Essay Writing in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023

In 1979, when the present pattern of Civil Services Examination was introduced, at that time essay was not included as a separate compulsory paper under the main examination. Later in the nineties, its need was felt. After this a compulsory paper of two hundred and fifty marks was included. From then till today, this essay paper is divided into two parts named Section-A and Section-B.

Four essays are given in a section. Out of these, the candidate has to write one essay each from each part. If we leave out the papers of the last three years of the essay, then for a long time the subjects on which we were asked to write the essay, it would be more correct to call it general knowledge and not as an essay. Such topics were given on economics, political science and science, on which the essay could not be written without a good understanding of the subject. Obviously, the purpose for which the essay paper was included was not being fulfilled. Sadly, all this went on for twenty-five years and the need for change was not felt.

Now the U-turn is clearly visible in the topics on which I am being asked to write an essay for the last three years. Especially the topics of the essay given in the main examination of Civil Services held a few days ago should be appreciated openly, although it is not understood that why these essays have been divided into two sections, because in both the sections There is a lot of similarity in the type of titles given, but by dividing the total eight essays into two sections, there is a little good check-up of the candidate’s aptitude.

Recently, the UPSC Essay question paper’s format has placed a strong emphasis on creative thinking, which compels aspirants to think, analyse, and then articulate themselves rather than just do some assortment of facts. The 250-marks UPSC CSE Essay Paper has been the subject of debate because of the unpredictability of recent topics in the 2021/2022 Mains examination.

Difficulties faced by most of the candidates in Essay writing:

Decoding the topic of the essay
Expressing views in lucid ways with appropriate examples
Lack of profound understanding of associated issues with the topic
Not able to interrelate different aspects of the syllabus
Procrastination in essay writing
Avoid collecting material/notes which will be helpful in writing diverse topics

The meaning of essay is the same – unbounded. This means that the examinee should have complete freedom to express his point of view in the essay. Yes, it is necessary that his talk should be around the main subject. UPSC. Has also given clear instructions for this, the biggest challenge of the essays that have been given is that it is just a matter of coincidence that the examinees get any material written on it. This means that whatever they want to write, they have to write on their behalf. It is obvious that when the answers to the questions are of this nature, then through them the talent can be correctly identified. This time’s essay is wonderful to identify such talent and at the same time very cute.

If these things of mine have aroused in your mind the curiosity to know the subject of essays, then I think it would not be wrong to mention some essays to pacify him. There is an essay “Poets are the unofficially accepted legislators of the world”. Another essay from the same section-A is “The ship is safe in the port, but for it it is not.” The F Philosophical theme has been given in the section-B, “You do not land in the same river again.” Can”. There is another essay in this section, Smile is the chosen medium for every problem.