UPSC Essay Syllabus 2023

UPSC Essay Syllabus:

candidates are expected to ‘keep closely to the subject’ of the essay and arrange their ideas in an ‘orderly fashion’. Credit will be given for ‘effective and exact expression’.

Basics of essay paper:

1. Essay Significance: Worth 250 marks – can significantly impact your score.
2. Generalist Approach: It’s about broad understanding and communication, not specialist knowledge.
3. Time Management: Crucial for success – practice writing within time constraints.
4. Prepared Content: Beneficial, but ensure it’s adaptable to different topics.
5. Address Weaknesses: Important to improve areas like grammar, spelling, or handwriting.

• Grammar/Spelling: Yes, they matter for clear communication.
• Handwriting: Legibility is key – poor handwriting could affect readability.

3 ELEMENTS OF ESSAY:

1. Choosing a Topic:

• Pick a topic you’re knowledgeable about and interested in.
• Ensure it’s a topic you can write extensively and insightfully on.
• Consider a topic with potential for a diverse range of arguments.

2. Interpreting the Topic:

• Understand exactly what the topic is asking for – look for keywords and phrases.
• Consider different perspectives of the topic to gain a comprehensive understanding.
• Research the topic to ensure you’re well-informed about all aspects.

3. Structure of the Essay:

• Introduction: Present your topic and thesis statement.
• Body: Develop your arguments and provide supporting evidence.
• Conclusion: Recap your main points and provide a final thought or implication.

How to Choose a topic

1. Choosing a Topic:

• Adequate Content: Select a topic on which you have sufficient knowledge to write a comprehensive essay.
• Risk and Returns: Avoid choosing a difficult topic just to stand out. Common topics are less risky and ensure average returns, while difficult topics pose high risks with uncertain returns.
• Broad/General Topics: These are preferable as they make it easier to generate extensive content.
• Discuss Both Sides: Opt for a topic that allows you to present balanced viewpoints. This approach not only broadens your essay content but also demonstrates your ability to consider multiple perspectives.

1. Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence: This topic calls for a deep understanding of ecological economics, sustainable development, and environmental studies. If you are well-versed in these areas, this could be a great choice. The broad scope allows for a rich, diverse discussion.
2. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world: This topic requires a strong understanding of literature, societal impact of poetry, and its intersection with politics and societal norms. If you are comfortable discussing the role of literature and art in society, this topic could be an excellent choice.
3. History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man: If you have a solid understanding of the history of scientific and romantic (artistic, emotional, intuitive) thought and their influence over time, this could be a compelling topic. It requires a deep dive into intellectual history and philosophy.
4. A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for: This topic is a metaphorical statement that can be interpreted in many ways, relating to risk, purpose, exploration, comfort zones, etc. It is a broad topic that could apply to various areas, from personal growth to political policies.
5. Interpreting the Topic:

• Understand the Topic and its Demands: Carefully read the topic and ensure you comprehend its demands accurately. Identify the underlying theme, the perspectives it implies, and the kind of discussion it’s asking for.
• Create the Skeletal Structure of Your Essay: This step involves:
• Identifying Key Terms: Spot the important words or phrases in the topic that hold the essence of what needs to be addressed. These will guide the direction of your essay.
• Developing Linkages Between Terms: Determine how these key terms relate to each other within the context of the topic. This will provide a framework for your arguments and help maintain the coherence of your essay.

For example, in the topic “Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence”, the key terms might be “forests”, “case studies”, and “economic excellence”. You would then develop linkages between these terms, such as how forests (through sustainable use, ecosystem services, etc.) can serve as case studies illustrating economic excellence.

2A. Interpreting the Topic Correctly:

• Rephrase the Topic as a Question: This technique can help you better understand the demand of the topic. For example, “Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence” could be rephrased as “How can forests serve as the best case studies for economic excellence?”.
• Agreement/Disagreement: Determine whether you agree or disagree with the proposed question.

• If you agree or disagree, ensure you have compelling arguments to support your stance.
• If the topic is informative, aim to discuss it from various perspectives.

Dimensions to Explore in an Informative Topic:

Depending on the subject of your essay, you might explore the topic through different dimensions, such as:

• Social
• Diplomatic
• Technological
• Political
• Humanitarian
• Philosophical
• Economic
• Medical
• Environmental
• Historical
• Cultural
• Ethical

Here’s an example of how to interpret these topics:

2B. Creating the Skeletal Structure of Your Essay:

• Identify Key Terms: Read the topic thoroughly and highlight the important terms or phrases that encapsulate the essence of what you’re asked to discuss.
• Understand Linkages: Determine how the key terms are connected within the context of the topic. Understanding these linkages will guide your arguments and maintain the coherence of your essay.
• Create a Checklist: Formulate a list of the points your essay must address, based on the key terms and their linkages.

This would help you differentiate between a substandard and a good essay:

• A substandard essay merely provides information on the terms, with weak or absent linkages.
• A good essay, on the other hand:

• Explains the key terms in detail.
• Elucidates the connections between these terms.
• Elaborates on these connections, supporting them with relevant evidence.

Here’s how you might create a skeletal structure for these essay topics:

Here’s a concise way to represent your provided essay structure in table format:

here’s how to write an effective introduction for your essay:

here’s how to effectively write a conclusion for your essay:

ESSAY PAPER – UPSC Civil Services Mains – 2022

Section A

1. Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence

2. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world

3. History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man

4. A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for

Section B

5. The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining

6. You cannot step twice in the same river

7. A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities

8. Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in UPSC Civil Services Exam Essay Writing

Avoid One-Dimensional Approach:

• Essays should be expansive and multi-dimensional, not overly focused on one aspect like history or politics.

Don’t Deviate from the Topic:

• Even if passionate about a topic, always write what is asked, not just what you know or feel.
• Regularly check if your essay is aligned with the question to prevent steering away from the topic.

Avoid Abstract Topics if Not Comfortable:

• If uncomfortable with abstract philosophical topics, it’s best to avoid such questions.
• Selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it can be unwise.

Understand Technical Terms:

• If the question contains a technical term, ensure you understand it correctly before writing.
• Misunderstanding can lead to generic writing, affecting your score.

Avoid Extreme or Unpopular Opinions:

• When taking a stance on an issue, avoid extreme or highly unpopular views to minimize risk.
• Present arguments for both sides, and conclude on a balanced note.

No Ranting:

• Present both positive and negative aspects of a topic, even if you have a personal bias.
• The essay should end on a balanced note.

Equal Time Investment:

• Both essays carry equal marks, so invest equal time in each.
• Avoid dedicating disproportionate time to one essay at the expense of the other.

Effective Paragraph Transition Techniques in Essay Writing

1. Link Sentences:

• Description: Conclude the paragraph with a sentence that prepares the reader for the next topic.
• Example: If you’re discussing the impact of climate change on the global economy, you could end with, “Beyond the economic disruption, climate change poses significant threats to global health.” The following paragraph could then dive into the health consequences of climate change.

2. Transitional Questions:

• Description: Guide your reader to the next topic by posing a question at the end of a paragraph.
• Example: After discussing the economic impacts of climate change, you could ask, “While the economic implications are considerable, how is climate change influencing global health?” The next paragraph would then unpack this question.

3. Signaling Shifts at the Start of a New Paragraph:

• Description: Begin the new paragraph with a word or phrase that signals a transition to a new subtopic.
• Example: In an essay on Climate Change, if you’ve discussed its economic impact, the next paragraph can start with, “In addition to its economic effects, climate change also profoundly impacts global health…” This prepares the reader for a shift in the discussion towards health-related consequences of climate change.

Implementing these transition techniques helps to maintain a logical flow in your essay, making it easier for the reader to follow your argument.

Previous Years Essay Topics: (2015-2022):

Philosophical Essay Topics:

1. Ethics and Virtues:
   • Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
   • Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
   • Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
   • A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
   • Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
   • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
2. Reflection on Life and Humanity:
   • Quick but steady wins the race.
   • Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
   • ‘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 confirm to the ideal, but confirms it.
   • Wisdom finds truth.
   • Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
   • Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.
   • Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
   • The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
3. Perception and Self-Reflection:
   • Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
   • History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
   • 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.
4. Knowledge and Learning:
   • Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
   • What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
   • There are better practices to “best practices”.
   • Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.
5. Morality and Ethics:
   • Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
   • Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
6. Reflection on Reality:
   • The real is rational and the rational is real.
7. Gender and Society:
   • Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
8. Irony and Paradox:
   • The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

Socio-Economic Essay Topics:

1. Economic Growth and Inequality:
   • Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
   • Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
   • Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
   • Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.
2. Development and Sustainability:
   • If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
   • Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.
   • Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
   • Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India.
   • Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
   • Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
3. Social Justice and Prosperity:
   • There can be no social justice without economic prosperity, but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.

Women issues:

• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.

Science and Tech:

1. Technology cannot replace manpower.
2. Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
3. Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
4. Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
5. Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

Environmental:

1. Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
2. Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

International Relations:

1. Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world?
2. South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
3. Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

Polity and Governance:

1. Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
2. Water disputes between States in federal India.
3. We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
4. Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
5. Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.

List of quotes:

1. Democracy and Politics

1. “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” – Abraham Lincoln
2. “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln
3. “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” – George Bernard Shaw
4. “The power to question is the basis of all human progress.” – Indira Gandhi
5. “Democracy means nothing if people are not able to work the democracy for the common good.” – Chandra Bhushan

2. Environment and Sustainability

6. “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth.” – Marlee Matlin
7. “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb
8. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi
9. “In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” – Baba Dioum
10. “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” – Marshall McLuhan

3. Education and Knowledge

11. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
12. “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
13. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – W.B. Yeats
14. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere.” – Chanakya
15. “Real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam

4. Women Empowerment

16. “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” – Kofi Annan
17. “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates
18. “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
19. “To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man’s injustice to woman.” – Mahatma Gandhi
20. “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” – John F. Kennedy

5. Ethics and Morality

21. “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Albert Camus
22. “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
23. “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
24. “The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.” – Mahatma Gandhi
25. “Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality.” – Mahatma Gandhi

6. Technology and Progress

26. “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” – Christian Lous Lange
27. “The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.” – Edward Teller
28. “Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response.” – Arthur Schlesinger
29. “For me, there are two types of people: the young and the experienced.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam
30. “The human spirit must prevail over technology.” – Albert Einstein

7. Social Issues and Equality

31. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
32. “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” – Mahatma Gandhi
33. “Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create.” – Pope John Paul II
34. “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” – Mahatma Gandhi
35. “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Conclusion Phrases and Quotes for Essay Writing:

1. “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) – Mundaka Upanishad
2. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) – Maha Upanishad
3. “Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah” (Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions) – Rigveda
4. “Ahimsa paramo dharmah” (Non-violence is the highest duty) – Mahabharata
5. “Tamso ma jyotirgamaya” (Lead me from darkness to light) – Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
6. “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all be happy) – Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
7. “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free” – Rabindranath Tagore
8. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
9. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
10. “Unity in diversity is India’s strength. There is simplicity in every Indian. There is unity in every corner of India. This is our strength.” – Narendra Modi
11. “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam
12. “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” – Swami Vivekananda
13. “The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi
14. “To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam
15. “The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.” – Chanakya
16. “Change is the law of the universe. You can be a millionaire, or a pauper in an instant.” – Bhagavad Gita
17. “Every act is righteous which is performed with the knowledge of our duty, without attachment.” – Bhagavad Gita
18. “To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.” – Mahatma Gandhi
19. “Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.” – Bhagavad Gita
20. “We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.” – Swami Vivekananda