The Civil Services Mains Exam 2024 conducted by UPSC began on 20th September 2024. The first exam under this was the essay paper from 9 am to 12 noon. After the completion of the exam, we are releasing the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 PDF and its questions in written format. Candidates who appeared in the exam have already read and attempted those topics, but these are useful for those candidates who are planning to take the exam in future or who have not attempted it. Students can download this essay question paper by clicking on the link given below:
UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 PDF Download
UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 – Topics
Write two essays of about 1000 -1200 words by choosing one topic from each of the following sections A and B:
Section A
- Forests precede civilizations, and deserts follow them.
- The empires of the future will be empires of the mind.
- There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path
- The doubter is a true man of science.
Section B
- Social media is triggering a ‘fear of missing out’ in the youth precipitating depression and loneliness.
- Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
- All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
- The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
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UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 Pattern
The essay paper is an important paper. The maximum marks allotted for it are 250 and it tests the candidate’s ability to create and present a well-reasoned essay on a wide range of topics.
Key Features of Essay Paper:
Duration of Exam: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 250
Sections: The paper generally consists of two sections. Candidates are required to write one essay from each section.
Section A: Generally, these topics focus on philosophical, abstract or conceptual issues that demand introspection and analysis.
Section B: This section focuses on contemporary issues, including political, social and economic topics.
Detailed Overview of UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024
The essay paper in the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam follows a specific pattern, designed to test the candidate's writing skills, critical thinking and ability to present ideas coherently. Here is a detailed overview of the pattern:
Duration: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 250
Number of Essays: Candidates are required to write two essays, each carrying 125 marks.
Word Limit: Around 1000-1200 words for each essay
There is no strict word limit, but candidates are expected to adhere to this limit
Topic Selection:
Candidates are given a choice of topics for each essay
Usually, there are 4-5 options for each of the two essays
Topics are often divided into two sections (A and B), with one essay to be chosen from each section
Topic Areas:
Topics can cover a number of areas, including:
Social Issues
Economic Affairs
Political Topics
Environmental Concerns
Science and Technology
Cultural Topics
Philosophical Ideas
Current Affairs
Abstract Concepts
Structure:
While there is no set structure, a well-written essay usually consists of:
Introduction
Main body (contains several paragraphs
Conclusion
Language:
Candidates can write in English or any language included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
However, most candidates choose the English language
Evaluation Criteria:
Although there is no clear official standard for checking the copy. There is a consensus among experts that like previous years, UPSC Main Essay Paper 2024 will be checked based on the following aspects:
Clarity of thought: How clearly the candidate expresses his/her viewpoint.
Coherence and structure: Logical flow of arguments and organization of ideas.
Critical analysis: Depth of analysis, originality of ideas, and balanced reasoning.
Use of examples: Ability to provide relevant examples to support the viewpoint from historical, current or hypothetical scenarios.
Language proficiency: Grammar, vocabulary, and overall presentation of ideas are also evaluated.
Stay tuned with us for a detailed analysis of topics asked in UPSC Main Exam Essay Paper 2024.
Wishing all the candidates all the best for the remaining exams!
