Essay Paper

vPhilosophy & Abstract Thought
33 Qs
01Philosophy & Abstract Thought33
>Society & Social Justice
13 Qs
>Polity & Governance
10 Qs
>Economy & Development
12 Qs
>Science, Tech & Environment
13 Qs
>International Affairs & Geopolitics
5 Qs
>Culture, Education & Heritage
9 Qs
>Ethics & Values
17 Qs
Official UPSC CSE Mains Syllabus

Essay Paper Index

8 Official Topics112 Questions

Two essays of 1000-1200 words each (125 marks each). Section A covers philosophical and abstract ideas; Section B covers contemporary socioeconomic, polity, and developmental issues.

Official Syllabus Directory (8 Topics)

Point01
Philosophy & Abstract Thought33 Questions Asked4125 Marks

Philosophy & Abstract Thought

“Reflective, quote-based, and paradoxical statements testing wisdom, human condition, character, resilience, means vs ends.”

Recent:2026202520242023
Point02
Society & Social Justice13 Questions Asked1625 Marks

Society & Social Justice

“Gender parity, women empowerment, patriarchy, social inequalities, youth, social media dynamics, customary vs modern morality.”

Recent:2024202320212020
Point03
Polity & Governance10 Questions Asked1250 Marks

Polity & Governance

“Constitutional morality, democracy, state effectiveness, people's participation, rule of law, classrooms shaping national destiny.”

Recent:2026202120192017
Point04
Economy & Development12 Questions Asked1500 Marks

Economy & Development

“Inclusive development, globalization, technology as enabler, sustainable subsistence, poverty, shared spaces vs conflicts.”

Recent:2025202220202018
Point05
Science, Tech & Environment13 Questions Asked1625 Marks

Science, Tech & Environment

“Technological outsourcing of self-discovery, cyberspace blessings/curse, alternative climate technologies, innovation determinants.”

Recent:2026202420232022
Point06
International Affairs & Geopolitics5 Questions Asked625 Marks

International Affairs & Geopolitics

“Non-alignment relevance, multi-polar world, South Asian cooperation, global peace, international conflicts.”

Recent:2026202020192018
Point07
Culture, Education & Heritage9 Questions Asked1125 Marks

Culture, Education & Heritage

“Classrooms shaping destiny, cultural identity, linguistic heritage, tourism potential, national synthesis.”

Recent:2026202320202018
Point08
Ethics & Values17 Questions Asked2125 Marks

Ethics & Values

“Means and ends, moral courage, values vs behavior, power and responsibility, simplicity as sophistication.”

Recent:2026202420222020
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