• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Essay Paper UPSC 2023 (Mains) Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on September 27, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Essay Paper UPSC 2023 (Mains) Question Paper and Analysis

UPSC conducted the Civil Service Mains exam for essay paper on 15 September 2023.

The CSE mains essay paper comprises two sections. Each section contains 4 essay topics. Out of which 2 topics of choice from each section need to be picked.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000-1200 words for each essay.

Table of Contents

UPSC CSE Essay Paper 2023 Instructions

General instructions mentioned on the essay paper, that need to be followed by every aspirant are provided here.

  • 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) 2023

The question paper of the UPSC CSE mains essay paper is provided here.

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

Your Favourite Programs to Clear UPSC CSE: Download Timetable and Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC Mains Test Series 2024

(2) ⇒ UPSC Prelims Test Series 2025

(3) ⇒ UPSC Fight Back 2025

(4) ⇒ UPSC Prelims cum Mains 2025

1: Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

2: Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

3: Not all who wander are lost.

4: Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

5: Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines.

6: Mathematics is the music of reasons.

7: A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

8: Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023: Exam Analysis

The essay topics for the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam in 2023 were intellectually demanding and philosophical in nature.

They required candidates to engage in deep critical thinking and present their thoughts logically.

All the questions in this year’s paper aimed at assessing the candidates’ ability to handle abstract concepts and express their ideas effectively in a structured manner.

This year’s essay topics look like that UPSC has taken inspiration from a wide range of sources, including philosophical and literary works.

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team

This topic seems to revolve around the idea that critical thinking often emerges in response to opposing viewpoints or challenges.

Candidates may have been asked to explore how the clash of ideas leads to innovation and progress.

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

This famous saying belongs to Paul O’Brien.

This statement likely prompted candidates to discuss the balance between intuition and rationality in making important decisions.

It encourages a reflection on the role of both factors in effective leadership and problem-solving

Not all who wander are lost

This saying belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien,  The Fellowship of the Ring.

The topic expected from candidates to think about how exploring and being spontaneous in life’s journey can be really good.

It’s a deep topic that can be understood in many different ways.

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane

This essay topic appears to emphasize the idea that creativity is not limited to rare moments of inspiration but can be found in everyday experiences.

It probably asked people to think about where creativity comes from and how we can express it in our daily lives.

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines

This is the saying of Simone de Beauvoir

Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent French existentialist philosopher and feminist thinker. She made significant contributions to feminist philosophy through her work, including “The Second Sex,” where she discussed the concept of “The Other” and examined the role of societal expectations in shaping women’s lives.

The quote by Simone de Beauvoir presented the idea that both girls and boys or individuals of different genders, often face distinct but equally harmful forms of societal pressures and constraints.

It suggests that expectations placed on girls (referred to as “restrictions”) and boys (referred to as “demands”) can be damaging and limit their potential.

Mathematics is the music of reasons

The complete saying of James Joseph Sylvester is that mathematics is the music of reason. May not music be described as the mathematics of the sense, mathematics as music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, the mathematician thinks music: music the dream, mathematics the working life.”

This statement suggests a poetic connection between mathematics and music. Candidates likely had to discuss the beauty and logic inherent in mathematics and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

This topic seems to touch upon the ideas of social justice and charity, which have been discussed by philosophers like John Rawls and the concept of the “veil of ignorance.”

Candidates may have been asked to explore the relationship between justice, equality, and philanthropy in society.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school –  Albert Einstein .

This essay topic likely demands from candidates to reflect on the value of education beyond rote memorization.

It may have expect discussion on the practical application of knowledge and lifelong learning.

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.

One helpful way to prepare is by reading various types of essays, especially philosophical ones. Pay special attention to the ideas of famous philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx, and others.

Practice writing essays based on famous quotes, as this is a common format in UPSC exams.

Additionally, be ready to write essays on a wide range of topics, including society, politics, the economy, and technology. UPSC asks such types of questions too.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a fixed pattern for UPSC questions. Analyze previous year’s question papers to get valuable insight. So, focus on understanding the way UPSC frames questions rather than expecting a consistent trend.

Related Posts

  • Essay Course for UPSC CSE – The Art of Essay Writing
  • ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC
  • 10 Common Essay Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000   rs.29000, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999   rs.4999, upsc mains test series (mts) (online), rs.19999   rs.9999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025: important news & analysis (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), fight back: repeaters program with daily tests (online or offline), rs.55000   rs.25000.

ClearIAS Logo 128

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

  • Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • IAS Exam Eligibility
  • UPSC Free Study Materials
  • UPSC Exam Guidance
  • UPSC Prelims Test Series
  • UPSC Syllabus
  • UPSC Online
  • UPSC Prelims
  • UPSC Interview
  • UPSC Toppers
  • UPSC Previous Year Qns
  • UPSC Age Calculator
  • UPSC Calendar 2024
  • About ClearIAS
  • ClearIAS Programs
  • ClearIAS Fee Structure
  • IAS Coaching
  • UPSC Coaching
  • UPSC Online Coaching
  • ClearIAS Blog
  • Important Updates
  • Announcements
  • Book Review
  • ClearIAS App
  • Work with us
  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

ClearIAS Featured in The Hindu

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

upsc essay 2023

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

ClearIAS YouTube Image

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

Download Self-Study Plan

ClearIAS Course Image

Analyse Your Performance and Track Your Progress

Download Study Plan

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

ClearIAS Course Image

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

  • Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
  • In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
  • Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
  • Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
  • Whither Indian democracy? -1995
  • How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
  • What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
  • What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
  • My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
  • Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
  • Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
  • Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
  • Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
  • Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
  • Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
  • The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
  • There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
  • How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
  • Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
  • The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
  • Need for transparency in public administration -1996
  • The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
  • Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
  • We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
  • Justice must reach the poor -2005
  • Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
  • Judicial activism. -1997
  • A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
  • There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
  • Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
  • The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
  • Food security for sustainable national development -2005
  • Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
  • Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
  • Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
  • Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
  • The composite culture of India. -1998
  • The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
  • From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
  • New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
  • Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
  • Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
  • Role of media in good governance -2008
  • Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
  • How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
  • Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
  • Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
  • The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
  • Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

  • Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
  • Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
  • Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
  • Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
  • Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
  • Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
  • Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
  • Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
  • Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
  • Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
  • Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
  • Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
  • Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
  • Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
  • Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
  • Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
  • Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
  • Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
  • Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
  • Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
  • Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
  • BPO boom in India. -2007
  • Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
  • Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

  • Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
  • Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
  • Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
  • Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
  • Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
  • Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
  • Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
  • Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
  • Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
  • What is real education? -2005
  • “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
  • Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
  • Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
  • Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

  • A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
  • Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
  • Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
  • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
  • Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
  • Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
  • Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
  • Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
  • Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
  • Wisdom finds truth -2019
  • A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
  • Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
  • Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
  • Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
  • With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
  • Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
  • Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
  • He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
  • Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
  • Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
  • The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
  • Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
  • ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
  • A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
  • There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
  • Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
  • Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
  • Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
  • Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
  • Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
  • Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
  • Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
  • Truth is lived, not taught -1996
  • When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
  • Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
  • The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
  • You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
  • Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
  • Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
  • If youth knew, if age could. -2002
  • Youth culture today. -1999
  • Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
  • Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
  • Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
  • Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
  • A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
  • Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
  • Useless life is an early death. -1994
  • Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
  • The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
  • The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

  • Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
  • Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
  • The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
  • Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
  • If women ruled the world -2005
  • The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
  • Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
  • Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
  • If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
  • Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
  • Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
  • Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
  • Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
  • Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
  • Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

  • South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
  • Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
  • ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
  • National identity and patriotism -2008
  • Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
  • The masks of new imperialism. -2003
  • As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
  • The implications of globalization for India. -2000
  • My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
  • India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
  • The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
  • Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
  • Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
  • Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
  • Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
  • The global order: political and economic -1993
  • India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
  • Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
  • Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
  • In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
  • Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
  • Good fences make good neighbours -2009
  • Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
  • Terrorism and world peace -2005
  • True religion cannot be misused. -1997
  • History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
  • Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

  • Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
  • Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
  • What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
  • Modern technological education and human values. -2002
  • Value-based science and education. -1999
  • The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
  • The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
  • Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
  • ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
  • Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
  • Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
  • The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
  • Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
  • Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
  • Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
  • The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
  • The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

  • Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
  • Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
  • Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
  • Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

  • Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
  • Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
  • A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

  • History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
  • A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
  • Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
Year Lectures Powerpoint
2023 Free Lecture: Free Powerpoint:
2022 Free Lecture: Free Powerpoint:

Essay: 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 orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

General Studies

All Programmes

Study Material

UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

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

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 2023

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 2023 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 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.

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

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

Drishti IAS

  • Classroom Programme
  • Interview Guidance
  • Online Programme
  • Drishti Store
  • My Bookmarks
  • My Progress
  • Change Password
  • From The Editor's Desk
  • How To Use The New Website
  • Help Centre

Achievers Corner

  • Topper's Interview
  • About Civil Services
  • UPSC Prelims Syllabus
  • GS Prelims Strategy
  • Prelims Analysis
  • GS Paper-I (Year Wise)
  • GS Paper-I (Subject Wise)
  • CSAT Strategy
  • Previous Years Papers
  • Practice Quiz
  • Weekly Revision MCQs
  • 60 Steps To Prelims
  • Prelims Refresher Programme 2020

Mains & Interview

  • Mains GS Syllabus
  • Mains GS Strategy
  • Mains Answer Writing Practice
  • Essay Strategy
  • Fodder For Essay
  • Model Essays
  • Drishti Essay Competition
  • Ethics Strategy
  • Ethics Case Studies
  • Ethics Discussion
  • Ethics Previous Years Q&As
  • Papers By Years
  • Papers By Subject
  • Be MAINS Ready
  • Awake Mains Examination 2020
  • Interview Strategy
  • Interview Guidance Programme

Current Affairs

  • Daily News & Editorial
  • Daily CA MCQs
  • Sansad TV Discussions
  • Monthly CA Consolidation
  • Monthly Editorial Consolidation
  • Monthly MCQ Consolidation

Drishti Specials

  • To The Point
  • Important Institutions
  • Learning Through Maps
  • PRS Capsule
  • Summary Of Reports
  • Gist Of Economic Survey

Study Material

  • NCERT Books
  • NIOS Study Material
  • IGNOU Study Material
  • Yojana & Kurukshetra
  • Chhatisgarh
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh

Test Series

  • UPSC Prelims Test Series
  • UPSC Mains Test Series
  • UPPCS Prelims Test Series
  • UPPCS Mains Test Series
  • BPSC Prelims Test Series
  • RAS/RTS Prelims Test Series
  • Daily Editorial Analysis
  • YouTube PDF Downloads
  • Strategy By Toppers
  • Ethics - Definition & Concepts
  • Mastering Mains Answer Writing
  • Places in News
  • UPSC Mock Interview
  • PCS Mock Interview
  • Interview Insights
  • Prelims 2019
  • Product Promos
  • Essay Previous Year Papers

upsc essay 2023

  • 15 Sep 2023
  • 04 Oct 2022
  • 03 Oct 2022

upsc essay 2023

  • Bihar Board

WB 10th PPS/PPR Results

James dyson award, sanskriti university, srm university.

  • Education News
  • Web Stories
  • Current Affairs
  • Short Videos
  • School & Boards
  • College Admission
  • Govt Jobs Alert & Prep
  • GK & Aptitude

UPSC Essay Paper 2023, Download PDF

Upsc mains 2023 essay question paper: the union public service commission (upsc) mains exam started today, september 15, 2023, at 24 centres across the country. check and download the mains essay question paper pdf from this article..

Mohd Salman

UPSC Essay Paper 2023

Download UPSC IAS Essay Question Paper 2023 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

  • 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

UPSC IAS Mains Exam Dates

For more details click here

Also Read Related Articles,

 

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

  • How to download the UPSC Essay Question Papers? + Candidates can download the UPSC Essay 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
  • SSC CGL 2024 Notification
  • SSC MTS 2024 Exam
  • SSC MTS 2024 Notification
  • MP Board Result 2024
  • UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024
  • Bihar BEd Admit Card 2024
  • Rajasthan BSTC Admit Card 2024
  • APSC SO Result 2024
  • APSC SO Admit Card 2024
  • UPSC CSE Admit Card 2024
  • UPSC Notification

Latest Education News

List of Hat-tricks in T20 World Cup History (2007-2024)

IBPS PO Salary 2024: Check In Hand Pay, Salary Structure, Perks and Allowances

PM In India: भारत के कौन-से नेता मुख्यमंत्री या मंत्री रहे बिना सीधे बने प्रधानमंत्री?

Hosur International Airport: A Boon or Bane for Bengaluru's Business Landscape?

BPSC TRE 3 Exam Date 2024 Out at bpsc.bih.nic.in, Check Bihar Teacher Exam Schedule

Most Runs and Wickets by Indian and South African Players in T20 World Cup 2024

T20 World Cup 2024: भारत और दक्षिण अफ्रीका की ओर से किसने बनाए सर्वाधिक रन और किसने लिए सर्वाधिक विकेट? 

wbbse.wb.gov.in Madhyamik Result 2024 Out: List of Official Websites to Check West Bengal 10th Scrutiny Results, Direct Link Here

WB Madhyamik Scrutiny Result 2024 Announced: When, Where and How to Check WBBSE West Bengal Class 10th PPR/PPS Results Online by Roll Number

Only 7% of people with sharp eyes can find 3 differences between the sea creature pictures in 11 seconds!

Most Wickets In T20 World Cup 2024

HBSE Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus Available For The Academic Year 2024-25

Madhyamik PPR, PPS Result 2024 Declared: Check WBBSE 10th Scrutiny Results at wbbse.wb.gov.in, Official Details At Jagran Josh

Centripetal force: Concepts, Definition and Formula

BPSC Head Teacher Admit Card 2024 at bpsc.bih.nic.in: Here's Steps To Download Hall Ticket, Important Instructions

BPSC TRE 3 Exam Date OUT: बिहार शिक्षक भर्ती के तीसरे चरण की परीक्षा का टाइम टेबल जारी, यहाँ देखें पूरा शेड्यूल

Result HomePage JSP

Class 10th JSP

WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2024 Out LIVE: West Bengal Class 10th PPR/PPS Results Announced at wbbse.wb.gov.in, Check by Roll Number

WBBSE Result 2024: WB Board Result উচ্চ মাধ্যমিক at Jagran Josh, wbresults.nic.in

IAS EXPRESS upsc preparation

Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

Essay Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) – UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023

' src=

This topic of “Essay Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) – UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000 – 1200 words each: (125×2=250 marks)

(Click the links to read the solutions)

  • Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
  • Visionary deci sion-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.

Express Learning Programme (ELP)

  • Optional Notes
  • Study Hacks
  • Prelims Sureshots (Repeated Topic Compilations)
  • Current Affairs (Newsbits, Editorials & In-depths)
  • Ancient Indian History
  • Medieval Indian History
  • Modern Indian History
  • Post-Independence Indian History
  • World History
  • Art & Culture
  • Geography (World & Indian)
  • Indian Society & Social Justice
  • Indian Polity
  • International Relations
  • Indian Economy
  • Environment 
  • Agriculture
  • Internal Security
  • Disasters & its Management
  • General Science – Biology
  • General Studies (GS) 4 – Ethics
  • Syllabus-wise learning
  • Political Science
  • Anthropology
  • Public Administration

SIGN UP NOW

Analysis & Approach

Each question in the essay paper reflects a different dimension of thinking, and the aspirant is expected to demonstrate their analytical skills, coherence in arguments, and proficiency in language while addressing these questions.

  • Analysis: This topic seems to delve into the dialectical nature of thought. It could be interpreted that for any idea or thought to be truly explored or expanded upon, there must be an opposing or challenging force. This could relate to the Hegelian dialectic (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) or even the fundamental nature of debates.
  • Approach: A candidate can start by illustrating the importance of opposition in any form of critical thinking or decision-making. Real-world examples like scientific debates, democratic procedures, and the role of a loyal opposition in a parliament can be cited.
  • Analysis: Visionary decisions are those that shape the future, and they strike a balance between intuition (which is often based on subconscious processing) and logic (structured reasoning).
  • Approach: Candidates can discuss examples of visionary leaders and their decisions. For instance, Steve Jobs’ intuition in product design combined with logical market analysis, or Mahatma Gandhi ’s intuition about non-violence and its logical implications in the Indian freedom struggle.
  • Analysis: This statement, borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, implies that not all who seem directionless are without purpose; sometimes, wandering can be a form of discovery.
  • Approach: This can be addressed by discussing the importance of exploration, serendipity in scientific discoveries, or even the self-exploratory journey that many individuals undertake in life.
  • Analysis: This implies that true creativity often arises from observing and interpreting everyday life in unique ways.
  • Approach: Real-life examples of artists, writers, and scientists who drew inspiration from everyday occurrences can be highlighted. Picasso’s simplistic drawings or Archimedes’ Eureka moment in his bathtub, for instance.
  • Analysis: This topic brings out the gender disparities and societal norms and expectations imposed upon individuals based on their gender.
  • Approach: It’s crucial to address both sides of the coin, discussing how gender norms restrict the potential and well-being of both girls and boys. Comparisons of societal expectations, real-life anecdotes, and data-driven evidence on gender disparities can be effective.
  • Analysis: The quote explores the harmony, structure, and beauty in mathematics similar to the rhythm and patterns in music.
  • Approach: Discussing the inherent order and logic in mathematics, and drawing parallels with musical structures can be a starting point. Mentioning mathematicians who were also musicians or vice versa might add value.
  • Analysis: This touches upon the idea that if a society is just, equitable, and provides opportunities for all, then the need for charity diminishes as fewer people would be in a position of deprivation.
  • Approach: Highlighting the correlation between justice and social welfare, discussing models of developed nations, and contrasting them with societies where charity becomes a band-aid solution for deeper systemic issues can be effective.
  • Analysis: This topic delves into the difference between rote learning and true education – the values, critical thinking skills, and character that endure beyond mere facts.
  • Approach: Drawing a distinction between learning for exams and learning for life, discussing the role of education in character building, and bringing in philosophical views on education would be insightful.

For all the essays, it’s essential to remember to structure the arguments coherently, provide relevant examples, and ensure a holistic view is presented. Best of luck to all the aspirants!

GET MONTHLY COMPILATIONS

Related Posts

guest

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts

Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Express LMS for UPSC banner

ForumIAS Blog

[Download] UPSC Mains 2023 – Essay Paper PDF – Hindi | English

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 26th June. Click Here for more information.

UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper has been conducted on the first day of the Civil Services mains Examination. The question paper of the same is out. You can download the question paper from the link given below:

Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023

UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper

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

1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. चिंतन एक तरह का खेल है, यह तब तक प्रारम्भ नहीं होता, जब तक एक विरोधी पक्ष न हो ।

2. Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते हैं जब अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।

3. Not all who wander are lost. सभी भटकने वाले गुम नहीं होते हैं ।

4. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane. रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा लौकिकता में चमत्कार ढूँढने के प्रयास से उपजती हैं।

Section – B

5. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands two equally harmful disciplines. लड़कियाँ बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएँ हैं।

6. Mathematics is the music of reason. गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है ।

7. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है, उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।

8. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।

upsc mains 2023 essay paper pdf

The Essay Paper is a crucial part of the UPSC Mains Examination. It carries 250 marks and is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B. Each section has four essay topics, and you must pick one topic from each section to write on. The time allotted is 3 hours.

UPSC CSE Main exam 2023 schedule

September 15Paper I EssayNo paper
September 16Paper -II

General Studies-I

Paper-III

General Studies-II

September 17Paper -IV

General Studies-III

Paper -V

General Studies-IV

September 23Paper- A

Indian Language

Paper B

English

September 24Paper-VI

Optional Subject paper-1

Paper-VII

Optional Subject Paper -2

If you are looking for previous mains question papers – click here

Mains 2023 Essay Paper

Print Friendly and PDF

Type your email…

Search Articles

Latest articles.

  • How Duckworth-Lewis method work
  • India needs to develop a unique economic strategy
  • Reasons for the Failures of the Current Exam System
  • Benefits of government buffer stocks in stabilizing food prices
  • Unfit India – Health Related Issues facing India
  • Selecting Routes for Vande Metro Train
  • India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute
  • [Answered] UPSC Mains Answer Writing 27th June 2024 I Mains Marathon
  • UPSC Prelims Marathon 28th June – Socio – Religious movement in the first half of 19th Century – 2024
  • 10 PM UPSC Current Affairs Quiz 27 June, 2024

Prelims 2024 Current Affairs

  • Art and Culture
  • Indian Economy
  • Science and Technology
  • Environment  & Ecology
  • International Relations
  • Polity &  Nation
  • Important Bills and Acts
  • International Organizations
  • Index, Reports and Summits
  • Government Schemes and Programs
  • Miscellaneous
  • Species in news

Blog

All India Open Test(Simulator X)

Banner

Press ESC to close

UPSC Pathshala Mains Schedule 2023

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Mains 2023

The first paper of UPSC Mains 2023, that is the Essay paper, was conducted today. Following are the takeaways from it:

This year also we see the dominance of Philosophical essays. Each and every topic can be said to be a Quote. However, one thing which makes this essay paper easier than the one last year is the fact that these quotations are from different and common subjects or issues. The topics which they cater to are common to any serious UPSC Aspirant .

These topics include:

  • Social Issues

Generally speaking, Section A can be said to be tougher than section B. However, it’s a comparative paper, so for any serious UPSC Aspirant, the difficulty level should not make that much of a difference.

The most important thing every aspirant should take away from this is, they should practice as many essays as possible in the test series which are out of their comfort area. This practice shall help a lot in tackling any and every kind of essay topic in UPSC Mains.

The UPSC Mains 2023, a highly anticipated and rigorous examination, marks a pivotal moment for aspiring civil servants in India. This prestigious examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) , is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination and serves as a crucial stepping stone for candidates who aim to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) , Indian Police Service (IPS) , or other elite civil services. The UPSC Mains 2023 will test candidates on a wide range of subjects, including essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects chosen by the candidates. Let’s check out more information on the  UPSC Pathshala website.

Content Protection by DMCA.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Share Article:

You might also like

Green Deposits UPSC

Green Deposits UPSC: Details About RBI’s Framework on Green Deposits for UPSC!

NDA 2 2023 Application Form

NDA 2 2023 Application Form: Let’s Check Out the Notification and Form Date of the Exam!

Annual Calendar 2024 UPSC

Annual Calendar 2024 UPSC: UPSC CSE 2024 Calendar

Other stories, can i do upsc coaching online: unveiling your path to success.

Forgot your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password.

Back to login

Win up to 100% Scholarship

  • UPSC Online
  • UPSC offline and Hybrid
  • UPSC Optional Coaching
  • UPPCS Online
  • BPSC Online
  • MPSC Online
  • MPPSC Online
  • WBPSC Online
  • OPSC Online
  • UPPCS Offline Coaching
  • BPSC Offline Coaching
  • UPSC Test Series
  • State PSC Test Series
  • DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
  • SUBJECT WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
  • DAILY EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
  • DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
  • Daily Prelims(MCQs) Practice
  • Daily Mains Answer Writing
  • Free Resources

pw

  • Offline Centers
  • NCERT Notes
  • UDAAN Notes
  • UPSC Syllabus
  • UPSC Prelims PYQs
  • UPSC Mains PYQs
  • Prelims Preparation

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023, Important Questions Asked, PDF

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis: The UPSC Essay Paper analysis sheds light on the trends, challenges, and strategies that shape the essay-writing dimension of India's prestigious Civil Services Examination.

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023: The Union Public Service Commission is prepared to administer the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023 on September 15 and over the course of five days, including September 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2023, at multiple examination centers. This exam will consist of two sessions: one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Candidates who lack clear photographs on their e-admit cards must bring a passport-sized photograph for each session, along with an Undertaking. It’s important to note that if a candidate appears at a different center, sub-center, or chooses an optional subject or Indian language other than what’s specified on their e-Admit Card, their answer scripts will not be evaluated, and their candidature may be canceled.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023 Analysis

On the first day of the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 exam, which is September 15, 2023, the Commission will conduct Paper-I Essay examination during the morning shift, while there will be no paper held in the afternoon shift. Examinees are advised to arrive at the examination hall 30 minutes before the scheduled start time for each session, and entry to the Examination Hall will close 10 minutes before the commencement of each session.

Here are some important guidelines for the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 exam:

1. You can use Scientific (Non-Programmable type) Calculators, if necessary, which candidates may bring with them. However, programmable type calculators are not allowed in this examination.

2. The possession or use of Mobile Phones and other Electronics or Communication devices is strictly prohibited at the examination premises. Any violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action, including a ban from future examinations.

3. It is advisable not to bring valuable or costly items to the Examination Halls as their safekeeping cannot be guaranteed, and the Commission will not be held responsible for any losses.

4. Candidates should bring a black ballpoint pen to the Examination Hall for making entries in the attendance list.

5. All candidates are required to adhere to COVID-19 norms, including social distancing and personal hygiene, while inside the Examination Halls/Rooms and within the examination venue premises.

Candidates must remember to carry their admit cards to the exam center, as this document is crucial for verification and entry into the examination venue. For additional information, please refer to the official UPSC website.

Q. No Question
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2023 – Section A

UPSC Essay Paper Section A

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 – Section B

UPSC Essay Paper Section B

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF

UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis – First Reaction By UPSC Aspirants

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis by PWOnlyIAS

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis: UPSC Essay Paper is a crucial component that not only assesses candidates’ knowledge but also their ability to articulate ideas concisely and effectively. This analysis delves into the nuances of this examination segment, uncovering trends, strategies, and insights for aspiring civil servants.

On September 16, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the first paper of CSE Mains 2022, which was the Essay Paper. This year in 2023, the UPSC Mains Paper is going to take place from 15th September 2023.

Watch the YouTube video of UPSC Essay Paper Analysis by PWOnlyIAS:

Instructions for UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2022

  • Total Marks: 250 marks
  • Time duration: 3 hours
  • The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate, clearly stated on the cover of the question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet.
  • No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
  • Adherence to the specified word limit is required.
  • Any blank page or portion must be struck off clearly.
  • Candidates are required to write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, with a word limit of approximately 1000-1200 words each.

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus 2024

UPSC Essay Analysis 2023

  • There has been a trend of increased philosophical essays in recent years, and this year’s benchmark was higher than in previous years.
  • The philosophical nature of the questions made them challenging for many candidates.
  • Writing 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints was not easy.
  • UPSC ensured that the essay topics differed significantly from the General Studies (GS) questions.
  • Rather than asking candidates to write on familiar topics, UPSC assessed essay writing skills by providing abstract or philosophical topics.
  • This year, most of the themes were proverbs or famous quotes.
  • All eight topics tested applicants’ spontaneous thinking, understanding, writing, and time management.
  • The topics required broad interpretation.

UPSC Essay Paper 2022 Analysis

  • 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 a smile.
  • Theme related to choices and decision-making.

Importance of the UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

The essay paper serves as a window for examiners to assess the thought process, viewpoints on critical matters, clarity in thinking, ability to explain ideas concisely and effectively, coherence, and the ability to organize ideas in an orderly fashion of aspirants. It evaluates if a candidate possesses the traits required of a potential civil servant, making it a crucial component of the UPSC examination.

Common Misconceptions About UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

  • No preparation required: Some candidates believe that GS and optional knowledge are sufficient. However, the essay paper assesses more than just content.
  • Championing English: Using technical jargon and vocabulary is not necessary. Simpler language is often better.
  • Similarity with language paper essay: The essay paper is distinct from language paper essays, focusing on evaluating the traits of a potential civil servant.
  • Difficulty in preparation: Preparation for the essay paper is possible, and improvement is achievable with the right strategy.
  • Source of preparation: General studies and optional preparation provide content, but reading non-fiction, collecting anecdotes, stories, quotes, facts, and figures, and referring to magazines, newspapers, and essay transcripts of previous year toppers are valuable for preparation.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023

How to Prepare for the UPSC Essay Paper  

  • Read essay transcripts of previous year toppers to understand what constitutes a well-written essay.
  • Maintain a separate notebook for collecting material from various sources, including quotations, facts, anecdotes, and government schemes.
  • Prepare material on general topics that have been asked in previous exams.
  • Emphasize understanding the topic and its various dimensions.
  • Read different kinds of essays, particularly philosophical essays.
  • Practice previous year essay papers under exam conditions and seek feedback.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis Approach for Writing

  • Have a clear plan for essay paper attempt, including time management.
  • Choose the right topic and interpret it correctly.
  • Prepare a skeleton for the essay, including introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Structure the essay with clear, simple language, short sentences, proper subheadings, and smooth transitions.
  • Avoid one-sided arguments, excessive focus on one dimension, and criticism of the government.
  • Do not use bullets, diagrams, figures, or charts; essays should be in continuous paragraph format.

The essay paper in UPSC CSE is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in scoring well in the examination. Proper preparation and a strategic approach can lead to substantial improvements in essay scores, giving candidates an advantage in the highly competitive civil services examination.

UPSC Essay Important Topics

here are some important and recurring themes that candidates should be prepared for:

  • Gender equality
  • Women’s empowerment
  • Education and literacy
  • Poverty and inequality
  • Social justice
  • Economic growth and development
  • Inclusive growth
  • Agriculture and rural development
  • Industrialization
  • Employment and unemployment
  • Democracy and its challenges
  • Electoral reforms
  • Role of media in democracy
  • Political polarization
  • Federalism and center-state relations
  • Climate change and its impact
  • Conservation of natural resources
  • Pollution and its effects
  • Biodiversity and wildlife conservation
  • Sustainable development
  • Role of technology in governance
  • Space exploration
  • Information technology and its challenges
  • Artificial intelligence and ethics
  • Biotechnology and its applications
  • India’s foreign policy
  • Indo-Pacific strategy
  • International relations and global conflicts
  • Terrorism and its global implications
  • Regional cooperation and integration
  • Cultural diversity in India
  • Heritage and conservation
  • India’s freedom struggle
  • Ancient civilizations and their relevance today
  • Ethics in governance
  • Moral dilemmas in public service
  • Integrity and accountability
  • Role of ethics in international relations
  • Values in a changing world
  • Public health infrastructure
  • COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learned
  • Healthcare reforms
  • Access to healthcare services
  • Education policies and reforms
  • Skill development and employment
  • Online education and its challenges
  • Quality of education

Remember that in the UPSC essay paper, you have to choose one out of several essay topics provided in the exam, and you have to write an essay of around 1000-1200 words. The key is to demonstrate your ability to provide a structured and balanced argument, cite relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

UPSC Essay Examples

Here are a few examples of essay topics that might be relevant for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, along with brief outlines of how you could approach them. Remember that UPSC essays often require a balanced and comprehensive analysis, so these outlines are just starting points:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of climate change and its global significance.
  • Causes of Climate Change: Discuss factors like greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrialization.
  • Impact on India: Explore how climate change affects India’s agriculture, water resources, coastal regions, and health.
  • Government Initiatives: Mention policies and initiatives taken by the Indian government to address climate change.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the importance of addressing climate change and the role India can play in mitigating its effects.
  • Introduction: Define women empowerment and its significance in a diverse country like India.
  • Historical Perspective: Discuss the status of women in India throughout history.
  • Challenges Faced: Analyze the socio-cultural and economic challenges that hinder women’s empowerment.
  • Government Initiatives: Highlight government programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Women Entrepreneurship schemes.
  • Role of Education: Discuss the role of education in empowering women.
  • Conclusion: Emphasize the need for continued efforts to empower women and the benefits it brings to society.
  • Introduction: Introduce the Digital India campaign and its objectives.
  • Achievements: Discuss the progress made in areas like e-governance, digital infrastructure, and digital literacy.
  • Challenges: Analyze the challenges faced in achieving digital inclusivity and cybersecurity.
  • Socio-economic Impact: Explore how digitalization has impacted various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and finance.
  • Future Prospects: Discuss the potential of Digital India in transforming India’s economy and governance.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the significance of digitalization for India’s development.
  • Introduction: Define the concept of nation-building and its importance.
  • Youth as Agents of Change: Discuss how the youth can contribute to nation-building through education, entrepreneurship, and social activism.
  • Challenges Faced by Youth: Analyze the hurdles faced by young people, such as unemployment and lack of opportunities.
  • Government Initiatives: Highlight government schemes aimed at youth development and employment.
  • Conclusion: Emphasize the pivotal role that the youth play in shaping the future of the nation.
  • Introduction: Present an overview of the healthcare scenario in rural India.
  • Challenges: Discuss issues like inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of access, and low healthcare awareness.
  • Government Initiatives: Explore government programs like Ayushman Bharat and the National Rural Health Mission.
  • Role of Technology: Highlight the role of telemedicine and mobile health clinics in addressing rural healthcare challenges.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare in rural India.

These are just a few examples of essay topics that you might encounter in the UPSC examination. Remember to approach each essay with a structured format, providing a balanced view and supporting your arguments with facts, data, and examples. Additionally, practice writing essays regularly to improve your skills and time management.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis FAQs

How essay is evaluated in upsc, what is a decent score in essay upsc, how to score 150 in essay upsc, how to score good marks in essay upsc.

UPDATED :     

Recommended For You

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024, Qualification, & Age Li...

upsc essay 2023

Expected Date for UPSC Prelims Result 2024, Download Merit L...

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Prelims Result 2024 Live, Result Declared, Download PDF...

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Prelims 2024 Selected Candidate List, Name-wise & ...

upsc essay 2023

UPSC EPFO Written Exam Answer Key 2024 Download Link

upsc essay 2023

UPSC EPFO Cutoff 2024 Expected & Previous Year Cutoff M...

Latest comments.

upsc essay 2023

Expected Date for UPSC Prelims Result 2024, D...

Upsc prelims result 2024 live, result declare....

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Admit Card 2024 Out, Download Admit Card...

upsc essay 2023

2024 Lok Sabha Election Results Live Updates

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Topper 2024 – Download List, Marks...

upsc essay 2023

UPSC CSE Final Result 2024 – Prelims, M...

Recent posts, upsc eligibility criteria 2024, qualification..., upsc prelims 2024 selected candidate list, na..., upsc epfo written exam answer key 2024 downlo..., archive calendar.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  2
89
15
23
2930

upsc essay 2023

THE MOST LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

#

Our Courses

Our initiatives, beginner’s roadmap, quick links.

#

PW-Only IAS came together specifically to carry their individual visions in a mission mode. Infusing affordability with quality and building a team where maximum members represent their experiences of Mains and Interview Stage and hence, their reliability to better understand and solve student issues.

Subscribe our Newsletter

Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.

Contact Details

G-Floor,4-B Pusha Road, New Delhi, 110060

Download Our App

Biginner's roadmap, suscribe now form, fill the required details to get early access of quality content..

Join Us Now

(Promise! We Will Not Spam You.)

CURRENT AF.

<div class="new-fform">

Select centre Online Mode Hybrid Mode PWonlyIAS Delhi (ORN) PWonlyIAS Delhi (MN) PWonlyIAS Lucknow PWonlyIAS Patna Other

Select course UPSC Online PSC ONline UPSC + PSC ONLINE UPSC Offline PSC Offline UPSC+PSC Offline UPSC Hybrid PSC Hybrid UPSC+PSC Hybrid Other

</div>

upsc essay 2023

UPSC Mains Question Paper and Answer Solution 2023 with Analysis, Download PDF_1.1

UPSC Mains Question Paper and Answer Solution 2023 with Analysis, Download PDF

Candidate preparing for UPSC and interested aspirants can download UPSC Mains question paper 2023 for all 9 sections which is going to be held from September 15, 2023 to 24th September.

UPSC Mains Question Papers 2023

Table of Contents

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 has been released after the exam. Candidates can download the Question Paper PDF with the Answers for the Essay Paper, Paper-II General Studies-I, Paper-III General Studies-II, Paper-IV General Studies-III, Paper-V General Studies-IV, Paper-A Indian Language, Paper-B English, Paper-VI Optional Subject-Paper-1 and Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2.

UPSC Mains Exams Started on September 15, 2023 (Friday) with an Essay Paper and it will end with Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2 on 24th September, 2023 (Sunday). The UPSC Mains Question Paper is a comprehensive examination that tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills across a wide range of subjects. The paper is divided into nine different papers, each of which covers a different subject area.

  • Paper 1: Essay
  • Paper 2: General Studies I
  • Paper 3: General Studies II
  • Paper 4: General Studies III
  • Paper 5: General Studies IV
  • Paper 6: Optional Subject I
  • Paper 7: Optional Subject II
  • Paper 8: Language I (English)
  • Paper 9: Language II (Indian Language)

If you are preparing for the UPSC IAS Exam and are interested in UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 and Looking for a UPSC Mains 2023 Question Paper, then this will be the right place to get all the information in one click.

  • Download UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper with Analysis
  • Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper I with Analysis
  • Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper II with Analysis
  • Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper III with Analysis
  • Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper IV with Analysis

UPSC Mains Exam 2023 Time Table

The English language paper, one paper in the Indian language, two optional papers, the essay paper, and four general studies papers (GS-1, 2, 3, and 4) make up the nine papers that make up the UPSC mains exam. The schedule for the UPSC Mains 2023 exam is provided in the table below.

15 Sep 2023 (Friday) Essay Paper No Paper
16 Sep 2023 (Saturday) GS -1 GS-2
17 Sep 2023 (Sunday) GS-3 GS-4
23 Sep 2023 (Saturday) Indian Language English
24 Sep 2023 (Sunday) Optional Paper 1 Optional Paper 2

UPSC Mains Questions Paper 2023 PDF

Candidates who are preparing for UPSC already know that  UPSC Mains  consists of Nine Papers: Essay Paper, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3 , GS Paper 4, Optional Subject-Paper-1, Optional Subject-Paper-2, Paper-B English, and Paper-A Indian Language. You can download the PDFs for each exam from the below table.

15th September 2023 (Friday)
16th September 2023 (Saturday)
17th September 2023(Sunday)
23rd September 2023(Saturday)
24th September 2023(Sunday) Paper-VI Optional Subject-Paper-1 PDF Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2 PDF

While the remaining exams of the UPSC Mains Exam are counted for merit ranking and will determine your result, the English and other language papers are of a qualifying character.

All candidates must take an exam in the Indian language, with the exception of those from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali are among the languages that can be used to write the UPSC Mains Language Paper.

Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Question and Answer Paper PDFs

Candidates can access the UPSC Mains Exam 2023 general studies exam papers in this part of the website by selecting them from the table below. (Links will be provided once the papers are out).

Check Out :- UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Language Question and Answer Papers 2023

Even though the language exams are for qualification purposes, they are significant because the candidate must pass them with the required minimum score in order to advance to the IAS mains exam. There is a list of languages from which applicants can select for the required Indian language exam.

The English language paper is referred to as Paper B, while the Indian language paper is referred to as Paper A. From the table below, candidates can download the language test questions. Upon release of the papers, links will be provided.

UPSC Mains 2023 Language Question and Answer Papers PDF

From this section, candidates can download Indian Language Question Papers and English Language Question Papers in PDF format.

1.
2. Assamese Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
3. Hindi Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
4. Maithili Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
5. Oriya Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
6. Sanskrit Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
7. Tamil Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
8. Urdu Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
9. Sindhi Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
10. Bengali Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
11. Gujarati Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
12. Kannada Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
13. Malayalam Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
14. Nepali Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
15. Punjabi Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
16. Telugu Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
17. Dogri Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023
18. Marathi Language Question Paper for UPSC Mains 2023

Check Out :- UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Optional Paper 2023

UPSC  Mains optional paper for 2023, candidates were presented with a diverse range of subjects to choose from, including but not limited to subjects like History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics, among others.

This year’s optional paper aimed to test candidates’ in-depth knowledge and expertise in their chosen subjects, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their specialization and understanding in their respective fields.

Candidates can check out the UPSC Mains Optional Paper 2023 with the detail explanations with pdf

UPSC Mains Optional Paper with PDF Download 2023
 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Sharing is caring!

UPSC Mains Question Papers 2023 FAQs

What are the 9 papers in upsc mains.

The UPSC Mains round, which is the second stage of the exam has nine papers. These nine papers are Compulsory Indian Language, English, Essay, General Studies-1, General Studies-2, General Studies-3, General Studies-4, Optional Paper-1, and Optional Paper-2.

What is paper 1 and paper 2 in UPSC mains?

Optional paper 1 and 2 in the UPSC Mains examination are two papers of a single optional subject like geography paper 1 and Paper 2, mechanical engineering paper 1 and Paper 2.

How much marks required for IAS 2023?

UPSC Prelims 2023 took place on May 28, 2023. The expected UPSC Cut Off 2023 For Prelims this year is 82-85 marks. The UPSC Prelims 2023 cut off will be out for all candidates once the exam results are published.

Will the questions be repeated in the UPSC examination?

The answer is Yes. Any times questions have been repeated in UPSC CSE. That is why it is recommended to go theough all the previous years (at least past 10 years).

Was UPSC Prelims 2023 tough?

The General Studies Paper of the UPSC Prelims 2023 exam was difficult in nature compared to the previous year. Candidates can expect the cut-off to go down to 82 to 85, as compared to 88 in the UPSC 2022 Prelims cut-off.

Is UPSC 2023 paper hard or easy?

The UPSC Prelims Paper 1 has been conducted by the Union Public Service Commission at various centers across the country. As per the student's feedback and our subject matter experts, the exam was of a moderate level of difficulty.

UPSC Prelims 2024 Result Expected Date, Check Previous Trends

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

P2I Hinglish

  • UPSC Online Coaching
  • UPSC Exam 2024
  • UPSC Syllabus 2024
  • UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024
  • UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024
  • UPSC Exam Pattern 2024
  • UPSC Age Limit 2024
  • UPSC Calendar 2024
  • UPSC Syllabus in Hindi
  • UPSC Full Form

PSIR Batch

Recent Posts

  • UPPSC Exam 2024
  • UPPSC Calendar
  • UPPSC Syllabus 2024
  • UPPSC Exam Pattern 2024
  • UPPSC Application Form 2024
  • UPPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024
  • UPPSC Admit card 2024
  • UPPSC Salary And Posts
  • UPPSC Cut Off
  • UPPSC Previous Year Paper

BPSC Exam 2024

  • BPSC 70th Notification
  • BPSC 69th Exam Analysis
  • BPSC Admit Card
  • BPSC Syllabus
  • BPSC Exam Pattern
  • BPSC Cut Off
  • BPSC Question Papers
  • MPPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024
  • MPPSC Answer Key 2024
  • MPPSC Exam Date 2024
  • MPPSC Syllabus 2024

SSC CGL 2024

  • SSC CGL Exam 2024
  • SSC CGL Syllabus 2024
  • SSC CGL Cut off
  • SSC CGL Apply Online
  • SSC CGL Salary

Study Material Categories

  • Daily The Hindu Analysis
  • Daily Practice Quiz for Prelims
  • Daily Answer Writing
  • Daily Current Affairs
  • Indian Polity
  • Environment and Ecology
  • Art and Culture
  • General Knowledge
  • Biographies

IMPORTANT EXAMS

youtube

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Return & Refund Policy
  • Privacy Policy

upsc essay 2023

  • OUR CENTERS Bangalore Delhi Lucknow Mysuru Srinagar Dharwad Hyderabad

Call us @ 08069405205

upsc essay 2023

Search Here

upsc essay 2023

  • An Introduction to the CSE Exam
  • Personality Test
  • Annual Calendar by UPSC-2024
  • Common Myths about the Exam
  • About Insights IAS
  • Our Mission, Vision & Values
  • Director's Desk
  • Meet Our Team
  • Our Branches
  • Careers at Insights IAS
  • Daily Current Affairs+PIB Summary
  • Insights into Editorials
  • Insta Revision Modules for Prelims
  • Current Affairs Quiz
  • Static Quiz
  • Current Affairs RTM
  • Insta-DART(CSAT)
  • Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Prelims 2024
  • Secure (Mains Answer writing)
  • Secure Synopsis
  • Ethics Case Studies
  • Insta Ethics
  • Weekly Essay Challenge
  • Insta Revision Modules-Mains
  • Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Mains
  • Secure (Archive)
  • Anthropology
  • Law Optional
  • Kannada Literature
  • Public Administration
  • English Literature
  • Medical Science
  • Mathematics
  • Commerce & Accountancy
  • Monthly Magazine: CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
  • Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
  • InstaMaps: Important Places in News
  • Weekly CA Magazine
  • The PRIME Magazine
  • Insta Revision Modules-Prelims
  • Insta-DART(CSAT) Quiz
  • Insta 75 days Revision Tests for Prelims 2022
  • Insights SECURE(Mains Answer Writing)
  • Interview Transcripts
  • Previous Years' Question Papers-Prelims
  • Answer Keys for Prelims PYQs
  • Solve Prelims PYQs
  • Previous Years' Question Papers-Mains
  • UPSC CSE Syllabus
  • Toppers from Insights IAS
  • Testimonials
  • Felicitation
  • UPSC Results
  • Indian Heritage & Culture
  • Ancient Indian History
  • Medieval Indian History
  • Modern Indian History
  • World History
  • World Geography
  • Indian Geography
  • Indian Society
  • Social Justice
  • International Relations
  • Agriculture
  • Environment & Ecology
  • Disaster Management
  • Science & Technology
  • Security Issues
  • Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

InstaCourses

  • Indian Heritage & Culture
  • Enivornment & Ecology

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Essay Paper for UPSC – [2023-2007]

SECTION – A

  • 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.

SECTION – B

  • 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 harbour 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.
  • The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
  • Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you in 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”.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
  • “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 substance for majority of farmers in India
  • Impact of 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 lost its relevance in a multi-polar world?
  • Joy is simplest form of gratitude
  • Fulfillment of new woman in India is a myth.
  • We may brave human laws but can not resist natural laws
  • Social media is inherently a selfish medium
  • If development is not engendered, it is engendered.
  • Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils bread.
  • Water disputes between State 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?

INSTRUCTIONS Write an essay on any one of the following topics, in not more than 2500 words. (250 marks)

  • Be the change you want to see in others-Gandhi ji.
  • Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?
  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) would be righty indices for judging the well-being of a country.
  • Science and Technology are the panaceas for the growth and security of the nation.

INSTRUCTIONS Write an essay in about 3000 words on any one of the following:

  • Indian women in international sports
  • Cultivation of organic foods
  • Foreign Direct Investment in retail – boon or bane?
  • How effective are our systems and institutions in dealing with disasters?
  • Food security – legislation and implementation

INSTRUCTIONS Write an essay on any one of the following topics, in not more than 2500 words. (250 marks)

  • Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implications.
  • Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?
  • Credit-based higher education system-status, opportunities, and challenges.
  • In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism.
  • Geography may remain the same; history need not.
  • hould amoratoriumbe imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country?
  • Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.
  • From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model – a natural progression or a paradigm shift?
  • Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death?
  • Are we a ‘Soft ’ state ?
  • “The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society”.
  • “ Good Fences make good neighbors”
  • ‘ Globlisation’ vs. ‘ Nationalism’
  • Role of the media in good governance.
  • Nation identity and patriotism.
  • Special Economic Zones: Boon or Bane.
  • Discipline means success anarchy means ruins.
  • Urbanization and its hazards.
  • Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses?
  • Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood.
  • Evaluation of the Panchayati Raj System in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people.
  • Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man.
  • Is Autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization?
  • How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets?
  • BPO boom in India.

Left Menu Icon

  • Our Mission, Vision & Values
  • Director’s Desk
  • Commerce & Accountancy
  • Previous Years’ Question Papers-Prelims
  • Previous Years’ Question Papers-Mains
  • Environment & Ecology
  • Science & Technology

UPSC CSE 2023 Mains Essay Paper Model Answers

The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2023 began with an Essay paper. There were eight essay topics separated into two groups, and aspirants were supposed to write on two of them in three hours, one from each. Candidates were asked to write 1000-1200 words for each essay.

Initial Thoughts

  • This year's essay paper followed the predicted pattern, with five of the eight themes being philosophical in nature. Furthermore, the general tone of the paper was thoughtful and philosophical.
  • Although the topics were simple to understand, it was challenging to select the right topic and then come up with enough content to complete 1000–1200 words.
  • The paper was manageable for aspirants who adhered to the fundamentals of UPSC preparation, such as having a firm understanding of the static syllabus, broad knowledge of current events, and adequate writing practice.

Now, let us discuss each topic separately.

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team

  • This topic appears to be centered on the notion that critical thinking frequently occurs in the interaction to competing ideas or challenges.
  • Candidates may have been asked to investigate how clashes of ideas result in innovation and advancement.

upsc essay 2023

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic

  • Paul O'Brien is the author of this well-known proverb.
  • This comment most likely encouraged candidates to explore the importance of balancing intuition and logic when making crucial decisions.
  • It promotes thinking on the roles of both aspects in good leadership and problem-solving.

upsc essay 2023

Not all who wander are lost

  • This saying belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.
  • The topic expected from candidates to think about how exploring and being spontaneous in life’s journey can be excellent. It’s a deep topic that can be understood in many different ways.

upsc essay 2023

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane

  • This essay topic appears to promote the notion that creativity is not restricted to rare moments of inspiration, but can also be found in ordinary events. It most likely prompted individuals to consider where creativity comes from and how we may exhibit it in our daily lives.

upsc essay 2023

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines

  • This is the saying of Simone de Beauvoir. Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent French existentialist philosopher and feminist thinker. She made significant contributions to feminist philosophy through her work, including “The Second Sex,” where she discussed the concept of “The Other” and examined the role of societal expectations in shaping women’s lives.
  • The quote by Simone de Beauvoir presented the idea that both girls and boys or individuals of different genders, often face distinct but equally harmful forms of societal pressures and constraints.

upsc essay 2023

Mathematics is the music of reasons

  • Mathematics is the music of reason, according to James Joseph Sylvester. Isn't music the mathematics of the senses, and mathematics the music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, while the mathematician thinks music: music is a dream, and mathematics is a job.”
  • This remark implies a poetic link between mathematics and music. Candidates would almost certainly be required to address the beauty and rationality inherent in mathematics, as well as its role in molding our understanding of the world.

upsc essay 2023

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

  • This topic appears to touch on the concepts of social justice and charity, which have been studied by philosophers such as John Rawls, as well as the “veil of ignorance.”
  • Candidates may have been asked to investigate the relationship in society amongst justice, equality, and generosity.

upsc essay 2023

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school

  • Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
  • This essay topic will most likely require candidates to consider the value of education beyond rote memorization. It could have been expected to have a discussion about the practical application of knowledge and lifelong learning.

upsc essay 2023

Conclusion:

  • It makes no difference whether aspirants know where the quotes came from. The only thing that matters is how the given quote is elaborated and supplemented by examples and case studies. All of this is dependent on the critical topic selection. All of this depends on the proper selection of the topic.

Takeaways for 2024

  • As previously stated, the paper was manageable for those who strictly followed the fundamentals of UPSC preparation.
  • The main takeaway from this year's paper is that sufficient writing practise is necessary now.

More about the Art of Essay Writing can be found in Samajho's Corner:

  • Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 1 | How to Write an Effective Essay?
  • Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 2 | Quotes For Writing an Effective Essay
  • Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 3 | Anecdotes For Writing an Effective Essay
  • Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 4 | Theme-wise Previous Years Essay Papers
  • Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 5 | How to Tackle Philosophical Essays?

Recent Articles

Government schemes & bodies 2024 prelims 365, society 2024 prelims 365, economy 2024 prelims 365, polity 2024 prelims 365, science and technology 2024 prelims 365.

  • International Relations 2024 Prelims 365
  • History, Art and Culture 2024 Prelims 365
  • Environment 2024 Prelims 365
  • Most Important Acts, Bills in News 2024
  • Most Important Places in News 2024

Popular Articles

  • UPSC CSE 2022 Mains GS 1 Paper Model Answers
  • Model Answers for UPSC CSE 2021 GS 2 Paper
  • SPR 2023 | SPECIES IN NEWS
  • UPSC CSE 2023 Mains GS 2 Paper Model Answers
  • Model Answers for UPSC CSE 2020 GS 2 Paper
  • UPSC CSE 2023 Mains GS 1 Paper Model Answers
  • PDS: objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping
  • Land Revenue System during British rule in India
  • Govt policies & interventions for development in various sectors, and issues arising out of their design and implementation
  • UPSC CSE 2022 Mains GS 2 Paper Model Answers

Popular Topics

You might also be interested in:, download the samajho app.

upsc essay 2023

SUBSCRIBE to Get FREE PDF Notes , Current Affairs, and Updates related to the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

upsc essay 2023

Get the Reddit app

A subreddit for UPSC aspirants to discuss and support each other. Keep posts strictly study/resources related. Any spam will get you banned permanently.

Compilation of Topper Answer Copies - Part 1 (Essay and Ethics)

I am compiling answer copies of subject wise toppers of 2022 and 2023. Not all the toppers' copies were available, and hence I have compiled only the available ones.

Here's the part 1 which contains Essay and Ethics copies - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u7a_f3CyvvdPSBeUQ1SDyPx9qX2Au-yso8pru-cRJEY/edit?usp=sharing

Hope these help in your preparation.

  • International
  • Today’s Paper
  • T20 World Cup
  • Express Shorts
  • Mini Crossword
  • Premium Stories
  • Health & Wellness

UPSC Essays Simplified: Structure and Flow of a good essay– the third step

How to build a 'structure and flow' in a good essay our expert takes you through the third stage of writing an essay in upsc essentials' new series. don't miss the essay exercise towards the end of the article..

upsc essay 2023

How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams?   This is one of the most popular questions among aspirants. In UPSC Essentials’ special series  UPSC Essays Simplified , we take you through various steps of writing a good essay. While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed,  Manas Srivastava  talks to  Ravi Kapoor , our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a simplified framework on how to write a good essay. Don’t miss  ‘The Essay Exercise’  towards the end of the article.

Ravi Kapoor focuses on the following steps of pre-writing and writing stages which will help aspirants to write a ‘good essay’.

upsc essay 2023

)
)

Today, we will focus on Step 3. 

About our Expert:   Ravi Kapoor IRS (R) , has now ditched his coveted rank of deputy commissioner and has offered free quality mentorship to UPSC aspirants, drawing upon his ten years of experience to create customised and productive curriculum. Through a free mentorship programme, he integrates tailored educational materials, psychological principles, visual learning techniques, and a strong emphasis on mental well-being into his teaching skills granting aspirants a chance to learn from his expertise.

How to have a ‘Structure and Flow’ in a good essay?

Everyone knows that an essay should be broken down into an introduction, body and conclusion. But what is written inside these 3 components and HOW it is written makes the difference between an essay fetching average or excellent scores.

Structuring and flow refer to the organisation of the essay and your ideas therein.

Festive offer

A good structure is a way of organising information that fits well with the essay topic and the ideas you wish to present in your arguments such that the reader can make sense of the entire write-up without much effort.

Good flow refers to how your arguments and counterarguments connect from one to another such that the reader finds it logically connected and easy to comprehend.

An essay without these elements will appear to be disorganized, jargoned, hard to comprehend and overall, complicated.

Contrary to popular belief, flow and structure are not subjective writing skills that are inborn in good writers but can be learned and improved upon. What follows is a series of structuring techniques that will help you choose the best one for any essay topic you may encounter.

What are different types of structures? 

1. 2 side face-off:.

This is the oldest trick in the book. While writing the body of the essay, you divide it into arguments and counterarguments. In other words, you compare one side of the debate with the other.

For example:

“Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team”

The body of the essay can be divided into 2 parts- one agreeing with the statement and one disagreeing with it as follows:

Thinking is reciprocal as thought builds on other thoughts. The Socratic method, championed by Socrates, is a testament to this idea. Socrates would go around Athens spreading knowledge by asking questions and inciting dialogue which would lead the conversationist to the point of realization about something new and profound.

Similarly, when Einstein said he was standing on the shoulders of giants, he meant that his theory of relativity was built using many ideas developed by mathematicians and physicists who came before him.

The reciprocal nature of thought helps to improve it by allowing dissent and counterarguments much like a game of chess. An example is the Case study pioneered by Harvard Business School wherein one case is debated upon in detail considering various strategies before arriving at the optimal one.

While dissent and opposition can lead to many a good idea, there are more ways for thought to develop into ideas within human consciousness. Human cognition is too complex to be restricted to one mode of thinking. A Case in point is intuitive or creative thinking that can arise spontaneously without the interlocking of two human intelligences.

For instance, creative geniuses often hit upon their best ideas out of the blue in ‘Eureka’ moments that seem to arise from within the subconscious mind without the presence of an opponent.

Another example is ‘thought-experiments’ used by philosophers that are designed to be introspective exercises that one engages with, with oneself. Thought experiments are indispensable tools for philosophers and physicists to offer insight into a profound problem of logic and metaphysics.

2.Dimensional analysis:

It has become fashionable to break the essay topic into various dimensions such as Social, Cultural, Historical, Economic etc. But this is not a one-size-fits-all method and may or may not work with every essay topic.

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in the school…”

While this topic can be written about based on various dimensions such as economic, historical, social etc, it is not necessarily the best structure for it.

Instead, a better way to present the information in this essay topic would have a mix of chronology and analysis in the following way-

We are blank slates when we are born onto which society and culture leave their imprint. Through childhood and adolescence, the education system seeks to put us through a treadmill of learning, hoping for a fully functional human to emerge at the end. Sadly, the world that awaits a young adult after school is often very different from what the education system has imparted.

Memorization, exams, grades and NCERT books amount to nothing in a world driven by start-ups, ChatGPT and Social Media influencers…. Please note that the dimensions such as social, cultural and historical factors can also be mentioned in the body of the essay as supporting content ideas.

In most essay topics, these dimensions are best used to describe the reasons and impact of an issue or debate instead of as just a structure.

3. Timeline and Chronology

Some essay topics are uniquely suited for a chronological structure wherein you take the reader through a historical journey or evolution such as :

“History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man”

This topic is about the ancient debate between rationality and idealism. To write well about it, you would have to trace the through major historical intellectual movements such as the Scientific Revolution, the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, etc. While doing so, you could mention how each stage was relevant for rational thinking versus idealism with relevant examples.

While you do so chronologically, remember to also present a balanced approach in your arguments- On every stage, you can mention how rational thinking and idealism have been in a tight relationship, but both have been an integral part of human consciousness representing creativity and logic. You may also mention how this to and fro has enriched human civilisation and led to the development of science and art.

4. Anecdotes and stories

Many students like to start their essays with an anecdote- a personal story or an imaginary one about characters highlighting the debate presented in the essay topic. While this is not a bad strategy, it requires a fair amount of creative writing ability to pull off properly. It is also important to mention that anecdotes are not the most suitable vehicle to comprehensively deal with the essay topic as not all arguments can easily fit into a personal story.

An example of a good use of anecdotal structure is:

“Not all who wander are lost”

About 2000 years ago, a wandering prince changed the world by questioning the most profound and radical assumptions about human existence. Prince Siddhartha was bathed in luxury and wanted for nothing. But when we saw the naked reality of the world and all its suffering, he could not silence his mind to the questions that we take for granted- why is there suffering and death? If suffering is inevitable then what is the point of life? Is there peace to be found or are we doomed to suffer in this life?

He wandered for years in search of answers, as lost as a soul can be. But in the end, it was his wandering that changed the world forever. When he became the Buddha, he not only found himself but saved millions of others from being lost themselves….

Anecdotes can make for good hooks or introductions to an essay but may not serve well to cover the entire body of the essay.

The Essay Exercise

 

 

1.  Use Anecdotes or historical examples in intro

2.  2 side face-offs in body of the essay

3. Balanced conclusion

Start with comparing USSR and USA in the cold war. Preparation for nuclear war and hint at how being pre-emptive is strategic but not always a good thing.
Argument-

Counter-argument-

Conclude by saying that we must strike a balance between preparedness and being spontaneous:

Important points to note: 

  • You can choose which type of structure to use- there is no single best choice.
  • You may use more than 1 type of structure.
  • You may use structures for introduction, body and conclusion.

Subscribe  to our  UPSC newsletter  and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

The UPSC articles of  Indian Express  is now on Telegram.  Join our Telegram channel-  Indian Express  UPSC Hub and stay updated with the latest Updates. For your answers, queries and suggestions write at  manas.srivastava@ indianexpress.com .

Manas Srivastava is currently working as deputy copy editor at The Indian Express and writes for UPSC and other competitive exams related projects.

Manas Srivastava is currently working as Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and majorly writes for UPSC-related projects leading a unique initiative known as UPSC Essentials. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called ‘Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik’ and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called ‘You Ask We Answer’.His talks on ‘How to read a newspaper’ focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also currently working on a monthly magazine for UPSC Aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University’s Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women’s Studies by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on ‘Psychological stress among students’ at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More

  • government jobs
  • Sarkari Naukri
  • UPSC Civil Services Exam
  • UPSC Essentials
  • UPSC Specials

Salman Khan

Salman Khan's wedding plans with Sangeeta Bijlani were called off at the last minute, as revealed by Warda Nadiadwala, the wife of producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The couple had planned to get married on the same day as Warda and Sajid's wedding, but Salman backed out. He even joked about eloping with Sajid on stage.

UPSC Magazine

UPSC Magazine

Read UPSC Magazine

  • Trump vs Biden US Presidential Debate 2024 Live Updates: With fitness, age and danger to democracy in question, two Presidential hopefuls to face off today 1 hour ago
  • India vs England Live Score, T20 World Cup 2024 Semi Final: IND wipe out ENG for 103, win by 68 runs, face South Africa next for title 4 hours ago
  • IND vs ENG Semi Final, Guyana Weather Live Updates: India beat England by 68 runs to set final against South Africa 4 hours ago
  • Latest News Today Live Updates: Should collectively denounce attempts to undermine credibility of our democracy, says President Murmu 7 hours ago

Indianexpress

Best of Express

More police powers, denigrating Satyagraha, names in Hindi: Karnataka objects in its report to Centre

Buzzing Now

Harry Potter

Jun 28: Latest News

  • 01 US issues fresh sanctions against Iran over nuclear escalations
  • 02 Banganga Tank damaged: BMC slaps showcause on contractor who deployed excavator for desilting
  • 03 Fight with family, financial struggles and injuries: Quartermiler Kiran Pahal overcomes hurdles to qualify for Paris Olympics
  • 04 Global Chess League to hold second edition in London in October
  • 05 Bihar govt will bring stringent law to curb exam papers leaks: Deputy CM
  • Elections 2024
  • Political Pulse
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Review
  • Newsletters
  • Web Stories

WS Brew logo

Lytkarino, Moscow Oblast Russia

Micro Brewery

Total ( ? ) 1,272

Unique ( ? ) 770

Monthly ( ? ) 27

1,094 Ratings

Recent check-in photo 1

Popular Locations

CORNER PUB Lytkarino logo

CORNER PUB Lytkarino

Brewery Feed (RSS)

Added Oct 31, 2022

27 June 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

27 June 2024 PIB Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIP Magazine

1. High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) – ABHYAS

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: HEAT – ABHYAS, DRDO

Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ with improved booster configuration from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

About ABHYAS:

  • Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), ABHYAS offers a realistic threat scenario for the practice of weapon systems. 
  • It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto-pilot indigenously made by the ADE. 
  • It has a Radar Cross-Section, Visual and Infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice. 
  • It has a laptop-based Ground Control System with which the aircraft can be integrated and pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight and post-flight analysis can be carried out. 
  • ABHYAS requires minimum logistics and is cost-effective compared to imported equivalents.
  • This indigenous system is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot, a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight. 
  • It also has a feature to record data during flight for post-flight analysis.

2. Exchange Rate Automation Module (ERAM)

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: Exchange Rate Automation Module (ERAM), CBIC

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a Circular for the launch of the Exchange Rate Automation Module (ERAM).

  • India is scrapping its manual system for ascertaining and publishing the exchange rate of the Indian rupee and launching a digital platform to streamline trade.
  • CBIC said it will launch an automated system of publishing currency exchange rates on July 4.
  • The online Exchange Rate Automation Module (ERAM) system will replace the existing manual process of notifying exchange rates through a notification.
  • These exchange rates would be made available on the ICEGATE website twice a month i.e. on the evening of the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month and would be effective from midnight of the following day.

Significance: ERAM is a significant step towards trade facilitation as the exchange rates of 22 currencies would now be published online in advance for ease of consumption by all importers and exporters.

3. Sangyaan App

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance

Prelims: Sangyaan App

DG, RPF launched the Sangyaan App.

About Sangyaan App:

  • The App provides in-depth information on three new Criminal Acts: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023. 
  • Available in both Android and iOS, the Sangyaan App aims to educate and empower Railway Protection Force (RPF) Personnel by providing comprehensive information to understand the provisions of both new and old criminal laws, while highlighting the relevance of these new acts in the context of RPF operations.
  • It has been designed and developed by the Tech Team of RPF.
  • It features user-friendly navigation, a searchable database and offline access.
  • Key features include comprehensive legal access, comparison of laws, section-wise analysis, advanced search tools, an inclusive legal database and a user-friendly design.

4. Geoportals Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) & National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)

Syllabus: GS-3, Science and technology

Prelims: Bhuvan Panchayat, NDEM

Union Minister to launch two geoportals Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) & National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0).

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) has been developing geospatial databases, geoportals and decision support systems for governance, sustainable development and disaster management support in the country as per the requirements of Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.
  • Decentralized planning for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj that has been organized as “Bhuvan Panchayat (version 4.0)” and
  • Disaster Management Support for the Ministry of Home Affairs that has been organized as the “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM version 5.0).

Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal:

  • The current version of Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal (Ver. 4.0) is an online geospatial data and services dissemination platform (https://bhuvanpanchayat.nrsc.gov.in/) to support integration and utilisation of space-based information into governance and research initiatives involving spatial planning up to Gram Panchayat level. 
  • This WebGIS platform developed by NRSC, ISRO, enables visualisation, analysis, and the sharing of WMS services of all the thematic data products generated at 1:10k under the Space-based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SISDP) project. 

Read more about the Bhuvan portal in the linked article.

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM):

  • NDRM provides a comprehensive uniform, structured, multi-scale scale geospatial database for the entire country for situational assessment and effective decision-making during disasters/emergencies. 
  • NDEM acts as a national-level geo-portal to provide space-based information with the amalgamation of DSS tools and services of disaster forecasting organisations with value addition addressing all natural disasters in all phases of disasters for an effective Disaster Risk Reduction in the country. 
  • It will also act as a Disaster Recovery and Data Provider node for the Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER) being established by MHA, New Delhi.
  • It was made operational in 2013.

Read previous PIB articles here .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

upsc essay 2023

IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true!

Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation, register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos.

Category : Vereya urban settlement

 flag image   coat of arms image 
Instance of
Location , , Russia
Capital
Inception
Dissolved, abolished or demolished date
Population
Authority file
 

Subcategories

This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total.

  • Simbukhovo ‎ (7 F)
  • Vereya ‎ (8 C, 34 F)

upsc essay 2023

  • Settlements in Moscow Oblast
  • Naro-Fominsky District
  • Uses of Wikidata Infobox
  • Uses of Wikidata Infobox with maps
  • Pages with coordinates

Navigation menu

IMAGES

  1. UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023, Important Questions Asked, PDF

    upsc essay 2023

  2. Essay Question Paper: UPSC CSE Mains 2023

    upsc essay 2023

  3. UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis, Check PDF Download Link

    upsc essay 2023

  4. UPSC Mains 2023

    upsc essay 2023

  5. UPSC ESSAY 2023 QUESTION PAPER

    upsc essay 2023

  6. [Video] UPSC 2023 Essay Paper Analysis!!!

    upsc essay 2023

VIDEO

  1. UPSC ESSAY 2023 EXPLANATION. #uppcs #bpsc #upsc #essay

  2. 15 September UPSC Mains Analysis 2023

  3. UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

  4. UPSC MAINS 2023| ESSAY PAPER DETAILED DISCUSSION| PHILOSOPHICAL ESSAYS|

  5. Lecture 5 Essay

  6. Live In-Depth Analysis: UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Paper with Varun Sir

COMMENTS

  1. ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC Civil Services IAS Exam MAINS 2023

    ESSAY QUESTION PAPER - UPSC Civil Services IAS Mains - 2023 . DOWNLOAD ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC CSE MAINS 2023 [here] 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.

  2. Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023

    Explore the 2023 UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination details, including eligibility, syllabus, and application process.

  3. Essay Paper UPSC 2023 (Mains) Question Paper and Analysis

    UPSC conducted the Civil Service Mains exam for essay paper on 15 September 2023. The CSE mains essay paper comprises two sections. Each section contains 4 essay topics. Out of which 2 topics of choice from each section need to be picked. Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000-1200 words for each essay.

  4. UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 30 years (1993-2022)

    Appendix: Linear Paper of UPSC Essay 2023 Section-A (write any one) Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न ...

  5. UPSC Essay Topics

    Learn how to write effective essays for the UPSC Mains examination 2023 with this article. It covers a wide range of essay topics from philosophy, art and culture, science and technology, education, polity and governance, economy, and social issues.

  6. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023

    Name of Examination: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023. Date of Notification. 01/02/2023. Date of Commencement of Examination. 28/05/2023. Duration of Examination. One Day. Last Date for Receipt of Applications. 21/02/2023 - 6:00pm.

  7. UPSC Essay Topics

    The Essay topics can range from diverse topics including economic growth, women empowerment, art & culture, media & society, etc. One should at least analyze the previous year question paper to get an idea about Important UPSC Essay Topics for 2023. Practicing the essays from the previous year would be immensely helpful during preparation.

  8. Essay Previous Year Papers

    UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT (Answer Key) Revised Answer Key UPSC Prelims 2024 GS 1 UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT UPSC Prelims 2024 GS 1 Mains Test Series scheduled to begin from 9th June, 2024 has been postponed as UPSC CSE Preliminary exam was moved forward due to Lok Sabha elections of 2024. UPSC Calendar 2025 Final Result - Civil Services Examination 2023 UPSC IFOS Notification - 2024 UPSC CSE ...

  9. UPSC Essay Paper 2023, UPSC Essay Paper Download

    Download the UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF with nine topics from two sections. Learn the essay paper pattern, word limit, marks, and preparation strategy for the UPSC Mains exam.

  10. UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper: Download PDF

    The UPSC essay question paper 2023 is available for download. The UPSC is divided into 2 sections i.e. Section A and Section B. Each section contains 4 questions each from different topics where ...

  11. UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis, Check PDF Download Link

    The Essay Paper of UPSC Mains 2023 is available in PDF format. The exam was successfully administered by UPSC at Forenoon on September 15, 2023. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, session. The UPSC Essay Paper is of 250 Marks. Candidates can check the UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF Link below.

  12. Essay Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions)

    This topic of "Essay Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) - UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023" is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion. Questions. Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000 - 1200 words each: (125×2=250 ...

  13. [Download] UPSC Mains 2023

    Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023. UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper. Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each: Section A. 1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

  14. Essay Question Paper

    September 18, 2023. 1 Min Read. The first paper of UPSC Mains 2023, that is the Essay paper, was conducted today. Following are the takeaways from it: This year also we see the dominance of Philosophical essays. Each and every topic can be said to be a Quote. However, one thing which makes this essay paper easier than the one last year is the ...

  15. UPSC Essay

    The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers for the IAS main exam. With this, the scores obtained in the UPSC essay topics will also be considered in the merit list. Hence, it is important to cover all the aspects of the UPSC essay syllabus. In this paper, candidates need to write two essays, each with a word limit of 1000-1200 words.

  16. UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023, Important Questions Asked, PDF

    UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023: The Union Public Service Commission is prepared to administer the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023 on September 15 and over the course of five days, including September 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2023, at multiple examination centers. This exam will consist of two sessions: one in the morning and another in the ...

  17. UPSC Mains Question Paper and Answer Solution 2023 with Analysis

    UPSC Mains Exams Started on September 15, 2023 (Friday) with an Essay Paper and it will end with Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2 on 24th September, 2023 (Sunday). The UPSC Mains Question Paper is a comprehensive examination that tests candidates' knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills across a wide range of subjects.

  18. UPSC Mains 2023 Paper Analysis

    UPSC CSE 2023: Essay Paper in Hindi and English - 15 September - Questions Section-A (write any one) 1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक ...

  19. Essay Paper for UPSC

    2023 SECTION - A 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. SECTION - B Girls are … Continue reading "Essay Paper for UPSC - [2023-2007]"

  20. UPSC CSE 2023 Mains Essay Paper Model Answers

    The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2023 began with an Essay paper. There were eight essay topics separated into two groups, and aspirants were supposed to write on two of them in three hours, one from each. Candidates were asked to write 1000-1200 words for each essay. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite ...

  21. Part 1 (Essay and Ethics) : r/UPSC

    A subreddit for UPSC aspirants to discuss and support each other. ... Answer Copies - Part 1 (Essay and Ethics) Mains I am compiling answer copies of subject wise toppers of 2022 and 2023. Not all the toppers' copies were available, and hence I have compiled only the available ones. Here's the part 1 which contains Essay and Ethics copies - ...

  22. UPSC Essays Simplified: Structure and Flow of a good essay- the third

    How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? This is one of the most popular questions among aspirants.In UPSC Essentials' special series UPSC Essays Simplified, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay.While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed, Manas Srivastava talks to Ravi Kapoor, our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a ...

  23. WS Brew

    Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:02:54 +0000 View Detailed Check-in. 1. Андрей ...

  24. Lytkarino

    Lytkarino ( Russian: Лытка́рино) is a town in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Moskva River 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) southeast of Moscow (from MKAD). Population: 65,212 ( 2021 Census); [7] 55,237 ( 2010 Russian census); [2] 50,798 ( 2002 Census); [8] 50,968 ( 1989 Soviet census). [9]

  25. PIB Summary and Analysis for 27 June 2024 for UPSC IAS Exam.

    About Sangyaan App: The App provides in-depth information on three new Criminal Acts: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023. Available in both Android and iOS, the Sangyaan App aims to educate and empower Railway Protection Force (RPF) Personnel ...

  26. Category:Vereya urban settlement

    Subcategories. This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total. S. Simbukhovo‎ (7 F)

  27. File:Coat of Arms of Zhukovsky (Moscow oblast).svg

    帮助; 维基社群; 方针与指引; 互助客栈; 知识问答; 字词转换; irc即时聊天; 联络我们; 关于维基百科