Essay Paper in UPSC: 7 Golden Rules to Score 150+

To score well in the Essay paper of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is not only to write well, but to write strategically. The Essay paper is the one that is underestimated most of the time, and this can be the game-changer that will make you enter the final list or not. This 250 mark paper requires depth and clarity, as there are two essays to be written in 3 hours each of 125 marks.

Here, in this elaborate guide, we will discuss the 7 golden rules to score 150+ in the UPSC Essay paper that can help you improve the quality of your answers, avert the common mistakes, and help you shine through with well-organized and well-planned answers.

Knowledge of the UPSC Essay Paper

Now, before we get into strategies, it is important to know what the UPSC expects in the essay paper:

• Total Marks: 250

• Time: 3 hours

• Essays: 2 (Each worth 125 marks)

• Topics: Tend to be one philosophical/abstract and one current/issue-based

UPSC explicitly mentions:

“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. Marks will be given for effective and exact expression.”

Read More: How to Score 150 in UPSC Essay?

UPSC Essay Paper Basics

7 Golden Rules to Score 150+ in UPSC Essay Paper

1. Choose the Right Topic Carefully

You have made the right choice at the beginning of your essay. Do not jump onto a subject because it is something you know or because it is a subject of interest. Ask yourself:

• Are there enough dimensions that I can explore in this essay?

• Is it possible to give real-life examples, data, and arguments?

• Is it possible to keep the same depth and flow in 1000-1200 words?

An essay is not the exercise of writing what you know, but what the examiner wants to read. This is where an UPSC essay book can assist you in examining how past toppers break down a topic and develop a multi-dimensional view of the same.

2. Structure Is Everything: Stick to the Framework

An essay has to be well-organized just as a building is. It should possess:

• Introduction: Hook + description of the topic + strategy of essay

• Body: 4-5 logical, balanced paragraphs (different dimensions)

• Conclusion: Philosophical closure + reflection + pro-looking tone

Apply connectors and transition words. Do not use bullet points. An organized flow is coherent and clear, which is the most important in a 150+ score.

3. Develop Multi-Dimensional Thinking

A high-scoring essay explores a topic from various angles:

• Social

• Political

• Economic

• Historical

• Ethical

• Legal

• Technological

Let’s take an example topic: "Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it."

You can explore:

• Plato’s idealism (philosophical)

• Constitution as a vision vs. implementation (legal/political)

• Gender equality as a struggle between ideal and reality (social)

Books like a quality essay book for UPSC in English help you practice these diverse perspectives consistently.

4. Introduction and Conclusion: Nail the First and Last Impression

First impressions last—and so does the conclusion.

Your introduction should do more than define the topic. Try:

• A thought-provoking anecdote

• A historical parallel

• A relevant quote

• A paradox or contradiction

The conclusion must not introduce new ideas but reflect, summarise, and elevate the essay. It should leave the examiner with a sense of completion and hope.

5. Work on Language – But Don’t Overdo It

Your goal is clarity, not ornamentation.

• Avoid jargon or overly poetic language.

• Be crisp, clear, and grammatically sound.

• Avoid using SMS-style abbreviations or colloquialisms.

Reading a UPSC IAS book on ethics, governance, or GS4 can improve the philosophical depth and maturity of your language over time.

Sample Essay Dimensions Checklist

How can I score 150+ in UPSC Essay without coaching?

Yes, without coaching, it is possible to score 150+ in the Essay paper. The secret is the frequent practice of self-organized thinking and feedback. You should:

Begin by going through editorials of The Hindu, The Indian Express, and LiveMint

• Write essays every week under pressure

• Read a UPSC essay book or the copies of a previous topper to know what works

• Feedback in a peer review group

• Pay attention to the topics based on philosophy in the beginning; these are unpredictable yet rewarding

It is not the number but the quality and reflection in your essay.

Is it okay to write philosophical essays in the UPSC exam?

Absolutely. Philosophical essays can score high as long as it is well written using clarity, logic, and depth.

• Give insights, comparisons, and arguments about yourself

• Give a clear definition of the philosophical term

• Examples of history, literature, science, and current affairs

• Discussing a wide range of issues: Philosophy, Society, Governance, Environment, Ethics

Organize the essay to address such dimensions as ethics, society, governance, etc.

A good book on essay writing in the English language, written to help you in the UPSC examination, usually contains philosophical essays that can make you confident in dealing with abstract subjects.

Can I quote thinkers and philosophers in UPSC essays?

Yes. It is good to quote such thinkers as Mahatma Gandhi, Aristotle, Chanakya, Swami Vivekananda, Ambedkar, Rousseau, etc., to lend credibility and depth to your essay.

Nevertheless, do not use quotes without sense. Do not overquote your essay. It is enough to have two to three properly placed references. It is always important to put the quote in your own words to make it clear.

How do I prepare essay topics that I haven’t heard of before?

In some cases, UPSC essay topics are abstract and surprising. The most suitable way to prepare is:

• Develop a collection of different subjects in the long run

• Write on themes such as democracy, freedom, progress, women, and environment

• Enrich your knowledge with the content of the UPSC IAS book and GS papers

• Do not be afraid of the unknown; concentrate on rational investigation

Writing and the subsequent feedback will help you train your mind to deal with abstract issues successfully.

What is the number of essays to practice before the UPSC Mains?

Ideally, 20-25 essays are to be written and checked before Mains. Focus on:

• Writing one essay a week in 5 months

• Writing essays to develop exam temperament

A focused approach, along with an UPSC essay book, can help you practice in a structured manner, giving you structured questions and sample analyses.

For UPSC Online Mock Test Sample Papers and Latest Courses for Latest Exam  

For UPSC Online Previous Year Question Papers for the Latest Exam 

Final Thoughts

The UPSC Essay Paper is your canvas to express intellectual clarity, emotional intelligence, and balanced thinking. Unlike GS papers, where facts dominate, the essay paper judges your maturity and articulation.

Here’s what sets apart a 150+ essay:

• A thought-provoking introduction

• Multi-dimensional body content

• Balanced use of data, examples, and quotes

• Philosophical yet practical conclusion

• Impeccable structure and grammar

• Reflective depth

Make essay practice part of your preparation journey. Use tools like a UPSC IAS book, an essay book for UPSC, and consistent writing practice to develop your unique style.

In the end, the essay paper isn’t about impressing—it’s about connecting with the examiner’s expectations.