word limit of essay in upsc

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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

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 Good Essay: Do’s and Don’ts in UPSC CSE Mains

This article outlines the key things that aspirants should keep in mind while writing the essay..

The essay paper is a significant component of the UPSC civil services examinations. It is capable to make or break your outcome. Before writing an essay in the UPSC Mains Exam, there are a few things to consider. People frequently make silly mistakes when writing essays for the IAS Mains Exam. This article will help the aspirants with essay writing for the UPSC examination.

Before beginning any piece of work, we ensure that it has a basic framework in order to be effective and coherent. It is necessary to understand what should be included and what should be left out when writing for this purpose. The common do’s and don’ts of essay writing assist in writing in a comprehensive and structured manner. They serve as guidelines for improving the content’s relevance and impact. They aid in reducing the most common errors we make when writing essays.

This paper is divided into two portions. Each component contains four themes from which you must select one for each portion. Each essay is graded on a scale of 125 points, for a total of 250 points.

Writing allows you to see inside your mind. The reader will be able to tell how you think, debate, and support your point of view based on what you write on paper. As a result, essays are required for the majority of competitive exams and academic admission exams. Despite its importance, aspirants frequently fail to give essay papers the attention they deserve. First-timers believe they will write a brilliant essay in the final test, but experienced applicants believe that having prepared extensively for GS will be sufficient to create a strong essay on its own. This is a deadly error in judgment.

Candidates may be asked to produce essays on a variety of subjects. They will be expected to stick to the essay’s topic, organize their thoughts in a logical manner, and write concisely. Effective and precise expression will be rewarded. In GS, marks are only given on the basis of substance, whereas in essays, marks are only given on the basis of content. Examiners will pay close attention not only to the content of your essay, but also to the coherence, language, and organization of your writing. As a result, you must take extra care to organize your thoughts and avoid common spelling and grammatical mistakes.

Table of Contents

What should you do and where should you start?

Your GS preparation will provide the majority of the content for your Essay. Aside from that, the following resources will be beneficial:

Nonfiction reading promotes the maturation of the mental process. In addition to communicating knowledge, they will enable you to come across good figures of speech, the art of arguing, appealing rhetoric, and creative stuff, among other things. Develop the habit of reading non-fiction books in addition to UPSC-related material. It doesn’t mean you should start reading one nonfiction book on every topic to improve your Essay scores; rather, reading them in your spare time will help you in the long run.

Referencing individual magazines: For specific topics, you can refer to various issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey, etc. If you’re writing an essay on tribal issues or public health, for example, you can look through specific issues of these magazines to find the most up-to-date statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels, and so on) as well as information on the benefits and drawbacks of government programs in those areas.

Gathering interesting stories, anecdotes, and quotes: Anecdotes, quotes, and true stories that you come across in newspapers and books and want to incorporate in your essay should be written down. Begin with a relevant anecdote or narrative with the essay topic as its underlying theme.

Language and expression improvement

The article should be written in simple, basic English with as little complexity as possible. If you’re going to use a complicated definitional concept like “Constitutionalism” or “Sanskritization,” define it first in a phrase. The examiner will also comprehend exactly what you’re trying to say. Clear writing equates to clear thinking. And it’s exactly what a reader is looking for.

Keep your sentences succinct and precise. Because of the long, twisted language, it’s difficult to read and understand. You get a bad sentence sprawl when you utilize conjunctions to add one clause after another.

To create a good essay, it is not required to memorize complex words. Using a strong term or a witty phrase every now and then, on the other hand, will offer your content a competitive edge. Reading nonfiction and English newspapers is the simplest approach to expanding your vocabulary. While reading them, if you come across a good turn of phrase or a word you don’t recognize, scribble it down in a book, look it up in a dictionary, and understand the context in which it was used. This helps with long-term memory. A dictionary app on your phone is also beneficial. It takes time to build a vast vocabulary, but with practice, anyone may enhance their ability to employ a wide range of words.

How to make a smooth transition from one paragraph to the next

1. Using a linking sentence at the conclusion of each paragraph:

You write a statement at the conclusion of each part to let the examiner know what’s coming next

2. Using a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can add a question at the end of a paragraph to helplessly carry the examiner’s attention to the next.

3. Starting the next paragraph with a shift signal:

Simply insert a word or two at the beginning of each paragraph to indicate a change in your subtopic.

Creating Main Content from the Topic

This is analogous to spinning a web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can select the best option from the list below.

• Temporal: the past, the present, and the future
• Sectors include media, science and technology, business, sports, religion, politics, and administration, among others.
• Individual, Family, Professional Workplace, Society, Community, National, and Global Problems and Solutions: Concept (historical evolution + status), benefits, problems, and solutions
• Social, political, economic, administrative, international, environmental, historical, scientific, security/defense, and legal standards.
• Original: An essay should be formed primarily by your understanding and perceptions, rather than entirely on borrowed opinions.
• Exploration of relevant dimensions with causation, points-counterpoints, logical evaluation, inferences, and so on.
• Effective communication: An essay should be distinguished by clarity and flow, with no “silt” of bulky information or difficult academic ideas. These factors disrupt the flow. Effective communication requires a simple style, small sentences, appropriate vocabulary, an emotional appeal, quotes, punch lines, and the right thrust at the right times, among other things.
• Structure: Because an essay is a structured piece of writing, it must have a distinct introduction, main body (description), and conclusion.
• Consistency and coherence- Consistency and coherence help to keep our arguments from becoming contradictory or conflicting.
• Signposting- A predetermined trajectory, path, or direction denoted by the orderly placement of point numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, etc. It does not imply that each aspect should be numbered, but rather that all aspects should be in a way that the examiner can see the direction and order in your writing.
• Focus and relevance: The writing in an essay should be concentrated and pertinent to the major issue and its aspects because it is thought in orbit.
• Organic Connection: An essay should be distinguished by links between ideas in each paragraph. To be more specific, an essay should develop organically through childhood, adolescence, youth, maturity, and old age. An essay does not consist of isolated points; they must be related to the context and perspectives of the given topic.
• Quote placement: Using the right quotes in the right places adds punch, thrust, and value.
• Critical Thinking: The hallmarks of an essay are critical thinking, insight, understanding, consistency, and coherence.

DON’T’S

• Stay away from political and ideological biases: Neutrality and the absence of prejudice and bias are important indicators of rationality. Only facts, real-life observations, and established wisdom should guide you to a logical evolution and conclusion; political or ideological affiliations should have no bearing on your writing.
• Avoid giving a long background; instead, get to the topic as soon as possible.
• Avoid grammatical errors: As much as possible, avoid grammatical and syntax errors.
• Keep your emotions in check. Control: Avoid being swayed by emotions; instead, try to stay anchored in logic, rationality, and wisdom.
• Avoid being unbalanced and biased: A balanced and rational approach is the best approach in an intellectual endeavor. Without a doubt, an essay should be analytical, draw inferences, and make value judgments, but it should also be emotionally balanced (anger, vengeance, retribution, abuse, naming, and shaming should be avoided) and politically neutral (obsession, fetish, bias, prejudice, contempt, outlandish views right or left should be avoided)
• Avoid using exclamatory words: Ornamental words may be appropriate in some situations, but the beauty of communication lies in its simplicity.
• Content and references that are irrelevant should be avoided: It is best to avoid dragging irrelevant ideas that aren’t related to the topic, major idea, or theme.
• Stick to the context: In the name of unconventional thought, avoid straying too far from the theme. Avoid arrogance and self-righteousness: in other words, respect ideas that are different from yours but nonetheless relevant. You can criticize a competitor’s idea, but you can’t put it down.
• Starting paragraphs with borrowed opinions or quotes is not a good idea: Avoid relying on quotations to build or ride each paragraph. It’s permissible to use a citation at the start of the introduction and at the end of the conclusion, or wherever you think it’ll be most effective. However, don’t overdo it. You can cite statements and quotes within a paragraph to support your argument if you create a hypothesis and assess it rationally, but you should avoid starting paragraphs with borrowed ideas or quotes.

To manage time while taking the Mains exam, you must understand how to dedicate the appropriate amount of time to each question so that you may complete all of the questions in the allotted period of three hours. In this instance, the three rules of thumb for time management are:

• go with the flow while writing and thinking; learn to trust yourself; and avoid self-doubt, such as being unable to decide whether or not to write something.
• do not become trapped with one question – temporarily abandon the question that you are unable to write at a given time and move on to the next question;
• come back to the tough question as and when you have the opportunity to do so. You should be able to master the time management aspects of the Mains examination with enough practice.
• Stick to the word limit; improve your writing speed; try to use as little personal time as possible – in the exam hall, drinking water, going to the bathroom, changing pens, imagining how others are doing, and so on all qualify as personal time; and finally, do not try to achieve ‘perfection’ with your answers – the Mains examination is not the right platform for such things – instead, try to consistently maintain above average quality in all of your answers. It’s important to be consistent than to write an outstanding answer and then follow it up with a poor response.

How to conclude an essay

The conclusion should be upbeat and optimistic. You must summarise the entire essay in 3-4 sentences before writing your future vision. You can find some useful terms in PM Modi’s speeches. Sabka saath sabka vikas, Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India, and other phrases can be useful. To conclude your essay, use rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, Sanskrit slokas, and quotes. However, if you mentioned a fictitious character in your introduction, it’s always a good idea to end your write-up with a reference to that character. It gives the essay a sense of completion.

If you make it a practice to read superb UPSC essays on a regular basis, you’ll be able to write excellent essays. As part of your UPSC civil service preparation, incorporate reading essays. It’s also worth noting that consulting prior year UPSC essay papers can be really beneficial. Practice makes perfect, as they say.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. faq: what are the key dos and don’ts when writing an essay for upsc cse mains.

• Do: Clearly understand the topic and analyze it comprehensively before you start writing.
• Do: Develop a well-structured essay with a logical flow of ideas and a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Do: Use relevant examples and case studies to support your arguments and showcase a deep understanding of the subject matter.
• Don’t: Deviate from the given topic. Stick to the prompt and avoid unnecessary information.
• Don’t: Use overly complex language. Keep your writing clear, concise, and focused.

2. FAQ: How important is time management when writing essays in UPSC CSE Mains?

• Do: Allocate sufficient time to understand the question, plan your essay, and revise it.
• Do: Prioritize your arguments and allocate time accordingly to ensure a balanced and well-developed essay.
• Don’t: Spend too much time on one section, leaving insufficient time for other crucial parts of your essay.
• Don’t: Rush through the writing process. Take the time to revise and refine your essay for coherence and clarity.

3. FAQ: Should I include my personal opinion in the essay for UPSC CSE Mains?

• Do: Present a balanced perspective by incorporating diverse viewpoints on the given topic.
• Do: Support your arguments with evidence and facts rather than personal opinions.
• Don’t: Express personal biases or sentiments. Maintain an objective and analytical tone throughout.
• Don’t: Assume that your personal views are universally applicable. Stick to a factual and well-supported analysis.

4. FAQ: How can I make my essay stand out and leave a lasting impression on the examiner?

• Do: Craft a compelling introduction that clearly outlines the scope and direction of your essay.
• Do: Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic by exploring both its broad and specific aspects.
• Do: Use vivid and relevant examples to illustrate your points, making your essay more engaging.
• Don’t: Use clichés or generic statements. Strive for originality and depth in your arguments.
• Don’t: Overlook the importance of a strong conclusion that summarizes key points and provides a thoughtful closing.

5. FAQ: How should I handle the word limit in UPSC CSE Mains essays?

• Do: Respect the prescribed word limit. Exceeding it may lead to penalties, while writing significantly less might result in a lack of depth.
• Do: Prioritize information to include based on its relevance to the topic. Trim unnecessary details to meet the word limit.
• Don’t: Sacrifice the quality of your essay to fit within the word limit. Focus on presenting a well-argued and coherent piece.
• Don’t: Ignore the importance of editing. Ensure your essay is concise and impactful while adhering to the specified word count.

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Essay Writing for UPSC - Weekly Essay Writing Programme

by Vajiram & Ravi

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

Check:  UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

Essay Writing for UPSC

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

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

Essay Writing for UPSC - What is Expected?

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

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

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

How to Write Essay for UPSC Mains?

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

Choose the Right Topic

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

Brainstorm Ideas

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

Create a Structure

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

Format for UPSC Essay Writing

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

Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

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

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

Start your essay with a quote-

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

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

Writing in Paragraphs

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

Address Counter-arguments:

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

Use Examples:

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

Gather Evidence:

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

Logical Flow:

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

Use of simple Language:

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

Avoid Repetition:

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

Conclusion of the Essay

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

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

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

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

Proofread and Revise the Essay

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

Vajiram & Ravi Essay Module

Our Essay Course,by Mr. Brijendra, offers a comprehensive platform to master essay writing, guiding aspirants through the demanding path of UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation.

Course Objectives:

• Enhance Competency: Develop proficiency across diverse and essential themes.
• Strengthen Understanding: Utilize provided handouts containing all pertinent information essential for crafting quality essays.
• Refine Writing Proficiency: Improve language, grammar, and flow through two specialized classes.
• Evaluate Proficiency: Assess skills with a thorough test series.

This meticulously designed Essay Course assists students in structuring their essay preparation and cultivating a crucial set of skills to enhance their chances of securing high scores. Clear, concise, and well-structured essays are indispensable for aspiring civil servants, and mastery of essential elements of essay writing is paramount.

Through this course, students will:

• Organize and articulate ideas clearly.
• Analyze primary sources with critical insight.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate information.

Course Features:

• Comprehensive Classes: 11 sessions covering various themes used for framing essay topics.
• Well-Curated Handouts: Concise handouts on each theme providing exam-ready content.
• Special Emphasis: Focus on philosophical and quote-based essays.
• Mini-Assignments: In-class assignments to master the nuances of essay writing.
• Simulated Writing Practice: 6 tests (2 half-length and 4 full-length) for exam-like practice.
• Detailed Evaluation: Objective evaluation of essay scripts with exhaustive feedback.
• Guidance and Support: Post-test guidance for individual doubt clarification.

This comprehensive essay writing course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the essay component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Join us to enhance your essay writing skills and significantly boost your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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How many pages should we write for UPSC Mains answer?

The Civil Services Mains examination is a subjective type exam consisting of 9 papers and overall writing of 27 hours. Of these, two are of qualifying nature- The Compulsory Indian Language paper (Paper A) and the English paper (Paper B). Here, each question will be provided with fixed spaces accordingly. Since the nature of questions is not of the standard type in the language papers, one does not have to worry about the pages as the focus should be only to answer them within the given space. For the mains exam, UPSC will be providing a booklet that comes with pre-printed questions that have a fixed space for the aspirant to write their answers.

Coming onto the next one, the essay paper (Paper I) asks for two essays to be written in 3 hours. There will be a list of topics, from which the aspirant has to select one topic from each section (Section A & B). Here, each essay has to be written adhering to a word count of 1000 to 1100 words.

Moving onto the General Studies (GS) papers (Paper II to Paper V), there are four papers, each with a maximum of 250 marks. In the GS papers, there will be 20 questions in each paper. Here, two types of questions are asked- 10 marks questions with a word limit of 150 words and 15 marks questions with a word limit of 250 words. Here, the ten markers are given two pages, and for the 15 markers, three pages are provided. The aspirants are expected to write their answers within the fixed space and word limit. Please keep in mind that you do not have to use the word limit perfectly. The idea should be to NOT cross the word limit.

Concerning the Optional papers (paper VI, paper VII), there are two, and each paper counts for 250 marks. Here, there is a slight difference in the marks distribution. Of the five questions that an aspirant has to write, each question has sub-questions, which is further subdivided into three types- 10 mark questions, 15 mark questions and 20 mark questions. These different types in various orders make the entirety of one optional paper. Here, the pages allotted for 10 marks, 15 marks, and 20 marks are two, three and four pages, respectively.

When you are ready to appear for the Mains exam, make sure that you have practised enough. The answers are expected to have quality, quantity, clarity, flow, and relevance and should cover various dimensions. While you attempt a question, the standard practice is to have an introduction-body-conclusion style. Keep writing mock tests to sharpen your skills while you learn to ace the Mains exam. UPSC will frame questions that will test your knowledge and mental calibre to withstand pressure in the actual exam. Hence, one might be pressed for time to complete the papers on time. This is another reason to take practice tests.  Kindly keep in mind that the expertise in the Mains is acquired through practice. So, one should not worry if the marks they get in their mocks are less than satisfactory. While practising, make sure that you take papers that are identical to the ones used by UPSC. This is to ensure that you are accustomed to the space provided for writing as UPSC answer booklet space does not correspond to the usual A4 sheet space. There will be margins on the UPSC mains booklet, and it is wise to practice on similar lines to ensure maximum benefit. Below given is a sample specimen of the GS answer sheet.

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Make Your Note

Strategy: Answer Writing for CSE MAINS

• 16 Aug 2018
• 40 min read

In this strategy we will tackle one of the most important challenges faced by CSE aspirants i.e. how to write a good answer in the Mains examination.

It is said that answer writing is an art.The good news is that any form of art can be learnt over a period of time. All it takes is will and effort, regular practice and some guidance. We are here to provide you help with the guidance part and we hope you successfully integrate the tips we are going to provide in your preparation.

This answer writing guide has been divided into three sections – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced . As the names for the section headings suggest,one should proceed step by step, understanding each section completely before proceeding to the next. Ultimately you should be able to use the tips from all sections in your answer writing in a holistic manner.

The Basics section of answer writing tackles the bare minimum requirements needed for effective answer writing . The answer you are going to write has to be effective in order to earn an advantage over the competition. To write an effective answer there are certain basic tricks that you need to know and these are discussed below.

Do’s and Don'ts

• Do understand the question fully and correctly before contemplating an answer for it . Questions in the Mains examination come with certain directives like ‘discuss/ critically discuss’ etc and you should be able to grasp clearly what that particular directive is asking you to do. You should consult the accompanying table on various directives and their meanings for a proper appreciation of what the examiner is expecting from you in the answer. This is also the most basic and yet a very important skill that you should have for effective answer writing.
• Do develop a basic mental framework of the answer before actually committing anything to paper. This is a very crucial skill that you need to develop on a war footing. It should be that the moment you have read and understood a given question, you immediately start forming the structure for the answer in your mind. With practice, it becomes easier and easier to do this and if required, jot down (with a pencil) whatever you remember as and when you remember it. The last point is important because sometimes we tend to forget or we simply are unable to recall from memory at the very last minute (or while writing) which can drastically affect the quality of our answer.
• Don’t wait for the answer to come to you, instead force it out. It is important that you learn how to force an answer out of you. This is not something very hard to achieve. Think of it in this way. You are a serious aspirant and you have prepared considerably for the Mains examination and as a result you are in the possession of a considerable amount of information, facts, ideas etc. If time were not an issue you could contemplate generously before each and every sentence you write but within a given time limit you do not have such luxuries of time. For example,  suppose you can recall only two points (fully) for an answer and you think you need at least four points for a complete answer. In such a case you should not waste time trying to recall all the points before attempting to answer and instead force yourself to write the answer with whatever information you’ve got. That way, without wasting time you give your best shot to the question.
• Don’t overstretch your imagination. UPSC requires that you have a good understanding of a given issue and that the same should be readily understandable when expressed. Thus, one should not slip into thoughts, ideas or arguments that are not absolutely necessary for writing a particular answer. Overbrooding and philosophizing may lead to confusion and as such it should be left out of Mains answer writing. Moreover, this can save you time and effort which can be used in answering other questions efficiently.

How to structure your answer

• Step 1: Write a fitting introduction to your answer. Ideally, the introduction should not only introduce the topic/issue/idea to the examiner but also (very) briefly narrate the central premise of the answer. If the question has two or more parts, then all parts must be introduced briefly. The introduction should not be lengthier than 20% of the word limit at any cost, and its ideal length is about 10% of the word limit. For 200 words, 20-40 words is what you should be looking at for the introduction (and the conclusion too).
• Step 2: Divide the main body of the answer into paragraphs or bullets as required. Each paragraph or bullet should have one point only (unless it is very necessary to do otherwise) and the most important points or the points that you have recalled fully should go first. When you are asked to discuss both positive and negative aspects of an issue, you can either list all the positives in one paragraph and then list the negatives or you can go for a positive-negative combination in each paragraph. Do the latter only when there are very less points in the answer (because 3 paragraphs for 200 words looks best) and for all other purposes go with the former.
• Step 3: Wrap up your answer with a well balanced conclusion. You can balance your conclusion with a healthy positive opinion. The opinion does not necessarily have to be original but ideally (and mostly) has to be a positive one. Never end on a negative note or tone, you must be able to see the silver lining in the clouds. Also, never end the conclusion by posing another question. If you want to pose a question as part of your answer, do so in the main body of the answer only. Also, avoid ending your answer in the rhetoric and instead try to put forward a solution or a way-forward. This shows a positive bent of mind and a willingness to find solutions - things that any CSE aspirant should possess.

How to introduce and conclude your answer

• Introduction:   For introducing your answer choose first the crux of the problem/issue/idea that the question is inquiring about. Then add to it the one line version of the answer that you are planning to write. Finally, if space permits write the ‘verdict/sentiment/judgement’ in another line. So, basically the introduction is 3 sentences that lets the examiner know beforehand that you know the answer and that you are not going to beat around the bush looking for the right answer.
• Conclusion:   To conclude your answer, begin with a simple sentence that brings together all the main elements/points/arguments of the answer. Follow it up with the above-mentioned positive opinion. The last sentence should be a general statement reiterating the ‘verdict/ sentiment/judgement’ mentioned in the introduction.
• An example of introduction and conclusion: For the question ‘What is meant by Employment 4.0? Discuss the benefits and challenges posed to Indian economy by Employment 4.0.’ we can introduce thus – ‘Employment 4.0. refers to an on-demand, digitally driven labour market characterised by independent workers in temporary positions for short-term engagements or contracts like freelancing for a magazine, driving cabs through Uber etc. It is also referred to as Gig Economy. According to a recent report, India is the largest supplier of online labour, hosting 24% of such workers globally.’ (59 words). For conclusion we can write - ‘There is a large gap between the way gig economy is growing and the adoption of regulations, as the law associated with it is incomplete and antiquated in many respects. But given the huge potential of gig economy going forward, there is a case for the state to deftly balance the interests of business exigencies and social welfare.’ (58 words).

Whether to write in bullets or in paragraphs

• An opinion-based answer should ideally be written in paragraphs.  Such answers are generally essay type answers and could consist of an Introductory paragraph, Main body of the answer in paragraphs, and the Concluding paragraph. A fact-based answer can be written in both paragraphs and in bullets or in a combination of both . A fact-based answer in bullets would consist of the Introductory paragraph, Main body of the answer in bullets, and the Concluding paragraph. Since, most questions asked in the CSE would invariably be a mix of both facts and opinions, it is best that you develop a method that suits you naturally. For example, have a look at this question from CSE 2016 – ‘Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.’ – and then take a look at the suggestions given below.
• Case 1: The opinion-based question –  ‘Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development’ – this part of the question is opinion-based and as such could be attempted in paragraphs.
• Case 2: The fact-based question –  Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India’ – this part of the question has factual elements to it and as such can be presented in either paragraphs or bullets. Choosing the latter here could surely save time if not fetch extra marks.

The Intermediate

The Intermediate section will handle the second set of challenges that aspirants face in the Mains examination. To score well and above the competition it is important that you understand and follow the guide given below.

Sticking to the word limit

• The General Studies (GS) papers, with the exception of GS paper IV which is the Ethics paper, has a limit of 200 words per question. This is a justified word limit given the time that you are given to answer a question. The trick here is to write sentences that are short. Avoid compound sentences even though you may feel that by joining two sentences with an ‘and’ you have saved time and words. Instead use a semicolon to separate a sentence into clauses with each clause addressing a related but different idea or argument. You can also break into bullets if the question is asking you to list down factors, causes etc.
• GS paper IV (Ethics) has 150, 250 and 300 as word limits. 99% of the time the questions are opinion-based so, it is best to write the answers in paragraphs. Follow the tips mentioned in the above point and add two more tricks to it. First, for open-ended questions like ‘Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being (CSE 2016)’ that have to be answered in 150 words, spare 30 seconds to figure out a framework for the answer. Once you have a vague idea that this is what your answer is going to be, sticking to the word limit becomes much easier. Second, when answering the case study questions avoid bringing unnecessary justifications to your ideas and arguments (instead, you can use a paradigm to justify an answer, for example, the paradigms of Rights-based approach, Justice based or Utilitarian approach etc.). State your ideas in a plain and simple manner, cite an example or two (or quotes) when necessary and make sure that you do not repeat the same thing in one or more paragraphs.
• Most Optional subject papers carry the 150 word per question limit for the short-note section (the optional History is a notable exception). Generally, a well prepared aspirant should be able to write more than 150 words on a given topic. Therefore, the trick here is to learn how to compress a (say) 500 word answer to a 150 word short-note. In order to compress something get to the gist of it first. The root idea/information should not be ignored at any cost. Ignore only the peripheral, unnecessary, redundant or repeated things. You can also use the ‘comma’ creatively as illustrated by this example – ‘the Battle of Buxar, 1764, was fought and won by the British, led by Hector Munro, who faced the combined armies of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam’ (38 words). In this example, we ignored the exact date of the battle (unnecessary), the name of Awadh’s Nawab (peripheral), the description or location of Buxar (unnecessary) etc.
• The rest of the questions in the Optional subject paper do not come with a word limit. The word count in this case can vary from 150 to 350 words depending on factors like time, marks, writing speed and how much you can recall at a particular moment. Though, the lack of a predetermined word limit might look encouraging, we would advise against filling up the entire provided space with words just for the sake of it. But, do write your answer carefully and comfortably and do so without any compulsion on adhering to word or space limits. The various tricks mentioned here will definitely help you achieve that.

• In the Essay paper you have to write two essays in the 1000-1200 word limit. The booklet provided for you to write your answer is very very generous so, do not worry over space or large handwriting. Writing a very good essay, within the stipulated time and word limit, is very much possible, provided that you follow some of the basic rules. These basic rules are - brainstorming, outlining, idea/argument placement and structuring . There are also well established types of essays like the narrative, descriptive, expository and the persuasive essays that you need to know. Generally, the more prepared you are in the GS papers the more content you will have for your essay. Also, do not choose a topic for the essay only because it looks exotic or impressive. Instead, choose a topic that is most comfortable to you, and on which you can recall many interesting things, and can develop the most vivid dimensions. Ultimately, a good essay on an average topic is likely to fetch more marks than a bad essay on an exotic topic.

Time management in the exam hall

• To manage time while attempting the Mains examination mean that you know how to allocate the right amount of time to each question so, that you can complete all the questions within 3 hours. The three rules of thumb for time management in this case are i) go with the flow while writing and thinking; learn to trust yourself; do not indulge in self-doubt like being unable to decide whether to write a particular thing or not ii) write in language that comes naturally to you; do not use forced made-up writing styles, and iii) do not get stuck with one question – temporarily leave the question that you are unable to write at a particular moment and move on to the next question; come back to the difficult question as and when you get the opportunity to do so. With practice you should be able to master the time management aspects of the Mains examination.
• Always stick to the word limit; develop a good writing speed; try to consume as less personal time as possible - in the exam hall, drinking water, going to the bathroom, changing pens, imagining how others are faring etc qualify as personal time; and lastly, do not try to reach ‘perfection’ with your answers - the Mains examination is not the right platform for such things - instead try to consistently maintain above average quality in all your answers. Consistency matters more than writing one excellent answer and then following it up with a bad answer.

Choosing when to attempt a question

• One good question for the Mains examination is, should we attempt the questions we are confident on, first? We would like to answer this question in the positive. Always try to answer this type of questions first, as these will come from you fresh and spirited. Also, due to higher energy levels and lower stress levels during the initial period of the exam, such answers can turn out to be dynamic in content, well favoured in style, and yet completed in less time.
• You should also, always revise your answers. The question is when should you do it – should you revise as you go or should you revise after completing the entire paper? Revising the answer immediately after you’ve completed it, is untenable, given the time factor of the exam. Instead, we recommend that you ‘revisit’ your answer immediately after its completion and check for spelling mistakes or other errors. Ideally, you should also underline important points only when you are ‘revisiting’ your answer and not while writing it. Underlining important points after you have seen the complete answer, helps greatly in the correct identification of important points. If, after you’ve completed all you answers, there is time remaining, you should revise or at least check for errors. You should also always be relaxed and extra careful while carrying out any revision work so as to avoid the tendency to make any unnecessary changes or additions.

Whether to leave or attempt unfamiliar questions

• Leave unfamiliar questions when you know you can use the time thus saved, elsewhere, like in answering a different question properly or in revising. Sometimes, it is not prudent to attempt unfamiliar questions despite having time because it may send a negative impression to the examiner and may also lower your self-confidence for the rest of the question paper.
• Attempt unfamiliar questions only if it crosses a certain minimum threshold for information (information that is available with you on the topic and at that given time). Suppose, if you are able to recall 20-30% or 1-2 points on any topic, only then you may attempt an answer. By many standards, this threshold is very low for answer writing but since this is a competitive exam one must do everything it takes to score marks. The only exception to this should be that it must not work against your getting a good score. For example, beating around the bush, hoping to hit the mark by writing things that you ‘think’ may be relevant to the answer, can never be recommended. Because doing so, may affect you negatively. Thus, you should be very careful before attempting to answer a question that you are unfamiliar with.

The Advanced

How to practice answer writing

• While practising answer writing, keep in mind that it involves three things primarily. These are the abilities to recall, process and write down thoughts in a streamlined and time-bound manner. To do this you need to cultivate a habit of being able to process information quickly and thoroughly. As such, begin with open-book answer writing - you will have the source/ reading material in front of you and you will refer to these while answering a question. You should continue with open-book answer writing till you get comfortable and reasonably quick at it. Then move on to answer writing from memory - read up a topic first and then answer the questions to it. Doing this would also improve your writing speed because writing from memory is faster than writing from an open book. Also don’t forget that answer writing is an art, the more you write the better you get.
• To practice answer writing begin with the CSE previous year’s papers which are a great source for quality questions. Now, pick a question on a topic that you may have recently prepared, and simply write the answer to it. Read the answer that you have written multiple times, analyse it and ask yourself whether you have been able to do justice to the question. If yes, then how can you better it and if no, then what have you missed. Always remember that answer writing helps us find gaps in our preparation. At the same time it also helps us get a glimpse into the mind of the examiner. Thus, you should practice answer writing because it will help you not only in knowing what is left in the topic for you to prepare but also what the examiner is looking for in any given topic.

Whether to enrol in a test series

• Ideally, if it is possible you should enrol for a test-series. A good test series can not only guide you but it can also help you maintain a time-table. Besides, it will tell you where you have fared well and where work needs to be done. In any case, having a regular report card on your answer writing is always helpful.
• If you are pressed for time, or if for some reason it is not possible for you to join a good test series, you should try and do the following.
• First, if you are in a coaching or have a mentor then you should periodically get your answers checked by them. Then, you can also go for peer review where aspirants check each other’s answers.
• Lastly, you can also ask your friends and family (if they are qualified) to review your answers. The bottomline is that you should not keep writing answers solely but get feedback as well.
• Feedback is a very important part of the learning process and good feedback can help you with course correction in your preparation, and also help you in the evaluation of progress in your answer writing practice.

How to develop a lucid answer writing style

• To develop a lucid answer writing style, first and foremost discard the use of complex language. Use words that have a chance of being universally understood, for example, use allocate instead of bestow. Write simple and easy to understand sentences, for example, read the following sentence from the Economic Times – ‘India’s agricultural growth will accelerate to 4.1% in the current fiscal from a sluggish 1.2% in drought-hit 2015-16, the Economic Survey said while raising concerns that inadequate supply may lead to a spurt in prices of milk, sugar, potato and onion as happened in the case of pulses last year’. This sentence can be converted to multiple sentences, like ‘India’s agricultural growth will accelerate to 4.1% this year from last year’s 1.2%. Yet, the Economic Survey is concerned that if the supply of milk, sugar, potato and onion does not increase it may lead to a price rise. Last year, the price of pulses had spiked due to a drought.’
• An advanced strategy for successful answer writing would also be to develop templates for answers that you can recall at a short notice .
• For example, you can have a universal answer template consisting of an introduction, body/bullets and a conclusion, or you can have a particular template for answering science-based questions and another for socio-economic ones, etc, or you can have both. It would help tremendously if you can recognise in the exam hall that a given question fits one of your templates (perfectly, or with slight modifications) and all that you need to do now is start writing your answer. In order to develop this template you will need to understand what interrogative directives are and how to approach them. In the final part of this month’s strategy we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently used interrogative directives that you can use to develop and retain your own answer templates. We hope that you will find it useful and valuable.

• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• 10 Things In Mind While Writing Essay For UPSC Mains

Important Pointers for Essay Writing in the IAS Exam

The Essay Paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC mains (written) exam. It has a weightage of 250 marks, which are counted for the final tally. Earlier, it used to be only 200 marks. There is no syllabus as such for the essay paper, and the essay topics can come from anywhere, particularly current affairs. Even though it might sound easy, it is necessary to prepare for this paper as the marks are counted for your ranking. It is also important to up your general awareness and critical thinking abilities.

The essay is essentially a piece of well-planned and organised writing. Now, not only for the essay paper per se, this form of creative writing is important for all the mains papers since the UPSC demands that all answers be in this format. This paper can be a boon for candidates who can write meaningful and well-structured essays since they can take the final marks notches above. The essay topics have come from both predictable and unpredictable areas. Aspirants should understand how to prepare for the essay paper, as well as how to write a good essay for the IAS mains exam. In this article, you will find the top ten tips for writing good essays that fetch top marks for the civil services mains exam.

Important Points to Make a Note while Writing an Essay in the IAS Exam

• Quotes for Essay
• Previous Year UPSC Question Papers
• Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 – 2018)

Topic Selection

In the essay paper, you have to write one essay out of a choice of four topics in two sections. So, there would be a total of 8 topics, and you will have to write two essays. The selection of the topic is also important in this paper. Select a topic that you are comfortable with so that you do not run out of ideas while writing the essay. Also, take care to avoid topics that might be considered controversial or sensitive.

Brainstorming

After you have finalised the topic, think about it for a while and jot down all the points that you get in rough. 

Ideas Sequencing

Arrange and sequence your ideas and thoughts in such a manner that their logical consistency is maintained. Suppose you have ten points for a particular topic, arrange them in the way you would put them in the essay. After that, think of a good introduction and conclusion for the essay.

Quoting Facts and Figures

You should always substantiate what you say in the essay with facts and figures. Recent statistics should be provided to prove any point. Of course, you should only give authentic information and not makeup stuff! 

Do Not Stray

Make sure you do not stray away from the topic asked. Going way off a topic can cost you marks.

Write Concisely

The word limit for the essay is about 1000-1200 words. Make sure you include all your points within the prescribed word limit.

Exact and Effective Representation

Represent your views in an exact and effective manner. Articulation, effective expression, logic, flow and rhythm are important. Correct grammar and style of writing adds to the overall effectiveness of the message which you want to convey through your essay.

The Tone of the Essay

Always make your essay neutral and balanced. Show human concern and do not take extreme positions on particularly divisive topics.

A candidate must be thorough and well verse with their general awareness. As topics come from Current Affairs, you need to have in-depth knowledge and background on trending topics in the world.

Revision and Proofreading

After you’ve written your essay, proofreading and revising your essay is absolutely essential. This is an absolute must if you are to score high marks on the paper. You should check spelling and grammatical errors.

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How to Write a Great Answer in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam: ClearIAS Guidelines

Last updated on October 13, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

What is the difference between a good answer and a great answer?

If you ask me, I would say it lies in the structure and logical continuity of the answer.

To be frank, well-structured to-the-point answers are rare.

In this post, ClearIAS presents important guidelines on how to write a great answer.

Also read: How to Start Practicing Answer Writing for UPSC CSE Mains Exam?

Table of Contents

Find what are you really supposed to answer

Let us first go through the question given below.

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(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

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(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

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This is a question asked in UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam 2019 in General Studies Paper 2.

“Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power”. In light of this statement explain whether parliament under article 368 of the constitution can destroy the Basic structure of the constitution by expanding its amending power? (UPSC CSE 2019 Question, answer in 250 words, 15 marks)

In the above question, you are supposed to explain whether parliament can destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.

This should be the prime focus when you write an answer to this question.

Did you get this core requirement correct?

To find the core part of the question correctly, do the following process.

Find Keywords in the Question

Consider the same question again, with certain words written in bold.

“ Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power”. In light of this statement explain whether parliament under article 368 of the constitution can destroy the Basic structure of the constitution by expanding its amending power? (UPSC CSE 2019 Question, answer in 250 words, 15 marks)

We call those words mentioned in bold letters are keywords.

In the above question, the keywords are – (1) Parliaments power to amend the constitution (2) Article 368 of the Constitution (3) Basic structure of the Constitution.

When you write your answer, ensure that you touch all the main keywords in the question.

Answer according to the Question Directive

Go through the same question again. Was there any question directive?

In the above question, the question directive is ‘explain’.

‘Explain’, ‘Elucidate’, ‘Discuss’, ‘Analyse, ‘Critically Analyse’, ‘Elaborate’ etc are all question directives with a different meaning. You should answer according to the question directive.

We shall explain the minute differences in each of these directives in another post.

Also read: ClearIAS Restarts UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice (AWP)

Structure your answers with the correct logical flow

Make sure your answer contains a well-planned introduction, body, and conclusion.

There are marks for each part.

Impressive introductions and conclusions play a great role in boosting your marks.

However, what matters most is the content present in the body of your answer.

Introduction of the answer: State your thesis

A thesis is a statement that is put forward to be proved. Your introduction should put forward the unproven ‘thesis’, which will be your opinion in most cases. This thesis should be proved and substantiated by quoting facts and examples in the body.

Note: Introduction is not the summary of your answer, but rather the thesis.

Body of the answer: Justify your thesis

Present your arguments logically in the body of your answer.

Touch all dimensions possible – social, political, economic – and give different examples to substantiate your view.

If the question is something related to India, don’t just present from the point of view of the Central government. As you know, India is a federal country . You may think from the perspective of states and even bring factors affecting local self-governing bodies. That’s how you can bring different dimensions to the answer.

Conclusion of the answer: Prove your thesis

In the conclusion part you should state that after analysing ‘this’ ‘this’ and ‘this’, your thesis is proved.

The conclusion should be logically derived from the introduction and body of the answer. If your thesis is positive, your conclusion should also be positive in nature. If your thesis is negative, your conclusion should also be negative.

That is, if you presented a negative outlook in the introduction and body, then don’t deviate abruptly from the same and provide a positive futuristic standpoint in the conclusion – just to impress the examiner.

You are supposed to prove your thesis, not contradict it at the end.

You should also not forget to

Apart from the above-discussed points, there are some other vital tips to boost your marks. This includes sticking to the mentioned word limit in the question, providing examples, lucid explanations, critical thinking, creativity, original ideas etc.

(1) Provide value addition

UPSC CSE is a low-scoring exam with tough evaluation standards. The highest marks secured by toppers in GS is only around 45% (450 marks out of 1000). In that background, we have developed a marking scheme, which we use for ClearIAS AWP as well.

• 0-19% –  Not satisfactory.
• 20%-29% – Below average answer.
• 30%-39% – Average answer.
• 40%-49% – Above Average Answer.
• 50%-59% – Excellent Answer.
• 60% and above – Exceptional Answer.

Looking at the above marking scheme, you can understand that if you get 3.5 marks for a 10 mark question, that is an average score. However, if you get 1 mark extra (ie 4.5 marks for a 10 mark question), your answer is above average!

If there are 20 questions, and if you manage to get 1 mark more for each question, you would get 20 marks extra! Overall this would make a huge difference. This would help your final rank to go up at least by 300, considering that there will be 10-15 candidates per each mark.

Now the question is how to provide the correct value addition for each answer to get that 1 extra mark? How to make your answer stand out? How to make your answer special?

A few tips:

• Quote Supreme Court Judgments: In General Studies Paper 2, bring the viewpoints of the honourable Supreme Court of India to supplement your answer on crucial issues. We have compiled important judgments for UPSC aspirants into a handy book, which is already a best seller. Get the book ‘ Important Judgments that Transformed India ‘.
• Quote provisions from relevant Acts:  For all papers (General Studies Paper 1 to Paper IV), add value to your answers by quoting provisions from relevant Acts. For example, when a question is asked about Disaster Managment, mention provisions from the Disaster Managment Act. If a question is asked about Fiscal Responsibility, quote provisions of the FRBM Act. The book ‘ Important Acts that transformed India ‘ can save a lot of your time in this respect.
• Connect the static part of your answer with relevant current issues: Make your answer interesting by linking it with items in news. Use recent examples.
• Use Important Data from the Economic Survey – Get Economic Survey Summary by ClearIAS . Use the facts and statistics to substantiate your answer.
• Quote the latest Budget – Get India Budget summary by ClearIAS .
• Mention relevant schemes or programs from the India Yearbook
• Quote NITI Aayog Reports
• Quote ARC Reports
• Quote Sarkaria Commission and Punchi Commission Reports
• Keep 5 notebooks – one for the essay paper, and four each for the General Studies Papers. Note down the value-adding points you come across during your preparation time in the respective notebooks. Practice this and believe me, the points you add to these notebooks will make your answer special in the exam hall.

(2) Stick to the word limit

Sticking to the word limit will help you score better. Some questions may have the word-limit set at 150, some others may have it at 250. Carefully check the word limit before starting answering.

As you won’t get time to check the word limit for every answer in the exam hall, make sure you try this while doing Answer Writing Practice (AWP) .

A general thumb rule which can be helpful in the exam hall is that – if the question has a 150-word limit, then the answer should be written within 1 and a half A4 pages. If it’s 250, then write the answer not going beyond 2.5 A4 pages.

Precise answers will not only help you fetch better marks but also save a lot of time.

(3) Address add parts of the question

Not all questions are focused on a single topic. There may be questions that may be divided into 2-3 parts. While answering such questions, make sure you address each of these subparts.

(4) Give examples to substantiate your answer

Without examples, your answer will be so dry.

Your need interesting examples to justify your arguments.

If possible, use an example to substantiate each of your main points/arguments.

(5) Use simple language (and may use points to explain)

Use small and simple sentences. Avoid jargon and flowery language.

You can use ‘points’ inside the body part of your answer – if you feel that will make the answer stand out.

If you prefer a paragraph way of writing, break your contents into small paragraphs whenever possible.

(6) Bring Creative Thinking and Critical Thinking into the Answer

Even if automation replaces everything that human beings do currently, it cannot replace creative and critical thinking. This is what UPSC looks for in future candidates. No wonder, the Commission sets most of the questions with the popular directive – “Critically Analyse”.

If the question demands creative or critical thinking, your answers should be in that direction.

If you are asked to critically analyse, be sure that you present both sides – for and against – in the answer.

(7) Express your opinion; Bring original ideas

UPSC asks many questions seeking your opinion or viewpoint. Consider the below question asked in UPSC CSE Mains 2019.

“Do you think the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain.” (10 Marks)

In this question, UPSC had directly asked your opinion. Don’t run away without giving your opinion.

In these questions, rather than adding the quotes of experts, mention your opinion and substantiate it well. UPSC will appreciate candidates with fresh ideas and original thinking.

How to write a great answer: Concluding remarks

• You need to write a well-structured answer to score high marks in the UPSC Civil Services Exam .
• By being well-structured, it means having a logical connection between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Make sure you understand what is really asked in the UPSC question before starting to answer it. This can be understood by carefully observing the keywords and directives.
• State your thesis clearly in the introduction.
• Give examples to substantiate your view of the body part. Cover multiple dimensions – social, political, economic etc in the body of the answer.
• End your answer by unequivocally that your thesis is proved based on the discussed arguments/facts/examples.
• If you maintain the flow and logical continuity throughout your answer, you will definitely get high marks in UPSC Mains. All the best!

Do you need proper training on how to write a high scoring answer in UPSC CSE Mains?

If you are looking for online training on how to write a high scoring answer in UPSC CSE Mains, you are at the right place.

ClearIAS program for UPSC CSE Mains has two components.

• ClearIAS UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice (AWP – Practise of 1 question daily with personalised feedback)
• ClearIAS UPSC Mains Test Series (Exams simulating actual UPSC Mains for Essay, GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4)

At this moment, we offer both programs for aspirants who register in  ClearIAS Online Classroom Program Ultimate Batch . You can find more details here .

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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

May 23, 2020 at 10:26 pm

Any model question and answer paper give me please

May 23, 2020 at 10:35 pm

We will be publishing model answers on the website soon. Until then, you can refer the guidance and personalised feedback we gave to answers written by participants in ClearIAS Answer Writing Practice. Link – AWP

May 24, 2020 at 2:21 am

Give some model answers too

May 24, 2020 at 3:34 pm

Thank you for the suggestion. We will be providing that.

May 24, 2020 at 7:52 am

May 24, 2020 at 3:33 pm

You are welcome 🙂

May 24, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Sir can you plz share the answer writing strategy for optional paper as well. Like if i have opted for anthropology as an optional…what should be my answer writing strategy for that.

May 24, 2020 at 3:32 pm

The above write-up is general in nature. That means following the ClearIAS guidelines mentioned above will help you in the optional papers as well.

May 24, 2020 at 3:00 pm

A separate “Answer writing telegram group ” would help aspirants. Thank you

May 24, 2020 at 3:30 pm

Hi Aryan…Thank you for the suggestion. We can do that at a later stage.

November 3, 2020 at 9:41 pm

Sir! Please sprovide some model answer of privious years question which is asked in UPSC exam… I will wait this!!

March 8, 2021 at 8:37 am

‘Explain’, ‘Elucidate’, ‘Discuss’, ‘Analyse, ‘Critically Analyse’, ‘Elaborate’ etc are all question directives with a different meaning. You should answer according to the question directive.

We shall explain the minute differences in each of these directives in another post’ …. Sir please share that link…

August 17, 2023 at 8:48 pm

She never criticise BJP for any issue in the country. She especially mentions that no matter whichever the political party: either Congress or BJP, Government of India needs to be accountable for every matter. Means she doesn’t want to defame BJP at any cost! That is right wing party and she supports RIGHT WING ideology. But being an independent content writer for the public, she can’t clearly promote ideologies of right wing political party. But she had supported each and evey bill passed by the BJP (bcz all those bills are either in favour of Hindus or in favour of Hindu Girls!)

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Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains Exam

Penalty marks in UPSC Mains are imposed by the UPSC, especially for the Descriptive papers. Check out the penalty marks in UPSC Mains and their reasons.

Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains Exam: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Mains Exam is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India. Penalty marks in UPSC Mains are deductions that candidates face for various infractions or errors during the examination. UPSC has imposed these penalties for violations of instructions. It is crucial for candidates to check these violations carefully as they can severely affect their scores.

Understanding Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains

In the UPSC CSE exam, the Mains stage is crucial as the score determines the merit list. Candidates need to be aware of penalty in UPSC Mains, which are deductions made for violations of instructions. Penalty marks can range from 5 to 25 marks or more, depending on mistakes in the QCAB. Here we have provided the UPSC Mains Penalty marks pdf through which candidates can understand the violations:

Download UPSC Mains Penalty marks PDF

Penalty marks in UPSC Mains are deductions that candidates face for various infractions or errors during the examination. Here’s a detailed look at what these penalties entail:

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Reasons Behind Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains

It is clearly mentioned in the notification, “Candidates should note that if any irrelevant matter/signages/marks, etc. are found written in the answer script(s), which would not be related to any question/answer and/or would have the potential to disclose the candidate’s identity, the Commission will impose a penalty of deduction of marks from the total marks otherwise accruing to the candidate or will not evaluate the said script(s) on this account.”

The UPSC applies penalty in UPSC Mains to ensure that all candidates adhere to the prescribed rules, creating a level playing field for everyone.

Writing Irrelevant Matters

Candidates should stick to the topic and avoid including information that does not directly answer the question. Including irrelevant content can lead to penalty marks as it demonstrates a lack of focus and clarity.

Disclosing Identity

Revealing any personal information, such as name, roll number, or contact details, within the answer scripts is strictly prohibited. This compromises the anonymity of the evaluation process and results in penalties.

Excessive Writing

Adhering to the prescribed word limits is crucial. Writing excessively beyond the given word limit can lead to deductions, as it shows an inability to convey ideas concisely.

Answering in Mixed Language Medium

Candidates must stick to one language medium as specified in their application. Mixing languages in the answers is not allowed and can result in penalties.

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Answering Partly in Ink and Partly in Pencil

Candidates are required to use only one medium, either ink or pencil, consistently throughout their answers. Mixing the two can lead to confusion and penalties.

Bad/Illegible Handwriting

Clear and legible handwriting is essential. If the handwriting is too difficult to read, it can result in penalty marks as it hampers the examiner’s ability to evaluate the answer properly.

Direct/Indirect Appeal to Examiner

Making any form of appeal to the examiner within the answer script, either directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Such actions are viewed as attempts to influence the examiner and attract penalties.

Contravention of Any Other Instructions

Not adhering to any other specific instructions provided in the examination guidelines can result in penalties. It is crucial to follow all the instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary deductions.

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How to Avoid Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains Exam?

Penalty marks can significantly impact your final score, so it is crucial to understand how to avoid them. Here are some key strategies to help you avoid penalty in UPSC Mains exam:

• Follow Instructions : Adhere strictly to all the guidelines provided in the examination.
• Stay Within Word Limits : Ensure your answers do not exceed the prescribed word limits.
• Write Legibly : Use clear and legible handwriting to make it easy for examiners to read your answers.
• Relevant Content : Stick to the topic and avoid including irrelevant information in your answers.
• Consistent Medium : Use either ink or pencil consistently throughout your answers, as specified.
• Avoid Mixed Language : Write your answers in the language medium you have chosen, without mixing languages.
• No Personal Information : Do not disclose any personal details, such as your name or roll number, in your answer scripts.
• No Appeals to Examiner : Refrain from making any direct or indirect appeals to the examiner within your answer scripts.

Every mark is crucial in your UPSC Mains journey. Elevate your preparation with the best resources available. Join PW UPSC Online course now and ensure your success!

FAQs On Penalty Marks in UPSC Mains

What are penalty marks in upsc mains, is there a negative marking in upsc mains, how can i avoid penalty marks in essay-type questions, what are the consequences of misconduct during the upsc mains, how to avoid penalty marks in the upsc mains exam.

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