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

Last updated on January 8, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 07-01-2022.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2021 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Write  two  essays, choosing  one  topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

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.

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3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

5. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

6. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

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

8. There are better practices to “best practices”.

Most of the essays topics this year were philosophical and open to the interpretation of the candidates. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.

UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 as well. However, this year it became much more prominent. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.

The reason for such a shift in the pattern should be the change in the focus of the Commission.

All the 8 topics presented this year will test spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time-management of aspirants.

Repeated questions from previous years

The importance of the previous year UPSC questions cannot be stressed more.

Just like prelims, in mains too many questions came directly repeated from previous year question papers. Also, there were themes you often see in many essay books.

One such question was Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

This essay topic was a quote going rounds on the internet. The quote is attributed to “Coach Bobbi” [Bobbi Chegwyn] on Facebook.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

This essay topic was connected with J.K. Mehta’s Theory of Wantlessness!

This has also connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

This is a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .

As per Hegel, something can be real, yet it may not exist. Also, something may not be real, it may still exist. For Hegel, reality does not mean existence.

Among philosophers, Hegel is one whose thought is extremely difficult to understand. Often to understand Hegel’s thoughts, we need to grasp his ideas, not in isolation but together with his dialogue with other philosophers, in particular, Aristotle and Kant.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” is a poem by William Ross Wallace that praises motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world. The poem was first published in 1865 under the title “ What Rules the World “.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

This is a quote by Will Harvey . Will Harvey (born 1967) is an American software developer and Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

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

It was Karl Marx who said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

First, it’s a tragedy because it shouldn’t have happened. Then it’s a farce (joke) because we didn’t learn from our mistakes the first time around. This is Marx’s version of dark humour.

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching other areas like society, polity, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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Reader Interactions

January 8, 2022 at 11:36 am

Upsc has chosen right path to evaluate person.one person read, listen ,rember and write in exam.He qualify exam.He is just like computer.worthy less people selected by upsc every year.They are not thinker.so our country is intellectually insolvent.civil services requires thinker to. progess country and welfare of common man.These types of question evaluate intellectual for the welfare of human being.

January 9, 2022 at 1:44 pm

You are putting the quality of a leader and a literate society in such a person who just has to follow his supremes.He/She must be a good analyst. That’s it!!!

June 13, 2022 at 12:41 pm

in the bureaucracy – there is no space for logical thinking.

once you clear the exams and get appointed – you have to follow the “protocol’ or “procedures” – its difficult to be analytical and innovative – bcos the system demands obedience and adherence to the protocol. If you follow the protocol – and even if lot of people are severely affected – you wont be taken to task. But if you are innovative – and even if ONE person gets affected – you will be punished.

January 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Yeah!I’ve passed upsc .

January 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

I have written Essay on three topics..how may I share?

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UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Mains , Questions , UPSC

UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question

Essay writing is a crucial topic, from an exam point of view. While you can read and learn about the various disciplines and topics, it is hard to develop a good style of writing merely by reading books. Thus, writing practice has its own importance, that flows through each and every paper, that needs descriptive answers.

Write TWO Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about   1000-1200 words each. (125×2-250)

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• 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.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to “best practices”.

Download PDF  UPSC CSE 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

Read UPSC 2021 Mains Complete Questions

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Important Updates , UPSC MAINS 2021 QUESTION PAPERS

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.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

• Essay Paper 2021 , UPSC Mains Essay paper 2021 , UPSC Mains-2021: ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM 2021

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(Download) UPSC Mains 2021 Question Paper: Essay Compulsory

Marks : 250 (125x2)

Duration: 3 hours

Year : 2021

Exam Date : 

Write Two Essays, choosing One from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

Section-a (125 marks) - choose any one essay, q-1.the process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced., q-2.your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you in an awareness of me., q-3.philosophy of wantlessness is utopian, while materialism is a chimera., q-4.the real is rational and the rational is real., download upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers pdf, section-b (125 marks)- choose any one essay, q-1.hand that rocks the cradle rules the world., q-2.what is research, but a blind date with knowledge, q-3.history repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce., q-4.there are better practices to “best practices”., click here to download full papers pdf, (e-book) upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers ( 2000-2020 ) pdf, download upsc mains gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc pre gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc mains gs solved papers pdf, printed study material for ias mains general studies, printed study material for ias mains essay, << go back to main page.

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Home » Mains Practice Questions » Essay

This exam necessitates a lot of serious study and devotion. Every applicant who understands the UPSC’s trends and expectations and works diligently toward achieving a rank under suitable supervision has a chance to succeed.

This year’s Mains – 2021 questions in GS, Essay, and even Optional papers need in-depth examination of trending topics as well as certain key static topics that may or may not be in the news.

Analytical skills can only be enhanced by regularly thinking and writing. Regular writing, in particular, is essential for improving your analytical abilities. Writing answers after reading other people’s answers or reading a synopsis will get you nowhere.

You must adhere to the standards outlined in the preceding article. You can get knowledge but not wisdom by consulting a summary.

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The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers for the IAS main exam. With this, the scores obtained in the UPSC essay topics will also be considered in the merit list. Hence, it is important to cover all the aspects of the UPSC essay syllabus .

In this paper, candidates need to write two essays, each with a word limit of 1000-1200 words. Moreover, they are required to choose one IAS essay topic out of the four options in each section i.e. A and B.

The UPSC essay paper is conducted for 250 marks with one essay UPSC paper for 125 marks. Therefore, aspirants should use the best books and strategies to excel in this section.

In this article, we have compiled all the details of the UPSC IAS essay for the candidates aspiring for the upcoming civil services exam.

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UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Structure

• As per the UPSC exam pattern , the essay paper is one of the nine subjects in the civil services main exam. In this paper, aspirants need to write essays on assigned UPSC essay topics .
• Candidates should practice writing essays on multiple topics in order to learn how to arrange their ideas and execute the same in the proper order.
• Furthermore, the UPSC essay paper will carry 250 marks with an exam duration of 3 hours.

UPSC Essay Previous Year Papers

The previous year’s UPSC essay paper is one of the finest resources to prepare well for this section. This will strengthen their vocabulary and writing skills and also provide them insights into the type of essay topics UPSC asked over the years.

Hence, we have compiled below the official UPSC essay previous paper PDF link for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 for the reference of the candidates.

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Best Strategy for UPSC Essay Writing

UPSC essays must be well-formatted and presented in a manner that the readers can easily understand without any obstacles. Above all, it must include the ideas about the issue mentioned in the question.

Candidates must note that the general essay papers also play an important role in compensating for the less scores in general studies and optional papers. Hence, it is advisable to focus on improving the vocabulary and writing skills from the first leg of the preparation.

Let’s look at the best strategy to score high marks in the UPSC essay topics in the main exam.

• Go through the entire UPSC essay syllabus to cover all the aspects of the section.
• Build a habit of reading newspaper editorials and journals every day. Going by the trend analysis, it is found that many essay questions were asked directly from current affairs in the past few years.
• Next, note down relevant quotes from the books/magazines/journal and implement them whenever required in the essay writing.
• Focus on IAS essay topics related to democracy, environment/urbanization, judiciary, social justice/poverty, philosophies, media & society, education, economic sector, etc as questions can be asked from these topics.
• Pick the essay topic very carefully. Also, it is advised to take some time to think about the topic and collect ideas and thoughts.
• One should make sure that the essay comprises sections like introduction, main body, theme, and conclusion.
• Moreover, aspirants can also reach out to their mentors, experts, seniors, or teachers for feedback on their essay writing. This will allow them to recognize their mistakes and focus more on their weak points for effective preparation.

Read More: How to write an essay for UPSC here!

Best Books for UPSC Essay Writing

Along with the best UPSC essay strategy , aspirants should also choose the finest books that comprise multiple essay topics UPSC for the exam. Here, we have shared below the best books and resources to strengthen the preparation of the general essay section:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How to score 150 in UPSC essay?

Ans. One can score 150 marks on the UPSC essay paper by managing time effectively throughout the exam and avoiding any kind of deviation from the topic.

Q2. What are the topics for UPSC essay?

Ans. Some of the important IAS essay topics include democracy, environment/urbanization, judiciary, social justice/poverty, philosophies, media & society, education, economic sector, etc

Q3. What is essay paper 1 in UPSC?

Ans. The UPSC essay paper 1 is one of the nine papers for the IAS main exam. In this paper, candidates need to write two essays, each with a word limit of 1000-1200 words. The maximum mark is 250 with a duration of 3 hours.

Q4. Is UPSC essay tough?

Ans. Yes, the UPSC essay paper is moderately tough as per the past year’s exam analysis. However, it also depends on the aspirant knowledge of the topic.

Q5. How many pages is 1,000 words in UPSC?

Ans. 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced is about 1000 words in UPSC.

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UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2021 which was held on October 10, 2021, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. 

It is to be noted that the marks obtained in the IAS Exam Prelims by the candidates will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. 

The Civil Services (Main) Written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The aspirants can download the UPSC IAS 2021 Mains question papers PDF from this page. 

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Meanwhile, to download the 2020, 2019 UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers , visit the linked article.  

Download UPSC CSE 2021 Mains GS Question Papers PDF

The candidates can download the IAS Mains 2021 GS papers from the following links. The link will be activated once the question papers are officially released by the commission on the official website. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

The candidates would be required to write essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. The essay paper is not just qualifying in nature but will be counted for the merit ranking. 

Therefore, the aspirants can download the Essay Paper and Compulsory English Language Paper from below:

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Language Papers

• UPSC Mains 2021 Compulsory English Paper

The aspirants can download the compulsory Indian language papers from the links below:

For more information, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Papers from the linked article. 

Download UPSC 2021 Mains Optional Papers PDF

The candidates have to choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects prescribed by the commission. 

The candidates can also choose Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject. 

Also, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Optional Paper from the linked article.

Other related links:

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[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).

• 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

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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

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Need Brings Greed, If Greed Increases It Spoils Breed

• 13 Aug 2024

If Development is not Engendered, It is Endangered

• 09 Aug 2024

Social Media is Inherently a Selfish Medium

• 02 Aug 2024

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• 26 Jul 2024

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• 17 Jul 2024

Joy is the Simplest Form of Gratitude

• 10 Jul 2024

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• 04 Jul 2024

Destiny of a Nation is Shaped in its Classrooms

• 27 Jun 2024

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• 21 Jun 2024

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• 13 Jun 2024

Farming has Lost the Ability to be a Source of Subsistence for...

• 06 Jun 2024

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• 31 May 2024

A People that Values Its Privileges Above Its Principles Loses...

• 23 May 2024

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• 16 May 2024

Customary Morality cannot be a Guide to Modern Life

• 10 May 2024

Management of Indian Border Disputes - A Complex Task

• 02 May 2024

Poverty Anywhere is a Threat to Prosperity Everywhere

• 24 Apr 2024

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• 18 Apr 2024

Alternative Technologies for a Climate Change Resilient India

• 12 Apr 2024

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• 04 Apr 2024

Showcase your ideas on public policy and current affairs by entering our essay writing competition. Every month, students can choose any one topic and send their essays. Make sure you first prepare well and then write down the essay as it will give you great practice for the actual UPSC essay exam.

• Selected essays will be published on our website with the name of the author.
• Two essays will be reviewed and practice will be given to enhance the essay writing ability.
• They will also get a Free test series for Prelims

We hope more and more students will participate in the Essay contest, which includes topics of current affairs. One should remember that these topics will be useful not only for the IAS exams but also for other competitive exams.

Practice Essay Topics for UPSC

May - June 2024 Essay Contest (Last date is June 30, 2024)

Candidates should send their essay to [email protected]. Please mention your mobile number in your mail .

View: Upsc essay topics

Essay Contest Topics: January - 2021

• In the tussle between a local vaccine and an international vaccine, how does a government decide?
• Is it important to be a good human being and accommodating or should we be aggressive and achieve success?
• How can individuals contribute to the growth of a nation’s economy?
• Should India close down its dams and focus on nuclear and solar energy?

Selected Essay Topics: March 2024

1. Changing trends in the female workforce, how it can be harnessed for better growth. -JNANDEEP BORA (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: December 2023

1. Is the caste barrier breaking due to increased love marriages in India? -SHUVAJYOTI DUTTA

Selected Essay Topics: November 2023

1. Is the caste barrier breaking due to increased love marriages in India? -JNANDEEP BORA (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: August - September 2023

1. Religion Vs Nation - Write an essay on the harmony and the conflict? -Jatin Sethi

2. Poverty and the Indian story of the numbers below the poverty line. What are the solutions? -MUDRA PADMASHALI (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: April 2023

1. Role of Social Media in Indian Politics -Shri Rishija

2. Role of Social Media in Indian Politics -Vinita Murmu (Winner)

3. Role of social media in Indian politics. -JNANDEEP BORA.

4. ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN INDIAN POLITICS -MUDRA PADMASHALI

5. Where are the oil economies headed with the rise of electric vehicles? Discuss the impact on India. -RICHA RAJ (Winner)

6. Future of printed currency. Discuss. -DR. RUPALI KUMARI

7. Role of social media in Indian politics -SANJEEV KUMAR

Selected Essay Topics: March 2023

1. How important is God in a civil society? -Jatin Sethi (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: January 2023

1. BRAIN DRAIN A DECADE AGO AND NOW -Dr Rashmi bhat (Winner)

2. BRAIN DRAIN A DECADE AGO AND NOW -Gudibandi vaishnavi

3. Should a civil servant be honest? How corruption in offices can be monitored? -JNANDEEP BORA.

4. Should a civil servant be honest? How corruption in offices can be monitored? -Jatin Sethi (Winner)

5. India has some of the richest business houses, how does it affect our GDP? -Swagata Sengupta

6. Should a civil servant be honest? How corruption in offices can be monitored? -Mudra Padmashali

Selected Essay Topics: November - December 2022

1. Is being a Hindu more important than being an Indian? should we have to choose? -Kajal Bansal

2. With Rishi Sunak becoming the British PM, does India benefit in any way? -Dr. Rashmi Bhagat

3. Food distribution in India-the way ahead -Mudra Padmashali

4. Is being a Hindu more important than being an Indian? Should we have to choose?” -Jatin Sethi (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: October 2022

1. Analyze the economic status of India vis-a-vis the world economic scenario -Vijay Sridhar

2. Is Success a mind game or sheer hard work? -Mudra Padmashali

Selected Essay Topics: August 2022

1. Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -Vijay Sridhar (Winner)

2. Quick but steady wins the race -Mudra p (Winner)

3. Dreams which should not let India sleep -SHUVAJYOTI DUTTA

4. Dreams which should not let India sleep. -Sangeeta Paul

5. Dreams which should not let India sleep. -Muhammad Fasal (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: June 2022

1. Role of money in health and happiness -Jnandeep Bora

2. Role of Money in Health and happiness -Dr.Rashmi Bhat

3. Work life balance how can it be achieved? -Dr. Reshma Bhat

4. Work life balance how can it be achieved? -Ani Ysl

5. Work life balance how can it be achieved? -Sangeeta Paul

6. Role of money in health and happiness -Anusha Kolli (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: April & May 2022

1. How important is that PT/sports class in school? -AISHWARYA THORAM

2. How important is that PT/sports class in school? -Dr.Reshma Bhat

3. How Important is that PT/ sports class in school ? -Abraham Johnson Anchaniyil

4. The effect of war in modern days with reference to Ukaraine and Russia. -SATARUPA MUKHERJEE

5. How important is that PT/Sport class in school? -JNANDEEP BORA

Selected Essay Topics: February & March 2022

1. What is important for the voters of India? Do they carry away by propaganda? -Jayant Joshi

2. What should we do to improve Indians to be honest in public life? -VAISHNAVI GUDIBANDI

3. What is important for the voters of India? Do they carried away by propaganda? -Jayant Joshi

4. What should we do to inspire Indians to be honest in public life? -Twinkle

5. What is important for the voters of India? Do they get carried away by propaganda? -JNANDEEP BORA (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: January 2022

1. India’s economic growth, the way forward -Anusha Kolli

Selected Essay Topics: December 2021

1. Should money weigh over choice passion in the choice of career? -Twinkle

2. The Corona virus, it’s variants and the way forward -Dr. Reshma Bhat (Winner)

3. How useful is celebrating festivals for human society? -Rashmi Bhat

4. How useful is celebrating festivals for human society? -Jayant Joshi

5. How useful is celebrating festivals for human society? -Anusha Kolli (Winner)

6. The Corona Virus , it`s variants and the way forward -Sanjyot Dhavale

7. Should money weigh over choice, passion in the choice of career? -Muhammad Fasal (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: December - 2019

• Are we corrupt as a nation? How can the common man stay away from activities that encourage Corruption? -SRISHAKTHI.M
• Are we corrupt as a nation? How can the common man stay away from activities that encourage Corruption? -ADARSH BAJPAI
• Are we corrupt as a nation? How can the common man stay away from activities that encourage Corruption? -ARPIT SAMANT (Winner)
• Air Pollution, the road ahead. Will using alternate number cars, no firecrackers in Diwali help? -NIVEDITA ROY (Winner)
• Air Pollution, the road ahead. Will using alternate number cars, no firecrackers in Diwali help? -Sangeeta Paul
• Is nationalism above humanism? -ABRAHAM JOHNSON ANCHANIYIL
• Is nationalism above humanism? -Sujeet Kumar (Winner)
• Should India, Pakistan and Bangladesh become one country? List advantages and disadvantages. -JNANDEEP BORA (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: November - 2019

• Unemployment in India and the roadmap ahead. - SADIQUE MD YUSUF SHAIKH (Winner)
• Rural development – what are the possibilities?. - ZEENAT ABDUL KARIM SHAIKH
• Rural development – what are the possibilities?. - NIVEDITA ROY (Winner)
• Can live in relationships be considered a new age form of marriage? - shuvajyoti dutta
• Can live in relationships be considered a new age form of marriage? - JNANDEEP BORA. (Winner)
• What does the youth of India want? Engaging the youth. - Shaoni Chakraborty
• What does the youth of India want? Engaging the youth. - Rachna Gupta (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: October - 2019

• Biased Media is a real threat to Indian Democracy. - Sangeeta paul (Winner)
• Biased Media is a real threat to Indian Democracy. - Surya M
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence : the threat of jobless future through reskilling and upskilling - Maryam Maqsood (Winner)
• Courage to accept and decision to improve are two keys to success - SRISHAKTHI.M (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: September - 2019

• How Important the Role of a Housewife to India’s Economic Growth? - Srishakthi.M
• Feeding India's Billion plus Population , the Roadmap Ahead. - Uday Kiran.D
• What Does Marriage Mean to the Millennials in India? - Surya. M
• What Does Marriage Mean to the Millennials in India? - Abraham Johnson Anchaniyil.
• Feeding India's Billion plus Population , the Roadmap Ahead. - Niharika Tahasheeldar
• Tree Plantation Drives, Are They Enough to Get Sufficient Rains - Prathamesh Mahajan
• Feeding India's Billion plus Population , the Roadmap Ahead. - Krupan.P.M (Winner)
• Feeding India's Billion plus Population , the Roadmap Ahead. - Goutham.R
• What Does Marriage Mean to the Millennials in India? - Jnandeep Bora (Winner)
• How Important the Role of a Housewife to India’s Economic Growth? - Nikita Mehta
• Feeding India's Billion plus Population , the Roadmap Ahead. - Shuvajyoti Dutta

Selected Essay Topics: August - 2019

• Fulfilment of ”new Women” in India Is a Myth - Dr.Rashmi Bhat.
• Fulfilment of ”new Women” in India Is a Myth - Yohalakshmi Nethi Gopalakrishnan
• Farming Has Lost the Ability to Be a Source of Subsistence for Majority of Farmers in India - M.Surya (Winner)
• Is There Enough Employment for the Youth of India? What Can Be Done? - Jnandeep Bora. (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: July - 2019

• Customary Morality Cannot Be a Guide to Modern Life - Karthiayani Nair
• A Good Life Is One Inspired by Love and Guided by Knowledge - Krupan P M (Winner)
• A People That Values Its Privileges above Its Principles, Loses Both - Shuvajyoti Dutta

Selected Essay Topics: June - 2019

• Alternative Technologies for Climate Change. - Surya
• Alternative Technologies for Climate Change. - Sayyed Samreen Roomi
• Poverty Anywhere is a Threat to Prosperity Everywhere. - Durgesh Kumar Singh (Winner)
• Poverty Anywhere is a Threat to Prosperity Everywhere. - Mimansa Sahrawat
• Poverty Anywhere is a Threat to Prosperity Everywhere. - Jnandeep Bora

Selected Essay Topics: May - 2019

• Rise of Religious Terrorism in Sri Lanka - Sayed Nishat Tanaum (Winner)
• India's Decision to Create Indo-pacific Division. - Malavika.R
• The Proposal to Allow Dentist Practice as General Physician. - Reshma Bhat.DR

Selected Essay Topics: April - 2019

• Rahul Gandhi's minimum income guarantee scheme - Harshini Manthripragada (Winner)

Selected Essay Topics: March - 2019

• Priyanka Gandhi and her entry into politics - JNANDEEP BORA (Winner)
• Pulwama terror attack and its aftermath - Amit Aseri (Selected)
• Government announcement of No tax for income till Rs. 5 lakh - Sneha Lad (Selected)

Essay Topics: February - 2019

• 10 Per Cent Reservation For General Category - Veena Goyal (Winner)
• 10 Per Cent Reservation For General Category - Manish Kumar (Selected)
• Economic Offenders in India - Abraham Johnson Achaniyil (Selected)

Essay Topics: January - 2019

• Plastic ban in India - Manish Kumar (Winner)
• Importance of reservation of seats for women in Parliament - Dr Rashmi Bhat (Selected)
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Civil Service Essay Contest May - June 2024

• Are elections free and fair in India?
• Is employment is real issue in India as compared to other countries? What can we do to improve the situation?
• Should we do away with reservation and open up to all as equal opportunity?

Civil Service Essay Contest (March 2024)

• Changing trends in the female workforce, how it can be harnessed for better growth. Views : 1962
• Is the caste barrier breaking due to increased love marriages in India? Views : 2890

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Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2024: Key Details, Objectives, Significance, Date for UPSC Exam

Har ghar tiranga campaign 2024 is part of the azadi ka amrit mahotsav, which aims to encourage citizens to hoist the indian flag at home to celebrate independence and foster patriotism. questions from har ghar tiranga campaign are likely to be asked in the upsc exam as well as other competitive exams. read here about the har ghar tiranga campaign and its integration in the upsc essay..

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2024 UPSC: Har Ghar Tiranga is a campaign that started under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark India’s independence. It stemmed from the thought that our relationship with the national flag has always been more formal and institutional than personal. Bringing the flag home collectively as a nation thus became symbolic of not only an act of personal connection to the Tiranga but also an embodiment of our collective commitment to nation-building. The idea behind the initiative was to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.

What is the concept of Har Ghar Tiranga?

A campaign called "Har Ghar Tiranga" is being launched as a part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav." In addition to celebrating India's 75th anniversary of independence, the initiative was launched in 2021 to urge people to bring Tiranga home. The campaign aims to instill a sense of patriotism in individuals and increase their knowledge of the Indian National Flag.

The Indian government launched the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the country's magnificent history, culture, and achievements as well as to mark 75 years of freedom.

Objectives of the Har Ghar Tiranga Initiative

How to Register for Har Ghar Tiranga 2024 Campaign?

Individuals may register for the Har Ghar Tiranga 2024 campaign online by visiting the campaign's official website. The registration procedure consists of the stages listed below:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Har Ghar Tiranga 2024: ‘ https://harghartiranga.com/ ’

Step 2: Fill in the registration form provided on the website.

Step 3: Provide your basic information name, mobile number, location details, email ID and complete the registration.

Step 4: Upon successful registration, a confirmation email will be sent to your registered email ID.

Har Ghar Tiranga Certificate

Steps to download har ghar tiranga 2024 certificate.

The citizen who participates in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign will be able to download the participation certificate by following the simple steps as listed below.

Step 1: Visit the portal at ‘harghartiranga.com’ during the campaign.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Upload selfie with flag’ button on the home page.

Step 3: Enter your name and upload your selfie while properly hoisting the National Flag.

Step 4: Click on the checkbox to give your consent and hit the submit button.

Historical Significance of the Tiranga (Indian Flag)

Every free nation of the world has its own flag. It is a symbol of a free country. The present form of the national flag was adopted at the Constituent Assembly held on July 22, 1947, a few days before India’s independence. In India, the term "tricolour" refers to the Indian national flag.

The National Flag of India is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesari) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel, which represents the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel, which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka . Its diameter approximates the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes.

Colours of the Indian National Flag

In Tiranga, the top band is saffron, which indicates strength and courage of the nation. The white in the middle indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra and the green colour shows the fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.

The Chakra In Tiranga

This Dharma Chakra depicted the "wheel of the law" in the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The chakra intends to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation.

The Indian Flag Code was modified on January 26, 2002 and the modification allowed the citizens of India to hoist the Indian flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day and not just national days as was the case earlier. Now Indians can proudly display the national flag any where and any time, as long as the provisions of the Flag Code are strictly followed to avoid any disrespect to the tricolour. 

Government Guidelines and Participation in the Campaign

How to Integrate Har Ghar Tiranga into Your UPSC Essays?

The candidates who are going to attempt the UPSC Mains Exam  or Prelims exam can integrate the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in their essays. In December 2021, the Union government changed the Flag Code of India, enabling the national flag to be made of polyester and manufactured by machines. Previously, only hand-woven flags made of cotton, silk, wool, or Khadi were allowed. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign intends to display the tricolour in government buildings, private offices, and households. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971 and India's Flag Code of 2002 govern the usage of the national flag. The Flag Code was also changed in 2002 in response to a Supreme Court order that expanded the locations where the flag might be displayed.

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