All Mains papers

UPSC Mains 2026

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 · 4Ethics and values · 2Leadership and character · 2Art, literature and mediaHealth and wellbeingIndia and the worldEnvironment and sustainabilityEducation and youthPolity, democracy and governance
  1. Topic A1Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.125 marks · 1200 words
  2. Topic A2A grateful mind is very beautiful.125 marks · 1200 words
  3. Topic A3A thorn is a changed bud.125 marks · 1200 words
  4. Topic A4When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.125 marks · 1200 words
  5. Topic B5Nature is the symbol of the spirit.125 marks · 1200 words
  6. Topic B6A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.125 marks · 1200 words
  7. Topic B7Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.125 marks · 1200 words
  8. Topic B8A good leader is one who follows the followers.125 marks · 1200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, Essay. The paper on upsc.gov.in.