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UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 PDF Link, Download Now!

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 PDF is available here after the exam on 20th September 2024. Explore the UPSC Mains Essay question paper PDFs and their detailed analysis here. 
authorImageGaurav Soni21 Sept, 2024
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UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 PDF Link, Download Now!

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024: The UPSC Mains Essay Paper is a crucial part of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) . Scoring well here can significantly boost a candidate’s overall ranking, given the high weightage of 250 marks.

Understanding the nature of topics in UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper from recent years can offer insightful preparation strategies, helping aspirants anticipate trends and excel in this challenging paper. UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper PDF 2024 is updated here and a detailed analysis will be available soon. Keep reading to get the UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 PDF, the previous year’s UPSC Mains Essay topics, and preparation tips!

UPSC Mains Essay Questio n Paper 2024 PDF

The UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper PDF 2024 is available here as the exam concluded on September 20th. Candidates will be able to download the PDF to review the essay topics and assess the type of questions asked. This will be a valuable resource for understanding the exam’s requirements and for future reference in preparation. Click the link below to download the UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 (unofficial) and check the topics that were asked in the exam:

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 Analysis

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024 had 8 topics from which candidates needed to write two essays, each with a 1000-1200 word limit. The topics ranged from philosophical to science, current affairs, and environmental concerns. Check out the detailed analysis done by the PW OnlyIAS experts where they discussed the main topics along with their solutions.

Structure of the UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper

The Essay Paper consists of two sections, A and B, each with four topics. Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and write two essays in total. The paper allows 3 hours for writing, and each essay is scored out of 125 marks , making the total 250 marks. The topics usually cover a wide range of subjects, testing the candidate’s ability to think critically, organize their thoughts, and express their ideas effectively. The word limit for each essay in the UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper is generally around 1000-1200 words, allowing candidates to explore the topic in-depth and present a well-rounded argument.

Past Five Years UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper PDF

Below is a compilation of the UPSC Mains Essay Papers from the past five years, providing direct links to download each year’s question papers. Candidates must solve UPSC Essay PYQ topic-wise to understand how to approach this paper:
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper PDF
Year Download Links
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper  2023 PDF Link
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2022 PDF Link
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper  2021 PDF Link
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2020 PDF Link
UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2019 PDF Link

UPSC Mains ESSAY Question Paper 2023

The 2023 Mains Essay Paper challenged candidates to think deeply and reflectively across a variety of spheres. From philosophical musings to the intricacies of everyday life, each topic offered a unique opportunity to showcase analytical prowess and creativity. Here are the topics from UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2023: SECTION – A
  • Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
  • Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
  • Not all who wander are lost.
  • Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
Section – B
  • Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.
  • Mathematics is the music of reason.
  • A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
  • Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Find out, How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024.

UPSC Mains ESSAY Question Paper 2022

The 2022 Essay Paper prompted candidates to explore a broad array of topics, from environmental stewardship to the philosophical impact of poetry and history on society, providing a platform to discuss complex ideas and their practical implications. Here are the topics included in the UPSC Essay previous year's question paper: SECTION – A
  • Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
  • Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
  • History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
  • A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for
SECTION – B
  • The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
  • 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.

UPSC Mains ESSAY Question Paper 2021

In 2021, the UPSC essay topics ranged from the philosophical to the practical, encouraging examinees to delve into self-awareness, societal norms, and the implications of technology and historical patterns on contemporary life. SECTION – A
  • The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
  • Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you in an awareness of me.
  • Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
  • The real is rational and the rational is real.
SECTION – B
  • Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
  • What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
  • History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
  • There are better practices to “best practices”.

UPSC Mains ESSAY Question Paper 2020

The year 2020’s Essay Paper examined the human experience, societal structures, and the role of technology in shaping global dynamics, providing a reflective space for aspirants to connect personal insights with broader societal trends. SECTION – A
  • Life is a long journey between human being and being humane
  • Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self
  • Ships do not sink because of water around them,  ships sink because of water that gets into them
  • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
SECTION – B
  • Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have
  • There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
  • Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
  • Technology as the silent factor in international relations

UPSC Mains ESSAY Question Paper 2019

In 2019, the essay paper focused on the evolving interplay between individual virtues, societal expectations, and technological advances, urging candidates to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of contemporary challenges. SECTION – A
  • Wisdom finds truth.
  • Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
  • Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
  • Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
SECTION – B
  • South-Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
  • Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
  • Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
  • Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.

Also Read: How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains?

Tips for Preparing from Essay Previous Year Question Paper

Practicing with the UPSC Essay Previous Year Question Paper PDF gives you an understanding of patterns and trends. It helps you become more comfortable with various topics, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the exam.
  • Stay updated on global and national issues by reading widely. This will help you generate relevant and insightful content efficiently.
  • Plan an outline before writing to ensure logical flow. This keeps your structure consistent and arguments strong.
  • Present both pros and cons to show critical analysis skills and a balanced perspective.
  • Divide your time strategically to brainstorm, write, and revise both essays within 3 hours.
  • Get regular feedback on practice essays to identify areas for improvement.
Enroll today in Physics Wallah’s top UPSC online Courses to prepare for the upcoming UPSC Mains with expert guidance.
Related Articles
Full form of the IAS UPSC Optional Subject UPSC Syllabus 2024
UPSC Main Essay Topics 2024 UPSC Mains Test Series 2024 UPSC Essay Book

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024 FAQs

Where can I download UPSC Essay Paper 2024 PDF?

You can download the UPSC Essay Paper 2024 PDF from 'upsc.gov.in' or direct link provided here.

How many essays do I need to write in the UPSC Essay Paper?

You need to write two essays, one from each section (A and B) of the paper.

How can I access the UPSC Essay Paper 2024 topics?

You can access the UPSC Essay Paper 2024 topics on the official UPSC website and the direct link shared here.

What are the topics for Section A of the UPSC Essay Paper 2024?

Section A of the UPSC Essay Paper 2024 had four topics that included Claude Bernard's quote 'The doubter is a true man of science'.
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