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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:

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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.

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UPSC Essay Paper 2023, Download PDF

Upsc mains 2023 essay question paper: the union public service commission (upsc) mains exam started today, september 15, 2023, at 24 centres across the country. check and download the mains essay question paper pdf from this article..

UPSC Essay Paper 2023

Download UPSC IAS Essay Question Paper 2023 PDF

Topics Asked in the IAS Mains Essay Paper 

The UPSC IAS Essay question consists of two sections where questions from 4 topics were asked in each section. Candidates need to write an essay of 1000-1200 words on 1 topic of their choice from the section

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team 
• Visionary decision-making 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
• 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

UPSC IAS Mains Exam Dates

For more details click here

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• How to download the UPSC Essay Question Papers? + Candidates can download the UPSC Essay Question Papers from this article. The exam prep team of Jagran Josh has compiled the released question paper.
• What is the UPSC IAS Mains Question Paper Pattern? + The UPSC IAS Mains question paper consists of nine papers: Essay, GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4, English, Indian Language Paper and two papers from the optional subject.
• Is there a negative marking on the UPSC Question Papers? + No, as the papers are subjective in nature there will be no negative marking
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UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper - Download PDF

The UPSC Mains exam commenced on 15 September 2023. It started with the UPSC Essay paper. It is an important paper and counts for 250 marks in total in the UPSC Mains exam. In this article, you can download the UPSC Mains essay paper PDF. There are a total of nine papers in the IAS mains exam. On the first day, i.e., 15 September, only one paper, the UPSC Mains essay paper was conducted. Candidates can go through the UPSC calendar for a detailed schedule of the UPSC mains 2023 exam.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023

The UPSC essay paper was held at 9 AM on 15 September. You can download the UPSC essay paper 2023 from the link below.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023 – Question Paper Download Download PDF Here

UPSC Mains 2023 Essay Paper Topics

• 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.
• 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

Download the other UPSC 2023 Mains question papers in the link.

UPSC Essay Paper Pattern

• The UPSC Essay paper segment consists of two sections A and B.
• Both sections have about four questions each.
• The candidates have to choose one topic from each section, thus having to answer 2 essay questions in total.
• The word limit for each question is to be within the range of 1000-1200 words.
• The marks for each question is 125, thus the total allotted marks are 250.
• The paper will be included for merit ranking and is not just for qualifying purposes.
• The candidates are expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. To understand how to approach the essay paper and the topics to be focused on during preparation, check the link here .

Candidates can download the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022 in the linked article.

For more information about the UPSC essay paper and preparation strategy, check the links below.

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UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023

by Vajiram & Ravi

Model Answers GS Paper I PDF

Model Answers GS Paper II PDF

Model Answers GS Paper III PDF

Model Answers GS Paper IV PDF

The UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 will help you understand the exam pattern being followed by UPSC in this year. The exam dates for the UPSC CSE Mains are 15th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th September 2023. The examination was conducted in two shifts: the first shift is from 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m., and the second shift is from 2.00 p.m. -5.00 p.m . The pattern of the UPSC Mains 2023 question paper consists of a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills of aspirants for various civil services positions in India. There are 9 papers in total, and all are descriptive in nature.

Analysing the UPSC Mains 2023 paper will help you analyse the pattern of questions and fill in the gaps in your preparation for UPSC 2024 . Therefore, this article will focus on providing UPSC Mains Question Papers 2023 for all 9 papers that are taking place from 15th to 24th September 2023.

UPSC Mains 2023 Question Paper PDF

The UPSC Mains Question Paper consists of a set of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, namely the English Language Paper and an Indian Language Paper (selected by the candidate). The remaining seven papers are counted for merit, covering a wide spectrum of subjects, including General Studies, Essay, and optional subjects selected by the candidates. These papers are designed to evaluate a candidate's in-depth understanding of various subjects, critical thinking ability, analytical skills, and ability to articulate thoughts clearly.

Here, you can download the UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 PDF of GS Paper- I, II, III and IV consisting of the General Studies subjects part of the UPSC Syllabus . Each Paper carries 250 Marks.

• General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
• General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations)
• General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
• General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)

You can download the UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 of General Studies - I, II, III, and IV from the given link below:

• GS Paper I Mains Question Paper 2023
• GS Paper II Mains Question Paper 2023
• GS Paper III Mains Question Paper 2023
• GS Paper IV Mains Question Paper 2023

Model Answers of UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Questions

Those who have taken the UPSC Mains 2023 exam from 15th to 24th September or those who are planning to appear next year can download the model answers of UPSC Mains question papers of GS I, II, III, and IV from the following links. These answers will help you identify the structure and important points that could be included in the answers.

GS Paper 1:

• Question 1: Explain the role of Geographical Factors towards the development of Ancient India .
• Question 2:  What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
• Question 3:  Bring about the Socio-Economic Effects of the Introduction of Railways in Different Countries of the World.
• Question 4:  Discuss the Consequences of Climate Change on the Food Security in Tropical Countries.
• Question 5:  Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
• Question 6: How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
• Question 8:  Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in modern India?
• Question 9:  Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.

GS Paper 2:

• Question 1:  "Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment.
• Question 2:  Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.
• Question 3:  “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.
• Question 4:  Compare and Contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary Sovereignty.
• Question 5:  Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

GS Paper 3:

• Question 1:  Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.
• Question 2:  What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
• Question 3:  How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
• Question 4:  State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.
• Question 5:  Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare?
• Question 6:  Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

GS Paper 4:

• Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning with suitable examples.
• What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
• Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023

The UPSC Mains Essay paper 2023 consists of two sections, Section A and Section B. Each section has four essay topics. Aspirants must choose one topic from each section for a total of two essays. Each essay must be between 1,000 and 1,200 words long and is worth 125 marks. The Essay paper is not just for qualifying purposes but also counts towards the final merit ranking. Candidates are expected to stay on topic, organise their thoughts logically, and write concisely.

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023  can be downloaded here.

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 Language Papers

The UPSC Mains exam has nine papers, of which Paper A is the mandatory Indian Language Paper. Candidates must select an Indian language from a list given by the UPSC in the official notification.

Paper B is the required English Language Paper. It is a qualifying paper, meaning that candidates must score at least 25% marks in order to be considered for the final merit list.

The UPSC Mains question papers for Indian language and English language can be downloaded from the following links:

• Paper A: Indian Language Mains Question Paper 2023 (Hindi)
• Paper B: English Language Question Paper 2023

UPSC Mains Optional Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Exam has a list of 48 optional subjects from which aspirants must choose one. Each optional subject is divided into two papers, each of which carries 250 marks. The choice of an optional subject is an important factor in determining the candidate's rank in the final merit list, so it should be made carefully. The UPSC Mains 2023 question paper of optional subjects can be downloaded from the following links:

Pattern of UPSC Mains 2023 Paper

To know about the exam pattern and the release dates of UPSC Mains 2023 question papers, refer to the following table:

Is UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 released?

The UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 has not been released on the Official UPSC Website yet. However, you can download the Mains Question Paper 2023 from our given page after the paper has been successfully concluded on the given day.

How many papers are there in UPSC Mains?

There are a total of 9 papers for UPSC Mains 2023. Each paper is descriptive in nature.

To request a counselling call, please fill out this form:

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Essay Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) – UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000 – 1200 words each: (125×2=250 marks)

(Click the links to read the solutions)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
• Visionary deci sion-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 .
• 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.

Express Learning Programme (ELP)

• Optional Notes
• Study Hacks
• Prelims Sureshots (Repeated Topic Compilations)
• Current Affairs (Newsbits, Editorials & In-depths)
• Ancient Indian History
• Medieval Indian History
• Modern Indian History
• Post-Independence Indian History
• World History
• Art & Culture
• Geography (World & Indian)
• Indian Society & Social Justice
• Indian Polity
• International Relations
• Indian Economy
• Environment 
• Agriculture
• Internal Security
• Disasters & its Management
• General Science – Biology
• General Studies (GS) 4 – Ethics
• Syllabus-wise learning
• Political Science
• Anthropology
• Public Administration

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Analysis & Approach

Each question in the essay paper reflects a different dimension of thinking, and the aspirant is expected to demonstrate their analytical skills, coherence in arguments, and proficiency in language while addressing these questions.

• Analysis: This topic seems to delve into the dialectical nature of thought. It could be interpreted that for any idea or thought to be truly explored or expanded upon, there must be an opposing or challenging force. This could relate to the Hegelian dialectic (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) or even the fundamental nature of debates.
• Approach: A candidate can start by illustrating the importance of opposition in any form of critical thinking or decision-making. Real-world examples like scientific debates, democratic procedures, and the role of a loyal opposition in a parliament can be cited.
• Analysis: Visionary decisions are those that shape the future, and they strike a balance between intuition (which is often based on subconscious processing) and logic (structured reasoning).
• Approach: Candidates can discuss examples of visionary leaders and their decisions. For instance, Steve Jobs’ intuition in product design combined with logical market analysis, or Mahatma Gandhi ’s intuition about non-violence and its logical implications in the Indian freedom struggle.
• Analysis: This statement, borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, implies that not all who seem directionless are without purpose; sometimes, wandering can be a form of discovery.
• Approach: This can be addressed by discussing the importance of exploration, serendipity in scientific discoveries, or even the self-exploratory journey that many individuals undertake in life.
• Analysis: This implies that true creativity often arises from observing and interpreting everyday life in unique ways.
• Approach: Real-life examples of artists, writers, and scientists who drew inspiration from everyday occurrences can be highlighted. Picasso’s simplistic drawings or Archimedes’ Eureka moment in his bathtub, for instance.
• Analysis: This topic brings out the gender disparities and societal norms and expectations imposed upon individuals based on their gender.
• Approach: It’s crucial to address both sides of the coin, discussing how gender norms restrict the potential and well-being of both girls and boys. Comparisons of societal expectations, real-life anecdotes, and data-driven evidence on gender disparities can be effective.
• Analysis: The quote explores the harmony, structure, and beauty in mathematics similar to the rhythm and patterns in music.
• Approach: Discussing the inherent order and logic in mathematics, and drawing parallels with musical structures can be a starting point. Mentioning mathematicians who were also musicians or vice versa might add value.
• Analysis: This touches upon the idea that if a society is just, equitable, and provides opportunities for all, then the need for charity diminishes as fewer people would be in a position of deprivation.
• Approach: Highlighting the correlation between justice and social welfare, discussing models of developed nations, and contrasting them with societies where charity becomes a band-aid solution for deeper systemic issues can be effective.
• Analysis: This topic delves into the difference between rote learning and true education – the values, critical thinking skills, and character that endure beyond mere facts.
• Approach: Drawing a distinction between learning for exams and learning for life, discussing the role of education in character building, and bringing in philosophical views on education would be insightful.

For all the essays, it’s essential to remember to structure the arguments coherently, provide relevant examples, and ensure a holistic view is presented. Best of luck to all the aspirants!

If you like this post, please share your feedback in the comments section below so that we will upload more posts like this.

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Download ESSAY PAPER UPSC 2023 | Triumph IAS

Table of Contents

UPSC Civil Services IAS Exam MAINS 2023 “Essay Paper 2023”

Marks :  250 (125×2)

Duration:  3 hours

Exam Date:  15-09-2023

Subject: Essay Paper 2023

SECTION – A

• 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.

SECTION – B

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

6. Mathematics is the music of reason.

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.

Download the Essay 2023 Paper UPSC

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UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• 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
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• 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
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• 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
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
• Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
• The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
• You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022

Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

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[Download PDF] UPSC Mains 2023: Essay Paper | Join for LIVE Analysis & Discussion

Today marked the commencement of the UPSC Mains 2023, and the first hurdle to clear was the Essay paper. From issues of social importance to topics rooted in the governance system, the Essay paper had it all, offering challenges and opportunities in both Section A and Section B.

What’s Inside the Essay Paper?

We’ve got you covered! You can download the full Essay paper PDF here to see what UPSC had in store this year. Examine the questions, analyze their complexities, and think about how you would have approached them.

• चिंतन एक तरह का खेल है, यह तब तक प्रारम्भ नहीं होता, जब तक एक विरोधी पक्ष न हो । Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
• दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते हैं जब अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
• सभी भटकने वाले गुम नहीं होते हैं । Not all who wander are lost.
• रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा लौकिकता में चमत्कार ढूँढ़ने के प्रयास से उपजती है। Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
• लड़कियाँ बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं – दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएँ हैं । Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands two equally harmful disciplines.
• गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है। Mathematics is the music of reason.
• जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है, उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है । A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
• शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है। Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

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UPSC Essay 2023 paper

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UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis, Check PDF Download Link

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has administered the CSE Mains 2023 Essay Paper on September 15. Download PDF and Check the UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis of question here.

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UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis

The UPSC Essay Paper is an important component that evaluates candidates’ knowledge as well as their ability to clearly and simply express concepts. This analysis explores the subtleties of this exam section, revealing trends, approaches, and ideas for future civil employees. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the IAS Mains 2023 Essay Paper on September 15, 2023. Check here UPSC Essay Paper 2023 detailed analysis below with proper model answers.

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF

The Essay Paper of UPSC Mains 2023 is available in PDF format. The exam was successfully administered by UPSC at Forenoon on September 15, 2023. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, session. The UPSC Essay Paper is of  250 Marks. Candidates can check the UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF Link below

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Questions

The questions asked in the UPSC Essay paper 2023 have been mentioned below:

• 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
• 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 the school

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Section A

Check here 4 questions of a UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Section A.

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Section B

Check here 4 questions of a UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Section B.

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Detailed Discussion Question-wise

Check the Question-Wise detailed discussion on UPSC Essay Paper 2023 below:

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

Approach : 

• Thinking as a human nature.
• Features of thinking as a GAME – connecting thinking to a game.
• Game is based on competition. 
• Various dimensions to connect

Thesis – Thinking (like a game)  begins with a competition (it can be opposite views, adversary conditions/Challenges.

Philosophical basis : Hegels idea of dialectics.

Meaning/Context:  

• Thinking  in simple terms is  a  problem-solving activity.
•  pondering or reflecting on something. 
• Analysing and evaluating options
• Goal-directed behaviour. 
• From choosing a dress to wear to solving a mathematical problem, all activities involve thinking.

Historical Examples:

• Ancient : To protect from animal attacks and other dangers , humans started to live in bands–thats the basis of community/society.
• Modern: Masses of Indian -sub-continent as a united against the oppressive policies of the British in the National Movement.

Examples from Different Dimensions

• Individual : In day to day life of individual, its the competition that drives our thinking from simple decisions like chosing a dress to major decisions like deciding on the careers.
• Societal : Ex: Social reforms in Hindu society were initiated through Arya Samaj due to the fear of westernisation and threat of conversions.
• Political : Fear of opposition from rival political parties  in the Parliament checks the misuse of  power by the incumbent government. (or) Presence of multiple political parties and their debates during the election campaigns ignites the thinking of the common man towards the major issues.
• Ex: Presence of multiple competitors in the telecom sector resulted in faster adoption of 4g technology in India.
• Governance : Competitive fedaralism by NITI Aayog giving best outputs,
• Environmental : Modern Environmentalism started due to the opposition to industrial revolution.
• International Relations :   Countries’ goal to  become superpower makes them to adher to the principles of peace.
• Other examples – Covid, globalization 

Anti-Thesis : Thinking does not always require Competition to begin.

• Thinking can also happen by chance without any goal –For ex: it can happen through curiosity–Example: Newtons’ discovery of gravity, Human discovery of fire etc.
• Destructive thinking: Hitler

2. Visionary decision making happen at the intersection of intuition and logic

• Decision making in everyday life – basis of human survival. E.g. Evolution of Humans from apes and role of decision making
• Role of Intuition in decision making ( Navigating Ambiguity, Intuition is a source of creativity, as are innovation,​​ Making social and interpersonal decisions, Risk assessment: Personal Values and Ethics )
• Logic as assistance in decision making ( Identifying Relevant Information, Analyzing Options, Consistency, Problem Solving)
• Requirement of both intuition and logic for visionary decision.
• How to develop intuition and logic and balance them for visionary decision making. 

Thesis: Visionary decision possible at intersection. 

Examples and Arguments: 

• Innovation and creativity – Steve Jobs’ visionary choice to create the iPhone –  result of his creative vision and intuition about what consumers needed.
• Financial innovations in the form of UPI – logic made it difficult as financial transactions were already happening, but intuitive ness about its adoption was the major factor for its success.
• Risk-taking: Elon Musk’s visionary choice to use SpaceX – intuition about the significance of extraterrestrial colonisation drove him to take the risk despite logic’s assertions to the contrary.
• Long-Term Perspective: Mahatma Gandhi had a brilliant idea to use nonviolent resistance – while logic might have suggested a more combative strategy, his gut feeling about the long-term advantages of nonviolence and unity resulted in a historic change.
• Human and societal factors: requires knowledge of societal dynamics, human behaviour, and values. E.g. A doctor may have logical medical data but also needs to consider the patient’s emotional state and unique circumstances .
• Transcending Conventions: Visionary choices go against accepted beliefs and norms. Nelson Mandela’s visionary choice to seek out forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa after the end of apartheid.

More examples –

• Watson and Crick’s Discovery of DNA’s Structure.
• Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.
• Alfred Wegener’s intuition about continents drifting led to the plate tectonics theory and logic through dscoveries of fossils.
• Charles Darwin’s intuition about natural selection and the evolution of species led to his groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species.”
• Franklin D. Roosevelt – The New Deal: FDR’s intuition led him to understand the desperation and suffering caused by the Great Depression. The New Deal was a well-thought-out set of policies aimed at reviving the economy through public works projects, banking reforms, and social programs.

Anti Thesis: Why intuition and logic alone are not sufficient to achieve it.

Challenges and Pitfalls: Potential challenges of relying too heavily on intuition or logic in visionary decision making.

• Over Reliance on logic: Nokia’s Missed Smartphone Revolution – Over Reliance on logic can lead to a reluctance to embrace disruptive innovations. Fall of Kodak cameras.
• Over Reliance on intuition: Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, had a vision to revolutionize blood testing. Holmes ignored red flags and critical feedback, ultimately undermining the company’s credibility . Also – 2008 economic crisis, NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 was partially attributed to a decision made based on intuition  
• Importance of self-awareness in decision-makers: Balancing intuition and logic is crucial in visionary decision-making. Self-awareness is the key to achieving this balance.

How to develop intuition and logic and balancing them for visionary decision making:

• Cultivate Intuition: Self-Reflection, Trust Your Gut, Embrace Creativity, Mindfulness and Meditation etc.
• Develop Logical Thinking: Analytical Exercises, Data Analysis, Scenario Planning
• Balancing Intuition and Logic: Collaborate, Feedback Loops, Continuous Learning

Conclusion: Visionary decision-making resulted from the harmonious interplay of intuition and logic. Intuition provided the overarching purpose and direction, while logic offered the means to translate those visionary goals into practical, achievable outcomes. – “Intuition alone can be a powerful guiding force, but logic is the tool that transforms vision into reality.”

3. Not all who wander are lost

• Introduction with anecdote
• Arguments on essence of wandering – Integrating examples
• Counter viewpoints
• Pre-conclusion – Administrative dimension – Need of balancing wandering with clarity of purpose

Introduction – Story of Siddhartha Gautama/ Columbus’ quest of exploring the unknown

The topic reflects the idea that those who may appear lost or aimless may, in fact, be on a heroic quest . This perspective challenges preconceived notions and encourages us to look beyond appearances.

Essence of Wandering 

• Leads to exploration – Societal level, Individual introspection (Linking this with introductory story of Gautam Buddha)
• Personal growth and self-discovery (Introspection leads to critical thinking, we understand why one behaves in a certain way). Example – Philosophy of Tao 
• Quest for knowledge (Such deep wandering into the psyche of oneself and others may lead to gaining significant knowledge). Ex – Ferdinand Magellan discovery of the nature of Earth surface. 
• Creativity and innovation (Insights and knowledge acquired through wandering may lead to creativity and innovation) Thomas Alva Edison
• Breaking free from conformity (Innovation/Creativity will challenge deep seated stereotypes and prejudices and in turn lead to breaking the conformity bias) 
• Struggling for change/reform –  Cuba cost effective health care and education despite being wandering with revolutions and system of government 

Embracing uncertainty/Resisting the fear of unknown

It suggests that not having a fixed destination can be liberating, allowing us to adapt to the unexpected and be open to new experiences. This is particularly relevant in a rapidly changing world where flexibility and adaptability are highly valued.

Movements for social justice – LGBTQIA+, Environment, Women Empowerment, Caste equality movements.

Counter viewpoint  

Survivorship bias

• Bias for those who do not get lost after wandering – but what about those who have / will lose after wandering?

Potential for Wasted Time :

• Wandering without a purpose or goal can lead to a significant amount of time and resources being spent without tangible results. 
• In certain contexts, such as education or career planning, meandering aimlessly may result in missed opportunities or delayed achievements.

Risk of Disconnection

Individuals who prioritise aimless exploration over obligations to family, work, or community may find themselves isolated or struggling to meet their obligations.

Pre conclusion remarks – Linkage with Indian administration – 

How wandering in the realm of bureaucratic rigidities led to the loss of purpose (welfare state). However, the decision to explore the path of “Digital world” has made governance citizen-centric. Balancing the wandering/exploration with clarity of purpose is paramount to achieve the dreams of AMRIT KAAL.

“Not all who wander are lost” invites us to navigate the complexities of life with an open heart and a curious mind, to embrace uncertainty and spontaneity, and to recognize that even those who appear to be wandering aimlessly may be on profound journeys of self-discovery and growth. It is an intellectual call to balance the pursuit of goals and the pursuit of wisdom, acknowledging that both are valuable and, at times, intertwined in the tapestry of human existence.

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

• Idea of creativity and basis for inspiration
• Creativity thrives when we uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary—finding magic in the mundane.
• This drives innovation across art, science, and technology, spurring personal growth, solving everyday problems, and shaping history.
• It serves as a catalyst for progress and enriches the human experience.

Anecdote for Introduction

Walking on the sand – taking a stroll on a beach, same sand – Silicon – semiconductors , Uranium – nuclear weapons/energy.

Thesis: Creativity is the spark that ignites our imagination, enabling us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.  What fuels this inexhaustible well of creativity?

It is the ability to see the extraordinary within the ordinary, to find the magical in the mundane. 

It reminds us that the world is full of wonder waiting to be discovered, even in the most ordinary of circumstances.

Dimensions:

• Art and Aesthetics

Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” 

Artists take commonplace objects, scenes, and emotions and elevate them to the realm of the extraordinary. 

• Startups and small businesses
• Companies like Uber and Airbnb turned everyday tasks like transportation and lodging into magical, on-demand experiences, revolutionizing their respective sectors.
• The “Dabbawalas” of Mumbai , who efficiently deliver home-cooked lunches to workers across the city.
• Science and Innovation
• Think of Isaac Newton’s observation of an apple falling from a tree, which led to his groundbreaking insights into gravity.
• Consider Iphones ( Steve Jobs) , initially designed for communication but now integral to our lives, connecting us to an expansive digital world.
• Economy/Finance
• UPI Payments – brining financial revolution – from McDonalds to Street vendors
• Energy Security
• Renewable energy – like Solar – tapping the potential of Sun 
• Biofuels – driving vehicles with cleaner, simple fuels 
• Administrative Innovation : Bureaucrats using simple /mundane solutions for fixing societal issues.
• Armstrong Palme – People’s Road
• Operation Sulaimani – Prashant Nair – ‘’Compassionate Kozhikode’ – hunger and food security
• Problem Solving/ Challenges

Consider a chef in a bustling restaurant kitchen. They take ordinary ingredients—flour, water, and yeast—and transform them into the magical delight of freshly baked bread.

• On a personal level, seeking the magical in the mundane is a pathway to self-discovery and personal growth. The daily routines and tasks of life may seem routine, but they can be opportunities for mindfulness and reflection. 

Antithesis /Alternate Perspective

• AI usage – killing creativity – only some will use AI for creativity but for the majority, creativity will get killed.
• Specific class of intellectuals – Gramsci’s Manufacturing Consent 
• Circumstances for thinking – societal norms controlling mind – reducing innovation

Conclusion:

• Embracing the idea that inspiration can be found in everyday experiences is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring a brighter, more imaginative future. 
• As we navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world, let us remember that even the most ordinary of things can hold the spark of creativity and the potential for magic.
• The magic is not just out there; it’s within us, waiting to be uncovered in the world around us.

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

Introduction

• Breaking down the first part- Girls are weighed down by restrictions
• Breaking down the second part – Boys are weighed down with demands
• Why such a scenario
• Multidimensional Impact of these harmful disciplines – Family level, society, nation, Political, economical, etc.
• Are these two disciplines equally harmful?

Countering these harmful disciplines

• India, a nation heralded for its rich cultural heritage and a history spanning millennia , is also a place where gender disparities have endured for generations. 
• The intricate web of expectations placed upon girls, often characterised by social, familial, and cultural restrictions, can inhibit their aspirations, education, and personal freedoms. 
• Simultaneously, boys face the weight of societal demands that prescribe specific notions of masculinity, often emphasising stoicism, competitiveness, and emotional restraint

Girls are weighed down by restrictions

• Traditional gender roles and expectations may dictate that girls should prioritise domestic responsibilities over personal aspirations, conform to rigid standards of beauty and behaviour , and shy away from traditionally male-dominated fields. 
• Emotional: Cannot express anger /aggressiveness–only love, empathy, care etc. are acceptable. 
• Family and Marriage:   Patriarchy; Restrictions on choosing life partner; child birth  etc.
• Career: Restrictions on  taking up professions like Mechanical Engineering , Combat role in Army etc. ( Gender ceiling ; Pink collared jobs etc.)
• Economy: Restrictions/ non-inclusion /no independence  in major  financial decisions.
• Consequences : These restrictions can stifle their ambitions, self-expression, and personal growth.

Boys with demands

• Boys often grapple with societal demands that pressure them to conform to notions of masculinity that may not align with their authentic selves. 
• Emotional : Boys are not supposed to cry even in bitter conditions.
• Clothes : Colours and style as set up the society Ex: Pink is almost not acceptable
• Physical : Physical Strength
• Relationship :  Not to show equality towards spouse
• Marriage: Taking Dowry 
• Career :  Towards  Engineering, Army, Police etc.
• Economy: To bear the financial burden of the entire family
• Culture: To carry out the legacy of family
• Consequences : These demands may include suppressing emotions, pursuing aggressive behaviours, and demonstrating dominance. The pressure to meet these demands can lead to emotional repression, mental health issues, and a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes about masculinity.

Why? – Social norms, Perpetuation of stereotypes through social interactions, misinterpretation of religious texts, popular culture, cinema, etc.

Impact of these two harmful disciplines: 

• Limiting Personal Growth
• Impeding social progress – Not conducive for national development
• Non inclusive society

Are the two disciplines equally harmful or not? 

• Arguments in favour
• Reinforces Gender stereotypes – limits individual freedom and self expression 
• Adversely impacts emotional well being .
• Perpetuates gender inequality and disturbs social peace–Men Vs. Women debate will continue.
• Limits life choices thereby repressing personal autonomy and Individual freedom 
• Arguments against
• Biological limitations:  Physical strength is a natural fact. Therefore, such limitations may not be harmful for certain segments.
• Cultural limitations:  To preserve the culture to bind together the families through division of work and responsibilities.
• Societal Limitations: Society is not yet matured enough to accept breaking the gender roles and stereotypes.
• Infrastructural Limitations: Ex:  Lack of Toilets and other necessary infrastructure for women is an issue to recruit women in combat roles in the army.
• More harmful to girls than boys as boys through demands at least get opportunities. However such opportunities are denied to girls due to restrictions.

Breaking barriers and building the nation – Countering the two harmful disciplines.

Conclusion: 

• There are examples of women breaking their restrictions. Ex- Kiran Bedi
• Matrelinial societies build on breaking restrictions.
• Husbands also contributing in breaking limitations. Ex – division of house work.

6. Mathematics is the ‘music of reason’

• Similarity between Maths and Music 
• Linkage between Maths and Reason 
• Why Maths is considered as the ‘Music of Reason’
• Way Ahead – Steps which can be taken to build Passion for Maths among young people

Similarity between Maths and Music

Similar to Music, to do mathematics is to engage in an act of

• Discovery of Pythagorous 
• Ex Srinivisa Ramanujan contribution to pure mathematics, without any formal knowledge, which led to many discoveries. 
• His last notebooks just before his death caused excitement among Mathmaticians 
• Aryabhatta discovery of zero
• to be in a state of confusion— Do not know what your creation can lead to
• Newton contributions in calculus, technology of telescope etc and how it helped in Modern Physics
• Recent research, in which Math models were used to gain new insight on how breast cancer metastasizes.
• to be frustrated as an artist; 
• to be awed and overwhelmed by an almost painful beauty; to be alive, damn it.”

Linkage b/w Maths and Reason

• Mathematics is often described as a discipline rooted in pure reason. While it is influenced by empirical observations and practical applications, it is ultimately built on a foundation of abstract reasoning and logical deduction.

Reason why Mathematics is considered the ‘Music of Reason’

Requires Passion 

Continuous pursuit of Knowledge

Can lead to collaborations for greater good 

Inculcates logical Thinking and Reason 

Results in creation which stand the test of time

• Provides Harmony in patterns – music of reason because it emphasized beauty of patterns, symmetry and harmony. 
• Mathematical concepts underpin various technological advancement.  
• Mathematical equation and concepts reveal the inherent order in the Universe. 
• Transcends cultural and linguistic barriers → Universal language Understood by scientist, engineering and Finance
• International collaboration in the above field takes place. 
• Cultivates Problem solving skills and logical thinking → Helps tackle real world problems. 
• Cultivates Reason → Valuable in decision making 
• Forms the basis of artificial intelligence, cryptography and data science etc.
• Ancient times – Jantar Mantar, 
• Add examples – 
• Economic Significance → Role played by Maths in economics finance, resource allocation etc. 
• for example calculus is used to determine the rate of speed required for the spaceship to successfully reach space from the Earth. 
• India’s achievements in space exploration, especially Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Chandrayaan 3 mission which was celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and precision in trajectory calculations, demonstrating the role of mathematics in space endeavours.
• Educational and Skill development  → Provides Individuals with analytical skills and problem solving → example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will help develop future professionals. 
• Interdisciplinary Connections: Intersects with various other disciplines such as Computer Science, economics and Social Science. Thus, helps with Interdisciplinary research to provide Innovative solutions to the problems 

Way Ahead – Change in culture to make Maths be seen as an artistic pursuit

• Talk about why Maths should be taken as an intellectually engaged, artistic pursuits. 
• Take Maths as a a tool for collaboration (Similar to Music where artists collaborate example of collaboration in field of Space), persistence (similar to music work towards persistently finding new algorithms etc.), growth mindset (offer praise, nurturing the passion for Maths among student), Make students love Maths (stop the culture of hating Maths etc.) 

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

• Meaning/Context  : A just society is one that strives to eliminate the root causes of inequality and suffering , thereby reducing the need for charitable assistance.
• Idea of Justice
• Historical dimension
• Interplay of Justice and Charity through multiple layers of society
• Significance of charity in today’s society

Historical Dimension 

• Concept of charity started when social justice took a backseat with caste and gender divisions–charity in fact shows the inequalities in society (where rich are able to donate to poor).

Different Dimensions of Society

• Ex: Stephen Hawking’s disability did not let him to depend on charity.
• Community :  Historically Disadvantaged sections of Indian society like SC/STs- were ensured with  social justice through affirmative action in the constitution.
• Subnational level : Hilly and tribal regions are provided with special provisions  in the constitution. (Fifth and Six Schedule )
• Social Justice has no room for freebies in elections , farm loan waivers etc. 
• World :   Inclusion of African Union to G20–African nations need no charity but chances for opportunities for growth.

Significance of  Charity in Current Times 

• Historical injustices have perpetuated inequalities in the society in the form of caste class, gender , religion etc.— constitution ensures social justice to these sections– but it will take a long time to correct these (even though progress has been significant) -hence charity (from individuals. Corporates and institutions) provide support to the desired sections of population to a certain extent.
• Global North vs Global South
• Impact of Climate Change – Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) 
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – balancing profits with the social needs.

Conclusion : The ultimate goal of society is to reduce  the need for charity.

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

• Meaning of Education and significance for humans.
• Role of learning: Learning is a process which results in a more or less permanent modification of behaviour as a result of practice or experience.
• Distinguish between education and schooling/learning → Only positive or desirable learning contributes to the process of education while negative or undesirable learning is not considered a part of education.
• The Importance of Lifelong Learning and how education inculcates this.

Meaning/Context 

• Education has different contextual meaning – the economist would see education as a commodity in which it is profitable for the community to invest. Sociologists would tell people that education is a socializing force, Education as a Spiritual Pursuit: According to the Upanishads, “Education is that whose end product is salvation”
• Nevertheless, education is there in all of the above and each one is linked to the process of education, yet it lies above all these.
• It is believed that education should prepare individuals for active participation in a democratic society.

Historical Dimension

• Education is derived from  – “Educare”, which refers to “to bring up’ or “to nourish”.
• In India, the concept of education is traced back to the “Gurukula Parampara” which developed in ancient times.

Distinguish between education and schooling/learning

• Value system/ wisdom comes from experience while learning teaches academic knowledge and information. Example –  only after seeing pain, death and suffering  Siddhartha became Buddha.  
• True education extends beyond memorization and tests, leaving a lasting imprint on an individual’s character, values, and ability to navigate the complexities of life. E.g. NEP fosters foundational learning away from rote learning.
• Education exposes individuals to diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, nurturing cultural and social awareness. This understanding promotes tolerance, inclusivity, and the ability to thrive in a globalized world. 

The success of renowned entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, who dropped out of college, highlights how the problem-solving skills and innovative thinking acquired in their educational journey laid the foundation for their groundbreaking careers.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning and how education inculcates this?

• Adaptation to Change : In a rapidly changing world.
• Personal Growth : Lifelong learning fosters personal growth and self-improvement.
• Career Advancement : Lifelong learners are often more competitive in the job market. 
• Problem Solving : Lifelong learning enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Cognitive Health : Continuous learning helps maintain cognitive health and may delay cognitive decline associated with aging. 
• Increased Confidence : Acquiring new knowledge and skills boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. 
• Enhanced Communication : Lifelong learning can improve communication skills, including written and verbal communication.
• Social Engagement : Lifelong learners often engage in social activities related to their interests, fostering connections and a sense of belonging within communities of learners.
• Innovation and Creativity : Exposure to diverse ideas and experiences through lifelong learning can inspire innovation and creativity.

Way Forward: John Dewey’s 7 principles: Experiential Learning, Child-Centered Education , Learning by Doing, Integration of Subjects, Democratic Education, Continuous Learning, Problem-Centered Curriculum, Social Interaction.

Conclusion: Aristotle advocated for a balanced education that included the cultivation of moral virtues, intellectual virtues, and practical skills.  In essence, education endures as a beacon that guides individuals throughout their lives, illuminating the path toward personal growth, societal progress, and the betterment of humanity as a whole.

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UPSC Essay Paper 2023 Analysis FAQs

What are the rules for writing essay in upsc.

Candidates have to select a topic from each section and write about it in 1,000 to 2,000 words within the given time of three hours.

How to score good marks in essay UPSC?

Here are a few tips to help you achieve this score: - Understand the essay topic: Read the topic carefully and analyze its various dimensions. Develop a clear understanding of what the essay demands. - Plan your essay: Spend some time brainstorming and organizing your thoughts before you start writing.

Do essay questions repeat in UPSC?

Yes, UPSC does repeat its previous year's questions in the Prelims exam.

Can essay be written in bullet points?

Yes. There is no hard and fast rule; that being said, if this is for a course assignment, I would be careful about it. Some instructors might consider bullet points too informal for an essay.

What is a decent score in essay UPSC?

As the essay paper is out of 250, marks which are above 50% can be considered good, ie. 125. Marks between 110-125 is considered as average.

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• UPSC CSE 2023 Mains Essay Paper Model Answers

The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2023 began with an Essay paper. There were eight essay topics separated into two groups, and aspirants were supposed to write on two of them in three hours, one from each. Candidates were asked to write 1000-1200 words for each essay.

Initial Thoughts

• This year's essay paper followed the predicted pattern, with five of the eight themes being philosophical in nature. Furthermore, the general tone of the paper was thoughtful and philosophical.
• Although the topics were simple to understand, it was challenging to select the right topic and then come up with enough content to complete 1000–1200 words.
• The paper was manageable for aspirants who adhered to the fundamentals of UPSC preparation, such as having a firm understanding of the static syllabus, broad knowledge of current events, and adequate writing practice.

Now, let us discuss each topic separately.

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

• This topic appears to be centered on the notion that critical thinking frequently occurs in the interaction to competing ideas or challenges.
• Candidates may have been asked to investigate how clashes of ideas result in innovation and advancement.

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

• Paul O'Brien is the author of this well-known proverb.
• This comment most likely encouraged candidates to explore the importance of balancing intuition and logic when making crucial decisions.
• It promotes thinking on the roles of both aspects in good 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 excellent. 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 promote the notion that creativity is not restricted to rare moments of inspiration, but can also be found in ordinary events. It most likely prompted individuals to consider where creativity comes from and how we may exhibit 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.

Mathematics is the music of reasons

• Mathematics is the music of reason, according to James Joseph Sylvester. Isn't music the mathematics of the senses, and mathematics the music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, while the mathematician thinks music: music is a dream, and mathematics is a job.”
• This remark implies a poetic link between mathematics and music. Candidates would almost certainly be required to address the beauty and rationality inherent in mathematics, as well as its role in molding our understanding of the world.

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

• This topic appears to touch on the concepts of social justice and charity, which have been studied by philosophers such as John Rawls, as well as the “veil of ignorance.”
• Candidates may have been asked to investigate the relationship in society amongst justice, equality, and generosity.

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

• Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
• This essay topic will most likely require candidates to consider the value of education beyond rote memorization. It could have been expected to have a discussion about the practical application of knowledge and lifelong learning.

Conclusion:

• It makes no difference whether aspirants know where the quotes came from. The only thing that matters is how the given quote is elaborated and supplemented by examples and case studies. All of this is dependent on the critical topic selection. All of this depends on the proper selection of the topic.

Takeaways for 2024

• As previously stated, the paper was manageable for those who strictly followed the fundamentals of UPSC preparation.
• The main takeaway from this year's paper is that sufficient writing practise is necessary now.

More about the Art of Essay Writing can be found in Samajho's Corner:

• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 1 | How to Write an Effective Essay?
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 2 | Quotes For Writing an Effective Essay
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 3 | Anecdotes For Writing an Effective Essay
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 4 | Theme-wise Previous Years Essay Papers
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 5 | How to Tackle Philosophical Essays?

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is currently conducting the UPSC Mains Examination on September 15th, 16th, 17th 23rd, and on 24th. On September 15, the commission conducted the Essay Writing paper, and today, on September 17, GS Paper 3 was conducted in the morning shift. For your convenience, you can access the subject-wise PDF UPSC Mains Question Paper 2023 in this article.

UPSC Mains Exam 2023 Time Table

The UPSC mains exam consists of nine papers, including an English language paper, one paper in an Indian language, two optional papers, an essay paper, and four general studies papers (GS-1, 2, 3, and 4). Below is the schedule for the UPSC Mains 2023 examination.

UPSC Mains Question Papers PDF

The UPSC Mains Exam 2023 is to be held on 15th September this year. We have provided you the PDF Link here for the UPSC Mains Question Papers 2023 . The link given below will be active after the exam is conducted successfully, till then stay connected to our website for more updates @adda247. Check out the table below:

UPSC Mains Essay Writing Question Paper 2023 PDF

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the UPSC Mains Essay Writing Paper on September 15th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as part of this year’s UPSC Mains examination. UPSC Mains Essay Paper is important for Aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination for year 2023 onwards, can access and download the UPSC Essay Writing Paper PDF 2023 provided below. This question paper will serve as a valuable resource for future UPSC exam preparations.

UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2023 PDF Also check UPSC Mains Essay Topic with solution provide by the expert team of adda247 Detailed UPSC Mains Essay Topic 2023 and Solutions

UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper I

The UPSC Civil Services Examination places significant importance on Mains General Studies Paper 1. This paper covers vital subjects, including History, Art and Culture, Post-Independence History, Geography, and Society. On September 16th, UPSC conducted GS Paper 1 in the morning shift. You can access the PDF download of Mains General Studies Paper 1 below.

Detailed Analysis of  UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper 1

UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper II

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 for the year 2023 is now available for candidates to download in PDF format. This examination was conducted on September 16, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and holds a total weightage of 250 marks. The paper comprises 20 questions, and candidates were allotted a duration of 3 hours to complete it. The PDF link for UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2023 can be located below for your convenience.

Detailed Analysis of UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper 2

UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper III

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 for 2023 is now accessible to candidates in PDF format. The exam took place on September 17, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and carries a total of 250 marks. There are 20 questions in this paper, and candidates have 3 hours to complete it. You can find the PDF link for UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2023 below.

Detailed Analysis of  UPSC General Studies Paper III

Also check the sequence wise question answer asked in the UPSC mains GS paper 3, with proper understanding and analysation of question by the expert team of adda 247

UPSC Mains 2023 General Studies Paper IV

The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 for the year 2023 has been made available to candidates in a downloadable PDF format. This examination occurred on September 17, 2023, with a time duration from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and a total weighting of 250 marks. The paper comprises 20 questions, and candidates were allotted a 3-hour window to complete it. The PDF link for UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2023 can be found below for reference.

Detailed Analysis of UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper IV 

Download UPSC Mains 2023 GS Paper 4 pdf

UPSC Main Paper Analysis 2023

The Paper Analysis of the UPSC Mains Exam is conducted by examining past question papers and gathering insights from candidates who have taken the UPSC mains exam. Over time, the allocation of marks for various subjects fluctuates, and it’s impossible to forecast the precise question pattern. However, the UPSC Mains Previous Question Papers Analysis offers valuable insights into the types of questions, patterns, and levels of difficulty, which can assist candidates in formulating effective preparation strategies.

UPSC Mains 2023 Exam Paper Subject-Wise

According to the analysis of the UPSC Mains Exam, candidates are required to take nine papers in the UPSC mains examination. The language papers are considered qualifying papers and are outlined below. Also, we have provided the table check out below for clear knowledge:

UPSC Mains 2023 Language Question Papers PDF

In this section, candidates can conveniently access and download the Indian Language Question Papers and English Language Question Papers for UPSC Mains 2023 in PDF format. These question papers are essential components of the examination and are crucial for candidates’ comprehensive preparation. You can easily access and utilize these PDFs to enhance your readiness for the UPSC Mains 2023 language papers.

Last Five year UPSC Mains Previous year Question Papers PDF

We will provide you with the PDF link to the last 5 year’s UPSC Mains Question Papers PDF once they become available. Please stay connected to our website for the latest updates @adda247. Here are the exam dates for your reference:

Watch UPSC Mains Question Paper Analysis:

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How to Analyse UPSC mains question paper?

1.Start by organizing all the previous year question papers in chronological order. 2. Identify the recurring patterns and topics from the questions. 3. Focus on understanding the type of questions that are frequently asked and the format in which they are presented

Is UPSC mains very tough?

The success rate of the UPSC exam is enough to tell you why is UPSC tough. Every year lakhs of candidates apply for Prelims, and among them, only 25% clear it and move on to the next stage, i.e., IAS Mains. Therefore, according to some, UPSC is one of the toughest exams in the world.

Is Shift 1 Essay Paper Completed?

Yes, Shift 1 Essay Paper is Complete successfully.

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UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023, Important Questions Asked, PDF

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis: The UPSC Essay Paper analysis sheds light on the trends, challenges, and strategies that shape the essay-writing dimension of India's prestigious Civil Services Examination.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2023: The Union Public Service Commission is prepared to administer the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2023 on September 15 and over the course of five days, including September 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2023, at multiple examination centers. This exam will consist of two sessions: one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Candidates who lack clear photographs on their e-admit cards must bring a passport-sized photograph for each session, along with an Undertaking. It’s important to note that if a candidate appears at a different center, sub-center, or chooses an optional subject or Indian language other than what’s specified on their e-Admit Card, their answer scripts will not be evaluated, and their candidature may be canceled.

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2023 Analysis

On the first day of the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 exam, which is September 15, 2023, the Commission will conduct Paper-I Essay examination during the morning shift, while there will be no paper held in the afternoon shift. Examinees are advised to arrive at the examination hall 30 minutes before the scheduled start time for each session, and entry to the Examination Hall will close 10 minutes before the commencement of each session.

Here are some important guidelines for the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 exam:

1. You can use Scientific (Non-Programmable type) Calculators, if necessary, which candidates may bring with them. However, programmable type calculators are not allowed in this examination.

2. The possession or use of Mobile Phones and other Electronics or Communication devices is strictly prohibited at the examination premises. Any violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action, including a ban from future examinations.

3. It is advisable not to bring valuable or costly items to the Examination Halls as their safekeeping cannot be guaranteed, and the Commission will not be held responsible for any losses.

4. Candidates should bring a black ballpoint pen to the Examination Hall for making entries in the attendance list.

5. All candidates are required to adhere to COVID-19 norms, including social distancing and personal hygiene, while inside the Examination Halls/Rooms and within the examination venue premises.

Candidates must remember to carry their admit cards to the exam center, as this document is crucial for verification and entry into the examination venue. For additional information, please refer to the official UPSC website.

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2023 – Section A

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 – Section B

UPSC Essay Paper 2023 PDF

UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis – First Reaction By UPSC Aspirants

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis by PWOnlyIAS

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis: UPSC Essay Paper is a crucial component that not only assesses candidates’ knowledge but also their ability to articulate ideas concisely and effectively. This analysis delves into the nuances of this examination segment, uncovering trends, strategies, and insights for aspiring civil servants.

On September 16, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the first paper of CSE Mains 2022, which was the Essay Paper. This year in 2023, the UPSC Mains Paper is going to take place from 15th September 2023.

Watch the YouTube video of UPSC Essay Paper Analysis by PWOnlyIAS:

Instructions for UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2022

• Total Marks: 250 marks
• Time duration: 3 hours
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate, clearly stated on the cover of the question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet.
• No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
• Adherence to the specified word limit is required.
• Any blank page or portion must be struck off clearly.
• Candidates are required to write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, with a word limit of approximately 1000-1200 words each.

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus 2024

UPSC Essay Analysis 2023

• There has been a trend of increased philosophical essays in recent years, and this year’s benchmark was higher than in previous years.
• The philosophical nature of the questions made them challenging for many candidates.
• Writing 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints was not easy.
• UPSC ensured that the essay topics differed significantly from the General Studies (GS) questions.
• Rather than asking candidates to write on familiar topics, UPSC assessed essay writing skills by providing abstract or philosophical topics.
• This year, most of the themes were proverbs or famous quotes.
• All eight topics tested applicants’ spontaneous thinking, understanding, writing, and time management.
• The topics required broad interpretation.

UPSC Essay Paper 2022 Analysis

• Poetic language as a tool to re-institute order in human society.
• Getting out of one’s comfort zone.
• Do the right things at the right time.
• You won’t get the exact time/experience twice.
• Importance of a smile.
• Theme related to choices and decision-making.

Importance of the UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

The essay paper serves as a window for examiners to assess the thought process, viewpoints on critical matters, clarity in thinking, ability to explain ideas concisely and effectively, coherence, and the ability to organize ideas in an orderly fashion of aspirants. It evaluates if a candidate possesses the traits required of a potential civil servant, making it a crucial component of the UPSC examination.

Common Misconceptions About UPSC Essay Paper Analysis

• No preparation required: Some candidates believe that GS and optional knowledge are sufficient. However, the essay paper assesses more than just content.
• Championing English: Using technical jargon and vocabulary is not necessary. Simpler language is often better.
• Similarity with language paper essay: The essay paper is distinct from language paper essays, focusing on evaluating the traits of a potential civil servant.
• Difficulty in preparation: Preparation for the essay paper is possible, and improvement is achievable with the right strategy.
• Source of preparation: General studies and optional preparation provide content, but reading non-fiction, collecting anecdotes, stories, quotes, facts, and figures, and referring to magazines, newspapers, and essay transcripts of previous year toppers are valuable for preparation.

How to Prepare for the UPSC Essay Paper  

• Read essay transcripts of previous year toppers to understand what constitutes a well-written essay.
• Maintain a separate notebook for collecting material from various sources, including quotations, facts, anecdotes, and government schemes.
• Prepare material on general topics that have been asked in previous exams.
• Emphasize understanding the topic and its various dimensions.
• Read different kinds of essays, particularly philosophical essays.
• Practice previous year essay papers under exam conditions and seek feedback.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis Approach for Writing

• Have a clear plan for essay paper attempt, including time management.
• Choose the right topic and interpret it correctly.
• Prepare a skeleton for the essay, including introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Structure the essay with clear, simple language, short sentences, proper subheadings, and smooth transitions.
• Avoid one-sided arguments, excessive focus on one dimension, and criticism of the government.
• Do not use bullets, diagrams, figures, or charts; essays should be in continuous paragraph format.

The essay paper in UPSC CSE is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in scoring well in the examination. Proper preparation and a strategic approach can lead to substantial improvements in essay scores, giving candidates an advantage in the highly competitive civil services examination.

UPSC Essay Important Topics

here are some important and recurring themes that candidates should be prepared for:

• Gender equality
• Women’s empowerment
• Education and literacy
• Poverty and inequality
• Social justice
• Economic growth and development
• Inclusive growth
• Agriculture and rural development
• Industrialization
• Employment and unemployment
• Democracy and its challenges
• Electoral reforms
• Role of media in democracy
• Political polarization
• Federalism and center-state relations
• Climate change and its impact
• Conservation of natural resources
• Pollution and its effects
• Biodiversity and wildlife conservation
• Sustainable development
• Role of technology in governance
• Space exploration
• Information technology and its challenges
• Artificial intelligence and ethics
• Biotechnology and its applications
• India’s foreign policy
• Indo-Pacific strategy
• International relations and global conflicts
• Terrorism and its global implications
• Regional cooperation and integration
• Cultural diversity in India
• Heritage and conservation
• India’s freedom struggle
• Ancient civilizations and their relevance today
• Ethics in governance
• Moral dilemmas in public service
• Integrity and accountability
• Role of ethics in international relations
• Values in a changing world
• Public health infrastructure
• COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learned
• Healthcare reforms
• Access to healthcare services
• Education policies and reforms
• Skill development and employment
• Online education and its challenges
• Quality of education

Remember that in the UPSC essay paper, you have to choose one out of several essay topics provided in the exam, and you have to write an essay of around 1000-1200 words. The key is to demonstrate your ability to provide a structured and balanced argument, cite relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently.

UPSC Essay Examples

Here are a few examples of essay topics that might be relevant for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, along with brief outlines of how you could approach them. Remember that UPSC essays often require a balanced and comprehensive analysis, so these outlines are just starting points:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of climate change and its global significance.
• Causes of Climate Change: Discuss factors like greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrialization.
• Impact on India: Explore how climate change affects India’s agriculture, water resources, coastal regions, and health.
• Government Initiatives: Mention policies and initiatives taken by the Indian government to address climate change.
• Conclusion: Summarize the importance of addressing climate change and the role India can play in mitigating its effects.
• Introduction: Define women empowerment and its significance in a diverse country like India.
• Historical Perspective: Discuss the status of women in India throughout history.
• Challenges Faced: Analyze the socio-cultural and economic challenges that hinder women’s empowerment.
• Government Initiatives: Highlight government programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Women Entrepreneurship schemes.
• Role of Education: Discuss the role of education in empowering women.
• Conclusion: Emphasize the need for continued efforts to empower women and the benefits it brings to society.
• Introduction: Introduce the Digital India campaign and its objectives.
• Achievements: Discuss the progress made in areas like e-governance, digital infrastructure, and digital literacy.
• Challenges: Analyze the challenges faced in achieving digital inclusivity and cybersecurity.
• Socio-economic Impact: Explore how digitalization has impacted various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and finance.
• Future Prospects: Discuss the potential of Digital India in transforming India’s economy and governance.
• Conclusion: Summarize the significance of digitalization for India’s development.
• Introduction: Define the concept of nation-building and its importance.
• Youth as Agents of Change: Discuss how the youth can contribute to nation-building through education, entrepreneurship, and social activism.
• Challenges Faced by Youth: Analyze the hurdles faced by young people, such as unemployment and lack of opportunities.
• Government Initiatives: Highlight government schemes aimed at youth development and employment.
• Conclusion: Emphasize the pivotal role that the youth play in shaping the future of the nation.
• Introduction: Present an overview of the healthcare scenario in rural India.
• Challenges: Discuss issues like inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of access, and low healthcare awareness.
• Government Initiatives: Explore government programs like Ayushman Bharat and the National Rural Health Mission.
• Role of Technology: Highlight the role of telemedicine and mobile health clinics in addressing rural healthcare challenges.
• Conclusion: Summarize the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare in rural India.

These are just a few examples of essay topics that you might encounter in the UPSC examination. Remember to approach each essay with a structured format, providing a balanced view and supporting your arguments with facts, data, and examples. Additionally, practice writing essays regularly to improve your skills and time management.

UPSC Essay Paper Analysis FAQs

How essay is evaluated in upsc, what is a decent score in essay upsc, how to score 150 in essay upsc, how to score good marks in essay upsc.

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UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers- Essay | GS Papers | Language Papers | Optional Papers

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.

As we all know that UPSC CSE Mains examination is going on and all the future aspirants will be looking for the question paper everywhere. Therefore, for your convenience, we are creating a single post, where we will list out all the UPSC mains 2023 Question Papers . You will be able to access all the related posts released by us, in the below given list.

UPSC mains 2023 was started on 15th September 2023 and the last paper will be conducted on 24th September.

Following is the list of the released papers.

UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers List  

• UPSC IAS Mains 2023 – GS 4 Question Paper
• UPSC Mains 2023 GS 3 Question Paper PDF
• UPSC Mains 2023 GS 2 Question Paper PDF
• UPSC Mains 2023 GS 1 Question Paper PDF
• [Download] UPSC Mains 2023 – Essay Paper PDF – Hindi | English

UPSC CSE Main exam 2023 schedule

If you are looking for previous mains question papers – click here

What is the pattern of UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination?

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination is a comprehensive examination that assesses a candidate’s knowledge, analytical abilities, and suitability for a career in the civil services. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Mains examination pattern:

The Civil Services Mains Examination consists of a written examination and an interview.

Written Examination:

The written examination comprises nine papers, two of which are qualifying in nature, and the remaining seven are ranked. Each paper lasts for 3 hours. Here’s the format:

• Paper A : One of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution (Qualifying) – 300 marks.
• Paper B : English (Qualifying) – 300 marks.
• Paper I : Essay – 250 marks.
• Paper II : General Studies I (Indian heritage and culture, history, and geography of the world and society) – 250 marks.
• Paper III : General Studies II (Governance, constitution, policy, social justice, and international relations) – 250 marks.
• Paper IV : General Studies III (Technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security, and disaster management) – 250 marks.
• Paper V : General Studies IV (Ethics, integrity, and aptitude) – 250 marks.
• Paper VI : Optional Subject Paper I – 250 marks.
• Paper VII : Optional Subject Paper II – 250 marks.

The total marks for the written test are 1750.

Optional Subjects:

Candidates can choose one optional subject for Papers VI and VII from a list that includes subjects like Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Literature of any one of the languages listed above, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, and Zoology.

UPSC Mains 2023 question paper

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Essay Paper for UPSC (2013-2023)

• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.

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”.
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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 jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of substance for majority of farmers in India
• Impact of new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
• Has the non alignment movement lost its relevance in a multi-polar world?
• Joy is simplest form of gratitude
• Fulfillment of new woman in India is a myth.
• We may brave human laws but can not resist natural laws
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium
• If development is not engendered, it is engendered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils bread.
• Water disputes between State in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress?
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?

INSTRUCTIONS Write an essay on any one of the following topics, in not more than 2500 words. (250 marks)

• Be the change you want to see in others-Gandhi ji.
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) would be righty indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Science and Technology are the panaceas for the growth and security of the nation.

INSTRUCTIONS

Write an essay in about 3000 words on any one of the following:

• Indian women in international sports
• Cultivation of organic foods
• Foreign Direct Investment in retail – boon or bane?
• How effective are our systems and institutions in dealing with disasters?
• Food security – legislation and implementation
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implications.
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?
• Credit-based higher education system-status, opportunities, and challenges.
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism.
• Geography may remain the same; history need not.
• hould amoratoriumbe imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country?
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model – a natural progression or a paradigm shift?
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death?
• Are we a ‘Soft ’ state ?
• “The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society”.
• “ Good Fences make good neighbors”
• ‘ Globlisation’ vs. ‘ Nationalism’
• Role of the media in good governance.
• Nation identity and patriotism.
• Special Economic Zones: Boon or Bane.
• Discipline means success anarchy means ruins.
• Urbanization and its hazards.
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses?
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood.
• Evaluation of the Panchayati Raj System in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people.
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man.
• Is Autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization?
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets?
• BPO boom in India.

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UPSC IAS Question Paper 2023 with Answer Key: Download PDF

Sep 7, 2024

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UPSC Question Papers with Answer Key are available here to download in PDF format. Candidates can download IAS 2023 Question Paper PDF using the links mentioned below. UPSC Civil Services consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains and Interview. UPSC CSE Prelims Comprises GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2. GS Paper 1 (100 questions) and CSAT (80 questions). Each of them are objective in nature and consists of 200 marks. The marks gained in the General Studies paper define selection for UPSC Mains. For more information, aspirants can go through UPSC CSE Exam Pattern .

UPSC Prelims 2023 GS and CSAT Question Paper with Answer Key (Held on May 28, 2023)

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Cooperative Federalism: Myth or Reality

• 03 Sep 2024

Innovation is the Key Determinant of Economic Growth and Socia...

• 27 Aug 2024

Water Disputes Between States In Federal India

• 23 Aug 2024

Need Brings Greed, If Greed Increases It Spoils Breed

• 13 Aug 2024

If Development is not Engendered, It is Endangered

• 09 Aug 2024

Social Media is Inherently a Selfish Medium

• 02 Aug 2024

We may Brave Human Laws But cannot Resist Natural Laws

• 26 Jul 2024

Fulfillment of ‘New Woman’ in India is a Myth

• 17 Jul 2024

Joy is the Simplest Form of Gratitude

• 10 Jul 2024

Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Lost Its Relevance in a M...

• 04 Jul 2024

Destiny of a Nation is Shaped in its Classrooms

• 27 Jun 2024

Impact of the New Economic Measures on Fiscal Ties Between the...

• 21 Jun 2024

The Character of An Institution is Reflected in Its Leader

• 13 Jun 2024

Farming has Lost the Ability to be a Source of Subsistence for...

• 06 Jun 2024

Reality does not Conform to the Ideal, but Confirms It

• 31 May 2024

A People that Values Its Privileges Above Its Principles Loses...

• 23 May 2024

The Past is a Permanent Dimension of Human Consciousness and V...

• 16 May 2024

Customary Morality cannot be a Guide to Modern Life

• 10 May 2024

Management of Indian Border Disputes - A Complex Task

• 02 May 2024

Poverty Anywhere is a Threat to Prosperity Everywhere

• 24 Apr 2024

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Analysis of Historical Mail Volume Trends

Trends in Mail Volume Dashboard

• Market Dominant mail — a category consisting primarily of First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, and Periodicals — accounts for over half of the Postal Service’s revenue, but volume of these mail classes have been falling for nearly two decades.  
• Annual Market Dominant mail volume fell by 46 percent between fiscal years (FYs) 2008 and 2023. First-Class Mail volume fell 50 percent over that period, from 92 billion pieces to 46 billion. Marketing Mail volume decreased 40 percent, from 99 billion pieces to 59 billion. Periodicals volume fell 65 percent, from 9 billion pieces to 3 billion.  
• Several factors have contributed to declining mail volumes, but the main driver has been “electronic diversion” — the replacement of physical mail with electronic alternatives such as email, texting, social media, and the Internet.  
• Declining mail volume reduces mail density, making delivery to each address less profitable, and making it more difficult for the Postal Service to sustain its nationwide delivery network.

Market Dominant mail — a category consisting primarily of First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, and Periodicals — is the Postal Service’s largest source of funding, contributing 53 percent of the agency’s revenue in fiscal year (FY) 2023. Since 2006, however, mail volume has been in decline. The key factor driving ongoing decline in mail volume is “electronic diversion,” a term referring to the replacement of physical mail with electronic alternatives, such as the Internet , email, texting, and social media. This paper examines Market Dominant mail volume from FYs 2008 through 2023, presenting historical volume trends across classes of mail and describing key factors influencing these trends.

The total volume of Market Dominant mail across all classes fell by 46 percent over the period of our analysis, from 201 billion pieces in FY 2008 to 109 billion in FY 2023. Volume of First-Class Mail, which includes letters, postcards, and large envelopes, fell 50 percent between FYs 2008 and 2023, from 92 billion pieces to 46 billion. Transactional mail (such as bill payments and statements) has experienced a more significant decline than correspondence mail (primarily greeting cards and letters to friends and relatives) as consumers and businesses have increasingly turned to electronic alternatives for billing and payment. For correspondence mail, the primary cause of decline is the decrease in personal correspondence, along with reduced political correspondence and mail from non-profits.

Marketing Mail’s volume decline has been less severe than First-Class Mail but is still significant. Marketing Mail volume decreased 40 percent from 99 billion pieces in FY 2008 to 59 billion pieces in FY 2023. This was driven by customer diversion to lower-cost online alternatives. Along with declining volumes, there has been a drop in mail’s share of total advertising spending.

Periodicals (newspapers, magazines, and other periodical publications) is unique among the major classes of mail in that it is “underwater,” meaning USPS spends more to process and deliver this class than it collects in revenue. Periodicals volume decreased from 8.6 billion pieces in FY 2008   to 3.0 billion pieces in FY 2023, a decline of 65 percent. The decline in Periodicals volume has been driven by electronic diversion away from subscriptions to hard-copy publications.

The decline in Market Dominant mail volume discussed in this paper has fundamental effects on the Postal Service’s financial health. Declining volume reduces mail density and therefore makes mail delivery increasingly less profitable per address served; as each delivery point becomes less profitable, the delivery network becomes more difficult to sustain. Similarly, stagnating revenue from Market Dominant products over much of this paper’s period of analysis has made it more difficult for USPS to fulfill its public service mission while remaining a self-funded entity.

The Postal Service has focused in recent years on the package market to increase revenue. Competitive product revenue — mainly packages — has increased significantly since FY 2008, rising by a greater amount than Market Dominant revenue has declined. Overall, however, the agency’s revenue has not increased enough to keep pace with its increasing expenses. While the Postal Service’s Delivering for America   (DFA) 10-year plan, launched in 2021, has had a strong focus on the package market, Market Dominant mail still contributed 53 percent of USPS’s revenue in FY 2023. Future trends in mail volumes will have a critical impact on the agency’s ability to restore its profitability going forward.

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