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Essay Paper UPSC 2022 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on September 16, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE 2022 was easy compared to previous years. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of the UPSC 2022 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).

UPSC conducted the Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on 16-09-2022. The question paper was not as shocking as last year.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2022 Instructions

• 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) 2022

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• 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 the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC , as always, has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

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A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 and 2021 as well. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar with or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics. 

This year, most of the topics were either proverbs or famous quotes.

All 8 topics presented this year will test the spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time management of aspirants.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

POETS ARE THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS OF THE WORLD 

This essay topic is one of the best-known and most frequently quoted lines from the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).

Shelley thinks that poets can institute laws and create new materials for knowledge, determining the role of poets as legislators. 

Shelley’s account of poetic language seeks to find an order to the chaos, which, possibly, Shelley sees in human society: the mess that only poets can fathom. 

Therefore, he thinks, the poets’ enhanced poetic language can re-institute order in human society. 

A SHIP IN HARBOUR IS SAFE BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT A SHIP IS FOR 

This essay topic is connected with John A Shedd , an author and professor, who is attributed to this quote. Reference: his book Salt from My Attic , a collection of quotes and sayings (1928).

This phrase means, that getting out of your comfort zone is key to experiencing new things and broadening your horizons.

Only taking risks helps us grow as people—to either achieve our goals or do the things we’ve always wanted to do.

THE TIME  TO REPAIR THE ROOF IS WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING 

This essay topic was connected with John F. Kennedy. In his 1962 State of the Union Address, John F. Kennedy declared, “The best time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”.

The primary message of the quote is fixing a leak is best done when the weather is good, rather than when it is not.

Ideally, you should begin the work of fixing the roof as soon after the leak was found. The first sunny day would be ideal. It is not easy to fix a roof when it is raining.

This statement is being used to remind us to do the right things at the right time. It also points us to take the advantage of favourable time.

YOU CAN NOT STEP TWICE IN THE SAME RIVER 

This essay topic was quoted by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher born in 544 b.c.

This means that you cannot step into the same river twice because the flow of the river will change each second. You will also change each second.

It is not possible to repeat past experiences, as time changes all things. You won’t get the exact experience twice. You need to live in the present and enjoy each moment.

A SMILE IS A CHOSEN VEHICLE FOR ALL AMBIGUITIES 

This essay topic was quoted by Herman Melville, an American novelist.

JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CHOICE DOES NOT MEAN THAT ANY OF THEM HAS TO BE RIGHT 

This essay topic was quoted by Norton Juster, an American academic, architect, and writer in his book The Phantom Tollbooth

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching on other areas like society, politics, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year’s question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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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.

UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay and GS Paper 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Question Papers

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After 3 days of the UPSC IAS Mains 2022 examination, the essay paper and General Studies (GS) 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been conducted. Below are the PDFs of all the conducted examinations. If you want to read the questions online, you directly go on to the individual posts (given below).

UPSC Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2022 GS 1 Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2022 GS 2 Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2022 GS 3 question paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2022 GS 4 question paper PDF

[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper

[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – GS 1 Question Paper

[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – GS 2 Question Paper

UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – GS Paper 3 Question Paper

UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – GS Paper 4 Question Paper

If you want to go through Previous Year’s Question Papers. You can visit this page .

UPSC Mains 2022 Exam Calendar

UPSC IAS Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Question Papers

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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Essay Exam Question Paper - 2022

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(Download) UPSC Mains 2022 Question Paper: Essay Compulsory

• Marks : 250 (125x2)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Exam Date:  16-09-2022
• Year : 2022
• Exam Date : 

Write Two Essays, choosing One from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

Section-a (125 marks) - choose any one essay, q-1.forests are the best case studies for economic excellence., q-2.poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world., q-3.history is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man., q-4.a ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for., download upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers pdf, section-b (125 marks)- choose any one essay, q-1.the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining., q-2.you cannot step twice in the same river., q-3.a smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities., q-4.just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right., click here to download full papers pdf, (e-book) upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers ( 2000-2020 ) pdf, download upsc mains gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc pre gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc mains gs solved papers pdf, printed study material for ias mains general studies, printed study material for ias mains essay, << go back to main page.

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UPSC Mains Question Paper PDFs 2022

UPSC Mains question papers 2022 – To understand the nature of UPSC Mains exam papers the most recommended tip from over the years is scanning the UPSC question papers for Mains examination. Only practicing the authentic IAS Mains question papers can give aspirants a real feel of the pattern and style of the UPSC Mains questions.

The ultimate aim of candidates is to clear the second stage of the IAS exam and not just gain knowledge and UPSC Mains question paper plays an important role here. Thus, the article focuses on providing UPSC Mains Question Papers PDF for the 2022 exam. The aspirants can download UPSC Mains question paper pdfs 2022 provided on this page. 

Aspirants of the upcoming examination can check further details on UPSC 2023 on the given link.

UPSC Mains Question Papers 2022

The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2022 which was held on 5th June, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. The UPSC Mains examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 16th september 2022 to 25th september 2022. 

The Mains exam of UPSC consists of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The 2 Qualifying papers and 7 merit ranking papers of UPSC Main Examination are listed below:

• Any One Indian Language from the Eighth Schedule of The Constitution of India
• General Studies Paper I
• General Studies Paper II
• General Studies Paper III
• General Studies Paper IV
• Optional Paper I
• Optional Paper II

Candidates will be provided with the UPSC Mains Question paper PDFs of both the qualifying papers and the merit ranking papers in the article.

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Download UPSC Mains 2022 GS Question Paper PDFs

In this section candidates willing to appear for the upcoming exam can check and download UPSC Mains exam question papers PDF 2022. 

Based on the UPSC Mains question paper, the aspirants can analyze and formulate their strategy to crack the Mains level of the upcoming Civil Services Examination. 

UPSC Mains Language Question Papers 2022

UPSC Mains Paper A is the mandatory Indian Language Paper out of the nine papers. Aspirants taking the Mains exam are required to select an Indian language from a list given by the Union Public Service Commission in the official notification.

While, Paper B is the required English Language Paper. Though only qualifying in nature the English Language Paper is compulsory and candidates must score a minimum of 33% marks in order to be considered for making it to the final merit list.

Download UPSC Mains question papers PDFs for Indian language and English language from below links – 

Download UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper PDF

• 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 world 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 about 250.
• The paper will be included for merit ranking and is not just for qualifying purposes.

The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely.

Aspirants can download the UPSC Mains Question Paper PDF for essay paper here.

Upsc mains question paper pdf for optional papers.

For the UPSC CSE Mains exam, applicants have to choose one optional subject from a list of 48. The optional subjects are divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers carry 250 marks each. Candidates should choose optional subjects carefully as it is one of the most important factors that determines the rank of the candidate in the final merit list.

• UPSC Mains Optional Paper 1 Question Paper PDFs 2022
• UPSC Mains Optional Paper 2 Question Paper PDFs 2022

Importance of UPSC Mains Question Papers

The key advantages of going through UPSC Mains question papers are:

• UPSC question paper for Mains exam will help aspirants get a better understanding of the latest exam pattern.
• Analyse the topics which are more important from the examination perspective
• Apprehend the pattern and format in which the questions may be framed
• Scrutinize the complexity of the UPSC Exam paper
• Help in monitoring the trend changes in the examination pattern

More importantly, the biggest importance of solving IAS Mains question papers is to self-evaluate and focus on your shortcomings. 

Candidates can check the Success Rate Of Different Optional Subjects In UPSC Mains on the linked page. 

For any further assistance, the latest exam updates, study material or preparation tips, turn to BYJU’S for expert assistance. 

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UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 Essay Paper

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022: The Union Public Service Commission started the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on September 16, 2022. The UPSC mains exam started on September 16, 2022 , and will be held on 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2022, at various locations around the country. GeeksforGeeks have brought the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022 to make your exam preparation perfect. 

The highest score in the Mains Written level is crucial since 7 out of 9 papers are counted for merit ranking. Preliminary level marks, on the other hand, are not counted for merit ranking. As a result, the candidate’s attention should not only be on passing the exam but also on obtaining the best and highest possible grades. 

To gain a notion of Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023 , one needs at least to look at the previous seven years of UPSC Essay Topics. Practicing the UPSC Essay Topics of Previous Years helps throughout the UPSC Mains exam, and the aspirant may ace the essay paper with enough preparation.

UPSC 2022 Mains Essay Question Paper:

The UPSC Essay paper is divided into two portions. Section A and Section B are the two. Each segment has four questions. Candidates must select one topic from each section, resulting in a total of two essay questions.

The word count for each question should be between 1000 and 1200 . Each question is worth 125 marks , thus the total number of marks is 250. The question paper will be evaluated on merit.

The Essay Topics asked in the UPSC Mains 2022 are given below:

1) Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

2) Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

3) History is a series of victorious won by the scientific man over the romantic man.

4) A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for. 

1) The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. 

2) You cannot step twice in the same river. 

3) A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. 

4) Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Aspirants can evaluate and plan their approach for the Civil Services Examination’s Mains level based on the question paper of 2022. UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 4

UPSC Mains Essay Previous Year Question Paper:

• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2021
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2019
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2018
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2017
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper  2016 

How to Score Marks on UPSC Mains Essay Topics?

Writing provides insight into your cognitive process. This is precisely what the examiner looks at when reading your answer script. An essay is essentially a well-organized collection of ideas on any given topic. Mastering the skill of getting the highest possible grade on a test involves a lot of effort and dedication. The UPSC Mains essay is more than just a test of factual knowledge; it is also a test of creativity and confidence. 

Follow these strategies to get high marks in the UPSC Mains Essay paper:

1. Choose your topic carefully

The UPSC Essay paper 2022 is divided into two portions, and applicants must write one essay from each area. Both essays are worth 125 points and are 1000-1200 words long. Before choosing a topic, consider if it is too contentious or whether you have enough facts to write about it.

2. Think about the subject

Once you’ve decided on a topic, think about it and jot down the essential keywords you’ll use in your essay. Try to take a multifaceted approach to the essay and stick to a decent format of introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Structure the essay in a proper manner

The opening paragraph is the heart of the essay and should provide a clear overview of the issue. The main focus should be on your thoughts on the subject. The primary body of the essay should be broken into little paragraphs that are interconnected nicely. The essay’s wording should be simple, clear, and easy to grasp. 

The UPSC Mains essay assesses your critical thinking abilities rather than your use of fancy language. Facts and statistics should be supplied whenever necessary. The use of quotations and sayings strengthens the essays. The final paragraph should speak for itself. Candidates should aim to write the essay in an unbiased or balanced manner.

Economic Growth, women empowerment, art & culture, media & society, social justice or poverty, education, renowned quotes from notable individuals , and other themes are among the UPSC Essay Topics.

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UPSC Mains 2024 Preparation — Essay, Ethics, and Optional Papers | Day 1: Essay Writing - Understanding Basics

Weekly Distribution Overview:

Essay:  Develop a clear, structured approach to essay writing. Practice writing essays on a variety of topics, drawing from current events and your static knowledge.

Ethics (GS Paper 4):  Focus on understanding key ethical theories, values, and applying them to case studies. Incorporate relevant current affairs to enrich your answers.

Optional Paper:  Deep dive into your optional subject, revising key concepts and practicing answer writing with a focus on depth and clarity.

1. What's the structure?

Understand the basic structure of an essay — introduction, body, and conclusion. Ensure you can craft a clear thesis statement and support it with logical arguments.

2. Let's review

Review past year's essay questions to identify patterns and common themes. For example, questions related to "education" or "social justice" are frequently asked.

Practice writing essays on two different topics. Choose one from current affairs (Example, "The Role of Technology in Modern Education") and one from a static theme (Example, "Democracy and its Challenges in the 21st Century").

4. Let's take a look at an example

In the 2020 UPSC Mains, candidates were asked to write an essay on "Technology as the Silent Factor in International Relations." Practice structuring your essays with clear arguments supported by examples from history and current events.

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June 2023 CAA Magazine

Kursk Region

• August 12, 2024
• IAS Toppers
• 2 minutes read

Ukrainian troops recently advanced as far as 35 kilometers into Russian territory in the Kursk region.

About Kursk Region:

• The Kursk region, known as Kursk Oblast , is located in western Russia, within the Central Federal District.
• It shares its western border with Ukraine, specifically with the Sumy Oblast.
• It is also bordered by other Russian regions, including Belgorod Oblast to the south, V oronezh Oblast to the east, Oryol Oblast to the north, and Bryansk Oblast to the northwest.
• The region lies on the Central Russian Upland , characterized by rolling plains and hilly terrain.
• It is a part of the fertile “ black earth” (chernozem) belt of Russia , known for its rich, dark soil that is ideal for agriculture.
• Various rivers like Seim River , a tributary of the Desna River, flows into the Dnieper River, and also includes the Svapa, Tuskar, and Psyol rivers.
• The climate in Kursk is classified as humid continental , characterized by cold winters and warm
• Kursk Oblast has mixed forests , including oak, birch, and pine trees, especially in the northern and central parts.

Ref: Source

Frequently Asked Question:

Where is kursk oblast located.

Kursk Oblast is situated in western Russia within the Central Federal District. It borders Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Oryol Oblast, and Bryansk Oblast.

What is the geography of Kursk Oblast like?

Kursk Oblast lies on the Central Russian Upland, featuring rolling plains and hilly terrain. It is part of the fertile “black earth” belt, known for its rich, dark soil ideal for agriculture.

What are the main rivers in Kursk Oblast?

The region is drained by several rivers, including the Seim River (a tributary of the Desna River), the Svapa, Tuskar, and Psyol rivers. These rivers flow into the Dnieper River.

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Daily Current Quiz for UPSC: 13th August 2024

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1 . Question

 Consider the following statements about Exercise Udara Shakti 2024:

• It is conducted between India and Thailand.
• Its aim is to enhance interoperability, commonality and overall effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• c) Both 1 and 2
• d) Neither 1 nor 2

After successful participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 at Malaysia , the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India, on 10 Aug 24.

About Exercise Udara Shakti 2024:

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: The joint air exercise was conducted between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) 
• It commenced from 05 to 09 August 2024 at Kuantan, Malaysia. 
• The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighter jets .
• During the exercise, IAF’s Su-30MKI fighter jets engaged in air combat missions alongside the RMAF’s Su-30MKM fighters, 
• Statement 2 is Correct: Enabling the crew of both air forces to familiarise with each other’s operational protocols , thereby enhancing interoperability, commonality and overall effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations . 
• Bolstering operational efficiency, technical experts of both Air Forces engaged in exchange of their maintenance practices.

2 . Question

Consider the following statements: 

Statement I: Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to avoid collision between two locomotives.

Statement II: It uses GPS sensors fitted in locomotives to detect nearby dangers.

• a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II in correct

Recent series of train accidents has brought into sharp focus the safety mechanisms needed to prevent such tragedies.

Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS): Kavach

• It is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian industry. Its aim is to avoid collision between two locomotives. Hence, statement I is correct.
• It is a state-­of­-the­-art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level­4 (SIL­4) standards. 
• It is one of the cheapest, SIL­4 certified technologies where the probability of error is 1 in 10,000 years.
• To provide protection by preventing trains to pass the signal at Red (which marks danger)
• To avoid collision between two locomotives.
• It is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification devices installed in locomotives , in the signalling system as well the tracks, that talk to each other using ultra-high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them. Hence, statement II is incorrect.
• Since 2016, the railways have been carrying out field tests for Kavach on passenger trains.

3 . Question

 Consider the following statements regarding Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):

• It is a statutory body functioning under the Reserve Bank of India.
• Its objective is to protect the interests of investors in securities.
• The chairman is appointed on recommendation of the selection committee which includes the Leader of opposition. 
• b) 1 and 2 only
• c) 2 and 3 only
• d) 1,2 and 3

US-based shortseller Hindenburg Research alleged that SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch “had stake in obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal ”, citing whistleblower documents.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): 

• The SEBI, or Securities and Exchange Board of India is the regulatory body handling the securities and commodity market in India. 
• Statement 1 is incorrect: It functions under the Ministry of Finance.
• Statement 2 is correct: SEBI aims to protect investors’ interests in securities and promote the development of the securities market.
• Origin of SEBI
• Previous Authority: Before SEBI, the Controller of Capita l Issues was the regulatory authority, which derived authority from the Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947.
• Setting Up: The Securities and Exchange Board of India as an institution was set up in 1988 as a non-statuto ry body for regulating the securities market. In 1992, it was accorded statutory powers with the passing of the SEBI Act 1992 by the Indian Parliament.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The chairman (nominated by the Union Government of India);
• Two members (Officers from the Union Finance Ministry);
• One member from the Reserve Bank of India ;
• Five membe rs (Nominated by the Union Government of India). At Least three shall be whole-time members.
• Location: The headquarters of SEBI is located in Mumbai. The regional offices of the Securities and Exchange Board of India are in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi .

4 . Question

 Consider the following statements regarding National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Ranking:

• The NIRF is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of Education, to rank institutions of higher education in India.
• The NIRF cover “Teaching, Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” and “Graduation Outcomes” as parameters for in ranking framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

The Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, August 12. 

About National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

• Statement 1 is correct: The NIRF is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of Educatio n, to rank institutions of higher education in India.
• It was approved by the MHRD and launched on 29th September 2015.
• This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. 
• The methodology draws from the overall recommendations broad understanding arrived at by a Core Committee set up by MHRD , to identify the broad parameters for ranking various universities and institutions. 
• Statement 2 is Correct: The parameters broadly cover “Teaching, Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” “Graduation Outcomes,” “Outreach and Inclusivity,” and “Perception”.

NIRF Ranking 2024:

• Ranking is conducted by National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
• Best educational institution in the country overall category: IIT Madras 1st, Followed by the IISc, Bengaluru, and IIT Bombay secured the 2nd and 3rd positions.
• University category: IISc Bengaluru : first rank, JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia taking the second and third spots 
• best institution for research category: IISc, Bengaluru
• Management category: IIM Ahmedabad 1st, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode.
• Engineering category: IIT Madras 1st, followed by IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
• Best Law Institute: National Law Schoo l, Bangalore.
• Medical category: AIIMS , Delhi.
• Best Open University: IGNOU

5 . Question

The term “Kursk” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?

• a) South-western border of Russia
• b) Region of dispute between Israel and Lebanon
• c) Region of dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan
• d) The entire coastal Mediterranean Sea of areas

Ukrainian troops have advanced around 30 km into the Russian territory of the Kursk region , in what has been Kyiv’s largest incursion on Moscow’s territory since the start of the war in 2022

About Kursk Region:

•     Kursk is a city and administrative centre of Kursk oblast (region) located on the south-western border of Russia. Hence, option (a) is correct.
•       The Kursk Region is located in the central part of the Eastern European Plain . The Region borders on the Bryansk, Orlov, Lipetsk, Voronezh, and Belgorod regions, as well as Ukraine.
•       The basins of the Dnieper (Seim, Psel) and Don rivers are located on its territory. The main type of soil is chernozem.
•       It is located in the area known as the Black Earth territory due to its fertile soil.
•       The Kursk Region is home to eight specially protected natural areas, including the Alyokhin Central Chernozem State Biosphere Reserve and seven natural landmarks.

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Context : As of August 9, Ukrainian troops had advanced as far as 35 kilometers (21 miles) into Russian territory in the Kursk region, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War.

Details about Kursk Region:

• Kursk is a city and the administrative center of Kursk Oblast, Russia.

Geographical Aspect

• Located at the confluence of the Kur, Tuskar, and Seym rivers.
• Surrounded by "Black Earth"
• Chernozem also called black soil, regur soil or black cotton soil, is a black-colored soil containing a high percentage of humus (4% to 16%) and high percentages of phosphorus and ammonia compounds.
• The climate is moderately continental.

Economic Activity

• Activity focuses on iron-based industry, the chemical sector and a large food processing industry .
• Particularly noteworthy is the so-called Kursk Magnetic Anomaly , the world's largest known iron-ore reserve, where the iron content of the ore ranges from 35% up to 60%.
• In Kurchatov, some 40 km (25 mi) to the south-west, the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is located.

Transportation

• Kursk is located on a major railway line between Moscow and Kharkov , with trains also linking the city to Voronezh and Kiev.

Historical Aspect:

• The first written record of Kursk dates back to 1032.
• Destroyed by the Mongols under Batu Khan during the Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus' around 1237.
• Modern: After the Bolshevik revolution in Russia, the Soviets took power in Kursk on 26 November (9 December – new style) 1917.
• Kursk played a role in the Cold War as host to Khalino air base.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kursk#:~:text=Kursk%20(Russian%3A%20%D0%9A%D1%83%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%2C%20IPA,of%20440%2C052%20(2021%20Census) .

Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ukraine-kursk-operation-russia-9506353/

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Where is Kursk?

A state of emergency has been declared in Kursk following a Ukrainian incursion into the Russian border region.

About kursk region:.

• Kursk is a city and administrative centre of Kursk oblast (region) located on the south-western border of Russia. 
• It is situated in the centre of the European part of Russia.
• It lies along the upper Seym River, about 280 miles (450 km) south of Moscow. 
• It is located in the area known as the Black Earth territory due to its fertile soil . 
• The climate is moderately continental.
• Kursk is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It was first mentioned in documents from 1032. 
• Completely destroyed by the Tatars in 1240 , it was not rebuilt until 1586, when it became a military outpost to protect the advancing Russian colonization from Tatar attack. 
• The town, however, lost much of its importance at the beginning of the 18th century when the Russian border was moved farther south.
• In World War II , fierce fighting took place around Kursk and the city was severely damaged; the Battle of Kursk in July–August 1943 , the largest tank battle in World War II , ended in the defeat of the Germans .
• Kursk’s industries include machine building, food processing , and the manufacture of electronic equipment and synthetic fibers.
• A large nuclear power station was completed in 1979. 

Q1 : Which countries border Russia?

Russia is a country located in northern Eurasia bordering the Arctic Ocean between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean. Neighboring countries include Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine.

Source: 3,000 evacuated, state of emergency declared after Ukraine’s raid into Russia

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