During our school days, when we were required to write essays, our primary focus was on filling the pages, regardless of the content. We often didn’t pay much attention to presenting facts, constructing arguments, or maintaining clarity of thought; we simply aimed to meet the page requirement. However, in UPSC and APSC mains, the approach is somewhat different. In this article, we will discuss how to develop the art of essay-writing and the effective essay-writing strategies for both UPSC and APSC Mains.
Here, the art of essay-writing is neither about filling the pages nor about language. The essay paper both in the UPSC and APSC demands presenting your arguments, values, and understanding your clarity of thought in a structured and convincing manner. This paper can either be a game-changer or a deal-breaker for you. When the GS papers test your factual knowledge, the essay tests your analytical ability, thinking capacity, structured arguments, and your ability to present a balanced view – skills that are important for a civil servant.
Understanding the Essay Paper Format
Before you write a single word, it’s important to understand the pattern of the essay in both exams.
UPSC Essay Format:
| Component | Details |
| Paper Structure | Two Sections: Section A and Section B |
| Total Essays to Write | One essay from each section |
| Marks per Essay | 125 marks |
| Total Marks | 250 marks |
| Word Limit per Essay | 1000–1200 words |
APSC Essay Format (as per revised syllabus):
| Component | Details |
| Paper Structure | Two Sections: Section A and Section B |
| Total Essays to Write | One essay from each section |
| Marks per Essay | 125 marks |
| Total Marks | 250 marks |
| Word Limit per Essay | 1000–1200 words |
UPSC Essay Paper: Decoding Its Evolving Pattern and Smart Approach
Since 2018, we can see the clear preference of UPSC for deeper and thought-provoking essay topics. Topics like “Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence” show the exam’s tilt towards abstract interpretations aligned with socio-environmental relevance. In the essay paper in both the UPSC and APSC mains, you have to write one essay from each of the two sections- typically one with a philosophical underpinnings and another related to the socio-political relevance of a contemporary topic.
Choosing the Right Essay Topic: A 5-Minute Decision Framework
In three hours, you need to write two essays, each worth 125 marks. It’s crucial not to waste a single moment, so take five minutes to choose your essay topics from the question paper. Many aspirants regret their choices; they select one topic, and by the end of the exam, they wish they had chosen a different one. Sometimes, they even doubt their choice midway through the exam. Therefore, be wise when selecting your essay topic.
- Look Beneath the Surface: When you go through the question, ask yourself: What broader theme is being addressed? Whether it’s sustainability, human behavior, or public policy, grasp the central concern early on.
- Apply the 3-P Check – Points, Perspective, Preparedness: Only go ahead with a topic if you can quickly align at least seven distinct dimensions with adequate depth and supporting examples.
- Avoid Polarizing or Vague Prompts: Highly ideological or overly abstract topics may lead you into a rabbit hole. Clarity, balance, and structure should guide your choice.
- Choose What Reflects You Best: Use your academic interests or writing style can guide your selection of topics. Those with a philosophical expertise may prefer metaphorical topics, while others might opt for data-rich, contemporary issues.
- Timebox Your Choice: Don’t spend more than five minutes on topic selection. Early clarity allows you to devote more time to brainstorming, organizing, and refining your content.
Types of Topics You May Encounter in an essay paper.
- Philosophical/Abstract: e.g., “Reality is an illusion.”
- Socio-political: e.g., “Democracy without education is meaningless.”
- Current Affairs: e.g., “Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?”
- Regional Issues: Especially in APSC (e.g., “Assam and its role in India’s federalism”)
What Makes an Essay for a Civil Service Aspirant?
A good essay should demonstrate both your intellectual abilities and your emotional intelligence. Examiners reward essays that showcase clarity of thought, balanced viewpoints, structured arguments, added value, diverse perspectives, and relevance.
- Clarity of Thought: No beating around the bush. Be direct and to the point while presenting your facts
- Balanced Viewpoints: Avoid keeping extreme opinions. Make strong foundation of your arguments. Connect the paragraphs with relevant exams, use case studies, draw data and facts. It will not only enhance the credibility in your essay but will also present a depth of the topic
- Structured Flow: It’s very important to put a Logical progression of ideas. Maintain coherency throughout the essay. Don’t make a series of disjoined points. Make careful planning, well-structured presentation of facts and add pros and cons.
- Relevance: Stick to the topic and avoid unnecessary elaboration, not because you have to fill up the empty pages.
Remember, your essay is a window into your mind. Make sure it shows depth, not just decoration.
Step-by-Step Essay Writing Strategy
- Topic Selection – See, don’t pick a philosophical topic just because it sounds impressive. Think wisely and choose a topic you understand well and can analyze from multiple dimensions. We should always go for clarity over complexity.
- Brainstorming and Ideation : Always spend 15-20 minutes to jotting down points, sub-points and examples. Do smart work and use frameworks like:
- PESTLE: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental
- SPERM: Social, Political, Economic, Religious, Moral
- Dimensions: Historical, Constitutional, Ethical, Administrative, Regional
- Structuring the Essay – Stick to a basic format:
- Introduction: Give your heart and soul to the introduction. Set the tone, define the theme
- Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should cover a dimension with examples. Try to make short paragraph that gives specific message.
- Quotes & Anecdotes : Enhance your score in essay paper by adding relevant quotes and anecdotes.
- Conclusion: Leave the examiner with a strong takeaway
- Writing the Introduction – Try to make an impactful introduction that directly aligns with the core theme of the essay topic. A strong foundation builds an impression to grasp the central arguments. The introductory para should reflect the preview of the key points to be discussed leading a roadmap that guides the evaluators through the subsequent sections. Give your heart and soul to make it captivating and engaging.
You can start with:
- A quote (relevant and explained)
- A short story or anecdote
- A question or paradox
Tip: Define key terms and outline your approach in 2–3 sentences.
- Body Development – In the body of the essay, you have to show your presentation skill. Make a comprehensive and well-structured details in support of your arguments. Make sure, you develop a logical progression of your arguments. Underline the important keywords.
- Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
- Use real-life examples: from India and Assam’s administration, historical figures, government schemes, etc.
- Quote reports (e.g., NITI Aayog, UNDP, Census, SDG data) wherever relevant.
- Maintain coherence: use linkers like “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “However”.
- Follow a coherent tone. Connect paragraphs and link the gaps.
- Use headings and sub-headings for clear connection of paragraphs and underline the important keywords.
- Conclusion –
Make the conclusion with deeper meanings and mention the dimensions so that it connects the discussion to ethical considerations. Don’t mention cliches like ‘In conclusion, I would like to say and all’. Try to make a thoughtful impression with a profound insight on the core theme of the essay and give a resonate closure.
Avoid clichés like “In conclusion, I would like to say…” Instead:
- Summarize your essay in 2–3 lines.
- Offer a vision for the future.
- End with a quote, suggestion, or hope for change.
- Language, Style, and Presentation – As mentioned you should always emphasize on clarity over complexity. Use simple words and avoid grammatical errors.
- Keep language simple and formal — no slang or overly flowery expressions
- Use short to medium-length sentences
- Prefer active voice
- Avoid spelling/grammar mistakes
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Developing the Art of Essay-Writing
- Writing GS-style essays: Avoid listing facts like a report. Adopt the narrative style and conservatory-like approach.
- Lack of structure: Jumbled thoughts = lower marks.
- Poor paragraphing: Avoid large, unbroken chunks of text.Also, don’t repeat the same point in multiple paragraphs
- Ignoring counterarguments: Don’t be one-sided.Avoid statistics without citation or explanation
- Verbose language: Use simple, impactful sentences. Don’t overuse jargons and technical terms.
Practice and Improvement Tips
- You can even move the mountain with your mindset. Don’t ignore this paper. Keep practicing. Develop a habit of writing at least one essay per week.
- Show your essays to your mentors, your seniors or your trusted coaching platform to get feedback. And work on the areas you need improvement.
- Read essays by toppers, analyse those and understand tone and structure.
- Practice with previous year essay topics from both UPSC and APSC.
- Follow editorials in The Hindu, Indian Express, Assam Tribune for essay fodder. It can help you to a great extent
Sample Essay Topics for Practice
Here are some probable topics for both UPSC and APSC aspirants:
Philosophical:
- “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
- “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Societal:
- “Education is the most powerful weapon for social transformation.”
- “Women empowerment in Northeast India: Challenges and Progress”
Current Affairs Based:
- “India @ 100: Challenges and Opportunities”
- “Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Governance”
State-Specific (APSC focus):
- “Role of Assam in India’s freedom struggle”
- “Brahmaputra: A lifeline under stress”
Final Takeaways
A bitter truth is that one can not develop the art of Essay writing overnight. Many aspirants tend to think that excelling in essay writing in UPSC and APSC is about showing ornamental language, domination over bombastic vocabulary. But let us break this myth. It’s not about showing off vocabulary—it’s about expressing leadership, empathy, and insight. If you can think clearly, structure your thoughts well, and present a balanced narrative, you can turn this paper into one of your highest-scoring ones.
“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
So, keep writing, keep thinking—and most importantly, keep improving.