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UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 by PW OnlyIAS 

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 has been done by PW OnlyIAS experts. The UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 offers insights into the difficulty level of the question paper.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit24 Sept, 2024
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UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 : The UPSC Civil Services Mains exam commenced on September 20th , with the essay being the first paper. UPSC Mains 2024 Essay paper followed a familiar format, consisting of two sections filled with a mix of philosophical and social topics . Many of the questions were from predictable themes, allowing aspirants to approach them with a clear strategy

PW OnlyIAS experts have done a thorough UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 to offer crucial insights into the difficulty level and the right approach to each essay topic. Keep reading to learn about UPSC Mains essay topics, the nature of the question paper, and more!
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UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024

The UPSC Essay Paper 2024 featured eight topics, split into two sections: Section A and Section B. Candidates were required to select one topic from each section, crafting essays that are between 1000 to 1200 words long. The essay paper is allotted three hours, a timeframe that requires effective time management to ensure both essays are completed thoroughly.
UPSC Essay Paper 2024 Overview
Particular Detail
Paper Paper I
Exam Date 20 September 2024
Shift 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Total Marks 250
Duration 3 Hours
Number of Questions
  • Section A: 4 Questions
  • Section B: 4 Questions
Nature of Paper Considered for Merit List
Minimum Marks 10% of total marks (25 marks)

UPSC Essay Paper 2024

The UPSC Essay Paper 2024 was concluded in the morning session on September 20th. This was the sole paper today, and GS 1 and 2 papers will be held tomorrow. Candidates can find the direct link to download the UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 below:

UPSC Essay Topics 2024

The topics for the UPSC Essay Paper varied significantly, covering philosophical ideas, current affairs, socio-economic issues, environmental challenges, etc. This means candidates must stay informed and be prepared to write on a variety of subjects. In 2024, UPSC Essay topics were:

Section A

Section A typically includes four topics from which candidates can choose. Section A topics had a few philosophical themes like "Empires of the Future" and "Happiness," which are considered predictable and allow for straightforward essay structuring. This section featured the following topics:
  1. Forests precede civilization and deserts follow them.
  2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
  3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
  4. The doubter is a true man of science.

Section B

Section B also had four topics from which candidates were required to attempt one with a word limit of 1000 to 1200 words. Section B includes topics related to social issues , such as "Social Media and FOMO," emphasizing the impact on youth and character tests during adversity, indicating a blend of philosophical and analytical themes. The topics are:
  1. Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.
  2. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
  3. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
  4. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
The basic UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 suggests the lack of differentiation between topics in sections A and B . However, compared to 2023, this year's questions were less challenging , with fewer analytical topics related to technology or society, suggesting a shift in focus for students preparing for the exam.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 in Detail

Overall UPSC Essay Paper 2024 had a mix of questions that required comprehensive preparation from candidates. Here’s a detailed analysis based on the insights provided by PW OnlyIAS experts:
  • Diversity of Topics: The paper included a blend of philosophical and contemporary issues, reflecting a balanced approach.
  • Ethics and Philosophy: Consistent with previous years, questions related to ethics and philosophy were prominent. This suggests that candidates must be well-versed in ethical theories and philosophical debates.
  • Current and Relevant Issues: In addition to philosophical topics, the paper featured questions on current issues such as the relationship between forests and civilization, knowledge-based economies, growing influence of digital platforms.
  • Selecting the Right Topic: One of the key insights shared was the importance of selecting an essay that aligns with the candidate’s strengths and knowledge base. Choosing the right topic can significantly ease the writing process and enhance performance.
  • Content Preparation: Candidates were encouraged to prepare relevant content in advance, especially for themes like environment and ethics.
Don't miss this in-depth analysis session which provides candidates with key takeaways to refine their essay-writing approach for future exams. Enroll today in Physics Wallah’s top UPSC Courses and get ready to sail through UPSC Mains 2025 with expert guidance!

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2024 FAQs

How was the difficulty level of the UPSC Essay Paper 2024?

The difficulty level of the UPSC Essay Paper 2024 was moderate to high, with topics requiring both critical thinking and factual knowledge.

What was the word limit for each essay in the UPSC Essay Paper 2024?

Candidates were required to write essays between 1000 to 1200 words.

How many topics were provided in each section of the essay paper?

Each section contained four topics, from which candidates had to choose one.

What skills does the UPSC Essay Paper assess?

It assesses candidates' analytical abilities, creativity, and understanding of contemporary issues.

What is the significance of the UPSC Essay Paper in the overall exam?

The essay paper is considered for the merit list and carries a total of 250 marks.
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