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UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper, Exam Pattern and Other Details!

PWOnlyIAS May 15, 2024 05:52 873 0

UPSC mains essay question paper is part of the nine papers that candidates have to write as part of UPSC mains. Learn more about UPSC mains essay paper here!

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper, Exam Pattern and Other Details!

UPSC mains essay question paper is a vital paper for candidates to score if they aim to clear UPSC mains exam. The essay exam expects candidates to write a well-organized piece of writing on a particular topic.

The marks scored in UPSC mains essay question paper are considered for the final merit list. This paper is particularly beneficial for candidates who have the ability to produce well-structured creative writing. 

Candidates who can present their thoughts in a clear way using innovative writing will definitely reap rewards in this paper. You can find out more about UPSC mains essay question paper here!

UPSC Mains Exam Overview

UPSC mains exam consists of nine papers to be written in descriptive format. Two language papers are qualifying in nature. The marks scored on the remaining seven papers are used to prepare the merit list. The details about UPSC mains exam are given below:

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Exam Name UPSC Mains Exam 2024
Eligibility Qualify Prelims
UPSC Mains Exam Date 20th to 28th September 2024
Exam Format Descriptive Paper
Number of Papers 9
Duration 3 hrs each
Qualifying Papers Paper A (Indian Language)

Paper B (English)

Qualifying Marks for Language Papers 75 Marks
Papers used for Calculating Merit Essay

General Studies 1

General Studies 2

General Studies 3

General Studies 4

Optional Paper 1

Optional Paper 2

Total Marks 250 X 7 = 1750
Cutoff marks Varies (741 for General in 2023)

Also Read: UPSC Mains Syllabus

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper Overview

UPSC mains essay question paper is divided into two sections, each containing four questions. Candidates have to choose one from each section and write an essay on them. Each Essay (question) carries 125 marks. Other important details about UPSC mains essay question paper is given below:

Paper Number Paper I
Paper Name Essay
Total Marks 250
Number of Questions Section A: 4 Questions

Section B: 4 Questions

Number of Questions to be Attempted Section A: 1 Question

Section B: 1 Question

Minimum Qualification Marks 10% of total marks (25 marks)

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 Download

UPSC is set to conduct UPSC mains essay paper on 20th September 2024 (tentative). The UPSC mains essay question paper 2024 can be downloaded from the table below when it is available online.

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 Download

Essay 2024 Question Paper Download

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Download UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper Last Five Years

UPSC mains essay question paper in the UPSC CSE exam focuses on philosophical and abstract topics in recent years. However, these questions were easier to understand compared to previous years. The question papers from the last few years can be downloaded from links below.

Download UPSC Mains Question Papers
Year of the Examination Download Link
2023 Download
2022 Download
2021 Download
2020 Download
2019 Download

Also Read: UPSC Mains Previous Year Solved Questions

Sample Questions from UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper

Given below are some questions from UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper. Candidates can check them out to develop an understanding of the nature of questions.

  1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
  2. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
  3. Mathematics is the music of reason.
  4. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
  5. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.
  6. A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.
  7. Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
  8. Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

Strategy to Tackle UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper

UPSC mains essay question paper needs a slightly different approach from the GS and Optional papers. With a greater emphasis on philosophical topics, candidates faced the main challenge of selecting the appropriate topic and articulating their ideas effectively. This is because there is no fixed syllabus for essay papers. 

Candidates are required to use their skills to score more marks. Following are some tips to tackle essay paper in UPSC mains.

  • Read Newspapers Regularly: Information read in newspapers can serve as fodder points for essay topics. By linking with current affairs, the topic can be covered holistically.
  • Language: Try to use simple language but in a creative way while writing an essay. This will definitely help you score more marks.
  • Structured Writing: Do not write essays in a random manner. Try to structure content beforehand so that the reading flow does not get obstructed.
  • Holistic Approach: Try to address the topic in a holistic way, by interconnecting sub-topics. This will add depth to the essay and will definitely receive appreciation from the examiner.
  • Use Quotes or Anecdotes: Try to use quotes or anecdotes in the essay. This will enhance the reading experience of the examiner.
  • Practice Writing Essay: Candidates must write essays and get them evaluated before the actual exam. This will help them approach the exam in a better way.

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper FAQs

The total marks of UPSC mains essay question paper is 250.

Candidates have to answer any two questions from the question paper, choosing at least one from each section.

Candidates can write the essay paper in the language medium of their choice.

Candidates who combine creative writing, holistic coverage and lucid language are well placed to score more marks in UPSC mains essay paper.

There is no fixed source. Candidates can read newspapers, magazines and other policy documents to collect fodder points.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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