The Essay Paper in the UPSC Mains examination holds great importance in determining the final rank of an aspirant. This paper stands a little different from the rest of the papers in the sense that it has nothing to do with knowledge or analytical ability in specific subjects but is a way to evaluate the ability of a candidate to articulate and present arguments on a wide variety of topics. The marks scored in this paper amply affect the overall result, and hence, it becomes very essential for the aspirants to develop comprehensive essay writing skills. Candidates must write with clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of the topics chosen.
Understanding Essay Paper
The UPSC essay paper will demand two essays to be written by the candidates, choosing any one from the four topics that will be provided. These range from philosophical and political to social, economic, and environmental problems. There is a need for an understanding of the nature of the topics since each demands a particular approach and perspective. For instance, a philosophical issue may involve much introspection or abstract thinking, while the topic may be political or social, needing more of a detailed analytical study supported by evidence. Analysis of the previous years’ papers would indicate the emergence of themes and patterns, which may indicate the kind of topics likely to appear.