essay topics of upsc 2022

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2024, Previous Year Topics

by Vajiram & Ravi

Understanding UPSC Essay Topics holds significant importance as it evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse, present arguments, and communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of UPSC essay topics, their significance, and essential tips to excel in this section. Get ready to enhance your writing and analytical skills and make a strong impression on the evaluators with well-crafted essays.

UPSC Essay Paper 2024

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination requires candidates to write multiple essays , each on a different topic, chosen from a given list of options. The essay topics for UPSC cover a wide range of issues, including social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects, both national and international.

The essay paper holds significant weightage in the UPSC Mains examination, contributing 250 marks out of the total 1750 marks . Scoring well in this section can have a considerable impact on the overall ranking and selection for the coveted civil services.

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Essay Paper is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing ideas and analysing complex issues. Vajiram & Ravi Pensive-Weekly Essay Writing Programme provides you with two Essay Topics every Saturday based on the previous year's question papers and the changing trends analysis. You can submit your Essay for peer evaluation on vajiramandravi.com. This will help you nourish your writing skills, give you clarity of thought, and build the capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2024

The purpose of the essay paper is to assess the candidate's ability to critically analyse a topic, present well-structured arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. It also evaluates their knowledge of various issues, their clarity of thought, and their capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Some of the Important Essay Topics to prepare for the UPSC Mains Examination 2024 are:

• Gender Equality
• Environment/Urbanization
• Economic Growth
• Federalism/Decentralization
• Agriculture
• Economics 

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

Every year, UPSC typically provides you with two or more essay topics centred around philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from notable personalities. To effectively address these philosophical topics, you should refer to Philosophy Books to gain a foundational understanding. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy :

• Everything comes to him, who hustles while he waits.
• We are always blind as we want to be.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• The price of Greatness is Responsibility.
• People would rather Believe than Know.
• Mind - A beautiful Servant? Or a dangerous Master?

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

The UPSC Essay Topics related to Indian society, art, and culture cover a wide range of subjects, offering great diversity. To gain knowledge about the static content on these topics, you should rely on fundamental books on society, as recommended for the exam. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Art and Culture :

• Culture changes with economic development.
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have.
• Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• Impact of Globalization on Indian Art and Culture.
• Caste System - India’s Enduring Curse.
• Godmen - A Threat to Indian Art and Culture?

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

UPSC essay topics on Science and Technology can largely be addressed through current affairs. You may also benefit from consulting a Science and Technology Book for UPSC to compose a comprehensive and well-rounded essay. Here are some UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology:

• Deglobalisation is good for the world.
• Science is organised Knowledge. Wisdom is Organised life.
• Technology is a Weapon against Poverty.
• Prioritising Education Technology for Global Growth.
• Technology is the silent factor in International Relations.
• Scientific and Technological Progress cannot be equated with Human Progress.

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education stands as one of the preferred UPSC Essay Topics, with an essay related to this subject often appearing in the paper each year. To tackle this topic effectively, you should stay abreast of Current Affairs , incorporating significant changes and advancements in the field. Let's explore some of the Essay topics for UPSC centred around education:

• Self Education is a lifelong curiosity.
• Education Breeds Peace.
• Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
• Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking.
• Schooling is not Education.

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

To comprehensively address Polity and Governance topics, you should acquire fundamental knowledge from Polity Books for UPSC and Current Affairs. These resources offer static information about relevant issues and their historical context, which proves valuable while writing UPSC Essay Topics on Polity. Here are some Essay Topics on Polity and Governance:

• The Role of Politics in Development.
• Should Youth in India Consider Politics as a Career?
• Art, Freedom and Creativity will change society faster than politics.
• The politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak.
• People should not be afraid of their Government. The Government should be afraid of its people.
• Government Surveillance - Good or Bad?

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

Essays concerning economic growth are frequently included in the Essay Paper. To tackle these topics effectively, you should refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to gain a comprehensive understanding. Once the fundamentals are grasped, you can enhance their essays by incorporating examples, data, and statistics to create a multidimensional perspective. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Economy:

• We don't have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment.
• India, a $5 trillion Economy - Dream or Reality?
• Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of Economic Inequality?
• Innovation is the key determinant of social welfare and economic growth.
• Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Growth.

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

Social issues are a significant aspect of the UPSC essay paper, reflecting the candidates' understanding of societal challenges and their ability to propose viable solutions. These essays provide a platform for candidates to analyse, critique, and suggest measures for pressing social concerns. Topics related to social issues in the UPSC Essay paper may include:

• Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a Peaceful Society.
• A Gender-sensitive Indian Society is a prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment.
• The weaker sections of Indian Society - are their Rights and Access to Justice getting Better?

Previous Year UPSC Mains Essay Topics

Practising previous year's essay topics will help you become familiar with the UPSC exam pattern , word limit, and the types of essay questions frequently asked in the Mains Examination. Analysing past essay topics will also allow you to identify recurring themes and trends, enabling you to prioritise their preparation accordingly. Regular practice with past essay topics will instil confidence in you, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual exam.

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

• Understand the Topics: Thoroughly comprehend the essay topics, including the keywords and instructions. Choose a topic that aligns with your strengths and interests.
• Plan and Structure: Devote some time to plan your essay. Create an outline and organise your thoughts in a structured manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Be Objective: Present balanced arguments and avoid a biased or one-sided approach. Consider multiple perspectives and present a holistic view.
• Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, quotes and evidence to strengthen your essay.
• Maintain Clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to improve Essay writing skills. Write essays on diverse topics to enhance your versatility.
• Time Management: Allocate appropriate time for planning, writing, and revising each essay to manage time effectively during the examination.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essays for coherence, grammar, and structure. Make necessary edits to refine your work.

UPSC Essay Topics 2024 FAQs

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics asked in Mains Examination previously:

• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• What is research but a blind date with knowledge?
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

To prepare for the UPSC essay, focus on understanding the essay syllabus and past topics to identify recurring themes. Regularly practise writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management. Structure your essays with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

The best sources to prepare Essay for UPSC include official UPSC materials, newspapers, and magazines like The Hindu, Yojana , and Kurukshetra for current affairs, standard books on diverse subjects, government reports and publications, online platforms like PIB and PRS India, UPSC previous year papers for understanding the exam pattern, and regular practice of essay writing on various topics.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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• UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Question Paper - Download PDF

The UPSC Mains Essay paper was conducted on Friday, 16th September 2022, in the forenoon session (9 AM to 12 PM). The UPSC Mains 2022 is set to take place on 16, 17, 18, 24 and 25th September 2022.

For other papers in the Mains segment of UPSC, candidates can further check the UPSC Mains 2022 Question Papers page at their own behest.

UPSC Mains Essay Questions 2022 – Download PDF Here

UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Questions

The UPSC Essay paper segment consists of two sections. They are Section A and Section B. Both sections have about four questions each. The candidates have to choose one topic from each section, thus having to answer 2 essay questions in total.

The word limit for each question is to be within the range of 1000-1200 words. The mark for each question is 125, thus, the total allotted marks are about 250.

The paper will be included in the merit ranking.

The Essay Topics asked in the UPSC Mains 2022 are given below:

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Pets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.

Section – B

1. The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

2. You cannot step twice in the same river.

3. A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.

4. Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Candidates can also refer to the UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Questions , in the given link.

Some of the useful links for the candidates to prepare for an essay paper are as follows:

The candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. While answering the essay questions, the aspirants are expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly manner and to write concisely. It is important to remember that credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

To download the question paper PDFs of General Studies papers, the aspirants can check the links below:

The candidates can also download the question paper PDFs of UPSC Mains 2022 Optional Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2022 ESSAY PAPER ANALYSIS

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 16 conducted the first paper of CSE Mains 2022 that is the Essay Paper.

Essay Paper UPSC 2022 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.

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

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC CSE Main 2022 essay paper analysis

• There has been a trend of increased number of philosophical essays in the past couple of years however this time around the benchmark was higher than the previous few years. 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.
• Rather than asking candidates to write on topics that most candidates are familiar with or have practiced with, UPSC now assesses candidates' essay writing skills by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.
• This year most of the themes were either proverbs or famous quotes.
• All 8 topics this year will test applicants' spontaneous thinking, understanding, writing and time management.
• Topics required broad interpretation
• Themes asked:
• Poetic language as a tool to re-institute order in human society. 
• Getting out of one’s comfort zone 
• Do the right things at the right time
•  You won’t get the exact time/experience twice.
• Importance of smile
• Theme related to choices and decision making

It is necessary to know that why essay paper is required in a competitive exam?

UPSC notification says that “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 an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

What can one make out from this? The following quote of Abraham Lincoln very aptly answers the question…..

‘Writing’ (essay) of the aspirant works as a window, for the highly experienced examiner, to the thought process of the candidate. Examiner will not only evaluate the content of the aspirant but also his thought process, viewpoints on critical matters, clarity in thinking, ability to explain his view point concisely and effectively, ability of coherence and putting his ideas in an orderly fashion, language. In a nutshell, it acts as a mean to bring out the traits of a potential civil servant and to evaluate if he is fit to be one.

Having discussed about the importance of the paper, it is essential to clear the misconceptions associated with essay paper before moving to how to prepare for it.

• There is no preparation required for essay paper-GS and optional knowledge will suffice.

Truth. This is wrong way of thinking. In GS marks will be awarded just for content. But in essay, examiner will pay attention to more than content as explained above.

• One needs to be champion in English-use technical jargons, vocabulary.

Truth. It is worth noting that in UPSC CSE, the simpler the language the better it is. There is no need of flowery jargons and expressions. 

•   There is no difference between language paper essay and ‘Essay’ paper.

Truth. This is highly misconceived notion on the part of aspirants to treat the essay paper just like essays asked in the language papers. The importance of both is vastly different. One is aimed to judge the language of the aspirant whereas the other is aimed to bring out the true traits of a potential Civil Servant. 

• Essay paper can’t be prepared so easily.

Truth. This is again a misconception. There have been candidates who have drastically increased their marks from scores like 100-110 to 150-160 with proper strategy and preparation. It is worth noting that essay paper requires relatively lesser effort to improve as compared to GS papers. The rate of investment is quite high.

From where to prepare for the essay paper?

• GS and optional preparation will give content.
• Reading non-fiction: will help to develop thinking process.
• Anecdotes, stories, quotes, facts and figures: A separate notebook should be kept for the same.
• Referring to magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, EPW, Economic Survey, DowntoEarth.
• Newspaper editorials, relevant lines said by eminent/constitutional posts like President, PM etc.
• Essay transcripts of previous year toppers.

How to prepare for the essay?

• Firstly read the transcripts of previous year toppers to get a feel of what comprises a well-written essay. 
• A separate notebook for essay should be prepared where fodder collected from the above mentioned sources should be written in point format. 
• An aspirant should prepare material on all the general topics that have been asked in the exam previously. This should include quotations, facts/ figures, anecdotes, sayings, case studies, government schemes.
• 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.
• Whenever aspirant takes a particular topic, he should to try to think of all the possible themes/ dimensions of it. For eg: Consider the topic “With great power, comes great responsibility”. Aspirant can think of the topic from SPECLIH perspective- Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Legal, International and Humanistic. This is one way of covering multiple dimensions.
• 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. 
• Next step is to write essays. Pick up the previous year papers and practice them at home in exam conditions. Self-evaluate and get a feedback from mentors, peers and teachers.

How to approach an essay? 

• Aspirant should have clear cut plan ready for attempting the essay paper. It should be clear in his mind before entering the examination hall how he is going to manage the time. The answers to following questions should be ready beforehand. 
• How much time will be devoted in choosing the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in interpreting the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in making a rough skeleton of the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in attempting the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in revising and underlining the keywords?
• Aspirant should always keep a buffer of 10 minutes in order to meet any exigency.

Eg: Topic Selection: 5 minutes, Brainstorming: 10-15 minutes, writing: 1 hour, revision: 5 minutes.

• First thing is choosing the right topic from each section. This will depend upon the aspirant’s holistic understanding of the topic. Do not get swayed by the fact that since it is an easy topic I won’t choose it. I will choose unconventional topic just to impress the examiner. This is wrong way of thinking.
• Next thing is to interpret the topic. One should understand the theme of the topic. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT ESSAY WRITING IS PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TOPIC AND “WRITING ON THAT TOPIC”. DOING THIS MUCH ENSURES THAT ONE WILL NOT GET BELOW ANERAGE MARKS.
• Brainstorm and prepare skeleton of the topic:
• Every essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion.
• Introduction: can be a fictitious story, real life anecdote, quote, a paragraph on what all is going be covered in the essay.
• Themes/ dimensions to be covered eg: SPECLIH, temporal, sectoral, walks of life, problem and solution format.
• Quotes, sayings, anecdotes, facts/ figures.
• Conclusion: it should always be on a futuristic and optimistic note. Summarize the essay in 4 to 5 lines and then write the vision for future. Some saying, quote, lines of eminent personalities can be used.
• Structuring of the essay:
• Language should  be  simple and clear
• Keep the sentences short and powerful
• An occasional use of powerful word or jargon can give the essay an edge
• Proper subheadings
• Transition smoothly from one para to the next through a link sentence/ through a question

What to avoid in the essay?

• Aspirant should never give one-sided arguments or viewpoints which are against constitutional spirit.
• Never focus excessively on only one dimension or theme.
• Always write what is asked not what one knows.
• Do not give disproportionate amount of time to one essay avoiding the other one.
• Avoid criticizing the government, its policies and schemes.
• Avoid being seen as a person belonging to a particular ideology.
• Avoid writing in bullets, making diagrams, figures, charts. Essay should always be in continuous para format.

It is often seen that aspirants do not give the necessary attention to the essay paper. They spend months preparing for the optional and the GS papers but hardly give dedicated time to essay paper. This leads them to score poorly in the exam and they fail to get the edge which they could have easily achieved with a proper strategy and preparation for the essay paper. If one compares GS papers score with that of essay one can find out that it is difficult to achieve a score of 120-125 marks in the former whereas aspirants touch 150 and even 160 in the essay paper which gives them an edge of almost 30 marks. CSE topper 2017 scored just 100 marks in the essay paper of CSE 2015 whereas after making the necessary effort and rectifying his mistakes he was able to score 155 in CSE 2017.

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Essay Topics and Previous papers for UPSC Civil service exam

List of essay topics.

• Cookie Cutter Templates Ep1: Arrogance, History Repeats for Essay / Ethics UPSC Mains 15+ Examples
• [Essay] No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. — HERACLITUS
• [Mock] Essay Paper for UPSC Mains-2016: Identity Groups vs Democracy, Chakra vs Charkha, Wisdom vs Force, UBI vs Skill Development
• [Mock] Essay Paper for UPSC Mains-2016: Role of Educator, Taste for Literature, Cost of Liberty, Success in Dictionary
• [Essays] February Week2: Equidistant diplomacy, Strategic Autonomy without Military Alliance, Censorship & Moral responsibility
• [Essays] February Week1: Censorship of Ideas, Acts of Kindness, Childhood to Adulthood, consciously secular society
• [Essays] January Week4: Socialist Preamble, Democracy without participation, women-the deities of household fire
• [Essays] January Week3: Ideological Colonization, Dovish vs Hawkish Foreign Policy, limits of free speech
• [Essays] January Week2: competitive vs. cooperative federalism, God above all gods, Suicide- a social shame
• [Essays] January 2015 Week1: Religion-A form of Enslavement, Market Oriented Education, Constructive Criticism
• [Essays] December Week4: Apoplectic Secularism, Syncretism, Spiritual Alzheimer, Pragmatic Diplomacy
• [Essays] December Week1: Social suffocation, true Sovereignty, Arc of revanchist states
• [Essays] November Week4: Classical Arts, Security Trilemma, Think in India, Soullessness of men
• [Essays] November Week3: Garrison Governance, Dignity of Labour, Rationalist Thinking, Age of Knowledge
• [Essays] November Week2: Nehru legacy, knowledge society, age of discontinuity (only Topiclists)
• [Essays] November Week1: New Urbanism, Regional Chauvinism, Majoritarian Populism
• [Essays] October Week4: End of American Century, Activism vs Restrain, Censorship vs Lynching
• [Essays] October Week3: Militant Atheism, Rational Consumption, Ecocide, Prosperity without Morality
• [Essays] October Week2: Corruption, Child Labour, Probity, Good Governance, Injustice, Optimism
• [Essays] October Week1: Colonization, Gandhiism, Volunteerism, Personification, Social Transformation
• [Essays] September Week4: De-bureaucratizing the executive, Hidden Euthanasia, Gender equality
• [Essays] September Week3: India-China, Zero Sum Game, Parliamentary minority, Daughter aversion
• [Essays] September Week2: 21 Topics for UPSC Mains: Fanaticism, Colonizing Culture, Age of Loneliness, piecemeal WW-III
• [Essays] September Week1: 16 Topics for UPSC Mains- Expansionism, Buried Justice, India-the Model international citizen
• [Download] Essay 2013 Question Paper of UPSC Civil Service Mains
• [Essay Tip for Newcomers] What to write & What not to write in Mains IAS exam?

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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

Following are the topics on which our followers have written (and writing essays) every Sunday to hone their essay writing skills. The topics are chosen based on UPSC previous year topics. Writing one essay on each Sunday will help you get better marks in this paper.

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 1 CSE 2017

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 25 CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 40 CSE 2015

• [VIDEO] How to Improve Marks in Essay and Ethics Papers?
• [VIDEO] How to Write Philosophical Essays

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

• 22 September 2024 : “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
• 15 September 2024 : “The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.”
• 8 September 2024 : “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
• 1 September 2024 : The worst form of injustice is pretended justice
• 25 August, 2024 : Science is the poetry of reality.
• 18 August, 2024 : A Budget Tells Us What We Cannot Afford, But It Doesn’t Keep Us from buying it
• 11 August, 2024 : The world is not magic and that is the most magical thing about it. 
• 4 August, 2024 : Art is I; Science is We. 
• 28 July, 2024 : History, in general, only informs us what bad government is
• 21 July, 2024 : Sarcasam : the last refuge of the chaste-souled individuals when their privacy is coarsely invaded.
• 14 July, 2024 : Wound is the place where light enters you
• 7 July, 2024 : What is Religion to One is Superstition To Another
• June 30, 2024 : Gender Is Spectrum
• June 23, 2024 : Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
• June 16, 2024 : Saint Has A Past. Sinner Has A Future
• June 9, 2024 : The worst disease in the world today is corruption and the cure for it is transparency.
• June 2, 2024 : Escape Competition Through Authenticity.
• May 26, 2024 : Creativity Is Allowing Yourself to Make Mistakes. Art Is Knowing Which Ones to Keep.
• May 19 2024 : In No Man’s Land, the only way to survive is to adapt.
• May 12, 2024 : Economics is concerned with what emerges, not what anyone intended.
• May 5, 2024 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.
• April 28, 2024 : We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
• April 21, 2024 : Well done is better than well said.
• April 14, 2024 : Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative. 
• April 07, 2024 : Came from plant, use it; made in plant, don’t.
• March 30, 2024 : A Business That Makes Nothing More Than Money Is Poor Business
• March 24, 2024 : If Voting Really Made Difference, They Would Not Let Us Do It
• March 17, 2024 : Cinema Is Not A Slice Of Life, But A Piece Of Cake. 
• March 10, 2024 : Education Can give skill, but a liberal education can give dignity
• March 3, 2024 : Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself
• February 25, 2024 : Who Looks Inside Awakes, Who Looks Outside Dream
• February 18, 2024 : Never Let School Interfere With Your Education
• February 11, 2024 : Whoever Controls the Media Controls the Mind
• February 04, 2024 : A certain darkness is needed to see the stars
• January 28, 2024 : Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
• January 21, 2024 : Subtle Is powerful
• January 14, 2024 : The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. 
• January  07, 2024 : Give them Quality. That’s The Best Kind of Advertising

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

• December 31, 2023 : The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain
• December 24, 2023 : All Great Changes Are Preceded By Chaos
• December 17, 2023 : We are drowning in information, but starved for Knowledge
• December 10, 2023 : Violence Is the last resort of the incompetent
• December 03, 2023 : Be a Voice, Not an Echo
• November 26, 2023 : A Society that has more justice is the society that needs less charity
• November 19, 2023 : Sell Your Cleverness and Buy Bewilderment
• November 12, 2023 : love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within
• November 5, 2023 : Clothes Make The Man
• October 29, 2023 : Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
• October 22, 2023 : Mathematics is the music of reason
• October 15, 2023 : Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines
• October 08, 2023 : Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
• October 01, 2023 : Not All Who Wander Are Lost
• September 24, 2023 : Visionary Decision-Making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic
• September 17, 2023 : Thinking Is Like A game. It does not begin unless there is an opposition team.
• September 10, 2023 : Unless we have well-educated people, we are vulnerable on National Security
• September 03, 2023 : Harsh Laws are, at times, better than No laws
• August 27, 2023 : Nations Do Not Die From Invasion. They Die From Internal Rottenness
• August 20, 2023 : In Individuals, insanity is rare; In groups, parties and nations, it is the rule.
• August 13, 2023 : Economics Is Too Important To Leave To The Economists.
• August 06, 2023 : A self without a book-shelf is naked.
• July 30, 2023 : Wrong Choices Lead To Right Places
• July 23, 2023 : Credit where credit is due.
• July 16, 2023 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take away from you.
• July 9, 2023 : The measure of intelligence is the ability to change
• July 2, 2023 : Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. 
• June 25, 2023 : In the long run , the sword will always be conquered by the spirit
• June 18, 2023 : The company you keep determines your Success
• June 11, 2023 : A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• June 4, 2023 : Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future but to shape it
• May 28, 2023 : Action breeds confidence and courage
• May 21, 2023 : A library is a hospital for the mind
• May 14, 2023 : Self-Education is Life-Long Curiosity
• May 7, 2023 : Silence is Spurious Golden
• April 30, 2023 : The price of greatness is responsibility
• April 23, 2023 : Progress is impossible without change
• April 16, 2023 : The Impact of Artificial Intelligence.
• April 9, 2023 : People would rather believe than know.
• April  2, 2023 : Prioritizing education technology for global growth
• March 26, 2023 : Technology is a weapon against poverty
• March 19, 2023 : Every choice you make makes you
• March 12, 2023 : Patience is a virture ; virtue is a grace
• March 5, 2023 : Before any fight, it is the fight of mind
• February 26, 2023 :  The Measure of a man is what he does with Power.
• February 19, 2023 : When you kill time, you kill life.
• February 12, 2023 : Delayed success mostly stays forever.
• February 05, 2023 : The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
• January 29, 2023 : Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.
• January 22, 2023 : I am what I am, so take me as I am
• January 15, 2023 : Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased
• January 08, 2023 : Time hurts but it also heals. It punishes but it rewards too- it is the greatest teacher ever for a human.
• January 01, 2023 : The Beginning is the End and the End is The Beginning.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

• December 25, 2022 : To tolerate is purely an act of mind
• December 18, 2022 : The arc of moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice
• December 11, 2022 : Religion is a culture of faith; Science is a culture of doubt.
• December 04, 2022 : My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read
• November 27, 2022 : Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits
• November 20, 2022 : We are always blind as we want to be
• November 13, 2022  : By your stumbling, the world is perfected.
• November 6, 2022 : You cannot step twice in the same river
• October 30, 2022 : Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
• October 23, 2022 : A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• October 16, 2022 : The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
• October 9, 2022 : A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for
• October 2, 2022 : History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
• September 25, 2022 : Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• September 18, 2022 : Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
• September 11, 2022 : Culture changes with economic development.
• September 4 2022 : We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.
• August 28 2022 :  The obstacle is the path.
• August 21 2022 : What is to give light must endure burning.
• August 14 2022 : “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” Aristotle.
• August 7 2022 : Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein
• July 31, 2022 : A bad conscience is easier to cope with than a bad reputation. Friedrich Nietzsche.
• July 24, 2022 : Time is all we have and don’t
• July 17, 2022 : Life fritters away when distractions become your lifestyle
• July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn
• July 3, 2022 : Mind – a beautiful servant? Or a dangerous master?
• June 26, 2022 : Education Breeds Peace
• June 19, 2022 : A great leader is never angry
• June 12, 2022 : That which hurts, instructs; That which instructs, creates; Creates Wonders!
• June 05, 2022 : Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do
• May 29, 2022 : The journey is a reward as well as destination
• May 22, 2022 : Imagination creates reality
• May 15, 2022 : The curious paradox is, only if we accept things as they are, things can change
• May 08, 2022:  The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, while wiser people are so full of doubts
• May 01, 2022:  Loyalty To Country Always. Loyalty To Government Only When It Deserves
• April 24, 2022: Successful Investing Is Anticipating The Anticipations of Others
• April 17, 2022: Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear
• April 10, 2022 : Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn
• April 03, 2022 : Forgiveness is the final form of love
• March 27, 2022 : The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless
• March 20, 2022 : Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.
• March 13, 2022 : Everything we hear is an opinion; not a fact
• March 5, 2022 : There are better practices to “best practices”
• February 27, 2022 : History repeats itself first as a tragedy second as a farce.
• February 20, 2022 : What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• February 13, 2022 : Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
• February 6, 2022 : The real is rational and the rational is real.
• January 30, 2022 : Philosophy of Wantlessness Is Utopian, while the philosophy of materialism is chimera.
• January 23, 2022 : Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• January 16, 2022 : The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• January 09, 2022 : Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom
• January 02, 2022 : Biased Media Is A Real Threat To Indian Democracy

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

• December 26, 2021 : What Gets Measured Gets Managed
• December 19, 2021 : The enemy of stability is complacency
• December 12, 2021 : A clear conscience fears no accusation
• December 05, 2021 : Power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas
• November 28, 2021 : The whole is more than a sum of its parts
• November 21, 2021 : Scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity
• November 14, 2021 : The price of our vitality is the sum of all our fears
• November 7, 2021 : Lawlessness is the result of failure to cultivate a sense of self-evaluation
• October 30, 2021 : What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make
• October 24, 2021 : Science for the economic freedom of humanity
• October 17, 2021 : An interdependent world cannot be an inequitable world
• October 03, 2021 : Strength comes from an indomitable Will
• SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 : Ethnocracy and concentration of power can derail even an affluent nation
• SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 : Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.
• SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 : Culture of entitlement comes with unreasonable expectations and insecurities 
• SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 : Literacy is a vital skill that enhances dignity, improves health outcomes, empowers people to access their rights and bolsters opportunities
• AUGUST 29, 2021 : A parliamentary system of government rests on a functioning opposition as ‘no democracy can do without it’.
• AUGUST 22, 2021 : Development must lead to dismantle all kinds of human unfreedom
• AUGUST 15, 2021 : Sport is a reflection of larger social phenomena
• AUGUST 8, 2021 : Every social stratum has its own Common Sense and its own good sense
• AUGUST 1, 2021 : Capitalism without competition is not Capitalism. It is Exploitation.
• JULY 25, 2021 : We don’t have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment
• JULY 18,2021 : We Need not a social conscience, but a social consciousness.
• JULY 11, 2021 : The cure for evils of democracy is more democracy.
• JULY 04, 2021 : No Constitution by itself achieves perfect justice
• JUNE 27, 2021 : Our world has achieved brilliance without conscience.
• JUNE 20, 2021 : Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible.
• JUNE 13, 2021 : Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
• JUNE 06, 2021 : The political problem of mankind is to combine three things: economic efficiency, social justice and individual liberty.
• MAY 30, 2021 : Economics without ethics is a caricature & ethics without economics is a fairy tale.
• MAY 23 , 2021 : Indecisiveness is the rival of Progression
• MAY 16 , 2021 : Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.
• May 09, 2021 : The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth
• May 02, 2021 : The truth of character is expressed through choice of act ions
• April 25, 2021 : It is not our differences that divide us; It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.
• April 18, 2021 : Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• April 11, 2021 : Solutions emerge if situations are not forced
• April 04, 2021 : Morality is subservient to materialistic values in present times
• March 28, 2021 : Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible
• March 21, 2021 : Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence but are a reflection of it
• March 14, 2021 : The Future of Multilateralism : Towards a responsible Globalization
• March 07, 2021 : Subtlety may deceive you; Integrity never will
• February 28, 2021 :Technology as the silent factor in international relations
• February 21, 2021 :Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
• February 14, 2021:There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
• February 07, 2021: Culture is what we are civilization is what we have
• January 31, 2021: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
• January 24, 2021: Ships do not sink because of water around them , ships sink because of water that gets into them
• January 17, 2021: Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
• January 10, 2021: Life is long journey between human being and being humane
• January 03, 2021: The Covid pandemic has revealed the urgent need for effective governance everywhere”
• December 27, 2020: Challenges of 21st Century – insurmountable?
• December 20, 2020: Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
• December 13, 2020: Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

• December 06, 2020 : As you Start to walk on the way, the Way appears
• November 29, 2020: Need of the Hour is to Maximise Possibilities of Agriculture in India
• November 22, 2020: The survival of democracy depends on its ability to lower social uncertainty
• November 15, 2020: There is no greatness where there is no simplicity
• November 08, 2020: Inequality can be Reduced by the Power of the Market rather than the Government
• November 01, 2020: Civil liberties are fundamental to the functioning of modern democracies
• October 25, 2020: Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
• October 18, 2020: Wherever law ends, tyranny begins
• October 11, 2020:Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity
• September 27, 2020: Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions
• September 20, 2020: In India Agriculture and the Farmer are both the Victims of Narrow Political Vision
• September 13, 2020: India Needs Aggressive and Pragmatic Neighbourhood Policy
• September 6, 2020: “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his  attitude .
• August 30, 2020: The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal
• August 23, 2020: Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
• August 16, 2020: Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.
• August 09, 2020: Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value
• August 02, 2020: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
• July 26, 2020: In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility
• July 19, 2020: Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance
• July 12, 2020: The human spirit must prevail over technology
• July 05, 2020: When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
• June 28, 2020: Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity.
• June 21, 2020: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
• June 14, 2020: Post Independence, the Issue of Land is at the Core of India’s Non-Achievement of Its Development Aspirations
• June 7, 2020: Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste
• May 31, 2020: Despite Challenges, To be a Healthy and Successful Nation, India must Ensure Universal Health Coverage 
• May 24, 2020: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
• May 17, 2020:The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little
• May 10, 2020: Urban Exclusion of Migrant Workers in India is a Reality and Needs Urgent Robust Policy Measures
• May 03, 2020: Uncertainty should ignite creativity, not depravity
• April 26, 2020: The fool doth think he is wise but the wise man knows himself to be a fool
• April 19, 2020: Social Harmony, not Social Distancing, is the final solution to all our problems
• April 12, 2020: It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities
• April 05, 2020: Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking
• March 29, 2020: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them”
• March 22, 2020: In order to understand the world one has to turn away from it on occasion
• March 15, 2020: Pandemics such as COVID-19, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
• March 08, 2020: Those who have wisdom have all: Fools with all have nothing
• March 01, 2020: Indifferentism is the worst kind of disease that can affect people.
• [VIDEO] Perspectives on Essay Topic of Feb 23
• February 23, 2020: To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.
• February 16, 2020 : When civil services does its job, people will not need social service
• February 09, 2020 : The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
• February 02, 2020: Ability will get you success, Character will keep you successful.
• January 26, 2020: Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion.
• January 19, 2020: Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes
• January 12, 2020 : Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
• J anuary 5, 2020 : All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal
• December 29, 2019 : There cannot be daily democracy without daily citizenship
• December 22, 2019: War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
• December 15, 2019 : Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a peaceful society
• December 08, 2019: Justice Loses Character if it becomes Revenge
• December 01. 2019: Economic Growth and Development are Shaped by the Societies in which they Operate
• November 24, 2019: Social Media is the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 17, 2019: Media is No More a Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 10, 2019: Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling
• November 03, 2019:Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy
• October 27, 2019: Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
• October 20, 2019: South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities
• October 13, 2019: Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
• October 06, 2019: Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• September 29, 2019: Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• September 22, 2019: Wisdom finds truth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

• September 15, 2019: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
• September 08, 2019: India’s Space Ambitions – Are they Welfarist?
• September 01, 2019: India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
• August 25, 2019 Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
• August 18, 2019 The mind is everything. What you think you become.
• August 11, 2019: Virtue is Knowledge
• August 04, 2019: Inclusive governance begets Inclusive growth
• July 28, 2019: India’s headache: Unemployment or Underemployment?
• July 21, 2019: The road to science and spirituality are opposite, but we should tread both
• July 14, 2019: India is a leading power, rather than just a balancing power
• July 07, 2019: Should the world embrace democratic socialism or progressive capitalism?
• June 30, 2019: Impact of Digital Revolution on Human Wellbeing
• June 23, 20 19: Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty
• June 16, 2019: The definition of happiness is the full use of your powers, along the lines of excellence.
• June 09, 2019: Not Corruption, Communalism is the Greatest Threat India is facing Today
• May 19, 2019: First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
• May 12, 2019: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake
• May 05, 2019: Happiness equals reality minus expectations
• April 28, 2019: Political correctness is tyranny with manners
• April 21, 2019: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
• April 07, 2019: Dogma is the sacrifice of wisdom to consistency
• March 31, 2019: The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
• March 24, 2019: Terrorism has No Religion
• March 17, 2019: Money and Religion – Great Unifiers of Humankind?
• March 10, 2019: Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay
• March 03, 2019: Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower
• February 24,2019: Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens
• February 17, 2019: Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back
• February 10, 2019: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• February 03, 2019: You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality
• January 27, 2019: Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
• January 20, 2019: All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
• January 12, 2019: All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.
• January 06, 2019: National security is Irreversibly linked to good economic growth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

• December 28, 2018: To plan for smart development, governments and business must recognize nature’s role in supporting economic activity
• December 23, 2018: Government Surveillance – Good or Bad?
• December 16, 2018: Trade Wars – Economic or Geopolitical?
• December 02, 2018: Immigration is Not a Threat, but Fundamentally it’s an Economic Issue
• November 25, 2018: A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• November 18, 2018: “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• November 11, 2018: A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• November 04, 2018: Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task
• October 28, 2018: Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
• October 21, 2018: Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• October 14, 2018: Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it
• October 07, 2018: Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• September 30, 2018: Commercialization of Space : Importance and the need for regulation
• September 23, 2018: E-commerce as a new form of trade and its challenges to India.
• September 16, 2018: Ability is nothing without opportunity
• September 09, 2018: Death Penalty eliminates Criminals, not Crime.
• September 02, 2018: Dissent is the foundation of democracy.
• August 26, 2018: Mars Mission and Mob lynchings are two obverse faces of India
• August 19, 2018: Strengthening Land Rights Strengthens Development
• August 12, 2018: Age of Big Data: Data is the New Oil, History is its oldest bank
• August 05, 2018: Strong Institutions and fair procedures, not personalities constitute the fundamentals of good governance
• July 29, 2018: Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• July 22, 2018: Section 377, not the carnal acts banned under it is ‘against the order of nature ‘
• July 15, 2018: Schooling Is Not Education
• July 08, 2018: Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.
• July 01, 2018: Normal human activity is worse for nature than the greatest nuclear accident in history
• June 24, 2018: Gender Sensitive Indian Society is Prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment
• June 17, 2018: Where Should India Invest More – Human Capital or Human Development?
• June 10, 2018: Has Democracy Taken Backseat Due to the Rise of Populists and Demagogues?
• June 03, 2018: We won’t have a society ,if we destroy the environment
• May 27, 2018: Can Development and Environment Protection Go Together?
• May 20, 2018: Governor is the Choke Point of Federal Circuit of India
• May 13, 2018: Anonymity is the Best and the Worst Feature of Urbanism
• May 06, 2018: A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes
• April 29, 2018: Guaranteeing Right to Vote may Establish a Democracy, But Ensuring it’s Right Use Only Will Bring a True Democracy
• April 22, 2018: Stereotyping is an Ideological Force Which Hinders and Endangers Consolidation of India
• April 15, 2018: Can Education and legislation Address Violence Against Women and Children in India?
• April 8, 2018: Banking Crisis in India – Failure of Governance and Regulation?
• April 1, 2018: Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights
• March 25, 2018: Impact of Technology on Human Relations and Human Productivity
• March 18, 2018: India’s Focus should be on Ease of Living, not on Easy of Doing Business
• March 11, 2018: A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody
• March 04, 2018: Capitalism can not Bring Inclusive Growth
• February 25, 2018: The unprecedented advance of technologies facilitate individual empowerment but at the cost of Institutions and Democratic societies
• February 18, 2018: Threats being Faced by Liberal Democratic Systems are both Dangerous and Permanent
• February 11, 2018: For India, Stigmatised Capitalism is Better than Crony Socialism
• February 04, 2018: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.
• January 28, 2018: Politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak
• January 21, 2018: Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime
• January 14, 2018: Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding
• January 07, 2018: The Root Cause of Agrarian Distress in India – Failure of Policies or Failure of Governance?

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

• December 31, 2017: Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
• December 24, 2017: Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth
• December 17, 2017: Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• December 10, 2017: Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India
• December 03, 2017: Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
• November 19, 2017: Has the Non- Alignment Movement(NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world
• November 12, 2017: Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• November 04, 2017: We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws
• October 29, 2017: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
• October 22, 2017: Harith Diwali, Swasth Diwali : What measures are needed to deal with Festivity and Air Pollution?
• October 15, 2017: Biggest Threat to Humanity – Moral Crisis or Climate Change?
• October 08, 2017: The monsoon is a defining aspect of India’s nationhood
• October 01, 2017: India’s Infrastructure Story – Why is India not able to Build like China?
• September 24, 2017: Impact of Digital Technologies on Globalisation
• September 17, 2017: Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management in India – Challenges and Opportunities
• September 10,2017: Gender Equality and Peace: Are They Connected?
• September 03, 2017: Recent Natural Disasters – What do they Reveal about Humanity?
• August 27, 2017: Godmen – A Threat to Indian Society and Culture
• August 20, 2017: Corruption in India: Neither Systemic Reforms nor Surgical Strikes would End it
• August 13,2017: Interrelationship between Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
• August 06, 2017: Utility and relevance of Parliament in our polity
• July 30, 2017: Caste System – Source of India’s Eternal Inequality?
• July 23, 2017: Indian Democracy, Media and Public Opinion – Does Public Opinion Matter in Policymaking?
• July 16, 2017: Poverty and Environment – Their Interrelationship is the Key to Sustainable World
• July 09, 2017: Soft Power is India’s Strength, not its Weakness
• July 02, 2017: Technology and Jobs – Is Technology a Curse?
• June 25, 2017: Democracy’s Relevance in the Face of New Global Threats
• June 18, 2017: Federalism in India – Competitive or Cooperative?
• June 11, 2017: Peace, Environment and Development: Are these Interrelated?
• June 04, 2017: Role of Technology in Development – Is Technology Helping or Hindering Development?
• May 28, 2017: Poverty is a State of Mind
• May 21, 2017: Does India Need Superpower Status?
• May 14, 2017: India’s Achilles Heel – Lack of Ambition or Lack of Leadership in Achieving Greatness?
• May 07, 2017: Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.
• April 29, 2017: The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation
• April 23, 2017: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom
• April 16, 2017: One-Party-Dominant System – Is it Good for India?
• April 09, 2017: Should Youth in India Consider Politics as Career?
• April 02, 2017: Can World Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War?
• March 26, 2017: Low, stagnating female labour-force participation in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?
• March 19, 2017: When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw
• March 12, 2017: The marks humans leave are too often scars
• March 05, 2017: Environmental Challenges and Geopolitics: How to save our Environment?
• February 27, 2017: Radical Solutions are Needed to Address Today’s Radical Problems
• February 19, 2017: India’s Importance in the Post-truth World
• February 12, 2017: The Role of Politics in Development
• February 05, 2017: Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
• January 29, 2017: Building Walls and Banning Refugees – Does this Help Humanity?
• January 22, 2017: Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality
• January 15, 2017: Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run
• January 08, 2017: Water disputes between states in federal India
• January 01, 2017: Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

• (December 25, 2016) – Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• (December 18, 2016) – Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
• (December 11, 2016) – Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• (December 04, 2016) – If development is not engendered, it is endangered
• (November 27, 2016) – Social media is better at breaking things than at making things
• (November 20, 2016) – Deglobalization is good for the world
• (November 12, 2016) – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others
• (November 06, 2016) – It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence
• (October 30, 2016) – Reducing Poverty while also Conserving Nature is an Impossible Task
• (October 23, 2016) – Poverty can be eliminated by putting science at the heart of development
• (October 16, 2016) – People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people
• (October 09, 2016) – Better Access is Key to Inclusive Cities
• (October 02, 2016) – The weaker sections of Indian society – Are their Rights and Access to Justice Getting Better?
• (September 25, 2016) – Imagination is more important than intelligence
• (September 18, 2016) – Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life
• (September 11, 2016) – Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance
• (September 04, 2016) – It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
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Essay (UPSC Mains) - Previous Year Questions

Looking for comprehensive preparation for the UPSC Mains Essay paper? Explore our collection of previous year questions from 2013 to 2024. Get insights, practice, and boost your chances of success with Past year questions and answers.

Essay Paper - UPSC Mains PYQs

• Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
• The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
• There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
• The doubter is a true man of science.
• Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.
• Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
• All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
• The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
• Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
• Not all who wander are lost.
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands — two equally harmful disciplines.
• Mathematics is the Music of Reason.
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Value based / Ethical Issues

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Philosophical

• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You can not step twice in the same river.
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.

Miscellaneous / Mixed

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence. (Environment / Economics)
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world ( Literature / Socio-political-economic impacts)
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man ( History / Values / Philosophy)
• 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.

History / Culture

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

Science and Technology

• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• There are better practices to “best practices”. ( Multiple Themes )
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. ( Philosophy / Technology)
• Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them; ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

Social Issues

• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations ( Technology / International Relation ).
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.

Science & Technology

• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• A people that value its privileges above its principles lose both.
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.

Environment

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

IR & Security

• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium Domain.
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multi-polar world Domain.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India Domain. ( Agriculture )
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India Domain.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.

Polity & Governance

• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws Domain.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run Domain.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Water disputes between states in federal India Domain.
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality India.
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. ( Technology / Economy)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare Domain. ( Technology / Economy / Social Sector)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. ( Education / Ethics)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. ( Morality / Economics)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests, good measure of academic ability or progress?
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. ( Multiple themes )
• Fifty Gold’s in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? ( Sports / Governance )
• Be the change you want to see in others – Gandhiji
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? ( History / Culture / Growth & Development / Ethics )

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UPSC Essay Topics From PYQs (2013-2022)

Check out our collection of Essay Topics taken straight from UPSC’s Previous Year Questions! Simple to understand and perfect for your preparation. We recommend aspirants study and analyze them thoroughly.

Table of Content

• UPSC CSE – 2022 (Essay Paper)
• UPSC CSE – 2021 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2020 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2019 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2018 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2017 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2016 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2015 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2014 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2013 ( Essay Paper )

Importance of Previous Year’s Question- PYQs in UPSC :

Previous year’s question papers are very important for UPSC exam preparation. They provide valuable insights into the exam pattern, the types of questions asked the difficulty level, and the topics that are frequently covered in the exam. By analyzing the further given UPSC Essay previous year’s question papers, aspirants can understand the nature and scope of the UPSC exam, identify the important topics, and prepare accordingly

UPSC’S Last 10 Years (2013-2022) Questions Compilation :

UPSC CSE – 2022 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Need to Choose One Essay from Each Section – 125 Marks Each- Total Time is 3 Hours

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
• A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
• You cannot step twice in the same river
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

UPSC CSE – 2021 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Chose One Essay from Each Section – 125 Marks – 3 Hours

• 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.
• The philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• The 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’.

UPSC CSE – 2020 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

UPSC CSE – 2019 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Wisdom finds truth.
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.

UPSC CSE – 2018 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes—a complex task
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• ‘The past’ is permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• Reality does not conform to the idea, but confirms it.

UPSC CSE – 2017 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world?
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium.

UPSC CSE – 2016 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• Water disputes between States in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.

UPSC CSE – 2015 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race.
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Crisis faced in India— moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?

UPSC CSE – 2014 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress?
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?

UPSC CSE – 2013 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Chose Only One Essay – 250 Marks – 3 Hours

• Be the change you want to see in others — Gandhiji.
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Science and Technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation

Studying the previous year’s question papers helps aspirants to get familiar with the types of questions asked in the exam and the expected answers. This, in turn, helps them to develop their time-management skills, improve their speed and accuracy, and enhance their overall performance in the exam.

Moreover, analysing the previous year’s question papers also helps aspirants to identify their weaknesses and strengths. They can evaluate their performance in each section and topic and work on improving their weaker areas. This can help them to focus on the important topics and boost their confidence for the exam.

In summary, previous year’s question papers are an essential tool for UPSC exam preparation, and aspirants should make it a priority to study and analyse them thoroughly.

All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Frequenly Asked Questions – FAQs

How can i write a good essay for upsc.

Some steps involved in best UPSC Essay writing are 1. Understand the topic 2. Plan and Organize your thoughts and ideas 3. Write a strong introduction 4. Write arguments and counterarguments 5. Use transitions 6. Strong conclusion.

Which types of Essays are asked in UPSC CSE?

Generally, Four types of essays that are asked in the UPSC CSE Examination are, 1. Narrative 2. Descriptive 3. Informative 4. Persuasive.

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UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 Essay Paper

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022: The Union Public Service Commission started the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on September 16, 2022. The UPSC mains exam started on September 16, 2022 , and will be held on 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2022, at various locations around the country. GeeksforGeeks have brought the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022 to make your exam preparation perfect. 

The highest score in the Mains Written level is crucial since 7 out of 9 papers are counted for merit ranking. Preliminary level marks, on the other hand, are not counted for merit ranking. As a result, the candidate’s attention should not only be on passing the exam but also on obtaining the best and highest possible grades. 

To gain a notion of Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023 , one needs at least to look at the previous seven years of UPSC Essay Topics. Practicing the UPSC Essay Topics of Previous Years helps throughout the UPSC Mains exam, and the aspirant may ace the essay paper with enough preparation.

UPSC 2022 Mains Essay Question Paper:

The UPSC Essay paper is divided into two portions. Section A and Section B are the two. Each segment has four questions. Candidates must select one topic from each section, resulting in a total of two essay questions.

The word count for each question should be between 1000 and 1200 . Each question is worth 125 marks , thus the total number of marks is 250. The question paper will be evaluated on merit.

The Essay Topics asked in the UPSC Mains 2022 are given below:

1) Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

2) Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

3) History is a series of victorious won by the scientific man over the romantic man.

4) A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for. 

1) The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. 

2) You cannot step twice in the same river. 

3) A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. 

4) Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Aspirants can evaluate and plan their approach for the Civil Services Examination’s Mains level based on the question paper of 2022. UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 4

UPSC Mains Essay Previous Year Question Paper:

• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2021
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2019
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2018
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2017
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper  2016 

How to Score Marks on UPSC Mains Essay Topics?

Writing provides insight into your cognitive process. This is precisely what the examiner looks at when reading your answer script. An essay is essentially a well-organized collection of ideas on any given topic. Mastering the skill of getting the highest possible grade on a test involves a lot of effort and dedication. The UPSC Mains essay is more than just a test of factual knowledge; it is also a test of creativity and confidence. 

Follow these strategies to get high marks in the UPSC Mains Essay paper:

1. Choose your topic carefully

The UPSC Essay paper 2022 is divided into two portions, and applicants must write one essay from each area. Both essays are worth 125 points and are 1000-1200 words long. Before choosing a topic, consider if it is too contentious or whether you have enough facts to write about it.

2. Think about the subject

Once you’ve decided on a topic, think about it and jot down the essential keywords you’ll use in your essay. Try to take a multifaceted approach to the essay and stick to a decent format of introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Structure the essay in a proper manner

The opening paragraph is the heart of the essay and should provide a clear overview of the issue. The main focus should be on your thoughts on the subject. The primary body of the essay should be broken into little paragraphs that are interconnected nicely. The essay’s wording should be simple, clear, and easy to grasp. 

The UPSC Mains essay assesses your critical thinking abilities rather than your use of fancy language. Facts and statistics should be supplied whenever necessary. The use of quotations and sayings strengthens the essays. The final paragraph should speak for itself. Candidates should aim to write the essay in an unbiased or balanced manner.

Economic Growth, women empowerment, art & culture, media & society, social justice or poverty, education, renowned quotes from notable individuals , and other themes are among the UPSC Essay Topics.

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) gets efficient candidates on-board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview. Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such exam without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay writing topics and their related components. It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC Essay Topics which have been widely asked in previous years question papers .

Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay writing topics , you need to start practicing:

Social Topics

• Literacy and education.
• Modernization and Westernization in India
• Gender Equality-problems and perspectives
• Information Revolution and its increasing effects
• Consumerist culture and its effects.
• Reservation: Need, problems and solutions
• The issue of child labour: what to do?
• The mentality of misusing freedom
• Composite culture of India
• Rewriting of History
• The problem of conversion and its solution
• Uniform Civil Code: Need and perspective
• Sustainable Development
• Population Explosion:  Problem and solution
• Indian nationalism: Nature and perspectives
• The freedom of expression and its limitations.
• Socialism: An irrelevant ideology
• The responsibilities of Journalism
• Human Rights: Need of every human being        
• Corruption: A part of our way of life
• The problem of language and its solution             
• Need of saving childhood
• Youth unrest: Causes and solutions
• The problem of vulgarity
• Need for a youth and culture policy
• Indian culture: Unity in Diversity.

Like above questions Mirant Parikh, IAS(AIR 67, CSE 2016) has written Essay on one of above questions:

Click here for Full Copy

Political topics.

• India as a soft state
• The Constitutional Review: need and perspective
• The need of interaction between administration and public
• Every right is attached with a duty.
• The criminalization of politics
• Political instability: A hurdle in national development
• Achievements and failures of Democracy in India
• Is India really a secular state?
• Parliamentary Democracy: situation, problems and solutions
• Corruption in politics
• Judicial Activism
• The need of sensible administration
• National Security: Challenges and hopes
• Democracy: A way of life
• Kashmir problem: Need of a proper solution
• Coalition politics: past, present and future
• The gifts of Democracy: Casteism, Regionalism and Communalism.

Economic Topics

• India in the age of privatization, liberalization and globalization.
• New economic policies and the ideal of Democratic Socialism
• Poverty and socialism: the Indian contradiction
• New economic policies: oceans of poverty and islands of wealth
• Regional imbalance in development
• Human resource development and management.

International Topics

• The problems of third world countries
• The problem of international terrorism
• India's contribution to the world
• United Nations: Evaluation
• Human Rights: A universal propaganda
• Indian foreign policy: Need of restructuring
• India and its neighboring countries
• Idealism and pragmatism in foreign policy.

Mock answer by Mirant Parikh, IAS (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Click here for full copy

Philosophical/imaginative topics.

• God is a subject of belief, not of reason
• The philosophy of post-modernism in context of India
• India's basic philosophy and its effect on our society
• Religion and Politics: the professions without capital
• 'Who cares’: the basic of youth culture.

Other topics

• New concepts of alternative medicine: Realities about them
• Natural disasters: the management of rescue
• Need of a sport policy for India
• Environment Protection: problem and solution.

Essay Preparation Strategy By: Mirant Parikh (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Apart from these topics, candidates should browse through articles, columns, features of newspapers, magazines, journals for the preparation of good essays. Regular clippings and jotting down of important points on the side of clipped topics will ease your time and tension while giving a cursory look during the UPSC IAS examination period.

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UPSC Essay Topics

The Upsc Essay Topics change every year, and aspirants are never sure what they will be. They can be about things like how the economy is doing, how women can be stronger, art and culture, or how the media affects us. Moreover, it’s a good idea to look at the essay questions from previous years to get an idea of what might be asked. This will help you practice writing essays and do well in the exam. With enough practice, you can become good at writing essays for the UPSC exam .

Furthermore, the IAS Essay section is very important in the UPSC exam. It contains 250 marks, and you must write two essay questions in three hours, each 1000 to 1200 words. Additionally, to prepare, it’s a good idea to look at previous upsc essay papers to understand what essay topics upsc might come up in the exam.

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UPSC Essay Topics 2024

The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC Mains exam . It’s a chance for candidates to share their opinions on social, economic, and political issues. UPSC usually chooses topics that are either related to current events or have a big impact on society. Moreover, some important IAS essay topics for the UPSC exam could include:

• Development
• Urbanisation
• Globalisation
• Bureaucracy/Civil Service
• Constitution
• Water Security
• Poverty/Hunger/Food Security
• Human Resources- Employment
• Social Media
• Privacy/Surveillance

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UPSC Essay Topics: Previous Year Question Paper

Having access to the previous year’s essay topics can be useful. It gives you an idea of the types of essays asked in previous years. Moreover, That’s why we’ve provided the UPSC essay topics from the previous year’s UPSC question paper below.

• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2022
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2021
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2020
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2019
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2018

You can also check for how to write an essay for upsc .

UPSC Essay Topics: Topic wise

Here, we will discuss different UPSC Essay Topics that are frequently asked in the UPSC Examination.

UPSC Essay Topics on Administration 

If you want to prepare for Polity and Administration topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by reading books on Polity and Public Administration. Moreover, these books provide basic information about relevant issues and their history, which can be useful when writing essay questions on Polity and Public Administration for the UPSC exam. Some UPSC essay topics on these topics could include:

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• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanisation?
• Politics without ethics is a disaster.
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy.
• The language politics in India: its past, present, and future.
• Is a better disaster management system need of the hour?
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Need for transparency in public administration.
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy.

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

To write an essay on Science and Technology topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by following current affairs related to this field. You can also refer to books on Science and Technology for UPSC to get a multidimensional perspective. Moreover, some possible Science and Tech UPSC essay topics could include:

• The modern doctor and his patients.
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change-resilient India.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• Value-based science and education.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilisation in the long run.
• The lure of space.
• Spirituality and scientific temper.
• The march of science and the erosion of human values.
• The cyberworld: Its charms and challenges.
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible?

UPSC Essay Topics on Women Empowerment

UPSC encourages gender equality in the workplace and often includes essay topics related to women. The UPSC Essay topics aims to understand the candidate’s level of critical thinking and ability to express their thoughts. Including data, references, and real-life examples can help earn extra marks while writing essays. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to women and women empowerment could include:

• Challenges and Prospects of Women Empowerment
• Ground realities of the new emerging women power
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
• Is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal- Managing work and home?
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What if all the developed countries had women as their heads?
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight.
• Whither women’s emancipation?

UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Culture & Society

The UPSC essay topics related to Indian society, art, and culture are always diverse. To prepare for these topics, candidates can read basic books on society that are typically referred to during the exam. Moreover, you can also use Art & Culture Notes for UPSC to help with your preparation. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to Indian culture and society are:

• Are new cults and godmen threats to the traditional religion?
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
• Indian society is at a crossroads.
• The composite culture of Indian society
• Where the Youth culture of today is heading towards
• As civilisation progresses, culture declines.

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophical Type

Every year, UPSC includes two or more UPSC essay topics related to philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from famous personalities. Students can refer to Philosophy Books for UPSC to prepare for these topics to gain a basic background. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to philosophy or quotes from famous personalities are:

• Be the change you want to see in others.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it.
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
• If youth knew if age could.
• Useless life is an early death.
• Search for truth can only be attained through spiritual means.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Words are sharper than a two-edged sword

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education is a popular UPSC essay topics , and almost every year, an essay related to education is asked in the paper. Moreover, to prepare for this topic, staying updated with current affairs and major changes and developments related to the field is important. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to education for UPSC could include:

• Privatisation of the higher education system in India.
• Does growth in literacy correspond to growth in education?
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather make a man a more clever devil.
• Concept of Real Education
• Restructuring of the Indian education system with respect to the NEP
• The destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Education for all”: myth or reality.

UPSC Essay Topics on Economic Growth

UPSC frequently includes IAS essay topics on economic growth, development, and the MNC (multi-national corporation) sector. To prepare for these topics, candidates can refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to get a general overview of the subject. Moreover, once you grasp the basics well, you can add examples, data, and figures to make your essay more multi-dimensional. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to economics for UPSC could include:

• Can tourism be the next big thing for India?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) should be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Are the Multinational corporations saviours or saboteurs?
• Is the Digital economy a leveller or a source of economic inequality?
• Is it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Future of BPO Culture in India
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
• Is the near jobless growth in India an anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?

You can also check for UPSC Calendar 2023 .

Upsc Essay Topics: Things to keep in mind

Writing is a way to show how you think. When an examiner reads your essay, they can understand your thought process. An essay is a well-structured set of ideas on a specific topic. Moreover, to score well on the UPSC Essay paper , it’s important to practice and be persistent. The essay is about factual knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. To score well on the UPSC Essay paper, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Essay

The UPSC Essay paper has two sections, and you have to write one essay from each section. Both essays have 125 marks each and must be 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a topic, it’s important to reflect on it and consider if it’s too controversial or if you have enough information to write about it.

• Examine the Topic

When you select UPSC Essay Topics , it’s important to take some time to think about the topic and write down the main keywords that you will use in your essay. This will help you organise your thoughts and ensure you cover all the key points.

Taking a multidimensional approach is important when writing your essay, which means considering different perspectives and angles.

Additionally, structure your essay clearly and concisely, with an introduction that sets the stage for the rest of the essay, a body that covers your main points, and a conclusion that summarises your key ideas and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

• Structure well

The introduction is a crucial part of the UPSC Essay Topics and should provide a brief idea about the topic. It should convey your perspective on the topic. The essay’s main body should be divided into well-connected small paragraphs. The language should be simple, clear, and easy to comprehend.

Moreover, the focus should be on critical thinking rather than using complex vocabulary. If necessary, include relevant facts and data. Using quotes and sayings can add weight to the essay. The conclusion should be clear and concise. While writing, strive for a neutral or balanced approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: Do UPSC Topics get repeated?

Ans: That’s correct. While UPSC may repeat essay topics from previous years, they are likely to ask a different question with the exact same wording. Instead, they may tweak the language or focus of the question slightly to test a candidate’s understanding and analytical skills. Moreover, it is also true that certain topics, such as history, economics, and Indian polity, tend to be asked more frequently than others.

Q2: How many essay questions are asked in the upsc essay paper?

Ans: The UPSC Essay Paper consists of two sections, each containing four to five essay topics. Candidates need to choose one essay topic from each section and write an essay of 1000 to 1200 words on each topic. Moreover, each essay is worth 125 marks, and the total mark for the UPSC Essay Paper is 250.

Q3: How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans: Keeping notes and staying updated with current affairs is crucial in developing a deep understanding of various topics. Reading books, journals, and other publications related to the UPSC Essay Topics can also help enhance knowledge and vocabulary. Moreover, ractising writing essays regularly and getting feedback from mentors or peers to improve writing skills is also important.

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Important UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years: Download PDF

Annesha Deb ,

Mar 4, 2024 | UPSC CSAT

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The judiciary, economics, society, government policies, geography, science and technology, and federalism are some areas for UPSC essay topics. Students have to answer 1 essay topic from Sections A and B.

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years

How to prepare for upsc essay topics.

The UPSC Essay Topics 2023 are segmented into two sections - Section A and B with 4 topics each. The topics are "Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team", "Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic", "Not all who wander are lost".

UPSC essay topics are from various areas: Administration, Democracy/India since Independence, Judiciary, Economics, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian culture and Society, Environment, Socialisation, and Science & Technology. The essay questions are part of civil services mains exams. Each essay topic must be written within 1000 to 1200 words. 

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years PDFs

In the table below are the UPSC essay topics from the previous years. These are the official PDFs. Students can download the PDFs by clicking on the links. 

UPSC essay topics are divided into two sections: Sections A and B. Students have to choose their desired topic. There are 4 topics in each section. Here are the UPSC essay topics from 2023 to 2014. 

UPSC Essay Topics 2023

Upsc essay topics 2022, upsc essay topics 2021, upsc essay topics 2020, upsc essay topics 2019, upsc essay topics 2018, upsc essay topics 2017, upsc essay topics 2016, upsc essay topics 2015, upsc essay topics 2014.

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team 
• Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic
• Not all who wander are lost
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane
• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands - two equally harmful disciplines
• Mathematics is the music of reason
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity
• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

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• 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".

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• Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

Also Check : Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

• Wisdom finds truth.
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
• Management of Indian border disputes-a complex task.
• The past' is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. 
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world? 
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of 'new woman' in India is a myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• Social media' is inherently a selfish medium. 
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• Water disputes between States in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. 
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race. 
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
•  Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever  devil. 
• Technology cannot replace manpower. 
• Crisis faced in India - moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth ?
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? 
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? 
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism Can this be the next big thing for India?

Preparation for UPSC essay topics is important. One hundred twenty-five marks are allotted to each topic, and the total marks for the paper are 250. 

Therefore, here are some of the preparation tips:

• Research for Topics: Students are advised to review the popular essay topics. Do a thorough research on the topic and support the essay with facts. 
• List Down the Topics: Once the topics are gathered, students must divide them into judiciary, polity, administration, society, economics, etc. This process helps in collecting supporting information quickly. 
• Know the Latest Events: UPSC essay topics are usually from the latest events. The knowledge of events is tested; students must watch the news or read Pratiyogita Darpan to know the latest events. 
• Practice Writing: The writing has to be fast and precise. Students must choose a topic, start writing on it, and time themselves. 
• Proofread: Students must also proofread their essay topics if there are mistakes that will cost them a deduction of marks.

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[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper

Current Affairs Classes Pre cum Mains 2025, Batch Starts: 11th September 2024 Click Here for more information

UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Examinations have started with the essay paper. After the completion of the examination in the first session, UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Essay Question Paper is out. If you are preparing for the 2023 examination, you can go through the question paper and check the type of topics that are being asked.

Download pdf of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper or View the Images of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper below:

• Forests are the best case studies of economic excellence
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic men
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is meant for
• The time to repair the roof is when sun is shining
• You cannot step twice in the same river
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

To access Previous Year Question Paper  –  Click Here 

Previous Year UPSC Mains Papers

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Essay Paper UPSC 2024 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on September 23, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2024 on 20-09-2024. The question paper was relatively easy.

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 2024 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 a 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) 2024

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

• Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
• The Empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
• There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
• The doubter is a true man of Science.
• Social media is Triggering ‘ Fear of Missing Out ‘ amongst the youth , precipitating depression and loneliness.
• Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
• All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
• The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.

1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.

This statement is saying that civilizations flourish where nature is abundant, but as humans build societies, they often damage the environment, leading to barren lands.

Think of it like this: when people settle in areas full of forests and natural resources, they cut down trees, clear land for agriculture, and use up resources to grow their cities.

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Over time, if they’re not careful, that land can turn into a desert—literally or figuratively.

You can use examples from history, like how ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia flourished because of fertile lands, but many of those areas now struggle with desertification due to poor management of resources.

This topic would also fit into discussions around climate change and how modern society has to learn from the past to avoid environmental disasters.

2. The Empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.

Instead of countries or kings conquering land with armies, this topic suggests that future power will come from knowledge and ideas.

Basically, in today’s world, people and nations with advanced technology, innovation, and control over information will be the most powerful.

Think about how big companies like Google, Facebook, or nations leading in artificial intelligence have a huge influence globally.

It’s not about land anymore—it’s about controlling ideas, information, and knowledge.

You could talk about how education, technology, and creativity are becoming the new currency of power in the world.

3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.

This is a more philosophical topic, saying that happiness isn’t something you “get” after achieving a goal; it’s something you practice every day.

Instead of thinking, “I’ll be happy when I get rich or successful,” the idea is to find happiness in the small things, like enjoying your daily life and being content with what you have.

It’s similar to ideas in Buddhism or mindfulness, where the focus is on being present and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

You could compare how different cultures and philosophies view happiness, or discuss why chasing material success doesn’t always lead to happiness.

4. The doubter is a true man of Science.

This one is all about the importance of questioning things in science.

Basically, true scientists don’t accept things at face value—they’re always skeptical, asking questions, and trying to prove ideas wrong to find the truth.

Doubt and questioning are what drive scientific discovery.

You could talk about famous scientists like Galileo or Einstein, who challenged existing beliefs and helped move humanity forward. In today’s world, with so much information available, critical thinking and skepticism are more important than ever, whether it’s in science or in everyday life.

1. Social media is triggering ‘Fear of Missing Out’ amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.

This topic is something a lot of students today can relate to.

It’s saying that social media makes people feel like they’re missing out on all the fun others are having, which can lead to anxiety, loneliness, and even depression.

Think about Instagram or TikTok—people post their best moments, and it often looks like everyone else is living a perfect life, which can make you feel bad about your own life.

This essay could explore how constant comparison on social media impacts mental health, especially for young people.

You can also mention how it’s important to have balance, maybe even trying social media breaks or focusing on real-life connections.

2. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.

This is about how people’s true character comes out when they have power.

It’s easy to be good when you’re struggling or when life is tough, but how do you behave when you’re in charge?

Does power make you kind and fair, or does it corrupt you?

You could use examples of political leaders, celebrities, or even people in everyday life.

Abraham Lincoln is often quoted here because he believed that how someone handles power shows their true nature.

This is a great opportunity to discuss leadership, ethics, and what makes a good leader.

3. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.

Some of the most impactful ideas in history are often quite simple.

Think about democracy, freedom, equality—these ideas are straightforward, but they’ve changed the world.

The essay could explore why simplicity makes ideas more powerful—because they’re easier to understand, spread, and act on.

You could compare this with complex ideas that may not be as effective or show how simple principles have led to big movements or discoveries.

4. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.

This is all about action versus inaction.

It’s saying that it’s better to try something and fail than to do nothing out of fear of being wrong.

Think about how in science, business, or even life, trial and error are necessary for progress.

If you’re too afraid to make mistakes, you’ll never get anywhere.

You could discuss how risk-taking and learning from failures are essential for growth.

This could be applied to entrepreneurship, decision-making in politics, or even personal development.

What Should Aspirants Preparing for UPSC CSE for Next Year do for an essay paper?

Taking the essay paper in the UPSC exam seriously is important. This paper requires you to write 10-12 pages about abstract or philosophical topics, which can be challenging if you’re not well-prepared.

To succeed in this exam and perform well in the essay paper, you should work on improving your comprehension and analytical skills.

To get additional guidance you can join the ClearIAS essay writing program  as well.

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Summary: Essay Paper UPSC 2024 (Mains)

The UPSC 2024 essay questions are a mix of deep philosophical themes, environmental and historical reflections, and modern social challenges.

Some topics, like “Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them,” encourage us to reflect on humanity’s impact on nature, while others, like “Social media is triggering Fear of Missing Out,” are very relevant to the digital age and its effect on youth.

There are also essays that dive into personal growth and leadership, such as “There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path,” which emphasizes finding joy in everyday life, and “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power,” focusing on how power reveals true character.

The key is to connect these topics to real-world examples, whether from history, psychology, science, or personal experiences, and to understand how they apply to both the individual and society today.

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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.

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Best CSAT Coaching for UPSC

About the program.

UPSC Essay paper is one paper where you can get more output with little effort with the right strategy. The right strategy consists a clear structure, right thesis, better practice and the best guidance.

Keeping this in mind, Vision IAS has created a unique Essay Enrichment Programme for civil services. This programme would consist of 5 classes in all. Each class will have pre-decided themes and will focus on aspects that will eventually help students in writing a good Essay.

Why Choose our Program?

Want to know more about this Program or have any queries regarding UPSC CSE preparation?

Choose the Right Essay Enrichment Program for You

Experience the trusted choice of UPSC aspirants, guided by our illustrious courses with proven results.

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Vision IAS material is for the individual only. In case a student is found involved in any violation of copyrights of Vision IAS material, the admission will be cancelled.

Login id & Password for Classroom & Test series program will be sent via email after completing the admission process.

You need to provide details as and when required by Vision IAS.

Fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable.

VISION IAS reserves all rights to make any changes in any program including test series schedule/test writing days and timing etc., if need so arises.

By providing an email address or mobile telephone number to the Vision IAS, the student agrees to receiving email and/or SMS communications from the Vision IAS.

The student also accepts that email and/or SMS may not be a secure and confidential means of communication. Vision IAS will not be liable for any loss or damages suffered as a result of communicating with a student by email and/or SMS.

Vision IAS(Ajayvision Education Pvt Ltd) do not accept any chargeback, in case of any disputes same has to be raised to the management of institute in written by post ( to below address) or by email to [email protected]

Address: Vision IAS, 1st floor, Apsara Arcade, 1/8 B Pusa Road, Karolbagh, Delhi-110005

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UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: Download Essay and GS Papers

Upsc mains 2024 essay question paper 2024: upsc started conducting mains examination on september 20, 2024, across different exam centres.  the question paper is essential for understanding the exam pattern, level and topics asked. get the direct link below to download pdf for each subject..

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has started conducting the UPSC Mains Examination 2024. Candidates can download the UPSC essay, GS 1, 2, 3, 4 and optional question papers for 2024 from the direct link that is given below. The question paper is a useful preparation and self-assessment tool for candidates to practice and understand the trend of topics asked in the examination. Candidates who are preparing for the next cycle of the UPSC Exam must download the UPSC essay question paper, as it will help in knowing the difficulty level and topic asked in the examination.

Also Check,

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

UPSC Question Paper 2024

• Practicing with questions ensures that candidates become familiar with the structure of the paper, improving their confidence and reducing any anxiety in the examination.
• Regular practicing helps candidates to manage their time effectively in the examination and ensures that they complete the paper within a given period of time. 
• Regular writing helps candidates to express their thoughts clearly, logically, and concisely. This is especially important in subjective papers where marks are awarded for both content and presentation.

Download UPSC IAS Question Paper 2024 PDF

Topics Asked in the IAS Mains Essay Paper 

The UPSC IAS Essay question consists of two sections where questions from 4 topics were asked in each section. Candidates need to write an essay of 1000-1200 words on 1 topic of their choice from the section

1. जंगल सभ्यताओं से पहले आते हैं और रेगिस्तान उनके बाद आते हैं।

Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.

2. भविष्य के साम्राज्य, मस्तिष्क के साम्राज्य होंगे ।

The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.

3. प्रसन्नता का कोई मार्ग नहीं है; प्रसन्नता ही मार्ग है।

There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.  

4. प्रश्न पूछने वाला ही विज्ञान का सच्चा सिपाही है ।

The doubter is a true man of science.

5. सोशल मीडिया युवाओं में 'छूटने का डर' पैदा कर रहा है जिसके कारण उनमें अवसाद और अकेलापन बढ़ रहा है ।

Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.

6.  लगभग सभी मनुष्य प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का सामना कर सकते हैं, लेकिन किसी व्यक्ति के चरित्र के परीक्षण के लिए, उसे शक्ति प्रदान करके देखिए ।

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.

7. व्यापक परिणाम वाले सभी विचार हमेशा साधारण ही होते हैं।

All ideas having large consequences are always simple.

8. ग़लत होने की कीमत कुछ न करने की कीमत से कम है ।

UPSC IAS Mains Exam Dates

Get here latest School , CBSE and Govt Jobs notification and articles in English and Hindi for Sarkari Naukari , Sarkari Result and Exam Preparation . Download the Jagran Josh Sarkari Naukri App .

• How to download the UPSC Question Papers? + Candidates can download the UPSC Question Papers from this article. The exam prep team of Jagran Josh has compiled the released question paper.
• What is the UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper Pattern? + The UPSC IAS Mains question paper consists of nine papers: Essay, GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4, English, Indian Language Paper and two papers from the optional subject.
• Is there a negative marking on the UPSC Question Papers? + No, as the papers are subjective in nature there will be no negative marking
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