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How to Write a Philosophical Essay for UPSC? Learn Some Pointers to Ace the Exam

Writing allows you to witness your own ideas, thoughts and beliefs. What you write on paper will reveal to the reader how you argue, think, and support your point of view. As a result, essay writing is required for the majority of academic entrance and competitive examinations.

Aspirants have a paper equivalent to the General Studies paper which also has a 250-point paper in the Civil Services Exam. Despite its importance, aspirants rarely give essay papers the attention they deserve.

First-timers believe they will write an excellent or outstanding essay on the final exam, whereas experienced candidates believe that because they have already studied extensively for GS, writing a good essay will be adequate. This is a fatal error in judgement. Let’s read some pointers in the article.

How to Write a Philosophical Essay for UPSC?

The essay differs from GS in that marks will be given solely on the basis of the content in GS. Examiners will pay close attention to not only the content, but also the language, coherence, and organisation of your essay.

As a result, you must take special care to organise your thoughts properly and avoid common spelling and grammatical errors.

UPSC Preparation for Essay

Nonfiction reading aids in the development of a mature thought process. They will allow you to come across good art of argumentation, figures of speech, powerful unique and rhetoric content, among other things, in addition to imparting knowledge.

You can refer to specific issues of EPW/Yojana/Economic Survey, etc. for specific topics. For example, if you’re writing an essay about tribal issues or public health, you can look through specific issues of these magazines to get the most up-to-date statistics (malnutrition levels, MMR, IMR, and so on) as well as information about the drawbacks and benefits of government programmes in those areas.

Also Read: Essay on ‘Secularism in India’ for UPSC: Present Your UPSC Essay Topics in the Best Way

Essay Tips for UPSC Exam Preparation

The language used in the writing should be simple and straightforward, with as little jargon as possible. If you want to use complex definitional terms like “Constitutionalism”, government policies, etc., define them in a sentence before using them.

The examiner will also be able to understand exactly what you’re trying to say. Writing clearly is the equivalent of thinking clearly. And that is exactly what a reader is looking for.

Keep your sentences succinct and to the point. It’s difficult to read and understand because of the long, winding sentences. When you use conjunctions to add one clause after another, you end up with a bad sentence sprawl.

It is not necessary to memorise complex words in order to write well. However, using a strong word or a clever phrase every now and then will give your article an edge.

Furthermore, believe that memorising a large number of words will not help them stick in your mind for very long. Reading English newspapers and nonfiction is the best way to expand your vocabulary.

If you come across a good turn of phrase or a word you don’t recognise while reading these, please jot it down in a book, look up its definition, and understand the context in which it was used. Long-term memory is aided by this. It also helps to have a dictionary or grammar app on your phone.

Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t put too much emphasis on a single point or dimension (such as the political or historical aspect) Your writing should be broad in scope and multi-dimensional in nature. We read a lot during the preparation process, so it’s understandable that we have strong feelings about certain topics. And, because writing allows you to write freely, it’s easy to get carried away with a topic like this.

But make sure you write what the question is, not what you think or feel. No, always stick to the topic’s main point. It’s a good suggestion to read the topic in the middle of your writing to make sure you’re not leaving track.

Also Read: Essay on ‘Poverty’ for UPSC: Improve UPSC Essay Topics Writing Skill with Ease

Avoid such questions if you are uncomfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics. Your topic selection has no bearing on your grades, so picking an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is a bad idea. Also, if the question contains a technical term, double-check that you understand it.

There will be no ranting. If there is a question about capitalism, do not rant or rail against it, even if you are a big fan of Karl Marx. You must present both the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism, and the writing must end on a balanced note.

Don’t spend an exaggerated amount of time on the initial writing and rush through the second. Both are worth the same quantity of points, so please dedicate the same amount of time to them.

How to Write a Good Introduction for an Essay?

The following is an example of an introduction:

a made-up story or event(in which you introduce a character or protagonist);

a quote; a true story; or a straightforward definition of the words in the question (not recommended in writing)

In GS, using a definitional approach to introduce your answers is a great way to get started. However, in writing, they are rather stale and devoid of any human element. We always believe that having a touch of warmth and humanity in your introduction is a good way to start your writing.

Introduction to Social Media Essay

In the same way, the introduction to the Social Media essay aimed to highlight the paradox of social media.

These anecdotes, true stories, and incidents can be found in abundance in our books and newspapers. So, as you come across them, jot them down and consider how you can incorporate them into your writing.

Also Read: Climate Change Essay: Step by Step Guide to Ace UPSC Writing Topic

How to Write the Body Content?

It’s like making a web out of a thread. Depending on the topic, you can select the best option from the list below.

Past, present, and future are all examples of temporal concepts.

Media, business, science and technology, politics, sports, religion, and administration, to name a few.

Family, Individual, Workplace, Community, Society, National, and Global Problem & Solution: Concept (historical evolution+status), Problems, Benefits, and Solutions

Social, administrative, political, economic, historical, environmental, scientific, security/defence, international, and legal standards are all applicable.

Each para in the main body must contain an argument or an idea, as well as reasoning to support that argument. You can back it up with a real-life example, a legitimate committee, a statistic, or organisational report, and so on.

Statistics, expert opinions, examples, and constitutional provisions are all important, and they lend authority to your arguments.

Concluding an Essay

The conclusion should end on a positive, futuristic note. You must summarise the entire essay in three to four sentences, after which you must write your future vision.

The speeches of Prime Minister Modi can provide you with some useful terms. Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India, Sabka saath saath vikas, and other phrases can be useful. To conclude your essay, use lofty expressions, rhetoric, Sanskrit slokas, constitutional ideals, and quotes.

However, if you mentioned a fictional character in your introduction, it’s always a good idea to end your article with a reference to that character. It gives the writing a sense of completion.

Also Read: Uniform Civil Code in India: Suggestions, Challenges and Essay for UPSC Notes

Think Before You Write

You shouldn’t start writing right away after you’ve chosen your topic. It’s a good idea to pause for a moment and collect your thoughts. Make a list of the points you want to make in pencil. This is critical because only then will you be able to write your points in the correct order.

For example, if you’re writing about India’s relations with its neighbours, you should start with historical facts and events. Assume you begin writing the essay and realise only near the end that you have forgotten to include a critical historical detail; it would be too late to add it due to a space constraint. As a result, it is beneficial to write down your rough points first.

Important Pointers

# Don’t use slurs or insults. In your essay, never get too personal.

# Don’t hold extreme opinions. The Buddha’s middle path can assist you in this situation!

# Don’t just make a list of problems. Also, provide possible reforms/solutions.

# Don’t be too harsh on the government or administration.

# Your essay should not be provocative, even if the topic is. Create a picture that is well-balanced. You are not obligated to agree with the topic.

# Write utopian solutions sparingly.

# Remember, you’re a future officer, not a reporter!

Essay writing is a part of our daily preparation at UPSC Pathshala . There is a ‘Question Sheet’ for every 3-4 days of study that contains extremely difficult 3-4 subjective questions to attempt. Your mentor evaluates these on a regular basis. This continues throughout the entire year! In a year, you write about 350 responses. By that time, presenting your ideas in a logical manner has become second nature to you.

Hopefully, the preceding article was instructive and you now understand how to structure your essay. While essay writing takes time, reading the question carefully, comprehending it, and then revising it should be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time. These are some crucial steps that should be taken in the examination hall.

Also Read: Valuable Essay Writing Tips for UPSC that One Should Follow: Guide to Write a Perfect Essay

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Amiksha is a budding Content Writer. A young writer who has written over 250 poems and quotes and also an author of a famous Wattpad novel named “Ma and the Magical Kingdom” and always sets her goals high with her determination like the sky. Her mother is her inspiration and her family is her biggest support. She has her interest in writing, reading novels and craft. She has developed her hardworking and disciplined persona from her mother. She is very out going and loves travelling, trekking and hiking. She believes in the quote “Creativity lies in actions not experience

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How to Score in Philosophical and Abstract Essays for UPSC Main 2023-24? | Target 150+ score | Unbreakable Mains Essay Masterclass by Zeeshan sir

12th August@ 7:30 pm | UPSC Philosophical and Abstract Essays made super easy by Zeeshan sir | Click below and register for the Essay Masterclass

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Essay writing is a crucial component of the UPSC Mains examination. This is a paper where the candidates’ expressive and analytical skills are put to the test. The topics provided in the essay paper can range from socio-economic issues to philosophical and abstract themes. Tackling such broad and diverse themes can be challenging, especially when it comes to philosophical and abstract topics.

A great UPSC essay starts with brainstormed random ideas, disjointed facts…chaos, formulated into a  ‘blueprint’.  That’s the first step before you actually start writing it.

We are delighted to announce that Zeeshan Sir, our esteemed Essay Program Head, will be conducting a comprehensive session on mastering the nuances of philosophical essays in UPSC Mains and aiming for a stellar score of 150+

Known for his profound expertise and effective teaching methods, Zeeshan Sir has been a guiding beacon for countless UPSC aspirants. His mentorship has proven instrumental in the success of over 56 UPSC 2022 rankers, who vouch for his insightful understanding of the subject matter and his ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Why abstract and philosophical essays are a pain point for UPSC aspirants ?

• Abstract and philosophical essays are often seen as challenging due to their broad and interpretative nature.
• Unlike socio-economic topics, philosophical topics do not have a fixed set of facts or data that can be directly included in the essay.
• These essays require the candidates to demonstrate their critical thinking skills, ability to make abstract connections and articulate their thoughts coherently.

Who should attend the webinar by Zeeshan sir ?

• Aspirants preparing for the UPSC 2023-24 Mains.
• Individuals struggling with abstract and philosophical essays in the Mains.
• Candidates looking to improve their overall score in the Mains.
• Aspirants seeking guidance from an experienced and successful mentor.
• Candidates looking for effective strategies and tips to approach philosophical and abstract essays.
• Anyone who is aiming to break free from the feeling of unfulfillment and aimlessness in their preparation.
• Aspirants who are not able to decipher the pattern and ‘new ways of UPSC’.
• Someone who has failed in earlier attempts – aiming to understand and fill critical gaps in your preparation.
• Candidates looking for practical strategies rather than generic guidance.
• Aspirants who want effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency in their preparation

This Clarity with Ranker’s session holds the keys to your success.

What should you expect?

• In-depth understanding of how to tackle abstract and philosophical essays in the Mains.
• Strategies to target and achieve a 150+ score in the UPSC Mains essay paper.
• UPSC Essay trends vis-a-vis Philosophical and Abstract topics.
• Insightful tips and tactics to decode and address complex essay topics.
• Interactive Q&A session to address individual queries and concerns.
• Guidance on improving writing skills and presenting ideas effectively.
• Exposure to previous years’ essay topics and a critical analysis of the same.

Other than this Zeeshan sir will also share best practices to be followed:

• Regular writing practice: Choose diverse topics, including philosophical ones, for regular practice.
• Read widely: Broaden your understanding and perspective by reading widely, including philosophy, sociology, psychology, current affairs, etc.
• Brainstorming: For every topic, spend some time brainstorming different ideas, views, and arguments before starting to write.
• Outline your essay: Always create an outline to ensure your essay is structured and coherent.
• Choose your essay topic wisely: Your understanding of the topic and comfort level should determine your choice.
• Time management: Allocate sufficient time for understanding the topic, brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, writing the essay, and reviewing it.
• Maintain a balanced view: If the topic is debatable, present both sides of the argument before taking a stand.
• Use effective language: Avoid grammatical and spelling errors.
• Ensure flow and coherence: The essay should be logically structured, and each paragraph should flow

Details  

This session will be held in online mode.

Date:  12th Aug 2023 (Saturday)

Time:  7:30 pm Onwards

Zoom Meeting Link will be sent via your registered email address.

Join FREE UPSC Mains 2023 Initiative: Unbreakable Mains 2023 Telegram group

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UPSC Essentials | Expert talk — ‘Don’t be afraid of Essays on philosophical quotes’: DU Philosophy Prof

With upsc mains 2023 just a few days away, you might be still worried about your strategies for tackling the philosophical quotes based essays. upsc essentials interviews professor pratibha sharma to understand what is a 'good' philosophical essay..

There is a pleasure in philosophy which every aspirant feels, until it appears as an unavoidable component of the UPSC CSE Essay paper. Is it so? In the past few years, the Essay paper of UPSC CSE has started focussing completely on philosophical quotes. This shift in trend has become a big challenge for aspirants in their UPSC journey. Manas Srivastava talks to Prof. Pratibha Sharma of Miranda House who weighs in on many fears of aspirants regarding philosophical quotes that aspirants may find relevant to kick start their Essay preparation.

About our Expert: Professor Pratibha Sharma teaches philosophy in Miranda House ( Delhi University), and is currently the Teacher-in-Charge of the Philosophy department.

Dear future bureaucrats don’t be afraid of philosophy.

Manas: In the past few years, UPSC has started asking Essay topics on Philosophical quotes. Many aspirants do not study Philosophy as a subject before UPSC preparation. This makes the Essay paper challenging for them. What would you say about this ‘fear’ of philosophical quotes among aspirants?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Let’s begin by understanding that the great philosophers whose quotes you encounter in your question papers come from different disciplines themselves. Descartes, Leibniz and Whitehead were mathematicians. Plato was a polymath. Students of political science must have read about John Rawls. Similarly, B.G. Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore, Madan Mohan Malviya, Mahatma Gandhi, and many others were not philosophy students in particular. Their thoughts, words, and lives became important for philosophy and hence they are known as great philosophers. So, to say that one has to be an academic philosopher to understand philosophical quotes is not true.

Don’t be afraid of philosophy and philosophical quotes. Philosophers are not strangers to you. In fact, everyone is a philosopher from within. Try to awaken that philosopher within you.

Also, I am not surprised that UPSC has started giving more weightage to philosophical quotes in essays. Philosophy is important in every aspect of life. You must have noticed that every institution has an ethics committee nowadays. Philosophy is the basis for Ethics. Even UPSC has introduced a paper on Ethics as its compulsory paper in the mains examination. This speaks volumes of the relevance of philosophy in not only your exams but also in life in general.

JUST FYI: The essay paper is a compulsory paper in UPSC CSE (Main) Examination and plays a crucial part in the selection process. It is divided into two sections, each consisting of four topics. Candidates are required to write two essays in three hours of time. The essays carry a total of 250 marks (125 each). The word limit for each essay is 1000- 1200 words. The syllabus of essay paper is not well defined by UPSC in comparison to other GS papers. 

Manas: One assumes that many philosophy teachers must be evaluating Essay papers with questions on Philosophical quotes. If you had to evaluate Essays for UPSC exams, what would have been your parameters for evaluation or what is a ‘good’ essay according to you?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Firstly, an examiner knows that aspirants are not necessarily from a philosophical background. So, that clarity is there in the mind of the examiner. Having said that, a good essay may have the following elements:

1. Better understanding of the quote

2. Proper elaboration of quotes based on ideology, thinkers, and examples

3. Right language and expressions

4. Multidimensional approach

5. Linked to contemporary times- making it more relevant

Regarding all these points, I must mention that one who aspires to be an IAS officer should have some basic skills in writing and expressing their views. One doesn’t need to use difficult words but the right expressions.

Manas: The point where you mentioned thinkers and ideology brings us to a question of sources. Does it mean that aspirants should start reading several philosophy books for Essays? If yes, which ones?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: No, reading too many books on Philosophy for a few months or a year won’t help. This is knowledge that is acquired over some time. I will suggest they make wise use of the Internet and become aware of some important ideologies, quotes, and thinkers. They will find them relevant in Ethics paper too which is very much connected to philosophy.

However, if anyone wants to read a book I suggest they take any ‘Introduction to Philosophy’ which covers all major themes.

Manas: You have also mentioned the ‘Multidimensional approach’ in an Essay. What do you mean by that?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Students must understand an important aspect of multidimensional approach. In ancient times there used to be no real distinction between various subjects. People believed that nothing could be studied in isolation. This was called multidisciplinary approach which nowadays, in academics, is called interdisciplinarity. Specifically about Philosophy, we should know that it teaches us not to be judgmental. This means that one must be aware of various options, perspectives and points of view, theories, etc. For example, democracy is just one form of government. One needs to be aware of other forms of government to conclude that which is the best form of government. If one is partial, he or she is not tolerant. That is neither good for your essay paper nor as a citizen and a human being.

Manas: Interestingly,  you mentioned linking the quote to contemporary times. Can you please elaborate?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Most of the quotes are from thinkers. These thinkers are ‘eternal thinkers’. Their words are relevant even today. Therefore, students should remember this aspect in their essays too. These quotes may be rooted in some time and space but linking them to contemporary times may make essays more relevant.

Manas: Are there any ‘boundaries’ for essays based on philosophical quotes as they seem open-ended?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Regarding limitations, I would like to mention that data is not so important in such essays. Students, for example, can refer to ‘changing trends’ but don’t write like a social scientist. One may refer to theories while answering, for example, a question on happiness. But do not be judgmental. Essays should not have a partial approach; try to show multiple perspectives and not stick to one stand. Sometimes students aren’t very good with the ideas of thinkers. They should know at least some important ones and can write good examples to support their points.

Manas: Why should future bureaucrats and administrators have some sense of Philosophy?

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: Let’s answer this question in the language of Philosophy itself. Plato talked about the ‘ Philosopher King’ in The Republic . According to this idea, the best form of government is that in which philosophers rule. In present times, a philosopher is an articulated person who has a better understanding of diverse issues and he is not judgemental. These are two qualities that are required in an able administrator. Therefore, not only attempt to study Philosophy but also imbibe it. Philosophy helps to analyse issues from different perspectives before coming to a conclusion. Critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethics, all are part of Philosophy. Isn’t it a part of the job of an administrator working in the field to apply all of these?

I believe students should know about one such personality who was known as the Indian Philosopher King (especially in the Philosophy circle) and went on to become the President of India — Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. His contribution to our country is immense. Students must read about him. They will get an answer to the above question.

Manas: You are a Philosophy teacher. I am sure you must have a favourite quote that you think is very important to your life…

Prof. Pratibha Sharma: One philosophical quote that is very close to my heart is:

I know that I don’t know ~ Socrates

One is wise because at least he or she knows what he or she doesn’t know. At least, I recognise my ignorance. As I recognise my ignorance, I will like to learn and know more. There is an element of ‘inquisitiveness’.

Manas: I think your favourite quote can be a good point to ponder for aspirants. UPSC aspirants must try as a sample essay question.

(Answer in the comment box or through your email)

Share your views, answers and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@ indianexpress.com

The UPSC Section of Indian Express  is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest Updates .

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Manas Srivastava is currently working as Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and majorly writes for UPSC-related projects leading a unique initiative known as UPSC Essentials. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called ‘Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik’ and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called ‘You Ask We Answer’.His talks on ‘How to read a newspaper’ focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also currently working on a monthly magazine for UPSC Aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University’s Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women’s Studies by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on ‘Psychological stress among students’ at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More

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Essay Paper UPSC 2023 (Mains) Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on September 27, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

UPSC conducted the Civil Service Mains exam for essay paper on 15 September 2023.

The CSE mains essay paper comprises two sections. Each section contains 4 essay topics. Out of which 2 topics of choice from each section need to be picked.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000-1200 words for each essay.

Table of Contents

UPSC CSE Essay Paper 2023 Instructions

General instructions mentioned on the essay paper, that need to be followed by every aspirant are provided here.

• 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 a 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) 2023

The question paper of the UPSC CSE mains essay paper is provided here.

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

1: Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

2: Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

3: Not all who wander are lost.

4: Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

5: Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines.

6: Mathematics is the music of reasons.

7: A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

8: Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023: Exam Analysis

The essay topics for the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam in 2023 were intellectually demanding and philosophical in nature.

They required candidates to engage in deep critical thinking and present their thoughts logically.

All the questions in this year’s paper aimed at assessing the candidates’ ability to handle abstract concepts and express their ideas effectively in a structured manner.

This year’s essay topics look like that UPSC has taken inspiration from a wide range of sources, including philosophical and literary works.

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team

This topic seems to revolve around the idea that critical thinking often emerges in response to opposing viewpoints or challenges.

Candidates may have been asked to explore how the clash of ideas leads to innovation and progress.

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

This famous saying belongs to Paul O’Brien.

This statement likely prompted candidates to discuss the balance between intuition and rationality in making important decisions.

It encourages a reflection on the role of both factors in effective leadership and problem-solving

Not all who wander are lost

This saying belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien,  The Fellowship of the Ring.

The topic expected from candidates to think about how exploring and being spontaneous in life’s journey can be really good.

It’s a deep topic that can be understood in many different ways.

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane

This essay topic appears to emphasize the idea that creativity is not limited to rare moments of inspiration but can be found in everyday experiences.

It probably asked people to think about where creativity comes from and how we can express it in our daily lives.

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines

This is the saying of Simone de Beauvoir

Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent French existentialist philosopher and feminist thinker. She made significant contributions to feminist philosophy through her work, including “The Second Sex,” where she discussed the concept of “The Other” and examined the role of societal expectations in shaping women’s lives.

The quote by Simone de Beauvoir presented the idea that both girls and boys or individuals of different genders, often face distinct but equally harmful forms of societal pressures and constraints.

It suggests that expectations placed on girls (referred to as “restrictions”) and boys (referred to as “demands”) can be damaging and limit their potential.

Mathematics is the music of reasons

The complete saying of James Joseph Sylvester is that mathematics is the music of reason. May not music be described as the mathematics of the sense, mathematics as music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, the mathematician thinks music: music the dream, mathematics the working life.”

This statement suggests a poetic connection between mathematics and music. Candidates likely had to discuss the beauty and logic inherent in mathematics and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

This topic seems to touch upon the ideas of social justice and charity, which have been discussed by philosophers like John Rawls and the concept of the “veil of ignorance.”

Candidates may have been asked to explore the relationship between justice, equality, and philanthropy in society.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school –  Albert Einstein .

This essay topic likely demands from candidates to reflect on the value of education beyond rote memorization.

It may have expect discussion on the practical application of knowledge and lifelong learning.

What Should Aspirants Preparing for UPSC CSE for Next Year do for an essay paper?

Taking the essay paper in the UPSC exam seriously is important. This paper requires you to write 10-12 pages about abstract or philosophical topics, which can be challenging if you’re not well-prepared.

To succeed in this exam and perform well in the essay paper, you should work on improving your comprehension and analytical skills. To get additional guidance you can join the ClearIAS essay writing program as well.

One helpful way to prepare is by reading various types of essays, especially philosophical ones. Pay special attention to the ideas of famous philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx, and others.

Practice writing essays based on famous quotes, as this is a common format in UPSC exams.

Additionally, be ready to write essays on a wide range of topics, including society, politics, the economy, and technology. UPSC asks such types of questions too.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a fixed pattern for UPSC questions. Analyze previous year’s question papers to get valuable insight. So, focus on understanding the way UPSC frames questions rather than expecting a consistent trend.

Related Posts

• Essay Course for UPSC CSE – The Art of Essay Writing
• ClearIAS launches Essay Writing Course for UPSC
• 10 Common Essay Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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HOW TO WRITE PHILOSOPHICAL ESSAY FOR UPSC?

In this article, we have covered strategy of Philosophical Essay for UPSC.

Essay writing itself is a daunting task for many aspirants. Though the one section is somewhat easy to handle, which has topics from social, political, environmental and economic aspects; but when it comes to philosophical topics, it is a herculean task to write an essay on this.

A philosophical essay for UPSC is not about flowery language, story-telling techniques, or surprising the examiner. The art of a philosophical essay is found in your orderly fashioned ideas; the language that you use is only a potent weapon for conveying these ideas to the examiner. The subtle art is in proving one’s views in a crystal clear manner.

There are various challenges which are attached to it, and how to handle the philosophical topic in ‘effective’ and ‘safely’ . We are going to discuss in our coming talks. I purposefully called ‘safely’ because the ground is so slippery, slight deviation or flow of emotion, may put you in great trouble.

Selection of topic

Any good essay will definitely have a plethora of elements and dimensions to it. For essay writing, there are obviously several basic rules that one should follow while searching for these elements and dimensions. First and foremost thing is selection of the topic , especially in philosophical one.

If you are not very well versed with a selected topic, ideas will be exhausted in 2-3 pages, and you will end in repetition of ideas. So choose that topic where you can express yourself in 10-12 pages.

Decoding the topic

Another important aspect is deciphering the topic i.e. decoding the topic . Ethics GS paper comes out as savior here helps you to outline basic points i.e. periphery of the essay and before writing the essay, it is best to outline it.

To outline an essay means to figure out what to say in the introduction/conclusion, which idea comes where, or even what quote to use for the essay etc. It is said that once we can figure out the conclusion to our essay, it becomes much easier to not only begin but finish it with confidence .

For example, in this 2019 essay topic, “ Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success ”. One must have a clear understanding of courage, dedication and success. Courage and dedication etc. are exhaustively explained in the Ethics papers, one need to use definition and attached features to it.

Defining the key terms and interlinking them with each other will open dimensions for essay. In addition to that, quotes , examples, reports and anecdotes immensely help to make philosophical essays interesting. Otherwise merely writing philosophical ideas makes essays boring.

PESTLEE dimensions Approach

Moreover various examples from the public sphere support your argument in the most effective manner. One should proceed with PESTLEE dimensions Approach (Political – Economic – Sociological – Technological – Legal – Environmental –Ethics Analysis).And one should be very-very cautions regarding his ideological leaning while discussing these dimensions. Your ideology should not be reflected in the essay, content should be written in a more rational manner.

Here, the first of such rules would be to follow and uphold Constitutional values throughout your essay . This is quite crucial for a philosophical essay that the values enshrined in our Constitution reflect in whatever idea, problem or solution we discuss in the essay. At no point should one try and support an idea that is unconstitutional, it can be extra constitutional but not unconstitutional.

Ideological leaning may do wonder if it matches with examiner ideology or thinking process, it can damage to a larger extent if it differs .So ideological balancing is indispensable. One must also be democratic while addressing issues . The concepts of ‘freedom and equality’ should be the guiding principles while suggesting solutions and while criticizing events or issues.

Generally, one should avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions . In fact, the best way to handle complex problems is to find the middle ground. One must also try not to make sweeping generalizations on any given issue. Instead, there should be hints of patience, justice and understanding in addressing or discussing any given topic.

Lastly, there are two more things that one needs to keep in mind while attempting the CSE essay. (A) Do not question the topic itself, which is to say, in other words, do not contradict yourself. Pick a position (ideally, the middle path) and stay true to this throughout the essay. (B) Never use positively, things that are universally considered or used in a negative sense, and vice-versa. For example , one must not say that ‘terrorism’ under certain conditions is equivalent to a freedom struggle, even though quotes like ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ are quite common.

In a nutshell, it is suggested that ethics paper should be prepared comprehensively, which would help philosophical essays in terms of brainstorming. . And one must follow a ‘ cyclic return’ approach for strong introduction and conclusion .i.e. conclude ideas with introductory ideas . It is important to note that a strong finish is as important as a strong opening. Both are important for scoring better marks along with adequate amount of brainstorming .

How to Write Essay For UPSC Exam?

HOW TO WRITE ESSAY FOR UPSC ON CURRENT ISSUES?

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Philosophical Essay Writing by Mudit Jain, IRS is a comprehensive guide designed to help aspirants excel in the essay paper of the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services examination. With a focus on philosophy, Mudit Sir provides a step-by-step approach to crafting compelling essays, covering topics such as ethical dilemmas, social and political philosophy, metaphysics, and epistemology. Drawing upon his extensive experience and expertise, Jain offers practical tips, examples, and guidance on developing a strong thesis, structuring arguments, and connecting philosophical concepts to real-world scenarios. This book emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication, equipping readers with the skills needed to articulate profound ideas and succeed in the civil services examination. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced candidate, "Philosophical Essay Writing" is an invaluable resource that will elevate your performance and boost your confidence in tackling the essay paper.

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Table of Contents

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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Please share all essay mains paper for UPSC ?

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what is Fortitude? Discuss is its importance with examples.

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

7. what is Fortitude? Discuss is its importance with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of fortitude. Directive: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by defining fortitude. Body: Explain how Fortitude is firmness of spirit, especially in difficulty. It provides for constancy in the pursuit of virtue. Fortitude is a willingness to freely go beyond the call of duty, to make sacrifices, to act on your convictions. Fortitude includes the courage to confront our personal weaknesses and attraction to vice. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

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