What APSC Toppers Know About Exam Writing Techniques That You Don’t

Many students wonder why certain exam writing techniques work for APSC toppers but not for others. Success in APSC Mains doesn’t depend on your knowledge alone – it depends on how well you can express it. After all, “Mains is not a memory test—it’s a writing test”.

Top performers share a crucial insight: your results depend on “how clearly, concisely, and convincingly you can express your ideas within the limited time and word count”. Prelims might qualify you for the race, but Mains is where you actually run it. Your answer’s quality matters more than its length. APSC Mains tests your ability to communicate thoughts effectively rather than testing how much you can write.

In this article, we will discuss the exact techniques that help toppers present “their knowledge effectively” while understanding “the demand of the questions”. Our practical strategies cover everything from answer structuring to visual tools that can improve your exam writing approach and your results.

What makes APSC Mains answer writing different

The transition from Prelims to Mains is where many fail, but APSC Toppers excel. Prelims checks memory recall, while Mains examines analysis, critical thinking, and structured writing.

• Prelims = broad knowledge + quick recall
• Mains = depth + analysis + presentation (the secret of APSC Toppers)

Mains gives you only 7 minutes for a 10-mark question—making writing skills the tool that defines APSC Toppers.

How APSC Mains is different from Prelims

Prelims and Mains are like two different games, each with its own rules. Look at the marks: Prelims is 400 marks, but Mains is 1500 marks. That’s why your performance in Mains matters a lot more.

APSC Mains Examination Overview

The Mains examination consists of six papers – one Essay, four General Studies papers, and one Assam-specific paper. Each carries 250 marks, making the written total 1500 marks. After this, candidates face a 180-mark interview, bringing the total to 1680 marks.

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper-I	Essay	250
Paper-II	General Studies-I	250
Paper-III	General Studies-II	250
Paper-IV	General Studies-III	250
Paper-V	General Studies-IV (Ethics)	250
Paper-VI	General Studies-V (Assam Specific)	250
Total (Written)		1500
Interview	Personality Test	180
Grand Total		1680

The way questions are asked is also different. Prelims have multiple-choice questions, so you need to remember facts fast and get them right. Mains is about writing detailed answers that show your thinking, analysis, and how clearly you can explain your ideas.

Each stage needs a different strategy:

Prelims: Cover a wide range of topics and practice quick recall.
Mains: Focus on deep understanding, sharp analysis, and presenting your answers well.

Time management is important too. In Mains, you get roughly 7 minutes for a 10-mark question. APSC toppers know how to balance speed and quality to score high.

Why Writing Skills Matter More Than Knowledge?

At Borthakur’s IAS Academy, we reviewed candidates based on their “analytical thinking, presentation skills, and knowledge application”. Perfect understanding of concepts means nothing if you can’t express it clearly on paper.

Every candidate studies hard, but APSC Toppers stand out by presenting answers sharply.

• They master the “art of writing” under pressure.
• They decode directive words like discuss, evaluate, and analyze.
• They always remember: Quality > Quantity.

This is why APSC Toppers consistently get higher marks even with the same syllabus as others. The difference lies in expression—something APSC Toppers consciously polish every day.

Knowledge alone won’t cut it. Your ideas must come across “clearly, concisely, and persuasively within the given time constraints”. Your rank in the final merit list depends on how well you turn 

How APSC Toppers Decode Questions

1. Mark directive words (discuss, analyze, evaluate).
2. Break down multi-part questions and answer each section.
3. Stay on the main theme without knowledge-dumping.

Such techniques explain why APSC Toppers rarely miss marks due to misinterpretation.

Look for directive words like ‘discuss’, ‘analyze’, ‘evaluate’

Directive words in questions are important signals that tell you how to write your answer. They are not just suggestions—they show exactly how to frame your response. This is where the APSC toppers win the race. 

• Discuss: Talk about both sides of an argument. For example, if the question is “Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period to Indian heritage,” you should explain the good and bad aspects, give evidence, and finish with your own reasoned view.
  
• Analyze: Break the topic into smaller parts and explain each part in detail with evidence.
  
• Evaluate: Look at the positive and negative points of a statement or topic.
  
• Critically evaluate: Decide how correct or valid a statement is.
  

So, always mark these directive words in the question first. This helps to plan the answer according to what the question really asks, instead of just writing everything you know.

Handling multi-part questions

APSC Mains often asks questions with multiple parts, and each part needs attention. APSC toppers make sure they identify all parts and answer each one properly.

To do this:

1. Read the whole question carefully.
   
2. Find the main theme (for example, “Women’s empowerment in Assam”).
   
3. List all sub-questions or parts of the question.
   
4. Give enough space and explanation to each part.
   
5. Make a quick outline in 30–50 seconds before writing.
   

This plan helps you write answers that are clear, detailed, and well-organized.

Stay on the main theme

Even students who know a lot can lose marks if they miss the main point of a question. It is important to identify the central theme clearly.

For example, if the question is about “Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Yojna,” focus on the purpose of the scheme, which is to provide financial assistance to girl students and encourage their education, and on its implementation in Assam, such as how the government provides monthly support and monitors enrollment. This shows you understand what the question wants.

Before you start writing, make sure you read and understand the question carefully, noting key terms and requirements. This helps you write a focused and relevant answer within the word limit.

Mark important words in the question—they act as reminders of what the examiner expects. Understanding the question properly is very important, and the previous APSC toppers say it helps them show their knowledge effectively, no matter how difficult the topic is.

The IBC Structure APSC Toppers Always Follow

Top students in the APSC exam use a simple, clear structure called IBC (Introduction-Body-Conclusion). This method helps make answers organized and easy to read.

Introduction: Define or Relate

The first paragraph sets the stage. Top scorers write 2–3 short sentences to show what their answer will cover. They:

• Define key terms in the question to show understanding.
  
• Link to current events or reports (for example, mentioning Assam’s latest jobless numbers in an unemployment question).
  
• Use a strong quote or fact to grab attention.
  
• Give a preview of how the answer will flow, so the examiner knows what to expect.
  

Body: Use Subheadings and Bullet Points
This is where the APSC toppers stand out. They:

• Split paragraphs with clear subheadings for different parts of the question.
  
• Follow the MEAT approach:
  
  • Main Idea: Start with the central point.
    
  • Evidence: Support it with facts, statistics, or examples.
    
  • Analysis: Explain why it matters.
    
  • Transition: Connect smoothly to the next paragraph.
    
• Use bullet points for lists, short paragraphs of 2–4 sentences, and subheadings like social, economic, or administrative aspects.
  
• Make sure each paragraph flows logically from the previous one.
  

Conclusion: End with a Solution or Value
Many students struggle here, but toppers know how important it is. A good conclusion:

• Summarizes main points quickly without repeating everything.
  
• Ends positively with real solutions (for example, “By improving skill development and promoting entrepreneurship, Assam can reduce youth unemployment”).
  
• Links to constitutional values or government policies to show understanding of the bigger picture.
  
• It can be just one sentence if it ties everything together clearly.
  

The IBC structure is more than a formula—it is a proven way to present your knowledge clearly and logically. Practice it often, and your answers will look neat, organized, and easy for examiners to follow.

How APSC Toppers Enrich Their Answers with Real Examples

The best APSC toppers know how to add real examples to make their answers stronger. Using specific, relevant examples shows examiners that you understand real situations and can apply your knowledge.

1. Use Assam-Specific Data and Schemes
Answers about governance, development, or social issues are stronger when you use local examples:

• Lakhpati Didi Scheme (NRLM): Helps women in Self-Help Groups earn at least ₹1 lakh yearly through agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts.
  
• Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan: Provides financial support to entrepreneurs; ₹2 lakh for general entrepreneurs and ₹5 lakh for professionals.
  
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Solves energy problems in rural areas and supports economic activities.
  
• Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM): Gives ₹1,000 monthly to girl students from higher secondary to post-graduate level to prevent child marriage and encourage education.
  

2. Include Case Studies and Success Stories
Real-life examples make answers stronger, especially in ethics or governance questions:

• A district collector uses emotional intelligence to handle protests peacefully.
  
• “Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra” for floodwater diversion (₹200 crore project).
  
• India’s first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility at Jagiroad.
  

3. Refer to Government Reports and Surveys

Quoting official reports adds credibility:

• NITI Aayog Reports: Development indicators and rankings.
  
• Economic Survey of Assam: Economic data and policy analysis.
  
• Assam Government Portals: Latest initiatives and policies.
  
• Example: Assam loses 8,000 hectares of land yearly to erosion, affecting over 8 lakh people.
  

4. Use Visual Tools to Boost Marks

• Flowcharts: Show cause-and-effect relationships or policy steps clearly. Example: “Assam Resources → Tea, Silk, Oil → German Market → Trade Growth.”
  
• Maps: Highlight locations, rivers, national parks, and borders in Assam or India. Simple outlines are enough.
  
• Tables: Compare policies, before-and-after effects, or different schemes clearly. Keep headings simple and text short.
  

Tips for Using Visuals:

• Start with one simple visual per answer and practice gradually.
  
• Clarity is more important than beauty; neat and clear visuals impress examiners more than complex designs.
  
• Visuals make your answers organized, readable, and professional, which examiners value highly.
  

Adding real examples, data, and visuals helps you show both knowledge and practical understanding, giving your answers a top-scoring edge.

Daily Writing Habits of APSC Toppers

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear

Daily practice is very important for APSC success. Many students don’t realize that regular writing habits are key to performing well. APSC toppers stand out because of their consistent writing routines.

1. Start with one answer a day

• Build writing skills gradually, like training for a marathon.
  
• Begin with one complete answer a day to stay consistent without getting tired.
  
• Focus on quality over quantity at first. Proper structure and content matter more than speed.
  
• Practice 15–25 minutes per answer and slowly aim for the exam standard (around 7 minutes for a 10-mark question).
  
• Consistency is key. Toppers write daily or at least 3–4 times a week to make answer writing natural.
  

2. Use APSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• APSC PYQs help understand exam patterns and marking schemes.
  
• They show recurring themes and popular topics.
  
• Practice PYQs to improve speed and time management.
  
• Most toppers solve at least 5 years of Mains PYQs to get familiar with the difficulty and question style.
  
• PYQs act as a mirror, helping you see your preparation level and guide your study plan.
  

3. Join Test Series for Real-Time Practice

• Test series give exam-like conditions and help you practice under pressure.
  
• You get expert feedback on your answers to know where to improve.
  
• Track your progress over time and learn time management skills.
  
• Look for test series that cover the full syllabus and provide detailed performance analysis.
  

Daily writing practice is the foundation of APSC success. Start small, use PYQs strategically, and join structured test series. These habits develop exam techniques and confidence, helping you perform like top scorers.

Common Mistakes APSC Aspirants Make (and How Toppers Avoid Them)

Many APSC students lose marks even when they know their stuff because of simple, avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

1. Writing Everything You Know

• Some students write everything they remember about a topic instead of focusing on what the question asks.
  
• This is called “knowledge dump syndrome.”
  
• Toppers avoid this by choosing only relevant points. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
  

2. Ignoring Directive Words

• Questions often have words like “analyze,” “discuss,” or “review.”
  
• Many students miss these instructions and give incomplete answers.
  
• APSC Toppers pay attention to directives:
  
  • Discuss: Present multiple points of view.
    
  • Analyze: Break the topic into parts and explain.
    
  • Review: Assess strengths and weaknesses.
    

3. Skipping Conclusions

• Some students end their answers abruptly without a proper conclusion.
  
• Conclusions are important because they blend your arguments and show understanding.
• APSC Toppers always write a short, clear conclusion to leave a strong impression.
  

4. Messy Presentation

• Long, unbroken paragraphs or messy handwriting can make answers hard to read.
  
• Toppers use visual organization:
  
  • Break text into short paragraphs.
    
  • Use subheadings for each section.
    
  • Keep handwriting neat and consistent.
    

Tip: Following instructions and presenting your answer clearly shows good communication skills. Avoiding these common mistakes will make your answers look like a topper’s and help you score higher.

Also read : Common Top Mistakes to Avoid in APSC Mains Preparation

How APSC Toppers Review and Improve Their Writing

What makes the difference between average and excellent answers? APSC toppers know that regular and careful review improves their writing a lot. They don’t review sometimes—they do it systematically.

1. Self-Review and Peer Feedback

• Top candidates never just write and forget. They check their own work carefully.
  
• They reflect on what they wrote, see their improvements over time, and learn from mistakes.
  
• They also share answers with peers to get new ideas and spot gaps they might have missed.
  
• Study groups and online forums help get peer feedback to improve answers.
  

2. Compare with Model Answers

• After self-review, they compare their answers with top-quality examples from previous years.
  
• Coaching institutes help by showing what excellent answers look like.
  
• Expert tutors give personal guidance to improve writing style and content, pointing out mistakes students often miss.
  

3. Track Progress Weekly

• Reviewing answers regularly creates accountability.
  
• Looking back at past work helps identify repeated mistakes and areas that need improvement.
  
• Focusing on weak areas over time improves writing steadily to match toppers’ standards.
  

Conclusion

• Writing well for APSC is about more than knowledge—it’s about expressing it clearly. Use the IBC framework, include Assam-specific examples, and add visual tools like flowcharts, maps, and tables to make your answers stand out. Avoid common mistakes like writing too much irrelevant information or ignoring question directions. The real difference between an average student and APSC Toppers is not knowledge, but presentation. By following the IBC method, adding examples, using visuals, and daily practice, you too can write like APSC Toppers and secure your dream rank.

Key Takeaways

Master these proven writing techniques that APSC toppers use to score high marks and secure top ranks.

• Decode questions first: Spend 30–50 seconds identifying directive words like analyze, evaluate, or discuss before you start writing. This helps you stay on topic and avoid unnecessary information.
  
• Follow the IBC structure: Use the Introduction-Body-Conclusion format with clear subheadings and bullet points. This makes your answer easy to read and understand.
  
• Enrich with Assam-specific examples: Include local schemes, data, and case studies to show your understanding of the region and practical application. For example, mention programs like Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina or Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan.
  
• Use visual tools strategically: Add simple flowcharts, maps, or tables to explain complex points. This saves time, makes your answers clearer, and can earn extra marks.
  
• Practice daily with PYQs: Write one quality answer every day using previous year questions. This builds speed, improves structure, and helps you understand exam patterns. 

These are exactly the habits that define APSC Toppers and make them successful.

The main difference between average candidates and the APSC toppers isn’t just knowledge—it’s presentation. The APSC Mains rewards clear and well-organized answers more than a long list of facts. By practicing these techniques regularly and reviewing your work, you’ll develop the writing skills needed to perform well and increase your chances of success in civil services.