upsc essay paper compilation

• UPSC Mains PYQ (1979 to 2023)
• UPSC Exam Notes PDF
• UPSC Result
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Interview
• Art and Culture UPSC PDF
• Environment
• International Relation
• Previous Year Paper’s
• Science & Tech
• Toppers Copy
• Agriculture Optional Notes
• Anthropology Optional Notes
• Chemistry Optional Notes
• Commerce Optional Notes
• Economics Optional Notes
• Geography Optional Notes
• History Optional Notes
• Law Optional Notes
• Mathematics Optional Notes
• Philosophy Optional Notes
• Public Administration Optional Notes
• Political Science Optional Notes
• Physics Optional Notes
• Sociology Optional Notes
• GS Score Prelims Test
• Only IAS Prelims Test
• Rau’s IAS Prelims Test
• Shankar IAS Prelims Test
• Vision IAS Prelims Test – English
• Vision IAS Prelims Test – Hindi
• Insight IAS – English
• Insight IAS – Hindi
• Next IAs Prelims Test
• Vision Ias Mains Test – English
• Vision Ias Mains Test – Hindi
• Next IAS Mains Test
• Rau’s IAS Mains Test
• GS Score Mains Test
• Insight IAS Mains Test – English
• Insight IAS Mains Test – Hindi
• Anthropology Optional Test
• Geography Optional Test
• Geology Optional Notes
• History Optional Test
• Mathematics Optional Test
• Optional Test Series
• PSIR Optional Test
• Public Administration Optional Test
• Sociology Optional Test
• Vision IAS Monthly – English
• Vision IAS Monthly – Hindi
• GS Score Monthly
• GS Score Weekly
• Kurukshetra – English
• Kurukshetra – Hindi
• Rau’s IAS Monthly
• Rau’s Prelims Compass
• Rau’s Mains Compass
• Yojana English
• Yojana Hindi
• Insight IAS Magazine – English
• Insights IAS Magazine – Hindi
• Vision IAS – English
• Vision IAS – Hindi
• Shankar IAS
• Standard Books
• NCERT Books
• IGNOU Books
• Current Affairs
• Sign in / Join

Essay UPSC Topic wise Previous Year Questions (1993-2023)

The importance of practicing Essay Papers from previous year questions (PYQ) topic-wise, with the aim of achieving high marks for a better rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, cannot be overstated.

The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE Mains carries a weightage of 250 marks. Therefore, the percentage of total marks covered by the Essay Paper is ≈14.29%Percentage.

1. India: Democracy, Administration, Society, Culture

1.1 India Since Independence

• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• 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
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015

1.2Federalism, Decentralization

• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017

1.3 Administration

• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• 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
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003

1.4 Judiciary

• Judicial activism. -1997
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017

1.5 Poverty, Social Justice

• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless -2020

1.6 Indian Society, Culture and Values

• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have -2020
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. 2023

1.7 Media, TV & Cinema

• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014

2. Economy, Development

2.1 Growth vs Development

• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• 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
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018

2.2 Environment vs Development

• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.-2022
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• 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

2.4 Sectors of Economy

• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017

3. Education

3.1 Values in Education

• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. 2023

3.2 Scheme implementation

• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006

3.3 Higher education

• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4. Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

4.1 Character, Honesty, Ethics

• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• 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
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them -2020
• Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.- 2020
• Philosophy of wantlessness is 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
• The real is rational and the rational is real. – 2021
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce. – 2021
• A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for. -2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right. -2022
• Not all who wander are lost. 2023

4.2 Knowledge

• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• ‘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
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.- 2020
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. -2022
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! – 2021
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. 2023

4.3 Compassion

• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. – 2021
• You cannot step twice in the same river. -2022
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane. 2023

4.4 Truth and reality

• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018

4.5 Youth, Discipline

• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• Youth culture today. -1999
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014

4.6 Towards excellence

• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• There are better practices to “best practices” – 2021
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. -2022
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. -2022
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. 2023

5. Women Empowerment

5.1 National Politics

• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006

5.2 World / Quote type

• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005

5.3 Empowerment overall

• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality. -2020

5.4 Compared to men

• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man. -2022
• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. 2023

6. International issues, Internal Security

6.1 Globalization

• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. 2010
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019

6.2 International Org./ Bilateral

• The global order: political and economic -1993
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations -2020

6.3 Security

• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018

7. Science-Technology

7.1 Science and Religion

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012

7.2 Science and Education

• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002

7.3 Computer and internet

• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations. -2020

7.4 Sci-Tech: others

• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. – 2021

Here are several reasons why practice with Essay PYQ’s is crucial:

• Alignment with UPSC Trends: Practicing with PYQs allows candidates to align their preparation with the evolving trends of the UPSC. Understanding the historical context of essay topics helps in anticipating and preparing for potential themes in the upcoming exam.
• Grasp of Exam Expectations: PYQs provide insights into the expectations of the examiners. By analyzing past questions, candidates can discern the depth of analysis, the breadth of knowledge required, and the quality of expression that the UPSC values in essay answers.
• Thematic Coverage: Previous year questions cover a wide array of themes, ranging from socio-economic issues to philosophical concepts. Practicing with these questions ensures that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse subjects that may be presented in the essay paper.
• Content Refinement: Repeated practice on specific topics from PYQs aids in refining content knowledge. It helps candidates revisit and reinforce their understanding of key concepts, theories, and factual information relevant to different subjects.
• Structural Mastery: Crafting well-structured essays is crucial for effective communication. Practicing with PYQs allows candidates to master the art of structuring their essays, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and a coherent presentation.
• Time Management Skills: The essay paper has a strict time limit. Regular practice with PYQs hones time management skills, enabling candidates to allocate their time wisely between planning, writing, and revising their essays during the actual examination.
• Adaptability to Varied Topics: Since PYQs cover diverse topics, candidates become more adaptable to addressing a broad spectrum of subjects. This adaptability is essential for tackling any unforeseen or unfamiliar topics that may appear in the exam.
• Feedback Incorporation: Practicing essays from PYQs provides candidates with an opportunity to receive feedback on their responses. Constructive feedback helps in identifying areas for improvement, allowing candidates to refine their writing skills and enhance the quality of their answers.
• Holistic Skill Development: The essay paper evaluates a range of skills, including critical analysis, synthesis of information, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of issues. Practicing with PYQs contributes to the holistic development of these skills.
• Confidence Boost: Regularly practicing essays from PYQs instills confidence in candidates. The familiarity with the exam format, topics, and the ability to produce well-argued essays under timed conditions builds confidence, positively impacting overall performance.

In conclusion, practicing essay papers from PYQs topic-wise is a strategic approach that not only aligns preparation with the expectations of the UPSC but also contributes to comprehensive skill development. This practice enhances a candidate’s chances of securing high marks in the essay paper, ultimately leading to a better rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Javascript not detected. Javascript required for this site to function. Please enable it in your browser settings and refresh this page.

Essay (UPSC Mains) - Previous Year Questions

Looking for comprehensive preparation for the UPSC Mains Essay paper? Explore our collection of previous year questions from 2013 to 2024. Get insights, practice, and boost your chances of success with Past year questions and answers.

Essay Paper - UPSC Mains PYQs

• Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
• The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
• There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
• The doubter is a true man of science.
• Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.
• Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
• All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
• The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
• 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.

Value based / Ethical Issues

• 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.

Philosophical

• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You can not step twice in the same river.
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.

Miscellaneous / Mixed

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence. (Environment / Economics)
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world ( Literature / Socio-political-economic impacts)
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man ( History / Values / Philosophy)
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

History / Culture

• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

Science and Technology

• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• There are better practices to “best practices”. ( Multiple Themes )
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. ( Philosophy / Technology)
• Life is 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.

Social Issues

• 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 ( Technology / International Relation ).
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.

Science & Technology

• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• A people that value its privileges above its principles lose both.
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.

Environment

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

IR & Security

• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium Domain.
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multi-polar world Domain.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India Domain. ( Agriculture )
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India Domain.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.

Polity & Governance

• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws Domain.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run Domain.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Water disputes between states in federal India Domain.
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality India.
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. ( Technology / Economy)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare Domain. ( Technology / Economy / Social Sector)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. ( Education / Ethics)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. ( Morality / Economics)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests, good measure of academic ability or progress?
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. ( Multiple themes )
• Fifty Gold’s in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? ( Sports / Governance )
• Be the change you want to see in others – Gandhiji
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? ( History / Culture / Growth & Development / Ethics )