

Explore Our Affordable Courses

  • UPSC Online
  • UPSC Offline
  • UPSC (Live From Classroom)
  • UPSC Optional
  • UPPCS Online
  • BPSC Online
  • MPSC Online
  • MPPSC Online
  • WBPSC Online
  • OPSC Online
  • UPPSC Offline
  • BPSC Offline
  • BPSC (Live from Classroom)
  • UPPSC (Live From Classroom)
  • UPSC Test Series
  • State PSC Test Series
  • DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
  • SUBJECT WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
  • DAILY EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
  • DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
  • Daily Prelims(MCQs) Practice
  • Daily Mains Answer Writing
  • Prahaar (Mains Wallah) 2024
  • Prahaar Summary 2024
  • Mains Marks Booster 2024
  • Mains Wallah (Q&A)
  • Monthly Current Wallah
  • Daily Editorial Summary
  • NCERT Wallah
  • Prelims PYQs
  • Optionals PYQs
  • NCERT Notes
  • Udaan Notes
  • UPSC Prelims Answer Key
  • UPSC Syllabus
  • Topper's Copies
  • Delhi – Mukherjee Nagar Centre
  • Delhi – Old Rajinder Nagar Centre
  • UP – Lucknow Centre
  • UP – Prayagraj Centre
  • Bihar – Patna Centre

pw

  • Offline Centres
  • UDAAN Notes
  • UPSC Prelims PYQs
  • UPSC Mains PYQs

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Essay Paper: Patterns, Trends, Strategies, and PYQ PDFs

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Essay Paper strategies, trends, and previous year insights. Unlock success with practical tips, FAQs, and a comprehensive conclusion for effective Civil Services exam preparation.

upsc essay past papers

UPSC Mains: The Significance of the UPSC Essay Paper

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

UPSC Essay Paper

UPSC Essay Paper: Its Relevancy for Mains

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

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

UPSC Essay Paper Previous Year Question Papers: Download PDFs

Importance Of UPSC Essay Previous Year Papers

Solving previous year question papers of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is highly beneficial for aspirants preparing for the civil services examination. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of solving these papers:

  • This familiarity with the concept helps candidates understand how to manage their time effectively during the exam.
  • This trend of questions helps in prioritizing certain areas of the syllabus that are frequently tested, ensuring a more targeted preparation.
  • Since the UPSC exam is known for its stringent time constraints, solving past papers helps candidates practice answering questions within the stipulated time.
  • It serves as a self-evaluation tool , helping aspirants identify strengths and weaknesses in different subjects and topics.
  • This helps candidates to develop strategies for tackling different types of questions and improves their ability to analyze and answer in a concise manner.
  • This helps candidates to know the depth of the knowledge and helps in adjusting the study plan and preparation strategy accordingly.
  • Previous year papers play an essential role as PYPs provide a comprehensive review of the entire syllabus and reinforce key concepts, facts, and theories that are important for the examination.
  • Familiarity with the exam format and successfully solving questions from previous years instills a sense of confidence and reduces exam-related anxiety.
  • This allows candidates to prioritize their preparation, focusing on high-scoring areas that are frequently tested.
  • This insight is valuable for crafting well-structured and effective responses during the actual exam.

UPSC Essay Paper: Exam Pattern, Analysis, and Trends

  • Know the Exam Pattern- Before solving the previous year question papers, first understand the pattern of the UPSC essay paper. Watch for the distribution of marks and understand the number of essays you need to write and the word limit for each.
  • Topics Analysis- Candidates are advised to go through the topics that have been asked in the previous years. This will give them an idea of the kind of subjects that UPSC focuses on. For best output candidates should categorize the topics based on themes like social issues, governance, economy, environment, etc. This can help you identify the broader areas that UPSC emphasizes.
  • Identify Trends- Look for trends in the topics asked over the years. Are certain themes repeated? This can give you an indication of the areas that UPSC considers important.
  • Practice Writing Essays- Practice writing essays on the previous year’s topics. This will not only help you improve your writing skills but also help understand how to structure your answers effectively. Stick to the word limit as mentioned in the question paper.
  • Time Management- Practice managing your time effectively while writing essays. UPSC has a fixed time for the UPSC essay paper , so it’s crucial to practice writing within the given time frame.
  • Evaluate Your Answers- After writing essays, evaluate your answers critically. Identify areas where you can improve – be it in content, structure, or clarity of expression. If possible, get your essays evaluated by mentors, teachers, or peers who can provide constructive feedback.

UPSC Essay Paper

  • Learn from Mistakes- Analyze your mistakes and learn from them. If there are recurring issues, such as not addressing the core of the question or lack of depth in your answers, work on improving those specific areas.
  • Stay Updated- While practicing with previous year’s papers, stay updated on current affairs. Many essay topics are linked to contemporary issues, and having a good understanding of current events can enhance the quality of your essays.
  • Diversify Your Reading- Use the topics from previous year’s papers as a guide to diversify your reading. Explore various sources to gather information on different dimensions of the topics.
  • Revise Regularly- Periodically revise the essays you’ve written and the feedback you’ve received. This helps in reinforcing your learning and ensuring that you don’t repeat the same mistakes.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

The UPSC Essay Paper serves as an important paper in the Civil Services Mains Examination, carrying a significant weightage of marks in the evaluation process. Solving Previous Year’s Question Papers becomes crucial for effective preparation, offering aspirants insights into the exam pattern, thematic trends, and essential skills development. At last, the judicious use of previous year’s papers is pivotal in shaping a comprehensive and well-rounded strategy for success in the UPSC Essay Paper.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

UPSC Essay Paper FAQs

How many questions are asked from previous years' upsc ias question paper, how many papers are of upsc essay paper, do essay papers qualifying in nature.

UPDATED :     

Recommended For You

upsc essay past papers

NDA 2 Result 2024 Soon, Direct Link to Check NDA Result 2024...

upsc essay past papers

How to Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours?

upsc essay past papers

What Do Aspirants Do One Night Before the UPSC Mains 2024?

upsc essay past papers

UPSC NDA Cutoff 2024, Expected NDA 1 & NDA 2 Cutoff 202...

upsc essay past papers

UPSC NDA Answer Key 2024 Release Date & Steps to Downlo...

upsc essay past papers

UPSC NDA Exam Analysis 2024, Check NDA 1 & NDA 2 Exam A...

Latest comments.

upsc essay past papers

Recent posts

Is ncert enough for upsc mains, nda 2 result 2024 soon, direct link to check ..., what do aspirants do one night before the ups..., upsc nda cutoff 2024, expected nda 1 & n..., archive calendar.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 
45678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  

upsc essay past papers

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

THE MOST LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

#

Our Courses

Our initiatives, beginner’s roadmap, quick links.

#

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

Subscribe our Newsletter

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

Contact Details

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

Download Our App

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

Join Us Now

(Promise! We Will Not Spam You.)

CURRENT AF.

<div class="new-fform">

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

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

</div>

upsc essay past papers

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

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

UPSC Mains 2015 Essay Question Paper

Last updated on September 11, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC Mains 2015 Essay Question Paper

Table of Contents

Section ‘A’

  • Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
  • Quick but steady wins the race.
  • Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
  • Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.
  • Technology cannot replace manpower.
  • Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
  •  Dreams which should not let India sleep.
  • Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000   rs.29000, upsc prelims marks booster + 2025 (online), rs.19999   rs.14999, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999   rs.4999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025 (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), upsc interview marks booster course (online), rs.9999   rs.4999.

upsc essay past papers

About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

upsc essay past papers

December 28, 2015 at 1:12 pm

how to stdy csat paper

January 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

If u want to study cast paper then first thourouhly study all the context present in syllabus then solve previous year papers

upsc essay past papers

May 16, 2016 at 8:44 am

sir kya apke notes hindi me avilable hai

June 22, 2016 at 7:54 am

SIR i want to geogrgphy mains sub ject study material give me and essasey writing knowledge u give me plz

upsc essay past papers

July 13, 2016 at 11:23 pm

Basically im a civil engineering student… Now im very confused to select optional pls suggest me can i take civil engineering as an optional or not

October 19, 2017 at 12:16 am

Go through the syllubus and question papers and if u are comfertable with it u can take,else go with any other common subjects

upsc essay past papers

July 26, 2016 at 4:26 pm

sir i am in bsc first year i want to help how to study in upsc what i do

October 15, 2016 at 3:54 pm

I. Am preparation for ias but me no know syllabus and study material about no knowledge and essay how to writing please tell me my email name Anuj Pandey

November 3, 2016 at 4:18 pm

sir am BCOM graduate. can I select any opinional subject.

and. what are the tricks for essay papers

January 21, 2017 at 8:18 pm

Hindi medium Essay Paper Explain Plz a sir.and optional subject math .

upsc essay past papers

February 2, 2017 at 8:29 pm

It’s good sir please update easy answer paper

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

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

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

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

Featured on

ClearIAS Featured in The Hindu

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

upsc essay past papers

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

ClearIAS YouTube Image

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

ClearIAS Course Image

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

  • Skip to main content

Search form

upsc essay past papers

संघ लोक सेवा आयोग UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

AKAM

  • Active Examinations
  • Forthcoming Examinations
  • Previous Question Papers
  • Cut-off Marks
  • Answer Keys
  • Marks Information
  • Public Disclosure of marks & other details of non-recommended willing candidates
  • Specimen Question Cum Answer Booklet (QCAB)
  • Common mistakes committed by the candidates in Conventional Papers
  • Revised Syllabus and Scheme
  • Representation on Question Papers

Previous Year Question Papers

Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2024
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2024
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2024
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2024
Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2024
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2024
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2024
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2024
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2024
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2024
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024
CBI (DSP) LDCE-2023
Combined SO (Grade B) LDC Examination, 2023
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2023
Combined SO (Grade-B) LDC Examination, 2019-2022
Combined SO (Gr B) LDCE Year 2021 - 2022
Combined SO (Gr B) LDCE Year 2019 - 2020
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2023
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023
Optional Subjects
Literature Subjects
Compulsory Subjects
General Studies
General
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2023
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2023
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2023
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2023
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2023
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2023
Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2023
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2023
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2023
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2023
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023
SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE - 2018
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2022
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2022
Compulsory Subjects
Literature Subjects
Optional Subjects
General
General Studies
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2022
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2022
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2022
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2022
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2022
Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2022
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2022
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2022
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2022
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2022
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2022
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2021
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2021
General
General Studies
Compulsory Subjects
Optional Subjects
Literature Subjects
SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE, 2016-2017
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2021
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2021
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2021
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2021
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2021
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2021
Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2021
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2021
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2021
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2021
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2021
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2021
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2021
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2020
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2020
Compulsory Subjects
Optional Subjects
Literature Subjects
General Studies
General
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2020
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2020
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2020
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2020
Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2020
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2020
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) & (II), 2020
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2020
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2020
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2020
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2019
Literature Subjects
General
Optional Subjects
Compulsory Subjects
General Studies
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2019
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2019
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2019
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2019
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2019
Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination, 2019
Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2019
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2019
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2019
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2019
CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2019
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2019
Engineering Services (Preliminary - Stage I) Examination, 2019

View Archives >>

  • Visitor No:752042156

(Since: 15 Sep 2016)

IMAGES

  1. How to write a good essay in upsc mains

    upsc essay past papers

  2. Upsc Prelims 2021 Sample Paper

    upsc essay past papers

  3. UPSC Mains 2020 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER

    upsc essay past papers

  4. UPSC Essay 2021

    upsc essay past papers

  5. Download : UPSC MAINS ESSAY 2018 Question Paper

    upsc essay past papers

  6. UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2022 PDF [General Studies Paper-4]

    upsc essay past papers

VIDEO

  1. How to write an essay by UPSC topper Neha byadwal #motivation #cgpsctopper #upsc #ias

  2. UPSC Essay Paper Preparation strategy #upscmains #upscexam

  3. CSS English Essay Past Paper 2008 || Essay Topics 2007 #css #pms #cssessay #exam #pastpapers

  4. 3 tips for Essay Writing for UPSC CSE #civilserviceexam #upsc #iasprep

  5. CSS English Essay Past Paper 2024 Topics #css #pms #pastpaper #essay #cssessay

  6. CSS PAST PAPERS 2001

COMMENTS

  1. Essay Previous Year Papers

    Essay Previous Year Papers. This just in: UPSC CSE Notification 2024 Mains Marathon 2024 UPSC IFoS Prelims Result 2024 UPSC CSE Prelims Result 2024 UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT (Answer Key) Revised Answer Key UPSC Prelims 2024 GS 1 UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT UPSC Prelims 2024 GS 1 UPSC Calendar 2025 Final Result - Civil Services Examination 2023 UPSC ...

  2. UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 30 years (1993-2022)

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

  3. Previous Year Question Papers

    Previous Year Question Papers Search Exam Name Apply Year: 2024 Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2024 GENERAL ABILITY AND INTELLIGENCE GENERAL STUDIES, ESSAY AND COMPREHENSION Combined Medical Services Examination, 2024 General Medicine and Pediatrics Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine Indian Economic Service - Indian Statistical Service Examination ...

  4. Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994

    Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018) Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List.

  5. [Download] UPSC Mains-2020 Essay Paper with last 28 YEARS ...

    UPSC Mains-2020's Essay Paper Compared to the past papers. On Jan-08-2021, UPSC Conducted Civil Services Mains Exam (CSM-2020)'s Essay Paper (Because of the Corona lockdown, the exam cycle is running late).

  6. UPSC Essay Previous Years Question Paper with Solutions: Free Download!

    UPSC Essay Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions. Download the last 10 Years of UPSC Essay Previous Year Papers, know their benefits & steps to download.

  7. Essay Paper UPSC 2022 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

    The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE 2022 was easy compared to previous years. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of the UPSC 2022 Mains.

  8. Essay Paper UPSC 2023 (Mains) Question Paper and Analysis

    Essay Paper UPSC CSE 2023 (Mains) question paper and analysis of the exam are mentioned in this article below.

  9. Essay Paper UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

    Essay Paper of UPSC CSE 2021 shocked most aspirants with unconventional questions. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of UPSC 2021 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).

  10. UPSC: Essay (Compulsory)

    DOWNLOAD UPSC MAINS GS SOLVED PAPERS PDF Year - 2017 Year - 2016 Year - 2015 Year - 2014 Year - 2013 Year - 2012 Year - 2011 Year - 2010 Year - 2009 Year - 2008 Year - 2007

  11. Essay (UPSC Mains)

    A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. A people that value its privileges above its principles lose both. "The past' is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.

  12. UPSC Previous Year Question Paper, Prelims & Mains PYQ's PDF

    UPSC Questions are designed to test candidates' analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. These may include multiple-choice questions, essay-type questions, and those requiring subjective responses. By reviewing past papers, aspirants can identify common question structures and practice answering them effectively.

  13. UPSC Mains Essay Paper

    Download essay papers for your UPSC exam preparation. Get access to a wide range of essay topics and practice papers to improve your writing skills.

  14. ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC Civil Services IAS Exam MAINS 2021

    ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC Civil Services IAS Exam MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER - UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains - 2021 Section A 1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. 2. Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

  15. UPSC Previous Years Question Paper PDF with Answers

    UPSC previous year paper - Download UPSC previous year question papers PDF with answers for prelims and mains exam here.

  16. UPSC 2013 Mains Official Question Paper

    UPSC 2013 Mains Official Question Paper - ESSAY Write an essay on any of the following topics in not more than 2500 Words (Word Limit Should Be Strictly Adhered) 1. "Be The Change You Want To See In Others" - Gandhiji 2. Is The Colonial Mentality Hindering India's Success? 3.

  17. Essay Paper UPSC 2020 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

    Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of UPSC 2020 Civil Services Mains Examination (written). Candidates had to write two essays.

  18. UPSC Essay Paper: Patterns, Trends, Strategies, and PYQ PDFs

    The UPSC Essay Paper serves as an important paper in the Civil Services Mains Examination, carrying a significant weightage of marks in the evaluation process. Solving Previous Year's Question Papers becomes crucial for effective preparation, offering aspirants insights into the exam pattern, thematic trends, and essential skills development.

  19. UPSC Mains Essay Paper

    The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE 2022 was easy compared to previous years. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of the UPSC 2022 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).

  20. UPSC Essays Simplified

    In the past few years, the Essay paper of UPSC CSE has started focussing on philosophical quotes. This shift in trend has become a big challenge for aspirants in their UPSC journey. With UPSC Mains 2024 just a few days away, you might be still worried about your strategies for tackling the philosophical quotes based essays.

  21. UPSC Mains 2015 Essay Question Paper

    UPSC Mains 2015 Essay Question Paper - Instructions: Write two essays, choosing one from each of the following Section A & B, in about 1000-1200 words.

  22. Previous Year Question Papers

    Paper - II (Procedure and Practice, Category X) (For Year - 2019 - 2020) Paper - III Noting and Drafting, Precis Writing (For Year - 2019 - 2020) CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2023