Why the essay paper matters
The essay carries the same weight as a full GS paper (250 marks) but needs no new syllabus — only clear thinking, structure and breadth. A strong essay score (140+) is a known differentiator among top rankers. Reading past topics reveals UPSC’s pattern: abstract/philosophical prompts plus contemporary socio-economic themes.
Paper pattern
- Two sections (A and B), four topics each; choose one from each section.
- 1,000-1,200 words per essay, 125 marks each (250 total), 3 hours.
- Topics range from abstract/philosophical (values, wisdom, courage) to concrete socio-economic/governance themes.
- Evaluation rewards coherence, multi-dimensional treatment, balance, relevant examples, and a clear introduction-body-conclusion arc — not rote facts.
A sample year — Essay 2019
Section A: (1) Wisdom finds truth; (2) Values are not what humanity is but what humanity ought to be; (3) Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society; (4) Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
Section B: (5) South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural and historical cultures; (6) Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness; (7) Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare; (8) Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
How to practise essays
- Write one full essay a week under timed conditions;
- Build a bank of cross-cutting examples (history, economy, ethics, current affairs) usable across topics;
- Master a flexible structure — multi-dimensional body (social, economic, political, ethical, environmental, international);
- Get it evaluated and rewrite; study toppers’ essays for flow, not content to copy.
Practise full papers and previous-year topics in the Padho.club app and download centre.
UPSC angle
UPSC alternates abstract (Section A) and concrete (Section B) topics. Prepare both registers: a philosophical toolkit (quotes, value-debates) and a current-affairs toolkit (health, education, economy, democracy).
Frequently asked questions
How many essays do you write in the UPSC Mains?
Two — one from Section A and one from Section B — for a total of 250 marks in three hours.
What kinds of topics appear in the UPSC essay paper?
A mix of abstract/philosophical topics (on values, wisdom, courage) in Section A and concrete socio-economic/governance topics in Section B.
What were the 2019 UPSC essay topics?
They included “Wisdom finds truth”, “Values are not what humanity is but what it ought to be” (Section A) and topics on primary health/education, innovation and biased media (Section B).
How should I practise for the essay paper?
Write one full timed essay weekly, build a versatile bank of examples, master a multi-dimensional structure, and get your essays evaluated and rewritten.