How Essay is a Game Changer in CSE?

After passing the Prelims, the first paper you'll encounter in the Mains is the Essay Paper. In terms of how many marks it is worth, it is one of the most significant parts of the entire exam.

  • The fact that most candidates believe their answer writing practice will be sufficient for earning 170 marks in the two essays makes it one of the parts of the Mains exams that is most frequently overlooked.
  • Let's talk about some myths and truths related to the essay paper.
  • The essay paper consists of two questions of 125 marks each, for a total of 250 marks.
  • For the first question, you can select one of four possible themes to write about.
  • Similarly, the 2nd question will again have 4 topics to choose from for you to write on one topic.
  • The genre of the questions could be:
    • Philosophical
    • Topical
    • Issues of international importance
  • The topics are from a wide range of subjects such as ‘women/gender issues’, ‘social justice’, ‘science and technology’, ‘environment’, ‘education’, ‘health’, the flagship programs of the union government and recent major happenings.
  • A UPSC aspirant is usually well versed with the recent happenings and topics mentioned above, yet most of them struggle hard to secure even 50% of the allotted 250 marks for the essay writing paper.
  • It is estimated that majority of the students score around 100 to 110 out of 250 total. A sizeable number score around 125 to 135 while only a handful of candidates cross 60% (150+) marks.
  • Reason: The majority of applicants succumb to the subtleties of the English language and move forward with a flawed understanding of the essay topic, while others succumb to worry or excessive haste. Jumping from one argument to another, using examples just for effect, and failing to maintain a consistent flow of information all lead to abrupt writing.
  • Mistake: Many candidates mistakenly believe that by reading for the GS and Optional exams, they have also finished studying for the essay exams. They don't even attempt to study for the essay portion of the exam, so they show up unprepared.
  • This strategy can end up costing you if you lose significant marks that could have made or broken your cut-off.

How to Write a Good Essay and Score Maximum in it?

A good strategy for Essay paper has three parts. The first two parts are like sharpening the axe and the last part is performance during the essay paper.

Part 1: Reading from apt sources

  • One should read compilations of essays by eminent people to understand how to convey ideas and understand issues from different perspectives.
  • Quotes: Make a list of quotes topic wise. For example, Quotes on transparency, freedom, media, and value-based education, etc.
  • Anecdotes: Stories that can provide good introduction.
  • Endings: Prepare forward looking conclusions that are short, multi-dimensional and optimistic.
  • Structure: Cover as many aspects as possible. Start analysing topics broadly.
  • Government Initiatives: Prepare schemes, policy, global indices, missions, programmes of the government in various fields.

Part 2: Practice

  • Join an essay test series; however it's not strictly compulsory. Regularly write essays and obtain input from friends and other candidates. You don't need a test series if you can continue to write frequently.
  • Don't be embarrassed to show non-aspirants your essays. They might provide you with some insightful feedback.
  • Try practising CSE essays from the last five years. Recurring motifs are present.
  • Practice several subjects such as philosophy, politics, economics, sustainable development, and science and technology.

Part 3: D-day

  • Now the third and most important is the day of exam. Performance in the paper is all that matters.
  • Topic Selection: Select a topic that reflects your strength. If you are not good at writing philosophical essays then don’t attempt it. This step holds the key.
  • Brainstorming: Take 10–20 minutes brainstorming for various aspects and linking them together in a structure. Make sure you have enough time to write the essay.
  • Sticking to the topic: A very fatal mistake is writing what you know rather than what is asked. Since you have prepared well and practiced it does not mean you have to write those things even though it is irrelevant to the topic. Read the topic of the essay after every page you write to ensure that you are sticking to it.
  • Generalist Approach: Your essay should appeal to the examiner. It should have all the aspects but there should be some form of analysis so that it doesn’t look like a long GS answer. Quotes, anecdotes, examples help in it. One can also add flowchart, diagram, etc.
  • Finish on time: Make sure you manage time well and do not leave the essay half completed or without an ending.

IAS/PCS Preparation Tips/Tricks