The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) tests not just what you know but also how well you can present it in writing. Clear thinking, accuracy, creativity, and proper structure are essential for scoring well in the Mains.

Since each mark can influence your final result, practicing and refining your answer-writing skills is crucial. Below is a straightforward guide to help you develop answers that are focused, well-structured, and impactful.

Why Answer-Writing Skills Matter

The Mains examination is descriptive, unlike the Prelims which is objective. This means your writing style, clarity, and organization can directly affect how your knowledge is perceived.

Even if two candidates have the same level of knowledge, the one who presents it more coherently generally scores higher.

Effective communication is also a key quality for a civil servant, who needs to draft policies, reports, and official correspondence.

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