Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018)

The initial paper in the UPSC mains examination is the Essay (Paper I). In this section, candidates who have qualified in the prelims stage must compose two essays from a selection of provided topics. The paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List. This article compiles all the essay topics presented in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. Additionally, we have organized the essay questions from the last 25 years into distinct topics to facilitate your preparation.

Table of Contents

UPSC Essay Topics

Administration

1994: The nexus of politics, bureaucracy, and business – a lethal trio.
1995: Politics bereft of ethics spells disaster.
1996: The VIP cult poses a detriment to Indian democracy.
1996: Advocating the necessity for transparency in public administration.
2000: Addressing the nation’s imperative for an improved disaster management system.
2003: Guidelines on the conduct expected of a civil servant.

Democracy/India since independence

1995: The trajectory of Indian democracy—where does it lead?
1997: Unlearned lessons in fifty years of independence.
2000: Reasons to take pride in our Indian identity.
2001: Assessing the gains from our democratic framework.
2003: Evaluating the effectiveness of democracy in delivering positive outcomes in India.
2008: Exploring national identity and patriotism.
2012: Examining the evolutionary significance of ‘Swadhinata,’ ‘Swaraj,’ and ‘Dharmarajya’ in the context of Gandhiji’s views and their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy.
2013: Is India’s success hindered by a lingering colonial mentality?
2015: Aspirations that should keep India awake.
2018: Navigating the intricate challenge of managing Indian border disputes.

Economic growth and development

1999: Managing resources in the Indian context.
2013: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alongside GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) as apt measures for assessing a country’s well-being.
2014: The hindrance to our country’s growth—was it policy paralysis or implementation inertia?
2015: Assessing the crisis in India—moral or economic in nature.
2016: Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms.
2016: The digital economy: An equalizer or a source of economic inequality.
2016: Identifying innovation as the pivotal factor influencing economic growth and social welfare.
2017: Examining the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.

Federalism, Decentralisation

1998: Tracing the language problem in India—its historical evolution, current status, and future prospects.
2004: Advocating for central government control over water resources.
2007: Assessing the effectiveness of the panchayati raj system in India in empowering the people.
2007: Examining whether autonomy is the optimal solution to counter balkanization.
2011: The establishment of smaller states and its resultant administrative, economic, and developmental implications.
2016: Cooperative federalism in India: Myth or reality?
2016: Exploring water disputes between states in federal India.

Indian Culture & Society

1994: The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture.
1996: Emerging cults and spiritual leaders posing a challenge to traditional religion.
1998: Examining the mosaic of India’s composite culture.
1999: Contemporary youth culture in focus.
2000: Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
2000: Indian culture today—myth or reality?
2003: Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline.
2010: From traditional Indian philanthropy to the Gates-Buffett model—natural progression or paradigm shift?

Judiciary

1997: Exploring the realm of judicial activism.
2004: Investigating the intersection of judicial activism and Indian democracy.
2005: Advocating for the imperative that justice extends to the impoverished.

Social justice/Poverty

1999: Reservation, politics, and the pursuit of empowerment.
2005: Envisioning food security as a foundation for sustainable national development.
2009: The disproportionate focus of healthcare on the privileged segments of our society.
2017: The diminishing capacity of farming to serve as a subsistence source for the majority of Indian farmers.
2018: Recognizing poverty anywhere as a menace to prosperity everywhere.

Media & Society

1998: The misinterpretation and abuse of freedom in India.
1999: Mass media and its impact on cultural invasion.
2002: The democratic role and responsibility of the media.
2007: Examining the cultural shift in Indian mindsets brought about by satellite television.
2008: The contribution of media to fostering good governance.
2011: Assessing whether Indian cinema shapes our popular culture or simply mirrors it.
2014: Contemplating whether sting operations constitute an invasion of privacy.

Environment/Urbanisation

1997: Unraveling the hidden benefits of urbanization.
2006: Asserting the crucial role of safeguarding ecology and the environment for sustained economic development.
2008: Exploring the perils associated with urbanization.
2010: Debating the imposition of a moratorium on new mining activities in tribal areas of the country.
2017: Acknowledging the inevitability of succumbing to natural laws despite challenging human laws.

Economic sectors/MNCs

1994: Multinational corporations—saviors or underminers.
2006: Contemplating the potential demise of small-scale industries in India due to globalization.
2007: The surge of BPOs in India.
2008: Evaluating the Special Economic Zone—benefit or detriment?
2009: Pondering the fate of our traditional handicrafts, destined for a gradual decline.
2012: Scrutinizing the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model is more of a curse than a blessing in the Indian context.
2014: Exploring the prospect of tourism as the next major venture for India.

Education

1995: Overhauling the structure of the Indian education system.
1996: Noting the rapid increase in literacy without corresponding growth in education.
2001: Questioning the relevance of traditional classrooms.
2002: Examining the privatization of higher education in India.
2002: Navigating the intersection of modern technological education and human values.
2005: Reflecting on the essence of real education.
2006: Investigating the “Education for All” campaign in India—myth or reality.
2007: Advocating for the cultivation of independent thinking from early childhood.
2008: Contemplating whether educating the masses can pave the way for an egalitarian society.
2011: Assessing the status, opportunities, and challenges of the credit-based higher education system.
2014: Evaluating the impact of growing competition on the youth.
2014: Questioning the effectiveness of standardized tests as a measure of academic ability or progress.
2015: Highlighting the limitations of education without values.
2017: Acknowledging the pivotal role of classrooms in shaping the destiny of a nation.

Women

1995: Unveiling the emerging power of women: the realities on the ground.
1997: Asserting that greater political power alone won’t improve the plight of women.
1998: Contemplating woman as God’s finest creation.
1999: Delving into the challenges and prospects of women’s empowerment.
2001: Emphasizing that empowerment alone cannot fully uplift our women.
2004: Questioning the trajectory of women’s emancipation.
2005: Imagining a world where women rule.
2005: Acknowledging the influential role of the hand that rocks the cradle.
2006: Advocating for the Women’s Reservation Bill as a catalyst for empowerment in India.
2012: Evaluating whether the Indian working woman receives a fair deal in managing work and home.
2016: Stating that if development is not engendered, it is endangered.
2017: Dispelling the myth of the fulfillment of the ‘new woman’ in India.

Quotes-based/Philosophy

1994: Youth is a mistake, manhood a challenge, old age a remorse.
1994: A purposeless life is an untimely demise.
1995: Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life force of civilization.
1995: When money speaks, the truth remains silent.
1995: Our actions define us as much as we shape our actions.
1996: Truth is something to be lived, not just taught.
1997: True religion cannot be misappropriated.
2002: The pursuit of truth is inherently a spiritual challenge.
2002: The paths of glory ultimately lead to the grave.
2002: If youth possessed knowledge, if age possessed capability.
2003: Nothing is inherently good or bad; it is our perceptions that shape it.
2013: Be the change you wish to witness in others.
2014: With greater power comes greater responsibility.
2014: Words have a sharper impact than a two-edged sword.
2015: Extending a helping hand is superior to merely giving charity.
2018: The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
2018: Reality may not conform to the ideal, but it affirms it.

Character

2007: Attitude shapes habits, habits form character, and character defines a person.
2008: Discipline paves the way to success, while anarchy leads to ruin.
2015: The character of an institution is a reflection of its leader.
2016: Need fosters greed, and an increase in greed tarnishes the lineage.
2017: Joy is the purest expression of gratitude.
2018: A fulfilling life is one fueled by love and steered by knowledge.
2018: A society that prioritizes privileges over principles forfeits both.
2018: Traditional morality cannot serve as a guide for modern living.

Globalisation

1994: Modernization and Westernization are distinct concepts.
1998: Envisioning the world in the twenty-first century.
2000: Unraveling the implications of globalization for India.
2001: Articulating my vision of an ideal world order.
2003: Unmasking the facades of new imperialism.
2004: Assessing the impact of globalization on Indian culture.
2009: Contemplating the clash between ‘Globalization’ and ‘Nationalism.’
2010: Evaluating the readiness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

Science & Tech

1997: The contemporary physician and their relationship with patients.
1999: Embedding values in science and education.
2001: Examining the progress of science and its impact on human values.
2003: Exploring the interplay between spirituality and scientific temper.
2004: The magnetic appeal of space.
2012: Debating the compatibility of Science and Mysticism.
2013: Asserting that science and technology serve as the cure-all for the nation’s growth and security.
2015: Emphasizing that technology cannot replace human manpower.
2018: Advocating for alternative technologies to build a climate change-resilient India.

Internet/IT

2000: The allure and challenges of the cyberworld.
2006: The rise of computerization and its potential to foster a dehumanized society.
2016: Reflecting on the long-term impact of cyberspace and the Internet on human civilization—blessing or curse?
2017: Contending that social media, by its nature, is a self-centered medium.

International organisations /relations

1996: The restructuring of the UNO as a reflection of current realities.
2004: Analyzing India’s contribution to fostering ASEAN cooperation.
2006: Assessing the significance of the Indo-US nuclear agreement.
2017: Questioning the continued relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in a multipolar world.

Security

2005: The impact of terrorism on global peace.
2009: Examining whether we are a ‘soft’ state.
2009: Asserting the value of well-defined boundaries in fostering good relations between neighbors.
2011: Recognizing the importance of both human intelligence and technical intelligence in addressing terrorism in the Indian context.

Miscellaneous

1998: India’s impact on global wisdom.
2001: The quest for excellence.
2010: Geography may be constant, but history is subject to change.
2014: Aspiring for fifty gold medals in the Olympics—can India turn this into a reality?
2015: Embracing the strategy of swift yet consistent progress.

Topic-Wise Essay Questions from UPSC Mains (1994 -2018) FAQS

Q 1. How can I write a good essay in UPSC?

Essay writing not only checks your ability to understand the topic but also how well you can explain the same. While preparing for any subject, keep making notes. Read editorial articles in newspapers like The Hindu. Listen to analysis of particular topics on Rajya Sabha TV. There is no shortcut to master the essay, it is all about regular practice.

Q 2. Does handwriting matter in UPSC?

If the answer is good and the handwriting is not good, then there is a possibility of being at a state of disadvantage because the person who evaluates your paper will be evaluating thousands of other papers. Hence, to make sure that your evaluator has not missed out on any piece of information that you have written, it is better to have good and legible handwriting.

3. What is the format of the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination?

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper (Paper I), which is the initial paper in the exam.

4. How many essays are candidates required to write in the Essay paper?

Candidates are required to compose two essays from a selection of provided topics in the Essay paper.

5. How many marks does the Essay paper hold, and how does it contribute to the Final Merit List?

The Essay paper holds a total of 250 marks, and these marks contribute to the determination of the Final Merit List.

6. What is the time duration for the Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination?

The time duration for the Essay paper is not specified, but candidates are advised to manage their time effectively.

7. Can candidates choose any topic for their essays, or are there specific topics provided?

Candidates must choose two essay topics from a selection of provided topics.

8. How are the essay topics categorized in the provided list?

The essay topics from the last 25 years are categorized into distinct topics such as Administration, Democracy/India since independence, Economic growth and development, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian Culture & Society, Judiciary, Social justice/Poverty, Media & Society, Environment/Urbanisation, Economic sectors/MNCs, Education, Women, Quotes-based/Philosophy, Character, Globalisation, Science & Tech, Internet/IT, International organisations/relations, Security, and Miscellaneous.

9. What are some examples of essay topics related to Indian Culture & Society?

Examples include “The Indian society standing at a crucial juncture,” “Contemplating the correlation between civilization’s advancement and cultural decline,” and “Navigating the intersection of modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.”

10. Are there specific essay topics related to Economics and Development?

Yes, essay topics related to Economics and Development include “Managing resources in the Indian context,” “Jobless growth in India: An aberration or a consequence of economic reforms,” and “Exploring the impact of new economic measures on fiscal relations between the union and states in India.”

11. How can candidates prepare for the essay paper effectively?

Candidates can prepare by reviewing and understanding essay topics from previous years, practicing essay writing, and staying updated on current affairs and relevant issues.

12. Are there any specific guidelines for essay writing provided by UPSC?

While specific guidelines are not mentioned, candidates are expected to express their thoughts coherently, provide well-reasoned arguments, and adhere to the given word limit. It is advisable to maintain clarity, conciseness, and a balanced perspective in essay writing.

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