UPSC Mains – Descriptive Exam

UPSC Mains – Descriptive Exam

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1. Essay Paper

Parameter	Details
Marks	250
Duration	3 hours
Number of Essays	2 (out of 4–6 topics)
Purpose	Tests critical thinking, articulation, analytical ability, and knowledge of current affairs

Recommended Sources

·         The Hindu / Indian Express Editorials → For ideas, arguments, examples

·         PIB / Government Reports → For data, policies, and schemes

·         Previous Year Essay Topics → Practice writing full essays

Strategy

1.      Read & Note → Monthly compilation of current affairs, quotes, examples, statistics

2.      Practice Writing → At least 1–2 essays weekly

3.      Structure → Introduction → Analysis → Examples → Conclusion / Suggestions

4.      Time Management → 15–20 min planning + 1–1.5 hrs writing + 5–10 min conclusion

Sample Essay Topics (Previous Years)

1.      “Inclusive growth and sustainable development in India”

2.      “Role of technology in governance”

3.      “Climate change and its impact on India”

4.      “Population explosion vs resources: Challenges and solutions”

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2. GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography

Section	Recommended Sources
Indian Culture & Heritage	NCERTs 6–12, IGNCA resources, Culture-related The Hindu editorials
Modern History	NCERT 6–12 (India & Contemporary), Spectrum Modern India, Bipin Chandra
World History	NCERT 6–12 (Themes: French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Colonization)
Geography	NCERT 6–12, GC Leong (Physical), Atlas, Current issues from PIB/News

Strategy

·         Make timelines & flowcharts for history

·         Use maps for geography → Rivers, mountains, historical sites

·         Relate current affairs with historical / geographical context

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3. GS Paper II – Governance, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations

Section	Recommended Sources
Polity	Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (Prelims + Mains focus)
Governance	ARC Reports, Government Schemes (PIB, Yojana)
Social Justice & Welfare	NCERTs, Ministry Reports, Social Policies
International Relations	PIB, Ministry of External Affairs updates, Current Affairs magazines

Strategy

·         Focus on articles, amendments, commissions, schemes

·         Link Polity topics with governance examples in essays / answers

·         Maintain current affairs notes for global events

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4. GS Paper III – Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Security

Section	Recommended Sources
Economy	Ramesh Singh – Indian Economy, Economic Survey, Budget Highlights
Science & Tech	PIB, Current Affairs, Government Innovation Reports
Environment & Ecology	Shankar IAS Environment Book, PIB / Yojana
Security	Ministry of Defence & Home Affairs reports, Current Affairs

Strategy

·         Integrate current schemes & government initiatives in answers

·         Use statistics & examples from Economic Survey / PIB

·         Cover recent technological and scientific developments

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5. GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Section	Recommended Sources
Ethics	Lexicon of Ethics (Shankar IAS Ethics Notes), Previous year papers
Integrity & Aptitude	Case studies from previous years, ARC Reports
Examples	Real-life governance, conflict resolution, leadership, ethical dilemmas

Strategy

·         Practice case studies and structured answers: Problem → Ethical Issues → Options → Solution

·         Integrate current events and governance examples

·         Focus on values, decision-making, and moral reasoning

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6. Answer Writing Strategy

1.      Structure Answers → Introduction → Main Body → Conclusion / Suggestions

2.      Use headings / subheadings → Improves readability

3.      Include facts, data, examples, and schemes → Strengthens credibility

4.      Time Management → 3 hours → ~12–15 mins per question for planning, rest for writing

5.      Practice UPSC Mains mock tests → At least 2–3 full-length papers monthly

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Summary Table – Mains GS I–IV & Essay

Paper	Marks	Duration	Focus	Recommended Books / Sources
Essay	250	3 hrs	Analytical writing on current/social topics	The Hindu, PIB, Previous Year Essay Topics
GS I	250	3 hrs	History, Culture, Geography	NCERT 6–12, Spectrum, GC Leong, Atlas
GS II	250	3 hrs	Polity, Governance, Social Justice, IR	Laxmikanth, PIB, Yojana
GS III	250	3 hrs	Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, Security	Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey, Shankar IAS, PIB
GS IV	250	3 hrs	Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude	Shankar IAS Ethics Note