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UPSC Essay Paper: Structure, Significance, Toppers and Their Marks

PWOnlyIAS January 03, 2024 01:27 4809 0

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Unlock success in UPSC Mains with expert insights on the UPSC Essay Paper. Learn structure, scoring, and top scorer trends. FAQs answered for mastering this 250-mark exam challenge.

UPSC Essay Paper: Structure, Significance, Toppers and Their Marks

UPSC Essay Paper: Structure

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

upsc essay paper

Marks Distribution of Mains Examination: The 250-Mark Weightage of UPSC Essay Paper

Each Paper of mains exam of UPSC has an equal weightage of 250 marks. So UPSC Essay paper has a weightage of 250 marks, and marks scored in the UPSC Essay paper were considered for evaluation.

upsc essay paper

Structure of UPSC Essay Paper: Sections, Topics, and Scoring

  • The UPSC CSE Essay Paper in Mains Exam consists of two sections A and B with four topics each of 125 marks and a total of 250 (125×2) marks. 
  • Candidates are given a choice to select a topic from each section and write about it in 1,000 to 2,000 words within the given time of three hours.

Importance of UPSC Essay Paper: Probing Skills, Knowledge, and Ethics for Administration

The UPSC essay paper of the UPSC mains examination is a comprehensive tool for evaluating a candidate’s intellectual, analytical, communication, and decision-making abilities. It extended beyond the factual knowledge, emphasizing the qualities necessary for effective and ethical administration. Let us see the importance of essay paper in UPSC Mains:

  • Articulation of Ideas- The UPSC Essay paper assesses a candidate’s ability to articulate thoughts and ideas coherently. It tests the candidate’s proficiency in expressing complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
  • Analytical Skills- The UPSC essay paper evaluates analytical and critical thinking skills. Candidates are expected to analyze a given topic from various angles and present a balanced view.
  • Integration of Knowledge- It requires candidates to integrate knowledge acquired from various subjects. This reflects the interdisciplinary approach necessary for administrative services.
  • Current Affairs Awareness- The UPSC Essay topics often cover contemporary issues. This ensures that candidates are not only aware of current affairs but also capable of providing insightful perspectives on them.
  • Language Proficiency- It assesses the candidate’s command over language, including grammar, vocabulary, and overall language proficiency.
  • Time Management- Writing two essays in a span of three hours challenges a candidate’s time management skills. It assesses their ability to prioritize and allocate time effectively.
  • Personality Assessment- The UPSC essay paper provides insight into a candidate’s personality, thought process, and values. It helps the UPSC to evaluate whether the candidate possesses the qualities required for a career in public service.
  • Communication Skills- Effective communication is a crucial aspect of administrative roles. The UPSC Essay paper evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Decision-Making Abilities- The UPSC Essay topics often require candidates to take a stance or make a decision. This helps in assessing their decision-making abilities and the rationale behind their choices.
  • Ethical Dimension- Essay topics may also touch upon ethical dilemmas. This allows the UPSC to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of ethical principles and their ability to apply them in real-life situations.

Key Areas Evaluated in UPSC Essay Paper: Skills, Knowledge, and Effective Communication

Candidates should keep in mind that the UPSC Essay paper is an opportunity to showcase not only their knowledge but also their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Practicing diverse topics and refining writing skills are essential for success in this component of the UPSC examination.

upsc essay paper

  • Content and Knowledge: Candidates are expected to exhibit a deep understanding of the chosen topic. 
    • This involves demonstrating knowledge, facts, and insights about the subject matter. 
    • The ability to incorporate relevant data, examples, and references is essential.
  • Clarity of Thought: The essay should have a clear and logical structure. 
    • Ideas should be presented in a coherent manner, with a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion. 
    • Logical sequencing of thoughts is crucial for effective communication.
  • Analytical Ability: Candidates are expected to analyze the given topic critically. 
    • This involves evaluating different perspectives, weighing pros and cons, and presenting a balanced view. 
    • Analytical skills are essential for addressing complex issues and offering nuanced solutions.
  • Language Proficiency: The command over language, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, is a vital aspect of the evaluation. 
  • Originality of Expression: The essay should reflect the candidate’s unique perspective and original thinking. 
    • Merely reproducing information from study materials is not sufficient. 
    • Candidates are encouraged to present their own ideas, viewpoints, and conclusions.
  • Relevance to the Topic: Staying focused on the given topic and avoiding unnecessary digressions is essential. 
    • The essay should directly address the key issues raised in the question.
  • Coherence and Consistency: The essay should maintain a consistent tone and flow. 
    • Transitions between paragraphs and ideas should be smooth, ensuring a cohesive narrative throughout the essay.
  • Conclusion and Summation- The essay should conclude with a strong summary of the key points discussed. The conclusion should be insightful and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
  • High Scoring Potential- If we go through the marksheet of toppers and selected candidates in general we can see that candidate gets highest marks in essay out of other nine subjects in UPSC mains.
  • No barrier in content- There are no content barriers in the essay paper. It stands unique among the exam components as candidates enjoy the freedom to explore and elaborate on the topic without being constrained by specific question conditions.
  • Gives a boost for other papers- Essay paper of UPSC mains is scheduled on the first day of UPSC mains exam schedule so writing a good essay can give a confidence boost which will help in rest of the papers.
  • Opinion Based Topics- Last few years papers of essay shows the inclination of essay topics towards opinion based topics either focusing on society or philosophy. In a nutshell UPSC puts a general topic in which its test candidate’s intelligence and opinion about the topic.

Let us see the marks in essay paper of the toppers over the years

Year Topper Name Essay Marks
2022 Ishita Kishore 137
2021 Shruti Sharma 132
2020 Shubham Kumar  134
2019 Pradeep Singh 140
2018 Kanishak Kataria 133
2017 Anudeep Durishetty 155
2016 Nandini KR 142
2015 Tina Dabi 145
2014 Ira Singhal 170
2013 Gaurav Agarwal 135

 

upsc essay paper

Conclusion

  • The UPSC Essay Paper of the UPSC Mains examination is a pivotal component, embodying the essence of the Commission’s assessment philosophy. Beyond its weightage of 250 marks, the UPSC Essay holds the power to illuminate a candidate’s intellectual prowess, analytical acumen, and communication finesse. 
  • The structured evaluation criteria, ranging from articulation of ideas to decision-making abilities and ethical considerations, reflect the multifaceted demands of a career in public service. 
  • As evidenced by the consistently high scores of toppers in this section, the UPSC Essay Paper not only distinguishes itself as a scoring opportunity but also as a platform for candidates to exhibit their unique perspectives and original thinking. 
  • By emphasising the significance of critical analysis, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of diverse topics, the UPSC essay remains a cornerstone in identifying individuals equipped for the challenges of responsible and ethical administration.
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 Essay Paper FAQs

The UPSC essay paper is part of the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC it consists of two essays to be written in a duration of three hours each. It aims to assess the candidate's ability to express ideas effectively, present an argument coherently, and critically analyze various issues.

No absolutely not, marks scored in essay paper are considered for evaluation in the next stage of personality test.

No, it is not necessary for the topper to receive the highest overall marks among the rest of the candidates. However, this does not mean that he/she obtained the highest marks specifically in the essay. If he/she has topped the exam, it doesn't automatically imply achieving the highest marks in the essay section.

The word limit for each essay is 1,000-1,200 words. There are no rigid word limits, but it's advisable to stick to the given range.

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