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5 Best Tips for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

The UPSC Mains examination is scheduled to be held from September 15, 2023, with expectations for its continuation until September 24-25, 2023. (Representative/file image)

UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Check UPSC Mains answer writing tips / Representative image

One of India’s most prominent and difficult exams is the Civil Services Examination (CSE) administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Each year, tens of thousands of aspirants from across India appear for the UPSC CSE Exam. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among other services, are accessible through the UPSC CSE examination. 

Meanwhile, the UPSC Mains examination is set to take place from September 15, 2023, and is anticipated to continue until September 24-25, 2023. To be eligible for UPSC Mains, candidates must have successfully completed the DAF form. The admit card for UPSC Mains 2023 is scheduled for release at least ten days before the examination date.

The UPSC CSE Mains examination poses significant challenges, demanding a proficient level of writing skills. To achieve success in this test, commencing early preparation for answer writing is crucial. Hence, candidates should have a thorough understanding of the answer writing tips and tricks.  

Steps to Prepare Answer Writing for UPSC Mains 2023

Candidates can take a look at the steps to prepare the answer writing for the UPSC CMS Mains exam 2023.  

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Start early 

Initiating answer writing practice early will prove advantageous as it allows ample time for skill development, enabling you to craft articulate, succinct, and well-supported answers. Also, starting early will increase the speed of the candidate gradually and as a result, during the exam candidates will not miss any questions. 

Read the question carefully

Before you begin writing your answer, ensure a clear understanding of the question to stay focused and prevent veering off-topic. This will only be done when a candidate is well-versed in the IAS syllabus. Candidates can check the UPSC CSE syllabus from the official website. 

Answer the question in the required format

To facilitate easy readability and evaluation of the answers, candidates should understand the UPSC CSE exam pattern in a comprehensive way. It is useful for candidates to know which part of the subject carries the maximum marks and which should be the candidate’s focus area. 

Substantiate your arguments. 

Avoid merely making claims in your answers; instead, substantiate them with evidence sourced from your readings or personal experiences. Candidates while writing answers should justify them with relevant examples to score maximum marks for that question.

Practice is the key 

Practise is the key to developing your answer-writing abilities. With consistent practise, candidates will be able to answer questions in the exam easily and more swiftly. 

Last Minute Preparation Tips for UPSC Mains Exam 2023 

It is important for candidates to have thorough UPSC preparation. However, the last-moment preparation tips for candidates are equally important for students as they will help them to remember every detail thoroughly. 

Use a logical structure. 

While crafting your answers, employ a logical structure that facilitates the examiner in following your thought process. This may include utilizing headings, subheadings, or organizing your response chronologically or in an argumentative format.

Use simple language. 

Refrain from employing jargon or technical language that might be unfamiliar to the examiner. Instead, opt for simple and clear language that ensures ease of reading and understanding for the examiner.

Stick to the word limit

Each response in the UPSC Mains exam has a word restriction. Don’t go above the prescribed word count as it may result in losing marks. 

Proofread your answers

Prior to submission, allocate time to proofread your answer meticulously for any grammar or spelling errors. This step ensures that your response is error-free and polished.

The UPSC CSE Mains examination presents significant challenges, making thorough preparation imperative for success. By adhering to the tips provided in this article, you can enhance your likelihood of excelling in the UPSC CSE Mains exam.

UPSC Mains Key Details  

  • The Mains examination encompasses nine subjective papers.
  • Successful candidates eligible for the UPSC mains examination must diligently familiarize themselves with the syllabus. It is essential to have a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter to effectively respond to the descriptive questions posed in the exam.
  • Writing answers to previous year’s questions stands as the most effective strategy for UPSC mains exam preparation.
  • Candidates should complete a topic and practice writing answers based on it.
  • Engaging in mock test series significantly aids applicants in understanding the paper’s nuances.
  • Candidates need to enhance their writing speed to effectively compete in the exam.