UNDERSTANDING THE UPSC ESSAY PAPER
The Essay Paper, traditionally the first paper of the Mains, holds a unique position in this scheme. Unlike other General Studies (GS) papers and Optional subjects which focus on subject-specific knowledge and factual understanding, the Essay Paper tests a candidate’s capacity to think broadly, reason critically, and articulate ideas coherently.
A strong essay performance can significantly boost one’s overall Mains score, often acting as a game-changer. Conversely, underperformance in the Essay Paper can negate the advantage gained in other well-prepared areas. Understanding the essay’s weightage, how it is evaluated, and its synergy with other papers, as well as common pitfalls to avoid, is crucial for maximizing scores.
1.Marks and Structure
The Essay Paper in UPSC Mains typically carries 250 marks.
Candidates are usually required to write two essays, each chosen from a set of prompts. Each essay thus accounts for roughly 125 marks.
This single paper constitutes a substantial portion of the total Mains marks (1750 total in Mains, excluding the language papers). Scoring well in the Essay can mean the difference between securing a top rank or falling behind.