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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

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

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 1 CSE 2017

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 25 CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 40 CSE 2015

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

7 July, 2024 : What is Religion to One is Superstition To Another
June 30, 2024 : Gender Is Spectrum
June 23, 2024 : Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
June 16, 2024 : Saint Has A Past. Sinner Has A Future
June 9, 2024 : The worst disease in the world today is corruption and the cure for it is transparency.
June 2, 2024 : Escape Competition Through Authenticity.
May 26, 2024 : Creativity Is Allowing Yourself to Make Mistakes. Art Is Knowing Which Ones to Keep.
May 19 2024 : In No Man’s Land, the only way to survive is to adapt.
May 12, 2024 : Economics is concerned with what emerges, not what anyone intended.
May 5, 2024 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.
April 28, 2024 : We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
April 21, 2024 : Well done is better than well said.
April 14, 2024 : Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.
April 07, 2024 : Came from plant, use it; made in plant, don’t.
March 30, 2024 : A Business That Makes Nothing More Than Money Is Poor Business
March 24, 2024 : If Voting Really Made Difference, They Would Not Let Us Do It
March 17, 2024 : Cinema Is Not A Slice Of Life, But A Piece Of Cake.
March 10, 2024 : Education Can give skill, but a liberal education can give dignity
March 3, 2024 : Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself
February 25, 2024 : Who Looks Inside Awakes, Who Looks Outside Dream
February 18, 2024 : Never Let School Interfere With Your Education
February 11, 2024 : Whoever Controls the Media Controls the Mind
February 04, 2024 : A certain darkness is needed to see the stars
January 28, 2024 : Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
January 21, 2024 : Subtle Is powerful
January 14, 2024 : The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.
January 07, 2024 : Give them Quality. That’s The Best Kind of Advertising

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

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

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

(December 25, 2016) – Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
(December 18, 2016) – Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
(December 11, 2016) – Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
(December 04, 2016) – If development is not engendered, it is endangered
(November 27, 2016) – Social media is better at breaking things than at making things
(November 20, 2016) – Deglobalization is good for the world
(November 12, 2016) – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others
(November 06, 2016) – It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence
(October 30, 2016) – Reducing Poverty while also Conserving Nature is an Impossible Task
(October 23, 2016) – Poverty can be eliminated by putting science at the heart of development
(October 16, 2016) – People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people
(October 09, 2016) – Better Access is Key to Inclusive Cities
(October 02, 2016) – The weaker sections of Indian society – Are their Rights and Access to Justice Getting Better?
(September 25, 2016) – Imagination is more important than intelligence
(September 18, 2016) – Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life
(September 11, 2016) – Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance
(September 04, 2016) – It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
(August 28, 2016) – If one can Address Moral Crisis, many of World’s Problems can be Solved
(August 21, 2016) – Overdependence on Technology will Advance Human Development
(August 14, 2016) – Geography may remain the same ; history need not
(August 07, 2016) – Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom
(July 31, 2016) – To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all
(July 24, 2016) – True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing
(July 17, 2016) – We Can Not Fight Terrorism – We have to Live With it
(July 10, 2016) – A house divided against itself cannot stand
(July 02, 2016) – When the going gets tough, the tough get going
(June 26, 2016) – India a Reluctant Participant in the New Global Order?
(June 19, 2016) – Inclusiveness in India – Still a Dream?
(June 12, 2016) – No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
(June 05, 2016) – Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted
(May 29, 2016) – It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere
(May 22, 2016) – Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress
(May 15, 2016) – Fire is a good servant but a bad master
(May 08, 2016) – The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
(May 01, 2016) – Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Development
(April 24, 2016) – It takes a whole village to raise a child
(April 17, 2016) – Trust take years to Build, Seconds to Break
(April 10, 2016) – Cleanliness is next to Godliness
(April 03, 2016) – Honesty is the Best Policy
(March 27, 2016) – Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes
(March 20, 2016) – Caste System – India’s Enduring Curse
(March 13, 2016) – Fortune favors the bold
(March 06, 2016) – Quick but steady wins the race
(February 28, 2016) – Dreams which should not let India sleep
(February 21, 2016) – Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole
(February 14, 2016) – Technology cannot replace manpower
(February 7, 2016) – Character of an institution is reflected in its leader
(January 31, 2016) – Can Capitalism bring Inclusive Growth?
(January 24, 2016) – Crisis Faced in India – Moral or Economic?
(January 17, 2016) – Too many cooks spoil the broth
(January 10, 2016) – The Best Things in Life are Free
(January 3, 2016) – Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

WEEKLY ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2015

27 December 2015
20 December 2015
13 December 2015
06 December 2015
28 November 2015
21 November 2015
15 November 2015
08 November 2015
01 November 2015
25 October 2015
18 October 2015
11 October 2015
04 October 2015
27 September 2015
20 September 2015
13 September 2015
06 September 2015
31 August 2015
30 August 2015
23 August 2015
16 August 2015
09 August 2015
01 August 2015
26 July 2015
19 July 2015
12 July 2015
05 July 2015
28 June 2015
21 June 2015
14 June 2015
07 June 2015
31 May 2015
24 May 2015
17 May 2015
10 May 2015
03 May 2015
26 April 2015
19 April 2015
12 April 2015
05 April 2015
29 March 2015
22 March 2015
15 March 2015
01 March 2015
22 February 2015
15 February 2015
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Topic Wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains 1994 2018

Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List. In this article, we have listed all the essay topics asked in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. We have also classified the last 25 years essay questions into topics to make your preparation easier.

Latest – See the UPSC Essay Topics in the IAS Mains 2020 Essay Paper. Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper from the linked article.

Explore The Ultimate Guide to IAS Exam Preparation

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UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. (1994)
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)
How should a civil servant conduct himself? (2003)

Democracy/India since independence

Whither Indian democracy? (1995)
What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
Why should we be proud of being Indians? (2000)
What have we gained from our democratic set-up? (2001)
How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? (2003)
National identity and patriotism. (2008)
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)
Is the colonial mentality hindering India’s success? (2013)
Dreams which should not let India sleep. (2015)
Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task. (2018)

Economic growth and development

Resource management in the Indian context. (1999)
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)
Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? (2014)
Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (2015)
Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. (2016)
Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (2016)
Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. (2016)
Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. (2017)

Federalism, Decentralisation

The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. (1998)
Water resources should be under the control of the central government. (2004)
Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. (2007)
Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? (2007)
Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication. (2011)
Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. (2016)
Water disputes between States in federal India. (2016)

Indian Culture & Society

The Indian society at the crossroads. (1994)
New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion. (1996)
The composite culture of India. (1998)
Youth culture today. (1999)
Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. (2000)
Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? (2000)
As civilization advances culture declines. (2003)
From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? (2010)
Judicial activism. (1997)
Judicial activism and Indian democracy. (2004)
Justice must reach the poor. (2005)

Social justice/Poverty

Reservation, politics and empowerment. (1999)
Food security for sustainable national development. (2005)
The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. (2009)
Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India. (2017)
Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. (2018)

Media & Society

Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. (1998)
Mass media and cultural invasion. (1999)
Responsibility of media in a democracy. (2002)
How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? (2007)
Role of media in good governance. (2008)
Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? (2011)
Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? (2014)

Environment/Urbanisation

Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997)
Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. (2006)
Urbanisation and its hazards. (2008)
Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? (2010)
We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. (2017)

Economic sectors/MNCs

Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs. (1994)
Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. (2006)
BPO boom in India. (2007)
Special economic zone: boon or bane? (2008)
Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? (2009)
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)
Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? (2014)
Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
Irrelevance of the classroom. (2001)
Privatization of higher education in India. (2002)
Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
What is real education? (2005)
“Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. (2006)
Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood. (2007)
Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses? (2008)
Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges. (2011)
Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? (2014)
Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? (2014)
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (2015)
Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. (2017)
The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. (1997)
Woman is god’s best creation. (1998)
Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. (1999)
Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
Whither women’s emancipation? (2004)
If women ruled the world. (2005)
The hand that rocks the cradle. (2005)
Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. (2006)
Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal? (2012)
If development is not engendered, it is endangered. (2016)
Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. (2017)

Quotes-based/Philosophy

Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
Useless life is an early death. (1994)
Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. (1995)
When money speaks, the truth is silent. (1995)
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. (2002)
The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (2002)
If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)
Be the change you want to see in others. (2013)
With greater power comes greater responsibility. (2014)
Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. (2014)
Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. (2015)
“The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. (2018)
Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. (2018)
Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man. (2007)
Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin. (2008)
Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. (2015)
Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. (2016)
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. (2017)
A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. (2018)
A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. (2018)
Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life. (2018)

Globalisation

Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. (1994)
The world of the twenty-first century. (1998)
The implications of globalization for India. (2000)
My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
The masks of new imperialism. (2003)
Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. (2004)
‘Globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’. (2009)
Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. (2010)

Science & Tech

The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
Value-based science and education. (1999)
The march of science and the erosion of human values. (2001)
Spirituality and scientific temper. (2003)
The lure of space. (2004)
Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible? (2012)
Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. (2013)
Technology cannot replace manpower. (2015)
Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. (2018)

Internet/IT

The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. (2000)
Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. (2006)
Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run. (2016)
Social media is inherently a selfish medium. (2017)

International organisations/relations

Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities. (1996)
India’s role in promoting ASEAN cooperation. (2004)
Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. (2006)
Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world. (2017)
Terrorism and world peace. (2005)
Are we a ‘soft’ state? (2009)
Good fences make good neighbours. (2009)
In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism. (2011)

Miscellaneous

India’s contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
Geography may remain the same; history need not. (2010)
Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (2014)
Quick but steady wins the race. (2015)

When preparing for IAS Mains, aspirants must focus on UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise as this will improve one’s speed, efficiency and writing skills. It will automatically help in essay writing as well.

Also, read:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc, q 2. does handwriting matter in upsc.

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Essay Writing

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

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

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

Social Topics

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

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

Click here for Full Copy

Political topics.

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

Economic Topics

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

International Topics

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

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

Click here for full copy

Philosophical/imaginative topics.

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

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

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

Verifying, please be patient.

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UPSC Essay Topics 2024 - Topic-Wise Essay Questions

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The UPSC Civil Services mains exam includes UPSC essay topics paper out of 9 papers. Candidates can check trending UPSC CSE essay topics here. These UPSC Essay questions range from multiple topics like Economic Growth, Art & Culture, Women Empowerment, Media & Society, etc. UPSC IAS essay topics are significant for candidates to clear the mains paper 1 of UPSC IAS exam .

New: UPSC CSE 2024 prelims Exam Result Out | Complete guide | UPSC CSE sample papers

Also Check: UPSC IAS 2023 final Result & Toppers List | UPSC CSE 2023 cutoff

Also See: UPSC IAS Mains question papers (2016-23) India's Biggest Admissions & Career Expo L.A.S.E is Live! Join Now

UPSC Essay Topics 2024 - Topic-Wise Essay Questions

UPSC IAS essay exam topics play a vital role in UPSC IAS exam. UPSC IAS mains paper carries 250 marks and aspirants are asked to write at least 2 essays between 1000 to 1200 words in 3 hours. Aspirants need to analyse UPSC essays from last year's question papers to get an idea about UPSC CSE Essay topics. Practising IAS topics from previous years' papers assists candidates to clear the UPSC IAS exam 2024 easily. Candidates are required to read daily newspapers to get a clear idea about UPSC IAS essay 2024 exam topics.

UPSC IAS Essay Topics 2024

UPSC CSE essay paper is one of the 9 papers of the UPSC IAS mains examination. The IAS essay paper analysis is the perspective of aspirants on economic, social and political issues. UPSC usually takes IAS essay questions either from Current Affairs or affecting present society to a large extent. A few of the engaging UPSC CSE 2024 essay questions can be asked from the UPSC 2024 IAS exam.

Social Media

Surveillance/Privacy

Urbanisation

Globalisation

Bureaucracy

Water Security

Media Tourism

Constitution

Food Hunger/Poverty/Security

Human Resources - Employment

Development

Higher Education/Education/Foreign University in Higher Education

UPSC CSE Essay Questions - Previous Years

Aspirants must be aware of the latest trends of the IAS exam pattern 2024 for mains. Candidates will come to know about the types of IAS essay topics asked and important recent essay questions. The UPSC CSE essay topics asked in the IAS Mains exam in previous years are detailed below.

UPSC IAS Essay Topic 2023

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

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

Not all who wander are lost.

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

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

Mathematics is the music of reason

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

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

Previous year

Poets are the harmony of the world.

Forests can be the main area of discussion for economic excellence.

History of battle between scientific man and romantic man.

Ship in the Harbour is secured but not for that case.

When the sun shines, the roof needs repair.

Move twice on the same river.

A smile is a solution to all problems.

Topic-Wise UPSC IAS Essay Questions

Every year, the Union Public Service Commission tends to give two or more essays from one of the 9 subjects in the UPSC CSE 2024 exam. To write about these IAS essay questions, candidates must go through reference books on these subjects to get a clear picture of the CSE Essay topics.

1. Environment/Urbanization

Protection of Ecology and Environment

Urbanisation and its side-effects

Must a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in the tribal areas?

Brave human laws can’t resist natural laws.

2. Economic Sectors/MNCs

Multinational Corporations

BPO boom in India.

Special Economic zone - boon or bane?

Globalisation would finish small sectors.

Are traditional handcrafts finishing up slowly?

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of development is more than a boon in the Indian Context.

Tourism can be the next big thing for India.

3. Education

Restructuring of the Indian Education System

Irrelevance of the classroom

Privatisation of Higher Education in India

Modern technological education and human values

What is real education?

The new emerging women's power

Greater political power will not wash out women’s plight

The woman is God’s best creation

Challenges and Prospects of Women's Empowerment

Empowerment cannot help our women

Whether women’s emancipation

If women ruled the world

The hand that rocks the cradle

Women’s reservation bill

Managing Work and Home

If development is not engendered, it is endangered.

The fulfilment of a ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.

5. Character

Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man.

Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin.

The character of an Institution is reflected in its leader.

Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.

Joy is the easiest form of Gratitude.

A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both

Custom morality can be a path to modern life.

6. Globalisation

Modernisation and Westernisation are not similar concepts.

The implication of globalisation in India.

The world of the 21st century.

Nationalism vs Globalization.

Globalisation and its effect on Indian culture.

The masks of new imperialism

My vision of the ideal world order.

Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

7. Science and Technology

The modern doctor and its patients.

Value-based education and science

Spirituality and scientific temper

The lure of space.

The march of Science and erosion of human values.

Science and Mysticism

Science and Technology are the panaceas for the growth and security of the nation.

Technology cannot replace manpower.

Alternative technology for a climate change resilient India.

8. International Organizations/Relations

Significance of Indo-US nuclear agreement.

Good fences make good neighbours.

Restructuring of UNO reflects present realities.

Has the Non-Alignment Movement lost its relevance in the multipolar world?

9. Security

Tourism and World Peace

Are we in a ‘soft’ state?

Both human intelligence and technical intelligence are important in combating terrorism.

10. Internet/IT

The cyberworld: its charm and challenges.

Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to human civilization in the long run.

Social media is inherently is selfish medium

A rapid increase in computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanised society.

11. Media & Society

Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India.

Mass Media and Cultural Invasion.

Responsibility of media in a democracy.

How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets?

Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?

Is string operation an invasion of privacy?

How to Bring a Good Score on UPSC IAS Essay Topics?

Writing is a way to improve your thought process. It should be exactly what the examiner needs while accessing your written UPSC essay answer scripts. An essay is a well-structured collection of thoughts on any specific topic. The art to score high on the UPSC IAS mains paper 1 requires immense practice and perseverance. The UPSC Essay is never merely a test of factual knowledge but a test of creativity and spirit. To score good marks in UPSC CSE essay questions, follow the steps given below.

1. Choose IAS Essay Topics Carefully

The UPSC IAS Essay paper comprises two sections and candidates need to write one essay from each of the two given sections. Both UPSC essays are of 125 marks each of 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a UPSC essay topic, think over the topic whether it is controversial or you have enough data to write it.

2. Ponder the topic

While selecting the UPSC IAS essay question, think over the topic and select the main keywords that you are going to use during writing the essay. Implement a multi-dimensional approach to it and try to curate a good structure intro body and conclusion.

3. Curate Well

The introduction paragraph is the heart of the UPSC CSE essay topics and must have a concise and clear thought about the topic. The basic theme should be to talk about your views on the topic. The main body of the UPSC Essay should be divided into small paragraphs but must be well interlinked. The UPSC essay topic language should be lucid, convenient and easy to understand. The essay must evaluate your critical thinking ability rather than using decorative words. If needed, candidates must use data and facts. The usage of sayings and quotes adds weight to the UPSC Essay questions. The conclusion paragraph must be seen as self-explanatory. Candidates must have a balanced approach to UPSC IAS essay questions.

4. Go through ABC of Essay Writing

The ABC of UPSC essay writing must stand for appropriateness, brevity and consistency of UPSC essay topics. Following this rule will assist candidates while writing the UPSC CSE essay questions.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

UPSC Essay question papers have two sections with 4 to 5 essays each. A candidate must write two UPSC IAS essay topics, one from each section consisting of 1000-1200 words. The UPSC Essay paper is 250 marks and each essay contributes 125 marks.

A score of 125 and above is considered a good mark in Essay topics UPSC while a score between 100-120 is average. However, it’s not easy to score marks on paper if you haven’t prepared well enough. So, prepare well in the best possible method for UPSC IAS essay questions.

To start practising UPSC IAS essay topics, candidates must keep the following points in mind.

Read the best UPSC daily newspapers.

Highlight crucial lines or quotes and write them differently.

Practise one previous year's UPSC essay topic for at least a week and obtain it for peer review.

Use normal creative language while writing.

Implement integrated attitude thinking.

UPSC IAS 2023 essay topics can be divided into four categories - argumentative, expository, narrative and descriptive essays. The essay must be written in such a way that it would provide meaningful information to the reader.

Most of the UPSC IAS essay topics asked in the UPSC IAS exam are taken from Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Politics, Economic Growth, Judiciary, Poverty, Indian Culture, Media, Justice, Environmental Pollution, Quotes, Women, Education, Globalization, Science & technology, etc. Candidates must pay attention more to these subjects while preparing UPSC CSE essay questions.

To write a good essay, you need to understand the topic properly so that you will be able to explain it in a proper way. During preparation, keep making notes and read the newspaper daily. You can listen to podcasts on various topics to develop a deep understanding.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

It's great that you are taking the initiative to pursue your dream of becoming an IAS officer, Bettaswamy. Many working professionals like you crack the UPSC exam every year. Anxiety often stems from dwelling on uncertainties. Instead, focus on what you can control – your daily preparation. Break down your study plan into manageable chunks and celebrate small goals. Challenge negative thoughts with realistic and empowering self-talk. Instead of "what if I fail," tell yourself, "I am putting in the effort to succeed, and I am capable of learning from any outcome." Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to calm your mind and reduce stress. Plan your study schedule around your work commitments. Utilize pockets of time for revision and dedicate focused study time during evenings or weekends. Plan your study schedule around your work commitments. Utilize pockets of time for revision and dedicate focused study time during evenings or weekends. Connect with other UPSC aspirants or online forums for motivation and sharing strategies. Consider joining a coaching institute that caters to working professionals. https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse I hope it helps!

I assume you want to know the eligibility criteria to becoming an IAS. First of all, to become an IAS, one has to clear UPSC CSE examiner. There are certain eligibility criteria for applying in this examination and they are as follows:

Bachelor's degree from any recognised college.
Age between 21-32; with some relaxation for reserved categories.
Citizen of India ora subject of Nepal/ Bhutan or Tibetan refugee who came to India, to permanently settle here before January 1, 1962, or People of Indian origin who migrated from Uganda, Burma, Pakistan, Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

For more information, please visit the website by clicking on the link given below:

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-eligibility-criteria#toc_1

And other government jobs, the eligibility test is different for different jobs. It would have been if you could mention the government job you are interested in.

Hope this answers your query. Thank you

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !

Yes it will be considered because Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) is a 4-year degree course . It is a multi-disciplinary profession with core subjects including speech pathology, language pathology, and audiology.

Hope it helps you ;

Dear Aspirant !

Hope you are fine!

The main subjects for the UPSC Exam are Indian Politics, Indian Economy, International Relations, Science and Technology, Geography, History, Environment and Ecology, and related Current Affairs . There are 25 subjects and 23 literature optional that one can choose from in addition to this..

Hello aspirant,

With the help of the IAS Answer Key 2024, applicants can estimate their potential score for the IAS preliminary exam, learn about the various IAS question types, gauge the exam's difficulty, and much more.

To get the answer key, you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-answer-key

Hope this information helps you.

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UPSC Essay Topics: Structure and Effective Writing Strategies

Crack the UPSC Essay Topics with insights on Paper, structure, and effective writing strategies. Exploring the exam format, marks distribution, and practice tips for success. Get a list of previously asked UPSC essay topics and expected themes for 2024. Boost your essay writing skills with valuable information on word limits, sections, and scoring.

Know about UPSC Essay Topics and Exam Structure

The Union Public Service Commission conducts Civil Services Exams every year which comprises three stages i.e Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The Mains exam consists of multiple papers, with the first paper being the Essay paper. Every year UPSC mains essay papers have UPSC Essay Topics relevant to current scenarios. So, in this article, we will explore every aspect of the Essay paper and probable UPSC Essay Topics. Before going further let’s see the structure of the UPSC exam .

Marks Distribution of Mains examination: The 250-Mark Weightage of UPSC Essay Topics

Each UPSC Essay Topics of the main UPSC exam has an equal weight of 250 marks.
So, essay papers have a weight of 250 marks, and marks scored on the essay papers were considered for evaluation.

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

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

UPSC Essay Topics: Practice Strategies and Important Topics

Practicing for UPSC Essay Topics: Tackling Changing Topics with Practice
UPSC Essay topics of the UPSC mains exam change every year, so it becomes quite challenging for candidates to decide which UPSC Essay Topics they will face in the exam. It can be about things like how the economy is doing, how women can be stronger, art and culture, or how the media affects us. To make some predictions of UPSC Essay Topics from previous years question papers can be used.
It is a good idea to look at the essay questions from previous years to get an idea of what might be asked.
This will help candidates to practice writing essays and do well in the exam. With enough practice, candidates can excel in writing essays for the UPSC exam.
So here we will see the UPSC Essay Topics from the previous year’s question papers and will give a list of probable UPSC Essay Topics which can be asked in the coming exam.





	(Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)

Expected UPSC Essay Topics for Paper 2024: UPSC Essay Topics and Writing Skills

For better practice we are putting some expected questions on which candidates can write an UPSC Essay Topics to brush up their essay writing skill.



	: Transforming public service delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do upsc essay topics get repeated, how many essay questions are asked in the upsc essay paper, what if the candidate exceeds the word limit of the essay paper, how can i write a good essay for upsc.

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Essay Topics and Previous papers for UPSC Civil service exam

List of essay topics.

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

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2024's Essay Topics for UPSC: Themes and Approaches

Mujtaba Hussain
03 Apr 2024

The UPSC essay paper is one of nine papers in the UPSC Mains examination. It allows candidates to express their views on social, economic, and political concerns. UPSC often selects themes that are relevant to current events or have a significant influence on society. The Upsc Essay Topics fluctuate each year, and candidates never know what they will be. They might be about the current status of economy, social issues, art and culture, or how the media influences our lives.

Furthermore, it is a good idea to understands previous years' essay papers to get a sense of what may be requested. This will help you for the UPSC 2024 essay writing practice and do well in the exam. With enough practice, you may improve your essay writing skills for the UPSC test. The IAS Essay portion is quite crucial in the UPSC exam. It carries 250 points, and you must complete two essay questions of 1000 to 1200 words each within three hours. Here are some important UPSC 2024 essay topics that you must know.

Environment

1. Organic Farming in India

2. Shifting of Earth's Geo-Magnetic field and its impact

3. Money Laundering and Illegal Wildlife trade

4. Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity

5. Ban on plastic: Environment vs. Economy

6. Seed Bombs: Solution to Man-Animal Conflict

7. Biodiversity Conservation– Our Solutions are in Nature

8. Merger of Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Pros and Cons

9. Growing Pollution in Rivers

10. Net Zero Carbon Emission

Social Issues

1. Transparent Taxation- honoring the honest platform

2. Urban exclusion of migrant workers in India is a reality and needs urgent robust policy measures.

3. Economic Growth and Development are shaped by the societies in which they operate.

4. The ‘Dunki’ route to illegal migration

5. Social media is the fourth pillar of democracy

6. Lack of civic sense among Indians is pushing the country backwards

7. Legalizing Betting in India

8. Caste Census: Equity or casteism?

9. Feminism

10. The Cry of Transgenders

11. Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion

12. Sub-categorisation of castes in India

13. How does a leader impact the destiny of his country?

14. One Nation, One Ration Card

15. Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition

16. Elderly Population in India

Indian polity

1. Atmanirbhar Bharat

2. India and SDGs

3. Falling parliamentary morals in India

4. India needs aggressive and pragmatic neighborhood policy

5. Is the era of coalitions over?

6. India as the World’s fifth largest economy

7. Controversies surrounding the Present-day NDA government in India

8. Supreme Court Judgment on Demonetisation

9. India’s Neighbourhood Policy

10. Supreme Court Judgment on Jammu and Kashmir

11. India China border issues – Where is it headed?

12. New India @75

13. Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards

14. India’s Participation in Central Asian Region

15. Presidential vs Parliamentary form of government: which one India should go for?

16. Pro poor policies of Modi Government

17. Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development

18. India’s deepening malnutrition

19. One nation one election

20. Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity

1. Non-Performing Assets and their impact on economy

2. India becoming a leader in Renewable Energy

3. Central Bank Digital Currency by RBI

4. Fugitive Economic Offenders and the need to bring them back

5. Global Recession and shapes of Economy

6. Government’s Vision of Amrit Kaal

7. RBI’s strategies to tackle inflation in Economy

8. 50 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts: Giant leap towards financial inclusion

9. Privatization in Defence Manufacturing

10. Crypto-currency and issues related to it

11. Need of the Hour is to Maximize Possibilities of Agriculture in India

12. How important is flow of money for the economy?

13. Growing trends of Privatisation

14. India to be the world’s third largest economy

15. Is a 70-Hour Work Week Healthy?

International Relations

1. Importance of regional trade blocs like NAFTA, RCEP etc.

2. SCO and its evolution

3. Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on geopolitics

4. G20 New Delhi Summit

5. Climate Diplomacy and COP 28

6. Democracy in its neighbourhood is in India’s interest

7. Rising Chinese hegemony in Indo-Pacific and implications for India

8. 10 years of One Belt One Road (OBOR) Policy and India's Counter

9. Israel-Hamas Conflict and Operation Ajay

10. India: From SAARC to BIMSTEC

11. NASA’s Artemis Program

12. Has UNSC become redundant?

13. IMEEEC and its prospects

UPSC 2024 Essay Writing Practice Tips

1. Draft a rough version of the essay topic. An impressive essay must follow a set format. In what way will you begin? Which dimensions pertain to the subject matter? How are you going to proceed with your analysis to explain it? Which instances will you give for each dimension? In what way will you wrap up? Writing naturally would be simpler for you if you had previously written a draft. 2. Expand on the subject It's not necessary to convince the examiner of your argument with a single, well-written, and repeated explanation. Rather, the emphasis need to be on writing with depth. The essay must have connections. Let's start with a story. Can you imagine the examiner's reaction when you link the story from the beginning to the conclusion? 3. Use expressive and good language. While the examiner only considers content when assigning a grade for a General Studies paper, other factors such as "coherence," "language used," and "effective and exact expression" are also taken into account. Essay must be structured such that a reader who is unfamiliar with it won't feel that there is a break in the flow and may gradually understand the concept without feeling that it is unfinished due to glaring language and spelling errors. 4. Compose a Strong Summary The beginning must include background information or a fact by using the latest context. Naturally, use some creativity when writing relevant information and avoid doing so for the purpose of creativity alone. Use instances, tales from real life, and anecdotes that you come across in novels, books, and newspapers can serve as excellent starting points for discussing the subject. 5 . Join the dots In order to keep the essay flowing, connections are crucial. A paragraph should not be ended carelessly without providing a succinct conclusion to the idea. Similar to this, you may make the point and connection flow more easily by using connectors while switching between ideas. The extent to which you can discuss certain dimensions depends on how well you grasp the subject. 6. Compose a strong conclusion When writing the UPSC 2024 essay topics, you must demonstrate to the examiner why, as an administrator, you remain upbeat and positive about the future despite all of the issues you address in your essay. The summary should be succinct enough to wrap up the whole point that you made in the paragraphs. Make sure the ending has some substance in addition to being somewhat lovely. Additionally, as a finishing touch, be sure to constantly make a connection between the Introduction and the Conclusion so the examiner knows you weren't just writing an essay but also that you can effectively explain and communicate yourself.

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Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

13 Aug 2018
20 min read

Understanding Essay Writing

An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic, notes that the essay is “Any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.”

Broadly speaking, there are two types of essays - formal and informal. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), we are concerned with the formal essay. The formal essay is relatively impersonal, the author writes it as an authority and such essays tend to be less emotional. Formal essays can also have factual elements in it, like quoted statistics from a government report etc. It is never in the form of a conversation, never uses first-person references and seldom gets intimate with the audience. In short, a formal essay has a certain degree of seriousness attached to it.

Essay writing for CSE

For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250.
The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section.
The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is being expected from the aspirant. Aspirants are ‘expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly.It furthur tates that, credit will be given for effective and coherent expression’.
The underlined keywords are important because after content, these are the exact parameters on which the essay will be evaluated.

Beginning Essay Writing

Practice makes perfect. For scoring good marks in the essay, one needs practice. But, before we get to the practising part, we should do some basic homework first. We would start by looking at what a well structured essay is, how it can be planned, what elements can be added to make the essay more scoring, and most importantly, how to do it all within the prescribed time limit.

Basic structure of an essay

The most common method of structuring a essay is breaking it up into paragraphs. In this technique, besides the introduction and the conclusion, there will be body-paragraphs. In these body-paragraphs, the aspirant will have to fit in all his content.

Body-paragraphs can broadly be supportive, critical or narrative. Ideally, one can start any argument in an aptly phrased narrative paragraph which describe the topic in some detail and then move on to a supportive paragraph containing a few positive facts/ideas on the topic. Though critical paragraphs look best when they are placed last, there are no such rules, and for some topics it can be used as the opening paragraph for the topic.
The most important part of the essay is perhaps the introduction. First impressions are very important, and a well thought out introduction will definitely make a positive impression on the examiner. We will discuss how to write a proper introduction later in this strategy.
Similarly, the conclusion is where one can score additional marks if done properly. This will also be discussed later.

Keywords of the essay syllabus

'closely': Any deviation from the topic will be tolerated only up to a certain point. One must, therefore, as a rule stick as closely as possible to the topic at hand. Any example, quote, anecdote or reference must be on topic or related closely to it.
'arrange': The essay must be in an arranged form. The aspirant is supposed to plan ahead and form a structure of the essay before actually writing it down.
'orderly': The ideas or arguments put forward in the essay must follow an order. A haphazard essay that does not flow sequentially, must be avoided at all costs.
'concise': The essay and the matter discussed therein must be expressed as precisely possible. Clarity of thought and brevity of expression is what is looked for in the CSE essay.
'effective': The essay must be written in a language that makes a strong impression. Thus, one needs to be conveying a point with every sentence, every paragraph. Flowery language is best avoided.
'coherent': Coherence is required of all forms of writing, including answer writing, but in the CSE essay one must be extra careful to check that all individual sentences in the essay are making sense. Also, paragraphs as a whole must convey a clear and well thought out exposition on the theme of the essay.

Planning to write an essay

A good essay needs planning. There are three steps to it - defining or understanding what the essay is going to be about in very clear terms, brainstroming on the topic and thirdly, devising the outline of the essay.

Central idea of the thesis statement

All CSE essays have a thesis statement. For example, in CSE 2016, the following essay was asked— ‘Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare’ . Here the central idea is ‘innovation’. The aspirant is supposed to explore those dimensions of innovation that affect ‘economic growth and social welfare’. In doing so, the aspirant should not veer from the central topic of innovation but if possible add a few related ideas which may supplement the overall central idea that not only socio-economic but also other areas like technology and culture are affected by forces of innovation.
In another essay asked in CSE— ‘Water disputes between States in federal India’ – the central idea is how the water disputes between various Indian states have played out and what are its various dimensions. Constitutional, legal, social and political dimensions, for ex, are a must for addressing this topic. In order to find out the various dimensions of any given topic we should perform a brainstorming exercise.

Brainstorming for essay writing

Brainstorming for essay is a crucial step. Brainstorming helps you get all the ideas at one place for quick reference. There are no hard and fast rules, but typically one can begin with the given topic and immediately start listing the things that come to mind. One can ideally devote an entire page for this exercise.

Brainstorming guide

The first requirement for brainstorming is focus. One should be able to focus single-mindedly on the job at hand, which in this case is jotting down as many points as possible regarding the essay topic.
Boundaries must also be properly defined. If the topic does not absolutely require a particularly complex point or if it does not require following a difficult train of thought, it should be avoided. Keeping the essay as simple as possible without sacrificing the most valid points is what we should be looking for.
Then we must set a time limit for the brainstorming session. Ideally, for CSE that time limit works out to about 25 minutes per essay. Within that time limit one is supposed to come up with all the necessary points and plans for writing the essay.
Another important point to be made here is that aspirants should have a fair understanding regarding the expectations of the CSE examiner from the essay. Every topic will have some basic ideas that the aspirants must necessarily try to explore or address. During brainstorming such a requirement can be searched for.
In the brainstorming exercise one may also take help of diagrams, flow-charts, mind-maps etc., if needed. Sometimes doing this may clear things up to a great extent or even save precious time.
Three things that one must exclusively do while brainstorming are — identify causes and factors, define the various issues and make a list of associated ideas. Doing this is key to success in the entire brainstorming exercise.

Adding elements to the essay

Any good essay will definitely have a multitude of elements and dimensions to it. For CSE essay writing, there are certain basic rules that one can follow while searching for these elements and dimensions.
The first of such rules would be to follow and uphold Constitutional values at all times . This is very crucial for essay writing in CSE, that the values enshrined in our Constitution reflect in whatever idea, problem or solution we discuss in the essay. At no point should one try and support an idea that is unconstitutional.
One must also be democratic while addressing issues . The concepts of ‘freedom and equality’ should be the guiding principles while suggesting solutions and while criticising events or issues.
Generally, one must also avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions . In fact, the best way to handle complex problems is to find the middle ground.
One must also try not to make sweeping generalisations on any given issue. Instead, there should be hints of patience, justice and understanding in addressing or discussing any given topic.
Lastly, there are two more things that an aspirant need to keep in mind while attempting the CSE essay. (A) Do not question the topic itself, which is to say, in other words, do not contradict yourself. Pick a position (ideally, the middle path) and stay true to it throughout the essay. (B) Never use positively, things that are universally considered or used in a negative sense, and vice-versa. For ex, one must not say that ‘terrorism’ under certain conditions is equivalent to a freedom struggle, even though quotes like ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ are quite common.

Elements in an essay

The three basic elements — social, political and economic — form the bedrock of a good CSE essay.
To these, one may add other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, technical etc.
Another important element is the persona Good personal experiences or anecdotes can no doubt be used to increase the effectiveness of the essay but these should stay within the accepted framework of ethical conduct.

PESTLE Analysis

Political – Economic – Sociological – Technological – Legal – Environmental Analysis.
Use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic.

Outlining the essay

Before writing the essay, it is best to outline it. To outline an essay means to figure out what to say in the introduction/conclusion, which idea comes where, or even what quote to use for the essay etc.
Outlining the essay in rough helps us grasp the entirety of the essay before actually writing it. It helps us get the big picture, and also see what we could be missing.
It is said that once we can figure out the conclusion to our essay, it becomes much easier to not only begin but finish it with confidence.

Writing An Essay

Sticking to the time limit

In the CSE, one has to write two essays in 3 hours which translates into 1 hour 30 minutes for each essay. Out of this, around 45 minutes to 1 hour will be required to write one essay. One can add another 10 minutes for the revision of one essay. This leaves us with roughly 30 minutes of time to prepare the essay in rough, and it includes time for carrying out the brainstorming and outlining exercises.

How to introduce the essay

The goal of the introduction should be to arouse the reader’s interest in the topic and to prepare the reader for what is to follow.
A good introduction to the essay can be a brief explanation of the essay topic itself. It can be made further interesting by adding to it some personal experience, or some relevant anecdotes or quotes
The introduction should not be confusing or lacking in clarity, rather it should be able to immediately clear up any doubts regarding the topic if there is any.

Writing in paragraphs

In a stand-alone paragraph, the concluding sentence announces that the paragraph is finished, complete. In an essay, the concluding sentence of a paragraph is more likely to play the role of a transitional device, joining one paragraph to the next.
Flow is very important in an essay. It is also connected to writing order. Writing orders are of two types
Known-to-New is the order of writing where the author by choice goes from known (given) concepts to unknown ones. New material is gradually added to build on the unknown.
Simple-to-Complex is the order of writing where the author first establishes a base of concepts that are easily understood and then develops over it increasingly complex ideas.
One can use the FREQOES method to add matter to the various paragraphs.

How to conclude the essay

The essay can be concluded in the following ways - restating the main points in brief and with different wordings (summarizing), suggesting a way forward or a course of action, or adding an interesting personal comment or any relevant anecdote.
Another way to conclude the essay is by returning to the discussion begun in the introduction. This is called the ‘cyclic return’ and a lot of essays follow this simple method of concluding an essay.
The conclusion should bear a positive outlook, it should see the silver lining in the clouds. It should also be as clear and concise as possible.

Revising the essay

To revise, read the essay in its entirety, underlining (preferably with scale and pencil) important words or phrases. Correct spelling or grammatical mistakes if any. Make sure the pages look clean and tidy.
One may add or omit a few words but it should not be overdone. It is also not advisable that entirely new ideas/sentences are inserted in the essay at the time of revision, unless such information is critical to the essay.

Some tips on essay writing

One can go through the CSE previous year’s essays and understand the concepts, dimensions and solutions required to solve those. Having a simple understanding of complex social problems is the secret to writing a good essay for the CSE.
One can also keep handy a small collection of quotes or quotable phrases and citable anecdotes to be used while writing the essay. This keeps one prepared for writing any type of essay.

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Indian Exams /

UPSC Essay Topics

Updated on
May 30, 2023

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

This Blog Includes:

Upsc exam dates 2023, general overview , upsc essay topics previous years, upsc essay topics-important areas, upsc essay topics in english, essay topics on arguments for or against , essay reports for 200 words, 2019 essays, 2018 essays, other upsc essay topics, what is upsc looking for in an essay, how to make transition from one para to another, read essays, topper tips for upsc essay writing.

The following are the important dates for the UPSC exam in 2023:

	1 February 2023
	21 February 2023
	28 May 2023
	15 September 2023 onwards

UPSC is India’s apex body that recruits candidates across the country for All India Group A & Group B central services. While prelims is an objective type of paper, the UPSC mains comprises nine subjective papers including an essay paper. Candidates have to write two UPSC essays on the allocated topics with a word count of 1000-1200.

Have a Look at the Public Administration Syllabus for UPSC !

It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC essay topics which were widely asked in previously based question papers. Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay topics, you need to start practising:


Judiciary and it’s working	Make sure you hold strong arguments on major points including; Judicial activism and , the issue of the selection of judges through the collegium system, the roaster controversy as well as the difference of opinions between the Chief Justice and the senior supreme court judges.
Water disputes between States	Make a valid argument on points related to the Cauvery Water Dispute and the Satluj Yamuna Link Canal case, the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill etc.
Modi’s agricultural schemes in the era of rampant farmer suicide	Don’t forget to include key details including the Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme and various schemes with effectiveness.
Apolitical Education	You can hold a strong argument on Politics and the degradation of the education system as well as changes in the educational curriculum.
The	Discuss thoroughly key details including; the importance of higher education and its core issues. Significance of vocational-based schools and business institutions.
Skilling the youth of India	Write core points related to CSR fund development, the National policy over skill development and various schemes.
vs Growth	Write major points like; ongoing environmental crisis, globalization and its impact on the environment.
Why is the administration insensitive to the plight of slum dwellers	Write factual information related to slum dwellers; India’s unrecognised slums, and compare with different states.
India’s Role in Changing the global world order	Include major points on; demographic dividend, the impact of globalisation on India, technological innovation and revolution, and growing FDI.
Foreign Policy of the Modi Era	Indian Ocean outreach, Para diplomacy, Link West policy, Friendly- Israel policy, Act East policy etc.
National health protection scheme	Funding provisions, universal health and its dynamism,
Universal Basic Income vs Subsidy	Tax-based GDP ratio of the country, how subsidized schemes can eradicate poverty.
Nationalism debate	Socialist internationalism and UN multilateralism, sub-nationalism, World Bank, International monetary fund etc.
Indian Model of Secularism	Triple Talaq, religious barriers, abrogation of article 370, Universal Civil Code, personal laws etc.
Feminisation of agriculture	Farmer suicide, agriculture and technological boom, the role of women in agricultural production
Digitalisation drive	AADHAR issues and ramifications, digital payment, UPI, PAYTM, Bhim, E Kranti etc.
India’s standing in BRICS countries.	The China policy, various BRICS development etc.
Pollution crisis in urban areas	Alarming level of pollution in the country, urbanisation and its implications for transportation schemes, WHO reports etc.
Cultural Transformation in the 21st Century	Social mobility, the emergence of new classes, and how traditional cultural institutions are losing their essence.
Artificial intelligence	Implications attached to artificial intelligence. Legal and safety concerns.
CAA Bill	Introduction to the bill, implications, factual in-depth reportage on CAA, supreme court’s decision, the ruling party (BJP) stand, public outcry etc.
Mob Lynching	Introduction to the topic, mainstream media’s coverage, ramifications, legal aspects related to it, Rajnath Singh and Rajeev Gauba’s suggestion before the Committee etc.
Feminism	Introduction, why it is propagated, why it has got much hype etc.
Scrapping of Article 377	Reasons that led to its revoke, Freedom provided after the abrogation of the article, etc
Abrogation of Article 370	Introduction to the Article, Features of the Article, Normalization after it being revoked, Consequences of Abrogation, etc.

Now that you have got the list of important UPSC essay topics, have a look at the History Questions for UPSC & SSC Exams !

Usually, the UPSC Essay questions cover these areas:

Media & Society
Philosophies
Environment/urbanization
Social justice/poverty
Economic sector
Indian Culture & Society
Administration
Cauvery Water Dispute
Satluj Yamuna Link Canal case
The Inter-State River Water Amendment Bill
Agricultural schemes of the government in the era of farmer suicide:
effectiveness of the schemes
Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme
Apolitical Education
Politics and the Degradation of the education system
Frequent changes in educational curriculum
The higher education system and its issues
CSR funds for skill enhancement
National Policy for skill development
Current environmental crisis due to extensive population growth
Lack of initiatives and policymaking to save the environment
The impact of globalization on the environment
The unrecognised slum areas and the slum dwellers
Unequal economic distribution
Revolution of technology
Demographic dividend
The position of India against China
The modern Foreign policy
International relations- changing nature
Fast track diplomacy and Para diplomacy
Basic income and subsidy policy
Can subsidies eradicate poverty?
The debate over nationalism
The effect of global capitalism
UN multilateralism and its role
Universal civil code
Agriculture
Impaired food security
UPI, BHIM, and ADHAAR linkage and cyber security
BRICS developmental bank and its policy
The anti-western attitude
The China factor
The pollution in urban areas
Threatening diseases and health hazards
Progressive thoughts regarding religious beliefs
Social mobility
Artificial intelligence

Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

Emerging Threats to India’s Internal Security
Crime against women is an expression of male domination
Crisis of Credibility in Indian Electronic Media
Securing India’s International Borders is a Challenging exercise for the Indian Armed Forces
Parenting in a competitive Indian Society is a challenge
Ensuring social justice is a human right
Life is a Long Journey between Human Beings and Being Humane
Mindful Manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
Ships don’t 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 is the silent factor in the international relations
Solitude during a Pandemic is not welcome
Political awareness amongst the social elite is inconsequential
Provision for Primary Education Sector in the New Education Policy
Impact of the Agricultural Laws on Farmers

Here are the previous year’s questions for UPSC Exam:

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 improving are two keys to success
South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural culture and plural identities
Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
Biased Media is a real threat to the Indian Democracy
Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and Upskilling
The Earth is not for Humans Only
The Impact of Social Media on Social Relationships
Role of the Indian Army in Nation Building
Alternative Technologies for a climate change resilient India
A good life is 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
People that value privilege above principle lose both
Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it
Civil wrong emerging from religious bigotry, constitutionally punishable
Reservation suppresses civil dynamism
Privacy is an elitist Idea

Must Read: Beginner’s Guide to Writing an Essay

Now that you have a clear picture of the major UPSC essay topics, we have another set of current affair-based topics for you:

Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy
Importance of Skilling the Youth of the Nation
New India at 75
The Future of TV Channels with the Advent of OTT Platforms
Impact of Work From Home on Employees’ Health
Remote Working vs Working From Office
Environment vs Growth
Cyberspace and Internet
Digital Economy

You will be asked to write answers to different essays on the question. Your essay should be closer to the subject and organize ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. In UPSC Exam, your marks are only based on the content however, the examiner will pay attention to your grammar, coherence and the manner in which you have structured your content.

Making proper transitions from one paragraph to another is important. It can be done in three ways:

Create a connection sentence at the end of the paragraph.
Add a question at the end of the paragraph to create interest for the next paragraph.
Use transition words to signal a change in the paragraph.
Speech on Fear
Essay on India
Importance of Social Media
Child Labour
Essay on Digital India
Essay On Sikkim
Save Electricity Essay: Format & Samples
Essay on Education System
Essay on Global Warming
Essay on Internet

Apurva Pandey from batch 2017 shared her topper tips on how to prepare and write essays for UPSC.

In UPSC exams, there will be 2 essay questions for which you have to write essays within 1000-1200 words each.

The IAS exam usually consists of topics related to general awareness. For a clear insight, you can refer to the aforementioned UPSC essay topics.

The latest topics for essay writing are: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?; India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality? COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities; Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy, etc

Hopefully, this blog on UPSC essay topics has helped you with a clear understanding of the way forward. To read informative articles like this one, keep following Leverage Edu !

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75 Most Important Topics for UPSC Mains and Interview – Download Current Issues E-Book (3rd Edition)

Last updated on September 26, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Table of Contents

Peculiarities of the book – Current Issues – What’s hot today? – 75 Important Issues for UPSC Mains and Interview

Issue-based study (with views and counterviews) is highly helpful for the UPSC Civil Services Exam Mains (written test) as well as the Interview (personality test).
You would get quick coverage of a lot of issues – with positives and negatives – which enable you to take a stand.
You can save a lot of time (and avoid spending energy on multiple sources on these issues).
You will get an idea of the background/history of important issues.
Reference links to related discussions – text and video – from important websites like Rajya Sabha TV, PIB, PRS India, AIR etc are provided.

Buy and download online Rs.199. Link – Current Issues – What’s hot today? – 75 Important Issues for UPSC Mains

About the 3rd Edition

The new edition includes about 75 current issues which need your attention (yes, a lot more new issues than our 1 st and 2 nd editions!)
Also, many of the earlier topics still relevant today are updated with the latest current affairs .
Some topics that are not applicable for this year are omitted as well.

75 Most Important Topics for UPSC Mains and Interview – Table of Contents

Aadhaar and Privacy issues
The ban on cow slaughter/ Beef Ban
Cashless Economy
Economic growth Vs Environmental conservation
Election Funding
Free Speech: Rights & Limits
Frequent promulgation of Ordinance
Full statehood to Delhi: Should it be granted or not?
Interstate water disputes: Focus on Cauvery Water Dispute
Judicial activism and judicial Overreach
Judicial appointment: Collegium Vs NJAC
Kashmir Unrest
Media freedom and Responsible reporting
Muslim Personal law: Polygamy/ Triple talaq
Nationalism vs Regionalism
NGOs and Development/ Crackdown on NGOs
Dalit assertion and Politics of reservation
Restriction on the entry of women in places of worship
Should India spend more on science or Social welfare?
Supreme Court judgement on Caste, Religion in Polls
Parliamentary disruptions
Uniform civil code
Privatization of certain Healthcare Services
Agrarian crisis: Issues in farmer economy
Issues related to Social Media
Criminalisation of politics
Stubble burning in the neighbourhood of Delhi
Marital rape
‘Living wills’/ Euthanasia
Separate State Flag in Karnataka
Net neutrality
The merger of PSU banks
Privatization of Air India
Capital Punishment/death sentence
Politics and Economics of farm loan waiver
Laws to ban certain social practices
Entry of foreign universities in India
Respecting national anthem
The special court for trying politicians
National Medical Commission Bill
Barring MPs from practising law
Controversy over changing the Constitution
Lateral entry: Professionalizing Governance or Committed Bureaucracy?
Section 377: Constitutionality Vs Morality
Institutions of Eminence: Can the tag help to create world-class universities?
Higher Education Commission of India
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Data protection: Privacy Vs Innovation
Ayushman Bharat: Can it make India healthier?
SC/ST Act judgment: Protecting the innocent or diluting the Protection?
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Mob lynching: Is it becoming a new normal?
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India in SCO: Benefits and challenges
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Non Performing Assets
Amendments to the prevention of Corruption Act
Issues related to the appointment of Lokpal
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Office of the Speaker: Powers and Issues

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Important UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years: Download PDF

Annesha Deb ,

Mar 4, 2024 | UPSC CSAT

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

Important UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years: Download PDF

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

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

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years PDFs: Download Link

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years

How to prepare for upsc essay topics, upsc essay topics from previous years pdfs.

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

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years PDFs

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014

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

UPSC Essay Topics 2023

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

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

Also Check : UPSC Toppers Answer Sheet: Download PDF

The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
The real is rational and the rational is real.
Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
There are better practices to "best practices".

Also Check : How to Crack UPSC?

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

Also Check : Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

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

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

Therefore, here are some of the preparation tips:

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

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2021: Take a Look at Essay Sample Answer

Important essay topics for upsc 2021: take a look at essay sample answer.

Writing is a window to the thinking process. Like Bill wheeler says “Good writing is clear thinking made visible”. What you write on paper will tell the reader how you perceive, how you justify, and how you explain your point of view. That is why, for most competitive exams and academic entrance tests like UPSC, essays are mandatory.

Essay writing is the most neglected and lightly taken paper in civil service preparation. For the aspirants to do well in essay paper, they need to be aware of essay writing topics, and only then can they practice writing on important essay topics for UPSC 2021.

What is UPSC looking for in an Essay?

Applicants may be asked to write essays on various topics. They are required to keep their essay close to the subject, to organize their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be provided for an efficient and accurate speech.

The UPSC essay paper differs itself from general studies in the sense that in GS, marks would be awarded solely on the basis of content. In the essay, however, examiners will pay particular attention not only to the text, but also to the grammar, the coherence, and the manner in which you structure your writing. So you must take proper care to organize your thoughts correctly and not commit any basic spelling or grammatical errors.

IAS Essay Topics with Answers

Here is the list of the most common and important topics that UPSC brings each year. Take a look:

Economic sector
Media & Society
Environment/urbanization
Social justice/poverty
Indian Culture & Society
Administration
Philosophies

Read Also: How to Write an Essay? 9 Tips To Score Better in UPSC Essay Paper

Now we will pick a relevant topic and you will be provided with a sample answer which will give you an idea on attempting the essay question.

Topic: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges”

Start your essay by introducing this policy and why it is created. You can also mention other education policies created earlier. You can frame your intro like this:

The Union Cabinet recently approved the new National Education Policy 2020 with the goal of implementing a range of reforms to the Indian education system, starting from school to college.

NEP 2020 aims to make “India a global knowledge powerhouse”

The Cabinet also supported the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resources Development to the Ministry of Education.

The Cabinet-approved NEP is only the third major revision of the education system in India since freedom.

Structuring Your Main Body Paragraph

You can talk about key points like:

Education at school:

Universalization of pre-school to secondary education with a 100 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of school education by 2030.

Bringing 2 crores out of school kids back to mainstream with an open school system.

The existing 10+2 system is to be substituted by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular system referring to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18.

It will put the unidentified age group of 3-6 years under the school curriculum, which has been recognized internationally as a key stage in the growth of a child’s mental abilities.

Class 10 and 12 board exams are to be made easier, to test skillsets instead of memorizing facts, with all students required to take the exam twice.

Concluding Your Essay

You can make a positive way forward in the following manner:

The New Education Policy seeks to promote an integrated, collaborative, and holistic approach that takes into account field experiences, academic studies, input from citizens, as well as lessons learned from international standards.

It is a gradual change towards a more practical approach to education. The recommended structure would help to account for the child’s capacity – the stage of cognitive growth as well as social and physical awareness. If enforced in its true vision, the new framework will put India into line with the world’s leading countries.

What you read now does not satisfy the UPSC’s essay world limit of 1000-1200 but gives you an idea about how you can approach essay topics for UPSC. You will need to add more content from your own in order to meet the word limit.

How to make Transition through One Para to Another

It can be achieved in three ways.

1.) By means of a connection sentence at the end of the paragraph:

Here at the end of the para, you’re writing a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next.

2.) By means of a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of the para, so that the attention of the examiner is carried to the next.

3.) Signaling the change at the beginning of the next paragraph:

Here you can just add a word or two at the starting of a para that indicates a change in your subtopic

Also Read: 8 Valuable Essay Writing Tips For UPSC That You Should Follow

What Can You Read for Your Essay Writing

You need to read some strong essays to see how seamlessly people are putting up their arguments. Your essay does not have to be diverse in nature but requires depth. So reading some good essays will teach you how to start an essay, write arguments, and end. The most important thing is how to build an essay structure.

Reading in your daily newspaper, if you find any good lines or excerpts, keep track of them, particularly from editorials.

Take on some common/relevant topics such as women, education, health care, the internet, science (refer to last 10 years’ essay) and prepare some forage. Including excerpts, relevant case studies, illustrations, accurate facts, government initiatives, etc.

Have a successful opening and closing paragraph. You’re going to find out by reading journals, strong essays from others, etc.

Now that you are familiar with the UPSC essay topics, you should aim at writing 5-6 exams. Try to apply the above points as you write. And the most important thing is to have your essays reviewed by some professors, chosen candidates, or friends. This will let you know which you’re lacking. All the best!

Also Read: Best Essay Books for UPSC: Perfect the Art of IAS Essay Writing

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Mains 2023

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Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018)

The initial paper in the UPSC mains examination is the Essay (Paper I). In this section, candidates who have qualified in the prelims stage must compose two essays from a selection of provided topics. The paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List. This article compiles all the essay topics presented in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. Additionally, we have organized the essay questions from the last 25 years into distinct topics to facilitate your preparation.

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

1994: The nexus of politics, bureaucracy, and business – a lethal trio.
1995: Politics bereft of ethics spells disaster.
1996: The VIP cult poses a detriment to Indian democracy.
1996: Advocating the necessity for transparency in public administration.
2000: Addressing the nation’s imperative for an improved disaster management system.
2003: Guidelines on the conduct expected of a civil servant.

Democracy/India since independence

1995: The trajectory of Indian democracy—where does it lead?
1997: Unlearned lessons in fifty years of independence.
2000: Reasons to take pride in our Indian identity.
2001: Assessing the gains from our democratic framework.
2003: Evaluating the effectiveness of democracy in delivering positive outcomes in India.
2008: Exploring national identity and patriotism.
2012: Examining the evolutionary significance of ‘Swadhinata,’ ‘Swaraj,’ and ‘Dharmarajya’ in the context of Gandhiji’s views and their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy.
2013: Is India’s success hindered by a lingering colonial mentality?
2015: Aspirations that should keep India awake.
2018: Navigating the intricate challenge of managing Indian border disputes.

Economic growth and development

1999: Managing resources in the Indian context.
2013: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alongside GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) as apt measures for assessing a country’s well-being.
2014: The hindrance to our country’s growth—was it policy paralysis or implementation inertia?
2015: Assessing the crisis in India—moral or economic in nature.
2016: Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms.
2016: The digital economy: An equalizer or a source of economic inequality.
2016: Identifying innovation as the pivotal factor influencing economic growth and social welfare.
2017: Examining the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.

Federalism, Decentralisation

1998: Tracing the language problem in India—its historical evolution, current status, and future prospects.
2004: Advocating for central government control over water resources.
2007: Assessing the effectiveness of the panchayati raj system in India in empowering the people.
2007: Examining whether autonomy is the optimal solution to counter balkanization.
2011: The establishment of smaller states and its resultant administrative, economic, and developmental implications.
2016: Cooperative federalism in India: Myth or reality?
2016: Exploring water disputes between states in federal India.

Indian Culture & Society

1994: The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture.
1996: Emerging cults and spiritual leaders posing a challenge to traditional religion.
1998: Examining the mosaic of India’s composite culture.
1999: Contemporary youth culture in focus.
2000: Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
2000: Indian culture today—myth or reality?
2003: Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline.
2010: From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model—natural progression or paradigm shift?
1997: Exploring the realm of judicial activism.
2004: Investigating the intersection of judicial activism and Indian democracy.
2005: Advocating for the imperative that justice extends to the impoverished.

Social justice/Poverty

1999: Reservation, politics, and the pursuit of empowerment.
2005: Envisioning food security as a foundation for sustainable national development.
2009: The disproportionate focus of healthcare on the privileged segments of our society.
2017: The diminishing capacity of farming to serve as a subsistence source for the majority of Indian farmers.
2018: Recognizing poverty anywhere as a menace to prosperity everywhere.

Media & Society

1998: The misinterpretation and abuse of freedom in India.
1999: Mass media and its impact on cultural invasion.
2002: The democratic role and responsibility of the media.
2007: Examining the cultural shift in Indian mindsets brought about by satellite television.
2008: The contribution of media to fostering good governance.
2011: Assessing whether Indian cinema shapes our popular culture or simply mirrors it.
2014: Contemplating whether sting operations constitute an invasion of privacy.

Environment/Urbanisation

1997: Unraveling the hidden benefits of urbanization.
2006: Asserting the crucial role of safeguarding ecology and the environment for sustained economic development.
2008: Exploring the perils associated with urbanization.
2010: Debating the imposition of a moratorium on new mining activities in tribal areas of the country.
2017: Acknowledging the inevitability of succumbing to natural laws despite challenging human laws.

Economic sectors/MNCs

1994: Multinational corporations—saviors or underminers.
2006: Contemplating the potential demise of small-scale industries in India due to globalization.
2007: The surge of BPOs in India.
2008: Evaluating the Special Economic Zone—benefit or detriment?
2009: Pondering the fate of our traditional handicrafts, destined for a gradual decline.
2012: Scrutinizing the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model is more of a curse than a blessing in the Indian context.
2014: Exploring the prospect of tourism as the next major venture for India.
1995: Overhauling the structure of the Indian education system.
1996: Noting the rapid increase in literacy without corresponding growth in education.
2001: Questioning the relevance of traditional classrooms.
2002: Examining the privatization of higher education in India.
2002: Navigating the intersection of modern technological education and human values.
2005: Reflecting on the essence of real education.
2006: Investigating the “Education for All” campaign in India—myth or reality.
2007: Advocating for the cultivation of independent thinking from early childhood.
2008: Contemplating whether educating the masses can pave the way for an egalitarian society.
2011: Assessing the status, opportunities, and challenges of the credit-based higher education system.
2014: Evaluating the impact of growing competition on the youth.
2014: Questioning the effectiveness of standardized tests as a measure of academic ability or progress.
2015: Highlighting the limitations of education without values.
2017: Acknowledging the pivotal role of classrooms in shaping the destiny of a nation.
1995: Unveiling the emerging power of women: the realities on the ground.
1997: Asserting that greater political power alone won’t improve the plight of women.
1998: Contemplating woman as God’s finest creation.
1999: Delving into the challenges and prospects of women’s empowerment.
2001: Emphasizing that empowerment alone cannot fully uplift our women.
2004: Questioning the trajectory of women’s emancipation.
2005: Imagining a world where women rule.
2005: Acknowledging the influential role of the hand that rocks the cradle.
2006: Advocating for the Women’s Reservation Bill as a catalyst for empowerment in India.
2012: Evaluating whether the Indian working woman receives a fair deal in managing work and home.
2016: Stating that if development is not engendered, it is endangered.
2017: Dispelling the myth of the fulfillment of the ‘new woman’ in India.

Quotes-based/Philosophy

1994: Youth is a mistake, manhood a challenge, old age a remorse.
1994: A purposeless life is an untimely demise.
1995: Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life force of civilization.
1995: When money speaks, the truth remains silent.
1995: Our actions define us as much as we shape our actions.
1996: Truth is something to be lived, not just taught.
1997: True religion cannot be misappropriated.
2002: The pursuit of truth is inherently a spiritual challenge.
2002: The paths of glory ultimately lead to the grave.
2002: If youth possessed knowledge, if age possessed capability.
2003: Nothing is inherently good or bad; it is our perceptions that shape it.
2013: Be the change you wish to witness in others.
2014: With greater power comes greater responsibility.
2014: Words have a sharper impact than a two-edged sword.
2015: Extending a helping hand is superior to merely giving charity.
2018: The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
2018: Reality may not conform to the ideal, but it affirms it.
2007: Attitude shapes habits, habits form character, and character defines a person.
2008: Discipline paves the way to success, while anarchy leads to ruin.
2015: The character of an institution is a reflection of its leader.
2016: Need fosters greed, and an increase in greed tarnishes the lineage.
2017: Joy is the purest expression of gratitude.
2018: A fulfilling life is one fueled by love and steered by knowledge.
2018: A society that prioritizes privileges over principles forfeits both.
2018: Traditional morality cannot serve as a guide for modern living.

Globalisation

1994: Modernization and Westernization are distinct concepts.
1998: Envisioning the world in the twenty-first century.
2000: Unraveling the implications of globalization for India.
2001: Articulating my vision of an ideal world order.
2003: Unmasking the facades of new imperialism.
2004: Assessing the impact of globalization on Indian culture.
2009: Contemplating the clash between ‘Globalization’ and ‘Nationalism.’
2010: Evaluating the readiness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

Science & Tech

1997: The contemporary physician and their relationship with patients.
1999: Embedding values in science and education.
2001: Examining the progress of science and its impact on human values.
2003: Exploring the interplay between spirituality and scientific temper.
2004: The magnetic appeal of space.
2012: Debating the compatibility of Science and Mysticism.
2013: Asserting that science and technology serve as the cure-all for the nation’s growth and security.
2015: Emphasizing that technology cannot replace human manpower.
2018: Advocating for alternative technologies to build a climate change-resilient India.

Internet/IT

2000: The allure and challenges of the cyberworld.
2006: The rise of computerization and its potential to foster a dehumanized society.
2016: Reflecting on the long-term impact of cyberspace and the Internet on human civilization—blessing or curse?
2017: Contending that social media, by its nature, is a self-centered medium.

International organisations /relations

1996: The restructuring of the UNO as a reflection of current realities.
2004: Analyzing India’s contribution to fostering ASEAN cooperation.
2006: Assessing the significance of the Indo-US nuclear agreement.
2017: Questioning the continued relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in a multipolar world.
2005: The impact of terrorism on global peace.
2009: Examining whether we are a ‘soft’ state.
2009: Asserting the value of well-defined boundaries in fostering good relations between neighbors.
2011: Recognizing the importance of both human intelligence and technical intelligence in addressing terrorism in the Indian context.

Miscellaneous

1998: India’s impact on global wisdom.
2001: The quest for excellence.
2010: Geography may be constant, but history is subject to change.
2014: Aspiring for fifty gold medals in the Olympics—can India turn this into a reality?
2015: Embracing the strategy of swift yet consistent progress.

Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018) FAQS

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc.

Essay writing not only checks your ability to understand the topic but also how well you can explain the same. While preparing for any subject, keep making notes. Read editorial articles in newspapers like The Hindu. Listen to analysis of particular topics on Rajya Sabha TV. There is no shortcut to master the essay, it is all about regular practice.

Q 2. Does handwriting matter in UPSC?

If the answer is good and the handwriting is not good, then there is a possibility of being at a state of disadvantage because the person who evaluates your paper will be evaluating thousands of other papers. Hence, to make sure that your evaluator has not missed out on any piece of information that you have written, it is better to have good and legible handwriting.

3. What is the format of the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination?

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper (Paper I), which is the initial paper in the exam.

4. How many essays are candidates required to write in the Essay paper?

Candidates are required to compose two essays from a selection of provided topics in the Essay paper.

5. How many marks does the Essay paper hold, and how does it contribute to the Final Merit List?

The Essay paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List.

6. What is the time duration for the Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination?

The time duration for the Essay paper is not specified, but candidates are advised to manage their time effectively.

7. Can candidates choose any topic for their essays, or are there specific topics provided?

Candidates must choose two essay topics from a selection of provided topics.

8. How are the essay topics categorized in the provided list?

The essay topics from the last 25 years are categorized into distinct topics such as Administration, Democracy/India since independence, Economic growth and development, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian Culture & Society, Judiciary, Social justice/Poverty, Media & Society, Environment/Urbanisation, Economic sectors/MNCs, Education, Women, Quotes-based/Philosophy, Character, Globalisation, Science & Tech, Internet/IT, International organisations/relations, Security, and Miscellaneous.

9. What are some examples of essay topics related to Indian Culture & Society?

Examples include “The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture,” “Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline,” and “Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.”

10. Are there specific essay topics related to Economics and Development?

Yes, essay topics related to Economics and Development include “Managing resources in the Indian context,” “Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms,” and “Exploring the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.”

11. How can candidates prepare for the essay paper effectively?

Candidates can prepare by reviewing and understanding essay topics from previous years, practicing essay writing, and staying updated on current affairs and relevant issues.

12. Are there any specific guidelines for essay writing provided by UPSC?

While specific guidelines are not mentioned, candidates are expected to express their thoughts coherently, provide well-reasoned arguments, and adhere to the given word limit. It is advisable to maintain clarity, conciseness, and a balanced perspective in essay writing.

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Essay UPSC Topic wise Previous Year Questions (1993-2023)

The importance of practicing Essay Papers from previous year questions (PYQ) topic-wise, with the aim of achieving high marks for a better rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, cannot be overstated.

The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE Mains carries a weightage of 250 marks. Therefore, the percentage of total marks covered by the Essay Paper is ≈14.29%Percentage.

1. India: Democracy, Administration, Society, Culture

1.1 India Since Independence

My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
Whither Indian democracy? -1995
What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
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
Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015

1.2Federalism, Decentralization

The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017

1.3 Administration

Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
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
How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003

1.4 Judiciary

Judicial activism. -1997
Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
Justice must reach the poor -2005
We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017

1.5 Poverty, Social Justice

Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
Food security for sustainable national development -2005
The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless -2020

1.6 Indian Society, Culture and Values

The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
The composite culture of India. -1998
Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have -2020
From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. 2023

1.7 Media, TV & Cinema

The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
Role of media in good governance -2008
Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014

2. Economy, Development

2.1 Growth vs Development

Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
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
Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018

2.2 Environment vs Development

Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.-2022
Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
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

2.4 Sectors of Economy

BPO boom in India. -2007
Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009
Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017

3. Education

3.1 Values in Education

Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
What is real education? -2005
Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. 2023
Mathematics is the music of reason. 2023

3.2 Scheme implementation

Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
“Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006

3.3 Higher education

Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4. Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

4.1 Character, Honesty, Ethics

He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
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
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication -2020
Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them -2020
Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.- 2020
Philosophy of wantlessness is 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
The real is rational and the rational is real. – 2021
History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce. – 2021
A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for. -2022
Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right. -2022
Not all who wander are lost. 2023

4.2 Knowledge

Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
‘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
Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.- 2020
Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. -2022
What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! – 2021
Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. 2023

4.3 Compassion

Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. – 2021
You cannot step twice in the same river. -2022
Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane. 2023

4.4 Truth and reality

When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
Truth is lived, not taught -1996
Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018

4.5 Youth, Discipline

Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
Youth culture today. -1999
If youth knew, if age could. -2002
Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014

4.6 Towards excellence

Useless life is an early death. -1994
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
The pursuit of excellence. -2001
The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
There are better practices to “best practices” – 2021
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. -2022
Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. -2022
Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. 2023

5. Women Empowerment

5.1 National Politics

The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006

5.2 World / Quote type

If women ruled the world -2005
The hand that rocks the cradle -2005

5.3 Empowerment overall

Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality. -2020

5.4 Compared to men

Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012
History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man. -2022
Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. 2023

6. International issues, Internal Security

6.1 Globalization

Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
The implications of globalization for India. -2000
My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
The masks of new imperialism. -2003
As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
National identity and patriotism -2008
‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. 2010
South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019

6.2 International Org./ Bilateral

The global order: political and economic -1993
Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
Technology as the silent factor in international relations -2020

6.3 Security

True religion cannot be misused. -1997
Terrorism and world peace -2005
Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
Good fences make good neighbours -2009
In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018

7. Science-Technology

7.1 Science and Religion

Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012

7.2 Science and Education

Value-based science and education. -1999
The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
Modern technological education and human values. -2002

7.3 Computer and internet

Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
Technology as the silent factor in international relations. -2020

7.4 Sci-Tech: others

The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
The lure of space. -2004
Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. – 2021

Here are several reasons why practice with Essay PYQ’s is crucial:

Alignment with UPSC Trends: Practicing with PYQs allows candidates to align their preparation with the evolving trends of the UPSC. Understanding the historical context of essay topics helps in anticipating and preparing for potential themes in the upcoming exam.
Grasp of Exam Expectations: PYQs provide insights into the expectations of the examiners. By analyzing past questions, candidates can discern the depth of analysis, the breadth of knowledge required, and the quality of expression that the UPSC values in essay answers.
Thematic Coverage: Previous year questions cover a wide array of themes, ranging from socio-economic issues to philosophical concepts. Practicing with these questions ensures that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse subjects that may be presented in the essay paper.
Content Refinement: Repeated practice on specific topics from PYQs aids in refining content knowledge. It helps candidates revisit and reinforce their understanding of key concepts, theories, and factual information relevant to different subjects.
Structural Mastery: Crafting well-structured essays is crucial for effective communication. Practicing with PYQs allows candidates to master the art of structuring their essays, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and a coherent presentation.
Time Management Skills: The essay paper has a strict time limit. Regular practice with PYQs hones time management skills, enabling candidates to allocate their time wisely between planning, writing, and revising their essays during the actual examination.
Adaptability to Varied Topics: Since PYQs cover diverse topics, candidates become more adaptable to addressing a broad spectrum of subjects. This adaptability is essential for tackling any unforeseen or unfamiliar topics that may appear in the exam.
Feedback Incorporation: Practicing essays from PYQs provides candidates with an opportunity to receive feedback on their responses. Constructive feedback helps in identifying areas for improvement, allowing candidates to refine their writing skills and enhance the quality of their answers.
Holistic Skill Development: The essay paper evaluates a range of skills, including critical analysis, synthesis of information, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of issues. Practicing with PYQs contributes to the holistic development of these skills.
Confidence Boost: Regularly practicing essays from PYQs instills confidence in candidates. The familiarity with the exam format, topics, and the ability to produce well-argued essays under timed conditions builds confidence, positively impacting overall performance.

In conclusion, practicing essay papers from PYQs topic-wise is a strategic approach that not only aligns preparation with the expectations of the UPSC but also contributes to comprehensive skill development. This practice enhances a candidate’s chances of securing high marks in the essay paper, ultimately leading to a better rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

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General Studies

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Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024

by Vajiram & Ravi

Important Days in August 2023

Daily Newspaper Analysis for UPSC

Daily Prelims Pointers

Daily Mains Current Affairs

Important Topics for UPSC: Crucial subjects and themes for the UPSC examination pertain to the subjects and areas of significance within the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC. The curriculum encompasses an extensive array of subjects, and being aware of those that are pivotal can substantially influence a candidate's prospects of success. Here, the important topics for Prelims 2024 are categorised paperwise and subjectwise, which would provide ease to the aspirants while going through them. Along with the Static topics, a list of the most important current affairs topics is also provided to interrelate them.

Important Topics for UPSC Prelims

Though there are several important topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains that overlap, but here is the list of topics which are more significant from the UPSC Prelims perspective. The important topics for UPSC Prelims are given below:

1	Tungnath Temple	16	Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO)
2	Konark Wheel	17	30 Years of Project Elephant
3	Edakkal Caves	18	MeerKAT Telescope
4	Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas	19	International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)
5		20	Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR)
6	India’s New Parliament Building	21	Article 371F
7	Washington Declaration	22	Dabba Trading
8	NITI Aayog’s State Health Index	23	Logistic Performance Index 2023
9	Enemy Property	24
10	National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)	25	SHREYAS Scheme
11	Uttaramerur Inscription	26	AAINA Dashboard
12	Thirunelly Temple	27	Digital Public Infrastructure and India Stack
13	Pushkaralu Festival	28	Aspirational Block Programme
14	3200 Phaethon	29	Sarna Code
15	TeLEOS-2 & Lumelite-4	30	Freedom on The Net 2023 Report
31	Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Yatra	41	Washington Declaration
32	Railway Officers To Be Trained In Disaster Management	42	India To Train ASEAN Women in United Nations
33	Road Crash Death In India	43	Peacekeeping Operation
34	Gram Manchitra	44	India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade Pact
35	Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative	45
36	NCRB 2022 Report On Crime In India	46	NATO PLUS
37	Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and The Pacific (IF-CAP)	47	World Bank President
38	International Organization for Migration (IOM)	48	‘Silkworm Eating’ Strategy
39	Visit of PM Modi to Egypt	49	Wagner Group
40	Sanctions Committee of UNSC	50	India Gifts Missile Corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam

Places on Map in News

1	Cuba	11	Orkney Islands	21	Gabon
2		12	Vilnius	22	Morocco
3	Uzbekistan	13	Kakhovka Dam	23	Kostyantynivka
4	Sittwe Port	14	Batagaika Crater	24	Armenia
5	Coco Islands	15	Cam Ranh Bay	25	9-Dash line
6	Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant	16	Strait of Hormuz	26	Timor Leste
7		17	Crimean Bridge	27	Nagorno- Karabakh
8	Yanomami	18	Democratic Republic of Congo	28	AlexandriaPort
9	Chetumal Bay	19	Ubinas Volcano	29	Libya
10	Fuego Volcano	20	Peru	30	Hemis Monestry

Important Topics for UPSC Mains 2024

The IAS syllabus is extensive and might overwhelm many candidates. Developing a lucid comprehension of the important topics for UPSC aids them in refining their preparation approach and prevents wastage of effort on less pivotal areas.

General Studies I

Indian Heritage and Culture; and History and Geography of the World and Society:

1	Literature - Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Sangam, Mughal, etc.	14	Vijayanagar Empire
2	Art and Architecture - IVC, Mauryan, Gupta, Dravidian, Mughal, etc.	15
3	Geography - physical features, natural resources, phenomena like volcanism, etc.	16	Mountbatten Plan
4	- features, issues, etc.	17	Indian Independence Act, 1947
5		18
6		19
7	Modern India - Personalities, Events, etc.	20
8	Indian Freedom Struggle - several stages, leaders, etc.	21	Partition of Bengal
9	Gandhi-Irwin Pact	22	Charter Acts - 1813, 1833, etc
10	Second Round Conference	23	Government of India Act, 1919
11	World History - revolutions, World Wars, Cold War, etc.	24	First Round Conference, 1930
12	Government of India Act, 1935	25
13		26

General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations:

1	Constitution of India — historical underpinnings, evolution, etc	11	Government Policies
2	Constitution of other countries like USA, UK, Japan, etc.	12	NGOs, SHGs, etc
3	- Organs of Government	13	Welfare schemes for vulnerable groups
4	Union and States - federalism, etc	14	Health, Education, and Human Resources
5	Parliament and State legislatures - functions, powers, etc	15	Poverty and Hunger issues
6	Judiciary - their structure, roles, etc	16	Governance, transparency, e-governance
7	- RSS, AIKS, etc	17	Civil services
8	Voting laws, RPA 1950,‘51 etc	18	Bilateral, regional, and global partnerships
9	Constitutional Bodies - UPSC, ECI, etc	19	Indian Diaspora
10	Statutory and Quasi-judicial bodies - NHRC, etc	20	Global Institutions - UN, WTO, etc

General Studies III

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management:

1	Indian Economy - planning, resource mobilization, employment, etc	16	IT, Computers and Space Technology
2	Growth and Development	17	Robotics, Nanotechnology and Biotechnology
3	Inclusive Growth	18
4	Government budgeting	19	Environment - conservation, pollution, degradation, etc
5	Major crops and cropping patterns	20	Environmental Impact Assessment
6	Irrigation types - Drip, Sprinkler, etc	21	Disaster Management
7	Farm subsidies - PMKISAN, etc	22	Internal Security
8	Food Security and MSP	23	Extremism and Role of External Actors
9	Animal Rearing	24	Communication Networks
10	Food Processing Industry	25	Cyber Security
11	Land Reforms	26	Money-Laundering
12	Liberalization and Industrial Policy	27	Border Area Security
13	Infrastructure - Road, Energy, etc	28	Organized Crime
14	Investment Models - BOT, HAM, etc	29	Terrorism
15	Science and Technology - developments	30	Security forces, agencies, etc. - BSF, NIA, CBI, etc

General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:

1	Ethics and Human Interface	16	Conscience
2	Essence, Determinants, and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions	17	Accountability
3	Dimensions of Ethics in Private and Public Relationships	18	Ethical Governance
4	Human Values from Leaders' Lives, Role of Family, Society, and Education	19	Ethical Issues in International Relations
5	Attitude	20	Corporate Governance
6	Influence of Attitude on thought, behaviour, moral, political, and social aspects	21	Probity in Governance
7	Aptitude and Foundational Values	22	Transparency
8	Values for Civil Service	23	Right to Information
9	Integrity, Impartiality, Objectivity, Dedication, Empathy	24	Codes of Ethics
10	Emotional Intelligence	25	Codes of Conduct
11	Moral Thinkers from India and worldwide	26	Work Culture
12	Ethics in Public Administration	27	Quality Service
13	Public/Civil Service Values	28	Public Funds' Utilization
14	Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas	29	Corruption Challenges
15	Ethical Guidance from Laws, Rules, etc	30	Case Studies on the above issues

FAQs on Important Topics for UPSC

Which topics are important for upsc prelims 2024.

The vital topics for UPSC Prelims include Indian National Movement, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Geography, General Science, Environment, Current Affairs , Art and Culture, History of India, World History, Technology, Indian Society, and Logical Reasoning. A thorough understanding and coverage of these subjects are essential for success in the examination.

What should I study for UPSC Mains 2024?

Study the syllabus comprehensively, focusing on important topics for UPSC from subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs. Solve previous year's papers to get an idea about the pattern in which questions are framed.

Which Current Affairs Topics Are Important for UPSC Mains 2024?

The significant current affairs topics for UPSC Mains 2024 encompass Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) Waves, LIGO-India Project, Human Genome Project, Model Prisons Act, National Medical Devices Policy, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and other evolving international relations.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024

Important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024 are provided here to help candidates prepare well for UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam. Check Important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024 below.

May 2, 2024

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024: As the UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam approaches, candidates must prepare themselves not only for objective assessments but also for the essay paper, a significant component of the examination. The essay paper in the CAPF Exam is designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to articulate ideas coherently. To help candidates prepare effectively, let’s delve into some important essay topics for the UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam.

Understanding the Essay Paper in UPSC CAPF Exam

The essay paper in the UPSC CAPF Exam aims to evaluate candidates’ understanding of various socio-political, economic, and environmental issues. Candidates are required to write essays on topics of national and international significance, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex issues, present arguments logically, and offer solutions where applicable.

The UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam is a significant milestone for aspirants seeking to serve the nation through the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Among its varied components, the essay paper holds particular prominence, serving as a platform for candidates to showcase their critical thinking, analytical prowess, and communication skills. Understanding and mastering the crucial essay topics for the UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam are indispensable for aspirants aiming to excel in this UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam. Let us look at some of the most important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024 below :-

National Security Challenges : Analyze the evolving nature of national security threats in the contemporary world and discuss strategies to counter them effectively.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Measures : Examine the global phenomenon of terrorism, its impact on society, and the role of security forces in combating terrorism.
Cybersecurity Concerns : Discuss the growing threats posed by cyberattacks and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding national interests.
Border Management and Border Security : Assess the challenges associated with border management and border security in the context of national security and international relations.
Internal Security Issues : Explore the various internal security challenges faced by India, such as insurgency, Naxalism, communal tensions, and radicalization, and propose measures to address them.
Disaster Management and Preparedness : Evaluate the effectiveness of disaster management policies and mechanisms in mitigating the impact of natural and man-made disasters on society.
Role of Security Forces in Upholding Democratic Values : Reflect on the role of security forces in upholding democratic principles, protecting human rights, and maintaining law and order while respecting civil liberties.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development : Discuss the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable development practices, and the role of security forces in environmental protection.
Ethical Dilemmas in Law Enforcement : Analyze ethical challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining integrity, accountability, and public trust while carrying out their duties.
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Security Forces : Examine the role of gender diversity, inclusivity, and women empowerment in enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of security forces.

Preparation Strategies for Essay Writing in UPSC CAPF Exam

Candidates are advised to follow a proper strategy for essay writing in UPSC CAPF Exam 2024:-

Develop a thorough understanding of diverse socio-economic, political, and environmental issues.
Practice essay writing regularly to improve clarity, coherence, and conciseness in expression.
Enhance critical thinking skills by analyzing multiple perspectives on complex issues.
Keep abreast of current affairs and contemporary debates to enrich essay content with relevant examples and data.
Seek feedback from mentors, peers, or essay-writing forums to identify areas for improvement and refine essay-writing techniques.

In conclusion, mastering the art of essay writing is essential for success in the UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam. By familiarizing themselves with important essay topics, understanding the evaluation criteria, and adopting effective preparation strategies, candidates can enhance their chances of excelling in the essay paper and securing a competitive rank in the examination.

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC CAPF 2024 FAQs

Ans. The essay paper in the UPSC CAPF Exam evaluates candidates' critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to articulate ideas coherently on various socio-political, economic, and environmental issues.

Ans. Important essay topics for UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam cover areas such as national security challenges, terrorism and counterterrorism measures, cybersecurity concerns, border management, internal security issues, disaster management, environmental conservation, ethical dilemmas in law enforcement, and gender equality in security forces.

Ans. Mastering essay writing is crucial as it demonstrates candidates' depth of understanding, critical thinking skills, and capacity for effective communication – all essential qualities for future leaders in the Central Armed Police Forces.

Ans. Effective preparation strategies include developing a thorough understanding of diverse issues, practicing essay writing regularly, enhancing critical thinking skills, staying updated with current affairs, and seeking feedback from mentors or peers to refine essay-writing techniques.

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The Personal Statement Topics Ivy League Hopefuls Should Avoid

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Yale University

A compelling personal statement is a critical component of an Ivy League application, as it offers students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations. Kickstarting the writing process in the summer can give students a critical advantage in the admissions process, allowing them more time to brainstorm, edit, and polish standout essays. However, as students begin drafting their essays this summer, they should bear in mind that selecting the right topic is crucial to writing a successful essay. Particularly for students with Ivy League aspirations, submitting an essay that is cliche, unoriginal, or inauthentic can make the difference between standing out to admissions officers or blending into the sea of other applicants.

As ambitious students embark on the college application process, here are the personal statement topics they should avoid:

1. The Trauma Dump

Many students overcome significant hurdles by the time they begin the college application process, and some assume that the grisliest and most traumatic stories will attract attention and sympathy from admissions committees. While vulnerability can be powerful, sharing overly personal or sensitive information can make readers uncomfortable and shift focus away from a student’s unique strengths. Students should embrace authenticity and be honest about the struggles they have faced on their path to college, while still recognizing that the personal statement is a professional piece of writing, not a diary entry. Students should first consider why they want to share a particular tragic or traumatic experience and how that story might lend insight into the kind of student and community member they will be on campus. As a general rule, if the story will truly enrich the admissions committee’s understanding of their candidacy, students should thoughtfully include it; if it is a means of proving that they are more deserving or seeking to engender pity, students should consider selecting a different topic. Students should adopt a similar, critical approach as they write about difficult or sensitive topics in their supplemental essays, excluding unnecessary detail and focusing on how the experience shaped who they are today.

2. The Travelogue

Travel experiences can be enriching, but essays that merely recount a trip to a foreign country without deeper reflection often fall flat. Additionally, travel stories can often unintentionally convey white saviorism , particularly if students are recounting experiences from their charity work or mission trips in a foreign place. If a student does wish to write about an experience from their travels, they should prioritize depth not breadth—the personal statement is not the place to detail an entire itinerary or document every aspect of a trip. Instead, students should focus on one specific and meaningful experience from their travels with vivid detail and creative storytelling, expounding on how the event changed their worldview, instilled new values, or inspired their future goals.

3. The Superhero Narrative

Ivy League and other top colleges are looking for students who are introspective and teachable—no applicant is perfect (admissions officers know this!). Therefore, it’s crucial that students be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and open about the areas in which they hope to grow. They should avoid grandiose narratives in which they cast themselves as flawless heroes. While students should seek to put their best foot forward, depicting themselves as protagonists who single-handedly resolve complex issues can make them appear exaggerated and lacking in humility. For instance, rather than telling the story about being the sole onlooker to stand up for a peer being bullied at the lunch table, perhaps a student could share about an experience that emboldened them to advocate for themselves and others. Doing so will add dimension and dynamism to their essay, rather than convey a static story of heroism.

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Similarly, many students feel compelled to declare their intention to solve global issues like world hunger or climate change. While noble, these proclamations can come across as unrealistic and insincere, and they can distract from the tangible achievements and experiences that a student brings to the table. Instead, applicants should focus on demonstrable steps they’ve taken or plan to take within their local community to enact positive change, demonstrating their commitment and practical approach to making a difference. For instance, instead of stating a desire to eradicate poverty, students could describe their extended involvement in a local charity and how it has helped them to discover their values and actualize their passions.

5. The Sports Story

While sports can teach valuable lessons, essays that focus solely on athletic achievements or the importance of a particular game can be overdone and lack depth. Admissions officers have read countless essays about students scoring the winning goal, dealing with the hardship of an injury, or learning teamwork from sports. Students should keep in mind that the personal essay should relay a story that only they can tell—perhaps a student has a particularly unique story about bringing competitive pickleball to their high school and uniting unlikely friend groups or starting a community initiative to repair and donate golf gear for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to play. However, if their sports-related essay could have been written by any high school point guard or soccer team captain, it’s time to brainstorm new ideas.

6. The Pick-Me Monologue

Students may feel the need to list their accomplishments and standout qualities in an effort to appear impressive to Ivy League admissions officers. This removes any depth, introspection, and creativity from a student’s essay and flattens their experiences to line items on a resume. Admissions officers already have students’ Activities Lists and resumes; the personal statement should add texture and dimension to their applications, revealing aspects of their character, values and voice not otherwise obvious through the quantitative aspects of their applications. Instead of listing all of their extracurricular involvements, students should identify a particularly meaningful encounter or event they experienced through one of the activities that matters most to them, and reflect on the ways in which their participation impacted their development as a student and person.

7. The Pandemic Sob Story

The Covid-19 pandemic was a traumatic and formative experience for many students, and it is therefore understandable that applicants draw inspiration from these transformative years as they choose their essay topics. However, while the pandemic affected individuals differently, an essay about the difficulties faced during this time will likely come across as unoriginal and generic. Admissions officers have likely read hundreds of essays about remote learning challenges, social isolation, and the general disruptions caused by Covid-19. These narratives can start to blend together, making it difficult for any single essay to stand out. Instead of centering the essay on the pandemic's challenges, students should consider how they adapted, grew, or made a positive impact during this time. For example, rather than writing about the difficulties of remote learning, a student could describe how they created a virtual study group to support classmates struggling with online classes. Similarly, an applicant might write about developing a new skill such as coding or painting during lockdown and how this pursuit has influenced their academic or career goals. Focusing on resilience, innovation, and personal development can make for a more compelling narrative.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires dedicated time, careful thought, and honest reflection. The most impactful essays are those that toe the lines between vulnerability and professionalism, introspection and action, championing one’s strengths and acknowledging weaknesses. Starting early and striving to avoid overused and unoriginal topics will level up a student’s essay and increase their chances of standing out.

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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

WEEKLY ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2015

Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

UPSC Essay Topics

Democracy/India since independence

Economic growth and development

Federalism, Decentralisation

Indian Culture & Society

Social justice/Poverty

Media & Society

Environment/Urbanisation

Economic sectors/MNCs

Quotes-based/Philosophy

Globalisation

Science & Tech

Internet/IT

International organisations/relations

Miscellaneous

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

Social Topics

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

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International Topics

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

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