How to Improve Essay Writing for UPSC Mains: Real Examples from Toppers

Essay Writing Tips for UPSC Mains | Insights from Toppers

UPSC Mains essay writing entails more than just writing large paragraphs; it also requires disciplined thought, critical analysis, and a balanced perspective. Scoring well on the essay paper may greatly enhance your total ranking, and many toppers have ascribed their ultimate success to their essay grades.

Chetan Bharat Learning, a major brand in UPSC coaching Chandigarh, teaches students step by step how to master essay writing using approaches developed by successful candidates. In this blog, we will look at real-world examples and tried-and-true ways to help you enhance your UPSC Mains essay writing skills.

 

1. Understand What UPSC Expects in an Essay

The UPSC essay paper comprises of two 1000–1200 word essays. The expectation is clear: eloquent, well-structured, mature writing with clarity of ideas. The topics might vary from philosophical to sociopolitical to current events. So gaining a holistic perspective is critical.

Example from Topper:

Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017) emphasised the value of balanced arguments and frequently started his essays with a personal story or quote to pique the examiner's interest. His works were praised for their logical structure and hopeful tone.

 

2. Structure Is Everything: Use the IBC Method

A good essay follows the IBC structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.

  • Introduction: Can be a quote, anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
     
  • Body: Break into multiple headings/subheadings. Cover historical, economic, political, ethical, and international dimensions.
     
  • Conclusion: End on an optimistic, futuristic, or solution-oriented note.
     

Example from Topper:

Gaurav Agarwal (AIR 1, 2013) utilised bullet points within paragraphs to improve clarity and organisation. He frequently drew a brief outline before beginning the article to ensure cohesion.

 

3. Practice Makes Perfect—Literally

Essay writing cannot be learnt overnight. Students at Chetan Bharat Learning, a leading UPSC coaching centre in Chandigarh, practise 1-2 essays every week with professional assistance. This continuous exercise enhances speed, clarity, and helps to internalise various knowledge.

Toppers recommend creating a "essay idea bank" by collecting quotes, statistics, and examples on many themes. This will make writing easier and more efficient throughout the exam.

 

4. Work on Language, But Prioritize Clarity

Using a large vocabulary or flowery words is unnecessary. What important is that you use straightforward, unambiguous language to successfully communicate your message. Your sentence structure, syntax, and transitions between paragraphs should be flawless.

Saumya Pandey (AIR 4, 2016) exemplified the importance of writing from the heart, avoiding jargon. Her essays were notable for their simplicity and emotional depth.

 

5. Read Toppers’ Copies and Feedback

Reading essays written by prior years' best performers helps you learn tone, structure, and flow. It also demonstrates how abstract ideas may be approached with inventiveness. Chetan Bharat Learning offers selected copies of toppers with thorough comments and teacher criticism, allowing students to study quicker.

 

6. Get Your Essays Evaluated Regularly

Self-evaluation has limitations. Getting frequent input from expert mentors may help you identify blind spots, improve structure, and increase content depth. Many students have benefited from our personalized essay grading technique, which has taken them from average to top marks.

 

Final Words

Essay writing is an art that evolves with time, practice, and feedback. You may score high on the UPSC Mains Essay Paper by adding real-life examples, sticking to a framework, and thinking carefully. Chetan Bharat Learning is dedicated to providing the best UPSC coaching in Chandigarh, supported by tried-and-true methodologies and subject matter expertise.

If you're aiming for UPSC 2025, now is the time to improve your essay writing abilities and get one step closer to your IAS ambition.