BharatNotes The Essay paper carries 250 marks — two essays, one from each section, in 90 minutes each. Topic selection in the first 5 minutes is critical. The best essays weave between philosophical reflection and concrete evidence; they do not merely narrate facts or list points.
Essay Paper Overview
The Essay paper carries 250 marks over 3 hours. Candidates write two essays — one from Section A (often philosophical or abstract) and one from Section B (often contemporary or policy-based), each in approximately 1,000–1,200 words within 90 minutes per essay.
Step 1: Topic Selection (5 minutes)
Choose topics where you can write in multiple dimensions — social, political, economic, philosophical, historical, and gender. Avoid topics where you know only one angle.
- Section A topics tend to be philosophical and enigmatic (e.g. 'Forests precede civilisations, deserts follow them' — 2024).
- Section B topics tend to be more contemporary and accessible.
- Choose the topic you can argue most completely, not the one that sounds easiest.
Step 2: Outline Before Writing (15 minutes)
Spend 10–15 minutes outlining all major points and ensuring a logical flow before writing a single sentence.
Step 3: Structure
| Part | Recommended Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 100–120 words | Hook (quote/anecdote/paradox) + thesis statement |
| Body Section 1 | ~300 words | Historical/conceptual dimension |
| Body Section 2 | ~300 words | Contemporary/policy dimension |
| Body Section 3 | ~200 words | Global or philosophical dimension |
| Conclusion | 80–100 words | Synthesis — not a summary — with a forward-looking vision |
Balancing Abstract and Concrete
- For Section A (abstract) topics: ground philosophical ideas in real examples.
- For Section B (concrete) topics: elevate with philosophical or ethical reflection.
Verified Topper Approach
Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, CSE 2017) scored 155/250 in the Essay paper. He wrote one practice essay every weekend and built a bank of quotes across themes. Consistent practice of full essays — not just outlines — is the single most recommended preparation method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not write a GS-style point-by-point answer — essays need flowing prose.
- Do not use the same introduction style (dictionary definition) every time.
- Never exceed 90 minutes on one essay — time discipline is non-negotiable.
