essay topics asked in upsc

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Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List. In this article, we have listed all the essay topics asked in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. We have also classified the last 25 years essay questions into topics to make your preparation easier.

Latest – See the UPSC Essay Topics in the IAS Mains 2020 Essay Paper. Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. (1994)
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. (1995)
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy. (1996)
• Need for transparency in public administration. (1996)
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. (2000)
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? (2003)

Democracy/India since independence

• Whither Indian democracy? (1995)
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? (2000)
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? (2001)
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? (2003)
• National identity and patriotism. (2008)
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy. (2012)
• Is the colonial mentality hindering India’s success? (2013)
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. (2015)
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task. (2018)

Economic growth and development

• Resource management in the Indian context. (1999)
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? (2014)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (2015)
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. (2016)
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (2016)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. (2016)
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. (2017)

Federalism, Decentralisation

• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. (1998)
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. (2004)
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. (2007)
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? (2007)
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication. (2011)
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. (2016)
• Water disputes between States in federal India. (2016)

Indian Culture & Society

• The Indian society at the crossroads. (1994)
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion. (1996)
• The composite culture of India. (1998)
• Youth culture today. (1999)
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. (2000)
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? (2000)
• As civilization advances culture declines. (2003)
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? (2010)
• Judicial activism. (1997)
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. (2004)
• Justice must reach the poor. (2005)

Social justice/Poverty

• Reservation, politics and empowerment. (1999)
• Food security for sustainable national development. (2005)
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. (2009)
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India. (2017)
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. (2018)

Media & Society

• Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. (1998)
• Mass media and cultural invasion. (1999)
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. (2002)
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? (2007)
• Role of media in good governance. (2008)
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? (2011)
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? (2014)

Environment/Urbanisation

• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997)
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. (2006)
• Urbanisation and its hazards. (2008)
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? (2010)
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. (2017)

Economic sectors/MNCs

• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs. (1994)
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. (2006)
• BPO boom in India. (2007)
• Special economic zone: boon or bane? (2008)
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? (2009)
• Is the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified? (2012)
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? (2014)
• Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
• Irrelevance of the classroom. (2001)
• Privatization of higher education in India. (2002)
• Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
• What is real education? (2005)
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. (2006)
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood. (2007)
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses? (2008)
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges. (2011)
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? (2014)
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? (2014)
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (2015)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. (2017)
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. (1997)
• Woman is god’s best creation. (1998)
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. (1999)
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
• Whither women’s emancipation? (2004)
• If women ruled the world. (2005)
• The hand that rocks the cradle. (2005)
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. (2006)
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal? (2012)
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. (2016)
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. (2017)

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
• Useless life is an early death. (1994)
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. (1995)
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. (1995)
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
• Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
• True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. (2002)
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (2002)
• If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)
• Be the change you want to see in others. (2013)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. (2014)
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. (2014)
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. (2015)
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. (2018)
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. (2018)
• Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man. (2007)
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin. (2008)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. (2015)
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. (2016)
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. (2017)
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. (2018)
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. (2018)
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life. (2018)

Globalisation

• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. (1994)
• The world of the twenty-first century. (1998)
• The implications of globalization for India. (2000)
• My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
• The masks of new imperialism. (2003)
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. (2004)
• ‘Globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’. (2009)
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. (2010)

Science & Tech

• The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
• Value-based science and education. (1999)
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. (2001)
• Spirituality and scientific temper. (2003)
• The lure of space. (2004)
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible? (2012)
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. (2013)
• Technology cannot replace manpower. (2015)
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. (2018)

Internet/IT

• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. (2000)
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. (2006)
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run. (2016)
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium. (2017)

International organisations/relations

• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities. (1996)
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN cooperation. (2004)
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. (2006)
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world. (2017)
• Terrorism and world peace. (2005)
• Are we a ‘soft’ state? (2009)
• Good fences make good neighbours. (2009)
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism. (2011)

Miscellaneous

• India’s contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
• The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
• Geography may remain the same; history need not. (2010)
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (2014)
• Quick but steady wins the race. (2015)

When preparing for IAS Mains, aspirants must focus on UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise as this will improve one’s speed, efficiency and writing skills. It will automatically help in essay writing as well. 

Also, read:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc, q 2. does handwriting matter in upsc.

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2024's Essay Topics for UPSC: Themes and Approaches

• Mujtaba Hussain
• 03 Apr 2024

The UPSC essay paper is one of nine papers in the UPSC Mains examination. It allows candidates to express their views on social, economic, and political concerns. UPSC often selects themes that are relevant to current events or have a significant influence on society. The Upsc Essay Topics fluctuate each year, and candidates never know what they will be. They might be about the current status of economy, social issues, art and culture, or how the media influences our lives.

Furthermore, it is a good idea to understands previous years' essay papers to get a sense of what may be requested. This will help you for the UPSC 2024 essay writing practice and do well in the exam. With enough practice, you may improve your essay writing skills for the UPSC test. The IAS Essay portion is quite crucial in the UPSC exam. It carries 250 points, and you must complete two essay questions of 1000 to 1200 words each within three hours. Here are some important UPSC 2024 essay topics that you must know.

Environment

1.        Organic Farming in India

2.        Shifting of Earth's Geo-Magnetic field and its impact

3.        Money Laundering and Illegal Wildlife trade

4.        Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity

5.        Ban on plastic: Environment vs. Economy

6.        Seed Bombs: Solution to Man-Animal Conflict

7.        Biodiversity Conservation– Our Solutions are in Nature

8.        Merger of Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Pros and Cons

9.        Growing Pollution in Rivers

10.    Net Zero Carbon Emission

Social Issues

1.        Transparent Taxation- honoring the honest platform

2.        Urban exclusion of migrant workers in India is a reality and needs urgent robust policy measures.

3.        Economic Growth and Development are shaped by the societies in which they operate.

4.        The ‘Dunki’ route to illegal migration

5.        Social media is the fourth pillar of democracy

6.        Lack of civic sense among Indians is pushing the country backwards

7.        Legalizing Betting in India

8.        Caste Census: Equity or casteism?

9.        Feminism

10.    The Cry of Transgenders

11.    Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion

12.    Sub-categorisation of castes in India

13.    How does a leader impact the destiny of his country?

14.    One Nation, One Ration Card

15.    Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition

16.    Elderly Population in India

Indian polity

1.        Atmanirbhar Bharat

2.        India and SDGs

3.        Falling parliamentary morals in India

4.        India needs aggressive and pragmatic neighborhood policy

5.        Is the era of coalitions over?

6.        India as the World’s fifth largest economy

7.        Controversies surrounding the Present-day NDA government in India

8.        Supreme Court Judgment on Demonetisation

9.        India’s Neighbourhood Policy

10.    Supreme Court Judgment on Jammu and Kashmir

11.    India China border issues – Where is it headed?

12.    New India @75

13.    Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards

14.    India’s Participation in Central Asian Region

15.    Presidential vs Parliamentary form of government: which one India should go for?

16.    Pro poor policies of Modi Government

17.    Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development

18.    India’s deepening malnutrition

19.    One nation one election

20.    Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity

1.        Non-Performing Assets and their impact on economy

2.        India becoming a leader in Renewable Energy

3.        Central Bank Digital Currency by RBI

4.        Fugitive Economic Offenders and the need to bring them back

5.        Global Recession and shapes of Economy

6.        Government’s Vision of Amrit Kaal

7.        RBI’s strategies to tackle inflation in Economy

8.        50 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts: Giant leap towards financial inclusion

9.        Privatization in Defence Manufacturing

10.    Crypto-currency and issues related to it

11.    Need of the Hour is to Maximize Possibilities of Agriculture in India

12.    How important is flow of money for the economy?

13.    Growing trends of Privatisation

14.    India to be the world’s third largest economy

15.    Is a 70-Hour Work Week Healthy?

International Relations

1.        Importance of regional trade blocs like NAFTA, RCEP etc.

2.        SCO and its evolution

3.        Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on geopolitics

4.        G20 New Delhi Summit

5.        Climate Diplomacy and COP 28

6.        Democracy in its neighbourhood is in India’s interest

7.        Rising Chinese hegemony in Indo-Pacific and implications for India

8.        10 years of One Belt One Road (OBOR) Policy and India's Counter

9.        Israel-Hamas Conflict and Operation Ajay

10.    India: From SAARC to BIMSTEC

11.    NASA’s Artemis Program

12.    Has UNSC become redundant?

13.    IMEEEC and its prospects

UPSC 2024 Essay Writing Practice Tips

1. Draft a rough version of the essay topic. An impressive essay must follow a set format. In what way will you begin? Which dimensions pertain to the subject matter? How are you going to proceed with your analysis to explain it? Which instances will you give for each dimension? In what way will you wrap up? Writing naturally would be simpler for you if you had previously written a draft. 2. Expand on the subject It's not necessary to convince the examiner of your argument with a single, well-written, and repeated explanation. Rather, the emphasis need to be on writing with depth. The essay must have connections. Let's start with a story. Can you imagine the examiner's reaction when you link the story from the beginning to the conclusion? 3. Use expressive and good language. While the examiner only considers content when assigning a grade for a General Studies paper, other factors such as "coherence," "language used," and "effective and exact expression" are also taken into account. Essay must be structured such that a reader who is unfamiliar with it won't feel that there is a break in the flow and may gradually understand the concept without feeling that it is unfinished due to glaring language and spelling errors. 4. Compose a Strong Summary The beginning must include background information or a fact by using the latest context. Naturally, use some creativity when writing relevant information and avoid doing so for the purpose of creativity alone. Use instances, tales from real life, and anecdotes that you come across in novels, books, and newspapers can serve as excellent starting points for discussing the subject. 5 . Join the dots In order to keep the essay flowing, connections are crucial. A paragraph should not be ended carelessly without providing a succinct conclusion to the idea. Similar to this, you may make the point and connection flow more easily by using connectors while switching between ideas. The extent to which you can discuss certain dimensions depends on how well you grasp the subject. 6. Compose a strong conclusion When writing the UPSC 2024 essay topics, you must demonstrate to the examiner why, as an administrator, you remain upbeat and positive about the future despite all of the issues you address in your essay. The summary should be succinct enough to wrap up the whole point that you made in the paragraphs. Make sure the ending has some substance in addition to being somewhat lovely. Additionally, as a finishing touch, be sure to constantly make a connection between the Introduction and the Conclusion so the examiner knows you weren't just writing an essay but also that you can effectively explain and communicate yourself.

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WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

Following are the topics on which our followers have written (and writing essays) every Sunday to hone their essay writing skills. The topics are chosen based on UPSC previous year topics. Writing one essay on each Sunday will help you get better marks in this paper.

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 1 CSE 2017

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 25 CSE 2015

ESSAY STRATEGY by Topper – Rank 40 CSE 2015

• [VIDEO] How to Improve Marks in Essay and Ethics Papers?
• [VIDEO] How to Write Philosophical Essays

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2024

• 18 August, 2024 : A Budget Tells Us What We Cannot Afford, But It Doesn’t Keep Us from buying it
• 11 August, 2024 : The world is not magic and that is the most magical thing about it. 
• 4 August, 2024 : Art is I; Science is We. 
• 28 July, 2024 : History, in general, only informs us what bad government is
• 21 July, 2024 : Sarcasam : the last refuge of the chaste-souled individuals when their privacy is coarsely invaded.
• 14 July, 2024 : Wound is the place where light enters you
• 7 July, 2024 : What is Religion to One is Superstition To Another
• June 30, 2024 : Gender Is Spectrum
• June 23, 2024 : Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
• June 16, 2024 : Saint Has A Past. Sinner Has A Future
• June 9, 2024 : The worst disease in the world today is corruption and the cure for it is transparency.
• June 2, 2024 : Escape Competition Through Authenticity.
• May 26, 2024 : Creativity Is Allowing Yourself to Make Mistakes. Art Is Knowing Which Ones to Keep.
• May 19 2024 : In No Man’s Land, the only way to survive is to adapt.
• May 12, 2024 : Economics is concerned with what emerges, not what anyone intended.
• May 5, 2024 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.
• April 28, 2024 : We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
• April 21, 2024 : Well done is better than well said.
• April 14, 2024 : Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative. 
• April 07, 2024 : Came from plant, use it; made in plant, don’t.
• March 30, 2024 : A Business That Makes Nothing More Than Money Is Poor Business
• March 24, 2024 : If Voting Really Made Difference, They Would Not Let Us Do It
• March 17, 2024 : Cinema Is Not A Slice Of Life, But A Piece Of Cake. 
• March 10, 2024 : Education Can give skill, but a liberal education can give dignity
• March 3, 2024 : Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself
• February 25, 2024 : Who Looks Inside Awakes, Who Looks Outside Dream
• February 18, 2024 : Never Let School Interfere With Your Education
• February 11, 2024 : Whoever Controls the Media Controls the Mind
• February 04, 2024 : A certain darkness is needed to see the stars
• January 28, 2024 : Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
• January 21, 2024 : Subtle Is powerful
• January 14, 2024 : The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. 
• January  07, 2024 : Give them Quality. That’s The Best Kind of Advertising

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2023

• December 31, 2023 : The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain
• December 24, 2023 : All Great Changes Are Preceded By Chaos
• December 17, 2023 : We are drowning in information, but starved for Knowledge
• December 10, 2023 : Violence Is the last resort of the incompetent
• December 03, 2023 : Be a Voice, Not an Echo
• November 26, 2023 : A Society that has more justice is the society that needs less charity
• November 19, 2023 : Sell Your Cleverness and Buy Bewilderment
• November 12, 2023 : love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within
• November 5, 2023 : Clothes Make The Man
• October 29, 2023 : Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
• October 22, 2023 : Mathematics is the music of reason
• October 15, 2023 : Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines
• October 08, 2023 : Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
• October 01, 2023 : Not All Who Wander Are Lost
• September 24, 2023 : Visionary Decision-Making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic
• September 17, 2023 : Thinking Is Like A game. It does not begin unless there is an opposition team.
• September 10, 2023 : Unless we have well-educated people, we are vulnerable on National Security
• September 03, 2023 : Harsh Laws are, at times, better than No laws
• August 27, 2023 : Nations Do Not Die From Invasion. They Die From Internal Rottenness
• August 20, 2023 : In Individuals, insanity is rare; In groups, parties and nations, it is the rule.
• August 13, 2023 : Economics Is Too Important To Leave To The Economists.
• August 06, 2023 : A self without a book-shelf is naked.
• July 30, 2023 : Wrong Choices Lead To Right Places
• July 23, 2023 : Credit where credit is due.
• July 16, 2023 : A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take away from you.
• July 9, 2023 : The measure of intelligence is the ability to change
• July 2, 2023 : Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. 
• June 25, 2023 : In the long run , the sword will always be conquered by the spirit
• June 18, 2023 : The company you keep determines your Success
• June 11, 2023 : A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• June 4, 2023 : Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future but to shape it
• May 28, 2023 : Action breeds confidence and courage
• May 21, 2023 : A library is a hospital for the mind
• May 14, 2023 : Self-Education is Life-Long Curiosity
• May 7, 2023 : Silence is Spurious Golden
• April 30, 2023 : The price of greatness is responsibility
• April 23, 2023 : Progress is impossible without change
• April 16, 2023 : The Impact of Artificial Intelligence.
• April 9, 2023 : People would rather believe than know.
• April  2, 2023 : Prioritizing education technology for global growth
• March 26, 2023 : Technology is a weapon against poverty
• March 19, 2023 : Every choice you make makes you
• March 12, 2023 : Patience is a virture ; virtue is a grace
• March 5, 2023 : Before any fight, it is the fight of mind
• February 26, 2023 :  The Measure of a man is what he does with Power.
• February 19, 2023 : When you kill time, you kill life.
• February 12, 2023 : Delayed success mostly stays forever.
• February 05, 2023 : The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
• January 29, 2023 : Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.
• January 22, 2023 : I am what I am, so take me as I am
• January 15, 2023 : Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased
• January 08, 2023 : Time hurts but it also heals. It punishes but it rewards too- it is the greatest teacher ever for a human.
• January 01, 2023 : The Beginning is the End and the End is The Beginning.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2022

• December 25, 2022 : To tolerate is purely an act of mind
• December 18, 2022 : The arc of moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice
• December 11, 2022 : Religion is a culture of faith; Science is a culture of doubt.
• December 04, 2022 : My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read
• November 27, 2022 : Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits
• November 20, 2022 : We are always blind as we want to be
• November 13, 2022  : By your stumbling, the world is perfected.
• November 6, 2022 : You cannot step twice in the same river
• October 30, 2022 : Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
• October 23, 2022 : A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• October 16, 2022 : The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
• October 9, 2022 : A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for
• October 2, 2022 : History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
• September 25, 2022 : Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• September 18, 2022 : Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
• September 11, 2022 : Culture changes with economic development.
• September 4 2022 : We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.
• August 28 2022 :  The obstacle is the path.
• August 21 2022 : What is to give light must endure burning.
• August 14 2022 : “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” Aristotle.
• August 7 2022 : Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein
• July 31, 2022 : A bad conscience is easier to cope with than a bad reputation. Friedrich Nietzsche.
• July 24, 2022 : Time is all we have and don’t
• July 17, 2022 : Life fritters away when distractions become your lifestyle
• July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn July 10, 2022 : After every darkness comes the dawn
• July 3, 2022 : Mind – a beautiful servant? Or a dangerous master?
• June 26, 2022 : Education Breeds Peace
• June 19, 2022 : A great leader is never angry
• June 12, 2022 : That which hurts, instructs; That which instructs, creates; Creates Wonders!
• June 05, 2022 : Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do
• May 29, 2022 : The journey is a reward as well as destination
• May 22, 2022 : Imagination creates reality
• May 15, 2022 : The curious paradox is, only if we accept things as they are, things can change
• May 08, 2022:  The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves, while wiser people are so full of doubts
• May 01, 2022:  Loyalty To Country Always. Loyalty To Government Only When It Deserves
• April 24, 2022: Successful Investing Is Anticipating The Anticipations of Others
• April 17, 2022: Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear
• April 10, 2022 : Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn
• April 03, 2022 : Forgiveness is the final form of love
• March 27, 2022 : The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless
• March 20, 2022 : Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.
• March 13, 2022 : Everything we hear is an opinion; not a fact
• March 5, 2022 : There are better practices to “best practices”
• February 27, 2022 : History repeats itself first as a tragedy second as a farce.
• February 20, 2022 : What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• February 13, 2022 : Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
• February 6, 2022 : The real is rational and the rational is real.
• January 30, 2022 : Philosophy of Wantlessness Is Utopian, while the philosophy of materialism is chimera.
• January 23, 2022 : Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• January 16, 2022 : The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• January 09, 2022 : Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom
• January 02, 2022 : Biased Media Is A Real Threat To Indian Democracy

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2021

• December 26, 2021 : What Gets Measured Gets Managed
• December 19, 2021 : The enemy of stability is complacency
• December 12, 2021 : A clear conscience fears no accusation
• December 05, 2021 : Power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas
• November 28, 2021 : The whole is more than a sum of its parts
• November 21, 2021 : Scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity
• November 14, 2021 : The price of our vitality is the sum of all our fears
• November 7, 2021 : Lawlessness is the result of failure to cultivate a sense of self-evaluation
• October 30, 2021 : What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make
• October 24, 2021 : Science for the economic freedom of humanity
• October 17, 2021 : An interdependent world cannot be an inequitable world
• October 03, 2021 : Strength comes from an indomitable Will
• SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 : Ethnocracy and concentration of power can derail even an affluent nation
• SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 : Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.
• SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 : Culture of entitlement comes with unreasonable expectations and insecurities 
• SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 : Literacy is a vital skill that enhances dignity, improves health outcomes, empowers people to access their rights and bolsters opportunities
• AUGUST 29, 2021 : A parliamentary system of government rests on a functioning opposition as ‘no democracy can do without it’.
• AUGUST 22, 2021 : Development must lead to dismantle all kinds of human unfreedom
• AUGUST 15, 2021 : Sport is a reflection of larger social phenomena
• AUGUST 8, 2021 : Every social stratum has its own Common Sense and its own good sense
• AUGUST 1, 2021 : Capitalism without competition is not Capitalism. It is Exploitation.
• JULY 25, 2021 : We don’t have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment
• JULY 18,2021 : We Need not a social conscience, but a social consciousness.
• JULY 11, 2021 : The cure for evils of democracy is more democracy.
• JULY 04, 2021 : No Constitution by itself achieves perfect justice
• JUNE 27, 2021 : Our world has achieved brilliance without conscience.
• JUNE 20, 2021 : Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible.
• JUNE 13, 2021 : Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
• JUNE 06, 2021 : The political problem of mankind is to combine three things: economic efficiency, social justice and individual liberty.
• MAY 30, 2021 : Economics without ethics is a caricature & ethics without economics is a fairy tale.
• MAY 23 , 2021 : Indecisiveness is the rival of Progression
• MAY 16 , 2021 : Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.
• May 09, 2021 : The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth
• May 02, 2021 : The truth of character is expressed through choice of act ions
• April 25, 2021 : It is not our differences that divide us; It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.
• April 18, 2021 : Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• April 11, 2021 : Solutions emerge if situations are not forced
• April 04, 2021 : Morality is subservient to materialistic values in present times
• March 28, 2021 : Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible
• March 21, 2021 : Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence but are a reflection of it
• March 14, 2021 : The Future of Multilateralism : Towards a responsible Globalization
• March 07, 2021 : Subtlety may deceive you; Integrity never will
• February 28, 2021 :Technology as the silent factor in international relations
• February 21, 2021 :Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
• February 14, 2021:There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
• February 07, 2021: Culture is what we are civilization is what we have
• January 31, 2021: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
• January 24, 2021: Ships do not sink because of water around them , ships sink because of water that gets into them
• January 17, 2021: Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
• January 10, 2021: Life is long journey between human being and being humane
• January 03, 2021: The Covid pandemic has revealed the urgent need for effective governance everywhere”
• December 27, 2020: Challenges of 21st Century – insurmountable?
• December 20, 2020: Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
• December 13, 2020: Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2020

• December 06, 2020 : As you Start to walk on the way, the Way appears
• November 29, 2020: Need of the Hour is to Maximise Possibilities of Agriculture in India
• November 22, 2020: The survival of democracy depends on its ability to lower social uncertainty
• November 15, 2020: There is no greatness where there is no simplicity
• November 08, 2020: Inequality can be Reduced by the Power of the Market rather than the Government
• November 01, 2020: Civil liberties are fundamental to the functioning of modern democracies
• October 25, 2020: Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
• October 18, 2020: Wherever law ends, tyranny begins
• October 11, 2020:Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity
• September 27, 2020: Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions
• September 20, 2020: In India Agriculture and the Farmer are both the Victims of Narrow Political Vision
• September 13, 2020: India Needs Aggressive and Pragmatic Neighbourhood Policy
• September 6, 2020: “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his  attitude .
• August 30, 2020: The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal
• August 23, 2020: Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
• August 16, 2020: Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.
• August 09, 2020: Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value
• August 02, 2020: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
• July 26, 2020: In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility
• July 19, 2020: Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance
• July 12, 2020: The human spirit must prevail over technology
• July 05, 2020: When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
• June 28, 2020: Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity.
• June 21, 2020: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
• June 14, 2020: Post Independence, the Issue of Land is at the Core of India’s Non-Achievement of Its Development Aspirations
• June 7, 2020: Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste
• May 31, 2020: Despite Challenges, To be a Healthy and Successful Nation, India must Ensure Universal Health Coverage 
• May 24, 2020: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
• May 17, 2020:The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little
• May 10, 2020: Urban Exclusion of Migrant Workers in India is a Reality and Needs Urgent Robust Policy Measures
• May 03, 2020: Uncertainty should ignite creativity, not depravity
• April 26, 2020: The fool doth think he is wise but the wise man knows himself to be a fool
• April 19, 2020: Social Harmony, not Social Distancing, is the final solution to all our problems
• April 12, 2020: It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities
• April 05, 2020: Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking
• March 29, 2020: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them”
• March 22, 2020: In order to understand the world one has to turn away from it on occasion
• March 15, 2020: Pandemics such as COVID-19, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
• March 08, 2020: Those who have wisdom have all: Fools with all have nothing
• March 01, 2020: Indifferentism is the worst kind of disease that can affect people.
• [VIDEO] Perspectives on Essay Topic of Feb 23
• February 23, 2020: To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.
• February 16, 2020 : When civil services does its job, people will not need social service
• February 09, 2020 : The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
• February 02, 2020: Ability will get you success, Character will keep you successful.
• January 26, 2020: Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion.
• January 19, 2020: Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes
• January 12, 2020 : Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
• J anuary 5, 2020 : All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal
• December 29, 2019 : There cannot be daily democracy without daily citizenship
• December 22, 2019: War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
• December 15, 2019 : Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a peaceful society
• December 08, 2019: Justice Loses Character if it becomes Revenge
• December 01. 2019: Economic Growth and Development are Shaped by the Societies in which they Operate
• November 24, 2019: Social Media is the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 17, 2019: Media is No More a Fourth Pillar of Democracy
• November 10, 2019: Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling
• November 03, 2019:Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy
• October 27, 2019: Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
• October 20, 2019: South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities
• October 13, 2019: Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
• October 06, 2019: Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• September 29, 2019: Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• September 22, 2019: Wisdom finds truth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2019

• September 15, 2019: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
• September 08, 2019: India’s Space Ambitions – Are they Welfarist?
• September 01, 2019: India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
• August 25, 2019 Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
• August 18, 2019 The mind is everything. What you think you become.
• August 11, 2019: Virtue is Knowledge
• August 04, 2019: Inclusive governance begets Inclusive growth
• July 28, 2019: India’s headache: Unemployment or Underemployment?
• July 21, 2019: The road to science and spirituality are opposite, but we should tread both
• July 14, 2019: India is a leading power, rather than just a balancing power
• July 07, 2019: Should the world embrace democratic socialism or progressive capitalism?
• June 30, 2019: Impact of Digital Revolution on Human Wellbeing
• June 23, 20 19: Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty
• June 16, 2019: The definition of happiness is the full use of your powers, along the lines of excellence.
• June 09, 2019: Not Corruption, Communalism is the Greatest Threat India is facing Today
• May 19, 2019: First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
• May 12, 2019: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake
• May 05, 2019: Happiness equals reality minus expectations
• April 28, 2019: Political correctness is tyranny with manners
• April 21, 2019: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
• April 07, 2019: Dogma is the sacrifice of wisdom to consistency
• March 31, 2019: The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
• March 24, 2019: Terrorism has No Religion
• March 17, 2019: Money and Religion – Great Unifiers of Humankind?
• March 10, 2019: Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay
• March 03, 2019: Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower
• February 24,2019: Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens
• February 17, 2019: Problems worthy of attack prove their worth by fighting back
• February 10, 2019: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
• February 03, 2019: You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality
• January 27, 2019: Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
• January 20, 2019: All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
• January 12, 2019: All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.
• January 06, 2019: National security is Irreversibly linked to good economic growth

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2018

• December 28, 2018: To plan for smart development, governments and business must recognize nature’s role in supporting economic activity
• December 23, 2018: Government Surveillance – Good or Bad?
• December 16, 2018: Trade Wars – Economic or Geopolitical?
• December 02, 2018: Immigration is Not a Threat, but Fundamentally it’s an Economic Issue
• November 25, 2018: A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• November 18, 2018: “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• November 11, 2018: A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• November 04, 2018: Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task
• October 28, 2018: Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
• October 21, 2018: Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• October 14, 2018: Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it
• October 07, 2018: Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• September 30, 2018: Commercialization of Space : Importance and the need for regulation
• September 23, 2018: E-commerce as a new form of trade and its challenges to India.
• September 16, 2018: Ability is nothing without opportunity
• September 09, 2018: Death Penalty eliminates Criminals, not Crime.
• September 02, 2018: Dissent is the foundation of democracy.
• August 26, 2018: Mars Mission and Mob lynchings are two obverse faces of India
• August 19, 2018: Strengthening Land Rights Strengthens Development
• August 12, 2018: Age of Big Data: Data is the New Oil, History is its oldest bank
• August 05, 2018: Strong Institutions and fair procedures, not personalities constitute the fundamentals of good governance
• July 29, 2018: Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• July 22, 2018: Section 377, not the carnal acts banned under it is ‘against the order of nature ‘
• July 15, 2018: Schooling Is Not Education
• July 08, 2018: Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.
• July 01, 2018: Normal human activity is worse for nature than the greatest nuclear accident in history
• June 24, 2018: Gender Sensitive Indian Society is Prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment
• June 17, 2018: Where Should India Invest More – Human Capital or Human Development?
• June 10, 2018: Has Democracy Taken Backseat Due to the Rise of Populists and Demagogues?
• June 03, 2018: We won’t have a society ,if we destroy the environment
• May 27, 2018: Can Development and Environment Protection Go Together?
• May 20, 2018: Governor is the Choke Point of Federal Circuit of India
• May 13, 2018: Anonymity is the Best and the Worst Feature of Urbanism
• May 06, 2018: A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes
• April 29, 2018: Guaranteeing Right to Vote may Establish a Democracy, But Ensuring it’s Right Use Only Will Bring a True Democracy
• April 22, 2018: Stereotyping is an Ideological Force Which Hinders and Endangers Consolidation of India
• April 15, 2018: Can Education and legislation Address Violence Against Women and Children in India?
• April 8, 2018: Banking Crisis in India – Failure of Governance and Regulation?
• April 1, 2018: Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights
• March 25, 2018: Impact of Technology on Human Relations and Human Productivity
• March 18, 2018: India’s Focus should be on Ease of Living, not on Easy of Doing Business
• March 11, 2018: A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody
• March 04, 2018: Capitalism can not Bring Inclusive Growth
• February 25, 2018: The unprecedented advance of technologies facilitate individual empowerment but at the cost of Institutions and Democratic societies
• February 18, 2018: Threats being Faced by Liberal Democratic Systems are both Dangerous and Permanent
• February 11, 2018: For India, Stigmatised Capitalism is Better than Crony Socialism
• February 04, 2018: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.
• January 28, 2018: Politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak
• January 21, 2018: Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime
• January 14, 2018: Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding
• January 07, 2018: The Root Cause of Agrarian Distress in India – Failure of Policies or Failure of Governance?

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2017

• December 31, 2017: Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
• December 24, 2017: Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth
• December 17, 2017: Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• December 10, 2017: Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India
• December 03, 2017: Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
• November 19, 2017: Has the Non- Alignment Movement(NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world
• November 12, 2017: Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• November 04, 2017: We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws
• October 29, 2017: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
• October 22, 2017: Harith Diwali, Swasth Diwali : What measures are needed to deal with Festivity and Air Pollution?
• October 15, 2017: Biggest Threat to Humanity – Moral Crisis or Climate Change?
• October 08, 2017: The monsoon is a defining aspect of India’s nationhood
• October 01, 2017: India’s Infrastructure Story – Why is India not able to Build like China?
• September 24, 2017: Impact of Digital Technologies on Globalisation
• September 17, 2017: Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management in India – Challenges and Opportunities
• September 10,2017: Gender Equality and Peace: Are They Connected?
• September 03, 2017: Recent Natural Disasters – What do they Reveal about Humanity?
• August 27, 2017: Godmen – A Threat to Indian Society and Culture
• August 20, 2017: Corruption in India: Neither Systemic Reforms nor Surgical Strikes would End it
• August 13,2017: Interrelationship between Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
• August 06, 2017: Utility and relevance of Parliament in our polity
• July 30, 2017: Caste System – Source of India’s Eternal Inequality?
• July 23, 2017: Indian Democracy, Media and Public Opinion – Does Public Opinion Matter in Policymaking?
• July 16, 2017: Poverty and Environment – Their Interrelationship is the Key to Sustainable World
• July 09, 2017: Soft Power is India’s Strength, not its Weakness
• July 02, 2017: Technology and Jobs – Is Technology a Curse?
• June 25, 2017: Democracy’s Relevance in the Face of New Global Threats
• June 18, 2017: Federalism in India – Competitive or Cooperative?
• June 11, 2017: Peace, Environment and Development: Are these Interrelated?
• June 04, 2017: Role of Technology in Development – Is Technology Helping or Hindering Development?
• May 28, 2017: Poverty is a State of Mind
• May 21, 2017: Does India Need Superpower Status?
• May 14, 2017: India’s Achilles Heel – Lack of Ambition or Lack of Leadership in Achieving Greatness?
• May 07, 2017: Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.
• April 29, 2017: The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation
• April 23, 2017: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom
• April 16, 2017: One-Party-Dominant System – Is it Good for India?
• April 09, 2017: Should Youth in India Consider Politics as Career?
• April 02, 2017: Can World Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War?
• March 26, 2017: Low, stagnating female labour-force participation in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?
• March 19, 2017: When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw
• March 12, 2017: The marks humans leave are too often scars
• March 05, 2017: Environmental Challenges and Geopolitics: How to save our Environment?
• February 27, 2017: Radical Solutions are Needed to Address Today’s Radical Problems
• February 19, 2017: India’s Importance in the Post-truth World
• February 12, 2017: The Role of Politics in Development
• February 05, 2017: Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
• January 29, 2017: Building Walls and Banning Refugees – Does this Help Humanity?
• January 22, 2017: Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality
• January 15, 2017: Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run
• January 08, 2017: Water disputes between states in federal India
• January 01, 2017: Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

WEEKLY UPSC IAS ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2016

• (December 25, 2016) – Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• (December 18, 2016) – Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
• (December 11, 2016) – Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• (December 04, 2016) – If development is not engendered, it is endangered
• (November 27, 2016) – Social media is better at breaking things than at making things
• (November 20, 2016) – Deglobalization is good for the world
• (November 12, 2016) – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others
• (November 06, 2016) – It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence
• (October 30, 2016) – Reducing Poverty while also Conserving Nature is an Impossible Task
• (October 23, 2016) – Poverty can be eliminated by putting science at the heart of development
• (October 16, 2016) – People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people
• (October 09, 2016) – Better Access is Key to Inclusive Cities
• (October 02, 2016) – The weaker sections of Indian society – Are their Rights and Access to Justice Getting Better?
• (September 25, 2016) – Imagination is more important than intelligence
• (September 18, 2016) – Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life
• (September 11, 2016) – Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance
• (September 04, 2016) – It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
• (August 28, 2016) – If one can Address Moral Crisis, many of World’s Problems can be Solved
• (August 21, 2016) – Overdependence on Technology will Advance Human Development
• (August 14, 2016) – Geography may remain the same ; history need not
• (August 07, 2016) – Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom
• (July 31, 2016) – To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all
• (July 24, 2016) – True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing
• (July 17, 2016) – We Can Not Fight Terrorism – We have to Live With it
• (July 10, 2016) – A house divided against itself cannot stand
• (July 02, 2016) – When the going gets tough, the tough get going
• (June 26, 2016) – India a Reluctant Participant in the New Global Order?
• (June 19, 2016) – Inclusiveness in India – Still a Dream?
• (June 12, 2016) – No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
• (June 05, 2016) – Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted
• (May 29, 2016) – It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere
• (May 22, 2016) – Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress
• (May 15, 2016) – Fire is a good servant but a bad master
• (May 08, 2016) – The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
• (May 01, 2016) – Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Development
• (April 24, 2016) – It takes a whole village to raise a child
• (April 17, 2016) – Trust take years to Build, Seconds to Break
• (April 10, 2016) – Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• (April 03, 2016) – Honesty is the Best Policy
• (March 27, 2016) – Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes
• (March 20, 2016) – Caste System – India’s Enduring Curse
• (March 13, 2016) – Fortune favors the bold
• (March 06, 2016) – Quick but steady wins the race
• (February 28, 2016) – Dreams which should not let India sleep
• (February 21, 2016) – Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole
• (February 14, 2016) – Technology cannot replace manpower
• (February 7, 2016) – Character of an institution is reflected in its leader
• (January 31, 2016) – Can Capitalism bring Inclusive Growth?
• (January 24, 2016) – Crisis Faced in India – Moral or Economic?
• (January 17, 2016) – Too many cooks spoil the broth
• (January 10, 2016) – The Best Things in Life are Free
• (January 3, 2016) – Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

WEEKLY ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGES – 2015

• 27 December 2015
• 20 December 2015
• 13 December 2015
• 06 December 2015
• 28 November 2015
• 21 November 2015
• 15 November 2015
• 08 November 2015
• 01 November 2015
• 25 October 2015
• 18 October 2015
• 11 October 2015
• 04 October 2015
• 27 September 2015
• 20 September 2015
• 13 September 2015
• 06 September 2015
• 31 August 2015
• 30 August 2015
• 23 August 2015
• 16 August 2015
• 09 August 2015
• 01 August 2015
• 26 July 2015
• 19 July 2015
• 12 July 2015
• 05 July 2015
• 28 June 2015
• 21 June 2015
• 14 June 2015
• 07 June 2015
• 31 May 2015
• 24 May 2015
• 17 May 2015
• 10 May 2015
• 03 May 2015
• 26 April 2015
• 19 April 2015
• 12 April 2015
• 05 April 2015
• 29 March 2015
• 22 March 2015
• 15 March 2015
• 01 March 2015
• 22 February 2015
• 15 February 2015
• 08 February 2015
• 01 February 2015
• 25 January 2015
• 18 January 2015
• 11 January 2015
• 04 January 2015

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Important UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years: Download PDF

Annesha Deb ,

Mar 4, 2024 | UPSC CSAT

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The judiciary, economics, society, government policies, geography, science and technology, and federalism are some areas for UPSC essay topics. Students have to answer 1 essay topic from Sections A and B.

The UPSC Essay Topics 2023 are segmented into two sections - Section A and B with 4 topics each. The topics are "Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team", "Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic", "Not all who wander are lost".

UPSC essay topics are from various areas: Administration, Democracy/India since Independence, Judiciary, Economics, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian culture and Society, Environment, Socialisation, and Science & Technology. The essay questions are part of civil services mains exams. Each essay topic must be written within 1000 to 1200 words. 

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• UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years PDFs: Download Link

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years

How to prepare for upsc essay topics, upsc essay topics from previous years pdfs.

In the table below are the UPSC essay topics from the previous years. These are the official PDFs. Students can download the PDFs by clicking on the links. 

UPSC essay topics are divided into two sections: Sections A and B. Students have to choose their desired topic. There are 4 topics in each section. Here are the UPSC essay topics from 2023 to 2014. 

UPSC Essay Topics 2023

Upsc essay topics 2022, upsc essay topics 2021, upsc essay topics 2020, upsc essay topics 2019, upsc essay topics 2018, upsc essay topics 2017, upsc essay topics 2016, upsc essay topics 2015, upsc essay topics 2014.

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team 
• Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic
• Not all who wander are lost
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane
• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands - two equally harmful disciplines
• Mathematics is the music of reason
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity
• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

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• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. 
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. 
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! 
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to "best practices".

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• Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

Also Check : Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

• Wisdom finds truth.
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
• Management of Indian border disputes-a complex task.
• The past' is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. 
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world? 
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of 'new woman' in India is a myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• Social media' is inherently a selfish medium. 
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• Water disputes between States in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. 
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race. 
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
•  Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever  devil. 
• Technology cannot replace manpower. 
• Crisis faced in India - moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth ?
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? 
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? 
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism Can this be the next big thing for India?

Preparation for UPSC essay topics is important. One hundred twenty-five marks are allotted to each topic, and the total marks for the paper are 250. 

Therefore, here are some of the preparation tips:

• Research for Topics: Students are advised to review the popular essay topics. Do a thorough research on the topic and support the essay with facts. 
• List Down the Topics: Once the topics are gathered, students must divide them into judiciary, polity, administration, society, economics, etc. This process helps in collecting supporting information quickly. 
• Know the Latest Events: UPSC essay topics are usually from the latest events. The knowledge of events is tested; students must watch the news or read Pratiyogita Darpan to know the latest events. 
• Practice Writing: The writing has to be fast and precise. Students must choose a topic, start writing on it, and time themselves. 
• Proofread: Students must also proofread their essay topics if there are mistakes that will cost them a deduction of marks.

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Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024

by Vajiram & Ravi

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Daily Newspaper Analysis for UPSC

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Important Topics for UPSC: Crucial subjects and themes for the UPSC examination pertain to the subjects and areas of significance within the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC. The curriculum encompasses an extensive array of subjects, and being aware of those that are pivotal can substantially influence a candidate's prospects of success. Here, the important topics for Prelims 2024 are categorised paperwise and subjectwise, which would provide ease to the aspirants while going through them. Along with the Static topics, a list of the most important current affairs topics is also provided to interrelate them.

Important Topics for UPSC Prelims

Though there are several important topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains that overlap, but here is the list of topics which are more significant from the UPSC Prelims perspective. The important topics for UPSC Prelims are given below:

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Top Current Affairs Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024

The Current affairs occupy a very significant place in both UPSC Prelims as well as Mains. Following is the list of most important current affairs topics relevant to the UPSC Prelims 2024 examination:

History and Culture:

• Guru Tegh Bahadur
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Rani Durgavati

Social Issues:

• Practice of Polygamy In India
• Manual Scavenging in India
• Child Trafficking In India
• Freedom of Religion
• Same-Sex Marriage

International Relations:

• First Global Buddhist Summit
• Centre Looking To Design Human Development Index for PVTGs
• Assam-Arunachal Border Dispute
• Indus Water Treaty
• NATO Summit
• BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ meet
• Quad Summit 2023
• Official Visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India
• Sudan Crisis
• Mizoram, Assam New Active Sectors For Infiltration: BSF
• UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

Economics and Trade:

• Foreign Trade Policy 2023
• Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects
• Falling Bond Yields
• Changes In GST
• Volatility In Edible Oil Prices

Science and Technology:

• Chandrayaan - 3
• CoWIN Data Breach
• Electronic Interlocking System in Railways
• Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) Waves
• LIGO-India Project
• Human Genome Project
• Seed Bank At Asola Bhatti Sanctuary
• Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START)
• Foucault Pendulum
• Dark Patterns

Governance and Policy:

• Mission Vatsalya Scheme
• Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
• National Medical Commission
• Model Prisons Act
• National Medical Devices Policy 2023
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
• Foreign Exchange Management Act
• Universal Basic Income (UBI)
• India Rethinking Its Anaemia Policy
• The PoSH Act
• Violence in Manipur
• Article 370

Finance and Trade:

• India’s Remittance Inflows Growth Could Slow to Just 0.2% in 2023
• India’s Gold Reserves

Important Topics for UPSC Mains 2024

The IAS syllabus is extensive and might overwhelm many candidates. Developing a lucid comprehension of the important topics for UPSC aids them in refining their preparation approach and prevents wastage of effort on less pivotal areas.

General Studies I

Indian Heritage and Culture; and History and Geography of the World and Society:

General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations:

General Studies III

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management:

General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:

FAQs on Important Topics for UPSC

Which topics are important for upsc prelims 2024.

The vital topics for UPSC Prelims include Indian National Movement, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Geography, General Science, Environment, Current Affairs , Art and Culture, History of India, World History, Technology, Indian Society, and Logical Reasoning. A thorough understanding and coverage of these subjects are essential for success in the examination.

What should I study for UPSC Mains 2024?

Study the syllabus comprehensively, focusing on important topics for UPSC from subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs. Solve previous year's papers to get an idea about the pattern in which questions are framed.

Which Current Affairs Topics Are Important for UPSC Mains 2024?

The significant current affairs topics for UPSC Mains 2024 encompass Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) Waves, LIGO-India Project, Human Genome Project, Model Prisons Act, National Medical Devices Policy, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and other evolving international relations.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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List of Essay Topics asked in UPSC Mains Examination

October 18, 2019 by Sandeep

An essay is a written piece of content, a short one, a detailed one or a very elaborate one, usually pertaining to a particular topic, chosen from a specific subject of study. An essay contains useful information and researched notes about a subject topic, writer’s opinions and personal comments, views, facts and anecdotes.

The structure and organization of an essay makes it beautiful and interesting to read. Essays could vary from general essays, topical essays, subjective essays, travel essays, spiritual essays, educational essays, technical essays and much more. An essay should quintessentially contain a good introduction, followed by a detailed body and finally a good conclusion.

45 Essay Topics for UPSC CSE Mains Exam

• Judiciary  and its working
• Water disputes between States
• Modi’s agricultural schemes in the era of rampant farmer suicide
• Apolitical Education
• The importance of higher education
• Skilling the youth of India
• Environment  vs Growth
• Why is administration insensitive about the plight of slum dwellers
• India’s role in changing global world order
• Foreign Policy of Modi era
• National  health  protection  scheme
• Universal Basic Income vs Subsidy
• Nationalism debate
• Indian Model of Secularism
• Feminization of agriculture
• Digitalization  Drive
• India’s standing in BRICS countries.
• Pollution Crisis in urban areas
• Cultural Transformation in 21st century
• Artificial intelligence
• Higher Education versus skill acquisition
• Entrance exams versus Qualifying exams – what is the relevance of entrance exams for admissions to UG and PG courses in India?
• Scrapping of section 377 – the latest addition to Human rights protection
• Pro poor policies of Modi Government
• Controversies surrounding the Present day NDA government in India
• Relevance of the Supreme court’s decision to decriminalise the crime of adultery laid under section 497 of IPC
• Worsening INR
• Impact of increasing oil prices on Indian economy
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Joy is the simplest form of Gratitude
• Fulfilment of ‘new women’ in India a myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• ‘Social Media’ is inherently a selfish medium.
• Relevance of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)
• If Development is not engendered, it is endangered
• Need Brings Greed , if need increases it spoils breed
• Water Dispute Between States in Federal India
• Innovation is the key determinant to Economic Growth and Social welfare
• Co-operative Federalism –Myth or Reality
• Cyberspace and Internet – Blessing or curse to the Human Civilisation in the long run
• Digital Economy- A leveler or a source of Economic Inequality

Preparation tactics for essay paper in UPSC Mains

There are certain subjects in  UPSC , whose preparation will help you in the subject plus the essay paper. For instance, the general studies paper covers an entire lot of topics and important information that will help you crack the general studies paper and simultaneously building your confidence for the essay paper as well. In this section, we explore more of such points that will help you gain an edge in preparation for the essay paper.

• Familiarise yourself with all the parts of speech.
• Basics of grammar and grammatical theory are truly important.
• When focusing on a subject, be careful enough to present arguments on both sides of the central theme.
• Do not blindly read and follow previously written essays. Innovation is the key to climbing a higher ladder of success.
• Learn to present your suggestions in a unique way.
• Read a lot of fiction and nonfiction books. They improve your language, communication skills, plus presentation skills.
• Reading should become your favourite hobby if you are dreaming of clearing the essay paper with good marks. Spend at least an hour every day reading something that helps you score in your general studies and essay paper.
• Current affairs in the financial and economic spheres of the country are always a hot choice of topics for the examiners. You can directly or indirectly expect a lot of questions from these sections. Improve your general awareness. Read through critical opinions and comments.
• It pays to read good magazines. Reading at least two newspapers in your reading time and following various patterns in writing will help improve writing skills. Develop a unique style of writing.
• Make your essay powerful. Strengthen your essay with subject-appropriate words and terms. A standard dictionary for reference should be kept handy during preparation.
• Memorising difficult words is not going to help much. Instead, work on developing and building a good vocabulary.
• Everybody likes consistency. Be consistent in your language, word choice, and expressions.
• Do not use redundant words over and again. If you have to use the same word at different places, replace the common word with a new word meaning the same.

Essay writing skills to be practiced to deliver a good essay in the IAS exam

• Never drift from the central theme given in the paper. Staying on-spot with the subject given leaves a good impression with the examiner.
• Structure your essay as per the topic. Organization of the essay plus your writing must be followed.
• Write concisely. Keep your sentences short; make them clear and understandable to the reader.
• When you write, you should write for an audience. You aren’t writing to read it yourself, so make it appealing to the reader.
• Writing should be effective; nobody is interested in abstract reading, make it creative and interesting.
• Expression of ideas and clarity in communication are essential pre requisites.
• Use language that is commonly used by everyone. Using complicated language that is technically perfect, but poor communication-wise does not fetch good marks.
• Avoid grammatical mistakes. Take care not to make spelling errors; they leave a very bad impression on the evaluator.
• Important things to avoid in essay writing:
• Concentrating all your writing on a single point or perspective. Bring in multiple dimensions to your topic, do not isolate or stagnate your writing on one platform alone.
• Expressing extreme personal views in essays. Be neutral in your language and expression. Do not try to hurt anybody’s sentiments with your writing. Your writing should open doors to more thinking and not make the examiner shut it down from a negative perspective.

Points to remember

• When it comes to an essay paper, candidates usually tend to be overconfident, thinking they can write well, irrespective of their preparation for it. This is just a myth, and every paper in UPSC needs its share of good preparation.
• Your preparation should involve writing down important quotes, and anecdotes said by famous personalities, they will help you gain higher marks in the essay paper.
• Preparing notes is not just a necessity; it will simultaneously help you develop very good writing and written communication skills.
• A few topics are asked over and again in the UPSC papers. For such common topics, you could write your brief draft or framework, which you can use as a ready reckoner when attempting them. It saves you a lot of time.
• Completely keep away from SMS languages, they pull your marks away. No short forms for long words, use words as is.
• Be creative in writing subheadings. The content following a subheading should contain the main element linked to the main topic plus follow the extra information intended to provide under that.

Essay Topics and Previous papers for UPSC Civil service exam

List of essay topics.

• Cookie Cutter Templates Ep1: Arrogance, History Repeats for Essay / Ethics UPSC Mains 15+ Examples
• [Essay] No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. — HERACLITUS
• [Mock] Essay Paper for UPSC Mains-2016: Identity Groups vs Democracy, Chakra vs Charkha, Wisdom vs Force, UBI vs Skill Development
• [Mock] Essay Paper for UPSC Mains-2016: Role of Educator, Taste for Literature, Cost of Liberty, Success in Dictionary
• [Essays] February Week2: Equidistant diplomacy, Strategic Autonomy without Military Alliance, Censorship & Moral responsibility
• [Essays] February Week1: Censorship of Ideas, Acts of Kindness, Childhood to Adulthood, consciously secular society
• [Essays] January Week4: Socialist Preamble, Democracy without participation, women-the deities of household fire
• [Essays] January Week3: Ideological Colonization, Dovish vs Hawkish Foreign Policy, limits of free speech
• [Essays] January Week2: competitive vs. cooperative federalism, God above all gods, Suicide- a social shame
• [Essays] January 2015 Week1: Religion-A form of Enslavement, Market Oriented Education, Constructive Criticism
• [Essays] December Week4: Apoplectic Secularism, Syncretism, Spiritual Alzheimer, Pragmatic Diplomacy
• [Essays] December Week1: Social suffocation, true Sovereignty, Arc of revanchist states
• [Essays] November Week4: Classical Arts, Security Trilemma, Think in India, Soullessness of men
• [Essays] November Week3: Garrison Governance, Dignity of Labour, Rationalist Thinking, Age of Knowledge
• [Essays] November Week2: Nehru legacy, knowledge society, age of discontinuity (only Topiclists)
• [Essays] November Week1: New Urbanism, Regional Chauvinism, Majoritarian Populism
• [Essays] October Week4: End of American Century, Activism vs Restrain, Censorship vs Lynching
• [Essays] October Week3: Militant Atheism, Rational Consumption, Ecocide, Prosperity without Morality
• [Essays] October Week2: Corruption, Child Labour, Probity, Good Governance, Injustice, Optimism
• [Essays] October Week1: Colonization, Gandhiism, Volunteerism, Personification, Social Transformation
• [Essays] September Week4: De-bureaucratizing the executive, Hidden Euthanasia, Gender equality
• [Essays] September Week3: India-China, Zero Sum Game, Parliamentary minority, Daughter aversion
• [Essays] September Week2: 21 Topics for UPSC Mains: Fanaticism, Colonizing Culture, Age of Loneliness, piecemeal WW-III
• [Essays] September Week1: 16 Topics for UPSC Mains- Expansionism, Buried Justice, India-the Model international citizen
• [Download] Essay 2013 Question Paper of UPSC Civil Service Mains
• [Essay Tip for Newcomers] What to write & What not to write in Mains IAS exam?

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Essay Paper UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on January 8, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 07-01-2022.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2021 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Write  two  essays, choosing  one  topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2. Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

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3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

5. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

6. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

7. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

8. There are better practices to “best practices”.

Most of the essays topics this year were philosophical and open to the interpretation of the candidates. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.

UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 as well. However, this year it became much more prominent. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.

The reason for such a shift in the pattern should be the change in the focus of the Commission.

All the 8 topics presented this year will test spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time-management of aspirants.

Repeated questions from previous years

The importance of the previous year UPSC questions cannot be stressed more.

Just like prelims, in mains too many questions came directly repeated from previous year question papers. Also, there were themes you often see in many essay books.

One such question was Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

This essay topic was a quote going rounds on the internet. The quote is attributed to “Coach Bobbi” [Bobbi Chegwyn] on Facebook.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

This essay topic was connected with J.K. Mehta’s Theory of Wantlessness!

This has also connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

This is a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .

As per Hegel, something can be real, yet it may not exist. Also, something may not be real, it may still exist. For Hegel, reality does not mean existence.

Among philosophers, Hegel is one whose thought is extremely difficult to understand. Often to understand Hegel’s thoughts, we need to grasp his ideas, not in isolation but together with his dialogue with other philosophers, in particular, Aristotle and Kant.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” is a poem by William Ross Wallace that praises motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world. The poem was first published in 1865 under the title “ What Rules the World “.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

This is a quote by Will Harvey . Will Harvey (born 1967) is an American software developer and Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

It was Karl Marx who said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

First, it’s a tragedy because it shouldn’t have happened. Then it’s a farce (joke) because we didn’t learn from our mistakes the first time around. This is Marx’s version of dark humour.

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching other areas like society, polity, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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Reader Interactions

January 8, 2022 at 11:36 am

Upsc has chosen right path to evaluate person.one person read, listen ,rember and write in exam.He qualify exam.He is just like computer.worthy less people selected by upsc every year.They are not thinker.so our country is intellectually insolvent.civil services requires thinker to. progess country and welfare of common man.These types of question evaluate intellectual for the welfare of human being.

January 9, 2022 at 1:44 pm

You are putting the quality of a leader and a literate society in such a person who just has to follow his supremes.He/She must be a good analyst. That’s it!!!

June 13, 2022 at 12:41 pm

in the bureaucracy – there is no space for logical thinking.

once you clear the exams and get appointed – you have to follow the “protocol’ or “procedures” – its difficult to be analytical and innovative – bcos the system demands obedience and adherence to the protocol. If you follow the protocol – and even if lot of people are severely affected – you wont be taken to task. But if you are innovative – and even if ONE person gets affected – you will be punished.

January 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Yeah!I’ve passed upsc .

January 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

I have written Essay on three topics..how may I share?

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• Indian Exams /

UPSC Essay Topics

• Updated on  
• May 30, 2023

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, and so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) gets efficient candidates on board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview . Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such tests without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay topics and their related components. 

This Blog Includes:

Upsc exam dates 2023, general overview , upsc essay topics previous years, upsc essay topics-important areas, upsc essay topics in english, essay topics on arguments for or against , essay reports for 200 words, 2019 essays, 2018 essays, other upsc essay topics, what is upsc looking for in an essay, how to make transition from one para to another, read essays, topper tips for upsc essay writing.

The following are the important dates for the UPSC exam in 2023:

UPSC is India’s apex body that recruits candidates across the country for All India Group A & Group B central services. While prelims is an objective type of paper, the UPSC mains comprises nine subjective papers including an essay paper. Candidates have to write two UPSC essays on the allocated topics with a word count of 1000-1200. 

Have a Look at the Public Administration Syllabus for UPSC !

It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC essay topics which were widely asked in previously based question papers. Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay topics, you need to start practising:

Now that you have got the list of important UPSC essay topics, have a look at the History Questions for UPSC & SSC Exams !

Usually, the UPSC Essay questions cover these areas:

• Media & Society
• Philosophies
• Environment/urbanization
• Social justice/poverty
• Economic sector
• Indian Culture & Society
• Administration
• Cauvery Water Dispute
• Satluj Yamuna Link Canal case
• The Inter-State River Water Amendment Bill
• Agricultural schemes of the government in the era of farmer suicide:
• effectiveness of the schemes
• Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme
• Apolitical Education
• Politics and the Degradation of the education system
• Frequent changes in educational curriculum
• The higher education system and its issues
• CSR funds for skill enhancement
• National Policy for skill development
• Current environmental crisis due to extensive population growth
• Lack of initiatives and policymaking to save the environment
• The impact of globalization on the environment
• The unrecognised slum areas and the slum dwellers
• Unequal economic distribution
• Revolution of technology
• Demographic dividend
• The position of India against China
• The modern Foreign policy
• International relations- changing nature
• Fast track diplomacy and Para diplomacy
• Basic income and subsidy policy
• Can subsidies eradicate poverty?
• The debate over nationalism
• The effect of global capitalism
• UN multilateralism and its role
• Universal civil code
• Agriculture
• Impaired food security
• UPI, BHIM, and ADHAAR linkage and cyber security
• BRICS developmental bank and its policy
• The anti-western attitude
• The China factor
• The pollution in urban areas
• Threatening diseases and health hazards
• Progressive thoughts regarding religious beliefs
• Social mobility
• Artificial intelligence

Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

• Emerging Threats to India’s Internal Security
• Crime against women is an expression of male domination
• Crisis of Credibility in Indian Electronic Media
• Securing India’s International Borders is a Challenging exercise for the Indian Armed Forces
• Parenting in a competitive Indian Society is a challenge
• Ensuring social justice is a human right
• Life is a Long Journey between Human Beings and Being Humane
• Mindful Manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
• Technology is the silent factor in the international relations
• Solitude during a Pandemic is not welcome
• Political awareness amongst the social elite is inconsequential
• Provision for Primary Education Sector in the New Education Policy
• Impact of the Agricultural Laws on Farmers

Here are the previous year’s questions for UPSC Exam:

• Wisdom finds Truth
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• Courage to accept and dedication to improving are two keys to success
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural culture and plural identities
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness
• Biased Media is a real threat to the Indian Democracy
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and Upskilling
• The Earth is not for Humans Only
• The Impact of Social Media on Social Relationships
• Role of the Indian Army in Nation Building
• Alternative Technologies for a climate change resilient India
• A good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes- a complex task
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• People that value privilege above principle lose both
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it
• Civil wrong emerging from religious bigotry, constitutionally punishable
• Reservation suppresses civil dynamism
• Privacy is an elitist Idea

Must Read: Beginner’s Guide to Writing an Essay

Now that you have a clear picture of the major UPSC essay topics, we have another set of current affair-based topics for you:

• Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?
• India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality?
• COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities
• Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy
• Importance of Skilling the Youth of the Nation
• New India at 75
• The Future of TV Channels with the Advent of OTT Platforms
• Impact of Work From Home on Employees’ Health
• Remote Working vs Working From Office
• Environment vs Growth
• Cyberspace and Internet
• Digital Economy

You will be asked to write answers to different essays on the question. Your essay should be closer to the subject and organize ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. In UPSC Exam, your marks are only based on the content however, the examiner will pay attention to your grammar, coherence and the manner in which you have structured your content.

Making proper transitions from one paragraph to another is important. It can be done in three ways:

• Create a connection sentence at the end of the paragraph.
• Add a question at the end of the paragraph to create interest for the next paragraph.
• Use transition words to signal a change in the paragraph.
• Speech on Fear
• Essay on India
• Importance of Social Media
• Child Labour
• Essay on Digital India
• Essay On Sikkim
• Save Electricity Essay: Format & Samples
• Essay on Education System
• Essay on Global Warming
• Essay on Internet

Apurva Pandey from batch 2017 shared her topper tips on how to prepare and write essays for UPSC.

In UPSC exams, there will be 2 essay questions for which you have to write essays within 1000-1200 words each.

The IAS exam usually consists of topics related to general awareness. For a clear insight, you can refer to the aforementioned UPSC essay topics.

The latest topics for essay writing are: Kashmir Problem – Historical Injustice or Misguided Geopolitics?; India – $5 Trillion Economy: Dream or Reality? COVID-19 Pandemics, though Catastrophic, are in the end Meant to Reset Humanity and its Priorities; Biased Media is a Real Threat to Indian Democracy, etc

Hopefully, this blog on UPSC essay topics has helped you with a clear understanding of the way forward. To read informative articles like this one, keep following Leverage Edu !

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2021: Take a Look at Essay Sample Answer

Important essay topics for upsc 2021: take a look at essay sample answer.

Writing is a window to the thinking process. Like Bill wheeler says “Good writing is clear thinking made visible”.  What you write on paper will tell the reader how you perceive, how you justify, and how you explain your point of view. That is why, for most competitive exams and academic entrance tests like UPSC, essays are mandatory.

Essay writing is the most neglected and lightly taken paper in civil service preparation. For the aspirants to do well in essay paper, they need to be aware of essay writing topics, and only then can they practice writing on important essay topics for UPSC 2021.

What is UPSC looking for in an Essay?

Applicants may be asked to write essays on various topics. They are required to keep their essay close to the subject, to organize their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be provided for an efficient and accurate speech.

The  UPSC essay paper differs itself from general studies in the sense that in GS, marks would be awarded solely on the basis of content. In the essay, however, examiners will pay particular attention not only to the text, but also to the grammar, the coherence, and the manner in which you structure your writing. So you must take proper care to organize your thoughts correctly and not commit any basic spelling or grammatical errors.

IAS Essay Topics with Answers

Here is the list of the most common and important topics that UPSC brings each year. Take a look:

• Economic sector
• Media & Society
• Environment/urbanization
• Social justice/poverty
• Indian Culture & Society
• Administration
• Philosophies

Read Also: How to Write an Essay? 9 Tips To Score Better in UPSC Essay Paper

Now we will pick a relevant topic and you will be provided with a sample answer which will give you an idea on attempting the essay question.

Topic: New Education Policy 2020: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges”

Start your essay by introducing this policy and why it is created. You can also mention other education policies created earlier. You can frame your intro like this:

The Union Cabinet recently approved the new National Education Policy  2020 with the goal of implementing a range of reforms to the Indian education system, starting from school to college.

NEP 2020 aims to make “India a global knowledge powerhouse”

The Cabinet also supported the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resources Development to the Ministry of Education.

The Cabinet-approved NEP is only the third major revision of the education system in India since freedom.

Structuring Your  Main Body Paragraph

You can talk about key points like:

Education at school:

Universalization of pre-school to secondary education with a 100 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of school education by 2030.

Bringing 2 crores out of school kids back to mainstream with an open school system.

The existing 10+2 system is to be substituted by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular system referring to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18.  

It will put the unidentified age group of 3-6 years under the school curriculum, which has been recognized internationally as a key stage in the growth of a child’s mental abilities.

Class 10 and 12 board exams are to be made easier, to test skillsets instead of memorizing facts, with all students required to take the exam twice.

Concluding Your Essay

You can make a positive way forward in the following manner:

The New Education Policy seeks to promote an integrated, collaborative, and holistic approach that takes into account field experiences, academic studies, input from citizens, as well as lessons learned from international standards.

It is a gradual change towards a more practical approach to education. The recommended structure would help to account for the child’s capacity – the stage of cognitive growth as well as social and physical awareness. If enforced in its true vision, the new framework will put India into line with the world’s leading countries.

What you read now does not satisfy the UPSC’s essay world limit of 1000-1200 but gives you an idea about how you can approach essay topics for UPSC. You will need to add more content from your own in order to meet the word limit.

How to make Transition through One Para to Another

It can be achieved in three ways.

1.) By means of a connection sentence at the end of the paragraph:

Here at the end of the para, you’re writing a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next.

2.) By means of a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of the para, so that the attention of the examiner is carried to the next.

3.) Signaling the change at the beginning of the next paragraph:

Here you can just add a word or two at the starting of a para that indicates a change in your subtopic

Also Read: 8 Valuable Essay Writing Tips For UPSC That You Should Follow

What Can You Read for Your Essay Writing

You need to read some strong essays to see how seamlessly people are putting up their arguments. Your essay does not have to be diverse in nature but requires depth. So reading some good essays will teach you how to start an essay, write arguments, and end. The most important thing is how to build an essay structure.

Reading in your daily newspaper, if you find any good lines or excerpts, keep track of them, particularly from editorials.

Take on some common/relevant topics such as women, education, health care, the internet, science (refer to last 10 years’ essay) and prepare some forage. Including excerpts, relevant case studies, illustrations, accurate facts, government initiatives, etc.

Have a successful opening and closing paragraph. You’re going to find out by reading journals, strong essays from others, etc.

Now that you are familiar with the UPSC essay topics, you should aim at writing 5-6 exams. Try to apply the above points as you write. And the most important thing is to have your essays reviewed by some professors, chosen candidates, or friends. This will let you know which you’re lacking. All the best!

Also Read: Best Essay Books for UPSC: Perfect the Art of IAS Essay Writing

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Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018)

The initial paper in the UPSC mains examination is the Essay (Paper I). In this section, candidates who have qualified in the prelims stage must compose two essays from a selection of provided topics. The paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List. This article compiles all the essay topics presented in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. Additionally, we have organized the essay questions from the last 25 years into distinct topics to facilitate your preparation.

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• 1994: The nexus of politics, bureaucracy, and business – a lethal trio.
• 1995: Politics bereft of ethics spells disaster.
• 1996: The VIP cult poses a detriment to Indian democracy.
• 1996: Advocating the necessity for transparency in public administration.
• 2000: Addressing the nation’s imperative for an improved disaster management system.
• 2003: Guidelines on the conduct expected of a civil servant.

Democracy/India since independence

• 1995: The trajectory of Indian democracy—where does it lead?
• 1997: Unlearned lessons in fifty years of independence.
• 2000: Reasons to take pride in our Indian identity.
• 2001: Assessing the gains from our democratic framework.
• 2003: Evaluating the effectiveness of democracy in delivering positive outcomes in India.
• 2008: Exploring national identity and patriotism.
• 2012: Examining the evolutionary significance of ‘Swadhinata,’ ‘Swaraj,’ and ‘Dharmarajya’ in the context of Gandhiji’s views and their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy.
• 2013: Is India’s success hindered by a lingering colonial mentality?
• 2015: Aspirations that should keep India awake.
• 2018: Navigating the intricate challenge of managing Indian border disputes.

Economic growth and development

• 1999: Managing resources in the Indian context.
• 2013: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alongside GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) as apt measures for assessing a country’s well-being.
• 2014: The hindrance to our country’s growth—was it policy paralysis or implementation inertia?
• 2015: Assessing the crisis in India—moral or economic in nature.
• 2016: Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms.
• 2016: The digital economy: An equalizer or a source of economic inequality.
• 2016: Identifying innovation as the pivotal factor influencing economic growth and social welfare.
• 2017: Examining the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.

Federalism, Decentralisation

• 1998: Tracing the language problem in India—its historical evolution, current status, and future prospects.
• 2004: Advocating for central government control over water resources.
• 2007: Assessing the effectiveness of the panchayati raj system in India in empowering the people.
• 2007: Examining whether autonomy is the optimal solution to counter balkanization.
• 2011: The establishment of smaller states and its resultant administrative, economic, and developmental implications.
• 2016: Cooperative federalism in India: Myth or reality?
• 2016: Exploring water disputes between states in federal India.

Indian Culture & Society

• 1994: The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture.
• 1996: Emerging cults and spiritual leaders posing a challenge to traditional religion.
• 1998: Examining the mosaic of India’s composite culture.
• 1999: Contemporary youth culture in focus.
• 2000: Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
• 2000: Indian culture today—myth or reality?
• 2003: Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline.
• 2010: From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model—natural progression or paradigm shift?
• 1997: Exploring the realm of judicial activism.
• 2004: Investigating the intersection of judicial activism and Indian democracy.
• 2005: Advocating for the imperative that justice extends to the impoverished.

Social justice/Poverty

• 1999: Reservation, politics, and the pursuit of empowerment.
• 2005: Envisioning food security as a foundation for sustainable national development.
• 2009: The disproportionate focus of healthcare on the privileged segments of our society.
• 2017: The diminishing capacity of farming to serve as a subsistence source for the majority of Indian farmers.
• 2018: Recognizing poverty anywhere as a menace to prosperity everywhere.

Media & Society

• 1998: The misinterpretation and abuse of freedom in India.
• 1999: Mass media and its impact on cultural invasion.
• 2002: The democratic role and responsibility of the media.
• 2007: Examining the cultural shift in Indian mindsets brought about by satellite television.
• 2008: The contribution of media to fostering good governance.
• 2011: Assessing whether Indian cinema shapes our popular culture or simply mirrors it.
• 2014: Contemplating whether sting operations constitute an invasion of privacy.

Environment/Urbanisation

• 1997: Unraveling the hidden benefits of urbanization.
• 2006: Asserting the crucial role of safeguarding ecology and the environment for sustained economic development.
• 2008: Exploring the perils associated with urbanization.
• 2010: Debating the imposition of a moratorium on new mining activities in tribal areas of the country.
• 2017: Acknowledging the inevitability of succumbing to natural laws despite challenging human laws.

Economic sectors/MNCs

• 1994: Multinational corporations—saviors or underminers.
• 2006: Contemplating the potential demise of small-scale industries in India due to globalization.
• 2007: The surge of BPOs in India.
• 2008: Evaluating the Special Economic Zone—benefit or detriment?
• 2009: Pondering the fate of our traditional handicrafts, destined for a gradual decline.
• 2012: Scrutinizing the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model is more of a curse than a blessing in the Indian context.
• 2014: Exploring the prospect of tourism as the next major venture for India.
• 1995: Overhauling the structure of the Indian education system.
• 1996: Noting the rapid increase in literacy without corresponding growth in education.
• 2001: Questioning the relevance of traditional classrooms.
• 2002: Examining the privatization of higher education in India.
• 2002: Navigating the intersection of modern technological education and human values.
• 2005: Reflecting on the essence of real education.
• 2006: Investigating the “Education for All” campaign in India—myth or reality.
• 2007: Advocating for the cultivation of independent thinking from early childhood.
• 2008: Contemplating whether educating the masses can pave the way for an egalitarian society.
• 2011: Assessing the status, opportunities, and challenges of the credit-based higher education system.
• 2014: Evaluating the impact of growing competition on the youth.
• 2014: Questioning the effectiveness of standardized tests as a measure of academic ability or progress.
• 2015: Highlighting the limitations of education without values.
• 2017: Acknowledging the pivotal role of classrooms in shaping the destiny of a nation.
• 1995: Unveiling the emerging power of women: the realities on the ground.
• 1997: Asserting that greater political power alone won’t improve the plight of women.
• 1998: Contemplating woman as God’s finest creation.
• 1999: Delving into the challenges and prospects of women’s empowerment.
• 2001: Emphasizing that empowerment alone cannot fully uplift our women.
• 2004: Questioning the trajectory of women’s emancipation.
• 2005: Imagining a world where women rule.
• 2005: Acknowledging the influential role of the hand that rocks the cradle.
• 2006: Advocating for the Women’s Reservation Bill as a catalyst for empowerment in India.
• 2012: Evaluating whether the Indian working woman receives a fair deal in managing work and home.
• 2016: Stating that if development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• 2017: Dispelling the myth of the fulfillment of the ‘new woman’ in India.

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• 1994: Youth is a mistake, manhood a challenge, old age a remorse.
• 1994: A purposeless life is an untimely demise.
• 1995: Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life force of civilization.
• 1995: When money speaks, the truth remains silent.
• 1995: Our actions define us as much as we shape our actions.
• 1996: Truth is something to be lived, not just taught.
• 1997: True religion cannot be misappropriated.
• 2002: The pursuit of truth is inherently a spiritual challenge.
• 2002: The paths of glory ultimately lead to the grave.
• 2002: If youth possessed knowledge, if age possessed capability.
• 2003: Nothing is inherently good or bad; it is our perceptions that shape it.
• 2013: Be the change you wish to witness in others.
• 2014: With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• 2014: Words have a sharper impact than a two-edged sword.
• 2015: Extending a helping hand is superior to merely giving charity.
• 2018: The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• 2018: Reality may not conform to the ideal, but it affirms it.
• 2007: Attitude shapes habits, habits form character, and character defines a person.
• 2008: Discipline paves the way to success, while anarchy leads to ruin.
• 2015: The character of an institution is a reflection of its leader.
• 2016: Need fosters greed, and an increase in greed tarnishes the lineage.
• 2017: Joy is the purest expression of gratitude.
• 2018: A fulfilling life is one fueled by love and steered by knowledge.
• 2018: A society that prioritizes privileges over principles forfeits both.
• 2018: Traditional morality cannot serve as a guide for modern living.

Globalisation

• 1994: Modernization and Westernization are distinct concepts.
• 1998: Envisioning the world in the twenty-first century.
• 2000: Unraveling the implications of globalization for India.
• 2001: Articulating my vision of an ideal world order.
• 2003: Unmasking the facades of new imperialism.
• 2004: Assessing the impact of globalization on Indian culture.
• 2009: Contemplating the clash between ‘Globalization’ and ‘Nationalism.’
• 2010: Evaluating the readiness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

Science & Tech

• 1997: The contemporary physician and their relationship with patients.
• 1999: Embedding values in science and education.
• 2001: Examining the progress of science and its impact on human values.
• 2003: Exploring the interplay between spirituality and scientific temper.
• 2004: The magnetic appeal of space.
• 2012: Debating the compatibility of Science and Mysticism.
• 2013: Asserting that science and technology serve as the cure-all for the nation’s growth and security.
• 2015: Emphasizing that technology cannot replace human manpower.
• 2018: Advocating for alternative technologies to build a climate change-resilient India.

Internet/IT

• 2000: The allure and challenges of the cyberworld.
• 2006: The rise of computerization and its potential to foster a dehumanized society.
• 2016: Reflecting on the long-term impact of cyberspace and the Internet on human civilization—blessing or curse?
• 2017: Contending that social media, by its nature, is a self-centered medium.

International organisations /relations

• 1996: The restructuring of the UNO as a reflection of current realities.
• 2004: Analyzing India’s contribution to fostering ASEAN cooperation.
• 2006: Assessing the significance of the Indo-US nuclear agreement.
• 2017: Questioning the continued relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in a multipolar world.
• 2005: The impact of terrorism on global peace.
• 2009: Examining whether we are a ‘soft’ state.
• 2009: Asserting the value of well-defined boundaries in fostering good relations between neighbors.
• 2011: Recognizing the importance of both human intelligence and technical intelligence in addressing terrorism in the Indian context.

Miscellaneous

• 1998: India’s impact on global wisdom.
• 2001: The quest for excellence.
• 2010: Geography may be constant, but history is subject to change.
• 2014: Aspiring for fifty gold medals in the Olympics—can India turn this into a reality?
• 2015: Embracing the strategy of swift yet consistent progress.

Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018) FAQS

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc.

 Essay writing not only checks your ability to understand the topic but also how well you can explain the same. While preparing for any subject, keep making notes. Read editorial articles in newspapers like The Hindu. Listen to analysis of particular topics on Rajya Sabha TV. There is no shortcut to master the essay, it is all about regular practice.

Q 2. Does handwriting matter in UPSC?

If the answer is good and the handwriting is not good, then there is a possibility of being at a state of disadvantage because the person who evaluates your paper will be evaluating thousands of other papers. Hence, to make sure that your evaluator has not missed out on any piece of information that you have written, it is better to have good and legible handwriting.

3.  What is the format of the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination?

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper (Paper I), which is the initial paper in the exam.

4. How many essays are candidates required to write in the Essay paper?

Candidates are required to compose two essays from a selection of provided topics in the Essay paper.

5. How many marks does the Essay paper hold, and how does it contribute to the Final Merit List?

The Essay paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List.

6. What is the time duration for the Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination?

The time duration for the Essay paper is not specified, but candidates are advised to manage their time effectively.

7. Can candidates choose any topic for their essays, or are there specific topics provided?

Candidates must choose two essay topics from a selection of provided topics.

8. How are the essay topics categorized in the provided list?

The essay topics from the last 25 years are categorized into distinct topics such as Administration, Democracy/India since independence, Economic growth and development, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian Culture & Society, Judiciary, Social justice/Poverty, Media & Society, Environment/Urbanisation, Economic sectors/MNCs, Education, Women, Quotes-based/Philosophy, Character, Globalisation, Science & Tech, Internet/IT, International organisations/relations, Security, and Miscellaneous.

9. What are some examples of essay topics related to Indian Culture & Society?

Examples include “The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture,” “Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline,” and “Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.”

10. Are there specific essay topics related to Economics and Development?

Yes, essay topics related to Economics and Development include “Managing resources in the Indian context,” “Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms,” and “Exploring the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.”

11. How can candidates prepare for the essay paper effectively?

Candidates can prepare by reviewing and understanding essay topics from previous years, practicing essay writing, and staying updated on current affairs and relevant issues.

12. Are there any specific guidelines for essay writing provided by UPSC?

While specific guidelines are not mentioned, candidates are expected to express their thoughts coherently, provide well-reasoned arguments, and adhere to the given word limit. It is advisable to maintain clarity, conciseness, and a balanced perspective in essay writing.

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Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024 are provided here for candidates appearing for UPSC Mains along with Essay Mains PYQs and answers.

Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024: Preparing for the Essay paper in the UPSC Mains 2024 exam requires an understanding of key themes and the ability to articulate your thoughts effectively. To excel, aspirants must focus on Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024, analyze previous years’ questions, and practice writing on a variety of topics. Here, we provide insights into Essays Mains PYQs and Essays topics for Mains 2024 to help you prepare comprehensively.

List of Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

The Essay paper in UPSC Mains is crucial as it tests your ability to present ideas coherently and logically. Writing an impactful essay requires a deep understanding of the subject, clear articulation of thoughts, and effective structuring. Check out the Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024 and strategies to tackle them:

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Aalyzing Essays Mains PYQs

Analyzing Essays Mains PYQs helps in understanding the examiner’s expectations and identifying common themes. Some frequently asked topics in previous years include:

Suggested Essays Topics for Mains 2024

For Essays topics for Mains 2024 , consider focusing on current events and emerging issues. Here are some suggestions:

• Impact of Digital Revolution on Society
• Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Governance
• Climate Change and Its Implications for Future Generations
• The Intersection of Technology and Ethics
• Sustainable Development Goals: Progress and Challenges

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By focusing on these Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024 and implementing the suggested strategies, you can enhance your essay writing skills and perform well in the exam. 

FAQs On Important Topics for Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

How should i prioritize important topics for essay for upsc mains 2024, how can i effectively analyze essays mains pyqs, what are some crucial essays topics for mains 2024, how can i improve my essay writing skills for upsc mains a4:, why is the essay paper important in upsc mains.

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Home » Mains Practice Questions » Essay

This exam necessitates a lot of serious study and devotion. Every applicant who understands the UPSC’s trends and expectations and works diligently toward achieving a rank under suitable supervision has a chance to succeed.

This year’s Mains – 2021 questions in GS, Essay, and even Optional papers need in-depth examination of trending topics as well as certain key static topics that may or may not be in the news.

Analytical skills can only be enhanced by regularly thinking and writing. Regular writing, in particular, is essential for improving your analytical abilities. Writing answers after reading other people’s answers or reading a synopsis will get you nowhere.

You must adhere to the standards outlined in the preceding article. You can get knowledge but not wisdom by consulting a summary.

Legacy IAS team will frame as many questions as feasible on each and every component of the GS syllabi as part of this initiative. This will allow you to take continuous notes and write answers until your  UPSC Mains Exam 2022-2023.

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List of Essays Asked in Civil Services Mains Exam

Reading and analyzing the Previous year essay paper would provide a very good insight into the nature of the question. You are required to attempt essay on one topic out of a given set of 6 to 8 topics. Since 1996 there have been six topics. In 1995 and 1994, there were seven topics and prior to that there used to be 8 topics. Therefore, one may reasonably assume that in the years to come the number of topics given may not remain constant. However, there will be enough choice to select and write on.

Trend analysis

At the outset it should be clear, that any classification is not hard and fast. We are making trend analysis of the topics to be covered in essay paper . Broadly speaking, all the topics within the essay paper may be divided into two distinct categories:

• Statement based essay topics
• Issue based essay topics

Statement Based Topics

Under this class, a pithy statement, often in the form of a slogan or a phrase may be provided. For instance see the topics below:

• Compassion is the basis of all morality. (1993)
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
• A useless life is an early death. (1994)
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life blood of real civilization. (1995)
• Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
• Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
• True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
• Woman is God's best creation. (1998)
• The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
• If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)

If you notice these topics carefully, you might realize that these topics are more of philosophical in nature than factual. However, in writing or attempting these topics, analysis and interpretation must be backed by facts, information, examples etc. So as to make your essay writing more effective.

Issue based topics

The next set of topics is issue-based in nature. They are current topics or topics of burning nature. These topics may be found currently being debated, discussed and written about in various forums and media. For example, see the topics below:

• The emerging global order, political and economic. (1993)
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. (1993)
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. (1993)
• Computer : The harbinger of a silent revolution. (1993)
• Politics, business and bureaucracy: A fatal triangle. (1994)
• Multinational corporations : Saviors or saboteurs. (1994)
• Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
• Whither Indian democracy. (1995)
• Restructuring of the UNO to reflect present realities. (1995)
• Need for transparency in public administration. (1995)
• Language problem in India: Its past, present and prospects. (1998)
• Reservations, politics and empowerment. (1999)
• The country's need for a better disaster management system. (2000)
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
• Privatization of Higher education in India. (2002)
• The masks of new imperialism. (2003)

In attempting these topics, a thorough understanding of the subject matter in all its aspects is essential. Besides, you must be able to form and hold an opinion and convincingly put it across. It is not denied that the essay writing topics of these types can be easily attempted by any one as everyone is aware of the issues involved there in. But a marked qualitative difference would be visible between someone who has done his home-work well and someone who has not done it well. Apart from a sound grasp over facts and information, one must also undertake exercises in improving one's writing skills. The very nature of the questions under even this category demands it.

Essay Copy: Vikram Grewal, IAS (AIR 51, CSE 2018)

For Full Copy Click Here

These two broad categories of topics are not really water tight. Within these two broad categories you may come across some kind of a twilight zone, the kind of topics, that could well be somewhere at the inter section of the two. For convenience, call these topics, “Describe Topics”. While touching upon the current issues, these topics also demand a philosophical and logical insight, analysis and discussion. Examples of such topics are given below:

• My vision of India in 2001 AD. (1993)
• Men have failed, let women take over. (1993)
• Indian society at the cross roads. (1994)
• The challenges before a civil servant today. (1994)
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. (1995)
• Literacy is growing very fast but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
• New cult of God men : a threat to traditional religions (1996)
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
• The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997).
• India's contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
• Value based science & education. (1999)
• Why should we be proud of being Indians. (2000)
• My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
• Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
• How should a civil servant conduct himself. (1993)

We shall briefly indicate with the help of few actual examples of essays asked in the exam as to how points on those topics can be developed which will help in expanding the narrative in our writing.

For Instance: Vikram Grewal's Copy

Men have failed, let women take over

• Status of men vis-a-vis women throughout the ages
• Nature of duties and responsibilities of both men and women.
• The achievements and failures of men can be contrasted with those of women.
• The rise of the modern women in the 20th century- educated, independent and free from economic dependence on men.
• The speed with which male bastions are being taken over by women e.g, sports, aviation, defense, etc.
• Analyzing the reasons why women are becoming successful in their way of th
• The intrinsic nature of woman that makes her more responsive and accommodative to human needs.

Computer: Harbinger of silent revolution

• Life before the computer and life after computer. A brief intro¬duction.
• Coming of computer and beginning of changes in work and leisure activities.
• Brief description of the principles on which computer functions and the possibilities of its capabilities on the basis of this principle.
• Changes and likely changes in our society due to computers and likely modifications in computer. Expansion and popularity among PC users — both horizontal and vertical dimension.
• Problems due to computers.
• Suggested remedies.
• Conclusion and description of the revolutionary dimension of computers

Ecological consideration need not hamper development

• Introduction: definition of ecology and development.
• Importance of ecological balance.
• Importance of development and its economic aspects.
• Consequences of ecological neglect with suitable examp
• Consequences of blind race for development, and its harmful consequence.
• The best alternative and reason thereof

In the above essays topics you may either take the view in favor or against or you may even strike a balance between the two.

Essay Strategy by:- Vikram Grewal, (AIR 51, CSE 2018)

Analyzing further, we notice that these questions, though issue based are of a broader nature unlike the specificity of the issue-based questions that we saw earlier. The issue based questions are specific and contextual. For instance, the topic ‘ Men have failed, let women take over ’ may appear apparently similar to ‘The new emerging women power: the ground realities, but both the topics are inherently different. The thrust and emphasis required in answering the two are different.

We Have uploaded Essay copies of Toppers like: Vikram Grewal (AIR 51, CSE 2018) , Khushboo Lather , Ankur Kaushik , Mirant Parikh and many more.

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UPSC Important Topics for Prelims and Mains from NCERT Books: Check Complete List of Chapters

Check upsc prelims important chapters from ncert books for history, geography, polity, general science, and other subjects on this page. also, learn the strategy to cover upsc important chapters from ncert books..

UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books : The UPSC Prelims Exam is divided into two sections, such as General Studies Papers I and II. To excel in UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1, it is essential to choose the right set of books and resources. However, you need to study NCERT books for all the subjects before referring to advanced books, as it will help you gain conceptual clarity for all the topics. To help, we have compiled below the UPSC Important Chapters from NCERT Books along with the techniques to cover the chapters for the reference of the candidates.

Strategy to Cover UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books

• Check the UPSC Prelims syllabus to cover high-weightage topics first and then pick topics that are rarely asked in the exam.
• Jot down important events, names, and other topics from each subject in a separate notebook, as it would be beneficial for quick revision.
• Solve mock tests to understand the exam format and improve the speed of solving questions in less time.
• Practice the previous year's question paper to get an idea of topics asked frequently in the exam along with question weightage and difficulty level.

UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books for History

UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books for Geography

UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books for Polity

UPSC Important Topics from NCERT Books for General Science

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UPSC Previous Year Question Papers

Table of Contents

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central agency responsible for conducting civil services exams. Established under the Constitution, it recruits candidates for various civil services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. The rigorous exam process involves three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview, testing candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and personality. UPSC ensures a transparent and merit-based selection, playing a crucial role in shaping India’s administrative framework. The commission’s objective is to ensure efficient public administration by selecting competent and dedicated individuals for civil services.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a central agency in India responsible for conducting examinations and appointments for various civil services and posts. Established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, the UPSC plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process for the nation’s civil services. 

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers 

As always said, “practice makes a man perfect,” so the candidates preparing for Civil services must answer questions from UPSC’s previous year’s paper. Practicing the previous year question paper helps the aspirants to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and the nature of the questions asked in the examination. Solving UPSC’s previous year question papers also helps the candidates to identify important topics and provide an opportunity for candidates to assess their conceptual clarity on the subjects.

The UPSC Prelims exam consists of 2 papers (General Studies-1 and CSAT). It has objective-based question, in other words the questions asked in the prelims round are of the MCQ( Multiple Choice Questions) type. In total, both papers are of 400 marks, divided into 200 each. The UPSC IAS Prelims Previous Year Question Papers will help aspirants score well in the preliminary round and will allow them to move ahead in the UPSC IAS selection process.

IAS Previous Year Question Paper – Prelims 

UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper 

As important as it is to solve UPSC prelims previous year question papers, in a similar manner solving UPSC mains previous year question papers is also important. The previous year’s question papers are extremely important to gain insight into the type of questions asked in the exam. 

The UPSC Mains examination consists of 9 papers and is descriptive. Out of 9 papers, 2 papers are qualifying in nature while the marks scored in the remaining 7 papers are considered for merit. In total, the UPSC exam carries an overall weightage of 1750 marks. The 2 qualifying papers are the Language papers- English and a compulsory Indian Language. The remaining 7 papers are- General Studies I, II, III, IV, V, Optional Paper I & II, and an Essay. The duration of all these papers is 3 hours each.

UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper- General Studies

UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper- Essay

UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Paper- Optional Subjects 

Candidates can select two optional subjects for the UPSC IAS Mains Exam. Available options include Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Geology, Management, Political Science and International Relations, Zoology, Sociology, History, Economy, among others. Choose the subject that aligns with your interests and begin practicing previous years’ UPSC Mains optional question papers.

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Mastering Time Management for UPSC Preparation: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

Dear Aspiring Civil Servants,

Welcome to Sambhavam IAS! where we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey to success in the UPSC examination. We understand the challenges you face, and we are here to provide you with the support, resources, and strategies you need to excel. This blog is crafted with your success in mind, offering actionable tips to master time management—a crucial skill that will not only help you cover the extensive UPSC syllabus but also maintain a balanced and healthy routine. Let’s embark on this journey together and make your dream of becoming a civil servant a reality!

Table of Contents

The importance of a well-structured timetable, why a timetable is essential :.

A well-structured timetable is the first step toward disciplined UPSC preparation. It provides a clear roadmap of what you need to study and when, helping you avoid the common pitfalls of procrastination and last-minute cramming. The UPSC syllabus is extensive, covering topics from history to economics to current affairs. Without a plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

A timetable helps you:

• Break down the vast syllabus into manageable chunks.
• Allocate time effectively across different subjects.
• Ensure consistent progress.
• Build and maintain momentum in your preparation.

How to Create an Effective Timetable :

1. assess your syllabus and resources:.

• Start by thoroughly understanding the UPSC syllabus . Break it down into smaller sections for each subject.
• List out your resources: standard textbooks, NCERTs , notes, online materials, and mock tests.

2. Set Clear Goals:

• Establish daily, weekly, and monthly goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• For example, “Complete Ancient Indian History by the end of Week 2” is a clear, achievable goal.

3. Allocate Time Based on Subject Weightage:

Some subjects carry more weight in the UPSC exams, and you should allocate more time to these. For instance, General Studies (GS) papers require more attention compared to the CSAT.

4. Create Daily and Weekly Plans:

• Break down your long-term goals into daily tasks. For example, if you plan to finish a chapter in a week, allocate 1-2 hours daily to that chapter.
• Ensure your weekly plan has a balance between reading, revision, and practice.

5. Include Breaks and Leisure Time:

Overloading your timetable can lead to burnout. Ensure you include short breaks during study sessions and at least one full day off each week.

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Prioritizing Subjects and Topics

Understanding the upsc exam pattern.

The UPSC exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Each stage has its own set of demands, but they are interrelated. Understanding this interrelation can help you prioritize subjects effectively.

1. Prelims:

• Focus on GS Paper 1 and CSAT. While CSAT is qualifying, GS Paper 1 is crucial for selection.
• Prioritize subjects like Polity, History, Geography, Economy, and Environment as they form a significant part of the Prelims syllabus.
• GS papers (1, 2, 3, and 4), Essay, and Optional subjects are the core focus.
• Prioritize topics that have a high probability of being asked. For instance, current issues in Polity, Governance, and International Relations often dominate GS Paper 2.

3. Interview:

Your overall understanding of topics and personality will be tested. Prioritize revision and mock interviews closer to the time.

How to Prioritize Effectively

1. subject-wise prioritization:.

• Divide your subjects into three categories: Strong, Moderate, and Weak.
• Allocate more time to your weak subjects but don’t neglect your strong ones. For example, if you are strong in Geography but weak in Economy, focus more on the latter while keeping up with regular Geography revision.

2. Topic-Wise Prioritization:

• Identify topics that are frequently asked in UPSC exams. For example, Polity, Current Affairs, and Environment are critical for Prelims, while Ethics and Essay writing are crucial for Mains.
• Use previous years’ question papers to identify these high-priority topics.

3. Dynamic Adjustment:

UPSC preparation is not static. As you progress, revisit your timetable and priorities based on your performance in mock tests and self-assessment.

Balancing Current Affairs with Static Subjects

The importance of current affairs.

Current Affairs play a pivotal role in both Prelims and Mains. Questions often link current events to static subjects, making it crucial to stay updated.

Strategies to Balance Both :

1. integrate current affairs with static topics:.

• While studying a static subject, relate it to current events. For example, when studying Polity, stay updated on current political developments and Supreme Court judgments.
• This not only helps in understanding concepts better but also in answering application-based questions in the exams.

2. Daily Current Affairs Routine:

• Dedicate 1-2 hours daily to reading newspapers and following credible current affairs websites.
• Focus on issues that have a broader significance, like government policies, international relations, and environmental issues.

3. Note-Making:

Make concise notes on current affairs, categorized under different subjects like Polity, Economy, Environment, etc. This will make it easier to revise and integrate with static subjects.

4. Weekly Revision:

Dedicate time at the end of each week to revise the current affairs of the week. This prevents information overload and helps in better retention.

5. Monthly Compilations:

Use monthly current affairs compilations to ensure you haven’t missed any important developments. These compilations are also handy during last-minute revisions.

Tips for Working Professionals and Students

Time management for working professionals :.

Balancing a full-time job with UPSC preparation is challenging but not impossible. Here’s how you can manage both:

1. Early Morning Study:

Utilize early morning hours (5 AM to 8 AM) for focused study. These hours are generally free of distractions and help you start the day on a productive note.

2. Utilize Commute Time:

If you have a long commute, use this time to listen to audio resources, podcasts, or revise current affairs.

3. Weekend Focus:

Dedicate weekends to more intensive study sessions. Use this time for mock tests, essay writing, and covering heavier topics.

4. Leverage Leave Days:

Plan your annual leave around crucial preparation phases, such as before Prelims or Mains. Use these days for focused study sessions.

5. Stay Consistent:

Consistency is key. Even if you can only manage 2-3 hours on weekdays, ensure it’s consistent. Supplement this with longer sessions on weekends.

Time Management for Students

Students have the advantage of more flexible schedules but still need to manage their time effectively.

1. Balance Academics and UPSC Preparation:

If you’re a college student, align your academic studies with UPSC preparation. For example, if you’re studying Political Science, integrate your college notes with UPSC syllabus topics.

2. Optimize Study Breaks:

Use your breaks between classes for quick revision sessions or reading current affairs.

3. Create a Semester-Wise Plan:

Divide your UPSC syllabus across semesters, ensuring you cover all subjects thoroughly while managing your academic workload.

4. Group Studies:

Engage in group studies with peers who are also preparing for UPSC. This can help in better understanding and quick revision of topics.

5. Leverage College Resources:

Utilize your college library for resources and participate in seminars, debates, and discussions that align with UPSC preparation.

Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining a Balanced Routine

The signs of burnout.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. For UPSC aspirants, the symptoms might include:

• Constant fatigue and lack of energy.
• Feeling overwhelmed by the syllabus.
• Lack of motivation to study.
• Increased irritability and frustration.

How to Avoid Burnout

1. regular breaks:.

Incorporate short breaks after every study session (e.g., 5-10 minutes after 50 minutes of study). This helps in maintaining focus and preventing mental fatigue.

2. Physical Activity:

Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga. Physical activity boosts mental health, reduces stress, and increases productivity.

3. Healthy Diet and Hydration:

Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Avoid junk food, and ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. These can help in managing stress and improving concentration.

5. Adequate Sleep:

Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is crucial for memory retention and overall well-being.

6. Socialize:

Spend time with family and friends. Social interaction provides emotional support and helps in reducing stress.

7. Hobbies and Interests:

Don’t give up your hobbies or interests entirely

8. Seek Help When Needed:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s talking to a mentor, counselor, or fellow aspirants, discussing your concerns can provide relief and perspective.

Mastering time management is crucial for cracking the UPSC exam. A well-structured timetable, effective prioritization of subjects, and a balanced approach to current affairs and static topics are essential components of successful preparation. Whether you’re a working professional or a full-time student, consistency, and discipline are key. Remember, UPSC preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. By maintaining a balanced routine and avoiding burnout, you can sustain your efforts and increase your chances of success.

With just the right strategies in place, you can navigate the vast UPSC syllabus effectively, making the most of your time and resources. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward. Success in the UPSC exam is not just about hard work; it’s about smart work. And mastering time management is the smartest move you can make on your journey to becoming a civil servant.

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UPSC Preparation for Science and Technology Topics

Preparing for the UPSC exam, especially the Science and Technology section, can be quite challenging. This topic is crucial for both Prelims and Mains, and it often includes the latest advancements and their applications. Understanding the syllabus, building a strong foundation, and staying updated with current affairs are key to mastering this section. This article will guide you through essential topics and effective strategies for your UPSC Science and Technology preparation.

Key Takeaways

• Science and Technology is a vital part of the UPSC syllabus, covering both Prelims and Mains.
• Building a strong foundation with NCERT books and basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is essential.
• Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for answering questions related to recent developments.
• Key areas include Biotechnology, Information Technology, Space Technology, Nanotechnology, and Defense Technology.
• Utilizing online resources, solving previous years’ papers, and effective revision strategies can greatly enhance your preparation.

Understanding the UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus

Preparing for the UPSC exam requires a clear understanding of the Science and Technology syllabus. This section is crucial for both the Prelims and Mains stages of the exam. Let’s break down the syllabus and understand its key components.

Building a Strong Foundation in Basic Sciences

Essential ncert books.

To develop a strong foundation in general studies , start with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12. These books are known for their simplicity and clarity, making them ideal for beginners. They cover basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, which are crucial for the UPSC exam.

Key Concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

Understanding key concepts in these subjects is essential. Focus on topics like Newton’s laws in Physics, chemical reactions in Chemistry, and cell biology in Biology. Grasping these fundamentals will help you tackle more complex topics later on.

Importance of Conceptual Clarity

Conceptual clarity is more important than rote memorization. When you understand the underlying principles, you can apply them to various questions. This approach is particularly useful for the UPSC exam, where application-based questions are common.

Regular revision and practice are key to retaining what you’ve learned. Make sure to revisit important topics frequently.

For a more structured and guided preparation, consider enrolling in courses offered by Sleepy Classes. Their expert faculty and comprehensive study materials can help you build a strong foundation in basic sciences.

Biotechnology and Its Applications

Genetic engineering and crispr.

Biotechnology involves the application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop products and processes that improve the quality of life. One of the most exciting areas in biotechnology is genetic engineering, which includes the revolutionary CRISPR technology. CRISPR allows scientists to edit genes with high precision, offering potential cures for genetic disorders and advancements in agriculture.

GM Crops and Bioinformatics

Genetically Modified (GM) crops are another significant application of biotechnology. These crops are engineered to be more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions, thereby increasing agricultural productivity. Bioinformatics, the use of computer technology to manage biological information, plays a crucial role in analyzing genetic data and developing new GM crops.

Biomedical Applications

Biotechnology has numerous applications in the field of medicine. It has led to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. For instance, biopharmaceuticals, which are drugs produced using biotechnology, have transformed the treatment of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Additionally, biotechnology is essential in developing personalized medicine, which tailors treatment to an individual’s genetic makeup.

Preparing for the future: strengthening the knowledge base for future advancements.

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the basics and staying updated with the latest developments is crucial. Sleepy Classes offers comprehensive courses that cover all aspects of biotechnology, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming various sectors, from healthcare to finance. AI involves creating smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. ML, a subset of AI, focuses on the ability of machines to learn from data and improve over time. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the basics of AI and ML, their applications, and ethical considerations is crucial.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across many computers. This technology ensures that the record cannot be altered retroactively, providing transparency and security. Key areas to focus on include the principles of blockchain, its applications in various fields like finance and supply chain, and its potential to revolutionize data security.

Cybersecurity Threats and Measures

Cybersecurity is about protecting information, equipment, and devices from cyber threats. As per the Information Technology Act, 2000, “ cybersecurity means protecting information, equipment, devices , computer, computer resource, communication device…”. UPSC candidates should be aware of common cybersecurity threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware, and the measures to counter these threats, including firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication.

Staying updated with the latest developments in IT and cybersecurity is essential for UPSC preparation. Platforms like Sleepy Classes offer comprehensive courses that integrate current affairs with static knowledge, helping you stay ahead in your preparation.

Space Technology and Exploration

Isro missions and achievements.

India’s space agency, ISRO, has made remarkable strides in space technology . Chandrayaan missions have put India on the lunar exploration map. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) showcased India’s capability in interplanetary missions. These missions not only demonstrate technological prowess but also inspire a generation of young scientists.

Satellite Technology

Satellites play a crucial role in communication, weather forecasting, and navigation. ISRO’s satellite programs, like the GSAT series, provide vital services. The NavIC system enhances navigation accuracy in the region. Understanding satellite technology is essential for UPSC aspirants as it impacts various sectors.

International Collaborations in Space

Collaborations with international space agencies like NASA and ESA have bolstered India’s space capabilities. Joint missions and technology sharing have opened new avenues for research and development. These partnerships highlight the importance of global cooperation in space exploration.

Space technology is not just about exploring the unknown; it’s about improving life on Earth through advancements in communication, navigation, and environmental monitoring.

For comprehensive preparation on space technology and other UPSC topics, consider enrolling in courses offered by Sleepy Classes. Their expert guidance can help you master complex subjects with ease.

Nanotechnology and Its Impact

Applications in medicine.

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the field of medicine. Nanoparticles are being used to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. This targeted approach not only improves the effectiveness of treatments but also reduces side effects. Additionally, nanotechnology is aiding in the development of advanced diagnostic tools, making early detection of diseases more accurate and less invasive.

Environmental Benefits

Nanotechnology offers significant environmental benefits. For instance, nanomaterials are being used to create more efficient water filtration systems, which can remove contaminants at a much smaller scale than traditional methods. This technology is also being applied to develop better air purification systems and more efficient solar panels, contributing to cleaner energy solutions.

Industrial Uses

In the industrial sector, nanotechnology is enhancing the properties of materials. Products like stronger and lighter materials for construction, more efficient batteries, and improved coatings for various applications are all possible due to advancements in nanotechnology. These innovations not only improve product performance but also contribute to sustainability by reducing material usage and energy consumption.

Nanotechnology is a game-changer in various fields, offering solutions that were once thought impossible. Its applications are vast and continue to grow, making it a crucial area of study for future advancements.

For those preparing for the UPSC exams, understanding the impact of nanotechnology is essential. Sleepy Classes offers comprehensive courses that cover these topics in detail, helping you stay ahead in your preparation.

Defense Technology and Innovations

Missile systems and aerospace technology.

India has made significant strides in missile systems and aerospace technology. The Agni missile series and BrahMos are prime examples of indigenous innovation . These systems enhance India’s defense capabilities and contribute to achieving targets of defense production and export. The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) has been pivotal in this progress.

Cyber Defense

In today’s digital age, cyber defense is crucial. India is focusing on strengthening its cyber defense mechanisms to protect against cybersecurity threats. This includes developing advanced technologies and protocols to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber-attacks.

Autonomous Systems

Autonomous systems, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are revolutionizing modern warfare. These systems offer strategic advantages such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes without risking human lives. India’s defense sector is actively working on developing and deploying these technologies to enhance its operational capabilities.

The continuous advancement in defense technology is essential for maintaining national security and achieving self-reliance in defense production.

For comprehensive preparation on defense technology topics, consider exploring resources and courses offered by Sleepy Classes. Their well-structured content and expert guidance can help you stay ahead in your UPSC journey.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Types of ipr.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are crucial for protecting the creations of the mind. There are several types of IPR, including:

• Copyright : Protects literary, artistic, and musical works.
• Geographical Indication : Identifies goods originating from a specific place.
• Trade Secrets: Protects confidential business information.
• Patents: Protects new inventions and processes.
• Industrial Designs: Protects the visual design of objects.

IPR Regime in India

India has a well-established IPR regime that aligns with international standards. The country has laws and regulations to protect various forms of intellectual property. The Indian Patent Act, Copyright Act, and Trademarks Act are some of the key legislations.

Understanding the IPR regime in India is essential for anyone looking to protect their intellectual property in the country.

International Agreements and Issues

India is a signatory to several international treaties and agreements related to IPR. These include the TRIPS Agreement, the Paris Convention, and the Berne Convention. These agreements help in harmonizing IPR laws across countries and provide a framework for resolving disputes.

For more detailed guidance on IPR and other UPSC topics, consider joining Sleepy Classes. Their comprehensive courses can help you excel in your UPSC preparation.

Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology

Notable scientists and their contributions.

India has produced many brilliant scientists who have made significant contributions to the world. Homi J. Bhabha is known as the father of India’s nuclear program. C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize for his work on the scattering of light, known as the Raman Effect. Satyendra Nath Bose’s work on quantum mechanics led to the development of Bose-Einstein statistics. These scientists have not only made India proud but have also advanced global scientific knowledge.

Breakthrough Innovations

Indian scientists have been at the forefront of many groundbreaking innovations. The Green Revolution, led by M.S. Swaminathan, transformed India’s agriculture, making the country self-sufficient in food grains. The White Revolution, spearheaded by Verghese Kurien, made India one of the largest producers of milk in the world. These innovations have had a lasting impact on the country’s economy and food security.

Government Initiatives to Promote Science

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote science and technology. The establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has led to numerous successful space missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission. The government also supports research through various grants and awards, such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry in the country.

India’s achievements in science and technology are a testament to the hard work and dedication of its scientists and the support of the government. These accomplishments not only benefit India but also contribute to global scientific progress.

For more detailed guidance and structured preparation, consider joining Sleepy Classes, where expert faculty can help you navigate through the UPSC syllabus with ease.

Preparing for Science and Technology in UPSC Prelims

Aligning with current affairs.

Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for tackling the science and technology questions in UPSC Prelims . Regularly read newspapers, follow reputable news websites, and subscribe to science magazines. This will help you stay informed about the latest developments and innovations.

Solving Previous Years’ Papers

Practicing previous years’ papers is an excellent way to understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. It also helps in identifying important topics and areas where you need more focus. Make it a habit to solve at least one paper every week.

Effective Revision Strategies

Revision is key to retaining what you have studied. Create a revision schedule that allows you to revisit important topics multiple times. Use summary notes, flashcards, and mind maps to make your revision more effective. Consistent revision will ensure that you have a strong grasp of the concepts.

Consistent study and staying updated on scientific developments are crucial for success in this section.

For a structured and efficient preparation, consider enrolling in courses offered by Sleepy Classes. Their expert guidance and well-structured study materials can significantly boost your preparation.

Science and Technology in UPSC Mains

Preparing for the Science and Technology section in the UPSC Mains requires a strategic approach. This section is part of the General Studies Paper III and covers a wide range of topics. Here are some essential tips to help you excel in this section.

Utilizing Online Resources and Study Materials

Recommended websites and portals.

To excel in the UPSC Science and Technology section, it’s crucial to use the right online resources. Websites like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Ministry of Science and Technology provide authentic information on recent developments. These portals are essential for staying updated with the latest advancements.

Online Courses and Webinars

Online courses and webinars are excellent for deepening your understanding of complex topics. Platforms like Sleepy Classes offer comprehensive video lectures, covering the entire syllabus. These courses are designed to be engaging and easy to understand, making learning more effective. Additionally, attending webinars can provide insights from experts and help clarify doubts in real-time.

Interactive Learning Tools

Interactive tools such as quizzes, flashcards, and mock tests can significantly enhance your preparation. These tools help in reinforcing concepts and improving retention. For instance, Sleepy Classes offers topic-wise quizzes and structured answer writing practice, which are invaluable for mastering the subject. Utilizing these tools can make your study sessions more productive and enjoyable.

Incorporating these online resources into your study plan will ensure a robust preparation for the UPSC exam. Balancing the study of basic concepts with staying updated on current developments is key to success.

By leveraging these online resources and study materials, you can build a strong foundation and stay ahead in your UPSC preparation.

Using online resources and study materials can make a big difference in your learning. At Sleepy Classes, we offer a variety of tools to help you succeed. From video lectures to practice tests, our resources are designed to make studying easier and more effective. Don’t miss out on these valuable tools. Visit our website today and start your journey to success!

Preparing for the Science and Technology section of the UPSC exam can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Focus on understanding the basics, stay updated with current developments, and practice regularly with past papers. Remember, this subject is not just about memorizing facts but about understanding concepts and their real-world applications. With dedication and a strategic study plan, you can master this section and boost your overall UPSC score. Keep learning and stay curious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is science and technology important for upsc.

Science and Technology is crucial for UPSC because it covers recent advancements and their applications, which are important for understanding current issues in India and the world. It is a significant part of both the Prelims and Mains exams.

How can I start preparing for Science and Technology for UPSC?

Begin by building a strong foundation with basic scientific principles from NCERT textbooks. Stay updated with current affairs related to science through newspapers and reputable sources. Practice with previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.

Which books are recommended for Science and Technology in UPSC?

For a solid foundation, refer to NCERT textbooks from Classes 6 to 12. For in-depth coverage, use ‘Science and Technology’ by Ravi Agrahari. Reading newspapers like ‘The Hindu’ and magazines like ‘Science Reporter’ can also be helpful.

Is it necessary to keep up with current affairs for Science and Technology?

Yes, keeping up with current affairs is essential for Science and Technology preparation. Many questions are based on recent developments and their applications, so staying updated with the latest news is crucial.

What are some key areas to focus on in Science and Technology for UPSC?

Key areas include Biotechnology, Information Technology, Space Technology, Nanotechnology, Defense Technology, and Intellectual Property Rights. Understanding these topics and their applications is important for the exam.

How important is solving previous years’ papers for Science and Technology?

Solving previous years’ papers is very important as it helps you understand the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the areas that are frequently covered. It also helps in practicing time management.

Can I prepare for Science and Technology without a science background?

Yes, you can prepare for Science and Technology even without a science background. Start with basic NCERT textbooks to build your foundation and gradually move to more advanced topics. Regularly reading current affairs related to science will also help.

How should I integrate current developments in Science and Technology into my UPSC answers?

To integrate current developments, stay updated with the latest news and understand their implications. Relate these developments to the basic concepts you have studied and use them to support your answers in the exam.

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