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Union Public Service Commission has successfully conducted 1 paper for the UPSC Mains Exam, which is an Essay Paper that is subjective in the nature, on 20th September 2024. It is a critical component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, allowing candidates to demonstrate their analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills. With a total of 250 marks at stake, this paper can significantly influence a candidate’s overall ranking.
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis 2024
The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2024, conducted on September 20, focused on philosophical themes and societal issues, requiring candidates to choose one question from two sections. Each essay carried 125 marks, totaling 250 marks. Key topics included justice vs. charity, gender dynamics, and abstract themes like risk and safety. Successful candidates demonstrated structured writing, creative thinking, and relevant examples. However, time management and depth of analysis posed challenges for many aspirants.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| UPSC Mains Exam Date 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Sections | Two (Section A and Section B) |
| Questions per Section | 4 questions per section |
| Questions to Attempt | Choose 1 question from each section |
| Marks per Question | 125 marks |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 25 marks (10% of total marks) |
| Major Themes | Philosophical themes, social issues, abstract ideas |
| Key Topics | Justice vs. charity, gender dynamics, culture vs. civilization, risk and safety |
| Challenges Faced by Candidates | Time management, structured writing, interconnecting diverse ideas |
UPSC Essay Question Paper Solution 2024
| Q. No. | Question |
| Section A | |
| 1 | Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
(Rapid Industrial development, fast paced urbanisation, insatiable hunger for economic growth, etc. – Conventional topic wherein GS knowledge can help a lot) (Similar to essay topic asked in 2022 – Forests are best case studies for economic excellence) |
| 2 | The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind
(Complex topic which reflects trend of artificial intelligence being the future. Future is going to be shaped by ideas and innovations driven by curious minds) |
| 3 | There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path |
| 4 | The doubter is a true man of science |
| Section B | |
| 5 | Social media is triggering Fear of Missing Out’ amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness
(Conventional topic– GS knowledge can easily be integrated. Reflects the real problem faced by our youth today.) |
| 6 | Nearly all men can/stand adversity, put to test the character, give him power |
| 7 | All ideas having large consequences are always simple. (Similar to “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – 2020) |
| 8 | The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
(Simple topic which requires comparative analysis of Action and inaction. Can easily be broken down into arguments with the help of real life examples from political, diplomatic, economic dimensions) |
Key Themes and Sample Questions
The 2024 essay paper focused on a mix of philosophical inquiries and contemporary societal issues, compelling candidates to think critically and express their thoughts clearly. Here are some notable themes and sample questions:
Philosophical Themes
- Duality of Thought:
- “Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.”
- This question prompts candidates to explore the nature of conflict in thought, encouraging a discussion on opposing viewpoints and their role in intellectual development.
- Purpose and Safety:
- “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for.”
- Candidates could reflect on the concept of risk versus security, potentially drawing parallels to personal growth and societal progress.
Societal Issues
- Gender Dynamics:
- “Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.”
- This topic invites an analysis of gender roles and societal expectations, exploring the implications for individual freedom and societal equality.
- Justice and Charity:
- “A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.”
- Candidates could discuss the relationship between systemic justice and social welfare, potentially critiquing existing charitable frameworks in society.
Analysis of Candidate Responses
Strengths Observed
- Structured Argumentation: Many candidates showcased excellent organizational skills, leading to coherent essays with clear introductions, well-developed body paragraphs, and succinct conclusions.
- Use of Relevant Examples: Successful essays often incorporated real-life examples, historical events, or personal anecdotes to substantiate arguments, making them more relatable and engaging.
- Creativity and Originality: Candidates who employed creative writing techniques, such as metaphors or illustrative anecdotes, often captured the reader’s attention more effectively.
Areas for Improvement
- Depth of Analysis: Some essays, while well-structured, lacked depth. Candidates occasionally failed to explore topics thoroughly, missing opportunities to engage critically with the nuances of the questions.
- Time Management: A recurring challenge was effective time management. Candidates reported spending excessive time on one essay, leading to rushed conclusions on the second, which affected overall quality.
Responses Breakdown
Examining responses to the questions reveals a spectrum of approaches:
- Candidates responding to the duality of thought often included discussions on historical conflicts and philosophical debates, effectively tying in relevant theories.
- Those tackling gender dynamics provided strong critiques of societal norms, supported by statistics and studies, though some lacked personal insights or broader contextual analysis.
Strategies for Future Aspirants
To excel in the UPSC Mains Essay Paper, candidates should consider the following strategies:
- Regular Writing Practice: Consistent practice is essential. Writing essays on diverse topics will help candidates refine their style and improve their ability to articulate thoughts clearly.
- Broad Reading Habits: Engaging with a wide range of materials—newspapers, philosophical texts, literature, and current affairs—will enrich vocabulary and provide varied perspectives for essay writing.
- Structured Study Groups: Joining peer review groups can facilitate constructive feedback, allowing candidates to improve through collaborative learning.
- Mock Tests and Timed Practices: Regular mock tests under exam conditions will help candidates manage their time effectively, ensuring they can complete both essays thoughtfully.
- Feedback Loop: After writing essays, candidates should seek feedback from mentors or peers. This will aid in identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Also, Check UPSC Mains Essay Question Paper 2024
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