Considered as the most difficult phase of the civil services exam is the UPSC Mains exam. Although clearing prelims is a success, the true challenge is producing decent answers on the mains exam. UPSC Mains Answer Writing calls for not only basic knowledge of the topic but also the ability to efficiently arrange ideas and arguments inside the word count. At Raj IAS Academy, we share tips to score high in UPSC mains answer writing and also take tests to improve your writing skills.
UPSC mains answer writing
The UPSC Mains Exam has nine papers — one is an essay paper. Composing sections A and B with 4 topics each. For each component of this exam candidates must select one topic; each essay earns 125 marks, accumulating 250 marks (125×2). Candidates will have three hours to finish the 1,000 to 2,000 word essays.
Important Tips for Main answer writing
Here are some useful pointers for strengthening your UPSC mains exam answer writing.
Write complete answers:
To address writing in the IAS main exam, one needs to approach it from several dimensions. For the writing part the approach should be 360 degrees.
Apply keywords:
Use keywords always to emphasize significant and scoring points in your responses. Try to underline the key terms.
Provide evidence for your responses:
Remember also to support your claims in your responses. This will not only make you look well-read to the examiner but also give your replies validity. Some questions will ask you to “substantiate”. In these scenarios, one must provide actual case studies to illustrate circumstances.
Presentation:
Your responses should be neatly and legibly handwritten. Wherever required, give headings and subheads. Have tables and figures as well; these will help your responses have better quality.
Simplified language:
Write always in an understandable, error-free language. Your work should be thorough, clear, and brief. Steer clear of flowery words and jargon since these will cause uncertainty in your responses and lower your marks.
Paragraphs or points:
Many candidates dispute themselves over whether to write in points or paragraphs. Here there is no particular guideline you should apply. Your comfort degree and your accustomed style will determine what’s best for you. Keep writing in points if you feel you are better with that; and if you feel comfortable expressing yourself in paragraphs then stick to that.
Basic points to keep in mind
- your response should impress the examiner and make him or her believe that a future administrator wrote the responses.
- Your responses should reflect what the question has really asked and that too in a precise, tidy, orderly, illustrative, beautiful manner.
- Another crucial point to keep in mind is that, unlike the optional exams, the examiner anticipates varied responses for the general studies papers.
- Usually, mains questions include certain important terminology known as “directional words,” which provide hints on how they should be responded.
How to start practicing UPSC mains answers writing?
At Raj IAS Academy, we develop your skills of answer writing by providing useful information and helping you in writing attractive answers. Here are some points that you should follow:
Build a strong foundation
For a long answer writing your basic understanding of the syllabus must be strong. For that you should read reference material, NCERT books, and newspapers. It helps in broadening your knowledge base.
Analyze Previous year paper
It is important to analyze previous year question papers to understand the pattern and type of questions asked in UPSC mains. It gives you a clear picture to identify themes and topics.
Practice regularly
Start your practice at least 3-4 months before the exam. If you practice daily it increases your speed and helps you develop your skills as well.
Develop a structure
Organize your thoughts before writing and write in a way that is easy to understand and give clear and concise information.
Seek feedback
Always ask your mentor, teacher to review and evaluate your answer. And use that feedback to identify your mistakes and work on them.
Time Management
Mains answer writing is time bound so you should develop strategies to complete your exam within the time allocated.
At Raj IAS Academy we focus on all these points so that your practice makes your answer writing skill perfect. We guide you at every single step and ensure your overall growth.
In bottom line
By means of constant practice and these useful guidelines, you can become a master in efficient UPSC Mains Answer Writing. Remember that examiners are looking out for exact, ordered, multidimensional responses that, within the given word count, shows knowledge, critical thinking, and context interpretation abilities. Plan, arrange, and convincingly present your responses to pass this final test of your skills. Raj IAS Academy works for your overall growth because you are the future of the nation and you need to think and work accordingly.
