Hello Aspirants,
UPSC Guideline on 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 paper of the UPSC CSE Mains is the first paper of Mains exam. This paper holds significant weightage and requires a strategic approach to maximize scores. UPSC has not given any specific syllabus for essay paper, unlike the other papers in Mains examination. But a general guideline has been given.
1. Nature of the Essay Paper in UPSC CSE: The Essay paper in UPSC CSE is designed to test the candidate’s ability to articulate ideas clearly and coherently. The nature of this paper involves:
- Compendium of Thoughts: An essay is essentially a collection of well-organized thoughts on a given topic. It requires presenting ideas logically.
- Flow in Writing: Maintaining a smooth flow in writing is essential. Your essay should transition naturally from one paragraph to the next, ensuring coherence.
2. Trend of Focus on Philosophical Essays: In recent years, UPSC has shown a trend towards philosophical and abstract essay topics. These topics:
- Open-Ended: They allow for a broad interpretation and require the candidate to think deeply and critically.
- Thought-Provoking: These essays often challenge conventional thinking and demand a reflective and analytical approach.
3. How to Prepare for the Essay?
- Understand the Syllabus: Though there is no defined syllabus for the essay paper, having a broad understanding of GS subjects helps.
- Read Widely: Read newspapers, editorials, magazines, and books to gather diverse perspectives.
- Practice Writing: Regularly write essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and speed.
- Analyse PYQs: Study previous year questions to understand the type and pattern of essay topics.
- Feedback & Guidance: Get your essays reviewed by mentors or peers to identify and improve on weak areas.
4. How to Prepare Content for Essays?
- Create Content Banks: Maintain a repository of quotes, anecdotes, and examples related to different themes. For instance, quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, or scientific facts related to current issues.
- Theme-Based Preparation: Prepare content around broad themes like democracy, development, environment, social justice, etc.
- Use of Data and Reports: Incorporate data from reliable sources like Economic Survey, NITI Aayog reports, and international indices to substantiate your arguments.
- Real-Life Examples: Use real-life examples and case studies to make your essay more relatable and impactful. For example, mention the impact of green revolution, digital India initiatives, etc.
5. Practicing for Essays
- Regular Practice: Write at least one essay every week. This will help you get comfortable with the format and time constraints.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice writing essays within the 3-hour time limit to build stamina and time management skills.
- Diverse Topics: Ensure you practice essays on a wide range of topics, including philosophical, social, economic, and political themes.
- Review and Revise: Regularly review your essays to identify areas of improvement. Focus on refining your introduction, conclusion, and the flow of arguments.
- Group Discussions: Engage in discussions with peers to gain different perspectives and insights on various topics.
By following this strategy, you will be well-prepared to tackle the UPSC CSE Mains Essay Paper with confidence and clarity. Remember, the key is consistent practice, thorough preparation, and a structured approach.
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