1 week ago
'Hard Decisions' to 'Good Leaders': UPSC Essay Topics
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 started on Friday with its essay test.
Candidates had to choose one topic from each of two sections.
Each essay was worth 125 marks and had to be 1,000 to 1,200 words long.
The eight topics asked students to think about ideas such as gratitude, nature, difficult decisions, and leadership.
The essay test lasted from 9 AM to 12 noon and was worth 250 marks in total.
Other exam papers will take place on August 22, 23, 29, and 30.
These papers include general studies, language, English, and optional subjects.
Candidates were advised to bring two recent passport-sized photographs for every exam session.
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 began Friday with the Essay Paper.
Candidates had to write two essays, selecting one topic from Section A and one from Section B.
Each essay carried 125 marks and required 1,000 to 1,200 words.
The eight topics focused on philosophical, ethical, social, and reflective themes.
The remaining papers are scheduled for August 22, 23, 29, and 30 in two daily shifts.
- Who
- Candidates appearing for the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Main Examination 2026.
- What
- The examination began with an Essay Paper requiring two essays chosen from two sections.
- Where
- The article does not specify the examination venue.
- When
- The Essay Paper was held on Friday from 9 AM to 12 noon; the remaining papers are scheduled for August 22, 23, 29, and 30.
- Why
- The Essay Paper opened the Civil Services Main Examination and assessed candidates’ ability to interpret abstract themes and develop structured arguments.
Key facts
- Essay topics
- Eight topics were divided between Section A and Section B.
- Essays required
- Candidates had to write two essays, one from each section.
- Marks per essay
- 125 marks.
- Total Essay Paper marks
- 250 marks.
- Word limit
- 1,000 to 1,200 words per essay.
- Essay Paper timing
- 9 AM to 12 noon.
- Photographs
- Candidates were advised to carry two recent passport-sized photographs for each session.
Sources
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