All Mains papers

UPSC Mains 2025

Essay (Essay)

8 questions, 250 marks, 3 hours. Open a question for its Hindi text, a topper’s answer to it, and to write it and get it marked.

The question paper as a PDF, from UPSCWrite this paper and get it marked

Topics in this paper

Philosophy and the human condition · 7Leadership and character · 2Ethics and valuesIndia and the worldEnvironment and sustainability
  1. Topic A1Truth knows no color.125 marks · 1200 words
  2. Topic A2The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.125 marks · 1200 words
  3. Topic A3Thought finds a world and creates one also.125 marks · 1200 words
  4. Topic A4Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences.125 marks · 1200 words
  5. Topic B5Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.125 marks · 1200 words
  6. Topic B6The years teach much which the days never know.125 marks · 1200 words
  7. Topic B7It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination.125 marks · 1200 words
  8. Topic B8Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.125 marks · 1200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, Essay. The paper on upsc.gov.in.